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

[GrandCalifornian]

Thanks for all the for all the info grandcaliforian !! I checked my reservation says woods view!

You're welcome! With a woods view room, many people like to request the North Wing and a high floor for the potential view of Wishes I mentioned. Also, the Quick Service food location is on the first floor in the North Wing, so that makes for really quick access to it since it is right next to the elevator. South wing woods view rooms are less common, but are in a nice quiet location and nicely located for close access to the buses.

You also have the option of requesting a room that opens to the lobby, since most of these are woods view as well. We LOVE these rooms, because of the great lobby view, but others prefer to avoid them because of potential noise from the lobby and WCC restaurant. That is totally up to you.

You could also just go with it and see what you get, since there isn't a bad room at WL, especially in woods view.

 

[mslhb]

We were there last November and we did not get numbers at the Roaring Fork....is that for "to go" orders too? Sometimes we took the food to the room or to the tables outside.

Not sure what they do for "to go" orders but the tables outside were considered eating there and you got a number for those as well. I would imagine they also give numbers to "to go" orders since you still have to wait. Overall it seemed more efficient and less hectic then I remember from my last trip.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Just returned from another great stay at the WL and wanted to share some of my thoughts.

Roaring Fork - I didn't realize the ordering procedure has changed (Haven't stayed here since 12/12). I am sure it is in this thread somewhere but thought I would mention. Now you get a tray pick up drinks and sides and then when you go to the counter and pay you order. They give you a number stand and bring your food when ready. Both times we ate there the food came really quick. This made it much nicer with small kids to not have to balance a bunch of food and then find a place to sit. There still seemed to be plenty of seating even with more people sitting waiting for food.

Whispering Canyon - We ate dinner there once and were seated in the WAY back. Like balcony area overlooking the pin stand/almost at Artist Point back. Worked out for us since it was our arrival day, we were tired and not in the mood for a lot of antics. So if you want a quieter area it is a good choice. We never get the skillet and love the other food options. The appetizers are especially yummy!

That is a nice improvement to Roaring Forks. We were there this past January and it was still the old system. I'm glad they implemented it. The old process of standing in two different lines for food and them waiting to pay for it while it got cold wasn't a very good system.

I think that section outside of WCC is called the library. It looks like a really nice place to eat.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Not sure what they do for "to go" orders but the tables outside were considered eating there and you got a number for those as well. I would imagine they also give numbers to "to go" orders since you still have to wait. Overall it seemed more efficient and less hectic then I remember from my last trip.

Wow efficiency is good...yes it was a zoo in there.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Just returned from another great stay at the WL and wanted to share some of my thoughts.

Roaring Fork - I didn't realize the ordering procedure has changed (Haven't stayed here since 12/12). I am sure it is in this thread somewhere but thought I would mention. Now you get a tray pick up drinks and sides and then when you go to the counter and pay you order. They give you a number stand and bring your food when ready. Both times we ate there the food came really quick. This made it much nicer with small kids to not have to balance a bunch of food and then find a place to sit. There still seemed to be plenty of seating even with more people sitting waiting for food.

Whispering Canyon - We ate dinner there once and were seated in the WAY back. Like balcony area overlooking the pin stand/almost at Artist Point back. Worked out for us since it was our arrival day, we were tired and not in the mood for a lot of antics. So if you want a quieter area it is a good choice. We never get the skillet and love the other food options. The appetizers are especially yummy!

Club Level - It was just my DD and I staying this trip and I debated whether it was worth the money. I am definitely glad I booked it again! The lounge is awesome and with food and beverage prices going up we definitely get our money's worth. Between breakfast every morning, snacks, soda, my nightly glass of wine, the evening apps, desert... we definitely utilize the lounge. Just so nice to be able to grab something quick and not have to wait in line for once! I was a little confused at 1st by the new espresso machine. I actually loved the machine cappuccino that the old one made. I apparently am not very sophisticated and had to have someone show me how to use it! My cappuccino turned out very yummy though!

Room - great as always. We were in 7047. I actually prefer the courtyard view from the South Wing but think getting to the pool and roaring fork are more convenient from the north.

