(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS INFORMATION THREAD ~11/13 - 6/14~

[GrandCalifornian]

I thought you had booked Standard View in the past. Have you booked Courtyard View and requested a Bear Face room location and didn't get it? I just don't want someone to think that they wouldn't have to book a CV to possibly get a Bear Face location and I can't recall what you book before your last trip

Sorry, I should have been more clear. The post was asking for those with experience in Bear Face rooms, and I was saying that we have not had one of those rooms but consider them to be the ultimate.
For the best chance at a Bear Face room I agree one should book Courtyard View and make the request, but since there are so few of those rooms we figure it still would require a bit of luck to get one.
Personally, we hope to be able to book CV someday, but all of our bookings have been Standard view even though we have never wound up with a standard view room. That is pretty good luck .

 

[WDWKOOK]

We celebrate our 1st meeting also (met on a train) and we celebrated 30 years last trip, and will be celebrating 35 years on our August 2014 trip.

KOOK- beautiful new thread!! The pictures are amazing and so much info!! I started researching WDW online back in 1997 and there was nothing like this. I just love it! I especially like discovering new views and angles, like the path to the VWL pool and the picture of the MK ferry going into dry dock.

Kathy Z- great trip report! Thank you!!

You found us! Thank you for your sweet comments about the new thread. I'll have many new Christmas photos in a little over a month for post 21.

35 years is amazing and I hope this trip works out for you (and your back)

Sorry, I should have been more clear. The post was asking for those with experience in Bear Face rooms, and I was saying that we have not had one of those rooms but consider them to be the ultimate.
For the best chance at a Bear Face room I agree one should book Courtyard View and make the request, but since there are so few of those rooms we figure it still would require a bit of luck to get one.
Personally, we hope to be able to book CV someday, but all of our bookings have been Standard view even though we have never wound up with a standard view room. That is pretty good luck .

Got it and I understand now - thank you for clarifying. I really hope you get a Bear Face room location someday. But, as long as you're at WL, as you said, all the rooms are great.

 

[Kathy Z]

WOW! What precious memories you and some Pixie Dust Sprinklers made for your DGS. Other than the closet floor being omitted by the special cleaning, I would call your vacation a great success. Thank you for posting about your first stay at WL. Do you have plans to return?

As an aside: Since you mentioned Flame Tree, it reminded me to remind everyone that they actually accept Tables in Wonderland. Our FTBBQ CM at check-out last summer didn't even know this, but a manager did. It's great getting 20% off everything (including their Safari Amber beer on tap) at a counter service/QS location. Also, Y&Y does not accept TiW, but they do offer a 10% Passholder/AP discount at both lunch and dinner.

We probably will not return to WL because I think our trips to WDW will be coming to a close after our 3 days in February when we are booked for POFQ. That will be on the tail end of a week further south on Sanibel Island with my sisters and their husbands. DH has some special dietary needs that are difficult to follow at Disney. After a day of his feeling pretty terrible I ordered room service breakfasts of "eggs your way" with a fruit substitute for the potatoes on our final 3 days for him. That helped but we still never got nearly the amount of vegetables that we consume while at home or in a rental condo or house. We have 2 days remaining on our no-expire tickets and, sadly, that may be the end of Disney for us. I've sure had great visits there but DH goes along mostly to make me happy.

 

[smtowngrl]

We have not been lucky enough to have a Bear Face room, but they are the ultimate location in our opinion. We have stayed in a room that opens to the lobby on the sixth floor twice and love the location because of the great view.

As far as noise is concerned, others have expressed a preference to be further from the WCC restaurant in the lobby, and you can hear commotion from it at peak times (like 5-8 PM), but we could only barely hear it with the door closed, and there was no noise by the time we were ready to sleep. These rooms have a beautiful view towards Bay Lake as well, but are far enough from the pool that they should be protected from most of the afternoon pool party noise that is common from 2-4 PM.

Our opinion is that there isn't a truly bad room at WL, but if we could have our choice of any one it would be a Bear Face room, probably on the fifth floor.

