(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS Information Thread ~2012~

[WDWKOOK]

If I can find a site to upload my photos to, I'll post what I have.

There was a VWL rehab recently?

 

[Deb & Bill]

There was a VWL rehab recently?

It looked like they were just doing a two bedroom lockoff on the fourth floor. Carpet outside the villas in that section was replaced, wallpaper in the corridor was replaced, corridor in the area was repainted (but paint was about the same). The two villas were pretty much gutted with laminate flooring put down to replace carpet in the villas.

Not sure if it was just a trial to show someone what it would look like or what.

The current carpet in the corridor.

The new carpet in the corridor.

The area right outside the renovated villas.

Inside the one bedroom villa under renovation.

Current wallpaper in the corridor.

New wallpaper in the corridor outside the two renovated villas. It looks like a feather pattern.

 

[awatt]

Are the noisy because of Whispering Canyon? I think I would like this location opening up onto the lobby but want to be able to sleep, relax etx.

 

[pld5]

I'm trying to sitract myself with the live form Disney Thread (we're having a snow day over in London today) but am just succeeding in making myself hungry.

I laughed out loud at this. I spend so much time on the boards looking at food pictures and reviews that my own refrigerator is a poor comparison when I am done.

 

[AngiTN]

Most definately - just 32 days now. All the planning has been done, spreadsheets created and turned into PDF's for ease of access on the iPhone, room preference entered with the UK Disney office (4th or 5th floor inner courtyard with a view of the lake / geyser) and now we wait. Its at this stage that I start getting twitchy and start looking at the dining reservations again

The perils of being an over planner - what to do when you've nothing left to do, and can't sensibly start the packing for another 3 weeks...

One of the nice things about going in the winter and needing more summer like clothes at Disney is you can get to packing early. I won't have a need for any shorts or capri's now. And of course DGD wears only custom Disney themed clothes while there so none of her stuff is being worn. I've got it all organized and hanging on a rack in the spare room. Just waiting on a few more pieces to arrive and then I can start to pack her stuff.

The boat information is on the first page HERE, but it's never a problem asking questions here


Thank you. The Red Flag boat operates a half hour before MK opens and about a half hour after it closes.


Yes, the Blue Flag boat starts operating at about 0655 and the walk to the MK from the boat dock at the CR is a little over 10 minutes. Here is a video I posted on the new CR thread of the actual walk from the lobby of the CR to the MK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GOOmTbqzy8
.

Thank you. I will look that over closer. I was contemplating using the boat to CR and then the monorail to Epcot to cut out driving there. May take a bit too long though. We'll have a car and can drive no problems. Simply hoping to avoid ever parking and having to take a tram. Hate dragging the stroller on that sucker.

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

Can anyone tell me if the slide at the WL pool recently went under refurb? Another site has it listed as under refurb until Jan. 18th, but I know how these things go sometimes. Pool slide refurbs often get pushed back for more important things. We will be there from Feb. 9 - 15 and I am hoping the slide (and any other pool refurbs) are complete before we go.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Can anyone tell me if the slide at the WL pool recently went under refurb? Another site has it listed as under refurb until Jan. 18th, but I know how these things go sometimes. Pool slide refurbs often get pushed back for more important things. We will be there from Feb. 9 - 15 and I am hoping the slide (and any other pool refurbs) are complete before we go.

They closed it while we were there on Jan 6. It was expected to be closed until the end of the month. Guests were told that they could use the pool and slide at the Contemporary Resort (but not BLT).

 

[TaraPA]

Just so others know, the Deluxe room (or suites) haven't been available with the Military or AP rate at WL, at least for the past several years. It has, however, been available at both BWI and BC. (I've booked them there, but, ummm, changed.) Hopefully, a bigger discount will come out for you.

I've been watching that darn WL Deluxe room for discounts for years now. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. So glad pas got 5% off - but that's still not enough of a discount for my pocket book!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Six months from today we will be walking into our beloved WL! For some reason, all of a sudden we are sooooo excited!

Kook I have a question.... When staying CL, do you make your own dining ressies or do you let IPO handle it? We only need three; Be Our Guest for dinner, Cape May Cafe and Via Napoli. The rest of the time we'll wing it like always!

If I email IPO today, what is the chance they'll make the Be Our Guest ressie early enough to get us a table?


Thank you!

