BOULDER RIDGE VILLAS & COPPER CREEK VILLAS & CABINS: Wilderness Lodge DVC Expansion Thread

[LynJ]

Can I just ask exactly what you said to guest relations? I plan on calling in the morning. I'm pretty bummed about losing access to the playground and beach since my 2 sons (4 and 2 years old) would have definitely used both Any help greatly appreciated thanks!!

I would pretty much say exactly that. It's fairly close to what I told them--that I was disappointed that several of the activities I was planning to do would be unavailable and concerned about construction noise. They did offer to help us change resorts, but I wanted to keep our MK proximity and don't want to spend more at another resort. This is our first ever deluxe trip, and I had been frustrated with the construction announcement. I think the price adjustment was more than fair, and I'm actually really happy with the resolution. And Disney turned my mood completely around with the bonus pixie dust of the ADR.

 

[hill6]

Thanks for the information. We are scheduled to be at the Villas for two nights in October. Will be interesting to see what is blocked off at that point.

 

[laur05]

I would pretty much say exactly that. It's fairly close to what I told them--that I was disappointed that several of the activities I was planning to do would be unavailable and concerned about construction noise. They did offer to help us change resorts, but I wanted to keep our MK proximity and don't want to spend more at another resort. This is our first ever deluxe trip, and I had been frustrated with the construction announcement. I think the price adjustment was more than fair, and I'm actually really happy with the resolution. And Disney turned my mood completely around with the bonus pixie dust of the ADR.

Great! Thank you so much for getting back to me. Just one more question. How did u get transferred to guest relations?

 

[LynJ]

Great! Thank you so much for getting back to me. Just one more question. How did u get transferred to guest relations?

You can either ask the person on the resort line directly to transfer you or simply talk to them for a few minutes and explain your concerns. The initial CM has a set script that they seem to read off the screen (I heard it twice yesterday, because guest relations was overwhelmed with calls the first time and rang to voicemail). If you go beyond the script and don't wish to change resorts, then they can transfer you to guest relations.

Good luck.

 

[StaciaRae]

Hi! We are taking our first Disney trip in January (marathon weekend) and we rented DVC points from David's because hubby really wanted to stay at the Wilderness Lodge (and renting points was the only way we could afford it). We are bringing our 3 yr old and 5 year old and staying in a Villa Studio room. We had been planning midday breaks from the parks everyday so the little kids could nap, swim (hopefully it'll be warm) and play on the playground. I am so disappointed to now find out that there will be major construction during our trip. My question is, because we rented DVC points for our stay, do we have any recourse? I'm not exactly sure how things work when renting points - can we call and ask to change resorts like others in this thread are talking about? Could we get try for the courtesy discount even though we didn't pay for our room from Disney? And, does Disney typically do room upgrades for DVC when things like this happen (from a studio to one bedroom - pipe dream I know!!)? Thanks!!

 

[Disneygirl1984]

Thought I would jump in too. We are scheduled to be at WL from Nov. 7-12. The 8-12 if on FD. Have called twice this morning, leaving a voicemail with guest services the last time. Hoping to hear back soon. This is our first time staying deluxe and am dreading this construction we have a 2yo DD who will likely nap mid day in the room and would've loved to have the playground and beach for her to play at.

 

[tiger4me2]

Hi! We are taking our first Disney trip in January (marathon weekend) and we rented DVC points from David's because hubby really wanted to stay at the Wilderness Lodge (and renting points was the only way we could afford it). We are bringing our 3 yr old and 5 year old and staying in a Villa Studio room. We had been planning midday breaks from the parks everyday so the little kids could nap, swim (hopefully it'll be warm) and play on the playground. I am so disappointed to now find out that there will be major construction during our trip. My question is, because we rented DVC points for our stay, do we have any recourse? I'm not exactly sure how things work when renting points - can we call and ask to change resorts like others in this thread are talking about? Could we get try for the courtesy discount even though we didn't pay for our room from Disney? And, does Disney typically do room upgrades for DVC when things like this happen (from a studio to one bedroom - pipe dream I know!!)? Thanks!!

I could be wrong but I believe if you brought points from David's or others you can't cancel or change . You have to go back to where you brought the points. At least that what I have read on this board. If you booked through Disney might be different. Maybe someone else will be able to answer. I doubt that David's will give you a discount but I guess you can call and ask. Good luck.

