Dreams will come true! Hearts will soar! May 2016 TR NEW 7/6 x2!

ariane37 · May 27, 2016

Well, yeah the view had to be a bit of a letdown but as you said, at least it was only one night. And more important is liking and being comfortable in the room! Pretty cool you ended up with the bunk beds, too :thumbsup2

The pins are definitely a nice little "we're sorry". Although even at 10 & 14 my boys would have been fighting over who got which pin :sad2:

I have WCC booked for our Nov. trip so DH can get another look at WL and hopefully changes his mind about staying there some day!

hokieinpa · May 27, 2016

ArielSRL said:
The resort is beautiful...the view, not so much. Glad we decided to go with something else. Maybe one day I'll get to stay there...when there is no construction!

We actually could June 2017...and it's tempting as close as it is to MK. Hmmm...have I now added another to the short list that seems to be getting longer??

Looking forward to more!

The lobby was just so beautiful and open! And our room was great. The view I could do without...but totally ok for our one night. I think you made a good choice putting off a stay there. But by 2017...who knows? :rotfl:

SnowWhiteOz said:
You were staying in the standard side right? Not the DVC?

Standard size, regular non-DVC room!

SnowWhiteOz said:
Cute! I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for free pins when I stay there in October!

It was a nice keepsake! And I think your chances are good as long as there is still construction ongoing.

SnowWhiteOz said:
Not great but at least there were still trees

The trees were a nice green spot in all the mud! :rotfl:

And we couldn't see it then but it was a pretty good view once it came around to time for Wishes!

SnowWhiteOz said:
Looks good. I might have to add roaring forks back onto my list of places to try

I was pleasantly surprised! My flatbread was very good. Now I'm not sure if it was really all that tasty or that I had not eaten a real meal in 18 hours...

Whit64130 said:

I fell in love with WL! Seriously one of the most peaceful places I've ever stayed!

Whit64130 said:
Out of the 9 nights we stayed at WL we didn't ever eat here, but when we went this past fall I had to try it. It is one of my favorite TS now!

I was sad we didn't get a chance to try it! It's on my list for a future trip!

Whit64130 said:
I lived on the flatbread pizza the whole time we were there. I just love them!

Yum it was so good! I'm sure it's really tasty but I think it was also helped by the fact that I had no eaten a real meal in something like 18 hours!!

DonnaBeeGood said:
Wow, looks fabulous! I have been trying to broaden my horizons and think of different trips - Paris is calling to me. Then Disney sends me a PIN code - d'oh! I wonder what the rate at WL would be....

I'm the exact same way! I want to travel to so many places...but then Disney. :confused3

Lifelong_Dreamer said:
Don't you just love WL? I'm sure that the construction view was a bit disappointing but at least it was only one night and I'm sure the beauty of the rest of the resort made up for it!

It was such a beautiful resort and I loved how calming it was walking through the lobby! The view wasn't my favorite but not a deal breaker with the room and resort being so wonderful!

missangelalexis said:
The room looks beautiful! And I love the pins they gave you, how adorable.

Glad you were able to get some food right away!

Love the family photo!

I loved the room! The bunk beds were a big hit. And the pins were a fun keepsake!

The food definitely helped everyone's mood!

AllysonL said:
Isn't WL beautiful?! I stayed there so long ago, but I still remember how gorgeous it was inside. And we rented those little boats and would drive them past MK - so much fun!!

I loved everything about it! The lobby was so beautiful and it just felt so peaceful compared to the Values that I've stayed in.

AllysonL said:
Stinks that your view was of mud, thankfully you were only there one night and didn't have to look at it all week! But it's nice that they gave you a little something to make up for it!

The view wasn't the best but it actually turned out to be a pretty great spot once it was time for Wishes that night!

AllysonL said:
Can't wait to read more

Coming up soon!

Elevationist said:
That's pretty much how I look when I'm waiting for food, too!

Seriously. Bring it on already. :confused3

Elevationist said:
I love your dress!!! SO CUTE!!!

Thank you! :goodvibes

Walmart for the win.

ariane37 said:
Well, yeah the view had to be a bit of a letdown but as you said, at least it was only one night. And more important is liking and being comfortable in the room! Pretty cool you ended up with the bunk beds, too

It was a little disappointing seeing all of the construction but I had a pretty good idea we might not have the best view. And the room more than made up for it! The boys loved the bunk beds and that queen bed was seriously the most comfortable bed!

ariane37 said:
The pins are definitely a nice little "we're sorry". Although even at 10 & 14 my boys would have been fighting over who got which pin

The pins are a fun keepsake! And my boys would have fought over them...but they were busy fighting over who got the top bunk! :confused3

ariane37 said:
I have WCC booked for our Nov. trip so DH can get another look at WL and hopefully changes his mind about staying there some day!

