Posts Tagged ‘Disney’s Wilderness Lodge’

Water is one of the key elements in Native American culture and it is charmingly represented at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in the form of Silver Creek.  From its source inside the lobby, the bubbling stream travels under the wooden bridge and outside, flowing over pebbled beds as it makes its way towards the rocky outcropping.

There it becomes a waterfall that cascades over the rocks before seeming to flow into Silver Creek Springs pool.  Finally, it gurgles past the wildflowers and butterflies, seeking the freedom of beautiful Bay Lake.

In keeping with the theme of the majestic National Parks, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers a unique feature for the entertainment of visitors.  On the hour, from early morning until about 10:00 p.m., Fire Rock Geyser erupts, forcing a column of water more than 120 feet in the air to catch the light and delight guests.

With a nod to its inspiration, the iconic Old Faithful, Fire Rock appears peaceful, gently steaming, until the clock strikes the hour and hissing and bubbling, a column of water bursts up towards the sky.

There is much talk about the depth of theming at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but the attention to this single element, the water path, is astonishing.  It serves no purpose other than to add interest and beauty to the property, yet it represents an extraordinary effort in terms of planning and execution.  The frothing hot spring in the lobby with its arched bridge; the stream beds, plantings, and the elaborate rock work underpinning the falls; the infrastructure that results in a regularly-scheduled display; this enormous undertaking simply to please a few of the more observant guests.  It is precisely this type of endeavor, so creative and imaginative, that draws us back to Disney again and again!

Perhaps even more iconic than its enormous 55-foot counterparts in the main lobby, the character totem welcomes shoppers to the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile.  The store features merchandise with a decidedly woodsy flair.  Look for characters in their best “ranger” attire as well as outdoor-themed clothing and gift items.

It’s certainly one of the most attractive and inviting resort shops, and really shines during the holiday season when the fireplace is crackling and the signature red and black buffalo plaid lends a colorful continuity to the displays.  Even the shop windows are highly-themed and imaginative.

There are coonskin caps for all budding Davy Crocketts and “Fish Fear Me” t-shirts for the sportsmen in the family.  The presence of the adjacent Villas at Wilderness Lodge signals an expanded selection of grocery items as a convenience for those staying in accommodations with full kitchens.

The Lodge’s mascot is Humphrey the Bear  and bears are a recurring theme throughout the resort.  Guests will find Humphrey holding up his friends from the base of the character totem, as well as carved and plush versions on the shelves.

While hours may vary with the season, the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile is typically open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Walt Disney World visitors looking for a different kind of souvenir might consider posing for a caricature.  Unlike the traditional portraiture available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, caricature artists showcase their subjects in a truly unique way.

One of the most well-known permanent locations is at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but other kiosks can be found at all four parks as well as Downtown Disney, the Boardwalk, and many of the other Walt Disney World resorts.

Guests can choose black-and-white or full-color portraits, and there are options for heads only, or head and body with a playful background.  Artists’ hours vary by location but are typically longer in the parks and run from late afternoon through the evening at the resorts.  Prices can change at any time but currently, they range from about $18.00 to $56.00 for one subject .

Located at the beautiful Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, Roaring Fork is definitely one of the better quick-service stops.  Diners will find the usual selection of burgers and pizza as well as the familiar children’s menu items.

But Roaring Fork also offers some delicious choices which are unique to this venue.  For a welcome change from the typical fast-food fare, try the Territory or Wilderness Salad or the Ham and Tillamook Cheddar Sandwich.  There’s a nice bakery section featuring the popular magic cookie bars, and little individual chocolate bundt cakes.  Breakfast items range from a hearty Bounty Platter to Create-Your-Own Yogurt Parfaits and assorted pastries.

There is a seating area inside, or guests can choose to dine under an umbrella at one of the tables outside with pleasant views of the courtyard. Roaring Fork is also convenient to the main pool area and has seasonal hours that generally run from about 7:00 a.m. to midnight.

For 2011 Walt Disney World has announced a variety of changes to package inclusions and cancellation policies, room rates, and seasons; all of which we’ll be sharing over the next weeks.  One of the most interesting modifications is the addition of new room categories at a number of the resorts.  While this will allow guests to reserve guaranteed room locations and views, it means that preferences which previously could be requested will now come at a fixed additional cost.

Of note is the fact that particular views are perceived as having so much importance that in some instances, a standard room with a premium view costs more than a concierge-level room with a less-desirable view.

