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

[WellingtonR]

Originally Posted by luvallprincesses

Lol! You were waiting out front of the lodge Saturday morning around 9 telling a CM this story while we were waiting for our (un)Magical Express return. Wish I had known you were a Dis-er and I would have introduced myself. Small world!!

We had an amazing stay at WL, our first (and forever?) deluxe. Thanks to Kook and all for the advice. Got Woods Wishes view room request with open deck railings, Room 5032. Right at the top of the elevator - so convenient to Roaring Forks, the laundry, the boat dock. We got to be flag family on our departing morning ( with a peak at Club Level...so tempting!). What a great way to end our trip. Did the Hidden Mickey hunt and got free pins for it! Enjoyed WCC immensely. The boat transportation option was wonderful, especially to have meals on the resort loop.

Our only complaints were the bed was positioned to block all outlets by the bed (tough to have the clock across the room), Duffy the Bear channel didn't work for goodnight stories (front desk said it was resort wide), and worst of all my own fault that I didn't check for the new bounce back offer that supposedly was available the day we checked out for 35% off deluxe. We were so busy doing flag family and airline check in that the thought didn't cross my mind that the offer could be different than it was when we checked in. Totally bummed there.

Otherwise, it was 9 days of Disney heaven at WL. I'd say we wouldn't hesitate to go back...if I had nabbed that bounce back offer! Actually, I think we will consider renting points next trip because the dining plan is just too much food for us and we enjoy quite a bit of resort down time over the course of 9 days. The VWL look very relaxing!

Again, thanks for all the info that made such a memorable WL trip.

Lol.....very small world!!!

[rcsilverspring]

Checking into WL for our first Christmastime visit in a little over 11days!! I am beyond excited!
We got our invite for FP+ invite in Saturday's mail!!! Not sure I would like it all the time (and we ARE super planners), but I'm thrilled to get the chance to give it a try!

[WDWKOOK]

Originally Posted by TaraPA

I'm afraid I might scare her with my plethora of useless Disney info!!!

On a good note - I got picked to do the Fast Pass Plus trial while down there. Unfortunately my cousin & her family aren't staying onsite, so they're not eligible for the trial program, but I managed to get FP for TSM, TOT & GMR in DHS, and Jungle Cruise, Space Mtn, HM & preferred viewing for Wishes at MK! Can't wait to see how it works out!

Yippee for FP trial! Please let us know what you think. Oh, and Disney info. can never be useless - overwhelming perhaps, but never useless

Originally Posted by CaliKT

Ugh, so jealous! We arrive Dec 8, so we are missing this trial by two measly days. Wishes preferred viewing is the ONE thing I really wanted, too. My older son is on the autism spectrum. Last year, he did amazing and we didn't need to use the GAC we got once. The only thing I am really concerned about, though, is Wishes. I am dying to see the fireworks in the park, but I worry that the crowds are going to freak him out.

Enjoy! Come back and tell us what you thought of FP+!

Another great option close to the park, but not in it, is the 4th floor observation deck at the CR and you can walk right to it from the MK - the view is amazing:

Originally Posted by WellingtonR

We are also leaving in the morning although my DD, 3, has said she doesn't like disney.....she's missed Quigley, our cat!!! Lol we have loved WL!!!

Kids. Is she one of those who likes the box more than the present at Christmas? I'm sure I love WDW more than my DD, too. These kids don't know how lucky they are to have us Disney-loving parents.

Originally Posted by bluecastle

I am always surprised by how many people still think that the MK is all there is to Disney World! I tend to overwhelm them with a long recitation of just how much there is to do there.
Please don't miss the pre-show of TT. I read that it really sets up the ride and that it has completely changed. The ride is pretty much the same, but the effects and post-show have changed. I am planning to ride it on the last day of our summer trip (with my back cushion strapped on!) just in case it makes my back issues worse. The only part I am worried about is the brake testing. Hope you get to experience the entire attraction. And I can't wait to hear about the new FP system. Very excited for you!

KOOK - thanks for posting the allears slide show. It has inspired me to look through my photos from our December 2009 trip and post a few. 'Tis the season!

You're welcome and I know just what you mean about telling 'non-believers' about WDW. I usually get a 'oh, that's nice' or 'you sure go a lot, you must really like it there.'

If like everything else (i.e. BTMRR) maybe they've slowed down TT and you'll be just fine on the brake testing - but watch out for those Belgian Blocks

Originally Posted by pas130

It all depends on which boat they use...for example the blue flag boat is usually the smaller boat (you have to fold the stroller). But the same boats are also used for the Red flag route. Busier times of day, like early morning, and MK closing, they use the bigger boats (which you can roll right on). I guess how many depend on volume, we did see more of the larger boats on our last trip.

