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

[pepe of ohio]

Thanks! I want to stay at WL but DH wants monorail or somewhere he doesn't have to constantly collapse the stroller.

Again, 2 boats serve WL, smaller wooden boat, strollers must be folded and a bigger steel enclosed boat where you can just wheel stroller and child on... You just have to step aside until the yellow steel boat comes and wheel on in... No big deal, like every other boat landing is the steel boat!

 

[WDWKOOK]

We were looking at videos of WL OFC taken this week showing bkfst and appetizers and dessert. The pickins were pretty slim. WL in general was pretty empty. It would seem logical they base the quantity of food offerings on the # of guests staying CL.... True??

Hmmm... Could you post the link to the video? The CL app. menus on the first page are from August. We noticed a change in the offerings (for the worse actually) when we were there and were told there was a new chef. I don't know if the menus ended up permanently changing since our last visit, I'd have to see the video to get a better idea. I've never seen them not replenish the food when we've stayed there; when they run out they bring out more so I'm curious to see what you saw.

I have been lurking more than posting lately but am excited b/c we just extended our upcoming trip in Sept again! We are now doing a room only checking in on 9/6/13 standard view and then switching to our package with courtyard view on the 7th. We decided to do it just room only due to flights and the dining plan isn't really worth it for that Friday. Now we can hang out at the pool on Sat waiting for my parents to show up.

That sounds like a great plan and welcome back!

 

[nyrebecca]

Hmmm... Could you post the link to the video? The CL app. menus on the first page are from August. We noticed a change in the offerings (for the worse actually) when we were there and were told there was a new chef. I don't know if the menus ended up permanently changing since our last visit, I'd have to see the video to get a better idea. I've never seen them not replenish the food when we've stayed there; when they run out they bring out more so I'm curious to see what you saw.

Not sure if this is the video the OP meant, I saw this the other day on youtube.

http://youtu.be/PfmSud1FwPQ

(my first time posting a link from youtube, hope it works)

 

[WDWKOOK]

Not sure if this is the video the OP meant, I saw this the other day on youtube.

http://youtu.be/PfmSud1FwPQ

(my first time posting a link from youtube, hope it works)

That MUST be it - thank you! Well, the Black Cod Chowder is new, it used to be a wonderful salmon chowder, unless this isn't a replacement? The video covers just two nights, but doesn't show breakfast. I wonder if that has changed? I'm going to go look for more videos...

 

[WDWKOOK]

Here is the CL breakfast/snack video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpEaOYikPls


He doesn't video breakfast, but has stills of most of the items and snacks again. The breakfast items look the same, though he doesn't show pineapple.

 

[lovingeire]

Again, 2 boats serve WL, smaller wooden boat, strollers must be folded and a bigger steel enclosed boat where you can just wheel stroller and child on... You just have to step aside until the yellow steel boat comes and wheel on in... No big deal, like every other boat landing is the steel boat!

Ok, cool, thanks for clarifying. I may e able to convince him then. I don't mind waiting really and if we're in a hurry we can suck it up and collapse the stroller. To his credit he gets stuck with a lot of stuff once he passes the toddler off!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

That MUST be it - thank you! Well, the Black Cod Chowder is new, it used to be a wonderful salmon chowder, unless this isn't a replacement? The video covers just two nights, but doesn't show breakfast. I wonder if that has changed? I'm going to go look for more videos...

Here is the CL breakfast/snack video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpEaOYikPls


He doesn't video breakfast, but has stills of most of the items and snacks again. The breakfast items look the same, though he doesn't show pineapple.

Yes, those were the videos we saw. We are a bit concerned in the lack of selection since our last visit. In the video/pics there was no yogurt, juice nor did we see the glass bottles of water. The only fruit were apples, bananas and oranges. And NO COBBLER?!?! Could it be the time of year? I hope this is not a permanent change.