Here are some of the categories for Standard and Concierge rooms; keep in mind that Deluxe Resorts also offer a variety of Suites and Deluxe Rooms with prices that are determined by category rather than view:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: A new Arusha Savannah View is an addition to the previous Savannah View.  This pertains to non-concierge rooms only and includes an option for Arusha View with standard bed configuration and Arusha View Bunk Bed rooms.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Concierge rooms are now available in Standard, Garden, or Lagoon Views.  The Standard View is parking lot or rooftop, while the new Lagoon View guarantees a fifth-floor room with a Crescent Lake vista.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn: Regular rooms can have a Standard View of gardens, leisure pool or parking lot, or a Water View which looks out over the Boardwalk and Crescent Lake.  In concierge, all standard rooms will overlook a courtyard, leisure pool, or the Boardwalk.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort: The Standard and Garden Views in the Garden Wing, and the Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom Views for both Standard Tower and Atrium Club Concierge rooms have been retained for 2011.  The 14^th floor Tower Club is still priced according to room or suite type rather than view.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Regular rooms continue to be offered in Garden, Lagoon, and Theme Park Views, while the Standard Royal Palm Concierge rooms in the main building come with or without a guaranteed Theme Park View.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Garden, Lagoon, and Theme Park Views are offered in both Standard and Concierge rooms.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: No changes for 2011; Standard, Woods, and Courtyard views are still available for regular rooms, with hit-or-miss on the concierge floor.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Same options as Disney’s Beach Club although overall, the Yacht Club views tend to be superior.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Room types include Standard View and a Water View that can be either pool or lake, King-bed, Preferred location, and Pirate-themed rooms with either Standard or Water Views.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: This resort also features Standard and Water Views, King-bed and Preferred location rooms, as well as a range of suites.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort: Standard and Water Views and a King-bed room are joined by the new River View category for 2011.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort: In addition to King-bed and Preferred location, Standard View, and Water View which may be of the river or pool, room choices now include a guaranteed River View for an additional charge.  Trundle-bed rooms will always be assigned to parties of five since other room categories only accommodate a maximum of four guests.

Value Resorts: Both Standard and Preferred location categories remain for 2011 as well as the Family Suites at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort.

Your Whimsical World Travel Concierge is familiar with all the different room categories and views at each resort and will help you choose the perfect “room with a view” for your vacation.

The turn onto Timberline Drive is a detour to another place and time.  Through the pines, past topiaried wildlife, around a bend, and the magnificent Wilderness Lodge emerges from the trees.  A cheerful group of “park rangers” waits to greet guests and usher them into the spectacular lobby – a sight which never fails to astonish the first-time visitor.  The subject of so many superlatives, this glorious interior is a study in contrasts: at once soaring and snug, dark but colorful, animated yet calm.

The architecture, art, and artifacts compose a harmonious song which echoes with the notes of grand national park lodges and Native American culture.  The stones of the massive fireplace replicate the Grand Canyon’s geological strata and specially-commissioned totem poles rise more than fifty feet, adding to the majesty of the space.  A small bridge spans the bubbling source of Silver Creek which meanders outside and tumbles down as a splashing waterfall on its “journey” to Silver Creek Springs Pool and Bay Lake.

All of the 727 guest rooms are housed in a single building designed in a rough “V” shape with the main entrance at the bottom and the wings enclosing the pool and courtyard and extending out towards Bay Lake.

Although it’s located right next to the park, this is the only deluxe Magic Kingdom resort not connected via the monorail, investing it with a sense of peace and seclusion.

Outdoor Pleasures

Despite its location in the heart of central Florida, there is a true sense of the great wilderness here, with towering pines, berried branches, and woodland animals.

Nestled in the trees, this beautiful resort extends an invitation to spend time outside, enjoying the woodsy surroundings.  Guests can rent bicycles, surrey bikes, and boats from Teton Boat and Bike Rentals to explore the grounds and the waterways of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon.  A mile-long bike path runs between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness.  Bay Lake Beach provides a sandy stretch along the lakeshore which is not only a great spot for relaxation and playtime during the day, but the perfect place for viewing the Electrical Water Pageant each evening.

There’s catch-and-release fishing for some old-fashioned fun – arrange for a two-hour guided excursion out on the water, or mosey over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness for the dockside cane-pole variety.

