(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS INFORMATION THREAD ~2013~

[GrandCalifornian]

Hi - I'm very new to this thread and the WL in general. We are considering it for our trip in March. We have 2 adults and 3 kids but one is still in a crib. I read on another thread how it's good to stay at WL and AKL before your youngest turns 3 because after that you need 2 rooms or a suite. So, here I am considering it. We have only stayed at CR, BLT, and Pop before.

1) How long does the boat to MK take? I read that it starts 1/2 hour before park opening. We are rope droppers every day and would want to be at MK well before it opens so maybe the bus is better for the morning and boat on the way home.

2) Is there NOT a door to the vanity portion of the bathroom? All pictures I've seen seems like it's open.

3) I'm concerned about the smaller room size. Can anyone compare these rooms with the CR ones? I know KOOK is the master of both threads but I thought others might know too. We were always fine in the CR rooms but they were full. 5 peoples stuff, suitcases, a sit and stand stroller, etc. The WL rooms seem small, but maybe they aren't.

4) Are the bunk bed rooms worth the added price? Do you really get more open room space or is it sort of wasted space?

Thanks! And sorry for the barrage of newbie questions.

Hello and welcome to WL (or the thread at least). I can help out with #1 and #2 and hopefully others will chime in as well.

1) The boat seemed to take about 10 minutes to MK from the WL dock, but that's not counting the time waiting for it to arrive. The quickest option to get to MK is the bus, and that might be better for those who go super early. We hope to arrive before rope drop once next trip... Another boat option though is the Blue flag boat to the Contemporary, which starts at 6:55 AM. If the boat is going the right direction in the FW/WL/CR loop is is less than a five minute ride, then your walk is the same as from CR.

2) There is not a door to that area. It is nice and wide open, and we used the extra open space for stroller parking, but it came at the expense of private space. There is a door to the toilet and shower area though.

We haven't stayed elsewhere at WDW or in a bunk bed room, and there are only 3 of us so others can better answer those questions. Happy Planning!

 

[lovingeire]

Getting closer! We will be at WL August 11-16!

We will be there the same dates! Well, we added a day on so the 10th-16th and I'm hoping I've convinced DH to let me keep it! So if you see a pregnant, frazzled woman with red, curly hair and a teenager and toddler, say hello!

 

[nyrebecca]

Been busy busy busy and just noticed there was a new thread. Thanks Kook for keeping is all together for us, you rock !

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Hi - I'm very new to this thread and the WL in general. We are considering it for our trip in March. We have 2 adults and 3 kids but one is still in a crib. I read on another thread how it's good to stay at WL and AKL before your youngest turns 3 because after that you need 2 rooms or a suite. So, here I am considering it. We have only stayed at CR, BLT, and Pop before.

1) How long does the boat to MK take? I read that it starts 1/2 hour before park opening. We are rope droppers every day and would want to be at MK well before it opens so maybe the bus is better for the morning and boat on the way home.

2) Is there NOT a door to the vanity portion of the bathroom? All pictures I've seen seems like it's open.

3) I'm concerned about the smaller room size. Can anyone compare these rooms with the CR ones? I know KOOK is the master of both threads but I thought others might know too. We were always fine in the CR rooms but they were full. 5 peoples stuff, suitcases, a sit and stand stroller, etc. The WL rooms seem small, but maybe they aren't.

4) Are the bunk bed rooms worth the added price? Do you really get more open room space or is it sort of wasted space?

Thanks! And sorry for the barrage of newbie questions.

I'll help with #4....

Bunk beds.... Yes! You'll have more floor space and the kids will love them!

 

[nathanyell]

2 already!!! Wow!

Brian, I think the longest I've held a booking was the WL HM room...about a month I think...but there was a split stay with GF, so perhaps that doesn't count

We're using the MIL's timeshare so even though I'm at VWL I feel so locked in because I can't switch it. I so wish I could look around more, but the price is right. Not sure I could do DVC just because you are so locked in and don't have the flexibility of just booking.

How is HRH? I'm pretty sure my DD will soon be teling us where she wants to go. LOL! I believe being a RC is in her blood.

 

[princessesintraining]

Would love to hear from anyone who has been a flag family! I'm hoping to get it this time around, as our last trip the only day available was the day we left on an early flight.

 

[Wood Nymph]

2) Is there NOT a door to the vanity portion of the bathroom? All pictures I've seen seems like it's open.

The vanity is open, but then most of the deluxe resort hotels have an open vanity area.

