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

[lovingeire]

9 months till I'm there....
UNLESS???? My husband loses a day a week because of budget cuts...
THEN I DON'T KNOW????

Big hug to you

I didn't announce it here earlier so as not to be a Debbie Downer, but I canceled our WDW spring break trip last week. DH is a DoD civilian and his agency still hasn't announced official furlough details. The guidelines suggest that they'll all be furloughed one day a week for 22 weeks (and though many aren't aware, the sequestration, by law, is supposed to last 9 years!) I didn't want to end-up losing our two room-only deposits because we found out that DH can't take leave due to sequestration. Not having any real information to act upon has been frustrating so canceling the vacation seemed prudent and has actually been a relief in some ways.

If any of want to vent or share your sequestrations fears, feel free to post here to get it off your chest - we'll understand

I feel for you both! I work for a gov't contracting company and we are in limbo around here too! I just wish we would know already!

I'm so sorry everyone! My husband is active duty so while his pay isn't cut per say the sequestration is having a major impact on our family, take home pay and his work environment. Not to mention the long term ramifications for his retirement benefits and benefits like tuition assistance he's using now. I'm worried, but trying to trust that everything will work out so that we can provide for our family. (And thankful I went back to work and praying for an increase in business!)

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'm so sorry everyone! My husband is active duty so while his pay isn't cut per say the sequestration is having a major impact on our family, take home pay and his work environment. Not to mention the long term ramifications for his retirement benefits and benefits like tuition assistance he's using now. I'm worried, but trying to trust that everything will work out so that we can provide for our family. (And thankful I went back to work and praying for an increase in business!)

Please thank your DH for his service to our country. For those who might be wondering, military active-duty and retirement pay isn't impacted by this mess.

You're so correct that this uncertainty is negatively impacting federal work environments - morale stinks! We all need a great WDW vacation after all this, but thinking of enjoying one now is hard considering the low morale. I do hope your business boons!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Great news from the Old Faithful Club... Randy S. will be returning next week as the OFC manager. He was on a 6-month assignment which was a great learning opportunity, but he's really missed WL Club level and is excited to be returning. WL is very lucky to have him returning to his 'home.'

Remember how excited we were last May when he showed Macavity her JUST rehabbed WL room?

We love Randy!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

We love Randy!!!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

I didn't announce it here earlier so as not to be a Debbie Downer, but I canceled our WDW spring break trip last week.

I noticed the trip missing from your signature, but hoped it was due to resort changing indecision. I'm sorry to hear about the cancellation, but I'm sure everybody here is more than willing to share and discuss the issues, all while appreciating your continued dedication to your great DIS threads. Thanks again for that, and hopefully it will all get sorted out and you'll be back at WDW soon, perhaps visiting Randy at OFC.

 

[lovingeire]

Please thank your DH for his service to our country. For those who might be wondering, military active-duty and retirement pay isn't impacted by this mess.

You're so correct that this uncertainty is negatively impacting federal work environments - morale stinks! We all need a great WDW vacation after all this, but thinking of enjoying one now is hard considering the low morale. I do hope your business boons!!

Thank you! I will tell him when he gets home, although he'll probably be embarrassed that I brought it up. Random story, when we were at the World in Dec our waitress at Chef Mickey asked me on my way to the buffet if my husband was in the military. I said yes and she asked if he'd be embarrassed if she said something. I said, well, he doesn't like attention, but I'm sure he'd appreciate it. She brought out a cupcake to him and had him stand so everyone could thank him. He was beyond embarrassed and thought I'd put her up to it! I just thought she would personally say thank you, but he got lots of pixie dust! The only bad part was I went to the restroom and that's when it all happened! I missed it all!

I am really hoping morale improves all around and we can get this mess sorted out. Praying everyone can add new tickers to their siggies and get back to their happy places soon!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Blessings and to all who are affected by this mess!

 

[bluecastle]

Blessings and to all who are affected by this mess!

