Disney's Wilderness Lodge Review - Get Prepped for Run Disney!!!

I had a good running friend call me the other day and ask where they should stay when it comes to this years Run Disney events. I figured it would be a good opportunity to delve into some Disney resort reviews, and dust off my old skills as a concierge and back office staffer.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas

First for the series is one of my unabashed favorite resort hotels, Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas. It is a vast property, and I apologize for the length of this review. The short version is this, if you have the money, it's a great value and should be your choice of Disney Resorts!

This 800+ resort consistently delivers world-class service for it's guests. From the drive in through imported Northern Pines, past the manicured wild flowers, and right to the tin-roofed log facade based on lodges of the Pacific Northwest, this property awes!

Stepping past the granite of the porte-cochere and into the cathedral-like lobby makes every guest stop and stare up, way up, over 100 feet to the exposed wood-beam roof trusses. The lobby alone is a destination with ample seating, a bubbling geyser and the unreal three-sided fireplace which displays strata designed to replicate the sandstone layers of the Grand Canyon. Two other fireplaces grace the lobby on higher floors including my favorite niche for a nap, on the fourth floor right over the entrance.

The Front Desk staff is exceptionally knowledgeable, and separates into three basic sections: Main Check-in, Online Check-in, and Concierge. If you are arriving via Disney's Magical Express, please be prepared for lines as many families surge for the desk. Instead, go on and leave your bags locked up with bell services, a complimentary service plus tip, and walk through the property. Grab a beverage at the handy quick service location, Roaring Fork, and relax, you're on vacation. Let the other travelers from the bus go crazy for their rooms, and when the desk is no longer rushed, you can walk up with it being totally empty.

Once you have your room number, take your time walking the halls. This building is an Urban Design Group masterpiece, and it doesn’t let you forget it. Every corner, every room and every wall is decorated like Teddy Roosevelt's Sagamore hill. Details abound, and in fact, you can ask the Concierge for a fact booklet on the Lodge and they also have a “Hidden Mickey” hunt sheet.

Well appointed Bunk Bed Category Room

The rooms are not exceptionally large for the price in the Orlando market. They are what I call Disney standard size, but they have wonderful balconies, and above-standard baths. Depending on the season, rates run from $289 to $390 for most rooms, about double that for Club Level. Accommodations come in many, many, far-too-many different price categories based on view and bed appointment. In general, but not always, “Standard” view is of the service yard, rooftops, or bus loop. “Woods” view rooms are just that, they look out at trees. “Courtyard” may refer to views of one of the two pools. Within these are separate categories for two queen beds, one queen and two bunks or one king; many king rooms are ADA accessible, and feature a lower bed and a huge zero entry shower. Honestly, aside from needing an ice bath after a marathon, I always go for the giant shower!

For those who like a little extra luxury, there are Junior Suites which sleep six, and the Club Concierge Floor. The Club Floor rooms are run-of-the-house, meaning you do not get to specify view of bedding, it is all mixed, and no requests are guaranteed. Also, the 7th floor balconies and half those on the 6th floor are not slat-railed, they are privacy balconies that sort of “pop-up” from the green tin roof. This floor also houses the four Honeymoon suites which are just king bed rooms with a jacuzzi tub and a private balcony. The Junior Suites are located throughout the hotel, but none on the 7th Club Floor. All Guests staying in the suites do have card access to the Club level and Lounge. The Lounge has several small offerings throughout the day including a nice continental breakfast, snacks through the afternoon, several hot items in the evening, and dessert in the evening. Some beer, wine and spirits are available in the evening in moderation, and your ID will be checked, so don't leave it in your room.

Lastly are the Presidential (Yellowstone) and Vice Presidential (Yosemite) Suites. They are almost mirror images on the 7th floor. The Vice has a very very large open balcony with an amazing view of the sunrise on the lake. The Presidential has this area enclosed as extra living space. Both have one King bed, one pull out sofa, jacuzzi tub, and small meeting area.

  

One of the most exceptional Disney restaurants is located just off the main lobby, Artist Point. This is a lovely change to the darker hues of the rest of the decor in the Lodge. Whitewash beams lighten the high ceilings while huge arts and crafts windows look out over the pool and lake. The menu is small because it can be. Stars of the menu include the cedar-plank salmon and the astounding bison fillet. Let me explain the fillet this way, have you ever been to a steakhouse and the smells are so mouth-watering you want your steak to taste just like that smell, and instead you get a chewy piece of tasteless cow. This is the first place, since I dined at the Belvedere Hotel in Manhattan, where I have found a meal which tastes just like that amazing aroma, and it is the bison fillet, medium-rare!

 

Carolwood Pacific Room

As amazing as the design, the rooms and the dining are, the biggest draw for this resort is the state of mind it should put you in. This hotel sits just across Bay Lake from The Magic Kingdom, but it is hard to believe it. The Lodge is tranquil and quiet, except for the kitschy Whispering Canyon Restaurant in the lobby, though they quiet down by 9pm every night.

