[catfish1999]

Instead of a traditional trip report, the following is the text of a letter I sent to Disney following our experience last Sept. at Wilderness Lodge. A CM actually called me to thank me for sending it. (Pardon the length, but when I get going, there's no stopping me!)

Walt Disney World® Resort
Executive Offices
Post Office Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

To Whom It May Concern:

My husband and I are frequent visitors to Walt Disney World. Living in South Florida, it is just a three-hour drive, and we often visit with or without the kids (now 17, 12 and 11). In fact, when planning our wedding in August of 1999, we agreed that there would be no better place to join our families together than the Magic Kingdom, so that is exactly where we were married. At that time we stayed at Dixie Landings and had a truly wonderful time.

As we were discussing plans for our fourth anniversary, we agreed that we would love to stay at Wilderness Lodge. We both love the “great outdoors” and the look of the resort is something that greatly appealed to both of us. We had taken the kids for a summer stay at Port Orleans in July, but were looking forward to getting away alone! Unfortunately, my mother passed away in August and those plans were placed on hold for a while.

In September, we decided to go ahead with our plans to get away and made reservations at Wilderness Lodge. We arrived on Sept. 19 and were immediately assisted at check in by a wonderful cast member named Angela. When we told her that we were celebrating our anniversary, she checked to see if any upgrades were available, and offered us the concierge level at a very reasonable rate. She was so friendly and professional and made us feel welcome at once.

The room that we were given was not only on the concierge level, but was the honeymoon suite! We were so impressed by the room and the wonderful Jacuzzi tub! What a surprise it was too when room service showed up with a delicious chocolate cake and anniversary card! We could have easily skipped the parks and spent our time just enjoying your wonderful resort.

We dined at Artist Point and were very impressed by not only the menu, but also by the service offered by the staff. Our waiter, Andres was training a young man and they both were very gracious. Another night we enjoyed dinner at Whispering Canyon. What a fun place! Although I was enjoying time alone with my husband, I couldn’t help but think what fun the kids would have there. Actually, everyone there was a kid – if not chronologically, than at least at heart.

We took the hotel tour one morning with “Stan the Man”. What a character he is! He is very knowledgeable about the history and the inspiration for the lodge and pointed out several details that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. He truly seems to love his job. We were also impressed with the service at the Mercantile. My husband made a comment that he liked the lobby music that was playing and asked the cast member in the store if she knew what song it was. Without missing a beat (pardon the pun!), she produced a list of all the lobby music that Wilderness Lodge uses.

We were scheduled to stay just two nights, but we were having such a wonderful time, we extended our stay one more night. The concierge staff was very helpful in taking care of all the details for us. Although we did have to change rooms because the honeymoon suite was not available for the last night, there was little we had to do. Bell Service held our luggage while we went to Epcot, and when we returned, our new room was ready.

I wanted to drop a note (whitch has now become an epoch letter!) to commend you on the level of service that your cast members provided during our stay. I have never been disappointed in Disney, but this time I was overwhelmed. I look forward to returning to Wilderness Lodge in the near future and highly recommend the resort to everyone I know.

Warmest regards from a new Wilderness Lodge fan,

[Dana]

What a great way to get away with your DH! I love WL and am glad that you had such a great stay with them. I found their service to as outstanding as you and highly reccomend that resort to anyone that will listen to me jabber on about it. You letter was very well written and I'm certain they appreciated that much derserved praise. Working with the public on a daily basis, I know how nice it is to hear something positive once in awhile. I'm sorry for the loss of you DM.

[rlander]

What a great report/letter. Your experience really makes me long for another stay at WL. To me, there is no place in the WORLD like the Lodge.

[LRTJS]

How considerate of you to take the time to write that letter. Makes me ashamed that I have never let the people at DW know how much I love and appreciate the place and all that the CM do. I know there are some bad experiences but for the most part Walt Disney World is the happiest place on earth. :D

[DisneyTeacher]

When I started reading your post I thought the letter was going to be detailing problems you had during a stay at WL. I thought, no, someone didn't have a wonderful time at the most beautiful resort at WDW? I was a little sad until I started reading your letter.

We fell in love with WL in July. I may never stay at another resort at WDW. It was everything we hoped and more. I could spend an entire week there and never go to the parks. I thought the staff was wonderful, everyone went out of their way to help us.

I am glad you took the time to write a positive letter, more of us need to do that.

[MickeyRon]

We have not had the opportunity to stay on site yet... however, we did get to visit the lodge and eat at Whispering Canyan... You letter has made me want to surprise my DW with a weekend trip to WDW, but it would be a little expensive... so I can dream...

[alextina]

WOW!! Thanks for posting your letter we will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge this coming May and after reading about your wonderful experience I am really excited about staying there.:)

[tiggerlover1971]

Great letter !!! Wilderness is my favorite resort I stayed there on my honeymoon and hope to stay there again sometime