Construction - Worse then I expected. I am all about the courtyard view and love listening to the water fall. It is definitely not horrendous and nothing compared to the walled/crane mess I saw at the poly! For those going between now and 7/4 or whenever the waterfall/stream will be done and have a CY view I recommend requesting to be towards the end of the wings or the villa side. The pool area looked great. I certainly wouldn't modify my reservations for the current work. Now the pool being out of commission... for me that would be a different story!

Magic Bands / FP+ - LOVED them! Ours always worked great. I especially like how now it automatically recognizes you and adds your ride photos to your photopass account. We loved FP+. I think you really just need to mentally give up the old system and figure out how to make the new one work best for you.

Overall we had a great stay at the WL. Every trip I always price out and consider other resorts but we keep returning to the WL. For the price I think you get so much. We miss it already!!!

Thank you so much for the info about Roaring Forks!! Love that idea. I haven't been since the end of February. I think that will definitely lighten up the congestion.

I really loved the new coffee machine AFTER I figured out hor to use it too. It is very yummy.

 

[BlueFairy]

Just returned from another great stay at the WL and wanted to share some of my thoughts.

Roaring Fork - I didn't realize the ordering procedure has changed (Haven't stayed here since 12/12). I am sure it is in this thread somewhere but thought I would mention. Now you get a tray pick up drinks and sides and then when you go to the counter and pay you order. They give you a number stand and bring your food when ready. Both times we ate there the food came really quick. This made it much nicer with small kids to not have to balance a bunch of food and then find a place to sit. There still seemed to be plenty of seating even with more people sitting waiting for food.

Whispering Canyon - We ate dinner there once and were seated in the WAY back. Like balcony area overlooking the pin stand/almost at Artist Point back. Worked out for us since it was our arrival day, we were tired and not in the mood for a lot of antics. So if you want a quieter area it is a good choice. We never get the skillet and love the other food options. The appetizers are especially yummy!

Club Level - It was just my DD and I staying this trip and I debated whether it was worth the money. I am definitely glad I booked it again! The lounge is awesome and with food and beverage prices going up we definitely get our money's worth. Between breakfast every morning, snacks, soda, my nightly glass of wine, the evening apps, desert... we definitely utilize the lounge. Just so nice to be able to grab something quick and not have to wait in line for once! I was a little confused at 1st by the new espresso machine. I actually loved the machine cappuccino that the old one made. I apparently am not very sophisticated and had to have someone show me how to use it! My cappuccino turned out very yummy though!

Room - great as always. We were in 7047. I actually prefer the courtyard view from the South Wing but think getting to the pool and roaring fork are more convenient from the north.

Construction - Worse then I expected. I am all about the courtyard view and love listening to the water fall. It is definitely not horrendous and nothing compared to the walled/crane mess I saw at the poly! For those going between now and 7/4 or whenever the waterfall/stream will be done and have a CY view I recommend requesting to be towards the end of the wings or the villa side. The pool area looked great. I certainly wouldn't modify my reservations for the current work. Now the pool being out of commission... for me that would be a different story!

Magic Bands / FP+ - LOVED them! Ours always worked great. I especially like how now it automatically recognizes you and adds your ride photos to your photopass account. We loved FP+. I think you really just need to mentally give up the old system and figure out how to make the new one work best for you.

Overall we had a great stay at the WL. Every trip I always price out and consider other resorts but we keep returning to the WL. For the price I think you get so much. We miss it already!!!

Oh, that is so great about RF! I hate juggling 2 kids for breakfast with standing in line. I wonder where else they do this.

Wonderful report. Thank you.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Oh that's awful

Agreed. I thought I was pissed, but you must be beside yourself!! Hang in there.

I'm an optimist by nature.. so I'm trying to be hopeful about construction at WL.. May it be held off til after labour day - pleeeeeese!!! lol. I'm ok using the Quiet pool (I prefer it) but construction walls & equipment in such a beautiful setting makes me very sad.

I know the Poly refurb is a done deal, so we decided on just 2 nights there - because it's on my bucket list. I can adapt for the short stay.

The news about the pool/construction at the WL though is disappointing - We are booked for 4 nights/5 days before we head to the Yacht Club.

Right now.. only the YC is without a major refurb during our vacation. (hope I didn't just jinx myself!!) smh.

 

[TLMcMarks]

Has anyone else changed resorts yet due to the pool rumors?

I looked into it, but the only available were at GF, which we absolutely can not afford. It was nearly double what we paid, as there aren't any FD rooms still available. I keep checking the Contemporary, but nothing affordable there either at this point.

