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

[TheLodgeLady]

I may have missed it but where can I order the pails from?

You can order them through The Wilderness Lodge "Room Service" or Private Dining as I think they are calling them directly from your room!!

 

[rotlex]

I have updated the Lodgers' Log with everyone's dates and I also added a section on the Silver Creek and Silver Creek Pool rehabs. The update and log is located in POST 2 HERE. When I get new information, I'll post both to the thread and I'll update POST 2.

We leave in a week so I have much to do, so I'll probably be posting less. I'd like to leave you for today with a suggestion…

In my experience, Disney's Guest Communications really appreciates guest feedback, both good and bad and I've offered both over the years. I have always received either an email or a phone response to my emails. I don't know what their response might be in this case, but it wouldn't hurt to reach out to them.

For those of you concerned about the impact a pool closure might have on your booked trip or the lack of accurate and timely official information, emailing Guest Communications and letting them know about your concerns might be very productive. While this thread is a great way to communicate your feelings and thoughts, Guest Communications is a direct link to Disney. You may not like their response, but I feel this would be a more proactive approach and may yield more answers than we can provide on this thread.

WDW Guest Communications:

WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com

~Include the dates of your WL stay.
~Your name and phone number.
~Try to be concise and specific...short and to the point.

Thanks for the reminder on being able to do this. I just wrote to them myself regarding our August 20th through the 29th vacation; along with concerns over a possible main pool closure.

Should I receive a response, I'll post it here as well.

 

[patty57]

This was our first CL stay and I am hooked.

Put this under my Disney confessional...I've stayed one other time at WL. I had a trip booked at BWV for my parents in their 80s, and me. I decided to do one night in a studio at VWL because it was in December, and knew they would love the decorations. Not to get morose, but my dad died in August of that year. I talked my mom into going with me anyway. When we went to check in for our one night, we were upgraded to CL from the studio, because something was wrong in the studio. My one and only CL experience! My mom and I really enjoyed that night, and the next day. The food and drinks were great, and it felt really special. I get why you, and others, would be hooked. That little bit of pixie dust went a long way to helping us enjoy that trip. This December 1-7 will be my first time back to stay at WL. Looking forward to it.

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

Where is this living room? I am aware of everything in the atrium overlooking the lobby. Are there others?

The living room I am referring to is on the 4th floor above the entrance to the lodge. It's really just a small area with a fireplace, sofa, ottoman, and a couple of chairs.

Many of our stays at WL have been in rooms that open up to the lobby, just love that location! When arriving back at the lodge after a long day in the parks we often find ourselves cozied up on the sofa and chairs by the fireplace on the 4th floor, just steps from our room door. We've come to call this space "our living room". There is something so warm about WL late at night when all the hustle and bustle has come to a stop. So quiet and peaceful!

Some of my fondest memories of our stays at WL is DH, myself, and our two boys enjoying a quiet night unwinding in "our living room" before heading to bed. We spent Christmas at WL a few years ago, and were lucky enough to get our lobby location on that trip. The boys got ipods for Christmas that year and we spent the last few moments of Christmas Day in "our living room" while the kids loaded their new ipods with music and apps. It gave that Christmas a very homey feel!

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

Welcome, Denise! 25 family members?! Wowza! How did you coordinate all your meals, etc?

All of my Mickey Mouse luggage is several years old and from the online Disney Store. They also sell the plastic ones (not the red ones any longer, I believe) at some of the stores at WDW, like in resort stores. They have some at The Mercantile, BVG at CR, etc… But, with the Disney Store, you can apply discount codes that are better than the onsite 10% off AP discount

Thanks for the warm Welcome! I'm so happy to be here!

Yep, 25 family members. And I was the planner! Believe it or not we had 6 TS meals as a party of 25, and only one TS meal where I had to split us! It took weeks to coordinate it all, but my hard work paid off and my family ended up loving all of my selections. We ended up with Ohana's dinner and breakfast, Liberty Tree Tavern dinner, Sci Fi lunch, Cape May Café dinner, and Boatwright's dinner (we were all staying at POR). I also managed to get FP+ for BOG for all of our rooms for lunch one day. Epcot was the only place I had trouble so I split us between Rose and Crown and Marrakesh. We also, for the most part, had matching FP+ for the whole trip. We had a wonderful, once in a lifetime family vacation, and my MIL and FIL were so happy with most of their family together (they have 7 children and 16 grandchildren-only two of the families didn't make the trip). I am so happy that we did it, and we all get along so there was zero drama but.....never again. LOL.

Awe, that's too bad about the red luggage. I would have loved to have a set. The new black one I saw posted is super cute too. Thanks for the info on the luggage.

I see your headed back in a few days. I hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

Forgive me if someone answered this in the past five pages, I haven't read them all yet, but wanted to answer you. WE got two of these delivered to our room on our last trip, complimentary from WCC when we left a toy at our table and they wanted to return it to our room. Each of our kids got a pail with shovel and inside the pails were a variety of things, I know one Mickey rice kripsy treat, a bag of chips, a couple different candies, I think some other small snacks like Mickey shaped crackers,e tc. I would say for $15 it would be well worth it. The kids thought it was great fun getting a surprise in the room. Heck, I teared up because the CMs at WCC had them sent up, just to return our light up Minnie spinner toy we'd left on the table (and not realized we'd left).

Here is what we got in our room, sorry the photos aren't great. There was a LOT stuffed in the pails. I can't say what is in the pails you can order but my guess is that it is very similar, if not identical.

IMG_4502

IMG_4501

Sorry guys, I don't know how to multi quote.

