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

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for taking the time to post all your great photos! If you ever want to post more photos, you can post up to 25 images per post, if you'd like.

Hi Tydad ! We have two deluxe rooms booked for June and I am trying to decide between an inner courtyard room or two rooms on the end of the south wing. I was leaning towards inner courtyard because of the lounge being closer, but your view sounds great! How much further of a walk would you say it is than an inner cy room? Also, I was concerned about noise- my mom likes it pretty quiet at night. How noisy is it where you are? Are the boat horns loud? Is that where the movie is shown at night? What floor are you on?

Sorry for so many questions!! It's not quite as easy to find information on the deluxe rooms. Thanks for your time

Two Deluxe rooms?!. Have you already seen the Deluxe room photo links, location map and room numbers on the first page? You'll be able to hear the EWP from all the Deluxe rooms, especially the ones at the very end of the two wings, but it only lasts about 5 minutes. The movie is shown at the beach in front of the end of the South Wing.

The KTTW card would not pull a paper fp. We haven't tried the AP yet. I've been afraid that I would mess up the MB's if I tried to use the AP. But since tomorrow is our last day, I'm going to try the AP and see what happens.



No, we are on the third floor. There isn't a resort room below us. It is the Cub's Den and we haven't heard anything from there. There are a lot of trees between our room and the villas, and with the closed balcony, it is hard to see into this room. We don't have a connecting door and I haven't heard anything from next door. It might be empty. I'll post room views later, after we get home.

Here is another new fp+ trick I tried today. Before our trip I scheduled fp+'s for HS. This morning we decided to go to MK, instead. While on the boat dock I cancelled the HS fp+'s. The MDE app wouldn't let me make new fp+'s yet so I just turned off the app until after we were in the park. I connected to the park wifi and then was able to make fp+'s for the day. After we were inside the park I was able to get a Buzz Lightyear fp+ for 11am at 10:58am. The standby wait time was about 20 minutes and within two minutes of scheduling a fp+ we were able to walk onto that ride. There are a few benefits to the fp+ system.

A funny thing happened at Captain Cook's at the Poly today. We had gone over there for lunch and this lady was trying to fill her four non-resort mugs with Coke. It wasn't working for her and she couldn't figure out why. I told her that there was a sensor in the machine and if she didn't have a rapidfill mug, she couldn't get a drink. Her mugs were from an outside resort. Maybe the monorail resorts will have a whole lot less non-resort traffic now. The volcano pool had very few people in it, too.

Tonight is dinner at Trail's End. Then we are coming back to relax at the resort. Tomorrow we have a fastpass for lunch at Be Our Guest, then we are heading back to the cold Midwest.

Just an FWIW: lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern was delicious and the Ooey Gooey Toffee cake exceeded expectations. We have had some great meals on this trip, all of them being first time ADR's for us except for Cape May at the BC.

Thanks for answering all my questions and posting about your other experiences. You are a great trip reporter!

So the new system is working. Disney will be saving money. Maybe prices will go down.

Someone had said that the employee parking lot was a good place to view the fireworks - but they were wrong. Last night I headed over there but there were so many trees that the view wasn't very good at all. There is a wire fence at the outside borders of the parking lot and a lot of vegetation is growing all over it. The view of the fireworks from the beach is pretty good. So if you don't have a view from your room, the beach is a nice option.

More great information - thank you!

Just a little update. We are on day 5 of 8 and the WL is quickly becoming our favorite resort. As much as we love the GF and Poly, there is something about this place that feels like home. We have a nice view of the fireworks, the CL staff has been awesome, love the food in the lounge, and the decorations are great. We are close to canceling the YC and returning next October

Yes, the CL CMs are awesome and you feel like home at the OFC. The lounge is also much larger than the Regatta Club's and has beautiful and expansive views to the outdoors and lobby. There's also COBBLER!!!

Enjoy the rest of your stay and will you be having some yummy apps. or dessert tonight?

We feel the same way about the WL. We booked the bounce back for Oct for WL rather than the BC.

There's no place like home, there's no place like home...

