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

[pas130]

I am holding on to The beaches of Ft. Wilderness. I can do this! Must.be.strong.

You can do this!! Even I am tempted by CR It's all the pretty pretty pics

 

[lovegrumpy]

Current dates Nov 30th to Dec 4th and Dec 15th to Dec 19th.

Dial ext 8844 from your room phone or call 407-939-1924 booking code R90

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thank you.

 

[bluecastle]

I know this has been discussed here (by WDWKOOK and maybe some others) but I am not sure where to find the info. I think my family would really enjoy this and was thinking of doing it after our breakfast at Trail's End.
Questions:
1. How much is it per adult?
2. Do you need to make a reservation and if so, how far in advance?
3. What are their summer hours?

Any help, including pointing me in the right direction to find this out myself!, would be appreciated.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Just stopping by for a little lodge love!!!

 

[danceteachermom]

I know this has been discussed here (by WDWKOOK and maybe some others) but I am not sure where to find the info. I think my family would really enjoy this and was thinking of doing it after our breakfast at Trail's End.
Questions:
1. How much is it per adult?
2. Do you need to make a reservation and if so, how far in advance?
3. What are their summer hours?

Any help, including pointing me in the right direction to find this out myself!, would be appreciated.

Here is the li k to the information on allears.

http://allears.net/menu/menu_teb.htm

 

[mom2mizmous]

thinking warm thoughts of VWL here in ct too! DH plows for town haven't seen much of him dd and I trying to clear our hilly drive -blower keeps cutting out but think we have a path cleared-lol. Any fellow dis members want to join me in day dreaming about lying next to pool at wl?

 

[DetTigsGal]

thinking warm thoughts of VWL here in ct too! DH plows for town haven't seen much of him dd and I trying to clear our hilly drive -blower keeps cutting out but think we have a path cleared-lol. Any fellow dis members want to join me in day dreaming about lying next to pool at wl?

Sounds good... my husband went snowshoeing this afternoon. We were lucky on this side of the state...town had done all our roads at least once yesterday

 

[kroy]

We stayed in a 2BR villa January 6-12, and all three rooms had ceiling fans. The villa was in excellent condition and very clean. We were there with our daughter, her husband and our two grandkids (ages 2 and 4). My wife and I have visited Disney World many times, including several stays over the last three years as a couple. We've also stayed at the Grand Floridian and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Wilderness Lodge is our favorite resort (with the Animal Kingdom Lodge a close second) because it is very relaxed (less "snooty" than the Grand Floridian, and it has better transportation options than the Animal Kingdom Lodge (bus only). I highly recommend the Wilderness Lodge for couple for these reasons– we've always been very happy there!

 

[nyrebecca]

Yesterday was spent cleaning up the snow from the storm, and today was spent sitting and relaxing by the fire. We of course were thinking of sunny FL, but I will admit we cheated on the WL and looked at other resorts.

In the end we did change our reservation....Instead of staying in the VWL 1 bedroom, we are going to be at the WL CL. Yay! While the extra room at the Villas would have been nice, it turns out we were all a bit sad at the thought of missing the OFC.

 

[bluecastle]

Here is the li k to the information on allears.

http://allears.net/menu/menu_teb.htm

I am still getting used to the differences between posting on my laptop and on my iPad. Apparently the subject line I entered (archery experience) on my laptop did not appear on the iPad app.
So thanks for the dining link, but what I wanted to know about was the archery experience!

 

[bluecastle]

We stayed in a 2BR villa January 6-12, and all three rooms had ceiling fans. The villa was in excellent condition and very clean. We were there with our daughter, her husband and our two grandkids (ages 2 and 4). My wife and I have visited Disney World many times, including several stays over the last three years as a couple. We've also stayed at the Grand Floridian and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Wilderness Lodge is our favorite resort (with the Animal Kingdom Lodge a close second) because it is very relaxed (less "snooty" than the Grand Floridian, and it has better transportation options than the Animal Kingdom Lodge (bus only). I highly recommend the Wilderness Lodge for couple for these reasons– we've always been very happy there!

Thanks for posting this! Would you mind me asking what room you were in? We are going this summer and I was a little worried about the condition of the rooms and also whether refurbishment would be going on. Was there any evidence of that?
Thanks again! We are so looking forward to having the space and the other amenities of a 2 BR villa!

 

[Crazy Kanga]

After considering YC and Poly we have decided to stick with our original plan and go back to WL in May. Now just can't wait for May 26th to get here!

 

[kroy]

Thanks for posting this! Would you mind me asking what room you were in? We are going this summer and I was a little worried about the condition of the rooms and also whether refurbishment would be going on. Was there any evidence of that?
Thanks again! We are so looking forward to having the space and the other amenities of a 2 BR villa!