I've heard really good things about WCC! And I think he'll fall in love with WL. The lobby is pretty impressive!

MissMaryQC · May 27, 2016

We fell in love with WL just from having dinner there! So much so that our 2017 trip will be spent there.

Yay for bunk beds! I'm sure th boys loved that. And the pins were a nice little touch. But that view, priceless... :scared:

I'm not a complainer all that much, but oye vey. You'd think they throw in more than pins with that view at a deluxe. I sure hope you got a sweet fire works show that night.

I had no idea the RF worked that way! That's a nice touch. Especially for a mom of three; no trays to carry about is always a plus! :cool1:

I love your family photo; you guys are so cute! :grouphug:

Can't wait to see how the splash pad went over with your tiny adventurers!

hokieinpa · May 27, 2016

MissMaryQC said:
We fell in love with WL just from having dinner there! So much so that our 2017 trip will be spent there.

I keep going back and forth on if I enjoyed AKL or WL more. It's a tie still in my mind but we'll see if I change my mind after writing this TR. But ultimately I think another trip to WL is needed to make a fully informed decision. :rotfl:

Ah, your trip will be amazing! I'm so excited that 2017 packages will be up in just a few weeks!

MissMaryQC said:
Yay for bunk beds! I'm sure th boys loved that. And the pins were a nice little touch. But that view, priceless...
I'm not a complainer all that much, but oye vey. You'd think they throw in more than pins with that view at a deluxe. I sure hope you got a sweet fire works show that night.

The bunk beds were a hit!

The view was pretty much what I expected, especially after reading updates on the construction. I would have been disappointed if I was there my entire trip but it was fine for a night. And the fireworks were a nice surprise!!

MissMaryQC said:
I had no idea the RF worked that way! That's a nice touch. Especially for a mom of three; no trays to carry about is always a plus!

It was definitely a nice change from the usual quick service format! I loved not having to balance trays and search for a table holding a ton of food!

MissMaryQC said:
I love your family photo; you guys are so cute!

Thank you! :goodvibes

MissMaryQC said:
Can't wait to see how the splash pad went over with your tiny adventurers!

It was a hit, of course! And good for a nap later which was just fine in my book! More updates coming soon!

amberg93 · May 29, 2016

Sorry your view was so terrible but the inside of your room is gorgeous. Plus the pins were a nice bonus!

Ugh WL in general is so beautiful, when we visited we were blown away but how incredible it is.

How nice of the stranger to give you a beautiful family picture!

kastoney · May 29, 2016

Wow, we stayed on the 5th floor of the lodge a few weeks before you all and the construction wasn't nearly that bad then. I'd like to say they had made a lot of progress but i'm not sure that a big hole and a lot of mud equate to progress. Like you we went in knowing what the construction would entail, but when you walk out the balcony it sure is a kick in the gut regardless of what you're prepared to be in store for.

On the good front, glad you really enjoyed the beauty inside the resort and all the tiny details that make it so special. Construction or not, I still think its one of the most serene places in all the world

Dugette · May 30, 2016

Love those rooms at the WL! All the details are great. We spent one night there once as well and would love to return someday. Thanks for the tour of the place!

MissMaryQC · May 30, 2016

hokieinpa said:
I keep going back and forth on if I enjoyed AKL or WL more. It's a tie still in my mind but we'll see if I change my mind after writing this TR. But ultimately I think another trip to WL is needed to make a fully informed decision.

Ah, your trip will be amazing! I'm so excited that 2017 packages will be up in just a few weeks!

AKL is a must for a future trip at our house. In 2012, before DD was a twinkle in her daddy's eye, he and I went to AKL for dinner at Sanaa (excellent meal, btw), the we did Mother's Day brunch at Boma in 2015. Between those two meals DH just fell in love. We figure once DD is about 6 she will really appreciate the animals being at the resort, as I'm sure your boys enjoyed them!

I can not wait for the packages to come out! It's almost as bad as waiting for ADR day!

cypresstxmouse · May 30, 2016

Joining in!

Such clear pictures, what camera are you using?

