Any recent GOOD reviews of WL?

[lindamg]

Okay - I tend to be one to take all reviews, good or bad, with a grain of salt. I read, and then make up my own mind. But the recent spate of "loss of magic" comments about the WL really has me worried.

DH and I had to have a very quick, very simple, courthouse wedding on one week's notice on Halloween. A honeymoon was out of the question. We're finally going to get a short honeymoon in February and are planning on staying at the WL. We have stayed there several times and it is our favorite resort. We love the atmosphere, and as Florida residents, we love the feeling that we aren't really in Florida anymore!

I'm really starting to second guess this decision after reading the recent posts. Has anyone had a GOOD trip to the WL recently? I don't need perfection, I don't need magic upgrades, or honeymoon surprises. I just need a clean hotel room with reasonably kind CMs, and transportation that runs on a reasonable schedule. I know mistakes happen, and it won't ruin my trip, but this is my honeymoon, a once in a lifetime event for me. I've waited until I was 45 for this moment and I want it to be good!! Should I be worried, or should I consider changing to Boardwalk?

Opinions appreciated!

Linda

 

[KarenC]

We'll be there later this week. I'll let you know when I get back. We last stayed there in March of '96. I'm nervous about the negative posts too, but right now I'm more concerned that nothing bad happens in the world to disrupt my holiday or my vacation

We were in Orlando at the beginning of the Iraq war--someone mentioned to me at work I can't take vacation anymore because everytime I do, the terror alert gets raised to Orange!

 

[lindamg]

Thanks Karen, I would appreciate your input. I also appreciate your attitude towards what's important in our world right now! Normally, this would be a little thing to me too, but hey - it's that long-awaited honeymoon thing!

Have a safe, and magical, trip!

Linda

 

[loubelou]

We stayed at WL the last week of Sept and had a wonderful trip. We were upgraded from a standard to a wood's view overlooking the lobby and ever CM we came into contact with was fabulous. Transportation ran very smoothly and our entire stay was wonderful and relaxing. This was our second time at WL and I felt it was even better than the first 2 years ago.

 

[sue1013]

Linda if I were you I'd continue to take these posts with a grain of salt. You've stayed at WL before I'm sure you will have a great time. A few months ago there were many posts about how horrible POR was, it was dirty just a mess, everyone was rude. I have stayed there many times in fact had been there only a couple months before reading these posts and could not understand how things went down hill so rapidly. Also remember the threads about how terrible Jersey week would be. Many "I'm so nervous should I change my plans?" You would have expected it to be like Christmas or Easter week. Well I was at POR Jersey week guess what the resort was fine and the crowds were fine.
Nothing to be feared! As far as the CM's being rude, I can't say I've ever had a rude CM, unless you're staying concierge how much interaction do you really have with them. If you get someone having a bad day on check in, chalk it up to that or if its that brutal speak to the manager. Why would anyone let it ruin their trip? Transportation takes the biggest hits, there are complaints from every resort. Maybe I'm extremely lucky but I don't think the transportation is bad the longest waits I've had (in the twenty years I've been going) would have to be at park closing. But what do you expect? All those people leaving at the same time of course it will be crowded. Ever try to leave a stadium or arena after a game or concert, of course it takes forever to get out. For that matter try going to your local mall today. I think a lot of people have unrealistic expectations they think WDW is going to be perfect.

 

[FonFon]

DH and I were just there a couple of weeks ago, and transportation was never more than a 10 minute wait (buses or boats). During peak times (i.e. MVMCP), they would run separate boats for Fort Wilderness and WL.

As far as rude CMs, we never ran into any. We were staying concierge, but even outside the concierge CMs that we came in contact with, everyone seemed to be in a good mood.

We had an incredibly magical trip - it's so nice to walk into a WL decorated for the holidays.

Hope you have a great time!!

 

[lindamg]

Thanks folks! I feel better already. I just needed that little bit of reassurance. I appreciate your taking the time to reply.

Linda

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

lindamg

I stayed at WL in Sept (Standard View) upgraded to inner Court Yard View, we had such a great trip I decided to take advantage of Florida Resident discount again in Nov so I went back with my Sister and nephews (Woods View) both rooms where upgraded to Court Yard...I am very critical of the standards of the Lodge as well as the service and Cast Members because I own DVC at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and have a large investment involved. I could stay at any Resort I wanted, but love the WL so much that I stayed there. I must say on both resent trips we received excellent service and The Lodge was beautiful.

I also read the post that was titled "WL Magic disappearing" and wondered why some people can stay at a Resort and have a great time, while others seem to have only storm clouds, the poster made serveral statements that just didn't seem correct to me.

