Boulder Ridge Villas Studio at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – The Pros and Cons

September 12, 2017 by Janice Brady Leave a Comment

I loved staying at one of the deluxe studio rooms at Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge recently. I have always loved the Wilderness Lodge property. The lobby is absolutely stunning and amazing. When my kids were young, they loved the rooms with the bunk beds and the restaurants on property have always been some of my favorites.

I was fortunate recently to be able to stay in one of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) units and can’t begin to say enough about the beauty of the entire building. Even if you are not a DVC owner, these units can be “rented” and reserved.

Boulder Ridge Villas Studio Wilderness Lodge

THE PROS

The pros are many. As with all Disney deluxe and DVC properties, the attention to detail and service is outstanding.

As much as I love the look of the main lobby at the Wilderness Lodge, the lobby of the Boulder Ridge building is even more stunning. A fireplace with rocking chairs, several small gathering seating areas and the authentically themed look of the multi-level atrium full of Disney detail, make it feel rustic and cozy.

Service at Wilderness Lodge has always been excellent. There are two full, table-service restaurants and multiple quick service spots. You can reach the Magic Kingdom by boat and all other parks by bus. All Wilderness Lodge amenities are easily accessible and nearby.

Boulder Ridge Villas Wilderness Lodge — Boulder Ridge lobby from second floor landing

The studio sleeps up to five people. The room includes one queen-size bed, a queen-sized sofa bed, and a pull down Murphy style bed (opening the Murphy bed eliminates the table and chairs in the room since the table is attached to and folds under the bed). I am 5’7″ tall and slept comfortably on the Murphy bed. There is a small kitchen area as you walk into the unit offering a refrigerator, sink, microwave, toaster, full size coffee pot, dishes and utensils, with a nice size counter area. There is a sink/vanity (only one sink) area with closet right outside the enclosed toilet/shower area. There are 136 villas made up of studio and one or two two-bedroom units, all located in a freestanding building to the right of the lodge. The one and two bedroom units have full kitchens.

Except for a few rooms overlooking the pool/lake side of the resort, rooms at Wilderness Lodge Villas offer wooded views. Odd numbered rooms (2531-2563 and 3531-3563) offer the best view.

The Boulder Ridge Cove Pool offers a zero-entry pool and whirlpool spa, as well as six-first come, first served, semi-enclosed cabana type seating areas. A quick walk either around or through the pool area has you right at Geyser Point Bar & Grill where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner along the shore of Bay Lake.

Boulder Ridge Villas Studio Wilderness Lodge

THE CONS

The cons are minimal and other than the hours of the concierge, which is really not a big issue, all center around one area of the unit.

I found it odd that the Concierge is only on duty in the lobby of the Boulder Ridge Villas from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. There were two days we needed to speak to a concierge regarding reservations and since it was only 7 a.m. had to walk to the main lodge building. Returning to your unit in the evening doesn’t give you the opportunity to speak with a concierge without going to the main lodge either. Since the bus depot from the parks is right outside the Boulder Ridge building you have to take the time to walk to the main lodge in the evening if you have a question or want to check on a reservation for the next day. FYI: Kirk, the Concierge that works the Boulder Ridge Villas desk most days is OUTSTANDING! He goes above and beyond to assist guests and spread the magic!

The tub/toilet area of the unit bothered me slightly in several aspects:

Small is an understatement! At 5’7″ and 150 pounds I had a hard time getting dressed after a shower. The space for stepping out of tub in front of the toilet is TINY! My 6’3″, 205 pound husband would have difficulty in the space. As you can see in the photo above, the toilet is actually in the doorway (which opens out).
No exhaust fan so after a hot shower, the tiny space is like a steam filled, over-heated sauna.
Toilet paper holder is located in an odd spot behind the toilet on the left making for a very difficult reach for toilet paper. I assume it’s there because the space is so small there really isn’t any other place for it.
The shower head is way too low. At 5’7″ I had to duck under the shower head.

Overall, this is one of the nicest properties at Walt Disney World Resort to stay at. The few cons, that a really isolated to one area, are not something that would stop me from vacationing here again in the future.