Mainemama · May 30, 2016

Joining in. Just have to say, travel day posts are actually my favorite! The anticipation is the best part, I guess! Yours went smooth!

ashw100 · May 30, 2016

I am so behind on reading TRs I didn't even realize you had started this one :sad2:

. Love your travel post, it really speaks to me. All kids crossed the road without being hit and pacis, iPads, and LOTS of snacks for a smooth ride sounds like a succesful trip down :thumbsup2

. Be sure to enjoy you next flight down solo :cool1:

. Love your pictures of WL. I'm contemplating doing a spilt stay with AKL/WL and your report is definitely pushing me in that direction. Looking forward to more.

hokieinpa · May 30, 2016

amberg93 said:
Sorry your view was so terrible but the inside of your room is gorgeous. Plus the pins were a nice bonus!

Ugh WL in general is so beautiful, when we visited we were blown away but how incredible it is.

How nice of the stranger to give you a beautiful family picture!

I was prepared for the view after reading reviews on the extent of the refurbishment but it was a little bit of a blow only seeing mud and dirt!

But WL is so beautiful and peaceful. And for the most part, we couldn't tell any kind of construction was going on in the lobby and pool areas, which was nice!

I love that picture - I really appreciate when other guests offer to take a picture and always try to offer when I see a group trying to squeeze everyone in!

kastoney said:
Wow, we stayed on the 5th floor of the lodge a few weeks before you all and the construction wasn't nearly that bad then. I'd like to say they had made a lot of progress but i'm not sure that a big hole and a lot of mud equate to progress. Like you we went in knowing what the construction would entail, but when you walk out the balcony it sure is a kick in the gut regardless of what you're prepared to be in store for.

One step forward, two steps back on the construction? We also may have had a different "view" than you? Regardless, not the most pleasant sight on our balcony but perfect ok for our one night visit!

kastoney said:
On the good front, glad you really enjoyed the beauty inside the resort and all the tiny details that make it so special. Construction or not, I still think its one of the most serene places in all the world

We really loved the room. It was very comfortable and all of the special "Wilderness-y" touches made it fun for all of us! And I agree - the most serene and peaceful place I've found in all of Walt Disney World!

Dugette said:
Love those rooms at the WL! All the details are great. We spent one night there once as well and would love to return someday. Thanks for the tour of the place!

We loved our short, little stay at WL! The kids splash area was so fun for the boys and the entire resort is beautiful. I'd love a repeat stay!

MissMaryQC said:
AKL is a must for a future trip at our house. In 2012, before DD was a twinkle in her daddy's eye, he and I went to AKL for dinner at Sanaa (excellent meal, btw), the we did Mother's Day brunch at Boma in 2015. Between those two meals DH just fell in love. We figure once DD is about 6 she will really appreciate the animals being at the resort, as I'm sure your boys enjoyed them!

I think that 6 is a perfect age! Nate is 6 and he really loved everything about the resort. There are so many great activities for kids - the animals of course! But then we did things like making food mixes for the giraffes, African medallion rubbings, drum circles, parades through the lobby, etc.

MissMaryQC said:
I can not wait for the packages to come out! It's almost as bad as waiting for ADR day!

I'm hoping it's at the end of June! I'm ready to book rooms for a few clients and then for us now! I'm not patient when it comes to anything Disney!

cypresstxmouse said:
Joining in!

Thanks for following along!

cypresstxmouse said:
Such clear pictures, what camera are you using?

Ok this is embarrassing but I only use my iPhone 6! It does take nice pictures!

hokieinpa · May 30, 2016

Mainemama said:
Joining in. Just have to say, travel day posts are actually my favorite! The anticipation is the best part, I guess! Yours went smooth!

Thanks for joining in! I'm glad everyone enjoys travel day reports! I think the actual day is pretty stressful for me but that relief when we finally get to Disney is all worth it!

ashw100 said:
I am so behind on reading TRs I didn't even realize you had started this one . Love your travel post, it really speaks to me. All kids crossed the road without being hit and pacis, iPads, and LOTS of snacks for a smooth ride sounds like a succesful trip down . Be sure to enjoy you next flight down solo . Love your pictures of WL. I'm contemplating doing a spilt stay with AKL/WL and your report is definitely pushing me in that direction. Looking forward to more.

I'm SO behind on all TRs. I feel like I'm going to be playing catch up for quite some time!

I think travel days with kids are pretty universal - whatever it takes to keep them happy and as quiet as possible! :rotfl:

I'm really excited about that solo flight! I'm putting my headphones on and reading a book and no one will be asking me for a snack or have to go potty or need anything from me!!