3) I'm concerned about the smaller room size. Can anyone compare these rooms with the CR ones? I know KOOK is the master of both threads but I thought others might know too. We were always fine in the CR rooms but they were full. 5 peoples stuff, suitcases, a sit and stand stroller, etc. The WL rooms seem small, but maybe they aren't.

The rooms are smaller than rooms at the CR. We are used to the slightly larger rooms at the BC and there seemed to be a little less space at the WL. You can put some suitcases in the closet, but the stroller will either have to sit in the hallway or in the vanity area. There is space for the crib in the room and it will be out of the way. But the resort itself it really nice, and might be worth the slight amount of inconvenience you might get from it being a little smaller.

 

[lala3291]

Thank you all for the information provided on this thread (especially Kook for putting this thread together)!! :good vibes

We will be arriving at the WL on June 4th for 6 nights! We are so excited! I am really looking forward to trying this resort. I have always wanted to stay here!

I look forward to reading more on this thread; we just booked this vacation this past week, so I still have a lot of planning to do!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Could you add me to the list too? Sept 14-19. Hope everyone has a great time when their date comes around!

You're logged.

Geez, I don't get on the DIS for a couple of days (thanks for nothing work!) and there's a new thread! Thanks as always for all your hard work and the fabulous thread Kook! You're the bomb!

Awww, you're welcome, lovingeire. The thread would be nothing without all of our wonderful Lodgers and Lodgers-to-be.

Got here around 8pm tonight and so far has absolutely exceeded everything. We've had so much pixie dust in the last 3 hours I'm afraid the rest on the trip may pale in comparison! Went to get onto ME and was given a fast pass plus trial for BOG for lunch. Got to WL where we not only got our request for a bunk bed room, but also had our standard view upgraded to a pool view.

At dinner the girls were each gifted a Mickey straw, then a cast member came out and gave them each a Mickey rice crispy treat while they were eating.

We were greater at the front door with a cast member with an iPad to check us in, no wait. And we were able to schedule to be flag family for 5/23, and my sils family was able to schedule flag family for 5/22.

So far an absolutely magical start to vacation.

Great news and thanks for checking in with us! You will get some great photos of the view and your family on the roof

Also, Kook thanks for the AWESOME job on the first thread and now continuing all your hard work on this new thread.

You're welcome. Your wedding is coming up soon

Getting closer! We will be at WL August 11-16!

I made it official and logged you.

I am going to be there next week for work training and we have all been speculating about the BOG FastPass trial. Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll still be doing the trial on Monday when I arrive and take ME for the first time!

Didn't even see a ticker for that - woohoo!

Isn't Disneyworld just the GREATEST!!!!

We were in a North Wing HM room (right Kook?) We could see the top of CR and the crane over at GF Most importantly above the trees we could see Wishes Have a wonderful trip!!!

Kook posted our pics from last August (she rocks) You will LOVE the room. We did, didn't love the tub (I was a little too short to climb in and out) the room and the CL CMs were amazing!!!

Yes, Nurse PAStastic, you were in the North Wing

Checking in next Friday for 4 nights!!!! Requested inner courtyard high floor. We're hoping for south tower but didn't want to request 3 things so well see!! So excited!!!

Go ahead and add "South Wing" if you'd like. The CMs have room for 3 requests in your reservation.

Hi - I'm very new to this thread and the WL in general. We are considering it for our trip in March. We have 2 adults and 3 kids but one is still in a crib. I read on another thread how it's good to stay at WL and AKL before your youngest turns 3 because after that you need 2 rooms or a suite. So, here I am considering it. We have only stayed at CR, BLT, and Pop before.

3) I'm concerned about the smaller room size. Can anyone compare these rooms with the CR ones? I know KOOK is the master of both threads but I thought others might know too. We were always fine in the CR rooms but they were full. 5 peoples stuff, suitcases, a sit and stand stroller, etc. The WL rooms seem small, but maybe they aren't.

4) Are the bunk bed rooms worth the added price? Do you really get more open room space or is it sort of wasted space?

Thanks! And sorry for the barrage of newbie questions.

and don't be sorry - no dumb questions around here

I'll add my agreement with the bunks being worth it in your situation, plus, getting to sleep in a bunk is an adventure! (Even for some adults)

If your budget allows, you might want to consider a Deluxe room at WL. They are over 500 SF, have two rooms and come with CL access. Or perhaps a VWL one bedroom villa might interest you - lots of room to spread out and you can apply applicable discounts to those rooms.

