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

[pas130]

Originally Posted by DetTigsGal

Ok, let me get this straight. This is the trip where you are going to MVMCP, we're staying at Poly and thought about the Grand and are now at WL...

Between this thread and the rc one it took awhile for the connection

Yup, you got it

[dreamcruiser]

Do any of you "regulars" know of any decent discounts (room only) for the WL in November? (this November!) I would really love a "spur of the moment" visit when the tree is up, and it seems like the WL is not getting much love as it pertains to good discounts.
I'm open as far as dates are concerned (midweek vs weekend). Based on past years, I assume that the tree will be up sometime between the 15th and the 20th. And, knowing the crowds around Thanksgiving, I would probably not choose to go that week, but the week after is fine.

[ericalynn1979]

Question about shipping to the Lodge.

We are staying at WL for 2 nights before our Fantasy cruise (attending MVMCP one night).

Has anyone had items shipped to the Lodge? I need diapers/wipes, and the least expensive option is Walmart online. I've used Garden Grocer before but they don't carry our brand of diapers and I don't need extra grocery items since we're not going to be onsite that long.

Any recommendations? Tips/tricks?

[goofynut41]

Originally Posted by dreamcruiser

Do any of you "regulars" know of any decent discounts (room only) for the WL in November? (this November!) I would really love a "spur of the moment" visit when the tree is up, and it seems like the WL is not getting much love as it pertains to good discounts.
I'm open as far as dates are concerned (midweek vs weekend). Based on past years, I assume that the tree will be up sometime between the 15th and the 20th. And, knowing the crowds around Thanksgiving, I would probably not choose to go that week, but the week after is fine.

Check on the Disneyworld website under specials, I think I saw one for 25 or 30% off but look and see..

[DetTigsGal]

Originally Posted by dreamcruiser

Do any of you "regulars" know of any decent discounts (room only) for the WL in November? (this November!) I would really love a "spur of the moment" visit when the tree is up, and it seems like the WL is not getting much love as it pertains to good discounts.
I'm open as far as dates are concerned (midweek vs weekend). Based on past years, I assume that the tree will be up sometime between the 15th and the 20th. And, knowing the crowds around Thanksgiving, I would probably not choose to go that week, but the week after is fine.

I would think there would be something...I was calling to take dining off my package and ended up with 300- off the room...during Thanksgiving

[CaliKT]

I'm so excited! I booked a Woods View Bunkbed Room back in July through my dear friend, who is a cast member. We got a great discount. At the time, the cast-member discounted dining plan was not available, but I was advised to try back in October.

Well, I called yesterday to ask if we could add it to our room, and... not only was I able to add the discounted dining plan (we're only doing quick service this time... with two little kids, we found it very hard to be tied to ADRs last trip), but....

Based on package availability, blah blah blah, I was able to book a COURTYARD bunkbed room for less money than my woods view was! WOOOO!!!!

But now I gotta ask... what sort of room request should I make? I am so excited for this trip, I can't stand it!

[WDWKOOK]

Originally Posted by stpats317

37 days out from our first stay at WL. I am beyond excited!

Is this you?

Originally Posted by bellebookworm9

It's actually rather funny, because this is the third time we've changed resorts for this trip. First it was CBR, then POFQ (where my mom really wants to stay), then I canceled that because it was made of multiple ressies and I wanted to re-book as one, except it disappeared from the CM discount availability. So we finally decided on WL after much price comparing and viewing tons of resort pics online. Mom decided the rooms were "calming". We literally decided this last night, based on the (apparently outdated) pics on allears. And then I found out the decor changed. Thankfully we're still okay with it, but I'm not changing the ressies again!

And I'm not positive about what view we want yet, but will probably end up requesting 3rd-5th floor (we do not want an enclosed balcony) on the wings (have heard rooms off the lobby can be noisy).

Well, if Mom liked the old rooms she should like the new rooms even more. The only thing that changed (and for the better) is the bedding, curtains, the walls are a lighter shade, the fabric on seating and the headboard has been replaced and the shower head and tile are new as well as the flooring. Not a drastic change, but all for the better - she'll love the fresher look.

