Back from WL & VWL! (WL/VWL Picture Links Added!)

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Just got home from Wilderness Lodge and Villas! We spent the first half of our the Lodge, and the second half at the Villas.

We checked in around 8PM at the Lodge, and had about a 15 minute wait for check-in. All of our room requests were granted, so I was pretty happy. We had connecting non-smoking courtyard view rooms on the 6th floor. The rooms had dormer balconies, and the one room had a queen & bunk, the other had two queens. From the balcony, looking down, you could see the courtyard pool & slide, to the left the falls, and to the right the lake. We could also see the top of the Contemporary (California Grill) from the rooms. They were in very good shape, and housekeeping did a good job of keeping them clean.

Then, on to the Villas for the second half. We tried checking in a few times in the morning, but nothing was available. Around 11 we left and went out for lunch & hit the MK, and went back and checked-in at 4PM. All of our room requests were again granted. We had a fifth floor non-smoking dedicated Two Bedroom Villa, with a lake view through the trees (there really aren't any good lake views, this one wasn't bad - but, at VWL, there really aren't any preferable views). We LOVED our villa! This was our first DVC stay, and we really enjoyed the extra space! The jacuzzi is wonderful to have, and in the second bedroom, I was really suprised to see how large the dressing room & closet were.

All and all, we had a great stay at both resorts. However, the villas are really quiet, so it was kinda weird not seeing anyone when we were on the balcony. Our balconies at the lodge always had a view of people - it was a great place to people watch from. Not really sure when we'll return to the resorts, as I think atleast the next couple trips, we'll stick to places "in the middle" of the action.

Any questions? Feel free to ask!

WL Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/112836721TnzWne

VWL Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/112837361dnsLZn

 

[floridafam]

Glad to hear you are home safely.

I am glad you posted. Is there a particular resort that you liked better? We own at the Villas but our children just love WL Concierge and so do I.

I'd love to hear more about your trip.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

CaliforniaDreaming,

So glad you had a great stay, yes the Villas are very quiet but relaxing after all the stimulus at the Parks we love the laid back feeling at the Lodge. Hope your planning on doing a trip report...where did you eat, what did you see?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Really not planning on doing a trip report. I guess I don't have enough patience. As for meals, we had dinners at Wolfgang Puck Cafe (2x), Kona Cafe, Rose & Crown, and Fultons. Lunches were at Flame Tree BBQ, the Grand Floridian Cafe, Backlot Express, and the Plaza Restaurant. And, did go to Roaring Fork quite a bit. We did all 4 parks, and went to DTD. BTW, Mission Space is my new favorite ride!

As far as VWL vs WL, I really loved being in the lodge. But, I liked the villa better than the rooms. So, for location/view go for the lodge, for the accommodations go for the villas.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Glad you had a nice trip! Welcome back!

 

[tnkrbell]

Glad you has nice stay!! It sure does make things nicer when you do get your room requests!!

 

[jmkst58]

Hello CaliforniaDreaming. Thanks for the post.

I'm staying at the villas at the end of Feb. & don't know what to request. I've heard there may be atleast one dumpster view...should I just request NOT to get that one & leave the rest up to fate?

Any help would be appreciated?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

At the villas, just request a lake view - that will keep you on the side away from the dumpsters - this view is from 8 dedicated studio units.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Here are pictures of WL: http://community.webshots.com/album/112836721TnzWne

I'll be putting the Villa pictures up soon.

 

[Erin12303]

I'm glad to hear you had a great trip!

I love the WL pictures and can't wait for the VWL pics.

 

[MagicPrincess]

Very nice pictures. I especially liked the view of the lake.
Do you remember which romm number that was.
So pretty!!!
Glad you had a nice time!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Here are my pictures of the villa: http://community.webshots.com/album/112837361dnsLZn

MagicPrincess - I sent you a PM (Private Message).

 

[BambiTamby]

Awesome pics, Cali!

Done the WL 3 times, but never the VWL.

They look so peaceful and "warm, cozy"!

Thanks for sharing!

 

[marypopfan]

Do they have any woods view rooms on the 6th floor? I would also love to know what room number that the bunk bed room was. I am hoping to stay here next summer and having bunk beds would be a plus !!!!!!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

marypopfan - sent you a Private Message.

 

[BCV23]

Glad you had a good trip and that you enjoyed your first DVC stay. Great pictures!

 

[Patio]

I just loved your pictures. Those villas are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Janet2k]

CaliforniaDreaming, thank you for your trip report and your beautiful photos. I will be at VWL in a few months. I have stayed in the Lodge side but not the Villas side, so I was a little hesitant about booking so many days there. Now that I have viewed your photos, I know my family will have a wonderful vacation.