Winging It at WDW – Heading to WDW Without a Plan

August 25, 2017 by Janice Brady Leave a Comment

Yes! It can be done. I do it all the time. Sometimes I just want to go, relax, enjoy the location and not have to worry about where I “have to be.” I can be in the parks from morning to night without ever going on a ride or going into a table service restaurant. I’ll be visiting again in a couple of weeks with only one planned activity (Behind the Scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto). The rest of my time will be spent enjoying my time with a friend, roaming through Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival and being in the moment!

Now I realize that those of you who will only visit Walt Disney World Resort once or twice in your lifetime want to get the most our of every minute you are there. But there are lots of us out there that visit often. Sometimes several times a year. If you are a frequent visitor let me ask – why do you make yourself crazy making lots of reservations? Have you never been on Dumbo before? Will you never go again?

The only time I make lots of dining reservations and FastPass+ reservations is when my kids and grandchildren are with me because I want them to have a great experience (especially the grandkids). That is the time I make reservations for special events and special things to do. When I go alone or with friends I rarely worry about it. I travel to Walt Disney World with many, who like me, visit often. Yet, I’m always amazed that those that visit often worry about making FastPass+ reservations like they have never been on an attraction before. Why? You were just there a few months ago or will be back again in a few months.

I will admit I will go along with making some dining reservations to be part of the group but frankly, I don’t really worry too much about it. I’ve eaten in just about every restaurant there is to eat in and I have been on every attraction – many times. If I don’t get to ride this trip, I’ll ride it next trip. I really would like to just enjoy being at Walt Disney World.

I honestly believe if you are worrying about getting from place to place – reservation to reservation – you can’t just enjoy being there. The My Disney Experience app is a wonderful tool. If you feel like riding an attraction, use your app to see what FastPasses are available last minute or what the wait time is. Use your app to see what dining reservations are available last minute. Try something new based on what’s available while you are in the park.

How to Enjoy WDW Without a Spreadsheet Full of Reservations

Once you have your resort reservation, you’re all set. I will admit I sometimes decide to visit last minute so can’t always get an on-site reservation. No problem. There are lots of hotels in the area that offer free transportation to the parks. The Swan and Dolphin, the 7 Disney Springs area resorts come to mind quickly. To stay on-site, I often take what I can get. Because of that “take what you get” attitude, I have been able to stay at every WDW property.

Over planning can sometimes kill the fun! If you plan every second of your visit, you just might find yourself missing the magic that can’t necessarily be planned. Jumping from reservation to reservation, from FastPass to FastPass, doesn’t leave any time to soak up what’s going on around you. If you are determined to plan because of everything you’ve read or experienced before, find a mid-way point – plan some – leave some to chance. Leave a little wiggle room for some of the magic that only comes with being in the minute.

Adjust your attitude. Be positive – you’re at the most magical place on earth! Stay positive and take joy in just being there. Don’t let yourself get upset over lines, wait times or weather – you can’t control any of it so just focus on the positive. If you start to feel a wee bit stressed – sit back and look at all the happy families and kids around you – hundreds of little princesses and pirates with huge smiles on their faces.

Go knowing you may have to wait in line. I have a rule that I follow when I go without FastPass+ reservations. If the wait time is 60 minutes or less, I’ll wait in line. For attractions with single rider lines, I will go into that line. Or – I don’t ride the attraction. I’ve ridden each attraction so many times since the 70’s that missing an attraction this trip doesn’t mean I’ll never ride it again. If you have the right mind-set, waiting in line can be fun. You get to meet lots of new people. I try to have a few stickers or small trinkets in my bag that I can share with little ones waiting in line.

Go knowing you most likely won’t be able to eat at a table service restaurant. So what! Many of the quick service locations offer so much more than hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza. You can have some really good meals at the quick service locations and for a fraction of the cost of a table service restaurant. I’m not a big breakfast person so as long as I have coffee, I’m good to go. Every Disney resort has a food location where you can get something to eat.

Enjoy your resort. They all have great pools, a great atmosphere and great grounds to roam through.