Originally Posted by Disney_Freak56

We're less than 4 days out and I can hardly wait. Hubby has been working 14 hour days for weeks and he definitely needs this trip. Of course, it's only been 5 months since my last trip, but who's counting?

Our first night is in a studio at WLV and then we'll move to the Club Level in Lodge. It's been 10 years since I've done the Club Level so I'm pretty excited. Hubby has never stayed Club Level ever - so he is even more excited!!

DH is in for a very pleasant surprise with WL CL. He might change his 14-hour workdays for 14-hour lounge days

Originally Posted by PamelaKay

So excited. One week from tomorrow and we will be headed to Disney. We have moved up our departure time on Thursday so we added one night at All Star Sports. Decided to stay inexpensive Thursday night since we will be arriving around Midnight and checking out to head to the OFC at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, just in time for breakfast.

Sounds perfect!

Originally Posted by pas130

Ahem...are we still on the Lodger's Log???

Because in 28 days we will be leaving Pop to check in at WL

Great choice! I think the RC eraser got to your entry so I'll need your dates - again

Originally Posted by DetTigsGal

We get there in 31 days !!! Yeah!

Yippee - just about a month now!

Originally Posted by NortheastDisneyMom

Oh great, thanks, I didn't realize they had the bus going to MK as well. I just booked for early December. Will the tree be up in the lobby by the 7th?

The decorations start going up after the Halloween decorations come down - so around the first week of November.

Originally Posted by pas130

Very cool!!!! I wasn't going to check in at OFC until later, but breakfast is a really good idea..the girls love fruit

We always do that and I timed it and it took us 4 minutes from our car at BLT to the port cochere at WL then DH had his pre-breakfast breakfast in the lounge while I checked in and off for breakfast at WCC we went

Originally Posted by PamelaKay

Your room may not be ready, but if you are like me, I have no problems letting bell services hold my luggage. I go over at 7:00 a.m when the OFC CM's officially go on duty, get my keys, grab breakfast and head to the park of the day.

I see no reason to pay for breakfast that morning when I can get yummy fresh cut pineapple (here is where I do not say for free since I really did pay for it).

That's the way to do it - great minds...

Originally Posted by PamelaKay

Yes the tree should be up. I have been there the first weekend in Dec. before and it has always been up.

It is so beautiful. I think WDWKook the moderator of this thread has some beautiful pictures of it.

Originally Posted by dreamcruiser

Do any of you "regulars" know of any decent discounts (room only) for the WL in November? (this November!) I would really love a "spur of the moment" visit when the tree is up, and it seems like the WL is not getting much love as it pertains to good discounts.

I'm open as far as dates are concerned (midweek vs weekend). Based on past years, I assume that the tree will be up sometime between the 15th and the 20th. And, knowing the crowds around Thanksgiving, I would probably not choose to go that week, but the week after is fine.

There is also an AP rate at that time (30%) and a military rate (40%)

Fall Savings Offer

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Save 5% at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Family Suite Rooms)

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This is a room-only offer. If you would like to add full-price tickets (and optionally, a Dining Plan) to a room booked at these discounted rates, there is a package version of the offer.

Book by 10/31/12 for stays 11/1/12-12/22/12. Excludes 3-bedroom villas and is not valid at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Little Mermaid standard rooms. Thanks to Small World Vacations for info.

To reserve a room with the Fall Savings Offer, call the Disney Reservations Center at (407) W-DISNEY or contact a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel, and request offer code G97.

Originally Posted by ericalynn1979

Question about shipping to the Lodge.

We are staying at WL for 2 nights before our Fantasy cruise (attending MVMCP one night).

Has anyone had items shipped to the Lodge? I need diapers/wipes, and the least expensive option is Walmart online. I've used Garden Grocer before but they don't carry our brand of diapers and I don't need extra grocery items since we're not going to be onsite that long.

Any recommendations? Tips/tricks?

