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

[JCTurner]

Good old Disney Magic. Booked std room got upgraded to 5th floor Bay Lake view 15 nights of Electric Water Pageant outside our window. Pics to follow.

[TheLodgeLady]

Originally Posted by JCTurner

Good old Disney Magic. Booked std room got upgraded to 5th floor Bay Lake view 15 nights of Electric Water Pageant outside our window. Pics to follow.

So wonderful for you!!! Enjoy

[WDWKOOK]

Originally Posted by summerrluvv

Thanks folks! Smaller arcade hopefully = less money spent in it

My DD loves the Neverland Club, but I figured the Cub's Den would be easier since we are right there. Hoping to drop her for a couple of hours and ride Space Mountain with DS since DD isn't tall enough!

Less than 2 weeks, and aside from custom outfits for DD, I'm feeling completely unprepared

Once you arrive you won't be worried about anything anymore - you'll just be having a great time!

Originally Posted by mslhb

FINALLY in single digits! We booked our package back in January and have been sooooo excited since. We are staying in a Deluxe Room and I am super excited. Below is our basic plan for the trip. Have no idea what the weather will be like so I am sure I will completely overpack and we will make the best no matter what it is like!

Mon - Arrive early, spend a few hours at MK, early dinner at 'Ohana
Tue - MK all day, Breakfast at CRT
Wed - Late breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, Exotic Driving Experience for DH, Dinner at Artist Point for DH and I while DD goes to the WL Kid's Club
Thu - Epcot all day
Fri - AK Day, Lunch at Tusker House... maybe another park in the evening
Sat - Late breakfast at Whispering Caynon, Fly home late afternoon

Thanks everyone for this thread which has been so helpful!!

Your plan looks good. For us, AK is always a half-day park along with DHS. But, half day can also mean a late morning arrival and an early afternoon departure or going twice. Sometimes we go to Epcot from there to eat dinner.

Originally Posted by mommadjones

Hi all,
Havent been around much since our August trip. So much going on in CT. Kids went back to school, I went back to work, we had a few storms but now we are ten days from our return to our CL Lodge stay!!!
We are also fortunate enough to have recieved a pin code for early 2013 and fall 2013 soooo we will be back Feb 6-12(staying at AOA) and August 5-22 back at our beloved WL
This will be our first stay at WL during the Christmas season so we are super excited to see all the WL decorations. Also it will be my sisters first ever Christmas time stay and with her bday being on Christmas Im confident it will be major magic.
An extra bonus is we will be there for the grand opening of FantasyLand

I can't believe it's already time for your next trip! So neat that you'll be there for the FLE opening! Do the kids have an early December/February break in CT?

Originally Posted by mwmom

Just back from our 3rd stay at WL and already missing it! Once again, the service from valet, front desk, Roaring Forks, WCC, mousekeeping, and boat captains was impeccable! We had a wonderful room facing the lake and pool on the north wing. We have now stayed in the south wing overlooking VWL pool (sort of...not the best view), overlooking courtyard (with lobby right outside our door) and the north wing looking at pool and lake. I can't say that any room was a bad room as they all had their advantages.

This year on the boat back from MK, we were the only ones on the boat in the afternoon and the captain walked over to my daughter and gave her a ring. She felt so special! Mousekeeping left us new animal towels each day which we looked forward to as we returned to the room. There were plenty of lifeguards on duty at the pool. Our waiter at WCC has worked for Disney for 37 years! He was quite funny and entertaining, and what a nice man!

I just love the hotel! The peaceful feeling that you get when you return from a crowded day at the parks is so worth the price you pay for this hotel. I love that everything is under one roof and you just relax as soon as you walk in. After visiting a few other hotels, I know this will always be our place of choice!

To those leaving soon for WL, have fun!

What a great vacation you had. Sounds like WL is truly your home away from home

Originally Posted by DetTigsGal

Today is our last day at WL, we are CL and have really enjoyed it. This visit seemed much less hectic. Had lunch today at Be our Guest.

Too bad you missed Randy, but maybe the next time you're there he'll be back. Have a safe trip home.

Originally Posted by chateau

Hello! Tried to do online check in- most worked ok, but when I got to "room requests" and clicked on the button, another window opened and the space where you'd type the request could not be modified (or typed into). "Liveperson" popped up, I asked the DM about it, and they said "call". I thought I'd ask you all first.... always seems faster and more efficient!!

OCI is very limiting in what requests you can make. You're limited to pre-set requests only. You will have to call the WDTC/CRO with your reservation number and have them add your requests to your reservation at least 5 days prior to arrival so that the room assignor will see it.