Not still there - did one of our usual quick trips. The check-in snafu wasn't a big deal, but I have no idea why they didn't just complete our check-in downstairs. Would've been faster.

To those there now or soon, I highly recommend the Territory Lounge for a relaxing drink & bite to eat. We always make a point to go there when we stay at WL. This time I had a bowl of the Artist Point portobello soup and we shared the flatbread & crispy chicken. All were great. And I most especially recommend the heather & honey sidecar.

Thank you for the photo and recommendation, bowbat. Soon, I shall partake in Territory Lounge's myriad tempting comestibles and libations

Hmmm.....interesting about the KTTW card not pulling FPs. We are here now and yesterday, 12/3, I was able to pull fps at MK for Barnstormer and Winnie the Pooh. We haven't needed to try at other parks yet, but our cards most definitely worked at MK yesterday. I should add we have been using the MBs for park entry.

Oooo, thank you, my (evil) plan may work...bwahahaha.

The campfire is every night on the WL beach. It is located just off the pathway between the Trout Bar and the water. You will get an activities calendar at check in that will list the times of the campfire, the pool party games, and the movies.

Just adding that if anyone wants to see the current month's movie and activity schedule, the hyperlink is in post #2.

We are switching. Please remove me from the Lodge Log; I will post in the CR/BLT thread to be added to the Log-orail!

I am not in a good mood this morning...
I think about the Wilderness Lodge twice everyday

our whole 16-days-Orlando-vacation in September was the best time I had this year

now it is cold, my skin is as white as a piece of chalk, I feel tired of my daily routine (working, studying, ....)

Would love to take a break and book a few nights at the Lodge, but this is too far away from everything now and takes a lot of initial planning ahead

I am looking forward for Christmas
hoping to feel better tomorrow

I think your post sadly reflects what many feel this time of year (except maybe in Australia?). I hope you can plan a trip soon, but in the meantime, you can dream of being here...

Well all good things must come to an end. We have checked in our bags and having our boarding passes for our flight. Just sitting here enjoying a little breakfast in the Old Faithful Club. The CL staff have been great, and as always the WL has been spectacular and we loved our room, #7121.

The trip was great, I only wish the parks were not as busy as they were. I was not expecting this crowd level. The MVMCP on Dec 3 was sold out and was very difficult to great around. We found the FP+ to be at times very nice and at other times a complete cluster mess, but that is another story for another day.

Do you think you might go again at a different time of year? I hope you can book again soon and thanks for checking in with us. Safe travels.

We arrive at WL CL today! Squeee. Waiting at Chicago airport to catch our flight! Soooo excited!

Yippee for the OFC! Are you there yet? I hope you get to try some cobbler tonight

Can anyone tell me how many club level rooms have bunk beds or what our chances are of getting them with a request? Thanks!

I don't know exactly how many there are, they are randomly scattered throughout the resort. If you're not going at a peak time, your chances are very good that your bunk request will be fulfilled. Just make sure you have the IPO note it in your reservation and ask again at check-in.

 

[mystery222184]

Yes, the CL CMs are awesome and you feel like home at the OFC. The lounge is also much larger than the Regatta Club's and has beautiful and expansive views to the outdoors and lobby. There's also COBBLER!!! Enjoy the rest of your stay and will you be having some yummy apps. or dessert tonight?

We will be having some cobbler and drinks in the lounge before we head to DTD! So far this week there has been apple cranberry and peaches & berries...both amazing! We also like to stop at the territory lounge for the Pinot Grigio fondue!

 

[pigletto]

Well, we only have 8 sleeps to go until we'll be on a plane headed for warmer weather, fun, relaxation, and the Wilderness Lodge.
This week will be a whirlwind, as the week before a Disney trip always is. There is packing to do, pets to get ready, house to clean, lots and lots of laundry, reservations and confirmations to print, an itinerary booklet to make. The usual pre-trip stuff. My husband writes his last ever exam next week after his 3.5 year degree program!!!! My 40th birthday is just a few weeks after we come home, and this is our first ever Christmas trip!
There is so much to celebrate. I just can't wait to walk into that lobby for the first time!!!!

