(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS INFORMATION THREAD ~11/13 - 6/14~

[CuteAsMinnie]

Last day of panic, ummm, I mean, packing. Can't wait to back out of that driveway soon and arrive back home

Here he is.....

And I guess I'll add...


Oh, what the heck... Mind as well go all out....

Have a very wonderfully magically awesomely Merry stay home!!!

If I forget to check back before you leave.... Safe Travels!!! or even safer:


HO, HO, HO!!!!

 

[TerryandDoug]

I want to thank WDWKOOK and all of the contributors here for helping to make our first stay at WL so enjoyable. We already had a stay booked at AKL, when we found that we would be able to arrive a day earlier than we expected. We decided to stay at WL for that first night, and I spent a lot of time on this board ahead of time trying to find out all I could about WL.

We booked a courtyard room, and from information here, I attempted to get one of the “bear face rooms.” When checking in online, I requested a room on the 4th or 5th floor. I then called the resort the week before we arrived and asked to have the request “inner courtyard, open to lobby” added. The person I spoke to thought that she should remove the “4th or 5th floor request” when I asked for “open to lobby,” thinking that “open to lobby” would mean a lobby level room, but she left all requests on the record after I explained to her. When we arrived, we found that we had actually been assigned one of the bear face rooms, 4067. It was a fantastic location, and we especially loved being able to see the lobby Christmas tree each time we left the room. Although it was a great location, I think next time we’ll try a different area, just to change things up.

Since we didn’t arrive until about 8 PM, we only had a short time to enjoy the evening, but knew exactly what we wanted to do ahead of time. First we caught the water pageant as it went by the beach. Somehow after many WDW trips, I had never seen the whole thing before. We then took the boat to FW, and based on what we learned here, we knew to look for the blue flag boat. We walked around FW for a couple of hours, enjoying all of the campsites decorated for Christmas. I’ve seen them during the day on a prior trip, but never got to enjoy the full effect before. We then returned to WL and enjoyed walking the grounds late at night when it was practically deserted. The next morning we took the “Wonders of WL” tour that I read about here. We really enjoyed it, and had pretty much a private tour, with only 3 people joining.

We will definitely stay at WL again as long as we can find a reasonable room rate when we visit. Sadly, when we moved to AKL, our stay wasn’t nearly as magical as the other time we stayed there. I won’t detail here, as others have done so on other threads, but we were at AKL during the “planned power outage” and after a long night at MVMCP, ended up stuck on an overcrowded bus outside of the AKL parking gate for quite awhile and then returned to a dark room with no power.

Thanks again for all the tips that have been provided here, and Happy Holidays!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Oh, Wonderful Kookerific Kook!! Have a wonderful Christmas stay at WL!!!

 

[vinotinto]

In case anyone wanted an update, we got our working magic bands from the front desk! Everything is fixed and we are all set. For those of you worried, even if you encounter a problem, they will fix it with as minimal hassle to you as possible.

Thank goodness! I'm glad they were able to resolve it!


All, I have a question about room requests. We're currently booked Woods View. What is a good area to request for Woods View?

And what is the open lobby (for room requests)?

 

[Wood Nymph]

I want to thank WDWKOOK and all of the contributors here for helping to make our first stay at WL so enjoyable. We already had a stay booked at AKL, when we found that we would be able to arrive a day earlier than we expected. We decided to stay at WL for that first night, and I spent a lot of time on this board ahead of time trying to find out all I could about WL.

We booked a courtyard room, and from information here, I attempted to get one of the bear face rooms. When checking in online, I requested a room on the 4th or 5th floor. I then called the resort the week before we arrived and asked to have the request inner courtyard, open to lobby added. The person I spoke to thought that she should remove the 4th or 5th floor request when I asked for open to lobby, thinking that open to lobby would mean a lobby level room, but she left all requests on the record after I explained to her. When we arrived, we found that we had actually been assigned one of the bear face rooms, 4067. It was a fantastic location, and we especially loved being able to see the lobby Christmas tree each time we left the room. Although it was a great location, I think next time well try a different area, just to change things up.

Since we didnt arrive until about 8 PM, we only had a short time to enjoy the evening, but knew exactly what we wanted to do ahead of time. First we caught the water pageant as it went by the beach. Somehow after many WDW trips, I had never seen the whole thing before. We then took the boat to FW, and based on what we learned here, we knew to look for the blue flag boat. We walked around FW for a couple of hours, enjoying all of the campsites decorated for Christmas. Ive seen them during the day on a prior trip, but never got to enjoy the full effect before. We then returned to WL and enjoyed walking the grounds late at night when it was practically deserted. The next morning we took the Wonders of WL tour that I read about here. We really enjoyed it, and had pretty much a private tour, with only 3 people joining.