Originally Posted by scanne

Will the cast members assist in club level food items for gluten free guests?
How would I go about making the request?
Thank you.

Just email the IPO after you've booked and have them place your request into your reservation. About a week before your arrival, email the IPO again and ask if your request was able to be accommodated. Then, as soon as you check-in, make sure you tell the concierge on the 7th floor that you are the party who requested gluten-free alternatives.

Originally Posted by MomtoGKC

Ahhhh!! I leave for a long weekend at WL this Friday and forgot to all to request a specific area for my room. We booked a courtyard view room. We would love to be able to see the water parade from our room and be not too far from the lobby. Which area do you think I should request? Is it too late since we will be there so soon?

I am so not prepared for this trip - we took a spontaneous (like we had 3 hours to pack!) trip to Key West last weekend and I haven't even finished unpacking from that! My kids still don't know we are going to Disney though so I think they will be SO excited.

Call the WDTC before 5 today (the system will close for maintenance at 5 today) and ask them to place the following request into your reservation "Innner/WL courtyard view." Otherwise, you could end up with a courtyard view of VWL. If you want a top floor, the 5th is the highest that has no solid balcony railings, so you can see-thru the railing and not have to stand.

Originally Posted by 2girlsR2good

We're here!

It's wonderful--everything is decorated and festive, just the way I like

We went to the Campfire sing-a-long tonight. It was cute, but I think once was enough--more travel time than event time on that one.

My kids swam--too cold for me!

Tomorrow night is MVMCP !!!

Sounds like so much fun. Thanks for checking in with us!

Originally Posted by luvallprincesses

Lol! You were waiting out front of the lodge Saturday morning around 9 telling a CM this story while we were waiting for our (un)Magical Express return. Wish I had known you were a Dis-er and I would have introduced myself. Small world!!

We had an amazing stay at WL, our first (and forever?) deluxe. Thanks to Kook and all for the advice. Got Woods Wishes view room request with open deck railings, Room 5032. Right at the top of the elevator - so convenient to Roaring Forks, the laundry, the boat dock. We got to be flag family on our departing morning ( with a peak at Club Level...so tempting!). What a great way to end our trip. Did the Hidden Mickey hunt and got free pins for it! Enjoyed WCC immensely. The boat transportation option was wonderful, especially to have meals on the resort loop.

Our only complaints were the bed was positioned to block all outlets by the bed (tough to have the clock across the room), Duffy the Bear channel didn't work for goodnight stories (front desk said it was resort wide), and worst of all my own fault that I didn't check for the new bounce back offer that supposedly was available the day we checked out for 35% off deluxe. We were so busy doing flag family and airline check in that the thought didn't cross my mind that the offer could be different than it was when we checked in. Totally bummed there.

Otherwise, it was 9 days of Disney heaven at WL. I'd say we wouldn't hesitate to go back...if I had nabbed that bounce back offer! Actually, I think we will consider renting points next trip because the dining plan is just too much food for us and we enjoy quite a bit of resort down time over the course of 9 days. The VWL look very relaxing!

Again, thanks for all the info that made such a memorable WL trip.

Thanks for the mini TR. Hopefully, a public discount will be released for your next trip. It would be nice to be able to charge things behind the nightstand, but there are some outlets on the table in the room:

Originally Posted by rcsilverspring

Checking into WL for our first Christmastime visit in a little over 11days!! I am beyond excited!
We got our invite for FP+ invite in Saturday's mail!!! Not sure I would like it all the time (and we ARE super planners), but I'm thrilled to get the chance to give it a try!

[WDWKOOK]

Since we've been chatting about the new Test Track, I found a new POV video posted by the DIS. The new TT reminds me of Space Mt. with a little Spaceship Earth mixed in. It'll take some time getting used to the new voices and lights


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SUw7...winfo.com%2529

[summerrluvv]

Can someone tell me if they have cottonballs and q-tips in the room? Bringing our elf along for some mischief

[Miffy]

For anyone who's there right now, can you tell me what the current bounceback offer is? If there is one?

Thanks!

Wait ... I just saw these dates posted on another thread:

For stays most nights:
1/2—1/10/13 4/14—5/21/13 11/17—11/23/13
1/14—1/15/13 5/28—6/8/13 11/30—12/4/13
1/21—2/12/13 8/4—10/5/13 12/15—12/19/13
2/24—3/9/13 10/20—11/2/13

Maybe someone can confirm that these are the dates being offered for the BB at WL for 2013. Thanks again!

