(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS INFORMATION THREAD ~2014~

[AngiTN]

This is sort of out of date now but I thought it is an interesting comparison on the work done while we were there.

This picture was taken when we arrived on 12/7, about noon

This one was taken just before we checked out, on 12/12, about 10:00 AM

 

[WDWKOOK]

DH and I just got back from 5 nights at WL. I am really not sure how my experience could have been so drastically different from some I've read from the same time period.

We checked in on Sunday 12/7 and left yesterday, 12/12
I'd booked woods view through Orbitz.
I didn't request anything directly or with Orbtiz, wanted to see what I got without. Just did online check in.
I requested upper floor, near elevator and early check in
We got room 5141, a Courtyard view, 5th floor, 2 doors from the elevator. And the room was ready when we arrived at 11:00 AM. Perfection. If we took the elevator down to the 1st floor we went out right on the path to the buses.

First, the pool was open the entire time. Now, it was too cold to swim with temps only in the lower 60's but there were poor life guards walking around it every day. We saw someone in there once or twice but it was too cold to have drawn many people. The slide had water running in it too. The pool wasn't cloudy, we could see through to the bottom with no problem.

Also, the Geyser was indeed erupting. I have photos of it going off but it's pretty hard to photograph from the angle of our room. It had the lake in the back ground so it didn't stand out in a photo

The splash pad was being worked on and did look close to completion when we returned from MK yesterday afternoon. Again, can't imagine it not being done was bothering a sole since it was way too cold to use. Looks like it is going to be very fun

We walked past the pool at WLV and there were a few hardy soles in it but with the temps it sure never got crowded.

We spent every morning at the resort and at no time did the construction bother us. We didn't hear anything in the room.

The scaffolding was up and sure not something that detracted from our stay. I'd rather have scaffolding then a Resort in disrepair. And they have to repair it sometime. I think the way they are doing it is the least disruptful that they can

We had a delightful stay, even if they did let Elsa loose on the temps for a few days. Could have done without that.

Thank you for posting about your stay

24 hours to go and we will be one the plane headed to Disney!! So excited all the work and planning is now done and we are all full of such anticipation. The excitement is building....does anyone happen to know if the pools and hot tubs are now open?? It appears the main pool is and they had heater working so that is a plus just want to know for sure that all is now open. Thanks.

I hope you're having a magical vacation!

We're here now, can't give a pool update because we've been at the parks like maniacs. Did see them testing the splash pad Saturday, and have seen people running around in bathing suits. I'll do this morning's coffee run and see if I can gather some intel.

I just wanted to share some amazing pixie dust we got. We're staying on a cash reservation in the Villas, and reserved a 1 bedroom. When we arrived Saturday around 11:30 a.m., we were told our room wasn't ready but that they'd text us when it was. I thought she said something about a 2 bedroom, but I figured she misspoke because we had a 1 bedroom reserved. We went to MK for a few hours, went to Chef Mickey's for dinner, got back later than we expected and were given our room number...5540. She said it was a two bedroom, and I told her to double check to make sure. Then I asked her what rate we have, and yep...the rate didn't go up! Total pixie dust.

We got to our room, and it's amazing. It's a dedicated two bedroom, the kids each have a queen bed to sleep in, we have a king, two full bathrooms, and a HUGE, double-long balcony with a woods view.

We've NEVER had any luck with room requests...never had one granted once, so I didn't make any when I checked in. And this is what we got. This room is beyond our wildest dreams.

Oh, and the Lodge is beautiful with all the decorations.

What a wonderful upgrade and so much room for the whole family. Do you think it'll be hard staying in a one bedroom in the future? Enjoy the rest of your stay and don't get lost in that villa

I must have missed this, does anyone know if there is oatmeal in the CL lounge for breakfast?

Just adding that the oatmeal used to be seasonal at the OFC, but since the summer, they started offering it year 'round. Also, there are oatmeal fixins' available: Dried cranberries, brown sugar and white raisins.

I finally walked over for my coffee around 10ish this morning, and the hot tubs were open by then. There was a guest sitting in one of them. I dipped my foot in the pool (which was also open) and it was very, very warm, but no one was in it. There were three very bored looking lifeguards on duty.

Splash pad was being worked on when I went by. When we arrived Saturday it had water and was running (not open, but seemed to be in testing) but there were some construction type workers working on some machinery (a pump? maybe) in a hatch near the hot tubs.

There is very little scaffolding left on the Lodge. I almost didn't even notice it, but I guess if you like hanging out in the closed off areas, then you'd probably notice. I saw one worker caulking the gutters, and could hear some type of power tool going, but not sure what that was. They were also doing some painting on the ground level near the Roaring Fork.

Great update - thank you.

This is sort of out of date now but I thought it is an interesting comparison on the work done while we were there.

This picture was taken when we arrived on 12/7, about noon

Love the "before and after," thanks.

 

[Divaofdisney]

We just arrived and have done some walking around. The pools are open- heated very nicely, and the kids splash area is also open and fully functional. One of the 2 hot tubs is open the lifeguard told me they are working on the other one- so all is great in my world right now. The resort is absolutely breathtaking and beautiful- I have no complaints at all. I am so happy and excited to finally be here- it was always a dream of mine to stay here and it is now being realized!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

We just arrived and have done some walking around. The pools are open- heated very nicely, and the kids splash area is also open and fully functional. One of the 2 hot tubs is open the lifeguard told me they are working on the other one- so all is great in my world right now. The resort is absolutely breathtaking and beautiful- I have no complaints at all. I am so happy and excited to finally be here- it was always a dream of mine to stay here and it is now being realized!!!