We will definitely stay at WL again as long as we can find a reasonable room rate when we visit. Sadly, when we moved to AKL, our stay wasnt nearly as magical as the other time we stayed there. I wont detail here, as others have done so on other threads, but we were at AKL during the planned power outage and after a long night at MVMCP, ended up stuck on an overcrowded bus outside of the AKL parking gate for quite awhile and then returned to a dark room with no power.

Thanks again for all the tips that have been provided here, and Happy Holidays!

Thanks for the detailed trip report. It sounds like a perfect way to spend a day at WL.

All, I have a question about room requests. We're currently booked Woods View. What is a good area to request for Woods View?

And what is the open lobby (for room requests)?

If you look at this wonderful room layout that GrandCalifornian made, you can get an area of the different room views. There are basically three woods view room areas:

1. open to the lobby - which means that when you walk out of the door of the room you can look down into the lobby. These rooms can sometimes hear some noise from the restaurant, but the view is nice.

2. facing the villas - we had one of these rooms when we were there a couple of weeks ago - room 3014. It faces mostly woods and the side view of the villas. This section was very convenient to the lobby and buses. Here is a link to my room view pictures. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=50228142&postcount=219

3. north wing facing the Contemporary - These rooms are close to the elevator to Roaring Forks and many of them have a partial view of the high fireworks.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Ok folks, this is my new favorite home! I absolutely love the WL! For the first time I'm considering booking a bounce back before we check out on Sunday. I did notice that it says "non-discounted price for the same room. Length of stay requirements may apply". Does the same room restriction mean same room type? We booked standard, received pool view and I'm spoiled! I would like to book the bounce back for a view or club level next time. Also, does anyone know the length of stay requirements? I know I can call the number but I'm still on the fence and don't want to DH to know until I thoroughly research.

 

[WDWKOOK]

The next time I post will be from WL! I'll post some photos soon. No fighting (or parties) while I'm gone...

I hope you don't have to drive through any bad weather. Have a great trip.

It looks clear down 95 and thank you!

Here he is.....

And I guess I'll add...


Oh, what the heck... Mind as well go all out....

Have a very wonderfully magically awesomely Merry stay home!!!

If I forget to check back before you leave.... Safe Travels!!! or even safer:


HO, HO, HO!!!!

What a festive farewell - love it and thank you

I want to thank WDWKOOK and all of the contributors here for helping to make our first stay at WL so enjoyable. We already had a stay booked at AKL, when we found that we would be able to arrive a day earlier than we expected. We decided to stay at WL for that first night, and I spent a lot of time on this board ahead of time trying to find out all I could about WL.

We booked a courtyard room, and from information here, I attempted to get one of the “bear face rooms.” When checking in online, I requested a room on the 4th or 5th floor. I then called the resort the week before we arrived and asked to have the request “inner courtyard, open to lobby” added. The person I spoke to thought that she should remove the “4th or 5th floor request” when I asked for “open to lobby,” thinking that “open to lobby” would mean a lobby level room, but she left all requests on the record after I explained to her. When we arrived, we found that we had actually been assigned one of the bear face rooms, 4067. It was a fantastic location, and we especially loved being able to see the lobby Christmas tree each time we left the room. Although it was a great location, I think next time we’ll try a different area, just to change things up.

Since we didn’t arrive until about 8 PM, we only had a short time to enjoy the evening, but knew exactly what we wanted to do ahead of time. First we caught the water pageant as it went by the beach. Somehow after many WDW trips, I had never seen the whole thing before. We then took the boat to FW, and based on what we learned here, we knew to look for the blue flag boat. We walked around FW for a couple of hours, enjoying all of the campsites decorated for Christmas. I’ve seen them during the day on a prior trip, but never got to enjoy the full effect before. We then returned to WL and enjoyed walking the grounds late at night when it was practically deserted. The next morning we took the “Wonders of WL” tour that I read about here. We really enjoyed it, and had pretty much a private tour, with only 3 people joining.

We will definitely stay at WL again as long as we can find a reasonable room rate when we visit. Sadly, when we moved to AKL, our stay wasn’t nearly as magical as the other time we stayed there. I won’t detail here, as others have done so on other threads, but we were at AKL during the “planned power outage” and after a long night at MVMCP, ended up stuck on an overcrowded bus outside of the AKL parking gate for quite awhile and then returned to a dark room with no power.

Thanks again for all the tips that have been provided here, and Happy Holidays!

You're welcome and it was nice to read your report. I hope you get to book a longer stay soon. I heard about the "PPO" and it sounded unpleasant. Merry Christmas to you!

Oh, Wonderful Kookerific Kook!! Have a wonderful Christmas stay at WL!!!

Ooooo thank you, Candace and a Christmas salute to you and yours!

Ok folks, this is my new favorite home! I absolutely love the WL! For the first time I'm considering booking a bounce back before we check out on Sunday. I did notice that it says "non-discounted price for the same room. Length of stay requirements may apply". Does the same room restriction mean same room type? We booked standard, received pool view and I'm spoiled! I would like to book the bounce back for a view or club level next time. Also, does anyone know the length of stay requirements? I know I can call the number but I'm still on the fence and don't want to DH to know until I thoroughly research.

