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

[dreamcruiser]

Just got off the phone with Disney reservations and we are confirmed for a spring visit at our beloved WL!! Several visits there and we still love to hear "welcome home"!

I booked a standard view because we spend most of our time in that wonderful lobby anyway....

[WDWKOOK]

Originally Posted by dreamcruiser

Just got off the phone with Disney reservations and we are confirmed for a spring visit at our beloved WL!! Several visits there and we still love to hear "welcome home"!

I booked a standard view because we spend most of our time in that wonderful lobby anyway....

WOOHOO! Congratulations and it's time to start planning those ADRs

[dreamcruiser]

Originally Posted by WDWKOOK

WOOHOO! Congratulations and it's time to start planning those ADRs

LOL...I know! We are so excited! I had booked POR for a visit in early January, but sis and I knew we NEEDED to be at a deluxe! And now we are!!

Let the countdown begin..(hmmm, I need a ticker!)

[Wood Nymph]

I just read this thread about the loud pool activities at the WL pool.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3018166

How annoying is it? I've never been at a deluxe resort pool that played loud music. Is this something new?

Now I'm worried.

[Mousemommy1]

Originally Posted by Wood Nymph

I just read this thread about the loud pool activities at the WL pool.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3018166

How annoying is it? I've never been at a deluxe resort pool that played loud music. Is this something new?

Now I'm worried.

I refrained from responding on that post. I see a lot of posts about the "loudness" of the poolside activities. This is just another one of those things that comes down to personal perception I think. We spent a lot of time at the pool during our 11 day stay in July and not once did I ever think the pool music was too loud...it honestly never even got on my radar....

[WDWKOOK]

Originally Posted by Wood Nymph

I just read this thread about the loud pool activities at the WL pool.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3018166

How annoying is it? I've never been at a deluxe resort pool that played loud music. Is this something new?

Now I'm worried.

Every afternoon at WL, currently from 3-5, there is a 'pool party' for the kids and even the adults sometimes participate. The lifeguards and other CMs lead games and trivia contests and they use a PA system to communicate. The volume of the music at this time is increased. This is a time for kids to have some structured fun while mom and dad relax after a long day in the parks and perhaps partake in an adult beverage or two.

The rooms that face the WL courtyard can readily hear the music and PA system, though with your sliding glass door closed it's not as noticeable, just like in the evening when the EWP stops by. Woods and Standard View rooms aren't really impacted. VWL does not hold pool parties since they don't have any lifeguards so rooms that face that direction also aren't impacted.

[bowbat]

Quick question for you, WDWKOOK: We currently don't have an ADR for our arrival night -- we're not sure what we'll be doing so need some flexibility. That said, I seem to recall you having good things to say about the buffet at Trail's End. Would an ADR be necessary there, or do you think we'd have good luck getting in as a walk-up? Thanks!

[WDWKOOK]

Originally Posted by bowbat

Quick question for you, WDWKOOK: We currently don't have an ADR for our arrival night -- we're not sure what we'll be doing so need some flexibility. That said, I seem to recall you having good things to say about the buffet at Trail's End. Would an ADR be necessary there, or do you think we'd have good luck getting in as a walk-up? Thanks!

Are you all settled in to the new house and closed on the old?

You'll be just fine without an ADR at TE and yes, I highly recommend it!

[bowbat]

Originally Posted by WDWKOOK

Are you all settled in to the new house and closed on the old?

You'll be just fine without an ADR at TE and yes, I highly recommend it!

Yes! Thanks for asking.

And I was hoping you'd say that about TE. Hoping we can even convince the kid to "hike" over there.

[madgali2000]

Originally Posted by WDWKOOK

Are you all settled in to the new house and closed on the old?

You'll be just fine without an ADR at TE and yes, I highly recommend it!

Hello KOOK. Just got back from 6 days in heaven(WL)!!!! Extremely sad, but thinking about next time!! We spend just about every afternoon for a couple of hours by the pool!! Music was not too loud !! Kids playing games with the pool staff was great!! Oh and I have never seen more attentive life guards !!! Loved everything about "my home" . Already missing it!!

[Wood Nymph]

Originally Posted by madgali2000

We spend just about every afternoon for a couple of hours by the pool!! Music was not too loud !! Kids playing games with the pool staff was great!! Oh and I have never seen more attentive life guards !!! Loved everything about "my home" . Already missing it!!

The pool games sound like fun. I hope the weather is nice enough for us to enjoy the pool. We will be with our grandchildren, age 5 and 3. Are they too young for the pool games?

I just hope that the music isn't too loud. I think I'll be very happy with our woods view room.

[pixiepirate]

Less than 24 hours now until we are on our way. Can anyone tell me if any of the Christmas decorations are up in the Lodge yet? I know it's early but I have my fingers crossed.

[EmmaMagsMom]

Originally Posted by pixiepirate

Less than 24 hours now until we are on our way. Can anyone tell me if any of the Christmas decorations are up in the Lodge yet? I know it's early but I have my fingers crossed.

Just back from a great week at WL. We once again stayed on the club level. We had room 7043. It faced the courtyard and pool and had bunk beds for the girls. Just what we asked for . We enjoyed the lounge once again. We found many of the CM's friendly, though definitely the women were more than the male CM. we missed Kirk who is now in the lobby. Bonnie was great and really went above and beyond. The food offerings were plentiful each evening. I don't remember them having the tenderloin stew before but that was amazing. We also had the dining plan so found that we had way too much food every day.

Couple observations. This is our third year in a row going for Halloween. We found the lodge to be busier than usual. The pool was crazy some days. I have never seen it so crowded as it was last weekend. What always gets me are the people saving pool chairs. On Saturday there were a row of chairs with towels on them. We sat and watched and no one came. It was like being on a cruise. I don't remember this being an issue in years past. Our DD's loved the pool activities. The Halloween dance party on the beach was great. I thought the DJ was awesome!!!

We always enjoy our time. Now back to reality ugh

[EmmaMagsMom]

Originally Posted by pixiepirate

Less than 24 hours now until we are on our way. Can anyone tell me if any of the Christmas decorations are up in the Lodge yet? I know it's early but I have my fingers crossed.

We left yesterday and they weren't up at the lodge but the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios had them

[ejrj]

Talk to me about winter swimming. We will be there the first part of December. Are the pools warm enough? I realize the air will be chilly but is the water warm enough to compensate a little? I'm we live in the South and are (ok, I'm) a wimpy....and my wimpiness affects the kids as they are of an age that I need to swim with them!