 

[AngiTN]

Yes, those were the videos we saw. We are a bit concerned in the lack of selection since our last visit. In the video/pics there was no yogurt, juice nor did we see the glass bottles of water. The only fruit were apples, bananas and oranges. And NO COBBLER?!?! Could it be the time of year? I hope this is not a permanent change.

I'm pretty sure I saw bottles of water in some sort of wrap/chill system. Near the start of one of the videos.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

^^ yes, we did see some type of bottles wrapped as well.

We LOVE WL, but this is very concerning. I emailed IPO as we have an upcoming reservation. We'll see what they say.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Yes, those were the videos we saw. We are a bit concerned in the lack of selection since our last visit. In the video/pics there was no yogurt, juice nor did we see the glass bottles of water. The only fruit were apples, bananas and oranges. And NO COBBLER?!?! Could it be the time of year? I hope this is not a permanent change.

His videos and slide shows are incomplete. He doesn't video breakfast and he doesn't have still photos of the side of the lounge with the cereal, fresh cut-up fruit and juice/milk. The fridge is right next to it and contains yogurt, cream cheese, apple juice boxes, butter... But it isn't pictured either. Don't worry, these items are in all CL lounges still. The bananas and apples are out all day, but the fresh fruit, some of which was on his plate, is only out at breakfast.

He also didn't have a still photo of the cobbler which is to the left of the items he did have photos of. It's in a large blue or red Le Crueset type pot with a lid on top of a hot plate. I'm sure they still have it, but please let us know what IPO says. Thanks.

 

[AngiTN]

I paused and looked at the labels and they say Sparkling Water

 

[DetTigsGal]

Now mind you I didn't look at the video. We were there thanksgiving. B'fast there was always yogurt and fruit. I had asked for brewed iced tea and they had a carafe for me every am. Water was both regular and sparkling.

Desserts: always a cobbler of some sort, magic bars , cookies and some other bar.

I think we were only around a couple of times for the apps, can't help you. I do remember pbandj shooters

 

[TheLodgeLady]

His videos and slide shows are incomplete. He doesn't video breakfast and he doesn't have still photos of the side of the lounge with the cereal, fresh cut-up fruit and juice/milk. The fridge is right next to it and contains yogurt, cream cheese, apple juice boxes, butter... But it isn't pictured either. Don't worry, these items are in all CL lounges still. The bananas and apples are out all day, but the fresh fruit, some of which was on his plate, is only out at breakfast.

He also didn't have a still photo of the cobbler which is to the left of the items he did have photos of. It's in a large blue or red Le Crueset type pot with a lid on top of a hot plate. I'm sure they still have it, but please let us know what IPO says. Thanks.

Kook is correct as they will always have yogurt, juice, etc.

The breakfast still looks the same. So do the afternoon snacks.

We have also think that the evening offerings seem reduced lately. They seem to have those chicken skewers almost every night just different spices. You get tired of those after a couple days.

I think they switched to cod as salmon has gotten very expensive.

Did you see the cheese plates? Looks like a few cubes in each. I used to love the days when they had the plate with the huge chunks of cheese. I do like the selection now though. The blue cheese looked like crumbles.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

^^ yes, we did see some type of bottles wrapped as well.

We LOVE WL, but this is very concerning. I emailed IPO as we have an upcoming reservation. We'll see what they say.

Hi!

They do not have the bottles of water anymore. Now they have a filtration system in the back and will refill the large dispenser with water throughout the day.

The smaller bottles that are in the cool wraps are sparkling water. They also come from that same filtration system but carbonation is added.

Last time we were there, I heard a woman ask to take a bottle back to their room and the CM said that they have very few bottles and she couldn't. I was very surprised of that.

The Club Level is very nice but I do they that things have been cut back. Not like the old days. I also think that many of our "favorite" CM's are gone. I know a couple of mine have moved on. That's not saying that the newer CM's are bad, they are wonderful. Most seem to be college students though doing their internship. And it also seems that they switch up the CM's more now.