 

[WDWKOOK]

POOL UPDATE, ETC... FROM hstrickland/Heather:​

Most wonderful Heather/hstrickland, who is currently at WL-CL, was kind enough to make another pool inquiry for us today. She spoke with a reliable source, whom I know, who told her that there is no definite start date for a WL pool rehab. However, the CM received an email stating that future pool work would be done at night, after 7:00 and would not involve a complete pool closure. This may be why many WL CMs and reservation personnel are claiming they know nothing about a pool closure because there is in fact no current plan to actually close the pool completely. So this is what (I think) we know for sure right now:

~ A permit was filed for pool work to be done at WL. The permit expires in January 2015.

~A reliable source believes any pool work will begin after Labor Day.

~Another reliable source believes any work will be done at night and the pool will only be closed after 7:00 PM.

~According to what SFunaro was told, the work will be completed by mid-October.


Just a friendly reminder that this information should not be taken as official in any way. Nothing has been publicly announced, so as the lawyers would say, "SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE." I'm sure that more information will become available soon and I will see what I can find out 6/25. I'll bring along lots of chocolate in case I need to bribe someone…

On the topic of the stream rehab which should be completed the first week of July...

I talked to Heather about it and she wants everyone to know that the indoor portion in the lobby isn't really that bad at all in person. The outdoor photos look grim, but she said it really isn't so bad in person. They have a CV room and still love the location and view. She said that it would of course be better if no tarps were up at all, but it really isn't that bad like the Poly is right now. She mentioned many areas of the MK where there are tarps up and ride rehabs, such as The PeopleMover. She also mentioned that the Poly rehab is pretty awful in person, but she doesn't want anyone worrying about their upcoming visits - WL is beautiful and her family is very happy with all aspects of their stay.

You guys have been very busy posting so I'm really behind in responding, but I hope this post allays some fears

 

[giginator]

Thanks Kook! That puts my mind at ease....now I can relax and continue on my countdown until our Halloween check in date!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Falcon of the Nile Water Services is listed on the permit as the pool contractor. A LIST OF THEIR SERVICES doesn't include fence installation, but the list might help narrow down what is being done.

 

[kermiebudge]

POOL UPDATE, ETC... FROM hstrickland/Heather:​

Most wonderful Heather/hstrickland, who is currently at WL-CL, was kind enough to make another pool inquiry for us today. She spoke with a reliable source, whom I know, who told her that there is no definite start date for a WL pool rehab. However, the CM received an email stating that future pool work would be done at night, after 7:00 and would not involve a complete pool closure. This may be why many WL CMs and reservation personnel are claiming they know nothing about a pool closure because there is in fact no current plan to actually close the pool completely. So this is what (I think) we know for sure right now:

~ A permit was filed for pool work to be done at WL. The permit expires in January 2015.

~A reliable source believes any pool work will begin after Labor Day.

~Another reliable source believes any work will be done at night and the pool will only be closed after 7:00 PM.

~According to what SFunaro was told, the work will be completed by mid-October.


Just a friendly reminder that this information should not be taken as official in any way. Nothing has been publicly announced, so as the lawyers would say, "SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE." I'm sure that more information will become available soon and I will see what I can find out 6/25. I'll bring along lots of chocolate in case I need to bribe someone…

On the topic of the stream rehab which should be completed the first week of July...

I talked to Heather about it and she wants everyone to know that the indoor portion in the lobby isn't really that bad at all in person. The outdoor photos look grim, but she said it really isn't so bad in person. They have a CV room and still love the location and view. She said that it would of course be better if no tarps were up at all, but it really isn't that bad like the Poly is right now. She mentioned many areas of the MK where there are tarps up and ride rehabs, such as The PeopleMover. She also mentioned that the Poly rehab is pretty awful in person, but she doesn't want anyone worrying about their upcoming visits - WL is beautiful and her family is very happy with all aspects of their stay.

You guys have been very busy posting so I'm really behind in responding, but I hope this post allays some fears

Thank you SOOOO much (both you and Heather)...this is more info than I've been able to get during a whole week calling Disney.

I feel like I can breathe now . Imagined driving 22 hours to our "bucket list" hotel and finding that the pool was, well...and empty bucket!!! Still not thrilled about the tarps, but at least we know (most likely) we'll have the main pool available in 2 weeks!

