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

[TheLodgeLady]

Miss Kook I need that pencil. We are switching to OKW. It's all good, I'll miss wl but giving up location I'm getting space for the Pas-lettes which is invaluable

Space is a wonderful thing when you have lots of Pas-lettes!!

Lots of my family from up North own at OKW. They love it over there. Lots and lots of space.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Is there any idea of how long the stream/waterfall are going to be out of commission?

I haven't heard back yet. I will check in again today and see if anyone knows.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

It's a Clear Plastic Storage Bin, we use the Sterilite kind. I think it is about 2-1/2' x 1-1/2'. We like the kind that have the snaps or latches to close them securely.

We store extras in it like my make up mirror, blow dryer, extension cords, batteries, etc. The sides are sturdy. I also have one that I put my snacks, extra cups, plates, napkins, etc. They work really well, as once at the WL we had one of the bell service guys drop it off of the cart. He was trying to balance it on the top of the suitcases, why, I don't know. But nothing broke. We keep it packed and just throw it in the truck when traveling.

We went to a craft store and got all sorts of Disney, Epcot (countries) and Food & Wine type stickers and decorated them!! So much fun.

We've been asked several times if we are a professional packing company or if we had this done professionally.

I will try and get a photo posted.

That really is a great idea!

We split our vacations between driving and flying and the bin is perfect for the stuff we usually throw in that extra bag and are always having to dig through along the trip! A wonderful "why didn't I think of that!" moment!

 

[pas130]

Space is a wonderful thing when you have lots of Pas-lettes!!

Lots of my family from up North own at OKW. They love it over there. Lots and lots of space.

We used to own a SSR when we only had two kiddos. Loved it, I've been spoiled by location. But its all good, thank you

 

[TheLodgeLady]

That really is a great idea!

Thank you!

 

[Lisann]

Here now and it honestly looks worse then I expected. Definitely not affecting our trip but last visit we had a perfect courtyard view overlooking the stream/waterfall. I loved listening to the sound of the water while sitting on the balcony. Definitely missing it this trip. Overall the lodge is as wonderful as ever though. And our amazing luck with Disney transportation to and from continues!

I posted some pics on the other thread (DVC Resorts, VWL Groupies). It didn't look bad to me, but at the time I didn't know that the creek was down for maintenance. The plants around the bridge are real, they are Leland Cypress trees (or they look a lot like them). Scroll down to post #802.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3242976&page=54

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

I posted some pics on the other thread (DVC Resorts, VWL Groupies). It didn't look bad to me, but at the time I didn't know that the creek was down for maintenance. The plants around the bridge are real, they are Leland Cypress trees (or they look a lot like them). Scroll down to post #802.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3242976&page=54

Since the trees are in pots and the creek runnith dry, perhaps said trees are to be planted... and the river waters will soon be flowing again.. (They very well can't plant the trees while the river flows )

 

[bastos]

Getting excited. Coming to WL (Villas) in December with the family for the first time. Excited bout Christmas at WDW and ESPECIALLY at the WL for decor at Christmas.

Checking off another resort!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Kook: 10 bags seems reasonable. Of course I had 3 outfit changes at my aunt's wedding, so I may be biased. If you don't mind my asking, how long of a drive? I'm thinking of driving at the end of the month. It's about 16 hours.

Three outfit changes sounds very reasonable to me as well

Love the red Mickey suitcases!! Definately NEED those!

Just what I told DH

Here now and it honestly looks worse then I expected. Definitely not affecting our trip but last visit we had a perfect courtyard view overlooking the stream/waterfall. I loved listening to the sound of the water while sitting on the balcony. Definitely missing it this trip. Overall the lodge is as wonderful as ever though. And our amazing luck with Disney transportation to and from continues!

My tears could fill the Silver Creek Stream...

I love it!! I used to feel weird about bringing lots of suitcases when we visit but I'm over it now.

Even on two night trips, we bring a suitcase, hanging bag, cosmetic bag, make up bag, and our vacation bin.

You have to see us on longer trips!, lol You would be proud.

No one cries out after they arrive, "Oh no, I packed too much." It's always, "Oh no, I forgot to pack the…" We don't have that problem, do we?

That's what I'm afraid of. I sold the group on WL when Poly looked like a mess. I knew we likely wouldn't be going as a group again and I knew the stream in the lobby with the waterfall would be a winner. Now we are leaving in a couple days and I just feel defeated. I did my homework on this trip and I wasn't expecting this. I'm trying to find a bright side of it, I promise.

The Poly really is a mess just about everywhere. This is just a dry stream. Whatever they are doing to it should make it NEW and IMPROVED for a future visit. Now you have a reason to book that BB. Just tell DH you HAVE to come back to WL to see and hear the stream in all it's great splendor

My TA put in a room request for an upper north wing floor. We are booked woods view bunk beds.

I haven't done online check in before. I would like to do it but am afraid that it will wipe out my TA request.

Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks!

I confirmed with a WL Room Assignor a year or two ago that all requests are seen - both OCI room requests and those added by phone/email to your reservation. So no worries.

Miss Kook I need that pencil. We are switching to OKW. It's all good, I'll miss wl but giving up location I'm getting space for the Pas-lettes which is invaluable

Ahem, can I interest you in a VWL Two Bedroom. Like OLD, OLD Key West, NEWLY and FRESHLY rehabbed VWL has many of the same features to accommodate your family. Did you see the NEW-ISH VIDEO of the rehabbed VWL Two-Bedroom?

