First Trip to Wilderness Lodge! Tips Appreciated!!

nickys

Premium Member
Can anyone confirm or deny that the path is currently open? Because of the impending construction of the new hotel, I've heard different versions.

I’m 95% certain it’s closed, and will be until “Reflections” is complete. A real shame, it’s a beautiful path to walk.
 

Heppenheimer

Well-Known Member
great! any issues from insects being close to that pond? don't need to catch the Zika virus, you know
Four visits to the Wilderness Lodge and counting, and I have yet to experience a mosquito bite despite expecting to get eaten alive. I don't know how they do it, but I imagine it involves a lot of late-night spraying.
 

wsmith1978

Well-Known Member
A few things.

When you first walk in, just stand there for a minute to take it all in. It's astoundingly beautiful. Even the smell just feels like... home.

My partner and I got to be the Flag Family one year when we went, which was a really cool little experience. We asked about it at the front desk and luckily they had a morning open for us one of the days we were there. You are escorted to the roof early in the morning to raise the American flag. Tremendous view from up there!

Take a walk over to the Villas and experience the beauty of that lobby as well. There's a really peaceful sitting area with a fireplace. A nice place to for a little R&R.

If you feel like doing every more walking, take a stroll over to the campground. I love it there so much. I would jog mid-day when we went back to the hotel and it was a fantastic experience. Not sure if that trail is open right now with the impending construction. But if it is, check it out!

I haven't been there since the addition of the Geyser Pointe Bar & Grill or the Copper Creek cabins and villas, so I'm really excited to see them again someday. Just explore the entire resort area. It's breathtaking.

Otherwise, there are tons of other great suggestions in here and I hope you both enjoy it there as much as we did! Can't wait to go back someday!
 

Nottamus

Well-Known Member
Just got back from a 4 night stay Sunday...a few things we really liked

Geyser Point Grill - the best bar on property (IMO) the best view, and sometimes not crowded at all. Fried Oysters are amazing!
The boat to MK was super cool. Almost as cool as the boat back!
Whispering Canyon dinner wasn't too shabby either. We liked it
We were CCV 6th floor facing Boulder Ridge, and it was super quiet.
QS Breakfast at Roaring Fork was good too - for a quickie
 

eliza61nyc

Well-Known Member
Find a nice quiet spot in one of the seating areas upstairs surrounding the lobby; great nooks and crannies to read, snooze, etc.
OT: a wilderness lodge story.

lol, so my crew does not like to get up in the morning. translation: my husband and sons might revolt if awaken on vacation before 7:30 ish where as I'm an early riser, one of my favorite things to do is I would get up in the morning with a cup of coffee, along with a piece of pastry I'd snag the night before and sit in the upstairs lobby area. Such a wonderful way to wake up. t hey have the soft music playing and it's so cool watching the lodge "wake" up.
 

Heppenheimer

Well-Known Member
"When you first walk in, just stand there for a minute to take it all in. It's astoundingly beautiful. Even the smell just feels like... home."


Somewhat off-topic, but speaking of "smells"... is it just me or do Disney parks and resorts have a unique smell? I'm not talking about the areas where they purposefully pump in a smell, like on Main Street or during Soarin', but a very faint aroma that kind of sits in the background. A very subtle, clean mix of floral and dew drops. I was first aware of this on my first trip to Disneyland a few years ago, after a Disney-less drought of several years. As soon as I entered the Grand Californian, something just felt very familiar, and knowing how closely our memories and sense of smell are tied together, I had a hunch that it was the faint aroma in the background. On my next trip to Disney World, I was even more aware of it.

OK, so is my brain making an association that isn't really there or has anyone else noticed this?
 

drcasey

Well-Known Member
OT: a wilderness lodge story.

lol, so my crew does not like to get up in the morning. translation: my husband and sons might revolt if awaken on vacation before 7:30 ish where as I'm an early riser, one of my favorite things to do is I would get up in the morning with a cup of coffee, along with a piece of pastry I'd snag the night before and sit in the upstairs lobby area. Such a wonderful way to wake up. t hey have the soft music playing and it's so cool watching the lodge "wake" up.

This sounds like absolute heaven! I’ve never stayed at WL but sounds like I have to put this on my bucket list
 

Chars0704

Member
From the first time I stepped in the lobby, I knew that Wilderness Lodge would be my permanent choice at Disney World. There's just such a huge "Wow" factor as soon as you walk in.

The only downside, in my opinion, is that they changed their signature restaurant into a character meal and significantly dumbed-down the menu. The former Artist's Point restaurant was very elegant, but quiet and it featured food selections that were perhaps a little too challenging for some of the pickier eaters that visit Disney World. Hence, it was usually not too busy and probably not profitable enough. A shame, because it was a great place for adults to have a quiet dinner. I have not eaten at the new Snow White character meal, but the videos I've seen indicate that the food looks considerably less interesting.

If you eat at Whispering Canyon Cafe, ask for ketchup at your personal peril!

We just ate at Artist Point. I thought the food was really good, especially the desserts, and the dining experience was cute. Granted we have a toddler but she really liked it too. It was awesome.

We love the Wilderness Lodge. It’s our favorite. The boat to MK is so nice. We never had trouble with the buses and it’s so beautiful. We would go back there every time.
 

Flight Safety

Active Member
My wife and I are going to Disney for 2019 Food and Wine, and we are staying at the Wilderness Lodge for the first time. Help me get excited about it and and let me know any tips you may have!

WL is definitely one of my favorite resorts. Here are some of my favorite things to do there.

-Geyser Point: Best QS food on property IMO, the buffalo burger is my favorite.
-Train Room (@ Boulder Ridge): MUST SEE! I love to just hang out in this room, its filled with nostalgia and usually quiet and relaxing.
-Territory lounge: Kungaloosh! There are some cool hidden mickeys to find here too.

I have not dined at AP since the changeover but prior to it I was very impressed with the food and service. It was definitely one of the best and most under rated on property. I hear its good, but not as good as before.
 

SandyToes72

New Member
I’m 95% certain it’s closed, and will be until “Reflections” is complete. A real shame, it’s a beautiful path to walk.
I'm bummed to hear that! The last time I walked the path I rounded a corner and there were deer not far ahead of me. The deer and I stood looking at each other for a minute or two and I decided to turn around and not bother them. But for that moment, it was special. I love the Lodge!
 

durangojim

Well-Known Member
I didn't read through the thread so I apologize if this is a repost, but take time to explore the lobby, not just the main floor but take the stair on the other levels. Find the fireplaces and hidden benches, check out the displays about geology and native Americans. It's such a great resort with so much to offer.
 

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