We were in room 2553, which was about 3/4 of the way down the long hallway from the elevators on the 2nd floor. That's quite a walk, but we didn't mind it. We were not aware of any refurbishment or construction going on in the villas. Our villa was very quiet day and night, and we did not hear any noise from the hallway or adjacent villas. We actually rented points for our stay, and one of the things we like about staying as if we are Vacation Club members is that maid service comes only every 4th day– so you don't have to worry about being out of the room so it can be serviced. Our balcony overlooked the woods, and we saw several small deer in the woods below. The 2BR villa was very roomy, with plenty of space for four adults and two little ones. The Pack and Play crib used by the 2 year old easily fit in the large closet in the second BR. The villa could easily have accommodated two more adults because of the convertible sofa in the LR. There is a flat screen TV in each BR and also in the living room. The 2BR villa was so nice that my son in law wanted to know if we could purchase it as a retirement home!

 

[rea59]

Can't wait to get back to the lodge in June. Does anyone know which deluxe rooms are closest to the Old Faithful Club lounge? Last year we stayed in room 5000 and although the room was great, it was a long walk to the club lounge. I have 2 teenagers that like to sleep in so I would like to be close enough that I could send them to get breakfast on their own.

 

[mslhb]

Can't wait to get back to the lodge in June. Does anyone know which deluxe rooms are closest to the Old Faithful Club lounge? Last year we stayed in room 5000 and although the room was great, it was a long walk to the club lounge. I have 2 teenagers that like to sleep in so I would like to be close enough that I could send them to get breakfast on their own.

I believe they are rooms x123. We stayed in one in December. I had the IPO add "halfway down south wing" to our room request to get the location. We used the lounge a lot so was glad to be closer vs the end of the wing locations. Plus if you end up on a higher floor they have a great view of both the courtyard and bay lake.

 

[rea59]

I believe they are rooms x123. We stayed in one in December. I had the IPO add "halfway down south wing" to our room request to get the location. We used the lounge a lot so was glad to be closer vs the end of the wing locations. Plus if you end up on a higher floor they have a great view of both the courtyard and bay lake.

Thanks mslhb!

 

[fla4fun]

Thank you! I noticed that, too and could not place it. The photo makes it look like it's right in the middle of the woods! My only guess is that like BLT, it's a DVC feature and must be nestled in near the VWL pool area like at BLT

When I was at WL last month, I was taking a walk around the bike rental cabin, and there were two ping pong tables sort of around the side of the building behind the bikes. Since the rental desk was closed, I don't know if that's their permanent location, or if they move them somewhere else during the day, but they were definitely in a woodsy location when I saw them.

My room overlooked the VWL pool area, and I could see the trees surrounding the rental cabin, and I never saw the ping pong tables from my balcony - so they could have still been under those trees during the day.

 

[tarak]

I am still getting used to the differences between posting on my laptop and on my iPad. Apparently the subject line I entered (archery experience) on my laptop did not appear on the iPad app.
So thanks for the dining link, but what I wanted to know about was the archery experience!

bluecastle - here is an activity list for the Cabins, and it includes information on the archery experience (scroll down about half-way). I'd imagine there are reviews on the site (or elsewhere). http://allears.net/acc/faq_fw.htm#horses

ETA: found one! http://land.allears.net/blogs/photoblog/2010/03/ready_archery_experience_revie.html

I'm 90% sure I'm keeping my reservation for Thanksgiving week. My plan is to take my mom, who has never seen WDW decorated for the holidays, and my older three kids. I know the parks will be crazy, so at this point, I'm planning on it being more of a resort-only trip. We have a deluxe room booked for Sunday-Friday. I think the kids would love the archery and the campfires at FW. Have to make sure I look back through the thread and know what I want to request for a room - I'm thinking north wing and asking for a MK/wishes view if at all possible.

So excited to finally stay at the WL CL!

 

[WDWKOOK]

We booked our Bounce back for December. We really love the lodge but haven't had very much time for exploration. We are looking forward to a more relaxing trip here next time. We haven't been to WDW at Christmastime in a very long time.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Yippee for having another trip booked before leaving

We ventured out to Bertuccis for dinner, the roads we were on were cleared to the pavement and it was pretty smooth sailing Hamden CT got 40 inches!! Glad we weren't them

Doesn't it always feel good after a storm to go out and find civilization alive and well?

I know this has been discussed here (by WDWKOOK and maybe some others) but I am not sure where to find the info. I think my family would really enjoy this and was thinking of doing it after our breakfast at Trail's End.
Questions:
1. How much is it per adult?
2. Do you need to make a reservation and if so, how far in advance?
3. What are their summer hours?

Any help, including pointing me in the right direction to find this out myself!, would be appreciated.

I think tarak helped you out. We loved it and I highly recommend it. They even do it when it rains!

Just stopping by for a little lodge love!!!

Right back at you!

thinking warm thoughts of VWL here in ct too! DH plows for town haven't seen much of him dd and I trying to clear our hilly drive -blower keeps cutting out but think we have a path cleared-lol. Any fellow dis members want to join me in day dreaming about lying next to pool at wl?

Welcome! What a mess. I hope DH came back by now.

