Wilderness Lodge

[stephsim]

Hi! I am new to this forum. I am going to WDW March 3rd-7th and I am staying at the Wilderness Lodge for the first time. I stayed off site 10 years ago as a child so I don't remember much about WDW. I was wondering how good/bad transportation is to MK from this resort. I have a 3 year old and a 2 year old and would be carring a stroller to MK. Can anyone give me any tips about MK or this resort with children? I also was wondering if this is a busy time to go. I was hoping it wouldn't be busy since it isn't spring break. Thanks for you info.

 

[tigsmom]

you are going to love this resort!!!It is very kid friendly...your kids are smaller than mine so they will want to use the kiddie pool...weather might be warm enough (plus pools are heated) the lodge is a great place for kids..wooden rockers and lots of places to climb thru. If you can ,eat in The Whispering Canyon...its run like the old west and the staff put on a good show. They have stick pony races in the evening. The all you can eat skillet meals are good (esp breakfast), but you are a better judge of how much your kids eat. Get the mugs in the Roaring Forks snack bar...you can fill them for free while you are there. No one told me this the first time and we would have saved a bundle. The food is pretty good there also. We are going again in Aug. and it will be our fourth trip at this resort. Take the boat from the dock( past the pool) to the MK> > You can easily take a stroller on with no problem. While you are not on the monorail you still get there quickly. The busses to the other parks aren't that bad. Have a great time and let us know how you made out. The park shouldn't be too crowded, but be aware they just cut back the operating times...there are threads here on the boards if you want to look them up.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hello and Welcome. :wave:

Well it is many colleges spring break, but that isn't too bad at WDW. We will also be there during that time (Feb 28 to March 7) so lets pray for good weather and low crowds. We also have a 2 year old, (DD)

I have never stayed at WL, but we own DVC at VWL and have heard many good things about it. (We are staying at BCV this trip, VWL Jan 2004.) Many people say the boat to MK is convenent and easier with strollers then the bus (you don't have to break them down and hold them on your lap!)


There are some nice restants at WL, and nice and easy fast food place. It isn't as convenent at a monorail resort, but many people love it and swear by it. Your kids will love it (as will you.) and being close to MK is an atvanage. I sugest MK for the am and then back to the WL for nap and try the other parks (except AK) in the late afternoon and evening. AK is also a morning park, but isn't enough to take up a whole day. MK can get busy as the day goes on. WL shares busses for other parks with GF, Poly and contempery. The bus system is fine, but can be difficult with a double stroller. With the kids you will want to spend most of your time at MK, but don't miss the other parks. There are many great atractions in each of them. When you get to MK head to FL and go all the rides there. Take full atvanatage of fast pass. It is free and can really cut down on waits. (Waiting for a ride with young kids is very hard.) Infact when the wait is longer then 45 min, don't bother with it now. Do something else and come back and it is better.

Staying on site (and in a deluxe) is so much better then off site. It helps to make the experience so much more enjoyable for the whole family. Spend some time at the resort pool, and even consider a ride over to fort wilderness, there is a great playground and many activities for kids there.

The weather should be in mid 70's, but could be warmer or colder. It does get chilly at night. Moderate crowds, but I think Disney is expecting less then they hoped becuase they have cut some park hours.

Have fun, can't wait, here we come too!!!!!!!

 

[jaimjaim25]

Originally posted by stephsim
Hi! I am new to this forum. I am going to WDW March 3rd-7th and I am staying at the Wilderness Lodge for the first time. I stayed off site 10 years ago as a child so I don't remember much about WDW. I was wondering how good/bad transportation is to MK from this resort. I have a 3 year old and a 2 year old and would be carring a stroller to MK. Can anyone give me any tips about MK or this resort with children? I also was wondering if this is a busy time to go. I was hoping it wouldn't be busy since it isn't spring break. Thanks for you info.

The Wilderness Lodge is my absolute favorite. The transportation is good. There is a boat that takes you to the Magic Kingdom, but there are also busses. The boat is fun, so I suggest you take it at least once There are a few pools, which are beautiful! If you have a pool view, it looks like you are in the middle of a paradise:sohappy:
The Restaurants are good as well. I also suggest you eat at the Whispering Canyon Cafe also. Then for breakfast and quick meals, there is Roaring Forks. When you are there, it's hard to believe it's just a hotel! It's really so much more!!
In 1997 Alex Trebek was staying there.. hehe.. I got my picture taken with him.
Have FUN!

 

[mickey04]

I don't think I can tell you anything new acept that I just got back from WL a few days ago and I loved it. The place is beautiful and I think you will too. MK transport is a bit slow though, (the boat stops at Fort Wilderness on the way.)

 

[Snowflake82]

We stayed at the WL last summer and our two-year-old loved it.

His favorite activity was tossing pennies in the "spring" in the lobby. He also loved the pool.

I recommend the Roaring Forks for snacks and quick meals. Whispering Canyons Cafe was a little bit too much stimulation for him at that age, although it's great for older kids.

The boats to MK are really convenient. You can take the stroller right on, with your child in it (don't even have to fold it up).

 

[MSDISNEYFAN]

A similar situation

I too am traveling to WL with a 2 year old (in April with older kids ages 8 and 10) - (staying 5 nights at OKW and 3 at WL) I struggled between WL and AKL for some time. The boat option to Magic Kingdom helped in reaching a decision; plus older kids really pushing for WL.
Please let us know how the toddlers made out and any advice you can pass along. Our last stay was at CB. Very anxious to try out some new resorts.

Have a great trip! :wave: :wave:

 

[stephsim]

Thanks for all your help

I just wanted to thank you all for your advice!:animwink: I had originally made reservations at the Floridian and now I am glad I have changed to the Wilderness Lodge.:sohappy: I will post again after the trip and let you all know how it went!:wave:

Only 5 days to go!!

 

[GalacticGobbler]

Have a great time, we are doing WL for the first time in a month, cant wait.

29 Days 22 Hrs 57 Mins 16 Secs