 

[rhondakg]

The night has finally come. After a long year of planning - the last month flew by and here I am, when I wake in the morning we will go straight to the airport and our first WDW trip begins - I can not wait. I loved planning it and utilizing these boards - but It is time to let go and experience the Happiest Place on Earth....I will check back in next Sunday (hopefully) when we return for my first ever trip report....so excited....

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

We've had a lot of thorough reports lately which have been great to read. I'll be posting here live beginning 12/22

For some reason, I'm really excited to look forward to your LIVE TR!!!!

The KTTW card would not pull a paper fp. We haven't tried the AP yet. I've been afraid that I would mess up the MB's if I tried to use the AP. But since tomorrow is our last day, I'm going to try the AP and see what happens.



No, we are on the third floor. There isn't a resort room below us. It is the Cub's Den and we haven't heard anything from there. There are a lot of trees between our room and the villas, and with the closed balcony, it is hard to see into this room. We don't have a connecting door and I haven't heard anything from next door. It might be empty. I'll post room views later, after we get home.

Here is another new fp+ trick I tried today. Before our trip I scheduled fp+'s for HS. This morning we decided to go to MK, instead. While on the boat dock I cancelled the HS fp+'s. The MDE app wouldn't let me make new fp+'s yet so I just turned off the app until after we were in the park. I connected to the park wifi and then was able to make fp+'s for the day. After we were inside the park I was able to get a Buzz Lightyear fp+ for 11am at 10:58am. The standby wait time was about 20 minutes and within two minutes of scheduling a fp+ we were able to walk onto that ride. There are a few benefits to the fp+ system.

A funny thing happened at Captain Cook's at the Poly today. We had gone over there for lunch and this lady was trying to fill her four non-resort mugs with Coke. It wasn't working for her and she couldn't figure out why. I told her that there was a sensor in the machine and if she didn't have a rapidfill mug, she couldn't get a drink. Her mugs were from an outside resort. Maybe the monorail resorts will have a whole lot less non-resort traffic now. The volcano pool had very few people in it, too.

Tonight is dinner at Trail's End. Then we are coming back to relax at the resort. Tomorrow we have a fastpass for lunch at Be Our Guest, then we are heading back to the cold Midwest.

Just an FWIW: lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern was delicious and the Ooey Gooey Toffee cake exceeded expectations. We have had some great meals on this trip, all of them being first time ADR's for us except for Cape May at the BC.

Thanks for not bringing the warmth home with you!!! I just noticed we're neighbors! Is it harder coming home from WDW when you're coming home to the bitter cold? Hope your trip was all you hoped! Don't forget to reset your ticker!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

We will be having some cobbler and drinks in the lounge before we head to DTD! So far this week there has been apple cranberry and peaches & berries...both amazing! We also like to stop at the territory lounge for the Pinot Grigio fondue!

Hmmmmm different flavors this time of year......

 

[WDWKOOK]

We will be having some cobbler and drinks in the lounge before we head to DTD! So far this week there has been apple cranberry and peaches & berries...both amazing! We also like to stop at the territory lounge for the Pinot Grigio fondue!

Well, that's another thing at TL I have to look forward to

Well, we only have 8 sleeps to go until we'll be on a plane headed for warmer weather, fun, relaxation, and the Wilderness Lodge.
This week will be a whirlwind, as the week before a Disney trip always is. There is packing to do, pets to get ready, house to clean, lots and lots of laundry, reservations and confirmations to print, an itinerary booklet to make. The usual pre-trip stuff. My husband writes his last ever exam next week after his 3.5 year degree program!!!! My 40th birthday is just a few weeks after we come home, and this is our first ever Christmas trip!
There is so much to celebrate. I just can't wait to walk into that lobby for the first time!!!!

So true, the week prior is when it all comes together - especially the day before. Sounds like you have it all under control.

