WL experts - Couple of questions

[boomhauer]

Leaving in 28 days for our 1st ever stay at Wilderness Lodge.

1.How late does the Territory Lounge stay open?
2.This sounds really lame, but I'm looking forward to spending a couple nights in the lobby with the family by the fireplace, taking in the Christmas ambience, with some hot chocolate. How late does Roaring Forks stay open until and can we get some hot chocolate there?

 

[Rocktire]

As I recall, Territory Lounge closed around 11:00...and I think Roaring Forks closed at 10:00...Not 100% sure of that though.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Roaring Forks has been renovated since we stayed there in 2005, but at that time there was a hot chocolate machine on the beverage bar. If you get the refillable mugs, this is actually one of the drinks you can fill them up with.

 

[5/4Disney]

Not sure how late it stays open, but make sure you ask to be the flag family the minute you check in.. You will be allowed on the roof early one morning to raise the flags on top of the hotel. Super cool!!!!

 

[Gary M]

I think Roaring Fork is open until midnight. I believe the grill shuts down at 11:00 pm. I may be wrong, but this how I remember it was in Feb., of this year.

See link. http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_rf.htm

 

[Tink415]

Good luck with getting a spot by the fireplace in the lobby. We stayed for 10 nights over Christmas 1 year and could never find a free spot except over by the tv near check-in area. There are other lounge areas on the upper floors. Have fun!

 

[Nicole786]

Not sure what time Roaring Forks closes, but my cousin and I spent everynight walking down there to refill our mugs with hot chocolate!! One night, I think it was past 10:00 and it was still open, so maybe they close at 11?

 

[momofdrewluke]

I believe that Roaring Forks stays open until midnight. Hot chocolate is one of the items available in the refillable mugs.

 

[LilGMom]

Good luck with getting a spot by the fireplace in the lobby. We stayed for 10 nights over Christmas 1 year and could never find a free spot except over by the tv near check-in area. There are other lounge areas on the upper floors. Have fun!

There is a very nice little lounge area, complete with a fireplace, on the second floor over the front doors. Very cozy.

 

[spooky1]

Just returned last Saturday, the seating in front of the fireplace was always occupied ... there was seating in other places though - the seats in front of the bridge were almost always available.

RF still has hot chocolate, though its not very good, lol.

 

[SantaRay]

Be sure to take the tour with Ranger Stan if he's still around. We stayed at WL the third week they were open and if my recollection serves he did our tour then. We try to see him every year we go whether we stay at WL or not. That second floor seating area is nice. I believe there's also one on the fourth floor. You might want to stroll over to The Villas as well to see the decorations in there.

 

[Gary M]

There are seating areas above the entrance on the 4th and 5th floors. It looks like it should be the 2nd floor, but is actually the 4th and then the 5th. They have fireplaces in both small areas. These places can also be crowded, but are comfortable with stuffed couches and chairs.

 

[meowzer]

I had the same intentions with my family last year. We were so tired we we got back from the parks. I was afraid we would fall asleep in the lobby.. and wake up with drool all over us. Since the kids had no energy in the evening my DH and I took turns going to the lobby at night. I just never sat down to relax.

 

[DrmWvr1299]

We must have been a lucky few. In the evenings we would come back from the parks and the kids would hit the gift shop and my son and I would sit in front of the fireplace. No one else was there! It really is a cool place to sit and drink hot chocolate and people watch. Just remember to take your time and take it all in. It is beautiful with Christmas decorations.

 

[duffy]

Leaving in 28 days for our 1st ever stay at Wilderness Lodge.

1.How late does the Territory Lounge stay open?
2.This sounds really lame, but I'm looking forward to spending a couple nights in the lobby with the family by the fireplace, taking in the Christmas ambience, with some hot chocolate. How late does Roaring Forks stay open until and can we get some hot chocolate there?

Just wanted to mention, that sitting with your family and drinking hot chocolate sounds wonderful, not "lame" at all.

 

[DizneyNutz]

Just wanted to mention, that sitting with your family and drinking hot chocolate sounds wonderful, not "lame" at all.

That is actually one of the biggest draws about the WL for us. That huge wonderful lobby and fireplace, fits especially well with the Christmas season. I have sat in the lobby drinking my coffee and I love to watch the expression on peoples faces when they enter the lobby for the first time. Even people returning from previous visits cannot avoid the familiar " head tilted back and scanning the entire lobby" pose that everyone strikes upon entering the lobby. Why would anyone NOT want to spend a little time in there? As some of the OPs have mentioned, stroll over and visit in the smaller (but equally cozy) lobby of the DVC section. It is not a people watcher lobby, but instead much quieter and private. There are many little nooks hidden away all over the resort. I am sure you will have a magical stay.
P.S. I believe the RF stays open till midnight. I know we have ordered room service late one night upon returning from a park.

 

[ccigliano]

I have to say that sitting by the fireplace while sipping hot cocoa and admiring the Christmas tree is one of those things that keeps me coming back to the WL every Christmas season . I love all the cozy nooks at the WL and WLV and fortunately at the time of year we go we can usually find our spot to sit and relax in the evening. We will be doing this the evening we arrive after our dinner at WC. I believe that RF is open til midnight. Enjoy your trip.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1.How late does the Territory Lounge stay open?

. . . lounge is open until 10:00p

2.This sounds really lame, but I'm looking forward to spending a couple nights in the lobby with the family by the fireplace, taking in the Christmas ambience, with some hot chocolate.

. . . if you arrive at/after dinner time, fireplace rockers are hard to find open
. . . you might find the over-stuffed lobby chairs available
. . . but, sitting in the lobby in VERY popular
. . . stake out your chairs as early as possible
. . . but, "saving" seats is frowned upon due to so many people wanting seats
. . . CM's would allow someone else to use the chair if you are trying to save it

How late does Roaring Forks stay open until and can we get some hot chocolate there?

. . . 11:00pm for kitchen cooking
. . . midnight for prepared food or prepackaged snacks and beverages

 

[punkin1763]

I don't know if they still do this at WL, but a couple of years ago they had special groups come in and sing Christmas songs in the lobby and sometimes they had free hot chocolate and cookies. We were able to sit in front of the fire a couple of times, but that is a favorite spot for many guests, so you have to find other areas.

Have fun!!