That is great news! Enjoy every minute

 

[Kona65]

We just arrived and have done some walking around. The pools are open- heated very nicely, and the kids splash area is also open and fully functional. One of the 2 hot tubs is open the lifeguard told me they are working on the other one- so all is great in my world right now. The resort is absolutely breathtaking and beautiful- I have no complaints at all. I am so happy and excited to finally be here- it was always a dream of mine to stay here and it is now being realized!!!

Thanks for the update.

 

[bluecastle]

We just arrived and have done some walking around. The pools are open- heated very nicely, and the kids splash area is also open and fully functional. One of the 2 hot tubs is open the lifeguard told me they are working on the other one- so all is great in my world right now. The resort is absolutely breathtaking and beautiful- I have no complaints at all. I am so happy and excited to finally be here- it was always a dream of mine to stay here and it is now being realized!!!

Have a magical time! Even though I had stayed at the WL before, nothing prepared me for how I would feel walking into the lobby and seeing the tree. It truly was a dream come true and brought tears to my eyes. I felt so incredibly lucky to be there. Enjoy every moment!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We just arrived and have done some walking around. The pools are open- heated very nicely, and the kids splash area is also open and fully functional. One of the 2 hot tubs is open the lifeguard told me they are working on the other one- so all is great in my world right now. The resort is absolutely breathtaking and beautiful- I have no complaints at all. I am so happy and excited to finally be here- it was always a dream of mine to stay here and it is now being realized!!!

YAY!!! That is great news! We arrive on Friday!

 

[JnKinVA]

So glad to hear of less and less construction at the Lodge.

We are a month out from arriving, our Magic Bands will be shipping in the next day or so, and DH comes home Thursday morning at 7am at Dulles

Things have been going good for once!

 

[JulieODC]

Now if only I could order up some seasonably warm weather for Jan 7-12, so that DD can take full advantage of the new splash area!!

 

[blackmamba10000]

Now if only I could order up some seasonably warm weather for Jan 7-12, so that DD can take full advantage of the new splash area!!

I was thinking the same thing about my January 21-27 trip! Here's to hoping for an unseasonably warm January!

 

[ThePharmer]

Arrived yesterday. As of this morning main pool is open but very cloudy. Staff discussing poolside whether to close it . Splash pad open and 1 hottub open. Other one has technician with loads of equipment trying to get balance right. Main news though, as I write this the walls at the beach are coming down! Work happening on the scaffolding up at the roof line. Place is amazing.

 

[trishadono]

Arrived yesterday. As of this morning main pool is open but very cloudy. Staff discussing poolside whether to close it . Splash pad open and 1 hottub open. Other one has technician with loads of equipment trying to get balance right. Main news though, as I write this the walls at the beach are coming down! Work happening on the scaffolding up at the roof line. Place is amazing.

thanks!

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Home from our trip to The World. A little sad, but already planning a next time We loved Wilderness Lodge. Everything was perfect! It was the perfect place to kick off the Christmas season, no resort has more of what a holiday traditionalist like myself enjoys most! Am thinking it could become part of our Christmas tradition in the future! A quick pre Christmas extended long weekend mid December annually sounds just right to me!

 

[blackdogg]

Added our ticker today Super excited for a fall vacay to WDW... first time club level at WL too Look forward to following along with everyone! Cheers!

 

[ClarabelleCow]

If anyone is there now and staying club level, can you tell me the flavors and colors of the Nespresso coffee pods? I have a machine but can't figure out what i was drinking and loved!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Have a magical time! Even though I had stayed at the WL before, nothing prepared me for how I would feel walking into the lobby and seeing the tree. It truly was a dream come true and brought tears to my eyes. I felt so incredibly lucky to be there. Enjoy every moment!

Well put

Arrived yesterday. As of this morning main pool is open but very cloudy. Staff discussing poolside whether to close it . Splash pad open and 1 hottub open. Other one has technician with loads of equipment trying to get balance right. Main news though, as I write this the walls at the beach are coming down! Work happening on the scaffolding up at the roof line. Place is amazing.

Thank you for the update and I hope you have a magical stay.

Home from our trip to The World. A little sad, but already planning a next time We loved Wilderness Lodge. Everything was perfect! It was the perfect place to kick off the Christmas season, no resort has more of what a holiday traditionalist like myself enjoys most! Am thinking it could become part of our Christmas tradition in the future! A quick pre Christmas extended long weekend mid December annually sounds just right to me!

It's a shock coming home, isn't it? Time to start planning your next stay

Added our ticker today Super excited for a fall vacay to WDW... first time club level at WL too Look forward to following along with everyone! Cheers!

Welcome and congratulations on booking the Old faithful Club. Let us know if you have any questions.

If anyone is there now and staying club level, can you tell me the flavors and colors of the Nespresso coffee pods? I have a machine but can't figure out what i was drinking and loved!!!

These were the summer flavors:

 

[Smileybug]

Good morning ya'll.

 

[alwaysred2]

Is anyone that is there now have a copy of the holiday schedule you could post? Activities/Meet and Greets during Christmas week? TIA

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Well put Thank you for the update and I hope you have a magical stay. It's a shock coming home, isn't it? Time to start planning your next stay Welcome and congratulations on booking the Old faithful Club. Let us know if you have any questions. These were the summer flavors: http://s621.photobucket.com/user/WDWKOOK/media/WL 2014/IMG_1922.jpg.html http://s621.photobucket.com/user/WDWKOOK/media/WL 2014/8008fa71-eddb-49f4-9e10-3dd155d44fba.png.html

Thanks!! Perfect!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Is anyone that is there now have a copy of the holiday schedule you could post? Activities/Meet and Greets during Christmas week? TIA

Until someone posts the special holiday activities flyer, HERE is the link to the December WL/VWL Activity Calendar.