 

[MamaBear58]

Thank you SOOOO much (both you and Heather)...this is more info than I've been able to get during a whole week calling Disney.

I feel like I can breathe now . Imagined driving 22 hours to our "bucket list" hotel and finding that the pool was, well...and empty bucket!!! Still not thrilled about the tarps, but at least we know (most likely) we'll have the main pool available in 2 weeks!

I hate to be the pessimist, but how can the pool not be an "empty bucket" during refurb? I don't understand how (1) guests use the pool through 7 p.m. at night, (2) workers drain the pool, (3) workers work on the pool, and (4) worker refill the pool, all in time for guests to use the pool again the next morning? What kind of pool refurb doesn't require them to drain the pool, and if they are draining and refilling each night that will be one cold pool each day. Plus those with a CY view get to pay extra to hear work during the night? Something isn't adding up here.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I hate to be the pessimist, but how can the pool not be an "empty bucket" during refurb? I don't understand how (1) guests use the pool through 7 p.m. at night, (2) workers drain the pool, (3) workers work on the pool, and (4) worker refill the pool, all in time for guests to use the pool again the next morning? What kind of pool refurb doesn't require them to drain the pool, and if they are draining and refilling each night that will be one cold pool each day. Plus those with a CY view get to pay extra to hear work during the night? Something isn't adding up here.

This is an excellent question that no one has answered yet. I posted the link above to the pool contractor which shows what work they do perform. I have no idea what work will actually be performed. Obviously, nightly draining and refilling of a resort pool isn't feasible. You're not being pessimistic, just pragmatic

 

[utlegaleagle]

Kook, where do I send the Hershey's bars for my contribution to the chocolate bribery?

As far as the work is concerned, perhaps the work is to the surface surrounding the pool? Or to the waterworks servicing the pool? Who knows?

But given that this information is the best news that we have heard and doesn't cause me to cancel our trip that has been 2 years in the making for the end of September, I'm going to choose to believe it and hope that it had no impact on our trip. (Sorry, but this is as optimistic as I ever am. Yes, I am believing in the pixie dust!)

Feel free to add us to the log - dates of September 28 - October 10!

 

[rotlex]

Thanks for the Tidbits of info WDWKOOK. Seriously. I realize nothing is solid, but it makes me feel a bit better at least!

 

[TheLodgeLady]

POOL UPDATE, ETC... FROM hstrickland/Heather:​

Most wonderful Heather/hstrickland, who is currently at WL-CL, was kind enough to make another pool inquiry for us today. She spoke with a reliable source, whom I know, who told her that there is no definite start date for a WL pool rehab. However, the CM received an email stating that future pool work would be done at night, after 7:00 and would not involve a complete pool closure. This may be why many WL CMs and reservation personnel are claiming they know nothing about a pool closure because there is in fact no current plan to actually close the pool completely. So this is what (I think) we know for sure right now:

~ A permit was filed for pool work to be done at WL. The permit expires in January 2015.

~A reliable source believes any pool work will begin after Labor Day.

~Another reliable source believes any work will be done at night and the pool will only be closed after 7:00 PM.

~According to what SFunaro was told, the work will be completed by mid-October.


Just a friendly reminder that this information should not be taken as official in any way. Nothing has been publicly announced, so as the lawyers would say, "SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE." I'm sure that more information will become available soon and I will see what I can find out 6/25. I'll bring along lots of chocolate in case I need to bribe someone…

On the topic of the stream rehab which should be completed the first week of July...

I talked to Heather about it and she wants everyone to know that the indoor portion in the lobby isn't really that bad at all in person. The outdoor photos look grim, but she said it really isn't so bad in person. They have a CV room and still love the location and view. She said that it would of course be better if no tarps were up at all, but it really isn't that bad like the Poly is right now. She mentioned many areas of the MK where there are tarps up and ride rehabs, such as The PeopleMover. She also mentioned that the Poly rehab is pretty awful in person, but she doesn't want anyone worrying about their upcoming visits - WL is beautiful and her family is very happy with all aspects of their stay.