I second that!
Luckily, my DH received an email this week that said the contract he has been working on has been renewed, so (for now) we are breathing a little easier. We are both so thankful that we decided this year to use my benefits instead of his. Everything in his work world ( contractor with mostly government clients) has been very stressful for a few months now.
I have more experience with canceling WDW trips than I would wish on my worst enemy (in 2005 I had to cancel 3 trips!) but it all worked out in the end. When we finally got back there in 2009 it was the best trip ever- one of those perfect trips where everything worked out and, considering it was the last week of December, we were able to do everything we loved multiple times.
This summer's trip may happen, but since last summer's didn't, I know that I will just plan for the next summer if it doesn't. I think those of us who love Disney and have gone many times, have that knowledge inside of us that we will always go back when we are able to, no matter how long it takes.
I am sorry about your canceled trip Kook. My advice is to look forward to the next one and keep that Ft.W plan on a back burner. I hope you don't have to wait too long!
I remember the government shut down that happened a number of years ago and it was a very scary time for many families in our area. I hope Congress gets its act together and takes care of this soon!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I noticed the trip missing from your signature, but hoped it was due to resort changing indecision. I'm sorry to hear about the cancellation, but I'm sure everybody here is more than willing to share and discuss the issues, all while appreciating your continued dedication to your great DIS threads. Thanks again for that, and hopefully it will all get sorted out and you'll be back at WDW soon, perhaps visiting Randy at OFC.

Your resort indecision comment made me LOL. I really appreciate your kind comments and perspective and I love that your (Disney) glass is half full - you made my day and I'm sure others as well. Thank you, GC.

Thank you! I will tell him when he gets home, although he'll probably be embarrassed that I brought it up. Random story, when we were at the World in Dec our waitress at Chef Mickey asked me on my way to the buffet if my husband was in the military. I said yes and she asked if he'd be embarrassed if she said something. I said, well, he doesn't like attention, but I'm sure he'd appreciate it. She brought out a cupcake to him and had him stand so everyone could thank him. He was beyond embarrassed and thought I'd put her up to it! I just thought she would personally say thank you, but he got lots of pixie dust! The only bad part was I went to the restroom and that's when it all happened! I missed it all!

I am really hoping morale improves all around and we can get this mess sorted out. Praying everyone can add new tickers to their siggies and get back to their happy places soon!

I LOVE that story and can just imagine your DH shaking his head back and forth when you came back to the table. YES! Everyone needs some bright, shiny tickers - they are a morale booster

Blessings and to all who are affected by this mess!

ITA, many blessings to all and even if you're not directly affected, but your trip planning has been put on hold for some other reason, I hope everyone can get back to planning soon

I second that!
Luckily, my DH received an email this week that said the contract he has been working on has been renewed, so (for now) we are breathing a little easier. We are both so thankful that we decided this year to use my benefits instead of his. Everything in his work world ( contractor with mostly government clients) has been very stressful for a few months now.
I have more experience with canceling WDW trips than I would wish on my worst enemy (in 2005 I had to cancel 3 trips!) but it all worked out in the end. When we finally got back there in 2009 it was the best trip ever- one of those perfect trips where everything worked out and, considering it was the last week of December, we were able to do everything we loved multiple times.
This summer's trip may happen, but since last summer's didn't, I know that I will just plan for the next summer if it doesn't. I think those of us who love Disney and have gone many times, have that knowledge inside of us that we will always go back when we are able to, no matter how long it takes.
I am sorry about your canceled trip Kook. My advice is to look forward to the next one and keep that Ft.W plan on a back burner. I hope you don't have to wait too long!
I remember the government shut down that happened a number of years ago and it was a very scary time for many families in our area. I hope Congress gets its act together and takes care of this soon!!!

Phew! That is good news! Your flexibility and attitude will take you far, but I certainly hope you don't get more practice canceling vacations

Let's cheer-up this thread with some WL photos...

S'mores dessert from Trail's End:

 

[TaraPA]

I'm just catching up on the thread this morning & am so sad for all of you that are cancelling/postponing trips. I wish I could take all of you with me! Hopefully this wonderful thread will be inspirational to all of you...giving you hope that another trip is just around the corner at some point.

 

[reagansdaddy]

We are staying CL in June and based on some of the more recent comments, I was beginning to wonder if that was a good decision. It seems that you all love this guy and hopefully, he'll have the CL back to its previous glory before our arrival in just 105 days!

Great news from the Old Faithful Club... Randy S. will be returning next week as the OFC manager. He was on a 6-month assignment which was a great learning opportunity, but he's really missed WL Club level and is excited to be returning. WL is very lucky to have him returning to his 'home.'

Remember how excited we were last May when he showed Macavity her JUST rehabbed WL room?

 

[TaraPA]

Its a new week - any oatmeal reports from CL?!?!

 

[nyrebecca]

Its a new week - any oatmeal reports from CL?!?!

