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

[Penitentmama]

My family is excited to experience our first WDW trip at WL from 11/29-12/6! Please add us to the Lodgers Log. My DH, DD(6 at trip time) & I are booked in a woods bunk room and based on the info here (which I spent far too much time perusing!), I'll make sure to request a north 5th floor view and see what happens since, arriving Friday night, we probably arrive before many are leaving from their Thanksgiving trip. I'm so excited to experience the lodge and all of WDW decorated for Christmas!

We're traveling from Seattle and the flight we plan to book (hoping fares go down some!) will put us at MCO at 5:15pm. Trying to figure out what to do our first night... Originally thought we'd head to DTD to grab a quick bite and hit the World of Disney store to get ears and autograph books for DD before we hit parks and character dining the next morning. But it was suggested on the November thread that it is super crowded there on weekend nights and the bus ride is long, so now I don't know. Is there a decent selection of autograph books at the mercantile? I'll want to grab several of the same one to have consistency for our trip...

Now that the November hours came out, I'm also wondering if we should think about going to Epcot that evening since it is supposed to have evening EMH so I figured we could see Illuminations without the post show rush for the gates... I figure that late nights will be easiest the first few nights since we'll be adjusting from west coast time so think we'd like to squeeze in the night shows at the beginning of our trip.

I'm also thinking that we can't count on being ready for rope drop or early ADRs our first few days since our DD is not an early riser as it is and then we'll be 3 hours earlier - she'd be probably naturally waking between 10-11! Granted, the excitement will probably wake her up earlier than that, but she is a cranky girl when she doesn't wake up on her own! Thinking of shooting for late breakfast ADRs if any and just taking any pre-meal touring as a bonus.

My DH is patient but really doesn't understand why I am thinking and planning everything this far in advance! But it seems like I'm in good company here with being an overplanner, so thanks for your patience with this novel and probably many subsequent questions as I plan our trip and thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

My family is excited to experience our first WDW trip at WL from 11/29-12/6!

Awesome, you should have a great time!

We're traveling from Seattle and the flight we plan to book (hoping fares go down some!) will put us at MCO at 5:15pm. Trying to figure out what to do our first night...

After flying in from the West coast, we have found that we really enjoy just hanging around the resort that first night. We are flying in a little later this time (like 6:30 PM) but after taking the ME bus to the resort we'll be happy to hang out there and get a dinner from Roaring Fork. It seems to make getting up the next morning a little easier. If you want to venture out though, Fort Wilderness is close, or the EMH at Epcot could be fun, it's just up to how tired you'll be.

I'm also thinking that we can't count on being ready for rope drop or early ADRs our first few days since our DD is not an early riser as it is and then we'll be 3 hours earlier - she'd be probably naturally waking between 10-11! Granted, the excitement will probably wake her up earlier than that, but she is a cranky girl when she doesn't wake up on her own! Thinking of shooting for late breakfast ADRs if any and just taking any pre-meal touring as a bonus.

We do our breakfast ADRs after the first couple of days to give a chance to get used to it, and even then we don't tend to make rope drop. I think we did one morning EMH last trip, and got there about halfway through the extra hour. Oh well, early or late there's still no shortage of fun.

 

[katmg]

You've come to the right place - welcome!

If you book now, and want to apply an eligible discount later, you won't need to make a new reservation, unless you change from a RO to a Package. You won't lose your deposit either, it would just be applied toward a new reservation. Best to book now to ensure you secure the room type you want.

Happy booking!

You can book a room now and when or if a discount comes out later, you can apply the discount to your reservation without losing the deposit or having to rebook as long as there is availability for your room type. The only time you would have to rebook is if you changed room types, I believe. And then they would refund your deposit and you would put down a new deposit. The only time you would have to pay a fee to cancel a room only reservation is if you do it less than five days before your check in date.

I don't see any reason to wait until a discount comes out if you are sure that you are planning a trip. We booked a room at rack rate in July of last year for our Feb trip and when a discount was released in Oct we were able to get the discounted rate. We didn't have to make a new reservation to do it.

Thank you both!! I'll be booking next week. Then DH (and I) can relax a bit, knowing we at least have a place to stay! I'll just be on the look-out for discounts...

 

[ellie&mattys mom]

Hi we are staying offsite for 5 nights at a time share and are thinking of WL for the last 2 nights.
We stayed at POR last April.

My ? is what other restaurant would you suggest. We have reservations for Ohana's the first night. I know we can't go wrong with Chef Mickey's. Our kids are 13 boy and girl 17.
Again no park passes not sure if we will have a car or not as we might drop it off at a car location at WDW didn't check the price difference yet.