Take it all in. There is nothing more frustrating than walking around the park and coming upon a show, some street performers, a character, etc., but you can’t stop to watch because you’ll miss your dining reservation or your FastPass+. Stop and watch. Stop and interact. Stop and enjoy the moment! Pick up a schedule of show and parade times when you enter the park and try to see ones that you haven’t seen before.

Be in the moment. How can you be in the moment and enjoy your surroundings if you’re worried about getting to your next reservation? There is so much to see and do that doesn’t require a reservation that you end up missing if you are following a schedule.

When the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate at WDW ~ Keep Smiling!

August 22, 2017 by Janice Brady Leave a Comment

There are certain times of year in Florida that one thing you can count on is rain almost every day. Sometimes it’s just a quick drizzle or a quick downpour that goes away and dries up within minutes in the Florida heat. Sometimes it’s rain – lasting all afternoon – rain that can scare off even the most seasoned Walt Disney World visitor.

On my family’s recent trip in June we had 4 of our 6 days that were those really crappy, rain most of day, heavy downpour, walking through ankle deep puddles kind of days. Because this was my grandson’s first trip, and he was only 5.5 months old, I was a little leery of staying in the parks in heavy rains, so we did cut 2 days short, knowing we will be back before long. The other 2 days had enough breaks in the rain that made the days perfect for staying in the parks with less crowds. My grandson didn’t seem to be bothered by the rain at all!

Overall, when a family saves for a long time to visit Walt Disney World, it can be very frustrating and upsetting when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Over the years, I have found lots of ways to get the most out of my visit if the weather is bad. Don’t forget – just keep smiling!

A rainy day in Disney is still better than a sunny day at home! Be adventurous and enjoy your time at WDW, even if it is raining!

Before leaving home, head to your local discount store and buy plastic rain ponchos. Why wait in line and pay a much higher price for a plastic rain poncho in the parks? Go into the parks prepared based on the weather report for the day.

Many folks leave the park once it starts to rain so take that time to take advantage of much shorter lines for attractions that remain open in the rain. Very often when you get out of the attraction, the rain may have stopped.

Avoid quick service restaurants. When it starts to rain, many head into the quick service restaurants thinking they will have lunch or dinner and perhaps the rain will stop by the time they finish their meal. Quick service locations can be a crowd nightmare during the rain and really heighten frustration levels.

Get some shopping done but be prepared for crowds in the shops as well. Most of the crowds are just trying to stay out of the weather and aren’t making purchases so the lines to pay are not very long.

If you leave the parks with a plan to come back later in the day when the rain stops, be prepared for crowds at the bus, monorail and ferry locations, when leaving and when returning again later in the day.

If you do stay in the parks, don’t be surprised or disappointed when certain attractions aren’t operating or parades don’t take place. Be prepared for some limitations on what you can do. Be prepared for some last minute changes to your carefully planned schedule. Flexibility is key when it comes to the weather.

Protect your cell phones, cameras, strollers since a heavy downpour and rain can mean problems for all of them. If visiting during the rainy season and you have a stroller cover, bring it. If you don’t have one make sure you have something (even a cheap poncho from the Dollar Store) that you can cover your stroller with if you have to. Even if you have water-resistant cases, consider carrying Ziploc bags as backup to protect your electronics. Rain ponchos are a must but if you leave home without them, every store on Disney property sells them the second it starts to rain!

Have a sweatshirt. Yes, I know it’s 95 degrees out but when you are wet from a sudden rain storm and then go into an air conditioned building – you will be cold. If you don’t want to carry rain ponchos and sweatshirts all day – rent a locker as soon as you enter the park. Store your rain gear in the locker and it will be there and ready when you need it.

If you find you have to leave the parks and return to your resort, make the most of it! Have a picnic in your room. Many of the Disney resorts will host activities in the lobby areas for families and children. Make it an adventure!

When planning to visit during the rainy season (Summer months into the fall) it’s a good idea to bring along a back-up pair of shoes for everyone in the family. Sneakers getting soaked may not dry by the next day and who wants to wear wet shoes!