Thanks for the info, we reserved a courtyard view and bunk beds, but that part doesn't really matter, we are 2 adults and a just turned 12 year old daughter, celebrating our 5 th anniversary. If we request a bear face room on floor 5, and they don't have any with bunk beds, will that not be an option? Courtyard with bunk beds was the only type left with the discount. We are staying at BC from 12/2-12/8 in a garden view room, and then moving to WL from 12/8-12/13, we couldn't get the 30% discount for the whole stay at WL, so we split it up, this is a once in a lifetime trip for us. I'm sure we will return but not for a while and not for this length of time. We would have loved to do a deluxe room, my man is a big guy so the more space the better, but we'd rather be there longer ultimately. I think our travel agent requested a full balcony, I don't think I want to online check in, I still like the person to person thing for something like this, do I stop by, call, fax, or all 3?

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Thanks for the info, we reserved a courtyard view and bunk beds, but that part doesn't really matter, we are 2 adults and a just turned 12 year old daughter, celebrating our 5 th anniversary. If we request a bear face room on floor 5, and they don't have any with bunk beds, will that not be an option? Courtyard with bunk beds was the only type left with the discount. We are staying at BC from 12/2-12/8 in a garden view room, and then moving to WL from 12/8-12/13, we couldn't get the 30% discount for the whole stay at WL, so we split it up, this is a once in a lifetime trip for us. I'm sure we will return but not for a while and not for this length of time. We would have loved to do a deluxe room, my man is a big guy so the more space the better, but we'd rather be there longer ultimately. I think our travel agent requested a full balcony, I don't think I want to online check in, I still like the person to person thing for something like this, do I stop by, call, fax, or all 3?

None if the Bear Face rooms have bunk beds (unless they changed). That being said, if you request 'view of Silver Springs' there are 4-6 bunk bed rooms on each floor in the area surrounding Silver Springs and the Bear Face Rooms. I think you will be happy there.

 

[nyrebecca]

Were you able to apply a discount to Spring Break? Did you book CL again? I hope your mom feels better soon.

We were able to get 35% off both the spring and the fall trips. I had the rack rates written down, and then what they were with 30% off and 35% off and the price quoted to me for both was 35% off. Still amazes me that we got 35% off the boys spring break, and included Easter Sunday. However, he goes to a private special needs school so his break may be totally different than others.

Our first trip is a regular room, courtyard view....but our November trip is Club Level. Of course, if I can tweek our budget, we may just swing Club Level in April as well!

 

[smallsy]

Well, after a few months of planning/worrying/researching, we officially changed resorts yesterday from the Poly to WL. I have to say we're all a lot more excited now, so that makes me feel like we made the right choice. Plus we'll get 2 (hopefully adjoining) rooms now instead of trying to cram into one and for a better price to boot! I'm a little sad to give up that TPV CL room but maybe we can visit the poly in the future when all the work is done. Ita funny because I was convinced we needed the monorail with babies but I'm not that worried about it anymore. It's our first time staying deluxe and it will be the first disney property stay for my sister and BIL (and our LOs).

 

[stephgles]

Special Magical experience thanks to staff at WL: Travis checked us in and I inquired about rooftop Wishes viewing. He did some checking and set that up for us for Nov. 15th which was a MVMCP night with the larger fireworks show. We reported to the Concierge Desk at 9:15 pm and Samuel took us up to the 7th floor. From there we walked through a door and up the stairs to the 7 1/2th floor. The next door leads outside and you walk up several more steps outdoors to a small section of rooftop. We were the only ones up there with Samuel who said this is his favorite part of working at WL. Seeing all of Magic Kingdom lit up and watching the fireworks from here was truly beautiful. Of course, you also can see the CR and if you turn around 180 degrees you can see Spaceship Earth in the far distance.

Is this something anyone can request. We went up there as a flag family before and the view was amazing. I would love to go up to watch wishes!!

 

[bek]

I'm glad you love our new thread and your trip is coming up so soon! Are you getting berry cobbler at AP, CL or Territory Lounge? (Or all of the above)

Staying CL is on my WDW bucket list but it's not happening this trip. I'm organizing for 9 family members ranging in age from 4 to 74 staying in three rooms. This is a first trip for my DIL's parents who are both in their 70s. They're already experiencing a bit of sticker shock with our Woods View rooms.

