Yeah, Going to VWL for the First Time...

[TravelingJen24]

I was wondering what tips people could give me about the resort. We are going Nov. 5-12th and we will have four adults, 2 three year olds, a one year old, and an eight month old. (Kinda scary I know). I have never been to this resort, but I was wondering if it is anything like the Grand Cal. at Disneyland. What kind of attractions are there for the little ones? Any info. would be great. Plus, when we are done, we are hoping on the ship for a 4 day cruise. Woo Hoo!!!

 

[1000th happy haunt]

The Grand Cali and Wilderness Lodge were designed by the same architects. You'll notice the similarities as soon as you walk in.

Ask at check-in about the Hidden Mickeys in the lobby. They'll give you a clue sheet and your crew (adults included) can search them out. And also ask about being the Flag Family. If it's not booked, your family will be allowed to hoist the American Flag on the roof one of your days there.

 

[TravelingJen24]

Thanks, that Flag tip sounds like fun. We love the Grand Cali. and can't wait to try this resort. At least our room will be a lot bigger.

 

[Maribel]

I was there last month with my 2 year old. We had lots of fun at the beach, playing with the sand. We also took the boat to fort wilderness. The playground there is not in the sand, which is very convenient after the kids are bathed and dressed for dinner. Fort wilderness also has lots of attractions for little ones such as the petting zoo, pony rides and character meals and shows.

 

[loveFL]

you are going to have an excellent time!

we love VWL for many reasons. bike rentals, watercraft rentals, two pools (one with waterslide!), boat service to the MK (and I think the Contemporary and Ft Wilderness), great architecture, etc... the villas are so nice, very comfortable.

will be there next month and can't wait!!!

 

[bpmorley]

We're going to our first trip to WLV in May. can't wait!!!!!

 

[MrShiny]

It is similar to the GC, but more rustic while the GC is more sophisticated in its style (which is appropriate to what they are both trying to emulate).

It's bigger than GC. You may grow a bit tired of the walk down that sloping corridor to the lobby! But that will in no way tae away from the great time there.

Note the boat to MK is on a fixed dock, so the step into the boat can be a few inches or a foot or more, depending in the water levels (mostly a concern for ECV users, but worth noting).

It's a great resort and I'd stay there again in a minute (maybe I will, if there are rooms left at my 7 month window in May!)

There is a kids club there - not as elaborate as the Neverland Club at the Poly, but the same sort of thing. Whispering Canyon tends to be a hoot for kids too. The pony races there are always a big hit.

Probably one of the best lobbies just to sink down into a chair in. No huge fireplace like GC (the have one, just not "walk in" sized), but the comfy leather seats and the soaring atrium make it a nice place to spend a quiet moment.

 

[byoung]

bpmorley I'm with you are first trip to VWL is in May.Can't wait.

 

[TravelingJen24]

Thanks everyone. I am getting more excited by the minute.

 

[jade1]

Try the fishing.

 

[jennybobenny]

We're going to VWL for the first time in June. It's our first time staying at Wilderness Lodge so the planner in me has a ton of questions. For now I'll only ask one...from looking at the map it seems possible to walk from the quiet (villas) pool to the main pool by following a path around the main resort. Is this true? Or is it necessary to walk up through the lobby and then down to the pool? I have no idea why this even matters but since I can't find the answer *anywhere* it's been bugging me.
Thanks

 

[bpmorley]

bpmorley I'm with you are first trip to VWL is in May.Can't wait.

What dates are you going? maybe we'll cross paths. And What part of NJ? I'm in philly

 

[sssteele]

Short walk from quiet pool to WL feature pool. not more than 100 yards.

 

[minnieandmickey]

I was wondering what tips people could give me about the resort. We are going Nov. 5-12th and we will have four adults, 2 three year olds, a one year old, and an eight month old. (Kinda scary I know). I have never been to this resort, but I was wondering if it is anything like the Grand Cal. at Disneyland. What kind of attractions are there for the little ones? Any info. would be great. Plus, when we are done, we are hoping on the ship for a 4 day cruise. Woo Hoo!!!

Hey TravelingJen,

My family is from Stockton and we are staying the same date and going on the 4 dayer as well! Have a great time, although I have been in the WL this is the first time to stay there. Have you thought about taking the boat over to see the D Ranch at Fort Wilderness? What about Hoop Dee Doo, it is a bit on the expensive side but worth it.

Off DVC topic, DCL is awesome!