The night has finally come. After a long year of planning - the last month flew by and here I am, when I wake in the morning we will go straight to the airport and our first WDW trip begins - I can not wait. I loved planning it and utilizing these boards - but It is time to let go and experience the Happiest Place on Earth....I will check back in next Sunday (hopefully) when we return for my first ever trip report....so excited....

We know you're going to have a great stay and we look forward to reading about it soon.

For some reason, I'm really excited to look forward to your LIVE TR!!!!

Hmmmmm different flavors this time of year......

I recall the then new chef experimenting with a CL cranberry cobbler last year (April or August?) and at that time it was our least favorite and quite bitter. The cranberry certainly fits this time of year and maybe it's a bit sweeter now? I think they use what's in season and I think the selection choices may be different for the cobblers served in the restaurants and TL. But really, it's all good!

 

[Alabama Minnie]

Be sure and verify at check-in that you are getting the room you BOOKED. When we checked-in Sat. we were given a Courtyard upgrade and did not find out until we got to the room. I BOOKED Woods View because we didn't want the CY (it's only like $15 more). We don't like the balconies in the Courtyard being exposed to everyone and all the pool and people noise. I tried for 2 days to get another room but I guess they thought I should be happy with the upgrade. IMO request are a request but I felt I should have received the WV if that's what I booked and wanted.
WL is a beautiful resort, especially at XMAS, but we will probably NOT return. We felt we were given the room for their convenience and they didn't care if we were happy or not.

 

[dansdad]

Be sure and verify at check-in that you are getting the room you BOOKED. When we checked-in Sat. we were given a Courtyard upgrade and did not find out until we got to the room. I BOOKED Woods View because we didn't want the CY (it's only like $15 more). We don't like the balconies in the Courtyard being exposed to everyone and all the pool and people noise. I tried for 2 days to get another room but I guess they thought I should be happy with the upgrade. IMO request are a request but I felt I should have received the WV if that's what I booked and wanted.
WL is a beautiful resort, especially at XMAS, but we will probably NOT return. We felt we were given the room for their convenience and they didn't care if we were happy or not.

I'm sorry that happened to you. But just so you know, this is not unique to you and/or the WL. I have had the same thing happen to me twice but mine were downgrades. Booked preferred at POR, checked in and found out we had a standard room. They didn't mention it and I noticed when the CM showed me on the map where our room was. I asked why we were in a standard when we booked a preferred and was told they overbooked preferred. I looked at our paperwork and saw that they didn't credit me the difference in $$. They did give it to me, but I had to ask.

Same thing happened at BC. Booked Lagoon/Pool view and was given standard at check in. Again no credit for difference in $$, had to insist. Both instances I was reminded that the only thing I am guaranteed with my booking is a room on property. I have read many, many posts here on the DIS with the same thing happening. So verifying at check in won't necessarily eliminate you getting a room you didn't book.

I try to tell people all the time upgrades(and downgrades) are almost ALWAYS given because it benefits the resort.

I know none of this makes it any better. But I wanted you to know it happens and not just to you and at WL.

 

[mystery222184]

This is our last night at the Lodge. We are sad to be leaving but booked again for the latter half of our trip next October

We hoped to do Epcot tonight but unfortunately I may have some form of food poisoning as I've been in bed since breakfast at Crystal Palace. Ugh! Maybe we will be able to visit tomorrow before our flight

 

[goofy4prez]

You were in our favorite room!! Do you think you might go again at a different time of year? I hope you can book again soon and thanks for checking in with us. Safe travels.

I loved the room and it's location and was our favorite room to date. In the next day or so I will get around to posting a few pictures of the WL from our trip. As for booking again at the WL? Absolutely we will. This was our third visit to the WL and it is our favorite resort. With that said though, we will be returning to WDW in June and will be staying at the AKL instead. I left the decision up to my DD(16) and that is the resort she wants to stay at. I"m still trying to get her to change her mind though.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Be sure and verify at check-in that you are getting the room you BOOKED. When we checked-in Sat. we were given a Courtyard upgrade and did not find out until we got to the room. I BOOKED Woods View because we didn't want the CY (it's only like $15 more). We don't like the balconies in the Courtyard being exposed to everyone and all the pool and people noise. I tried for 2 days to get another room but I guess they thought I should be happy with the upgrade. IMO request are a request but I felt I should have received the WV if that's what I booked and wanted.
WL is a beautiful resort, especially at XMAS, but we will probably NOT return. We felt we were given the room for their convenience and they didn't care if we were happy or not.