Visit one of the shows that you haven’t seen yet or weren’t planning to see again. That will give you at least 30 minutes indoors!

Head to Disney Springs and go bowling at Splitsville – or go shopping at the World of Disney store. I can spend hours roaming in and out of the different sections in the World of Disney.

Go on all the water rides – you’re already wet anyway!

Traveling with all adults and you know it’s going to rain all day – make an appointment for one of the on property spas! Or – hop on the monorail to visit the resorts along the rails – have a cocktail or a snack at each one before moving to the next!

The best park for rainy days in my opinion – Epcot. Almost everything is indoors. It’s a simple matter of walking from building to building in the rain but all there is to do is done indoors. None of the attractions close due to rain except for Test Track.

Don’t let the rain stop you from having a fabulous Walt Disney World vacation!

Pros and Cons to Renting Disney Vacation Club Points (DVC)

August 18, 2017 by Janice Brady Leave a Comment

Renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points is the perfect way to save money when staying at a Walt Disney World Resort deluxe hotel. It’s also the perfect way to experience one of the DVC resorts if you are considering purchasing a DVC membership. There are several companies that specialize in renting DVC points (I have only used David’s DVC Rental). The process is basically the same across most of them with slight differences in cost and payment process. David’s for example requires payment in full as soon as a reservation is secured. There are others that require half at time of booking with final payment due closer to your trip. Whichever company you decided to use, one things is certain – you will save lots of money on the cost of your stay.

The two most popular sites that I always look at are DVC Rental Store and David’s Vacation Club Rentals. DVC Rental Store does one or two things that I like: there is no charge to search for availability and they offer point protection – a basic insurance. Both are reliable, trusted businesses. Prices vary from $15 to $18 per point. A nice alternative to renting points from DVC Rental Store or David’s is renting from individuals. The two main places to do this are Disboards DVC-Rent/Trade Board and MouseOwners’ Rent/Trade/Transfer Board. The advantages to renting from individuals is you can save even more money. The average per point price on these boards is $12-14, with points sometimes going for as little as $10/point if the owner is desperate or the points are about to expire.

The Pros

The biggest benefit of renting DVC is the money you will save. You are also entitled, when renting DVC points, to purchase the Disney Dining Plan even if you haven’t purchased park passes yet. This will allow you to either purchase your passes from Disney directly or to use one of the reliable sites where you can buy passes at a small discount such as Undercover Tourist. Depending on your party size purchasing tickets through a site like Undercover Tourist can save you quite a bit as well. Undercover Tourist also occasionally offers specials – Buy 4 days and get 5th day free.

Here’s an example:

2 adults staying at Disney’s Boardwalk Villas in a Standard view Studio unit from March 4 to March 10, 2018

Reservation cost directly through Disney

Reservation cost through David’s DVC Rental

Savings: Just over $1,500. You could even upgrade to a Preferred View and still be saving $1,200.

That amount of savings will cover the cost of your park passes – 2 adults/5 day park hopper = $947 with tax through Disney or $899.90 through Undercover Tourist (FYI: If you belong to Ebates you will also receive 1.0% cash back from Ebates when you purchase tickets through Undercover Tourist).

When renting DVC points you will be able to link your reservation to your My Disney Experience account and you will receive Magic Bands.

DVC villas have kitchens so you will also save some money by having breakfast, snacks or even a dinner or two in your unit. You will also have a washer/dryer to do laundry if you wish.

The Cons

The biggest downside to renting points depends on which company you use. Some require payment in full with 24 hours of reservation confirmation so may end up paying for your vacation as much as 11 months before going. A different company may require half at time of booking with the remainder due 2 months before going.

The second biggest downside to renting Disney Vacation Club points is that you have no total control over the reservation. When renting points most companies ask you to list your top 3 desired resorts in priority order. There is no guarantee you will be able to get a reservation. When you do get a confirmed reservation, you still have no control over the booking. Only the DVC member who owns the points you rented can make changes to the reservation for you (such as adding Disney’s Magical Express or the Disney Dining Plan). Disney Vacation Club will not discuss a reservation with non-members, so even though your name is on the reservation, you must go through the rental company to make any changes.