The WL room is going to feel smaller than a CR room - by about 100 SF. For a family of 5, it will be tight, but is very doable! Maybe you could leave the stroller on the balcony? If you're driving, you could put the suitcases back in the car?

Let us know if you have any other questions

So if you see a pregnant, frazzled woman with red, curly hair and a teenager and toddler, say hello!

Wow, you need a vacation!

Been busy busy busy and just noticed there was a new thread. Thanks Kook for keeping is all together for us, you rock !

Welcome back and I'm glad you found us!

Thank you all for the information provided on this thread (especially Kook for putting this thread together)!! :good vibes

We will be arriving at the WL on June 4th for 6 nights! We are so excited! I am really looking forward to trying this resort. I have always wanted to stay here!

I look forward to reading more on this thread; we just booked this vacation this past week, so I still have a lot of planning to do!!

Welcome AND congratulations on booking! Would you like your trip dates in our Lodgers' Log? You're going to love WL so happy planning and let us know if you have any questions or need opinions

 

[lala3291]

Yes, Kook, if you could put our dates into the Lodger's Log that would be great! We are there from June 4 - June 10. It will be me and my three daughters (age 22, 19, and 11). DH is staying home this trip, but will be with us on our August trip to the GF.:good vibes

Thanks again!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Yes, Kook, if you could put our dates into the Lodger's Log that would be great! We are there from June 4 - June 10. It will be me and my three daughters (age 22, 19, and 11). DH is staying home this trip, but will be with us on our August trip to the GF.:good vibes

Thanks again!

You're official now. You need a rotating ticker for your August visit with DH

 

[lala3291]

You're official now. You need a rotating ticker for your August visit with DH

Thank you!! I know, I need to make that rotating ticker!

 

[Arielle22]

I will chime in about the bunk beds. We used them when DDs were young and loved them! No more fighting about she is on my side of the bed or she hogged the blankets.

They didn't have bunk beds at home so it was a special treat for them. We did have to rotate who got the top bunk.

 

[cheesemouse]

Thanks for the help everyone! I think I'll keep WL on our list for now and ponder the room size a little more. We are doing a split stay and the other resort we are thinking of is AKL which has the same issues. While I'd love a deluxe room it's way out of budget. Possibly a WLV with a good discount.

One other question - how often does the boat to MK run? Every 30 minutes???

 

[Wood Nymph]

One other question - how often does the boat to MK run? Every 30 minutes???

I don't remember waiting more than 15 minutes for a boat. And during the busy times, park opening and closing, there would often be a boat waiting while one was docking and loading. The bus ride is 5 minutes long, but the boat was always worth the extra time.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I will chime in about the bunk beds. We used them when DDs were young and loved them! No more fighting about she is on my side of the bed or she hogged the blankets.

They didn't have bunk beds at home so it was a special treat for them. We did have to rotate who got the top bunk.

Welcome to the thread, Arielle22!

Thanks for the help everyone! I think I'll keep WL on our list for now and ponder the room size a little more. We are doing a split stay and the other resort we are thinking of is AKL which has the same issues. While I'd love a deluxe room it's way out of budget. Possibly a WLV with a good discount.

One other question - how often does the boat to MK run? Every 30 minutes???

You're welcome.

I don't remember waiting more than 15 minutes for a boat. And during the busy times, park opening and closing, there would often be a boat waiting while one was docking and loading. The bus ride is 5 minutes long, but the boat was always worth the extra time.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Just changed our reservation from CBR to WL. It's always been our favorite. So excited. this trip is a shorty just 2 night, we figured its best to be "home", this way we don't have to navigate a new resort.

Someone up thread asked about RD at MK. We take a cab to the CR, we have them drop us off just past the resort and then we walk over to MK.

Add us to the log too. June 13-15. Thanks for starting this beauty thread.

 

[LuvGoldens]

Hi Kook,

We've changed our trip slightly and are now booked for WL Sept 9-17 with no AoA at the beginning if you could modify us on the Log...thank you!

We were at Magic Kingdom a few weeks ago for a day after our cruise and I bought the cutest little Orange Bird magnet with a clip on it for my fridge and it made me think of you and this thread

 

[Bee2u]

Please add me to the log - We'll be back home to WL June 3 - 8.

 

[Sophiesmom]

Love this thread! Heading to WL next Thursday for an unexpected, last minute trip with my DD (14). Can't wait! It's been a few years since we have stayed here and am looking forward to it. We will be there May 23-27.