Good advice to verify at check-in. I always recommend this so you can see if your request(s) were able to be fulfilled and/or you are pleased with your room location/category. If you're not, then at least you can inquire about making a change. You can do this even if your room isn't ready.

CMs usually do not know that the Room Assignor has upgraded you so you won't know at check-in. I think it would be nice if they did and told the guest. More times than not, the guest would be pleasantly surprised. Sometimes, the guest doesn't even realize they were upgraded at all if they aren't familiar with all the room categories/views, but guests will usually always notice if they are downgraded. Upgrades and less frequently, downgrades can and do happen at all resorts. WL has always seemed especially generous with upgrades. But in your case, you just wanted the view you booked.

You mentioned that you tried for two days to get another room. When you noticed you were upgraded to a view you didn't want, what did the CM tell you? Did they keep telling you that no Woods View rooms were available? Did they/you speak with a manager? Just curious how this was handled.

This is our last night at the Lodge. We are sad to be leaving but booked again for the latter half of our trip next October

We hoped to do Epcot tonight but unfortunately I may have some form of food poisoning as I've been in bed since breakfast at Crystal Palace. Ugh! Maybe we will be able to visit tomorrow before our flight

That is awful that you're sick. I hope you feel better before traveling.

I loved the room and it's location and was our favorite room to date. In the next day or so I will get around to posting a few pictures of the WL from our trip. As for booking again at the WL? Absolutely we will. This was our third visit to the WL and it is our favorite resort. With that said though, we will be returning to WDW in June and will be staying at the AKL instead. I left the decision up to my DD(16) and that is the resort she wants to stay at. I"m still trying to get her to change her mind though.

I just noticed that I mis-read your room "7121" as "7127" which is our favorite room and is actually right next door to the right of the Pres. Suite. You were immediately to the left. Sorry for the mix-up.

I wish you luck with your 16-year-old DD as I have an almost 16-year-old DD who also has her definite Disney opinions. Have you thought about a split stay to please both DD and yourself? Just make WL last

 

[Alabama Minnie]

WDWKOOK:
Yes, I immediately called and spoke with the room assigner when we got to the room and he told us that alot of woods-view would open-up the next morning. I assumed he was working on it and would maybe put us down for next available the next morning. Finally called him AGAIN the next morning and was never able to reach him and had to leave at 10 to make our fast-pass time. We weren't able to return until late that evening and he had left a I'm sorry I missed your call message. I just GAVE-UP and lived with it.
We really enjoy sitting on our balcony in the morning with our coffee (in our PJs) and not be exposed to everyone (we were 3rd floor above the outdoor tables). Also, the next day we came back for a little nap but the pool noise/activities were just too much. I just feel that the room assigner should have called the next morning and let me know something since he ALREADY knew we were NOT happy from the 1st day (when we entered the room). WL is beautiful at Xmas but this experience will probably cause us to NOT return to WL again.

 

[ToyStory3]

Hi - I just asked to be added to the log, for September, a few days ago but we are changing resorts. My husband loved the BCR on our last stay and can't bring himself to try a new resort. He loves the short walk to Epcot and is afraid he'll be disappointed with another. So, unless we change our minds again (which is possible!) you can take us off for now. Maybe next time we'll get to try the WL! Hope everyone has a great stay!

Thanks

 

[LB1122]

2 weeks!!! 2 weeks from today I will be at WL and lucky sign- the characters visits are going on that evening still. We were hoping this would be the case but had not seen the post yet. How fun to have this the day we arrive..actually right around the time we will get all settled in.

