Wilderness Lodge
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Reviewer's Name:
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Barbara Ramos |
Reviewer's Email Address:
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bcearamos@aol.com |
Rate / Night (for your stay):
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AAA 7 day resort magic package for 4 |
Date(s) of Stay:
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June 26, 2001 to July 3, 2001 |
Accommodation Used:
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Suite |
Accommodations Review:
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junior suite contained ample space for 2 adults and 2 teenage boys.
sitting room contained sleeper couch, coffee table, 2 chairs, in addition
to a table with 2 chairs. Bedroom had 2 queen beds. Bath had access
to both rooms with pocket doors at each entrance. commode and shower
separate from double sink area. Also, wet bar in sitting area and
a TV in bedroom and sitting area. Separate balcony for both rooms.
My only complaint would be with the housekeeping of the room. Basically
the room was clean but attention to detail was lacking. |
Why Did you Select This Resort for your Stay?
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Since our last visit to Disney world 7 years ago, our family has
done a lot of growing. We knew a standard room would be too small,
so we opted for a suite to allow us some space. We loved the theme
of the facility and it lived up the our expectations. |
Room # and Location Description:
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Room number was originally 1169 and switched the next day to 2169
(directly above). Located on the corner facing the lake directly on
the beach and volley ball court. |
Room Location Pros & Cons:
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Our original location was on the first floor, which basically put
us below ground level. The windows were right on the footing of the
building. Not very scenic. The balcony was stone enclosed and it,
as well as the room, was very dreary. We requested a room change and
we were accommodated the next day. Of course, all the moving around
caused some lost vacation time. One floor up made a world of difference!
Wonderful view of sunrise over bay lake. Of course the view means
you have a very long trek from the lobby. It is the furthest point
in the building. That was a real negative, but it did allow for close
proximity to the pool and lakefront. |
Check-In / Check-Out Comments:
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We arrived early and hoped to be checked in by 3. Unfortunately
the room wasn't ready until 4:30 and then we had the basement level
surprise! We never experienced such a long wait for a room in all
of our visits to Disney hotels. Check-in went quickly, but the room
wait was very disappointing. We took advantage of express check out
and it was a breeze. We requested a delayed check out since our flight
was in the evening and we wanted to use the pool in the morning, but
they wouldn't accommodate us. The reason given was that it was a suite
and they take longer to prepare for the next guests. |
WDW Transportation Comments:
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I was extremely disappointed in the transportation situation. You
need to allow an hour to make it to any reservation on time. Waited
over 1/2 hour for a bus one evening to go to the Hoop de Doo revue.
You rarely go anywhere directly from WL. seems you are always stopping
at Polynesian and Grand Floridian to pick up. Same coming back, but
you drop off first. Big change in buses since 7 years ago. This time
most were older and not cool at all. We were crammed in like sardines
for some trips and sweating in an "air conditioned" bus. Boat transportation
was much more pleasant and waits were short. I think Disney needs
to update and clean the buses as well as add more of them into service.
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Restaurant / Lounge Review:
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Didn't eat at any restaurant in house except for Roaring Fork snack
bar. We found the food there very basic but good. The brownies were
to die for! But, the seating area is entirely too small for a 728
room facility. Certain times of the day are mobbed and the line goes
out the door. The "all you can drink" mug purchase was well worth
the cost. Each mug was about $9, but you had free refills the entire
stay. What a deal! |
Pool Description / Comments:
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Only used the lodge pool once because of the amount of guests there.
If you swim early morning it's empty. you can also use the pool next
door at the villas and we loved it. They had a hot tub as well and
the pool was always fairly empty. Setting was pretty, surrounded by
pines and "northwest" feel. Never had a problem finding a chair to
sit on either. Towels are plentiful at both pools. Piped in "themed"
music adds to the atmosphere. |
What Suggestions Would you Give Anyone that is Considering This
Resort?
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If I went to WL again, I would specify a room location and floor.
Courtyard view or lake view is a must. Make sure you aren't in a hurry
to get anywhere. You need to allow a lot of time to go from point
A to point B. The guest services is very accommodating. They arranged
dinners in the park for us and answered every question we had. They
were extremely pleasant. When you arrive request when you want your
room cleaned. The first day we returned at 4:30 and the room had not
been cleaned. They scheduled it for 7:30 p.m. that night when I complained.
I then requested 9 a.m. and had no further problems. |
Other Comments:
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This resort lives up to its theme of the old National parks lodges.
It was absolutely breathtaking. Every detail has been thought of and
if you like woodsy you'll love it. Waterfalls, brooks, pine trees,
wooden walks, forest paths. It has it all! I would love to go back
and not even visit the parks, that's how pretty the setting is. And
I need to mention the mouse boats too. For $20/half hour, you can
have the time of you life. My teenagers loved it! Enjoy!!! It was
worth the small trials we endured. |