[WDWKOOK]

Originally Posted by summerrluvv

Can someone tell me if they have cottonballs and q-tips in the room? Bringing our elf along for some mischief

No, sorry.


ETA: But I believe they sell them in the Mercantile.

[tinkerbellybutton]

Originally Posted by WDWKOOK

~INNER COURTYARD VIEW ROOMS OFF THE LOBBY (known by DISers as “Bear Face Rooms”), are centered in the middle of the inner courtyard and they overlook the entire courtyard area from the balcony with the lobby outside the front door. They are located on the 4th and 5th floors and are odd numbered from 4067-4079 and 5067-5069.

Can anyone help me with something? We will be staying at WL for the 6th time for my son's 13th birthday in Feb. We have stayed in all different room types/locations. We love the rooms above the check in that open onto the lobby. However, the views from those rooms are not great.

We would love to be in one of the "bear face" rooms. Are there any bunkbed rooms in this area? Looks like I would need to book a "courtyard view" room to have a chance of getting one of these rooms. Is this correct? Also any suggestions of the best way of requesting a room in this location when I make my ressies? I know that there is no guarantee, but I'd like to increase any chance I can get. This location would be the best of both worlds for us. Our favorite view of the courtyard, and our favorite location right off the lobby!

Thanks for any help!

[katmg]

Starting planning for a January 2014 trip. I think WL would be a perfect fit for our family. It looks amazing!

If I'm looking at just a standard (woods) view room, is there anything I should request?

[WellingtonR]

We arrived at WL a week ago this past Saturday and was very impressed. Everyone was so courteous. We were assigned room 6043 which put us at the end of a hallway with a view over the courtyard and pool area. We also saw part of the lake and saw (and heard very loudly) the nightly water electric parade and fireworks from Magic Kingdom. We were very impressed with the holiday decorations and my kids loved the resort, especially the bunk bed. The restuarants were very nice and the CM's are very nice and you can tell they work very hard. I made sure to thank them because too many times, they aren't and a simple thank you can make their day. The food at each restuarant was better and more than I expected. I would definately stay there again....this time we were upgraded to WL, next time we are thinking about maybe doing a villa. Against my wife's wish's, I took my 7 year old son out on a 2 seat sea racer out onto the lake. It was a lot of fun and I think he and I really enjoyed the father/son time. Watch out for those bigger boats though!!! They send out some good waves for a little sea racer!!! LOL We did have a dining plan but we stopped at a publix before arriving and got yogurt/fruit/milk for breakfast so we didn't have to use any credits. It was nice having a mini fridge to be able to do that!! Housekeeping was excellent!! Having a balcony was also nice, but I turned out to not use it as much as I wanted to because my kids thought it would be fun to try to climb up the railing. I have two kids that have selected fears and my 3 year daughter is scared of Barnstormer roller coaster but still demanded to ride it each time!!!! So, I just couldn't take any chances with her on a balcony. I learned that within 20 minutes of getting in the room. Again, had a nice stay at WL, would definately stay there again.

[summerrluvv]

Originally Posted by WDWKOOK

No, sorry.


ETA: But I believe they sell them in the Mercantile.

I can just pack some! Thanks!

[stpats317]

Back last Thursday from our first stay at WL and we loved every minute of it. The lodge is beautiful, cozy, comforting (important since I ended up with the stomach flu the last day of our stay, ugh). We were on the 6th floor and our room (6018) had a beautiful view of the castle, perfect opening in the trees. Loved the patio area behind the pool bar - very seldom was anyone there and it was so relaxing to sit by the stream and wait for the geyser. I wish I could say we spent a lot of time there but we were on the go most of the time.

We had only stayed moderate before this and I think I'm spoiled. I want a trip back where we drastically cut back our park time and do some relaxing!

[Wood Nymph]

Originally Posted by Miffy

For anyone who's there right now, can you tell me what the current bounceback offer is? If there is one?

Thanks!

Wait ... I just saw these dates posted on another thread:

For stays most nights:
1/2—1/10/13 4/14—5/21/13 11/17—11/23/13
1/14—1/15/13 5/28—6/8/13 11/30—12/4/13
1/21—2/12/13 8/4—10/5/13 12/15—12/19/13
2/24—3/9/13 10/20—11/2/13

Maybe someone can confirm that these are the dates being offered for the BB at WL for 2013. Thanks again!

All the talk about how wonderful the WL looks at Christmas makes we want to consider taking a BB to come back in December. And I haven't even been to WL yet.

[bluecastle]

HAPPY WALT'S BIRTHDAY EVERYONE!

[dreamcruiser]

Wood Nymph, are those 2013 Bounceback discounts Room Only or Free Dining?