It's a Clear Plastic Storage Bin, we use the Sterilite kind. I think it is about 2-1/2' x 1-1/2'. We like the kind that have the snaps or latches to close them securely.

We store extras in it like my make up mirror, blow dryer, extension cords, batteries, etc. The sides are sturdy. I also have one that I put my snacks, extra cups, plates, napkins, etc. They work really well, as once at the WL we had one of the bell service guys drop it off of the cart. He was trying to balance it on the top of the suitcases, why, I don't know. But nothing broke. We keep it packed and just throw it in the truck when traveling.

We went to a craft store and got all sorts of Disney, Epcot (countries) and Food & Wine type stickers and decorated them!! So much fun.

We've been asked several times if we are a professional packing company or if we had this done professionally.

I will try and get a photo posted.

I posted some pics on the other thread (DVC Resorts, VWL Groupies). It didn't look bad to me, but at the time I didn't know that the creek was down for maintenance. The plants around the bridge are real, they are Leland Cypress trees (or they look a lot like them). Scroll down to post #802.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3242976&page=54

Thank you for the link to your photos, but... more of my tears to fill the stream.

We can't even walk on the bridge? You can't even see out the window.

This is how it looked in December:

Since the trees are in pots and the creek runnith dry, perhaps said trees are to be planted... and the river waters will soon be flowing again.. (They very well can't plant the trees while the river flows )

I love your eternal optimism.

Getting excited. Coming to WL (Villas) in December with the family for the first time. Excited bout Christmas at WDW and ESPECIALLY at the WL for decor at Christmas.

Checking off another resort!

It's beautiful and so cozy at Christmas. I have some VWL and WL Christmas photos HERE in the thread, if you haven't already seen them.

 

[annaaidan99]

I have decided to just not mention it to the family and maybe they won't notice. It's likely the last wdw trip I'll be able to do for quite a few years so I won't be having any bounce backs. However, I am in a deluxe room and I requested a ground floor. I'm thinking it probably won't even matter with all the other good stuff to see.

 

[pas130]

Ahem, can I interest you in a VWL Two Bedroom. Like OLD, OLD Key West, NEWLY and FRESHLY rehabbed VWL has many of the same features to accommodate your family. Did you see the NEW-ISH VIDEO of the rehabbed VWL Two-Bedroom?

Of course~ please tell someone to cancel, they are BOOKED! Even rack rate I'm very much stalking the website

 

[mcconnellfam96]

I haven't heard back yet. I will check in again today and see if anyone knows.

Thank you!

 

[JnKinVA]

So thinking of doing a solo trip next month taking advantage of the summer discounts since DH will be in Afghanistan. I have to make up my mind soon though, since the sale ends in 4 days.
I am trying to convince my mom to come with me, and I would treat her to WL.

So want to do this......
But it would also be my third trip in 4 months.
What to do, what to do...

 

[disney meema]

So thinking of doing a solo trip next month taking advantage of the summer discounts since DH will be in Afghanistan. I have to make up my mind soon though, since the sale ends in 4 days. I am trying to convince my mom to come with me, and I would treat her to WL. So want to do this...... But it would also be my third trip in 4 months. What to do, what to do...

Oh wrong place to ask because you know most will say go for it! So I say go for it and have a great time. I wish I was your Mom I'd go with you lol

 

[kastoney]

Ok, can someone catch the WL virgin up on the goings on with the falls/stream/bridge issues I've been reading about?

 

[JnKinVA]

Ok, can someone catch the WL virgin up on the goings on with the falls/stream/bridge issues I've been reading about?

Last I have heard and seen from pics posted on another site, the scaffolding and tarps have been taken down from around the falls, but the trees are still around the spring in the lobby. Can anyone who might be there now confirm that?

I hope it's finished here soon. The trees went up and the water stopped the day we left on May 6.

Crossing my fingers it's done if I decide to do a solo/mom trip.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

So thinking of doing a solo trip next month taking advantage of the summer discounts since DH will be in Afghanistan. I have to make up my mind soon though, since the sale ends in 4 days.
I am trying to convince my mom to come with me, and I would treat her to WL.

So want to do this......
But it would also be my third trip in 4 months.
What to do, what to do...

Pshh. Really?

Go.

Enjoy and Cherish special time with your Mom.

This life does not last forever.

Have a wonderfully, magical, special time!

 

[JnKinVA]

Pshh. Really? Go. Enjoy and Cherish special time with your Mom. This life does not last forever. Have a wonderfully, magical, special time!

Haha the decision to go isn't hard for me.... Convincing my mom to come with me is where the problem lies

She didn't say no, so that's a start

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Ok, can someone catch the WL virgin up on the goings on with the falls/stream/bridge issues I've been reading about?

They have been refurbishing the spring that starts in the lobby and "flows" through the courtyard, over a waterfall, towards the pool and then down to Bay Lake.
It has been a bit of a bummer because the cute curved bridge in the lobby has been closed off, which doesn't cause any real functional issues since it is a small shortcut, but we all prefer to have everything perfect. Not having water flowing in the waterfall means you don't hear it from the inner courtyard rooms in that area, so people miss that as well. Nobody has a firm date for completion of the refurbishment, but they seem to be making good progress.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Pshh. Really?

Go.

Enjoy and Cherish special time with your Mom.

This life does not last forever.

Have a wonderfully, magical, special time!

Exactly what I was going to say. Enjoy!!