The perfectly-themed Silver Creek Springs pool has a water slide, wading pool, and spa, and guests also have use of Hidden Springs pool and spa at the adjacent Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Transportation

In addition to bus transportation from its conveniently-located bus stop, boats travel from the dock to the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

The boat ride to the Magic Kingdom may be the most pleasant transportation option at Walt Disney World; it’s certainly a great way to begin a day at the park.  There is valet parking available, as well as self-parking in the main parking area, a short walk from the lobby.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

901 Timberline Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Phone 407-824-3200
Fax 407-824-3232

Few visitors remain unimpressed when they first walk through the doors and into the beautiful lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  This resort is filled with references to the historic National Park lodges on which it’s based, Native American culture, the beauty of the natural world, and Disney icons.

While it’s fun to stroll the building and grounds, for a deeper appreciation we suggest the Wonders of the Lodge tour.  Follow your Ranger for an in-depth look at the architecture and landscape.  Hear the stories behind the hand-crafted totem poles, the art pieces, and the towering fireplace.  Explore nooks and seek out Hidden Mickeys and even hidden bears.  Listen to the lore and learn about the symbols and myths woven into the carvings and designs that are found throughout the lodge.

Every tour is unique, but you can make yours special by asking questions.  The guides truly love talking about their subject and will reward your enthusiasm with lots of fun facts!

No prior registration is necessary, there is no charge,  and you don’t have to be a guest of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort to participate.  Just join the Ranger in the lobby a little before 9:00 a.m.

Wonders of the Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

Wednesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m.

#5 A Concierge Stay

Comparable to “club” in other deluxe hotels, and referred to as “concierge” for many years, this represents the elite level of accommodations at Disney resorts.  Having recently installed “concierge” desks in the lobbies of all the resorts to assist hotel guests, Disney is struggling with the nomenclature to set this service apart.  They have given names to all the concierge lounges and are attempting to make the transition from “concierge” to “club,” as in  Old Faithful Club at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  Nonetheless, most guests still think of these rooms as concierge.  In each deluxe resort, most suites and a certain number of single rooms are designated concierge.  They may be located on certain floors, keyed sections of floors, or in specific buildings, and suites may be found throughout the properties, but they all share access to the concierge perks.

Those booking club-level rooms can anticipate certain extras:  food and beverage offerings several times each day in a private lounge area; separate check-in procedures; a dedicated concierge staff to assist with information, reservations, and myriad special requests.  Concierge guests may also take advantage of the pre-trip planning services available from the Itinerary Planning Office. An itinerary questionnaire is generally mailed a month or so before arrival.  They can be contacted by e-mail, phone or fax as soon as you have a confirmed reservation.

Although Disney is renowned for customer service, you can expect that to be taken to another level when you arrive as a concierge guest.  It is pampering, indulgent, and delightful.  All the lounges are extremely child-friendly and feature small furnishings, a separate television, and special food items especially for kids.  A family vacation at Walt Disney World is very demanding, and having the resources of concierge can be priceless.

Expect the benefits to be emotional rather than fiscal.  After a tiring arrival day, when most guests still face a wait in line to check in, concierge guests are greeted and whisked away to comfortable chairs and cool drinks, or sometimes escorted directly to their rooms, for a relaxed and hassle-free registration.  The push of a button from a room telephone will connect to a member of the concierge staff who will try his best to obtain tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party, book a last-minute dining reservation, or give advice about park-closing hours or ordering a floral arrangement for a room.  Grabbing breakfast in the morning rather than spending the time in a restaurant offers the opportunity for the early start that’s so important in the parks.

Interestingly, each resort brings its own unique style to the concierge floor, and there are differences in service, food and beverages, extra amenities, and attitude.  Two resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, have two different club levels and uninformed guests are sometimes disappointed upon arrival.  Your Whimsical World Travel Concierge is familiar with each and every program and can offer guidance in choosing the best one for your party.

#3  concept^tm Itinerary

Expect White Glove treatment as you experience the Walt Disney World Resort in a unique new way with a customized itinerary from Whimsical World Travel’s concept^tm program.

Each themed vacation includes a comprehensive package of arrangements, events, recreation, and entertainment designed to appeal to guests who are looking for an innovative and immersive experience.

Choose from some of our most popular offerings:

Boo to You! Halloween is a month-long celebration at Walt Disney World® and we’ve arranged a frightfully good time!

Over the River and Through the Woods Share the joys of the holiday season with family and friends at the beautiful Wilderness Lodge; dressed to impress in its Christmas finery.