 

 

 

 

Walt Disney's Private Train Collection

If you’re not traveling with young kids, try the ambiance over in the Wilderness Lodge Villas' lobby. There is a hidden gem getaway in the Carolwood Pacific room where leather chairs and a warm private fire nestle amongst some of Walt Disney's own train memorabilia. This is also where you will find Sturdy Branches Spa and Fitness Center. Also, tucked into the pine forest out back, you will discover the smaller pool which has fewer guests, and best of all, the most incredible boil-your-skin-off sunken Jacuzzi!

Disney's Wilderness Lodge Villas Quiet Pool

This covers just the surface of the Wilderness Lodge. Put simply, assuming you do not expect a stark white, modern-minimalist hotel, you will absolutely be pleased with this property!

I do hope this is helpful! Other reviews of Disney proberties will follow soon as you get geared up for Run Disney!

******I do have to add a big disclaimer with this review in particular, I worked many years at the Wilderness Lodge Front Desk and Back Office. That being said, by no means did I soft-ball this review, but I do think I'm almost an expert. Like I said in my original posting of my Declaration of Principles, I will not endorse a product I do not honestly believe in!******

 

 

 

 

One of My Favorite Halfs Just Opened!!!

Just announced today is the registration open for one of my favorite runs ever! The 2014 Key Largo Bridge Half Marathon!!

Key Largo Bridge Run

 

Top reasons why I love this run:

1. It's completely beautiful!
2. It's not very technical! (Except for the GIANT bridge)
3. It's inexpensive! (only $60 at open)
4. It's a small field!
5. It is mentally exhausting! (Cause I like a challenge)

Up for that challenge? If only those five reasons hooked you, then head to the race website. They have a special early registration bonus of a free second race tee till April 21^st.
 

The November 8th run is an out-and-back route, along the famous Florida Stretch. It's 18 miles of causeway built on Flagler's old rail-bed, and in some places appears to be a foot off the water. This race also features a 10k and 5k out-and-back that all start at the same time, so volunteers along the road literally hold up signs telling you when to turn for each distance.

The half is the most sparse of the groups. It's kind of un-nerving to be running with 1000 people who just disappear at the 10k turn, then suddenly there are about 100 other runners scattered up the remaining three miles in front of you. That is one of the things that make this a challenge; there are no spectators after the first mile. At each water stop there were amazing volunteers, of course, who cheer like crazy, but you are pretty-much on your own.

The race starts at the Southern end of the newly built Jewfish Creek bridge, a 100 foot tall monster. This is the best feature though, cause right about the moment you hit the top of the bridge is sunrise, and you can see Florida Bay to the South, the Atlantic behind you, and see the route all the way to Florida City! Breathtaking is not the right word.

There are a few drawbacks, assuming you don't see being all alone as one. The entire course is at about a four degree bank up to about 14 degrees in the one big corner for drainage. This means that to run truly flat you have to be right on the edge of the shoulder, so there can be some discomfort. Also, I mentioned no cheering fans; I didn't think this would matter that much, but I really coulda used those extra voices urging me on the last few miles of pain. The last thing that could actually be improved, is that since the half field is so small, by the time you get back most of the vendors have packed up.
 



Key Largo Bridge Run Medal 2011

 

So why do I really love having run this in 2011??? Well, I did get a personal best of 2:19:34 for the half. Sadly I had been on a 2 hr pace, then around mile 10.2 my piriformis muscle started swelling and pushed my sciatic nerve against my pelvis...Owww. So I limped most of the way back. However, even so, the take-away of this race was a huge feeling of pride and ownership of a race. I definitely discovered the inverse proportion of number of people running, and personal attachment to a course. There are so few people who have done this race, and now I stand in a small honored club!

 

I really wish I could do it again this year, but it is a week after the New York Marathon. By now you should know that I'm running with Team Fox for Parkinson's Research on Nov 2^nd. In the process I am fundraising and collecting sponsors at www2.michaeljfox.org/goto/RunningArts

Spread the word about both these world-class opportunities!!!

Why I Love Rejection!!

Early days biking through Brooklyn!

A random thought occurred to me today, and I figured it was a good way to delve into my exciting young years living in New York, but to also tell you more about the kind of person I try to be, and why my mission with Team Fox for Parkinson's is so important. It starts here and now talking to prospective big sponsors on the phone, and ends 14 years ago with a homeless man on the subway from Brooklyn.

I have finally started getting responses from many fantastic companies and media outlets who are sadly unable to assist me in my campaign, but always and genuinely they wish me and my father the best of luck. I've mentioned this to friends over the last few days and they always want to know why I'm actually smiling about getting rejections. I explain to them it's better than being ignored outright, and then I tell them my story with Sonny Payne.

