Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[MrsJobba1]

Hi guys
Just wanted to say I'm doing my single digit dance today - 9 days till we check in !!! Yay

 

[mrsap]

Hi guys
Just wanted to say I'm doing my single digit dance today - 9 days till we check in !!! Yay

Have a great trip!!!!!!

 

[eeyore986]

WdwKook

again, thank you for keeping the thread so informative, and friendly.

I just went back to the first pages to look through the information for views and to see the pictures of the rooms, and the CL offerings!

I also noted that my name and dates were a bit off (likely due to my excitement!) we are checking in 6/16 and then moving 6/20 (Beach Club Villas)

I'm hoping I don't have too many ambitious plans! I am trying to decide where to have a cake delivered, to the room, or to one of the restaurants we will be dining... oh, we are celebrating DH's birthday, and I am going to have a celebration of our 33rd year of marriage, even though it isn't until August, but we do so love Artist Point!

anyway, I'm sorry to mislead you!

I may be part of the issue. We are staying at WL for the first time June 18-25 and are celebrating our DD's birthday on the 19th and our 10th anniversary, which is June 7th rather celebrate a little late at WDW.

WdwKook I have enjoyed reading over the thread and learning, and so excited for our upcoming stay.

 

[sunnysideup3]

We are at 36 days! I have never needed a vacation more than this....

 

[goofystitchfan]

Have a question that I am hoping that one of you VWL folks may be able to answer for me. We are staying there for the first time Saturday and Sunday (pre cruise) I have a group of us (possibility up to 20 or so) who would like to get together on Sunday. Is there someplace here that we can reserve or something? I have called the resort directly to ask however I have been hung up on 3x already.

 

[dansdad]

Have a question that I am hoping that one of you VWL folks may be able to answer for me. We are staying there for the first time Saturday and Sunday (pre cruise) I have a group of us (possibility up to 20 or so) who would like to get together on Sunday. Is there someplace here that we can reserve or something? I have called the resort directly to ask however I have been hung up on 3x already.

I do not know of an area you can reserve other than the Presidential Suite or Vice Presidential Suite. You could hang out on the beach or the pool (if all 20 are guests at WL). I did also want to say that unless you are staying Club Level and have access to IPO, there is no way to speak directly to the resort. If you use any of the numbers found via google for WL, your call gets routed to a Central Call Center not located on property. It's definitely uncool you've been hung up on, but just wanted you to know it's not anyone at the resort.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Have a question that I am hoping that one of you VWL folks may be able to answer for me. We are staying there for the first time Saturday and Sunday (pre cruise) I have a group of us (possibility up to 20 or so) who would like to get together on Sunday. Is there someplace here that we can reserve or something? I have called the resort directly to ask however I have been hung up on 3x already.

The Carolwood Pacific room in the villas building would be big enough for your group, but you couldn't reserve it. Anyone can go in there. I know that they use it to show the movie at night if the weather isn't good enough to show it on the beach.

 

[DisneyQueen1320]

Hello Everyone,
I'm thinking of staying at WL for two days before we transfer over to the Poly. On our arrival night we are attending the MVMCP. I never stayed at WL, how long does the boat take to get to MK? Will the boat run after the party or do we have to take a bus back to the resort? Would this be a great resort to stay at for a party night?


Thanks

 

[mickeem]

Hello!

22 more days, and we will be at the WL for the first time!! I am seeing that they have scaffolding around the rooms ?? Does anyone know how often they are moved? (so if its in one area this week, could it be moved next week?)
This is the first time staying here in a Courtyard view, and I would love for us to not have to look out through the scaffolding, or sit on the patio with this view.. lol
Thanks!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Here now! We arrived Saturday afternoon and our room was ready. Got the text while driving. We are fifth floor, overlooking the Villas pool. Scaffolding is on the North wing, courtyard and over the front/lobby of the resort. It has had zero impact on our enjoyment of the resort. We haven't stayed here in about 6 years, and I have to say, it's just as lovely as ever! We are enjoying all the details: the landscaping and flowers, little tame bunnies, Native American Art, the fireplace, etc.

We went to the pool on Saturday. Umbrellas are free standing, no tables. It does seem more crowded or a tighter fit with the fence. The fence does blend in nicely with the resort.

Anything that I can check on or answer for anyone, please let me know. We are off the AK to have breakfast with Donald!

Thank you for correcting me. I hope you're having a wonderful vacation!

Hi Dis Boards,
I booked a last minute trip to VWL DVC - will be checking into a 1 bedroom villa on 6/10 and checking out on 6/14. Been a long time since I visited the lodge.

Does anyone have any room recommendations in terms of view ? Ideally I would like a Lake View, vs Pool view or a woods view. Do all the DVC rooms have the same view ?