I didn't responed to the other posters remarks on all these items because he was upset and didn't feel they had good service, he is entitled to his opinion.

Originally posted by GasMan65
Our family of 5 (children's ages 5,7,11) just returned from 6 days at WDW staying at WL. This was our first visit in over 5 years and the magic is less than before.......some examples:

1. A FAKE fire in the WL fireplace. There used to be real wood with a hint of smoke in the air throughout the lodge. Today the halls smell of lysol. There are real fires in all the Fireplaces but no they don't waste real trees, they use a more environmentally friendly and safer fuel source.

2. Hard to find CM's who speak English well. We have nothing against foreign workers, but command of the language should be a mandatory requirement.Your from Florida you know we have many new workers from other cultures, we are a true melting pot. I find if you just take a little extra time they manage to communicate just fine (better then I would if rolls were reversed)

3. Vetran CM's seem to have a lousy attitude about their jobs. After speaking with several, the common theme was cutbacks from HQ.Thats why we where upgraded and every CM went out of their way to assist in every request.

4. No more coffee and cordials available in the lobby in the evenings or coffee and pastries in the mornings. (Probably not a big deal since not many people enjoy sitting in front of a FAKE fire)
I never purchased coffee from that location, but I thought it had been taken away because of all the Christmas Decorations I alway managed to walk a few extra steps to either WCC or RF.

5. Valet Parking now costs $6 - used to be free! Not sure where he has been...They started charging for Valet Parking about the same time of 9/11 they didn't want to lay-off even more employes.This also isn't only at WL all Deluxe Resorts charge the same.

6. Actually had a CM request a tip when parking the car one evening at valet.I'm not sure why a CM would have to ask? We always give a gratuily as they are at work and performing us a service.

7. Boat service to MK was spotty and very unpredictable.I have stayed at WL so many times and with the exception of one time at MVMCP four years ago the crowd was lined up almost to the pool waiting to catch the boat to the MK after 20 min one of the large ferrys from TTC pulled up and everyone was loaded at once that trip we waited longer then 15 min but never on anyother stay

Coffee makers are available on request.

Yes the Resort shares the bus with Ft. Wilderness Campground but WL is picked up first in the a.m. then Ft.Wilderness Campground so you will have a seat. In the afternoon schedule may be reversed and you only have a short delay on your return trip. (Try staying at one of the EPCOT Resorts where five major Resorts share the same buses.)

I know I ranted but, our trip was Magical.

 

[lindamg]

You may have ranted, but that was just the kind of rant I like to read!

Linda

 

[DisneyFan79]

Just returned from the lodge on the 12th. I thought the place was great. I had so many great encounters from the time I stepped out of my car til I left. The only CM I can remember not being overly friendly was one morning at Guest Services. She may not have been fully awake yet since it was 7:30, but she did leave a lot to be desired. Other than that, the place was WONDERFUL. All of our room requests were met, housekeeping was great and had great attitudes, Whispering Canyon cm's were fantastic, and the Mercantile store cm's were nice. The buses were very efficient. We always caught a boat as soon as we got to the dock. I can't wait to stay there again. It is definitely at the top of my repeat resort list!!

 

[CBRorBust]

I think if you re-read the WL loosing it's magic post, you will see that the majority of the posters including myself said that the lodge was a great place to stay. But the things that people vented about did actually happen. And just because they don't happen to every guest, doesn't mean that it's not a possibilty that they can't happen to everyone.

I will be the first person to tell you that the WL was a GREAT hotel, but I wouldn't have wasted my time posting on a thread my reviews if I didn't encounter what I did.

Maybe it's because we (the posters of WL magic loss) were all there last week and encountered a "weird week" at WL, but you have to think that a lot of the same issues happened to more than one guest that was at the lodge the same week.

I'm sorry for making you doubt, I am positive that you will LOVE your stay at the Lodge! It was wonderful and I had a great time while I was there.

As a matter of fact, we had a standard view room and were really excited when we realized that we could see the fireworks at MK from our balcony!

Again...just my 2 cents, take it as you will.

 

[D&R love Disney]

I was there in October and we had a wonderful time as always. I was even able to get a tour of the honeymoon room.

 

[Kimberle]

Oh my gosh, yes!!!

We stayed in mid-Sept and had a fantastic time!! We spent much more time at the resort than we usually do. After 4-5 hours in a park, we just got that "pull" to return to WL.

The transportation was fantastic!!! I think the longest we waited for anything was about 15 minutes for a boat. And that was because it was just pulling out of the dock as we were approaching. We loved loved loved the shuttle boat between CR/WL/FW. It was to easy to hop over to Concource Steakhouse (one of our fav's) or to Trails End.