You guys have been very busy posting so I'm really behind in responding, but I hope this post allays some fears

OK, this is a little more encouraging!! I do wonder what they will be doing. Maybe it is something around the slide and outside of the "water" portion of the pool. I saw someone's concern about how could they not drain it for repairs and I thought that too. But, maybe it is cosmetic.

So, one other question. If they are working after 7pm what will they be doing? And how are they going to be "quiet" during the evening hours.

I really can't wait to see how this all turns out as we had so many speculations and information.

And I am really hoping that the pool is done by the middle of October. We are trying to get there a few days at the end of that month. Still feeling that one out.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Kook, where do I send the Hershey's bars for my contribution to the chocolate bribery?

As far as the work is concerned, perhaps the work is to the surface surrounding the pool? Or to the waterworks servicing the pool? Who knows?

But given that this information is the best news that we have heard and doesn't cause me to cancel our trip that has been 2 years in the making for the end of September, I'm going to choose to believe it and hope that it had no impact on our trip. (Sorry, but this is as optimistic as I ever am. Yes, I am believing in the pixie dust!)

Feel free to add us to the log - dates of September 28 - October 10!

Make sure they're those XL bars

I will (hopefully and happily) get around to a nice, big multi-quote and adding you and others to the Log tomorrow

Thanks for the Tidbits of info WDWKOOK. Seriously. I realize nothing is solid, but it makes me feel a bit better at least!

You're welcome and I couldn't do it without help from other great Lodgers.

OK, this is a little more encouraging!! I do wonder what they will be doing. Maybe it is something around the slide and outside of the "water" portion of the pool. I saw someone's concern about how could they not drain it for repairs and I thought that too. But, maybe it is cosmetic.

So, one other question. If they are working after 7pm what will they be doing? And how are they going to be "quiet" The rehab will take place AFTER Labor Day when the crowds are lower however some plans are still tentative the evening hours.

I really can't wait to see how this all turns out as we had so many speculations and information.

And I am really hoping that the pool is done by the middle of October. We are trying to get there a few days at the end of that month. Still feeling that one out.

I still think it might have something to do with fencing and even though the contractor doesn't list fencing work, they do list "permitting" so maybe they sub-contract? Maybe they'll have a sound-proof bubble around the work at night. Hey, you live in FL, don't you know what's going on?

Thanks Kook! That puts my mind at ease....now I can relax and continue on my countdown until our Halloween check in date!

Carry on and happy planning.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Who will be the first to contact Falcon on the Nile? I was just on their 'contact us' page, but chickened out

 

[SFunaro]

POOL UPDATE, ETC... FROM hstrickland/Heather:​

Most wonderful Heather/hstrickland, who is currently at WL-CL, was kind enough to make another pool inquiry for us today. She spoke with a reliable source, whom I know, who told her that there is no definite start date for a WL pool rehab. However, the CM received an email stating that future pool work would be done at night, after 7:00 and would not involve a complete pool closure. This may be why many WL CMs and reservation personnel are claiming they know nothing about a pool closure because there is in fact no current plan to actually close the pool completely. So this is what (I think) we know for sure right now:

~ A permit was filed for pool work to be done at WL. The permit expires in January 2015.

~A reliable source believes any pool work will begin after Labor Day.

~Another reliable source believes any work will be done at night and the pool will only be closed after 7:00 PM.

~According to what SFunaro was told, the work will be completed by mid-October.


Just a friendly reminder that this information should not be taken as official in any way. Nothing has been publicly announced, so as the lawyers would say, "SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE." I'm sure that more information will become available soon and I will see what I can find out 6/25. I'll bring along lots of chocolate in case I need to bribe someone…

On the topic of the stream rehab which should be completed the first week of July...

I talked to Heather about it and she wants everyone to know that the indoor portion in the lobby isn't really that bad at all in person. The outdoor photos look grim, but she said it really isn't so bad in person. They have a CV room and still love the location and view. She said that it would of course be better if no tarps were up at all, but it really isn't that bad like the Poly is right now. She mentioned many areas of the MK where there are tarps up and ride rehabs, such as The PeopleMover. She also mentioned that the Poly rehab is pretty awful in person, but she doesn't want anyone worrying about their upcoming visits - WL is beautiful and her family is very happy with all aspects of their stay.

You guys have been very busy posting so I'm really behind in responding, but I hope this post allays some fears

That is GREAT news. I am glad your source was better than the fellow at the resort!