I'm thinking if I ever want to see oatmeal I will need to change my trip dates.

 

[pepe of ohio]

I'm thinking if I ever want to see oatmeal I will need to change my trip dates.

Hey, WL has some if the best oatmeal. With diced apples.... Yum !

 

[dreamcruiser]

I'm lovin' those photos KOOK!!

 

[reagansdaddy]

We stayed at a small waterpark here in Ohio for the weekend and I had oatmeal for breakfast and immediately thought of this thread!

Its a new week - any oatmeal reports from CL?!?!

 

[Lulu'sMom]

OK, what's the deal with the oatmeal at CL? They are the ones known to have it year-round. And it's to die for!

Also, did the reburb the Yellowstone and Yosemite suites?
DH and I are celebrating a "cancer free" trip soon and are thinking about returning to the lodge.

WL's CL is one of the TOP CL's on WDW property. Kid you not.

 

[goofynut41]

Big hug to you

I didn't announce it here earlier so as not to be a Debbie Downer, but I canceled our WDW spring break trip last week. DH is a DoD civilian and his agency still hasn't announced official furlough details. The guidelines suggest that they'll all be furloughed one day a week for 22 weeks (and though many aren't aware, the sequestration, by law, is supposed to last 9 years!) I didn't want to end-up losing our two room-only deposits because we found out that DH can't take leave due to sequestration. Not having any real information to act upon has been frustrating so canceling the vacation seemed prudent and has actually been a relief in some ways.

If any of want to vent or share your sequestrations fears, feel free to post here to get it off your chest - we'll understand

9 YEARS!!!!!
I thought it was 5 months...

I hate the $#%*%%$#@ goverment!!!
alright be nice....

 

[nyrebecca]

Hey, WL has some if the best oatmeal. With diced apples.... Yum !

I love oatmeal, but it seems I may get there too early in November to get it up in the OFC.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'm just catching up on the thread this morning & am so sad for all of you that are cancelling/postponing trips. I wish I could take all of you with me! Hopefully this wonderful thread will be inspirational to all of you...giving you hope that another trip is just around the corner at some point.

Another trip IS just around the corner.....we're all going to WL with TaraPA!!! You do have the Yellowstone Suite booked, right? Yosemite would work, too...

We are staying CL in June and based on some of the more recent comments, I was beginning to wonder if that was a good decision. It seems that you all love this guy and hopefully, he'll have the CL back to its previous glory before our arrival in just 105 days!

I think that some of us 'regulars' were just pointing out some changes we had noticed. Most were changes not even related to management - mostly chef decisions, I think. But, I will say (and I know some others will agree) that the Old Faithful Club just isn't the same without Randy so it's wonderful that he was able to go back 'home.'

Its a new week - any oatmeal reports from CL?!?!

You're killin' me. I'm putting out an APB on your oatmeal...I'll get back to you on my oatmeal findings.

I'm thinking if I ever want to see oatmeal I will need to change my trip dates.

Well, some CLs have it year 'round so maybe WL could, too

Hey, WL has some if the best oatmeal. With diced apples.... Yum !

Was that at RF? I only remember dried cranberries, brown sugar and raisins CL. How is it served at RF (just asking as back-up for TaraPA)

I'm lovin' those photos KOOK!!

Here's today's installment...




0600 and no waiting!

Pick any chair you want!

We stayed at a small waterpark here in Ohio for the weekend and I had oatmeal for breakfast and immediately thought of this thread!

OK, what's the deal with the oatmeal at CL? They are the ones known to have it year-round. And it's to die for!

Also, did the reburb the Yellowstone and Yosemite suites?
DH and I are celebrating a "cancer free" trip soon and are thinking about returning to the lodge.

WL's CL is one of the TOP CL's on WDW property. Kid you not.

This is FANTASTIC news!! CONGRATULATIONS

Yes, the two suites were rehabbed, but I don't have any photos. If I can find any, I'll certainly post them.

I think that only the Epcot resorts have oatmeal (and hard boiled eggs) year 'round. Do RPC/SL and KKC have it?

9 YEARS!!!!!
I thought it was 5 months...

I hate the $#%*%%$#@ goverment!!!
alright be nice....

Yeah, little known sequestration fact, that no one really talks about. At least you're not upset about oatmeal

I love oatmeal, but it seems I may get there too early in November to get it up in the OFC.

Let me see if I can find an OFC oatmeal schedule (stirring a pot of oatmeal...)