Honeymoon Dreams Celebrate a marriage or vow renewal in unforgettable Disney style with romantic activities and memorable surprises.

Grand Indulgence Relaxing, rejuvenating, restorative – sybaritic spa treatments and sumptuous accommodations make this vacation special.

Other current themes include golf, birdwatching, theater, engineering, hot-air balloons, horses, architecture, history, animals, and transportation.  Or, let us craft a one-of-a-kind stay especially for you.  From autographs to zebras, we have creative ideas for your next significant splurge!

With the lure and excitement of the theme parks, it’s easy to forget that the Walt Disney World resort hotels are, in and of themselves, vacation destinations.  Guests can step outside their room to view an African savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or lose themselves in the tropics at Disney’s Polynesian Resort; escape to the piney woods at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or frolic on the sandy beaches of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs.  The color and fun of Mardi Gras, the tranquil beauty of the American Southwest, the Caribbean, even Andy’s Room:  with such wide range of styles, settings and décor, there’s something to suit every taste.  Although each has its own ambience, they all include the hallmark of the Disney experience – outstanding service.

Disney resorts fall into four “categories” – Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa.  While each property is unique, those sharing the same category will have many similar characteristics.

The Value resorts typically reflect the lowest prices of the four categories.  We say “typically” because sometimes a special offer can result in a normally higher-priced category costing less.  Your travel concierge will always be on the lookout for the best value during your vacation dates.

The standard room at a Value resort has the smallest square-footage with two double beds and exterior corridors.  The resorts themselves are very large and spread out with attractive, albeit basic, landscaping and a nice pool but one without a slide or extensive theming.  All four have amazing oversized structures around the property which highlight elements of the resort’s specific theme.  So, you’ll find giant memorabilia from the different decades at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, or enormous characters from the movies at Disney’s All Star Movies Resort.

Since there are no table-service restaurants at the Value resorts, the food courts are particularly expansive with many more options than those found elsewhere.  Bus service is available to all destinations within the Walt Disney World complex.

Moderate resorts, a bit more expensive, feature slightly larger rooms although they do retain the exterior corridors.  There are both “theme” and “quiet” pools, and the lovely grounds are an outstanding feature.  Perhaps because, unlike the Deluxe Resorts, they are not built on the limited land closer to the parks, the Moderate resorts boast extravagant landscaping, arguably more beautiful than any other resort category.  With the exception of Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, the Moderate resorts are enormous and very spread out over the spectacular landscapes.  Plantings, design elements, and architecture are all chosen to enhance the sense that guests have truly escaped to the bayou, the desert, the Caribbean, or New Orleans.

Some Moderate resorts feature a table-service restaurant, and two have boat service to Downtown Disney, but otherwise, bus transportation is provided.

At the Deluxe Resorts, expect extensive theming and extraordinary public spaces with imaginative touches at every turn.  There are generally numerous activities and amenities coupled with at least one exceptional dining venue.

The standard rooms are the largest, although they do vary in size from one property to another, generally have two queen-sized beds and often include a daybed, as well.   Interior hallways give these resorts more of a “hotel” atmosphere and large lobbies and seating areas are invitations to linger.  All except Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge have multiple transportation options which may include bus, boat, monorail, and pedestrian walkways to other locations.  Bell services and room service are more comprehensive.  The grounds are meticulously groomed and the theme pools are especially elaborate.  Most also feature a lovely “quiet” pool.

Deluxe resorts also offer suites and concierge or club-level accommodations making them the most luxurious of the Disney properties.

Deluxe Villa resort accommodations are rooms allocated to retail sales from the Disney Vacation Club properties.   Room configurations include studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom Grand Villas.  The studio is somewhat comparable to a standard deluxe-property room with the addition of a small kitchenette.  The other units include a full kitchen, washer and dryer, two- or three-room master bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers, and plentiful storage.  The Grand Villas add a dining room for family dinners and are wonderfully spacious.

Several of the Deluxe Villa properties are connected to existing hotels: Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Beach Club, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Guests staying in these villas have full access to all the amenities of their sister hotel including the themed pools.  Disney’s Old Key West and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa are dedicated villa properties without any standard hotel space connected.

Of course, each Walt Disney World Resort hotel has features that are uniquely theirs!  Your travel concierge will be happy to provide in-depth information about each resort to assist you in making the perfect choice.