We went in December and won't be back until May. I'll have to see if when we go up there next weekend if we can stop by and see what's happening. We are staying at the Swan but will go over there.

 

[reagansdaddy]

Hello Everyone!

I've been lurking here off and on for well over a year planning our first ever family Disney trip. We will be staying club level at the Wilderness Lodge from 6/24 - 6/30 (just 128 days from now)! The posts on here have been a tremendous help planning!

I have one question that has finally prompted me to post. What is the value of online check-in? Should I do it? Should I wait to check-in when I get there? The entire concept has me a bit confused.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Chaoticsweetness]

Hello Everyone!

I've been lurking here off and on for well over a year planning our first ever family Disney trip. We will be staying club level at the Wilderness Lodge from 6/24 - 6/30 (just 128 days from now)! The posts on here have been a tremendous help planning!

I have one question that has finally prompted me to post. What is the value of online check-in? Should I do it? Should I wait to check-in when I get there? The entire concept has me a bit confused.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

To be honest, I don't think it matters. This last time we stayed WL CL I didn't check in online. We were escorted straight up to CL & checked in there with no wait.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Below is the response I received from IPO. In my email to them, I basically asked what the current menu was, had it change recently, are the offerings slimmer and referenced a video.
__________________________
Howdy!

The menus have changed slightly, however, there is still the full menu available. These past few weeks we have been incredibly busy and have had a hard time keeping the offering fully stocked. We are working with the chefs to correct this issue.
We do still offer cobbler every night, however, as I had mentioned before we have been very busy, so if your friends had come towards the end of the offerings, it is possible that we did run out.
Apples, oranges, and bananas are available all day long. For breakfast, we do offer other fruits, such as watermelon, melon and grapes, but those will only be available during the breakfast hours and the types of fruit can change.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or requests.

Happy Trails,
XXXXXXXX
Walt Disney World Itinerary Planning Office

Hi!

They do not have the bottles of water anymore. Now they have a filtration system in the back and will refill the large dispenser with water throughout the day.

The smaller bottles that are in the cool wraps are sparkling water. They also come from that same filtration system but carbonation is added.

Last time we were there, I heard a woman ask to take a bottle back to their room and the CM said that they have very few bottles and she couldn't. I was very surprised of that.

The Club Level is very nice but I do they that things have been cut back. Not like the old days. I also think that many of our "favorite" CM's are gone. I know a couple of mine have moved on. That's not saying that the newer CM's are bad, they are wonderful. Most seem to be college students though doing their internship. And it also seems that they switch up the CM's more now.

We went in December and won't be back until May. I'll have to see if when we go up there next weekend if we can stop by and see what's happening. We are staying at the Swan but will go over there.

Thank you LodgeLady, KooK and everyone for your feedback!

WL DISers truly are the best!

 

[TaraPA]

While we're picking apart CL offerings...

Do they ever have hot oatmeal with breakfast? I've had it & seen it at other CL's, but don't see it mentioned at all for WL, or in any pics.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I'm so excited, I just have to share. We just booked WL for our long weekend/water park getaway, 4 nts in September!

We've been holding onto old non-exp water park visits and finally getting a chance to use them.

Our first/last/only WL stay was in March 2010 just 2 nts pre-cruise. It was kind of a toss up between WL & YC but seeing the newly remodeled pics sealed the deal. (That & YC only has pool/water view for $$$$!!)

Dh is going to love that shower. Heck, we all will!!

This time I booked bunk beds, woods view, AAA rate. Do any experts know where we might end up? Are these rooms in a certain section of the resort? or we could be anywhere?
Is there any certain request I should make?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Kook is correct as they will always have yogurt, juice, etc.

The breakfast still looks the same. So do the afternoon snacks.

We have also think that the evening offerings seem reduced lately. They seem to have those chicken skewers almost every night just different spices. You get tired of those after a couple days.