 

[WDWKOOK]

It looked like they were just doing a two bedroom lockoff on the fourth floor. Carpet outside the villas in that section was replaced, wallpaper in the corridor was replaced, corridor in the area was repainted (but paint was about the same). The two villas were pretty much gutted with laminate flooring put down to replace carpet in the villas.

Not sure if it was just a trial to show someone what it would look like or what.

The current carpet in the corridor.

The new carpet in the corridor.

The area right outside the renovated villas.

Inside the one bedroom villa under renovation.

Current wallpaper in the corridor.

New wallpaper in the corridor outside the two renovated villas. It looks like a feather pattern.

Thanks so much for posting those photos. I wonder if those villas will be model rooms or if it's the start of a VWL room rehab? You're the DVC expert, have you heard any rumors? I know many have asked about a VWL rehab as the villas haven't had one in many years. Maybe they'll even get rid of the bedspreads soon!

Are the noisy because of Whispering Canyon? I think I would like this location opening up onto the lobby but want to be able to sleep, relax etx.

Those who have stayed in them have generally reported that they weren't bothered by any WCC noise. I don't think it will be an issue at all for you, but I've personally never stayed in one nor have I ever had a room lower than the 5th floor.

I've been watching that darn WL Deluxe room for discounts for years now. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. So glad pas got 5% off - but that's still not enough of a discount for my pocket book!

On principle, I won't book without at least a 20% discount. I had to book five nights of our spring break trip at only 20% off and it pains me. I've been very spoiled by 40% off and I look at it as a challenge to get a great WDW discount

Six months from today we will be walking into our beloved WL! For some reason, all of a sudden we are sooooo excited!

Kook I have a question.... When staying CL, do you make your own dining ressies or do you let IPO handle it? We only need three; Be Our Guest for dinner, Cape May Cafe and Via Napoli. The rest of the time we'll wing it like always!

If I email IPO today, what is the chance they'll make the Be Our Guest ressie early enough to get us a table?


Thank you!

I never have the IPO make ADRs, but, in the case of BOG, I would defintely have them do it - I'm sure they'll get it for you and then you won't have to worry about making it - email them now

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Thank you!!!!!

I just emailed them (and introduced ourselves as well). I already received the 'you'll hear from us within 24 hours' response so that'll be in plenty of timemformthe Tuesday morning reservation making time!

You are awesome, Kook!

 

[Kathymford]

Thanks so much for posting those photos. I wonder if those villas will be model rooms or if it's the start of a VWL room rehab? You're the DVC expert, have you heard any rumors? I know many have asked about a VWL rehab as the villas haven't had one in many years. Maybe they'll even get rid of the bedspreads soon!

I can't remember where I read it, but I thought I heard VWL was next up for a reno. I was very excited about this, because after staying at AKL, the rooms at VWL were a little bit older (still love it there though).

Also, according to the last DVC annual meeting, all of the bedspreads are being replaced with the 3-sheet thing, or whatever you call that. *disclaimer: I am no Martha Stuart!

 

[TaraPA]

On principle, I won't book without at least a 20% discount. I had to book five nights of our spring break trip at only 20% off and it pains me. I've been very spoiled by 40% off and I look at it as a challenge to get a great WDW discount

Oh heck yeah me too! I'm not even sure I'd book with only 20% off - I'd probably go mod if that was the case. I've been really really lucky to snag 35-40% off AP rates the last few years, and prior to that I traveled with a CM (now a former CM) and she got the BEST room discounts from time to time! Now that spoiled me. We were able to book a 2BR BLT when it first opened for 60% off. Unbelievable. I've also been known to cash in DH's Starwood points for free nights at Swan & Dolphin....shhhhh!

 

[DetTigsGal]

Oh heck yeah me too! I'm not even sure I'd book with only 20% off - I'd probably go mod if that was the case. I've been really really lucky to snag 35-40% off AP rates the last few years, and prior to that I traveled with a CM (now a former CM) and she got the BEST room discounts from time to time! Now that spoiled me. We were able to book a 2BR BLT when it first opened for 60% off. Unbelievable. I've also been known to cash in DH's Starwood points for free nights at Swan & Dolphin....shhhhh!

We got a small discount at WLCL this past T'giving, but other than that we haven't had one in years. We are regular people who don't have a lot of flexibility when we travel

 

[Mouse14]

How are you able to tell which % you get?

