Transportation to and from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

In June I decided to stay at the Wilderness Lodge for the first time. Usually I stay in the moderate level (mostly Port Orleans Riverside) because I just cannot justify the expense of a deluxe resort. We literally only sleep in the room and usually don’t even use the pool.  However, I was able to get a “room promotion” and you saved 30% off a deluxe, verses 20% off a moderate so that narrowed the price gap a bit. I absolutely loved the Wilderness Lodge and felt the price difference was well worth it! I loved the layout, the pool, the restaurants, the location but hands down the transportation was the BEST! I am sure I will blog about the other features at some point, but transportation had to be first!

BUSES- My mom, 15 month old son, and I NEVER waited for a bus more than 3-5 minutes our entire stay! We were there for 5 days in JUNE and still NEVER waited for a bus. I would chalk if up to good luck but really 5 days, of not waiting!? I have waited 20+ minutes at Riverside for a bus in the fall and winter slow periods. I don’t think not waiting at all is typical, but I can say without a doubt the buses run much quicker at Wilderness Lodge verses Riverside and Caribbean beach from my experience. This was true both to and from the parks. We also never had a bus full enough where we had to stand. This was wonderful! It was honestly the first time in years that I did not have to stand at all on a bus on my trip and I usually travel in less crowded seasons!

BOAT to Magic Kingdom- This was pretty much the most magical boat ever! Traveling with a young child, you spend so much time at the Magic Kingdom and the monorail resorts are not in everyone’s budget. If you plan to go with little ones, I HIGHLY recommend Wilderness Lodge because of the boat service. It is a direct boat ride to and from the Magic Kingdom and only services Wilderness Lodge. It is a short but beautiful ride and in the 5 days we only waited once. Literally the boat was unloading or pulling up every time we needed it except once. The one time we did wait, it was 15-20 minutes, but for 5 days it was pretty amazing! There are actually two types of boats that run the route and I have to say I did prefer one over the other. The smaller boat, a pontoon style, held less guests and you had to collapse your strollers. The larger boat was enclosed with a deck and you could roll your strollers right on. Please note that you do have to collapse strollers on all Disney buses but can leave them open on the monorail (for comparison). Another thing to mention is that two of our four nights we left during the fireworks (I have waited an hour or more for a bus in the past at this time) and we hopped right on a boat. You get an excellent view of Wishes (fireworks) from the boat. I wish they would play the music on the boat 🙂

I really cannot say enough great things about my experience at Wilderness Lodge and will definitely stay there again, especially while my son is young.

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Julie Hauck *o*
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MickeyTravels, LLC
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Animal Kingdom Lodge

Explore your wild side and stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! This is a unique resort offering impressive pools, award-winning dining, and a view of 4 luxurious savannas.  This horseshoe shaped hotel was built based on the African kraal. The lodge is decorated with some of the most beautiful African art in the United States and a spectacle of authentic African décor. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some of the 200 animals who call the savanna here their home!

The best feature of this deluxe resort just might be the watering hole (or in this case, the 11,000 square foot swimming pool). With zero depth entry points, children’s wading pools, and whirlpool spas, this pool has something for the entire family. There is also the Samawati Springs Pool complete with waterslide, whirlpool spas, and Uzima water playground for kids! Both pools are just a short walk from the resort, down gorgeous paths lined with Floridian palms.

Work up your appetite at the pool then enjoy one of the many options for dining, including quick service, full service, wine tasting, lounges, pool bars, and more! Enjoy African-inspired specialties or American classics at any restaurant or delivered to your room. No matter what you’re craving, there are countless options at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for you.

Guests’ favorite aspect of this lodging option is definitely the view of the savanna and the opportunities to see the wildlife of your safari dreams. Watch giraffes, zebras, gazelles, flamingos and more – right from your window! Look up unknown species found in the Wildlife Field Guide provided in your room to learn more about the variety of species. You can learn more about these animals and their habitat at fun programs taught by Animal Specialists on site. Guests can also enjoy the Wanyama Safari and Dinner for a closer look at the animals and a delicious multi course meal.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great resort choice for Disney travelers and animal lovers of all types and there is always something for the whole family to enjoy! Join the safari with a touch of Disney magic for an awesome getaway on your next Disney vacation!

Contact MickeyTravels (www.mickeytravels.com) to learn all about the Animal Kingdom Lodge and how we can plan your MAGICAL vacation for FREE!

Erin Breen
MickeyTravels Guest Blogger
www.mickeytravels.com
Making Magic One Vacation at a Time…

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Looking for a great resort to stay in while you take your family on a vacation to Walt Disney World?  You can take in waterfront views and the sounds of the boardwalk from the comfort of your own oasis at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Just walking distance from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s BoardWalk is the perfect getaway location. The lights of the Coney-Island style resort area are beautiful reflecting on Crescent Lake as you take an evening bike ride along the water. If this sounds like paradise, this summer themed resort is the place for you and your family.

A unique feature of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is the carnival theme pool park, complete with roller coaster water slides, whirlpool spa, and elephant trunk kiddie pools. Visit any part of Luna Park Pool and you’ll be sure to find fun for all ages. Close by to the pool area is a playground for kids and the Fantasia Gardens and Miniature Golf Course. If recreation on your Disney vacation is what you seek, BoardWalk Inn is the place to stay and play! Join in on the fun at a nighttime camp fire, movies under the stars, fishing, tennis, arcade games, and more!

My favorite feature of the BoardWalk area is the bike rentals and biking, walking, and jogging paths. Adult and children size bikes are available on a first come, first serve basis. All bicycles come with a complimentary helmet and child seats if necessary and many children’s bikes come with training wheels. Even rent a surrey bike for 2, 4, or 6 passengers for an adventure for the whole family! Take a ride or walk on smooth paths through luscious gardens and quiet canals for a peaceful afternoon.

Want to learn more about Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and how you & your family can stay at this luxurious hotel?  Contact MickeyTravels for all the details!

Read about other resorts to stay at while at Disney:

Old Key West Resort
Aulani Resort & Spa
Coronado Springs Resort
Fort Wilderness Resort

Erin Breen
MickeyTravels Guest Blogger
www.mickeytravels.com
info@mickeytravels.com

Making Magic One Vacation at a Time…