Originally Posted by CaliKT

We're two weeks out and I told the kids today! I made a scavenger hunt/puzzle whose answers spelled out "We are going to Walt Disney World." They didn't quite get it at first -- enjoyed doing the puzzle but didn't realize that we really WERE going. Once they got it they were over the moon. My older son is currently in bed reading the Hidden Mickey book. They haven't asked where we're staying yet, but they'll be so thrilled to hear we're staying at the Lodge. None of us have seen it yet, but they know about the geyser pool and think it sounds awesome.

What a wonderful surprise! When do you think they'll ask where you're staying? Maybe it would be fun to give them daily clues and see if they can guess or do you want to wait until arrival?

Originally Posted by WellingtonR

We're here!!!! Kids are sooooo excited! Won't mention room number yet (to be safe), but not disappointed at all. Just had a delicious quick service dinner at the roaring fork and it was delicious and filling. Everyone here is sooooo nice and they work very hard. I want to apologize for my kids, they've been cooped up in a van all the way from Connecticut. They are wired.....me on the other hand....not so much!!!

Oh boy, that's a looooong trip. Do they need a quick hike through the woods to FW? Did they sleep well last night or were they up early today and super excited? Where are you off to today? MK?

Originally Posted by summerrluvv

Awww!!

We are going around that time as well! I'm not telling my kids though. Just picking them up from school early, handing them some homemade Mickey/Minnie boarding passes, and heading off to the airport!

I could never keep a secret like that. Your kids are going to be so surprised and happy

Originally Posted by NHKristy76

Our plane departs Manchester, NH tomorrow morning at 6:45am! I'll be in that beautiful lobby before noon. YIPPPPEEEEE!

You should be arriving soon and I would think any Thanksgiving crowds would be departing - sounds like a great time to visit!

Originally Posted by martinrmn

We arrive at WL Dec 13th for a week and cant wait. We stay on I-Drive the first week and then Disney, Disney, Disney!
Less than 2 weeks to go and starting to get very excited. Alraedy thinking about packing cases but have to be realistic not to pack too soon.

I say, when the mood strikes you - pack. Packing enthusiasm can come and go, so best to just do it when you feel like it and not worry about it being too soon. Have a great vacation!

Originally Posted by JCTurner

Good old Disney Magic. Booked std room got upgraded to 5th floor Bay Lake view 15 nights of Electric Water Pageant outside our window. Pics to follow.

What a terrific upgrade from Standard to Courtyard and for 15 nights?! WOWZA! Enjoy every minute

[mommadjones]

Originally Posted by WDWKOOK

I can't believe it's already time for your next trip! So neat that you'll be there for the FLE opening! Do the kids have an early December/February break in CT?

No my boys aren't in elementary school yet so that's not a concern. For our Dec trip my daughter will be staying with relatives as she is in High School and can't miss. For our Feb trip my husband is staying home so she will be home with him it will be nice when we return in August as a full family! It will be almost two years since we have had a full family vacation as my husbands schedule hasn't been flexible enough.

[chateau]

wdwkook, first of all, hello! GREAT thread! When I try to quote multiple postings, I need to go back and edit, then edit, then edit again. How do you do it so that you can just post all that you do without all the editing? I'm learning more on this thread than any other. I learned how to do a ticker here! (obviously haven't done it yet)

[WDWKOOK]

Originally Posted by mommadjones

No my boys aren't in elementary school yet so that's not a concern. For our Dec trip my daughter will be staying with relatives as she is in High School and can't miss. For our Feb trip my husband is staying home so she will be home with him it will be nice when we return in August as a full family! It will be almost two years since we have had a full family vacation as my husbands schedule hasn't been flexible enough.

Got it. Make sure you have your sister's birthday and first visit noted in your reservation

Originally Posted by chateau

wdwkook, first of all, hello! GREAT thread! When I try to quote multiple postings, I need to go back and edit, then edit, then edit again. How do you do it so that you can just post all that you do without all the editing? I'm learning more on this thread than any other. I learned how to do a ticker here! (obviously haven't done it yet)

Thank you, chateau!




How to multi-quote:

For each post that you want to quote, click-on the middle button with the quotation marks and plus sign that reads "MULTI-QUOTE THIS MESSAGE" (when you hover your cursor over it). It is to the right of the button that reads "QUOTE" in the bottom right of the post.

After you have clicked-on all the messages you want to quote, then click-on the blue button in the bottom left of the post that reads "POST REPLY." (This part isn't intuitive).

All your messages should then appear in the order in which you selected them and you can then type a reply beneath each one and post by clicking-on "SUBMIT REPLY" as you normally would for a single post reply.