Congratulations on booking! I'll add your dates to the Lodgers' Log.

I am curious as what is the other category of view? If it is not woods what would it be? From the pictures it looks like everything is really woods view.

I will be checking in shortly. Our first priority is a high floor because we would for it to be as quiet as possible. ,

Thank you.

For the Villas, the views really don't vary as much as in the main building. Besides woods, some rooms have views of the Villas pool courtyard, but the view is still wooded. You don't have a loading area or parking lot to be concerned with at the Villas. To me the bigger issue would be location and how far down the relatively long Villas hallway the room is.

Just adding that one other possible view is of the south wing of WL. The villas that are near the VWL entrance directly face the Cub's Den area with some trees in front. This is the view beyond the trees:

Well, it's official. I changed our reservation from the Poly to the WL. We have a split stay with the BC booked for mid-August. The first three days were scheduled for the Poly CL and a GV room. The construction issues there just were more stress than I wanted to deal with. My sister and niece are coming with us and I wanted them to be thrilled with the resort. So we're staying in one of the deluxe rooms before moving to the BC.

It's been many years since we stayed at the WL. I'm really excited to see how things look now and plan to take advantage of the new pool area. Next stop -figuring out room requests. The courtyard seems like a good plan - closer to the elevator leading to the lounge. But I definitely want an open balcony.

Very excited to read through this thread. WDWKOOK has the best threads!

Congratulations on the ol' resort switcheroo and thank you so much for your sweet comment!!

WdwKook

again, thank you for keeping the thread so informative, and friendly.

I just went back to the first pages to look through the information for views and to see the pictures of the rooms, and the CL offerings!

I also noted that my name and dates were a bit off (likely due to my excitement!) we are checking in 6/16 and then moving 6/20 (Beach Club Villas)

I'm hoping I don't have too many ambitious plans! I am trying to decide where to have a cake delivered, to the room, or to one of the restaurants we will be dining... oh, we are celebrating DH's birthday, and I am going to have a celebration of our 33rd year of marriage, even though it isn't until August, but we do so love Artist Point!

anyway, I'm sorry to mislead you!

I will get right to correcting the unofficial-official record.

I think you need two desserts: One cake for DH's birthday at the restaurant and how about some delicious anniversary chocolate covered strawberries delivered to the room?

Hi everyone! I just wanted to say that I have really enjoyed this thread and have learned a lot since I discovered this forum a few months ago. My wife, 4 year old son and I will be staying at the WL for the first time in December! We are so excited, to say the least. We will be checking into a studio at the Villas on Dec. 5 and checking out Dec 13. This will be the second Disney trip for me and my wife but the first trip for my son. We will also spend a day or possibly two over at the Dark Side.....ha ha. Thanks so much WDWKOOK for all that you have done and I look forward to learning many more things about WL between now and our vacation!

to the DIS and the thread! I'm so glad you've found the thread helpful with your planning and thank you so much for your kind comment.

Make sure you note in your reservation that it's DS's first visit. This will be such a magical time for him with everything decorated. I'll log your dates and let us know if you have any questions.

I may be part of the issue. We are staying at WL for the first time June 18-25 and are celebrating our DD's birthday on the 19th and our 10th anniversary, which is June 7th rather celebrate a little late at WDW.

WdwKook I have enjoyed reading over the thread and learning, and so excited for our upcoming stay.

So that's what happened. Actually, I'm probably entirely to blame, but I'll get the Lodgers' Log all straightened out before the IRS audit.

I'm glad you've enjoyed reading through the thread and we're excited for your stay, too!

The Carolwood Pacific room in the villas building would be big enough for your group, but you couldn't reserve it. Anyone can go in there. I know that they use it to show the movie at night if the weather isn't good enough to show it on the beach.

Great idea and I've never seen it crowded in there and when there are some folks in there, they usually don't stay long.

Hello Everyone,
I'm thinking of staying at WL for two days before we transfer over to the Poly. On our arrival night we are attending the MVMCP. I never stayed at WL, how long does the boat take to get to MK? Will the boat run after the party or do we have to take a bus back to the resort? Would this be a great resort to stay at for a party night?


Thanks

Welcome to the thread! There are transportation time charts in the TRANSPORTATION SECTION of the thread. The Red Flag to MK takes about 10 mins., but in off-peak times, the boat will go to FW which adds another 10 mins. The bus takes 5 mins. The boat should be running after MVMCP.

Hello!

22 more days, and we will be at the WL for the first time!! I am seeing that they have scaffolding around the rooms ?? Does anyone know how often they are moved? (so if its in one area this week, could it be moved next week?)

This is the first time staying here in a Courtyard view, and I would love for us to not have to look out through the scaffolding, or sit on the patio with this view.. lol
Thanks!!