 

[pistachio]

Oh heck yeah me too! I'm not even sure I'd book with only 20% off - I'd probably go mod if that was the case. I've been really really lucky to snag 35-40% off AP rates the last few years, and prior to that I traveled with a CM (now a former CM) and she got the BEST room discounts from time to time! Now that spoiled me. We were able to book a 2BR BLT when it first opened for 60% off. Unbelievable. I've also been known to cash in DH's Starwood points for free nights at Swan & Dolphin....shhhhh!

Wow, 60%! Did you receive it in your email?

Wanted to clarify - Deluxe rooms are never discounted? But Club Level can be discounted? TIA

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you!!!!!

I just emailed them (and introduced ourselves as well). I already received the 'you'll hear from us within 24 hours' response so that'll be in plenty of timemformthe Tuesday morning reservation making time!

You are awesome, Kook!

Awww, thank you

Have you heard back from them yet?

I can't remember where I read it, but I thought I heard VWL was next up for a reno. I was very excited about this, because after staying at AKL, the rooms at VWL were a little bit older (still love it there though).

Also, according to the last DVC annual meeting, all of the bedspreads are being replaced with the 3-sheet thing, or whatever you call that. *disclaimer: I am no Martha Stuart!

That would be great news - thanks, Martha

Oh heck yeah me too! I'm not even sure I'd book with only 20% off - I'd probably go mod if that was the case. I've been really really lucky to snag 35-40% off AP rates the last few years, and prior to that I traveled with a CM (now a former CM) and she got the BEST room discounts from time to time! Now that spoiled me. We were able to book a 2BR BLT when it first opened for 60% off. Unbelievable. I've also been known to cash in DH's Starwood points for free nights at Swan & Dolphin....shhhhh!

Well, spring break discounts for military are blacked-out beginning 3/25 and 3/24 for AP, which is even less of a discount. So the only way I could get any discount at all for 3/25 on is to book a SOG overflow rate which is always 20% off everyday. We'll get one more use out of APs this way (3 visits/about 30 days total) and it's a good excuse to finally give FWC (a Mod.) a try.

I think the key is for all of us to travel with a CM! You need your CM back!

We got a small discount at WLCL this past T'giving, but other than that we haven't had one in years. We are regular people who don't have a lot of flexibility when we travel

So you haven't been able to get any general public discounts at all or AP, Visa, AAA, military, nothing? It might be worth at least joining AAA - I think their discounts average about 20%?

How are you able to tell which % you get?

You only get a discount if either you have a pin code attached to your name or if you ask to apply an eligible discount. You would have to call the WDTC and ask them if you have a pin code of any kind attached to your name (or your spouse's). You would have received an email or postcard (do they still do those?) from Disney Destinations regarding an offer. If you know of a public offer you're eligible for, such as AAA, Disney Visa, military, FL resident, Free Dining, etc... then you can ask to see if rooms are available using those eligible offers. You can also compute discounts by comparing the rack rate (full price) that is listed on the WDW booking site, to the quote from the WDTC. The CM should also be able to tell you, but not always.

Good luck!

Wow, 60%! Did you receive it in your email?

Wanted to clarify - Deluxe rooms are never discounted? But Club Level can be discounted? TIA

She was traveling with a CM - they are eligible for greater room-only rates, but they do vary and the CM must accompany you, I think.

Yes, Deluxe rooms are sometimes discounted. pas130 says she received 5% off using a general public code. However, we've never seen them available with the military or AP discount. I don't know about FL resident or AAA. They have been available with the military and AP rates at BC and BWI.


ETA: Forgot to comment about STD CL rooms: I've always found them to be included, but not the Deluxe or Suites.

 

[sherekhan]

Oh man! I hope that slide is finished by Feb 22. I switched our stay from the poly so that we'd have a working pool. It would be so sad not to have the slide!!

If anyone is staying there in early feb, please let us know if it's finished!

 

[holbie18]

Oh man! I hope that slide is finished by Feb 22. I switched our stay from the poly so that we'd have a working pool. It would be so sad not to have the slide!!

If anyone is staying there in early feb, please let us know if it's finished!

We will be arriving this Saturday. I might not post when we are there, but will surely respond once we return home (Wed. Jan 30th). I have been curious about the slide and pool too.

 

[sherekhan]

We will be arriving this Saturday. I might not post when we are there, but will surely respond once we return home (Wed. Jan 30th). I have been curious about the slide and pool too.

Thank you!