I haven't, but hopefully someone else will offer advice. You can also ship your own package.

Originally Posted by goofynut41

Check on the Disneyworld website under specials, I think I saw one for 25 or 30% off but look and see..

Originally Posted by CaliKT

I'm so excited! I booked a Woods View Bunkbed Room back in July through my dear friend, who is a cast member. We got a great discount. At the time, the cast-member discounted dining plan was not available, but I was advised to try back in October.

Well, I called yesterday to ask if we could add it to our room, and... not only was I able to add the discounted dining plan (we're only doing quick service this time... with two little kids, we found it very hard to be tied to ADRs last trip), but....

Based on package availability, blah blah blah, I was able to book a COURTYARD bunkbed room for less money than my woods view was! WOOOO!!!!

But now I gotta ask... what sort of room request should I make? I am so excited for this trip, I can't stand it!

Make sure that if you'd like an INNER or WL courtyard view room that you request that or your room might instead face toward VWL. The INNER or WL courtyard view is of Bay Lake, the geyser and the WL pool. Some also prefer a room on the 5th floor or lower to assure that they will not have a solid balcony railing so that they can see through the balcony while seated. Some of the 6th floor rooms and all of the CL rooms have railings that you can't see through.

[dreamcruiser]

Thanks, KOOK. I had seen that one on the site, but thought I might have missed something better. I don't get why the WL and AKL are discounted less than the other deluxes, but it is probably because they cost less to begin with. It's still a chunk of change no matter how you look at it!

One thing I have not done is to call and see if there's a pin code attached to my name. Maybe that would be a better discount.

[CaliKT]

Make sure that if you'd like an INNER or WL courtyard view room that you request that or your room might instead face toward VWL. The INNER or WL courtyard view is of Bay Lake, the geyser and the WL pool. Some also prefer a room on the 5th floor or lower to assure that they will not have a solid balcony railing so that they can see through the balcony while seated. Some of the 6th floor rooms and all of the CL rooms have railings that you can't see through.

Thanks, KOOK. Any thoughts from any Lodgers about the noise level in the various courtyard rooms? The "bear face" rooms look awesome, but I wonder how noisy they are.

[WDWKOOK]

Smoky Portobello Mushroom Soup
Artist Point - Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Serves 8

Ingredients

6 each medium Portobello Mushrooms
3 each edium Smoked Portobello Mushrooms (see instructions)
1/2 cup sweet onions
1 cup Chardonnay
2 quarts heavy cream
24 ounces chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
1 1/4 cup White Roux (equal parts of butter & flour; cook slowly over low heat)
To taste Salt & pepper
Croutons
Chive oil (see recipe)
Roasted ****ake mushrooms (see recipe),
Chives cut for garnish
Sour Cream


Procedure:

Smoking Portobello mushrooms
* in a home smoker, place thick slices of Portobello mushrooms on the rack and cold smoke for one hour
* we use oak chips for our smoker

Chive Oil
1. Place 1 cup of light olive oil in a blender and add to that 1 cup of chives
2. Blend for 30 seconds and let rest for 1 hour.
3. Strain through a fine sieve.

Roasted Shiitake Mushrooms
1. Thinly slice 2 cups of Shiitake Mushrooms.
2. Toss with 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil and a little salt and pepper.
3. Place on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 375 Fahrenheit until crispy and golden brown.
4. Cool and set aside.


Directions:

1. Clean the Portobellos by wiping them with a damp towel (do not
wash!). Remove the mushroom gills (the slats on the underside of the
caps).
2. Sauté the onions lightly (to sweat).
3. Add the unsmoked mushrooms to the onions.
4. Add the garlic when the mushrooms are almost cooked.
5. Add the smoked mushrooms.
6. Add the Chardonnay and reduce by half.
7. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
8. Place in a blender or food processor in batches.
9. Add the heavy cream slowly and continue to blend.
10. Season to taste.
11. Place the mixture back into the pot.
12. Add the Roux and let simmer for 20 minutes.
13. Serve hot and garnish with croutons and roasted Shiitake mushrooms,
a dollop of sour cream, drizzle with chive oil, and cut chives.


