What Not to miss at Wilderness Lodge

[DisneyDebNJ]

Ok so.... here I am, over 200 days out from our November trip... staying at Wilderness Lodge Villas for the very first time and SO looking forward to it. (Of course, I will visit my beloved Poly during our stay!) I know the Poly grounds and must dos very well, but am completely clueless as to what things I should expect at WL. I already have an idea as to what to order from Garden Grocer to utilize a kitchen. (We're talking donuts for the boys, soda and water here... I am NOT cooking LOL)
During our vacations at Disney, we do a pool day, followed by an Epcot evening. So tell me, all of your wonderful WL lovers, what should we experience??? And up front, let me thank my wdwmagic sista @poohlover for suggesting WL to me and my family

 

[Lightning McQueen]

The boat ride from the hotel to MK is very good!

 

[Master Yoda]

Breakfast at WCC with MT. She is a hoot.

 

[RickP330]

I have never stayed there but you know to be sure and ask for the catchup at whispering canyon right?
RP

 

[RedDad]

WL is our favorite resort (so far)! It was our DD3's first ever stay at WDW and she fell in love with the totem pole in the lobby. Now we always make at least one trip over to the lodge during every one of our trips to the world so she can rub the bear's nose! We also stayed in late November and it is such an awesome sight all decorated for Christmas.

We loved the pool, watching the geyser, and taking the ferry to the parks. The boat parade at night is fun the first time, then that music gets a bit old...but you probably know that from staying at the Poly. We were also able to see some of the fireworks at MK from our room. It's a great place to stay!

 

[Occasional Guest]

We have stayed twice at WL but not in the Villa's. I love all the little details through out the lodge. I enjoy getting up early and sitting in the small sitting area above the front door, reading the paper, and watching the lodge "come alive" in the morning.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Breakfast at WCC with MT. She is a hoot.

this is on our list!!!!!

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I have never stayed there but you know to be sure and ask for the catchup at whispering canyon right?
RP

I have no dinner plans, but definately doing breakfast, and I NEED catshup

 

[epcotisbest]

I have mentioned it before, but will again. Hidden Springs pool is a quiet, restful retreat from the hustle and bustle of WDW. Also, there are some great places inside VWL to hang out with a book if it is a rainy day. The train room, with some of Walt's actual scale trains is wonderful to see.
The last time we stayed at VWL, we drove and brought our bicycles and rode over to Fort Wilderness almost every morning, and some evenings.
Whispering Canyon Cafe is good, all three meals.
At the lodge itself, there are some nice places to just relax.
Also notice the details of the grounds...no palm trees.
Here is a pic of the HS pool.

 

[Anthony Alsup]

My husband loved the bison steak at artist point! One of his favorite meals at WDW.

 

[epcotisbest]

Walkway to pool.

 

[epcotisbest]

Don't let the crowds deter you, in Nov. you can usually find a lounge chair by the pool.
A little tip...on Monday mornings, while the hoards are headed for MK, the pool area is especially quiet.

 

[epcotisbest]

I have no dinner plans, but definately doing breakfast, and I NEED catshup

I would not do it if I were you.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I would not do it if I were you.

hey now, live dangerously!!! LOL

 

[epcotisbest]

The beach at VWL, looking toward the boat launch, with Bay Lake Tower in the background.
This is a great place to relax, especially at night to view the Electrical Water Pageant.

 

[Weather_Lady]

I've also heard that there is a free tour of the lodge offered most mornings, that is well worth it if you have the time and inclination. You can ask for the schedule when you check in.

 

[epcotisbest]

Also, WL and VWL are brimming with hidden Mickeys. They will give you hints at the desk, and you can schedule a guided tour of the place as well.
We have tried to be the flag family a couple of times, but did not get to. Almost did one time and there was a family with kids asking at the same time, and since we don't have kids we told them to go ahead...I"m sure their children would enjoy it more than me anyway.
It is fun to watch the geyser go off, and though it seems yucky...one day there were ducks swimming in the pool with us.

 

[Tuvalu]

You can take the boat from WL to Fort Wilderness and have dinner at Trail's End (best buffet value on Disney property...tasty food and friendly service). If the weather's nice, you can also walk the path between WL and Fort Wilderness...my daughter and I enjoyed the wildlife and lake views.

 

[Tuvalu]

And Artist Point has the BEST sourdough bread! Plus the bison option of steak or ribs.

 

[Spikerdink]

@epcotisbest - you and I had the same thoughts!! First time we stayed there it was fun looking for the Hidden Mickeys.... and one of my family friends has been the flag family a couple of times. (Not sure how to go about doing this, but I hear it is quite the treat!!)

I walked over to Fort Wilderness at least once a trip - along the pathway I saw deer, armadillo... that's something to do if you are inclined....

And since you are a Poly person, I loved going to the beach to watch the water pagent at night.

Damn, wish I was there right now!