We stayed in a 2BR villa January 6-12, and all three rooms had ceiling fans. The villa was in excellent condition and very clean. We were there with our daughter, her husband and our two grandkids (ages 2 and 4). My wife and I have visited Disney World many times, including several stays over the last three years as a couple. We've also stayed at the Grand Floridian and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Wilderness Lodge is our favorite resort (with the Animal Kingdom Lodge a close second) because it is very relaxed (less "snooty" than the Grand Floridian, and it has better transportation options than the Animal Kingdom Lodge (bus only). I highly recommend the Wilderness Lodge for couple for these reasons– we've always been very happy there!

Thanks for posting about your recent stay at VWL. What a helpful report

Yesterday was spent cleaning up the snow from the storm, and today was spent sitting and relaxing by the fire. We of course were thinking of sunny FL, but I will admit we cheated on the WL and looked at other resorts.

In the end we did change our reservation....Instead of staying in the VWL 1 bedroom, we are going to be at the WL CL. Yay! While the extra room at the Villas would have been nice, it turns out we were all a bit sad at the thought of missing the OFC.

But what about that W/D you were so looking forward to? You know you're going to love it up on the 7th floor! I'll change your Lodgers' Log entry!

After considering YC and Poly we have decided to stick with our original plan and go back to WL in May. Now just can't wait for May 26th to get here!

Congratulations! We're happy to answer any questions you might have.

We were in room 2553, which was about 3/4 of the way down the long hallway from the elevators on the 2nd floor. That's quite a walk, but we didn't mind it. We were not aware of any refurbishment or construction going on in the villas. Our villa was very quiet day and night, and we did not hear any noise from the hallway or adjacent villas. We actually rented points for our stay, and one of the things we like about staying as if we are Vacation Club members is that maid service comes only every 4th day– so you don't have to worry about being out of the room so it can be serviced. Our balcony overlooked the woods, and we saw several small deer in the woods below. The 2BR villa was very roomy, with plenty of space for four adults and two little ones. The Pack and Play crib used by the 2 year old easily fit in the large closet in the second BR. The villa could easily have accommodated two more adults because of the convertible sofa in the LR. There is a flat screen TV in each BR and also in the living room. The 2BR villa was so nice that my son in law wanted to know if we could purchase it as a retirement home!

More great info - thanks

Can't wait to get back to the lodge in June. Does anyone know which deluxe rooms are closest to the Old Faithful Club lounge? Last year we stayed in room 5000 and although the room was great, it was a long walk to the club lounge. I have 2 teenagers that like to sleep in so I would like to be close enough that I could send them to get breakfast on their own.

I think if you put in a request to be close to the lounge that might get you closer to the front of the Lodge. Here is a map showing the Deluxe Room locations:

I believe they are rooms x123. We stayed in one in December. I had the IPO add "halfway down south wing" to our room request to get the location. We used the lounge a lot so was glad to be closer vs the end of the wing locations. Plus if you end up on a higher floor they have a great view of both the courtyard and bay lake.

Yes, the Deluxe rooms that are near the middle of the resort and not at the ends nearest Bay Lake end in 123.

When I was at WL last month, I was taking a walk around the bike rental cabin, and there were two ping pong tables sort of around the side of the building behind the bikes. Since the rental desk was closed, I don't know if that's their permanent location, or if they move them somewhere else during the day, but they were definitely in a woodsy location when I saw them.

My room overlooked the VWL pool area, and I could see the trees surrounding the rental cabin, and I never saw the ping pong tables from my balcony - so they could have still been under those trees during the day.

That's it! Yes, now I remember coming back on the trail from FW and seeing a table on the sidewalk near the bikes? Thanks for solving the table tennis mystery.

bluecastle - here is an activity list for the Cabins, and it includes information on the archery experience (scroll down about half-way). I'd imagine there are reviews on the site (or elsewhere). http://allears.net/acc/faq_fw.htm#horses

ETA: found one! http://land.allears.net/blogs/photoblog/2010/03/ready_archery_experience_revie.html

I'm 90% sure I'm keeping my reservation for Thanksgiving week. My plan is to take my mom, who has never seen WDW decorated for the holidays, and my older three kids. I know the parks will be crazy, so at this point, I'm planning on it being more of a resort-only trip. We have a deluxe room booked for Sunday-Friday. I think the kids would love the archery and the campfires at FW. Have to make sure I look back through the thread and know what I want to request for a room - I'm thinking north wing and asking for a MK/wishes view if at all possible.

So excited to finally stay at the WL CL!

Thanks for posting the links for bluecastle.

You might be surprised by the crowd levels. It's not always as bad as you might imagine and if you go early AM, it's even better. Avoid the parades and staying for Wishes (watch it from the beach or boat), Illuminations, etc... and you'll be fine

 

[nyrebecca]

But what about that W/D you were so looking forward to? You know you're going to love it up on the 7th floor! I'll change your Lodgers' Log entry!

Eh, I will just start saving my quarters now for some trips down to the laundry room.

I was looking forward to the W/D, but now I am THRILLED about being back on the 7th floor.