 

[kmorlock]

Phone lines were totally backed up yesterday. The 100 dollar credit appears to be their first line offer. If it works for you, great! If you want a lateral move, depending on availabity, etc...they should move you to another deluxe in a comparable room type. I was offered the $100, or move to another resort. They assured me to take my time and think about it. After calling back to let them know our decision to move, they pulled back on everything even even the $100 per night. After much back and forth the agent said her manager would auth the $100 credit as a "courtesy". After some discussion later with another agent to just explain our situation, they offered a move but not to the resorts offered before. In my experience as a frontline Rep, it just depends on who you speak with. One agent pretty much twisted my words and said I only went to WL knowing they would offer compensation due to construction. Seriously?!!! We moved to WL because BCV was getting a refurb and that's where we wanted to be from the start. So, we have moved but the whole experience was awful. They need to consider this when Poly is still undergoing construction, BC is wrapping theirs up and BCV is coming, followed by YC. Throwing construction in at WL reduces your viable MK options. Oh and yes, they did offer the GF but later acted like I was lying about it but confirmed it was noted on the reservation??! Confusing, awful, and really stole the excitement we had about this trip.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

Is the lateral move offered with or without price increase? Like a comparable room at a slightly more expensive resort? Looking at AKL. I've got a napper so staying put with discount seems like a mistake.

 

[laur05]

Just wanted to report back I got the $100 off each night. It was very quick and easy and we are now very happy! Thanks for ur help!!

 

[FTM22]

Is the lateral move offered with or without price increase? Like a comparable room at a slightly more expensive resort? Looking at AKL. I've got a napper so staying put with discount seems like a mistake.

I don't know about this time but we made the move to AKL LAST year during the pool rehab. It was actually less expensive and we retained the FD as well. We weren't given an additional discount - AKL was just a bit cheaper. (ETA - I ADORED AKL and would recommend it highly for its very peaceful atmosphere as well as the animals.) This time, the availability was much less for us (multiple rooms involved) and honestly we were okay with staying at WL. Resort availability will probably decrease as people hear about the situation so calling sooner is the best IMO.

I do agree that it depends on who you talk to. If I got a "less than magical" rep, I would ask to speak with someone else. There is no reason to tolerate that at all. It's a vacation destination and not a cheap one no matter how you look at it. I sincerely hope everyone here gets something worked out to their satisfaction.

 

[itchybanana]

Did you have a room discount enforce the $100 off?

I'm not sure I understand the question. I didn't have any pre-existing discounts prior to being given the $100 off. Hope that helps

 

[patty57]

Hi! We are taking our first Disney trip in January (marathon weekend) and we rented DVC points from David's because hubby really wanted to stay at the Wilderness Lodge (and renting points was the only way we could afford it). We are bringing our 3 yr old and 5 year old and staying in a Villa Studio room. We had been planning midday breaks from the parks everyday so the little kids could nap, swim (hopefully it'll be warm) and play on the playground. I am so disappointed to now find out that there will be major construction during our trip. My question is, because we rented DVC points for our stay, do we have any recourse? I'm not exactly sure how things work when renting points - can we call and ask to change resorts like others in this thread are talking about? Could we get try for the courtesy discount even though we didn't pay for our room from Disney? And, does Disney typically do room upgrades for DVC when things like this happen (from a studio to one bedroom - pipe dream I know!!)? Thanks!!

You can't call WDW when you have rented DVC points. You can get in touch with David's, and see if the owner would consider looking to see if other resorts might be available during that time. I don't know if they will attempt that or not, but you could certainly ask. Unfortunately, DVC does not upgrade for these issues as far as I know. What is happening to you is the exact reason I will probably not rent points anymore. I had this happen last December at the end of the pool refurb at WL. It was supposed to be finished when we went, but it wasn't. I didn't go through David's, but a private owner. She was great, and did try to find us something else, but there wasn't anyplace I wanted to stay that was still available.

 

[StaciaRae]

You can't call WDW when you have rented DVC points. You can get in touch with David's, and see if the owner would consider looking to see if other resorts might be available during that time. I don't know if they will attempt that or not, but you could certainly ask. Unfortunately, DVC does not upgrade for these issues as far as I know. What is happening to you is the exact reason I will probably not rent points anymore. I had this happen last December at the end of the pool refurb at WL. It was supposed to be finished when we went, but it wasn't. I didn't go through David's, but a private owner. She was great, and did try to find us something else, but there wasn't anyplace I wanted to stay that was still available.

Thanks for the response - this is what I was afraid of Oh well, it is what it is. Honestly, my 3 year old son will probably be thrilled with all the heavy equipment around, me not so much though. I guess we'll just stick it out and hope that the construction isn't too intrusive for our trip. This was one of the downsides to renting points that I hadn't thought about. Thanks again!