Thanks!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Staying for 4 nights May 24-28!! I requested an Inner Courtyard view and hoping we get the tower (south I think?) that you can see wishes from! We had that in Nov and was pleasantly surprised with that view..I had no idea you could see wishes from there and I've stayed there probably 10 times!

 

[Sleepyhappyandgrumpy]

Hi there!!
We just changed our resort from Pop, where we stayed on are last (and first) visit, to WL and I am so excited!! We'll be there in the middle of October and I can't wait to see it. I just got our ADRs and managed to get all of the ones I wanted. We have a bunk bed room with woods view- anyone know where I should request to have the best chance of seeing fireworks from our balcony?? -Not that it matters all that much - we'll go down to the beach to see the electric water pageant anyway.

 

[WDWKOOK]

As some of you know, we have 11 nights booked next door at the Atrium Club, but also as some of you know, I'm a bit of a resort changer, (though I have yet to change this trip). The lure of WL/FW is calling and I don't think I can resist - resistance is futile (couldn't find a Borg emote so Darth will have to do). DH is a resort changing enabler so he is happily pushing for the change to WL/CL or a split. I noticed that our CR dates are now fully booked so once I change, there's no going back to CR/CL. What to do

My family is excited to experience our first WDW trip at WL from 11/29-12/6! Please add us to the Lodgers Log. My DH, DD(6 at trip time) & I are booked in a woods bunk room and based on the info here (which I spent far too much time perusing!), I'll make sure to request a north 5th floor view and see what happens since, arriving Friday night, we probably arrive before many are leaving from their Thanksgiving trip. I'm so excited to experience the lodge and all of WDW decorated for Christmas!

We're traveling from Seattle and the flight we plan to book (hoping fares go down some!) will put us at MCO at 5:15pm. Trying to figure out what to do our first night... Originally thought we'd head to DTD to grab a quick bite and hit the World of Disney store to get ears and autograph books for DD before we hit parks and character dining the next morning. But it was suggested on the November thread that it is super crowded there on weekend nights and the bus ride is long, so now I don't know. Is there a decent selection of autograph books at the mercantile? I'll want to grab several of the same one to have consistency for our trip...

Now that the November hours came out, I'm also wondering if we should think about going to Epcot that evening since it is supposed to have evening EMH so I figured we could see Illuminations without the post show rush for the gates... I figure that late nights will be easiest the first few nights since we'll be adjusting from west coast time so think we'd like to squeeze in the night shows at the beginning of our trip.

I'm also thinking that we can't count on being ready for rope drop or early ADRs our first few days since our DD is not an early riser as it is and then we'll be 3 hours earlier - she'd be probably naturally waking between 10-11! Granted, the excitement will probably wake her up earlier than that, but she is a cranky girl when she doesn't wake up on her own! Thinking of shooting for late breakfast ADRs if any and just taking any pre-meal touring as a bonus.

My DH is patient but really doesn't understand why I am thinking and planning everything this far in advance! But it seems like I'm in good company here with being an overplanner, so thanks for your patience with this novel and probably many subsequent questions as I plan our trip and thanks in advance for your advice!

Welcome and I'd be happy to add you to the Log.

There are plenty of autograph books at the Mercantile and if for some reason they are out, you could always just take the boat over to the CR or even monorail to Poly or GF, too.

Parks that have EMH will be more crowded than the non-EMH park. We prefer the non-EMH park during the day, but it you're just going over to Epcot for PM EMH then it won't be as bad if you're there just during the evening.

We're all over-planners (but is there such a thing?) so yes, you're in good company and feel free to post your plans here anytime

Hi we are staying offsite for 5 nights at a time share and are thinking of WL for the last 2 nights.
We stayed at POR last April.

My ? is what other restaurant would you suggest. We have reservations for Ohana's the first night. I know we can't go wrong with Chef Mickey's. Our kids are 13 boy and girl 17.
Again no park passes not sure if we will have a car or not as we might drop it off at a car location at WDW didn't check the price difference yet.

Thanks!

Welcome! I think that Whispering Canyon Café is a must-do. Lots of fun for the whole family. Also, why not walk or boat over to FW and try Trail's End. Good food in a rustic setting and it's away from all the hustle and bustle.

Staying for 4 nights May 24-28!! I requested an Inner Courtyard view and hoping we get the tower (south I think?) that you can see wishes from! We had that in Nov and was pleasantly surprised with that view..I had no idea you could see wishes from there and I've stayed there probably 10 times!

Welcome! Would you like me to add you to the Log?