Feel free to ask any other questions that come up and we hope to see your shiny new ticker soon in your multi-quote

[bluecastle]

Originally Posted by WDWKOOK

We've missed you! I'm glad you think of me as the go-to ticker gal

How is your back? Is it ready for a trip to WDW? I hope you enjoy your school break for Thanksgiving and Christmas - lots of time to do some planning and perusing

Thanks for asking about my back. I am seeing a new PT and seem to be making better progress this time around. It has been, and continues to be, a long haul with ups and downs, but I am trying to keep a positive attitude as I work towards strengthening my "core". My visits here only inspire me to keep working towards my goal of a trip this summer. I survived a trip up to NJ this Thanksgiving, so that's a good sign!


tinkpiratemom: thanks for a wonderful resort report! I felt like I was there.


mslhb: Looks like a good plan, but I didn't see DHS. If you haven't gone in 10 years, you may want to check out those Osborne Lights one night. The music is a bit loud, but the light show is amazing and not to be missed. Have a wonderful trip!


I want to hear all about FLE and the Be Our Guest Restaurant, so to all of you enjoying wonderful holiday visits, I hope you will have time when you return to post about all that is new! Anyone experience a soft opening of Test Track yet?

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone! I am thankful for this friendly and helpful place. I read every post, even if I don't comment on all of them, and love all the pictures. Here's one small hint that I learned on my last trip. Don't always take the same route from your room to the lobby no matter how much closer you are to a particular elevator. I learned this, sadly on our checkout day, when the bellman turned right from our door instead of left, and when he turned down another hallway, it overlooked the lobby and the tree!! My DH is a big fan of shortcuts, and this kept me from even considering trying the other way when we had found the closest and most direct route to the bus exit. So take the time to explore-especially when the tree is up!

[pas130]

Originally Posted by DetTigsGal

Today is our last day at WL, we are CL and have really enjoyed it. This visit seemed much less hectic. Had lunch today at Be our Guest.

Safe travels home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bowbat]

We're here!

Just checked in -- did online check-in and a CM was waiting for us outside. She took us right up to the CL, where we were given our room keys and shown around. We got just what I requested, Magic Kingdom view. We're looking right at the Castle and Space Mountain. And the new room decor is lovely and makes the rooms much brighter.

Gonna go grab some snacks then head over to MK. Wish you all were here!

[chateau]

yay!

[Mousemommy1]

Originally Posted by bowbat

We're here!

Just checked in -- did online check-in and a CM was waiting for us outside. She took us right up to the CL, where we were given our room keys and shown around. We got just what I requested, Magic Kingdom view. We're looking right at the Castle and Space Mountain. And the new room decor is lovely and makes the rooms much brighter.

Gonna go grab some snacks then head over to MK. Wish you all were here!

Ooooooh!!! Space Mountain too???? What room # is that???? You don't have to list it here if you don't want....you could PM it even after you leave....

[Jungle Cruiser]

I finally got around to putting in a room request to IPO today. Just trying to catch up on things before another busy week starts. Didn't expect anything until tomorrow, I was surprised to get an response back today! Love an email from WDW!

KOOK, was watching some TV while I did the ironing this afternoon. I was flipping channels and found a show on the Food Network called The Pioneer Woman...thought of you!

[rachdd]

Well, it is almost time... we are checking in on Saturday!! Yikes, I still have lots to do. I have a question about Territory Lounge, is it kid friendly?? I almost can't believe I am asking this question. I know my husband will like to spend some time there and it is Disney. Lol. So has anyone ever noticed kids in the lounge, acceptable or not??? Just to clarify, we don't want to bring DS in so we can drink it up but I know we would like to get some food as the menu looks right up our alley!

[bowbat]

Originally Posted by rachdd

Well, it is almost time... we are checking in on Saturday!! Yikes, I still have lots to do. I have a question about Territory Lounge, is it kid friendly?? I almost can't believe I am asking this question. I know my husband will like to spend some time there and it is Disney. Lol. So has anyone ever noticed kids in the lounge, acceptable or not??? Just to clarify, we don't want to bring DS in so we can drink it up but I know we would like to get some food as the menu looks right up our alley!

We had dinner in the Territory Lounge tonight with our 6-year-old son, and there were at least two other tables in there with small children. It's definitely got a more chill, "adult" vibe, but kids are absolutely welcome.

[rachdd]

Originally Posted by bowbat

We had dinner in the Territory Lounge tonight with our 6-year-old son, and there were at least two other tables in there with small children. It's definitely got a more chill, "adult" vibe, but kids are absolutely welcome.

GREAT!! That is exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks for the quick response! We are so excited for our first WL stay!