I fully support the AKL/WL visit! We loved both resorts. Very peaceful and fun for the boys!! :thumbsup2

hokieinpa · Jun 1, 2016

A Splash Pad and A Geyser...what more could a boy want?

After our bellies were full of Roaring Fork food and we had seen the famous bridge in the lobby, it was time for the POOL! And the boys were pumped!

Understandably so, since there was a super awesome splash pad awaiting them!

We threw our stuff in a chair and they took off! The splash pad was really amazing. Lots of sprayers, fountains, dumping buckets, and 2 little slides. It was the perfecta area for the boys since they could all run around and play while we just stood and watched. The water around the play area was only really ankle deep.

They played for almost an hour in the splash area and then Nate and Colin requested to go over to the big pool. Jim took them over while Jake and I stayed in the splash pad for a bit longer.

After a bit, we decided it was time for a break and a selfie.

Jake and I joined the rest of the family in the big pool for a bit at this point. We swam and splashed for a bit and then headed back to the splash pad for a few more minutes.

The splash pad is located right next to the geyser and I had been waiting to catch it going off during our time at the pool. We were lucky and got to catch it shooting off twice. The big boys had been in the pool the first time but I made sure we waited around for Nate and Colin to see it once.

Nate especially loved the geyser!

Soon it was time to head back to our room, but we found yet another magical little detail about Wilderness Lodge that we had to take some time to explore.

Animal footprints in the sidewalks!

The boys loved these and we spent some time trying to find more and identify them. After our hunt for footprints, we said goodbye to the beautiful view at the pool and started back to the room.

When we got back upstairs, everyone got a quick bath/shower and then all of the boys (even the big one) laid down for a nap. We had spent 2 hours swimming and they were exhausted!

But I wasn't ready to spend my time at Disney sleeping (not yet at least), so I set out to explore the resort more!

I spent some time walking around the lobby and then headed over to the gift shop. I decided on this trip that I was going to begin collecting resort mugs from each resort I stay at. So I found my Wilderness Lodge mug and then headed over to Roaring Fork for a little treat. I took my dessert out onto a little porch and enjoyed my first Mickey bar of the trip in one of the big rocking chairs!

Soon it was time to head back to the room to wake the boys for our nighttime plans. But what would they be?

Next up

How much dessert are we allowed to eat?

ArielSRL · Jun 1, 2016

Love the splash pad area. With your first WL update and now this one, you now have the wheels turning in my head about VWL. I'm thinking how nice it would be to be a boat ride away from MK. While BWV and BCV would be awesome, it would be worth it to wait to stay there when more stuff opens up at DHS. And I've ALWAYS wanted to stay at WL. Hmmmm...choices, choices.

Looking forward to the next update though I'm guessing I'll be in Disney by then!

missangelalexis · Jun 2, 2016

The pool/splash pad look so awesome! I'm glad everyone had a blast and that you were able to spend a lot of time there.

The resort itself just looks so beautiful. Yay for getting to treat yourself to a Mickey Bar!

rdkeim · Jun 2, 2016

Your trip is off to a good start! Wilderness Lodge is still my sentimental favorite. We took our boys there several times when they were young. I'm kind of a national park nut so maybe that's why I love it. Too bad about the view - are the rooms discounted during the construction?

NJlauren · Jun 2, 2016

Wow that pool looks really fun! I have a feeling AKL is going to be added to my must stay list when i am done with your TR...

AllysonL · Jun 2, 2016

That pool/splash area does look super fun!! Looks like the boys had a great time!

hokieinpa said:
Soon it was time to head back to the room to wake the boys for our nighttime plans. But what would they be?

Next up

How much dessert are we allowed to eat?

Sounds like a dessert party of some sort? Or maybe a dinner buffet?

TheMaxRebo · Jun 2, 2016

That splash pad area looks amazing! Looks like different things for different ages/adventurous level as well which is great.

Was there an official thing/game to track down what the footprints were (like a guidebook or something) or just something you did on your own? Either way that is a really neat touch - I love stuff like that!

Looks like a pretty perfect vacation moment to enjoy that Mickey bar on the patio

Dreams will come true! Hearts will soar! May 2016 TR *NEW 7/6 x2!*

Dis veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

here, queer, etc

Disney foodie served with a side of sarcasm

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

Earning My Ears

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

Mouseketeer

DIS Veteran

Share this page

Dreams will come true! Hearts will soar! May 2016 TR NEW 7/6 x2!