The upper floors of the South Wing CV rooms do have a partial Wishes view and you'll also be able to see the EWP each night at 9:35 (off to your right).

Have a great vacation - it's coming up soon

Hi there!!
We just changed our resort from Pop, where we stayed on are last (and first) visit, to WL and I am so excited!! We'll be there in the middle of October and I can't wait to see it. I just got our ADRs and managed to get all of the ones I wanted. We have a bunk bed room with woods view- anyone know where I should request to have the best chance of seeing fireworks from our balcony?? -Not that it matters all that much - we'll go down to the beach to see the electric water pageant anyway.

Congratulations on changing and welcome! It's great you have all your ADRs squared away. In order to have a partial Wishes view, with a Woods View room you should request the North Wing. The 5th floor is the highest floor that does not have any solid balcony railings, some of the 6th floor rooms do (and all of the 7th CL floor).

Let us know if you have any more questions

 

[nyrebecca]

As some of you know, we have 11 nights booked next door at the Atrium Club, but also as some of you know, I'm a bit of a resort changer, (though I have yet to change this trip). The lure of WL/FW is calling and I don't think I can resist - resistance is futile (couldn't find a Borg emote so Darth will have to do). DH is a resort changing enabler so he is happily pushing for the change to WL/CL or a split. I noticed that our CR dates are now fully booked so once I change, there's no going back to CR/CL. What to do

I have spreadsheets with prices, discounts, ect for each hotel that we would think of staying in, with each room category. The only switch we have made this time around is from the Villas at WL 1 bedroom to WL CL, back to the 1 bedroom.

I say don't resist the urge. Come to the dark side....errr The WL.

 

[RedfromNL]

WDWKOOK We're all over-planners (but is there such a thing?) so yes, you're in good company and feel free to post your plans here anytime

You're not over-planning until you start planning bathroom-breaks.
Until then you're just planning

Gotta go, need to make a shoppinglist of stuff to buy at a supermarket before we check in, we are bringing an old IKEA-bag to put all that in (saves on flimsy plastic ones).....

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

As some of you know, we have 11 nights booked next door at the Atrium Club, but also as some of you know, I'm a bit of a resort changer, (though I have yet to change this trip). The lure of WL/FW is calling and I don't think I can resist - resistance is futile (couldn't find a Borg emote so Darth will have to do). DH is a resort changing enabler so he is happily pushing for the change to WL/CL or a split. I noticed that our CR dates are now fully booked so once I change, there's no going back to CR/CL. What to do
)

Kook........ Seriously........

Time to come home....

 

[gwynne]

As some of you know, we have 11 nights booked next door at the Atrium Club, but also as some of you know, I'm a bit of a resort changer, (though I have yet to change this trip). The lure of WL/FW is calling and I don't think I can resist - resistance is futile (couldn't find a Borg emote so Darth will have to do). DH is a resort changing enabler so he is happily pushing for the change to WL/CL or a split. I noticed that our CR dates are now fully booked so once I change, there's no going back to CR/CL. What to do

What's that I hear? The call of the split stay??
It's tempting, I tell ya! We've got ours all set, two nights WL, rest YC. I made an Artist Point ressie today.

 

[babyberger]

As some of you know, we have 11 nights booked next door at the Atrium Club, but also as some of you know, I'm a bit of a resort changer, (though I have yet to change this trip). The lure of WL/FW is calling and I don't think I can resist - resistance is futile (couldn't find a Borg emote so Darth will have to do). DH is a resort changing enabler so he is happily pushing for the change to WL/CL or a split. I noticed that our CR dates are now fully booked so once I change, there's no going back to CR/CL. What to do
)

What's that I hear? The call of the split stay??
It's tempting, I tell ya! We've got ours all set, two nights WL, rest YC. I made an Artist Point ressie today.

I have to come stalk KOOK over here We all knew she couldn't stay all 11 nts at CR with the roof tops of her beloved WL staring at her

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

I have to come stalk KOOK over here We all knew she couldn't stay all 11 nts at CR with the roof tops of her beloved WL staring at her

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[WDWKOOK]

I have spreadsheets with prices, discounts, ect for each hotel that we would think of staying in, with each room category. The only switch we have made this time around is from the Villas at WL 1 bedroom to WL CL, back to the 1 bedroom.

I say don't resist the urge. Come to the dark side....errr The WL.

Love it!

I think I'm on my WDW Planning Notebook #3. I even have a folder of 'changed reservations' , but in the end, I keep coming back to Bay Lake.

You're not over-planning until you start planning bathroom-breaks.
Until then you're just planning

Gotta go, need to make a shoppinglist of stuff to buy at a supermarket before we check in, we are bringing an old IKEA-bag to put all that in (saves on flimsy plastic ones).....