I think they switched to cod as salmon has gotten very expensive.

Did you see the cheese plates? Looks like a few cubes in each. I used to love the days when they had the plate with the huge chunks of cheese. I do like the selection now though. The blue cheese looked like crumbles.

Yes, the "after 5" recipes/selections have changed - appetizers, cobbler... As have some CL CMs and CL management - it all makes me (and I know you)

Hello Everyone!

I've been lurking here off and on for well over a year planning our first ever family Disney trip. We will be staying club level at the Wilderness Lodge from 6/24 - 6/30 (just 128 days from now)! The posts on here have been a tremendous help planning!

I have one question that has finally prompted me to post. What is the value of online check-in? Should I do it? Should I wait to check-in when I get there? The entire concept has me a bit confused.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

to the DIS and the WL/VWL thread!

Chaoticsweetness is correct that when staying CL there really is no advantage. You can always email the IPO with any room requests and they will put it in your reservation. You will already be checking in on the 7th floor and not in the lobby, unless you're arriving before 7 or after 10. The only thing that OCI will do is set-up the credit card you want to use for charging and room payment, so you won't have to give them the card at check-in. Go ahead and do it if you'd like as it won't "hurt" anything and makes the trip seem "more real." But, other than the credit card, it won't make any difference at check-in.

Below is the response I received from IPO. In my email to them, I basically asked what the current menu was, had it change recently, are the offerings slimmer and referenced a video.
__________________________
Howdy!

The menus have changed slightly, however, there is still the full menu available. These past few weeks we have been incredibly busy and have had a hard time keeping the offering fully stocked. We are working with the chefs to correct this issue.
We do still offer cobbler every night, however, as I had mentioned before we have been very busy, so if your friends had come towards the end of the offerings, it is possible that we did run out.
Apples, oranges, and bananas are available all day long. For breakfast, we do offer other fruits, such as watermelon, melon and grapes, but those will only be available during the breakfast hours and the types of fruit can change.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or requests.

Happy Trails,
XXXXXXXX
Walt Disney World Itinerary Planning Office




Thank you LodgeLady, KooK and everyone for your feedback!

WL DISers truly are the best!

Thank you for posting the response. I have to say (and I'm not blaming the messenger here) that it's dismaying to me that anyone at WL or even the IPO over at the Poly would ever try to use "being very busy" as an excuse for a limited lounge selection. Did the IPO think you were reporting to them that food wasn't being replenished or were you just concerned that the choices were more limited? If in fact they were running out of food or not putting out enough then there is no excuse for that as they know exactly how many people are booked CL and can estimate from that number how much food to prepare. I'm confused by all this and not sure what's going on.

While we're picking apart CL offerings...

Do they ever have hot oatmeal with breakfast? I've had it & seen it at other CL's, but don't see it mentioned at all for WL, or in any pics.

Unlike the Epcot resorts, oatmeal is only served seasonally at WL. It was there at Christmas, but I love oatmeal year 'round!

I'm so excited, I just have to share. We just booked WL for our long weekend/water park getaway, 4 nts in September!

We've been holding onto old non-exp water park visits and finally getting a chance to use them.

Our first/last/only WL stay was in March 2010 just 2 nts pre-cruise. It was kind of a toss up between WL & YC but seeing the newly remodeled pics sealed the deal. (That & YC only has pool/water view for $$$$!!)

Dh is going to love that shower. Heck, we all will!!

This time I booked bunk beds, woods view, AAA rate. Do any experts know where we might end up? Are these rooms in a certain section of the resort? or we could be anywhere?
Is there any certain request I should make?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!

Congratulations and welcome! The bunks are spread-out throughout the resort, but I don't know which rooms have them. They are in both the North and South Wings. Some of the higher Woods View rooms in the North Wing have a partial Wishes/castle view. 5th floor rooms and below do not have any solid balcony railings, so a popular WV request is: "North Wing, 5th floor."