 

[Music City Mama]

Hi! We are taking our first Disney trip in January (marathon weekend) and we rented DVC points from David's because hubby really wanted to stay at the Wilderness Lodge (and renting points was the only way we could afford it). We are bringing our 3 yr old and 5 year old and staying in a Villa Studio room. We had been planning midday breaks from the parks everyday so the little kids could nap, swim (hopefully it'll be warm) and play on the playground. I am so disappointed to now find out that there will be major construction during our trip. My question is, because we rented DVC points for our stay, do we have any recourse? I'm not exactly sure how things work when renting points - can we call and ask to change resorts like others in this thread are talking about? Could we get try for the courtesy discount even though we didn't pay for our room from Disney? And, does Disney typically do room upgrades for DVC when things like this happen (from a studio to one bedroom - pipe dream I know!!)? Thanks!!

You can't call WDW when you have rented DVC points. You can get in touch with David's, and see if the owner would consider looking to see if other resorts might be available during that time. I don't know if they will attempt that or not, but you could certainly ask. Unfortunately, DVC does not upgrade for these issues as far as I know. What is happening to you is the exact reason I will probably not rent points anymore. I had this happen last December at the end of the pool refurb at WL. It was supposed to be finished when we went, but it wasn't. I didn't go through David's, but a private owner. She was great, and did try to find us something else, but there wasn't anyplace I wanted to stay that was still available.

I agree with @patty57 that you'd have to contact to David's who would have to contact the owner, but I'm not familiar with David's so I don't know if they'd even help with that. I rented my VWL points directly from an owner, and I'm trying to figure out if I want to contact him to try to find us another resort. I'm not that gung ho on moving from VWL, but I'll admit I'm terribly jealous of those of you with cash reservations at WL getting a $100/night credit. That's awesome! The only thing I can really do is change resorts if I decide to do that.

Here's my situation... We're going during Thanksgiving week, so I kind of think they'll keep construction at a minimum since it will be busy (kind of like how they stop road construction on highways during holiday weekends). Perhaps that's too optimistic. My kids are 12 and 8 and don't nap, so no worries with that. I'm not anticipating swimming at all because if it's not at least 78 degrees outside, I think it's too cold to swim (I'm a wimp!). When we went this week during 2013, we had highs between 65-72, and I think last year, they had an even colder spell, so swimming is not even on my radar -- and even if it is warm enough, we'll go to the main pool.

I feel like I should feel more put out by this mess, but our main/longer trips are in the summer and if something was going on at that resort at that time, I think it would bother me more. More than likely, we'll just stick with VWL.

 

[sarah24]

We are staying at WL in November as well with a woods view room during free dining. I see reports of several of you getting the discount for construction on top of this. Can you tell me what number you call and what you're telling them? thanks

 

[olan719]

I called this morning and was able to get the discount of $100 a night applied to our reservation. This did not affect our free dining promotion - it essentially reduced our package by $800! I was offered a lateral move to another deluxe (same room category) for no additional cost. It did exclude Grand Floridian, but I could have chosen Poly. I called resort reservations first, asked immediately to speak to guest services, and was asked my name, reason for calling, dates, resort, etc. I was put on hold and guest services came on quickly addressing me by name. I told them I read of this construction online, and was disappointed and wanted to know my options. It was easy, quick, and painless. I was also able to reduce my mother's reservation as she is traveling with us. Good luck to everyone calling! I got the impression they knew people would be calling, but my CM had not gotten many yet. It just came out for them on Friday, and they know letters will be going out soon.

 

[ladybugJ]

I called this morning, asked the reservation agent if I could please speak to guest services about my existing reservation, and was transferred. When I got the guest services CM, I explained that I had learned about the Wilderness Lodge construction that would be going on while we are there in December, and would like to know what my options would be for moving to another resort. I didn't go into any reasons why we wanted to move, but it's because we have littles who need a midday rest, so staying at the WL with a discount would not work for us) The CM put me on hold for a while, and then came back and said he could move us to the Contemporary in a garden wing. Totally fine by us, so we have transferred resorts. I'm sad about not staying at WL but can't risk not getting naps due to construction noise.

ETA: We had a split stay with one night being a 30% pin discount, and the rest being free dining. We retained both discounts.

 

[sarah24]

I also was offered to move to the garden view Contemporary wing or a standard view at Boardwalk. I chose to take the discount. The CM I spoke to was very friendly and you could tell he'd been dealing with this all day.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Can those who received the compensation also post your trip dates? I'll wait to ask for anything until we actually arrive, since our dates fall right before the rumored closure date of the villas pool, but I'd like to know if they're offering the compensation for stays that end before October 26th.