 

[wendyquat]

Just spent two nights in room 7185 (honeymoon suite) in celebration of our 50 th anniversary. Lodge is beautiful, cl cma were great but just did not have the Disney "feel" as with our five previous visits! Maybe we've just gotten too old! While the cl lounge is nice we did not feel like it was worth the additional money. I'll be happy to answer any questions! Btw, we had a great view of MK fireworks from our strange balcony!

 

[CynBeth]

We arrived at WL yesterday. We like our room on the 3rd floor courtyard view and the staff has been fantastic!

 

[wendyquat]

Sorry could not get edit to work! Our room was 7085 and CM's were great!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We got back from WL last Thursday night. I had full day of work, a day of errands, and now I have finally gotten my room view pictures ready to post.

We were in room 3104. The room was above the Cub's Den, the third room from the left, half hidden by the roof, the one with the open curtain in this picture. This is right next to the walkway to the buses and the villas.

Here is a picture of the balcony. When I saw that we had an enclosed balcony, I was initially really disappointed because we had an enclosed balcony on our last trip and I really wanted an open one this time. But then I really liked it after all. It is bigger and not as deep as a dormer balcony, so that was good.

This is the view looking straight out of the room. As you can see, we were right over the Cub's Den. That is the play area. We never heard any noise from there, but then we kept the balcony door shut. We had a view of the villas building.

Here is the view looking to the right. That is the walkway to the buses and villas. People can be very loud when they are walking to and from the buses, but if we kept the door closed we didn't hear them. We didn't hear the buses, either.

This is the view to the right. We were on the south side of the resort and that is the south wing of the WL. You can see that we were right above a roof.

This was the view I had when sitting on the bed. One of the reasons I liked this room was because no one could see me when I was on the bed. And really no one could see us at all unless they happened to be standing on their balcony at the villas. In fact, the first picture is taken from ground level and there isn't any way to see in the room from there, either.

We had some cute towel animals. Our lodgekeeper was Devora and she loved making towel animals.

The room was located on the third floor and we were right across from the ice machine, which we never heard, and the staircase down to the second floor, which is the lobby level. It was really quick and easy to get to the lobby from our room. The room was about as close to the Mercantile and exit to the buses as you can get. It was a very quiet room. We only heard the people above us one time. It was a great location.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Here is a picture of the 2014 bounce back offer in the Be Our Guest booklet in our packet when we were at the WL last week. You have to look for it in the folder with all the other information.

Book before you check out and save
Save 35%
Off the non-discounted price at select
Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
Offer valid for stays most nights:
1/3 -1/8/14, 1/12 – 1/16/14, 1/20-2/13/14
2/17 – 3/1/14, 3/6 –4/12/14, 4/20 – 5/22/14
7/28 – 8/2/14, 8/17 – 10/4/14, 10/17 – 11/6/14
11/9 – 11/21/14, and 12/11 – 12/23/14


Save 35%
Off the non-discounted price at select
Disney Deluxe Resorts
Offer valid for stays most nights:
1/3 -1/8/14, 1/12 – 1/16/14, 1/20-2/13/14
2/17 – 3/1/14, 3/6 –4/12/14, 4/20 – 5/22/14
7/28 – 8/2/14, 8/17 – 10/4/14, 10/17 – 11/6/14
11/9 – 11/21/14, and 12/11 – 12/23/14


Save 30%
Off the non-discounted price at select
Disney Moderate Resorts
Offer valid for stays most nights:
1/3 -1/8/14, 1/12 – 1/16/14, 1/20-2/13/14
2/17 – 3/1/14, 3/6 –4/12/14, 4/20 – 5/22/14
7/28 – 8/2/14, 8/17 – 10/4/14, 10/17 – 11/6/14
11/9 – 11/21/14, and 12/11 – 12/23/14

_______________________________________

Before you check out, book select dates below and save up to 35% on select Disney Resort stays. Dial ext 8844 from your guest room or call 407-939-1923. Ask for booking code JOY. Offer valid most nights highlighted in calendar below.

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Length of stay requirements may apply. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. No group rates or other discounts apply. This offer is only available to Guests of select Walt Disney World resort hotels and is nontransferable. Advance reservations required. Excludes 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.