The focus of the trip will be on the grandkids and DIL's parents' first visit. But I'm sprinkling in little treats for myself. One of those treats will be berry cobbler and a glass of wine one night at the Territory Lounge with just my DH. No need to plan or schedule anything -- just go by when we're in the mood

I'm also not ready to take the grandkids to a Signature Restaurant. Whispering Canyon is much more their style

 

[Tinkerbellsmomma]

Saw a post somewhere else of a very small room at WL with one small sink in bathroom? The rooms are not like this are they? I have woods view booked.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Well, after a few months of planning/worrying/researching, we officially changed resorts yesterday from the Poly to WL. I have to say we're all a lot more excited now, so that makes me feel like we made the right choice. Plus we'll get 2 (hopefully adjoining) rooms now instead of trying to cram into one and for a better price to boot! I'm a little sad to give up that TPV CL room but maybe we can visit the poly in the future when all the work is done. Ita funny because I was convinced we needed the monorail with babies but I'm not that worried about it anymore. It's our first time staying deluxe and it will be the first disney property stay for my sister and BIL (and our LOs).

I think you'll be really glad that you have separate rooms.

Staying CL is on my WDW bucket list but it's not happening this trip. I'm organizing for 9 family members ranging in age from 4 to 74 staying in three rooms. This is a first trip for my DIL's parents who are both in their 70s. They're already experiencing a bit of sticker shock with our Woods View rooms.

The focus of the trip will be on the grandkids and DIL's parents' first visit. But I'm sprinkling in little treats for myself. One of those treats will be berry cobbler and a glass of wine one night at the Territory Lounge with just my DH. No need to plan or schedule anything -- just go by when we're in the mood

I'm also not ready to take the grandkids to a Signature Restaurant. Whispering Canyon is much more their style

We are looking forward to a visit to the Territory Lounge for some berry cobbler, too. We were at WL with our grandkids last February and never seemed to have a chance to have a night for ourselves. This trip next week will be our chance to enjoy the WL a lot more than last time.

Saw a post somewhere else of a very small room at WL with one small sink in bathroom? The rooms are not like this are they? I have woods view booked.

There are pictures of the rooms on the first pages of this thread. The rooms all have a double sink. I'm not sure what that picture was from?

 

[Kathy Z]

Is this something anyone can request. We went up there as a flag family before and the view was amazing. I would love to go up to watch wishes!!

Yes! We were in a Woods View Bunk Bed room on the 4th floor. You can not request it ahead of time. You just need to know to ask when you check in if there is availability during your visit. Our CM, Travis, asked what nights of our stay it would work in our schedule and I told him any of our first 5 nights. We were only planning to stay out late our final 2 nights. He did some checking which took him about an additional 5 minutes and offered it for our second night. We were instructed to go to the Concierge desk 15 - 20 minutes before the MVMCP fireworks display to meet a CM who would escort us up to the roof. We did learn from Travis that they have a lot more requests for Flag Family. I told him that I wouldn't want to take up a spot there because I'd prefer to have spaces left for military families to have that honor.

When we reported to the Concierge desk none of the 3 CM working at that time even knew they offered this! I explained to them how I requested it at check-in and that it had been arranged for us. One of the girls excused herself to go "backstage" and returned in a moment to say that Samuel would be right with us. Good luck to you in arranging this when you check in.

 

[LB1122]

And my excitement has geared up 100% from reading the new thread from the start. We arrive in less than a month and can not wait to be part of the WL family for a week. Thanks so much for all the amazing information. I look forward to seeing it in person and sharing my own photos.

SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!

We are staying club level and have requested bunkbeds but you can not reserve those in your reservation at CL so please keep your fingers crossed for us!! Daughter is hoping!!

 

[DisneyElite4]

Hi everyone! We are checking into VWL in a one-bedroom unit in less than week!

Can anyone confirm that there will definitely be a Pack and Play in the room without request? I am so nervous that there won't be one there when we check in, and that there won't be anything available or some other scenario. I specifically booked a one-bedroom villa because it supposedly comes with a Pack and Play without needing to request one and just hope there is one available. Our DS is 13.5 months and will not sleep in a bed with us. Also, what brand is the Pack and Play in the rooms?

 

[nimbuscat]

Hi! Great thread, Kook! You can add us to the list for 1/3-1/10. We are so excited!

I have a question, that is not really WL-specific, but I'm hoping you seasoned Disney people can help. For the airline luggage check-in service...we get free bags with Delta because we are Delta Amex cardholders. Will we be able to take advantage of this with Disney's airline luggage service? If not, no big deal, but it would save a few steps at the airport. Thanks!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hi! Great thread, Kook! You can add us to the list for 1/3-1/10. We are so excited!