I actually prefer those spontaneous bathroom breaks - makes for an edgier day. Are you all packed or did you opt for purchasing everything on the QM2? BTW, will you be posting a TR?

Kook........ Seriously........

Time to come home....

I feel like I'm in trouble

What's that I hear? The call of the split stay??
It's tempting, I tell ya! We've got ours all set, two nights WL, rest YC. I made an Artist Point ressie today.

You're such a bad influence (but in a good way). I like your split and look forward to reading about your adventure

I have to come stalk KOOK over here We all knew she couldn't stay all 11 nts at CR with the roof tops of her beloved WL staring at her

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

You can stalk over here any time, smarty pants

How about a split? Or would I still be in trouble?

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

How about a split? Or would I still be in trouble?

Well..... Hmmmmm


I think that would be okay. You best start at CR and save the best for last then.

 

[lovingeire]

As some of you know, we have 11 nights booked next door at the Atrium Club, but also as some of you know, I'm a bit of a resort changer, (though I have yet to change this trip). The lure of WL/FW is calling and I don't think I can resist - resistance is futile (couldn't find a Borg emote so Darth will have to do). DH is a resort changing enabler so he is happily pushing for the change to WL/CL or a split. I noticed that our CR dates are now fully booked so once I change, there's no going back to CR/CL. What to do

If it were me, I'd consider a split stay since you have a such a long trip. Why not get the best of both worlds?


In other news, we have just added a day to the beginning of our trip! I have no clue how it happened, but DH actually suggested it after vetoing it a week or so ago! So we will now be staying Aug 10-16th. (If you want to update the log, go for it, if not, you'll know I'm there either way! )

 

[GrandCalifornian]

As some of you know, we have 11 nights booked next door at the Atrium Club, but also as some of you know, I'm a bit of a resort changer, (though I have yet to change this trip). The lure of WL/FW is calling and I don't think I can resist - resistance is futile (couldn't find a Borg emote so Darth will have to do). DH is a resort changing enabler so he is happily pushing for the change to WL/CL or a split. I noticed that our CR dates are now fully booked so once I change, there's no going back to CR/CL. What to do

I say repeat the "SeaRaycer Split" but this time as a Club Level comparison. I am sure Randy would be glad to see you and up to the challenge of outdoing CR. Either way, you will be close by WL and I'm sure you will take the boat over to visit.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Well..... Hmmmmm


I think that would be okay. You best start at CR and save the best for last then.

From the tone of your "I think that would be okay," I might just still be in trouble, but seriously, I really appreciate your Lodge spirit and dedication

If it were me, I'd consider a split stay since you have a such a long trip. Why not get the best of both worlds?


In other news, we have just added a day to the beginning of our trip! I have no clue how it happened, but DH actually suggested it after vetoing it a week or so ago! So we will now be staying Aug 10-16th. (If you want to update the log, go for it, if not, you'll know I'm there either way! )

Another split vote

Adding a day up front is even more exciting than at the end. Maybe if you ask DH next week, you'll manage to squeeze in another day at the end. I shall amend the Log to reflect your auspicious change.

I say repeat the "SeaRaycer Split" but this time as a Club Level comparison. I am sure Randy would be glad to see you and up to the challenge of outdoing CR. Either way, you will be close by WL and I'm sure you will take the boat over to visit.

"Sea Raycer Split is perfect, and I might just have to use that line if I have a ticker update

Thank you for offering up the two sides of the glass half-full scenario, GC, though I'm not sure how pitting two CL managers against each other will turn out, we might get on their 'no lounge list'

 

[RedfromNL]

WDWKOOK I actually prefer those spontaneous bathroom breaks - makes for an edgier day. Are you all packed or did you opt for purchasing everything on the QM2? BTW, will you be posting a TR?

See? You're just planning, not over-planning

I haven't packed just yet, but I do have things already laid out, some last minute laundry to finish. I had to buy a small bag to carry on board the boat for the keys, handkerchief small stuff like that (didn't have a black one).

I know what I want to bring, toiletries have been purchased if needed. Like I said, a shoppinglist is ready.

Wednesdayevening we pack everything, should be really easy by then. Thursday we fly to London and on friday we're on the boat!!!

I promiss to post some pics and may even try my hand at an official trip-report

Just need to get through the next few days at work....

 

[goofynut41]

To WDWKOOK....
Last I read you had canceled Fort Wilderness... WOW 11 nights sounds wonderful!!! I dont like moving once I get there but if I had 11 nights it would be temping.. Hope you have a wonderful time..