I think the LOS has to do with staying a weekend. You do not have to book what you're in now or even at the same resort. You can book anything that's available with the BB and you can even make changes later.

We'll be checking in on your check out day. So excited! Have a safe trip home.





Must run now

 

[karasmom]

How would you suggest getting from WL to the GF for Dinner on the 31st?

Boat to MK then monorail to GF? Or boat to CR followed by monorail to GF?

Not sure if the walk to the Monorail is longer docking at MK or CR.

 

[PoohsFan1]

Hi everyone I am really excited to say that my family has a trip planned for 2014 and will be staying at VWL. We will be there from 5/26-6/1 staying in a studio. We have stayed in the Lodge a couple of times (WL is one of our favorite resorts) but this will be our first stay in the villas and we cannot be more excited about it. We have been wanting to stay at VWL for a while now, but there never seemed to be any availability for our dates....we all can't wait for May to come .

 

[pas130]

How would you suggest getting from WL to the GF for Dinner on the 31st?

Boat to MK then monorail to GF? Or boat to CR followed by monorail to GF?

Not sure if the walk to the Monorail is longer docking at MK or CR.

Honestly since the monorail can get squished..I would do boat to MK and then boat to GF (I am very partial to the boats

 

[pas130]

Hi everyone I am really excited to say that my family has a trip planned for 2014 and will be staying at VWL. We will be there from 5/26-6/1 staying in a studio. We have stayed in the Lodge a couple of times (WL is one of our favorite resorts) but this will be our first stay in the villas and we cannot be more excited about it. We have been wanting to stay at VWL for a while now, but there never seemed to be any availability for our dates....we all can't wait for May to come .

Congrats!

 

[vinotinto]

If you look at this wonderful room layout that GrandCalifornia made, you can get an area of the different room views. There are basically three woods view room areas:

1. open to the lobby - which means that when you walk out of the door of the room you can look down into the lobby. These rooms can sometimes hear some noise from the restaurant, but the view is nice.

2. facing the villas - we had one of these rooms when we were there a couple of weeks ago - room 3014. It faces mostly woods and the side view of the villas. This section was very convenient to the lobby and buses. Here is a link to my room view pictures.

3. north wing facing the Contemporary - These rooms are close to the elevator to Roaring Forks and many of them have a partial view of the high fireworks.

Thank you! Super helpful!

 

[karasmom]

Honestly since the monorail can get squished..I would do boat to MK and then boat to GF (I am very partial to the boats

Well that would make the most sense, wouldn't it?
I didn't even think about that and it most certainly seems the least amount of hassle since the boat docks are all is n close proximity

Thank you!

 

[pas130]

Duplicate sorry

 

[pas130]

Well that would make the most sense, wouldn't it?
I didn't even think about that and it most certainly seems the least amount of hassle since the boat docks are all is n close proximity

Thank you!

Youre welcome! Sometimes you need to ride the monorail to ride it.... but I adore the boats!!! And the lines are sometimes more manageable

 

[LB1122]

ON our way tomorrow morning bright and early.

Thanks for all the tips and excitement building. I am not bringing the computer on this trip but will be sure to share photos when I return...Kook will be there at the same time so I am sure she will keep you all up to date.

Wilderness here we come.

 

[WDWKOOK]

OMG! OMG! I can't believe it. We arrived at 11:00 and we are in our favorite room...on CL...for our entire stay! I am beyond excited and so thrilled and grateful for such a magical upgrade Christmas present.

The Lodge is gorgeous and I can't wait to take it all in later. We are on the bus to Akershus. I'll post more later.

 

[bowbat]

OMG! OMG! I can't believe it. We arrived at 11:00 and we are in our favorite room...on CL...for our entire stay! I am beyond excited and so thrilled and grateful for such a magical upgrade Christmas present.

The Lodge is gorgeous and I can't wait to take it all in later. We are on the bus to Akershus. I'll post more later.

WOW!! That is AWESOME!!! And very well-deserved, I might add. Enjoy your vacation, and Merry Christmas!

 

[TheLodgeLady]

OMG! OMG! I can't believe it. We arrived at 11:00 and we are in our favorite room...on CL...for our entire stay! I am beyond excited and so thrilled and grateful for such a magical upgrade Christmas present.

The Lodge is gorgeous and I can't wait to take it all in later. We are on the bus to Akershus. I'll post more later.

 

[EmmaMagsMom]

OMG! OMG! I can't believe it. We arrived at 11:00 and we are in our favorite room...on CL...for our entire stay! I am beyond excited and so thrilled and grateful for such a magical upgrade Christmas present. The Lodge is gorgeous and I can't wait to take it all in later. We are on the bus to Akershus. I'll post more later.

Awesome!!!! You deserve it!!!! I love CL. Can't wait to hear your reports.