Another downside for some is no daily housekeeping services. DVC villas do not get daily service from Mousekeeping. Since the unit rented is a villa and not a hotel room, housekeeping service is not daily.

The Process

Decide when and where you want to stay

To determine the cost of your vacation stay, each rental site offers a cost calculator, as well as information on each resort available to rent. The sites will also show room layouts and lists of amenities at each resort.

Complete the on-line reservation form

Information you will need before starting the reservation process:

Dates of travel
Room/Resort Choices
Details for all of your traveling party
Partial Payment or deposit is required by some of the rental sites. The deposit will be credited towards your total cost. If a reservation can not be secured your deposit will be refunded.

Email Confirmation

If your request is fulfilled:

A confirmation number will be sent to you.
You will be able to go online and view your full reservation details.
Complete the online payment form and process the balance of payment

If your request can not be fulfilled:

You will be given other choices that may be available and the opportunity to book those rooms/resorts.
If they are not satisfactory to you, any deposit made is refunded.

Pay Final Invoice

A completed invoice, including rental agreement will be e-mailed to you. Your payment in full is your acceptance of the rental agreement.

Online Check-in

You will have access to Disney’s online check-in service. You may begin accessing Disney’s Online Check-In Service immediately to view your reservation details and 60 days prior to your scheduled arrival date, you will be able to pre-check-in, add room requests and enter information about special occasions you are celebrating during your visit.

Upon arrival, Key to the World cards and other registration materials will be waiting for you at a special welcome location where Cast Members will be available to provide additional information and answer questions. Please note that this service does not guarantee Guest rooms will be ready upon arrival at the resort. Rooms will continue to be available at standard check-in time of 4 p.m.

What do you think about renting Disney Vacation Club Points?

Using the Disability Access Service (DAS) at Walt Disney World

August 11, 2017 by Janice Brady Leave a Comment

While at Walt Disney World in June, I had my 85 year old mom with me. Mom can no longer walk through the parks all day and uses a scooter. I had noticed on the last trip she was with me, about a year ago, that going in and out of the rides, from full sunshine to shady darkness, sometimes bothered her eyes taking her quite a few minutes to adjust to the change in light. I also knew this year that she would not be able to stand or wait in any lines and would need to take the scooter as far into the attraction as possible.

On our first day in the parks, I took mom and her scooter and headed into Guest Relations to ask about a Disability Access Service Card. I wasn’t sure whether or not we would be granted use of the service but I have to say – it was an easy and quick process, and I was pleasantly surprised at how understanding the Cast Members were. I explained that mom could not stand in lines and would need to take the scooter as far into the attraction as possible and that the change in light from full sunshine to shade seemed to bother her vision on our last visit. I was afraid the change in light would make her unsteady. Without hesitation we were granted the service. The Cast Member asked how many people in our party (8) and explained the service would be valid for 14 days. The standard guideline allows for the service to include a party of 6 but since 2 of our party were children (one an infant only 6 months old) they allowed our entire party to be included. I was thrilled with this special allowance. After taking moms picture, and connecting all members of our party, a few clicks on the computer and a brief explanation on how to use the service – we were on our way. In prior years, guests would receive a physical paper pass but with the systems now in place, the pass is added directly into your My Disney Experience Account and handled electronically.

Previously known as the Guest Assistance Card (GAC), the Disability Access Service is designed to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). DAS will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disney’s FASTPASS+.

At each attraction we wanted to use the service for, I would take mom’s MagicBand to the FastPass line telling the Cast Member we would like a return time using the DAS. Mom’s MagicBand would be scanned and we would receive a return time for our party. Although I was able to receive a return time for our group, the person the service is assigned to (mom) must board the attraction with the group when it’s time. There were several times throughout each park that we were able to board the attraction immediately.