For those of you who may be searching for a specific recipe, please send them to info@magically-speaking.com. If you have any food photos, make sure to send them to the same address for our Foodie Pic of the Month pics!

Originally Posted by dreamcruiser

Thanks, KOOK. I had seen that one on the site, but thought I might have missed something better. I don't get why the WL and AKL are discounted less than the other deluxes, but it is probably because they cost less to begin with. It's still a chunk of change no matter how you look at it!

One thing I have not done is to call and see if there's a pin code attached to my name. Maybe that would be a better discount.

You're welcome. Yes, call and ask if there are any discounts or pins attached to your name - it's worth a try.

I've noticed limited or reduced general public discounts for WL since about the time the rehab started. I think Disney is looking more closely at occupancy levels in determining what, if any, discount will be offered. You can always book a room with one discount (or none) and add or switch to a different discount at a later date, as long as the new discount is applicable.

Originally Posted by CaliKT

Thanks, KOOK. Any thoughts from any Lodgers about the noise level in the various courtyard rooms? The "bear face" rooms look awesome, but I wonder how noisy they are.

You're welcome, CaliKT. The North and South Wing rooms will have the same noise level from the pool area. There is a pool party in the late afternoon for a couple of hours and if your sliding glass door is open, the music and PA system is loud.

I've not stayed in a Bear Face room so I can't comment on the noise from WCC. I've only stayed in rooms in the South Wing on the CL floor that directly face out toward the courtyard, but they aren't off the lobby.

[pas130]

Originally Posted by ericalynn1979

Question about shipping to the Lodge.

We are staying at WL for 2 nights before our Fantasy cruise (attending MVMCP one night).

Has anyone had items shipped to the Lodge? I need diapers/wipes, and the least expensive option is Walmart online. I've used Garden Grocer before but they don't carry our brand of diapers and I don't need extra grocery items since we're not going to be onsite that long.

Any recommendations? Tips/tricks?

Would it be cheaper to grab a cab to Walmart/Publix or even Goodings (which is expensive but close). Walmart shipping is cheap though..I know the WL would hold the package for you. Most WDW stores only carry Huggies from what I've seen...Your kids are adorable by the way

[pas130]

Originally Posted by WDWKOOK

We always do that and I timed it and it took us 4 minutes from our car at BLT to the port cochere at WL then DH had his pre-breakfast breakfast in the lounge while I checked in and off for breakfast at WCC we went


That's the way to do it - great minds...

We are doing Pop the first night, then Nov 14-16th WL

After conferring with the we will be arriving bright and early for cereal, fruit and mini muffins

[ericalynn1979]

Originally Posted by pas130

Would it be cheaper to grab a cab to Walmart/Publix or even Goodings (which is expensive but close). Walmart shipping is cheap though..I know the WL would hold the package for you. Most WDW stores only carry Huggies from what I've seen...Your kids are adorable by the way

Thanks! I can actually get free shipping from WM, so it would be the absolute cheapest option, since I would have to pay to get a cab (and take the time out of our time with the kids since we're not hauling car seats) or pay to ship my own box. I need enough diapers to get me through a week on the Fantasy, so I'm thinking the WM order is still my best option.

[pas130]

Originally Posted by ericalynn1979

Thanks! I can actually get free shipping from WM, so it would be the absolute cheapest option, since I would have to pay to get a cab (and take the time out of our time with the kids since we're not hauling car seats) or pay to ship my own box. I need enough diapers to get me through a week on the Fantasy, so I'm thinking the WM order is still my best option.

Free shipping..perfect!!! Walmart it is then

[chimo2u]

Quick ?? Does the WL offer Deluxe CL rooms that are larger like the BWI DLX rooms?? I need sleeping areas for 4 people -- 2 together (DH and I) and 2 seperate (another Queen Bed and a sofa/pullout bed) is this sleeping configuration available at WL??
Thanks