 

My old home away from home

When I moved up to Brooklyn, after college, I landed an amazing job as an Art Director with a stellar printing company, Alpine Creative Group. So every day I rode the F Train from Parkslope, in Brooklyn to 26^th and 6^th in the city. The subway system of New York is a myriad of cultures and worlds colliding. I always thought that people of my caste kind of ruled the train system cause we were the defacto proletariat. Always there, always flexible to the changes in the system, and never failing to attend. There were others as well, the random beauty who got on one stop after me; I called her Hat Girl cause she was always immaculately dressed in moderate business attire, but always had an odd hat, her favorite was a blue riders helmet that reminded me of the tour guides at Disney. Then there was a guy that rode North from the Village. I called him Eddie Vedder cause he always had perfect hipster long hair and would listen to his Walkman for his two stops.

Then there was Sonny Payne. Sonny was homeless, 65 or 70 years old, a beard that was ragged but neatly close-cut and gray at the ends, and he shouldered a TMNT backpack. Many other articles are out there about chats with this institution of the F Train, about his delivery of his polished line for food or change, but I want to share a conversation I had with him one day. It started with a couple dozen sandwiches.

I started packing an extra pb&j for Sonny after a few months of seeing him travel the cars on my trip toward the city. He was always gentle, thankful and would always bless you after a donation, and you knew he meant it from his heart. So every morning if I saw him, I'd give him my extra sandwich, he would say “bless you Sir.” and we would go our separate ways. Then one day, there was a wretched storm blowing, and in the city, people scatter when the skies open up with what I call “Florida Fury.” Back home, every afternoon the heavens descended, but this day the subway was light on commuters; I pretty much had a car to myself. Sonny hopped on from the next car like clockwork, and I offered him my sandwich as usual, then something amazing happened, he sat down across from me as he thanked me and began to tear into the offering. I'd never seen him actually eat before. I offered him my bottle of water too; he wanted to turn it away, but slowly took it as well. I noted to him that he may be the driest New Yorker around today. He laughed a bit, and said that 'it sure was a mess up there alright.'

By the time we approached the next station Sonny was back on his feet, tucking away half the sandwich in his turtle backpack, and he thanked me again. I told him I wished I could do more. He said that I was better than a lot of people, most people just ignore him. He said that was the worst cause eventually you start to believe you're invisible, and it hurts. He thanked me again for just looking him in the eye and reminding him he was a real person.

 

That's how charity fundraising can feel some days. I've sent out dozens of letters, and today I got my first phone call from a real living person. Even though it may end in rejection, at least I know my cause is not invisible, and neither are those I fight for.

So please consider this as you see the link below, or as you receive my letters or email.

Thank you!

 

www2.michaeljfox.org/goto/RunningArts

 

And yes when I get up to the city for the Marathon, I'm bringing a big bag of sandwiches.

 

Evil Evil Oak Pollen vs. Runner with Antihistamines

This week has had so many ups, and no real downs, I must say! That is, until I ran this morning!

First off, let me just say that my Team Fox donations have doubled since the start of the week thanks to so many caring and beautiful people, but I'm still so very far away from my goal before the New York Marathon. So please pass along this link, and be my hero by encouraging others to donate to my campaign to help Team Fox!

The perfect running path!

Even though I am from the South, the only two things typically southern that suite me are sweet tea and long oak-lined streets to run through. That being said, oak pollen in evil, so very evil!

No doubt if you live anywhere experiencing spring right now, this week has torn up your allergies! The oak pollen count is the highest it has been in years, so no doubt your car is now yellow, and your lungs have a similar coating.

For me it is extra difficult. I have allergy-induced asthma. This just means that my little bronchioles get super-inflamed and produce extra mucous which diminishes the efficiency of my lungs. That is usually not too big a problem anymore because, with running, we train our lungs to work more efficiently, so it normally evens out. However, this last week has been like chewing burlap.

Oak pollen

Most pollen I have seen is small, round, and has little spikes, so it scrapes and sticks a little, and that's it. However, I found out what oak pollen looks like. It's roughly the shape of bell peppers, and covered in layers of fine net-like scales. This results in them being able to pack in very tightly and just shift and scratch in my lungs. Think of it kind of like wrapping up tight in a wool blanket, and feeling every little shift and tug against your skin all the time.

However, I am not alone in this fight, and neither are you. I have antihistamines galore. Originally I was prescribed Singulair. It is a once-a-day tablet and it worked very well for quite awhile. I did get a little more 'jumpy' though, so I was switched to prescription Zyrtec. It worked so fantastically, but left a weird coppery taste in my mouth all the time. Finally I landed on Allegra, and I'm fairly certain if there is a Goddes of antihistamines, her name is Allegra!

So, for a few weeks I have to change my routine and run in the afternoon once I've been active for a bit and my once-a-day has kicked in. That appears to me a small price for healthy lungs, and not collapsing on the side of the road.