The CM were fantastic!! The girl who checked us in remembered me several days later. I was embarressed to admitt I didn't remember her.

The pool areas were so relaxing. My dd just loved the kiddie pool. The quiet pool, was truely that, quiet. There were never more than a handful of other swimmers whenever we went. We never had a problem finding a chair at the main pool either. I guess we were lucky, the other guests were so thoughtful and gratious.

It must be a fav spot for Bridal picutres. We saw at least 4 different brides taking pic's during our stay.

The rooms were a bit on the small side. But the beds were wonderfully comfortable. The balacony was heavenly. Nothing shabby or worn in our room. Mousekeeping was wonderful. I think only 1 day w/out towel animals & "sceens" for our dd.

Even my picky dh loved the resort & would like to return.

Sometimes I just don't "get" the comments about WL transportation. People are so upset that it shares a bus with *1* other resort. Every other Disney hotel either shares or has multiple stops. Except for AKL. (I don't know abt Pop since it just opened.) WL always seems to be held to a higher standard, transporation wise......

You will have a wonderful trip!! If you really don't like the resort. I'm sure they will move you to another one, unless your traveling on a really busy week when they might be full. During our stay at CR, I saw other families moved. (The main pool was closed for an emergency rehab. Our dd was to young & we weren't swimming, so it didn't bother us.)

I have lots of pictures, just click on my link below.

 

[B3LM]

Just my two cents worth, but WL is still my favorite of the deluxe resorts!!!

 

[Joyce DC]

We checked into the WL on 12/5 and reluctantly checked out on 12/10. We had reserved a woods view room. When checking in I asked if there would was a courtyard view available and what the extra cost would be. I was told $30 more per night. I agreed to the additional cost. The CM (Tammy) said she had to go to the back to change the paperwork. When she returned she told me there would be no extra cost for the courtyard view room. Completely unexpected generosity. We went on the sleigh ride the next evening with Kelly the driver and Luke the horse. It was cold that evening and the ride in itself was pretty magical. We had dinner one night at Artist's Point and had one of the most interesting salads we've ever had. The music throughout the resort was wonderful. This was our 8th December stay at the WL. We've never had a real "problem" with transportation or anything else. While I know problems arise and such issues should be addressed, I've come to believe that (for us, anyway) we are equally responsible for seeing the magic around us.

 

[FloridaCat]

Is'nt Disney great? accomadations for every taste and budget. Thank goodness, or us WL Vets would never get a room in our beloved "Home".

 

[corky805]

Originally posted by FloridaCat
Is'nt Disney great? accomadations for every taste and budget. Thank goodness, or us WL Vets would never get a room in our beloved "Home".

Boy isn't this the truth!!

We were there in Sept and absolutly loved it.....I don't think we could ever stay any where else...my only complaint was with the laundry facilities....and honestly that was a minor problem...

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by corky805
Boy isn't this the truth!!

We were there in Sept and absolutly loved it.....I don't think we could ever stay any where else...my only complaint was with the laundry facilities....and honestly that was a minor problem...

Corky -
Next time just haul your butt out of bed at 6am!! Pppllleeeaannnttyyy of machines then!!! Got my load washed & nearly dryed before another sole appeared!!!

Plus, was able to enjoy a leasierly b/fast from RF!!!

 

[DisneyMin]

We've stayed there twice-this past Memorial day wknd and Labor Day wknd. On Memorial day,,they upgraded us from a standard view to Courtyard view-without our even asking. we had the BEST time!! We didn't go to the theme parks,,just ate and swam and relaxed. We rode the boats,and they were not crowded,and we didn't have to wait longer than maybe,,7 minutes for one. Everyone was friendly and would say "hello" when they walked past. Same experience on Labor Day wknd. We requested a courtyard view that time,,requested bunkbeds (and got them)both times.
This past wknd,,we stayed at AKL. I wanted WL,,but it was booked,,wah!! AKL was nice,,but it wasn't WL. We didn't get the bunks we requested. They offered us bunks in a smoking optional room,but it smelled too smokey. They then offered us a pool view(we had booked a savannah view). I asked if it was a downgrade,and the man said yes,but didn't say anything about refunding our $. So we got a savannah room w/2 queens,,which was fine. I was excited about seeing all the animals,,but we only saw some vultures and ostriches,(from our room)so that was disappointing. We ate dinner at Whispering Pines,,and the WL was decorated sooo beautifully,,they had a brass ensamble playing in the lobby...ahhhh..LOL. Everyone has their favorite place and WL is mine. Go there in Feb and you'll have a great time!!

 

[dznyntnh]

I was just at WL in October and had the greatest time. The service was fantastic.

I think many people look for the negative or set their expectations so high they can only be disappointed.