Booked at WL!

[SuprDav]

After thinking it over for a long time, we have finally made reservations for spring break '14. This is a trip to celebrate my daughter's high school graduation in May. It's one last family vacation before she heads off to college in the fall. This is trip number six for my wife and I and trip four for my daughter. Our last visit was May '11. Here's a couple of things that we're doing different this time around. Please give me your thoughts and feedback.

1. We are booked for the Wilderness Lodge, our first stay in a deluxe resort. In the past we have stayed at ASM, CBR and CSR. We are all looking forward to a deluxe stay. I would like to hear some reviews of WL.

2. We are going with the quick service dining plan. Our last three visits we have used the regular dining plan (2 of which were free). I know there's arguments about money saved by not using the plan, but I like the thought of knowing how much my trip will cost prior to leaving home. We might have a sit down meal or two if the occasion arises during the trip but it always seemed to be a bit of a hassle to have ADRs where you have to drop where you are and what you are doing mid afternoon to get ready to make a meal time for a sit down dinner. Some of my most enjoyable meals at WDW have been at counter service locations.

With all that said, what are your thoughts on the WL and using a quick service plan?

Many Thanks!

 

[englanddg]

After thinking it over for a long time, we have finally made reservations for spring break '14. This is a trip to celebrate my daughter's high school graduation in May. It's one last family vacation before she heads off to college in the fall. This is trip number six for my wife and I and trip four for my daughter. Our last visit was May '11. Here's a couple of things that we're doing different this time around. Please give me your thoughts and feedback.

1. We are booked for the Wilderness Lodge, our first stay in a deluxe resort. In the past we have stayed at ASM, CBR and CSR. We are all looking forward to a deluxe stay. I would like to hear some reviews of WL.

2. We are going with the quick service dining plan. Our last three visits we have used the regular dining plan (2 of which were free). I know there's arguments about money saved by not using the plan, but I like the thought of knowing how much my trip will cost prior to leaving home. We might have a sit down meal or two if the occasion arises during the trip but it always seemed to be a bit of a hassle to have ADRs where you have to drop where you are and what you are doing mid afternoon to get ready to make a meal time for a sit down dinner. Some of my most enjoyable meals at WDW have been at counter service locations.

With all that said, what are your thoughts on the WL and using a quick service plan?

Many Thanks!

Going with fewer ADRs isn't a bad thing at all in my opinion, and WDW in general has excellent counter service. I generally get the Deluxe as well, but am considering skipping that for my coming trips and going with the QS / TS plan as well. I agree with you, I like knowing what the costs are and having it all pretty much paid for in advance. Plus, I find I just ignore prices on the menu and get what I really want, rather than being stressed about the prices. I know that sounds silly, but it adds to the pleasure for me.

With respect to WL, it is a gorgeous resort! You won't regret staying there. It's certainly on my bucket list, and I think it is my favorite resort of them all (though, AKL and Poly would come in ties as a close second).

Have a great trip!

 

[Tinkerbell397]

Sounds like a great way to celebrate your daughter's high school graduation. Once kids go away to college and start their own life, it is difficult (but not impossible) to plan family vacations....so enjoy this time.
You will not be disappointed in the WL. It is a lovely resort, small enough to be close to all the conveniences....lobby, food, store but the grounds are spread out enough to let you feel like you are alone. We stayed there 2X and loved both times.....requested a room looking over the lobby and pool. Both rooms had a great view of both. Be sure make a reservation for a celebration dinner at Artist Point and when you make the reservations, tell them that you are celebrating your daughter's graduation. Roaring Forks, the QS restaurant, can be very slow and it is very small. Keep this in mind especially for breakfast. Whispering Canyons can be fun, just not my favorite. Enjoy and Congratulations to you all on this impportant milestone in your daughter's life.

 

[SuprDav]

Thanks! I'm glad I made the reservation when I did. We have a standard view room at WL. While I was looking at the WDW website today, I noticed that the standard view is no longer available for the 35% off deal that must be booked by tomorrow. That was just under the wire. We prefer to drive all the way to Orlando (11 hours) the day prior to check in and spend the night off site. I was able to get a room at a Courtyard Mariott using my points for that. I had waffled for a long time on taking this trip and it seems to be coming together nicely. More and more I get the feeling that this trip was meant to be.

 

[rt06]

I think if you're planning a couple of sit downs, you're better off without. When points start accumulating, the plan isn't necessary.

 

[dolce20]

I just booked WL too! Got the 30% deal for March. I've stayed before. Wonderful resort. I'm sure you'll love it. Great to sit w coffee by the fireplace in the lobby. The bar adjacent to Artist Point is dark and cozy w great noshes. Enjoy!