Welcome! It's hard to say how long the scaffolding is in place at each location because in the past week or so they have added more scaffolding. I suppose you could add a request like "No view of scaffolding." When you check-in, you can also ask, but it may not be possible. I received an update today that the scaffolding is predicted to be up throughout the resort for another year

 

[grimley1968]

This is the current BB. It's hidden in the middle of the Be Our Guest Guide which is hidden in a folder. The folder will either be in your room or given to you at check-in.


View attachment 87748

View attachment 87749

It's cut-off, but DVC is -35%:
View attachment 87750

Thanks for posting these photos. I've been curious about any discounts and/or "free dining" for our upcoming trip in October, during our Fall Break. The last several years have seen "Free Dining" completely blacked out for our trip, due to the resorts already being booked. The last few years have also featured no other types of discounts (other than Disney Visa, etc.) offered at all for a couple weeks in October (surrounding Columbus Day). However, those bouncebacks are often an indicator of what might be offered to the public later on. Fortunately, that 35% discount black out window looks a few days shorter than it has been the last few years, IIRC. I hope that is the case. I don't have much hope for "free dining" during our Fall Break, but I prefer a % discount like what is shown anyway. 35% is pretty nice.

 

[merdie]

Hi! We are newbies to WL and will be staying in a standard room as we are using a "magical deal." I wanted to know how to go about doing room requests or if that's even necessary. I know we'd want a high floor but other than that, it doesn't really matter to me. Are there any standard rooms you guys would suggest or should I just let fate decide Thanks!

 

[dansdad]

Hi! We are newbies to WL and will be staying in a standard room as we are using a "magical deal." I wanted to know how to go about doing room requests or if that's even necessary. I know we'd want a high floor but other than that, it doesn't really matter to me. Are there any standard rooms you guys would suggest or should I just let fate decide Thanks!

Contact your Travel Agent and ask them to add a room request of upper floor.

 

[hill6]

25 days to go. Our Magic Bands came in yesterday's mai. Yay!!!!

 

[jagoffee]

Just adding that one other possible view is of the south wing of WL. The villas that are near the VWL entrance directly face the Cub's Den area with some trees in front. This is the view beyond the trees:

View attachment 88588

Thank you for the additional information.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for posting these photos. I've been curious about any discounts and/or "free dining" for our upcoming trip in October, during our Fall Break. The last several years have seen "Free Dining" completely blacked out for our trip, due to the resorts already being booked. The last few years have also featured no other types of discounts (other than Disney Visa, etc.) offered at all for a couple weeks in October (surrounding Columbus Day). However, those bouncebacks are often an indicator of what might be offered to the public later on. Fortunately, that 35% discount black out window looks a few days shorter than it has been the last few years, IIRC. I hope that is the case. I don't have much hope for "free dining" during our Fall Break, but I prefer a % discount like what is shown anyway. 35% is pretty nice.

A % off room discount is usually a greater savings for a Deluxe resort Vs. FD. Keep your eye out for upcoming deals

Hi! We are newbies to WL and will be staying in a standard room as we are using a "magical deal." I wanted to know how to go about doing room requests or if that's even necessary. I know we'd want a high floor but other than that, it doesn't really matter to me. Are there any standard rooms you guys would suggest or should I just let fate decide Thanks!

That is a great deal and I got 55% off rack rate for August

Besides high floor, I would request North Wing. If you get both requests, you'll have a partial Wishes view.

25 days to go. Our Magic Bands came in yesterday's mai. Yay!!!!

It's almost time!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

View of WL North Wing rooms from CR Tower room 11th floor. Epcot and Swolphin in background:

 

[grimley1968]

A % off room discount is usually a greater savings for a Deluxe resort Vs. FD. Keep your eye out for upcoming deals

In the past few years, there has not been any kind of discount for my week in October, even in those bounceback offers. I usually look at people's posts of those bounceback offers as an indicator of what might be offered to the public later on. The past few years my hopes were dashed long before the public discounts came out, because I'd seen the blackout dates in the BB offers. The fact that, at least in the BB offer this year, the blackout doesn't begin until 10/5 (after we check in), gives me a little bit of hope. It may be dashed again when the public discounts are announced, but this is the latest in the calendar year I've had hope of some kind of discount for a few years now. It's the biggest reason we haven't stayed deluxe for a few years.

 

[CaptVMB]

Ok so we had planned dinner at WCC for after our day at AK but now I am thinking dinner from RF poolside migh be better for my young children so they could play in the water before bed... Will eat breakfast at WCC another day this trip. Are you allowed to take food from RF and sit beside the pool to eat? Just need to be close enough to see them running around the splash pad! Also will Trout Pass be open in the evenings for drinks?

 

[jen7233]

Hi guys
Just wanted to say I'm doing my single digit dance today - 9 days till we check in !!! Yay

Lucky!