In most cases, the Cast Member would issue a return time for the attraction based on the current wait, minus 10 or 15 minutes (this is at the CM’s discretion and the return times can sometimes vary). For instance, if it’s noon and you’d like to ride the Jungle Cruise and the current wait is 50 minutes, you will receive a return time for 12:40. You can get a snack, visit another ride, or use your regular FastPass+ during the wait time to keep busy. The DAS can be used in addition to your FastPass+ allotment for the day, and was good for the length of our trip.

When visiting Walt Disney World and you are unsure of whether or not you or a member of your party will be able to use the service, go and ask. The fact that my mom would get unsteady (a little disoriented) with the change from sun light to dark coupled with her age making it difficult for her to stand in line was enough for the service to be issued. Without a doubt it made our trip much easier and much more enjoyable for mom.

The service is completely electronic at this time but some may still receive this type of hard copy pass where return times will be noted on the back.

The DAS Process

To help you as you plan your visit, below is a brief description of how the DAS process works:

♦ You arrive at a Walt Disney World® theme park. Please note: All accommodations will be discussed and provided in person upon arrival. Stop by a Guest Relations Main Entrance location to discuss your specific needs.

♦ Guest Relations Main Entrance locations: City Hall at Magic Kingdom® park, The Guest Relations lobby (near the Main Entrance) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® theme park, The Guest Relations lobby (near the turnstiles) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, The Guest Relations lobby (near Spaceship Earth) at Epcot®

♦ Guest Relations Cast Members will work with you individually to provide assistance. Based on your specific needs, DAS or other accommodations may be provided. The goal of DAS is to accommodate Guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability. A Guest whose disability is based solely on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the attraction, Guests utilizing a wheelchair or scooter will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction comparable to the current wait time. If you have additional needs, please discuss them with Guest Relations.

♦ If DAS is provided, the Guest or a guardian will participate in a registration process, which requires having a photo taken of the Guest who requires DAS. If preferred, a photo may be taken of a guardian. Valid theme park ticket media will need to be presented for each member of the party to electronically associate them to the DAS party.

♦ The Guest Relations Cast Member will then review the DAS process and ask for a Guest to accept the terms and conditions.

♦ DAS is good for up to 60 days, based on ticket entitlement*. Once the service has elapsed, it is no longer valid and you will need to return to Guest Relations. *Annual Passholders can obtain DAS for up to 60 days.

♦ Now it’s time to head into the park and enjoy your day! Simply visit an attraction to receive your first return time, which will be comparable to the current wait time for the attraction. Once the return time is issued, you are free to enjoy other theme park activities—such as visiting with a Character, grabbing a bite to eat, enjoying entertainment or even riding another attraction while you wait.

♦ Return times are valid until redeemed prior to park closing.

♦ You can only have one active return time at a time. As soon as you finish one attraction, you can receive a return time for the same or a different attraction.

♦ Another member of your travel party can obtain a return time. However, the Guest in possession of DAS must board the attraction with his/her party.

♦ You must have a valid theme park ticket for every member of your party wishing to ride an attraction with you to receive a return time. The return time will be electronically associated to each party member’s valid theme park ticket.

♦ You can use DAS in conjunction with Disney FastPass+ Service.

♦ Are you park hopping? DAS issued at Walt Disney World Resort is good at Magic Kingdom park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

♦ Have additional questions? Please return to Guest Relations. The Guest Relations staff will discuss the personal accommodations you may require and may suggest additional accommodations that can be used in conjunction with DAS. All accommodations will be determined in person at Guest Relations.

Boulder Ridge Villas Studio at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – The Pros and Cons

Boulder Ridge Villas Studio Wilderness Lodge

THE PROS

Boulder Ridge Villas Studio Wilderness Lodge

THE CONS

Winging It at WDW – Heading to WDW Without a Plan

How to Enjoy WDW Without a Spreadsheet Full of Reservations

When the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate at WDW ~ Keep Smiling!

Pros and Cons to Renting Disney Vacation Club Points (DVC)

The Pros

The Cons

The Process

Decide when and where you want to stay

Complete the on-line reservation form

Email Confirmation

Pay Final Invoice

Online Check-in

Using the Disability Access Service (DAS) at Walt Disney World

The DAS Process

Copyright/Disclaimer

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