I have a question, that is not really WL-specific, but I'm hoping you seasoned Disney people can help. For the airline luggage check-in service...we get free bags with Delta because we are Delta Amex cardholders. Will we be able to take advantage of this with Disney's airline luggage service? If not, no big deal, but it would save a few steps at the airport. Thanks!

It looks like Delta Airlines is included in the luggage service.

from the website:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/airport-service/

Complimentary Airport Transportation Service - Disney's Magical Express Transportation

Complimentary airport transportation service, known as Disney's Magical Express Transportation, is complimentary roundtrip airport transportation and luggage delivery for Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Begin your vacation the moment you step off the plane. Bypass baggage claim and avoid the hassle of having to find transportation and drive, as Disney's Magical Express service transports you from Orlando International Airport to your Walt Disney World Resort hotel, and deliver your bags to your room.

Read frequently asked questions - and answers - about Disney's Magical Express airport service.

How It Works

Reserve Disney's Magical Express Transportation when you book online or by calling (407) WDW-MAGIC or (407) 939-6244. Guests under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian's permission to call.

Upon landing at Orlando International Airport, skip baggage claim and proceed to the Disney's Magical Express Welcome Center in the Main Terminal Building, B side, Level 1. Disney's Magical Express service will collect your luggage and deliver it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within 3 hours after you check in at the resort. Luggage delivery service provided by Disney's Magical Express is available for flights arriving between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. For airport arrivals after 10:00 pm, Guests may collect their luggage at Baggage Claim and transport it with them on the motorcoach.

International Guests flying into Orlando International Airport from another country must follow the U.S. Customs and Border Protection process and claim luggage after disembarking the plane. After completing the process, proceed to the Disney's Magical Express Welcome Center in the Main Terminal Building, B side, Level 1. Disney's Magical Express service will recollect your luggage and deliver it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within 4 hours after you check in at the resort. Luggage delivery service provided by Disney's Magical Express is available for flights arriving between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. For airport arrivals after 10:00 pm, Guests may collect their luggage at Baggage Claim and transport it with them on the motorcoach.

Sit back and relax as Disney transports you to your Disney Resort hotel in an air-conditioned motorcoach.

As your vacation draws to a close, you'll receive a Transportation Notice advising you of the pick-up time and place for your motorcoach ride back to Orlando International Airport. Please note that it is your responsibility to bring your luggage to the pick-up point.

Please note that you cannot reserve the luggage service exclusively. You must be present on the motorcoach to have your luggage transported to a Walt Disney World hotel.

Resort Airline Check-In Service

If you're departing domestically on a designated airline, enjoy the convenience of our Resort Airline Check-in Service, which allows you to receive your return boarding pass and check luggage at your Walt Disney World hotel, bypassing airport check-in completely.

Simply visit the Resort Airline Check-In Desk located at your Walt Disney World hotel up to 3 hours prior to your flight departure time. A valid government issued photo I.D. and your hotel room key are required to participate.

Resort Airline Check-In Service is available with the following airline carriers:

AirTran Airways
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
JetBlue Airways
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
US Airways

Benefits of Staying at Select Walt Disney World Hotels:

Extended Theme Park Hours
Complimentary Airport Service
Complimentary Resort Transportation
Disney Dining Plan

 

[JnKinVA]

Hi! Great thread, Kook! You can add us to the list for 1/3-1/10. We are so excited!

I have a question, that is not really WL-specific, but I'm hoping you seasoned Disney people can help. For the airline luggage check-in service...we get free bags with Delta because we are Delta Amex cardholders. Will we be able to take advantage of this with Disney's airline luggage service? If not, no big deal, but it would save a few steps at the airport. Thanks!

My husband has the United Visa and when we checked our bags last April at WL we had no problems with the free bag that we get with that

 

[nimbuscat]

My husband has the United Visa and when we checked our bags last April at WL we had no problems with the free bag that we get with that

Excellent, thank you! I knew that Delta was on the list, but wasn't sure if the free bag perks would be available at Disney.

 

[Kathy Z]

Excellent, thank you! I knew that Delta was on the list, but wasn't sure if the free bag perks would be available at Disney.

Yes, it works just fine. We just did it on our return home last Thursday. My DH has the Delta gold AMEX card. Our boarding passes also properly assigned us to zone 1.

 

[2girlsR2good]

I'm still working to try to get out of dodge tomorrow night. . .just posting this so I can see my ticker while I wait for some files to upload. . .