Thanks so much for the pictures of the pails. My boys are probably too old for this now (14 and 12), but this is something they would have loved when they were younger. Who knows I might still surprise them with this on our next trip. I mean who doesn't love a pail full of Disney snacks, no matter your age!

 

[kermiebudge]

We rented points from David's for a 2 bedroom villa from 9/30 - 10/9. It is our first, BIG, trip with 2 little boys who LOVE pools, and our moms.

I'm totally out of luck, aren't I?

I am beyond bummed about a pool closure. Beyond. Someone please make me feel better about dropping close to 5 grand on a room at a resort with no feature pool

Not sure if this would make you feel any better, but I TRIED to switch from a regular room to the Villas at WL for this very same reason! At least we'd be centrally located to the open pool and wouldn't have to look over a construction eyesore. I've seen it, and although not huge, would definitely be satisfactory! Unfortunately, there is no availability

I'm sure you'll be fine- you are in a prime location there and great rooms!

 

[DisneyLover0610]

Hi everyone!!

DH and I are staying at BWI in October on bounceback. We wanted to extend the trip to start before the BB dates and I've been having a tough time deciding where to spend those two days. Well this morning, after many hours of looking at pictures and reviews, I decided on WL! Then I'm scrolling this thread and see the pool refurb....
We aren't typically pool people, or even those that hang at the resort - but we need this vacay and want to use those 2 first days to relax, without parks! If the pool is closed, what about the pool bar? What else, or where else, is there on the resort property to just hang out and relax? Courtyard view is available, but should I go for something else? Or would I be able to request a view of bay lake?
Any feedback/advice is appreciated!! Thanks!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hi everyone!!

DH and I are staying at BWI in October on bounceback. We wanted to extend the trip to start before the BB dates and I've been having a tough time deciding where to spend those two days. Well this morning, after many hours of looking at pictures and reviews, I decided on WL! Then I'm scrolling this thread and see the pool refurb....
We aren't typically pool people, or even those that hang at the resort - but we need this vacay and want to use those 2 first days to relax, without parks! If the pool is closed, what about the pool bar? What else, or where else, is there on the resort property to just hang out and relax? Courtyard view is available, but should I go for something else? Or would I be able to request a view of bay lake?
Any feedback/advice is appreciated!! Thanks!!

I think that everyone is waiting to hear some official word on what this possible pool rehab will mean for our trips. We don't know the dates and the extent of the work being done. It is frustrating to say the least. We are staying at the WL in October on a bounceback, with a courtyard and don't expect any pool rehabs to affect our trip. In fact, we are hoping it is all finished by then. And even if the rehab does happen while we are there, it will be fine. There are so many other things that we enjoy about the WL that have nothing to do with the pool. I'm looking forward to watching Hallo - Wishes from the beach. We watched the MMVMCP fireworks from the beach last December and it was very cool. We also plan to walk over to Trail's End for breakfast and dinner a few times. Maybe we'll even get a chance to see the Halloween decorations at the campground. We'll do a little resort hopping on the monorail and take many boat rides to MK. Maybe I'll finally get to see the opening ceremony at MK.

While the main pool is being rehabbed the villas pool will be open along with the hot tubs. The pool bar sits to the side of the pool area and I'm sure it will be open. As long as you don't have a ground floor room I don't think your view of Bay Lake will be obstructed.

 

[disney meema]

Forgive me if someone answered this in the past five pages, I haven't read them all yet, but wanted to answer you. WE got two of these delivered to our room on our last trip, complimentary from WCC when we left a toy at our table and they wanted to return it to our room. Each of our kids got a pail with shovel and inside the pails were a variety of things, I know one Mickey rice kripsy treat, a bag of chips, a couple different candies, I think some other small snacks like Mickey shaped crackers,e tc. I would say for $15 it would be well worth it. The kids thought it was great fun getting a surprise in the room. Heck, I teared up because the CMs at WCC had them sent up, just to return our light up Minnie spinner toy we'd left on the table (and not realized we'd left). Here is what we got in our room, sorry the photos aren't great. There was a LOT stuffed in the pails. I can't say what is in the pails you can order but my guess is that it is very similar, if not identical. https://flic.kr/p/nYcC54IMG_4502 https://flic.kr/p/nFHiedIMG_4501

So nice to read and see the magical touches of the resort ... The pails are adorable : )

 

[eangel12]

Some of our close friends are going to DW and staying at Beach Club. I would love to send their two kids the pails. Wondering if I can order via phone and have them sent to their rooms?!

 

[goofy4tink]

Sooo.....one of my favorite things about VWL is Hidden Springs pool. Just love relaxing there. Now, when I'm there for that first week in Sept, it looks like everyone else at WL will be using that pool? It's not even close to big enough for the number of people at WL/VWL! Dear God. So much for relaxing at the pool in the afternoon.

 

[Lsdolphin]

Got back this afternoon just moments ahead of thunder showers! Unfortunately my nephew fell getting out of the Doom Buggy in the Haunted Mansion! Luckily for us a kind man getting off behind us ran up to help me get him up from floor. The moving walkway stopped immediately but CMs did not offer assistance or even check to see if he was alright!

By time we returned to WL he was complaining of back pain I called front desk to see if they had ice packs as the bag of ice I used from ice machine was melting n making a huge mess. I was told to report incident to manager since I had not done so in park and they did send someone up to room with a few instant ice packs.

The manager did inform me that CMs are not allowed to provide physical assistance with rides. He also offered further medical assistance if needed. Hopefully Tylenol and ice packs will do the trick!

 

[hdh23]

Hi all - I've been lurking in these boards and obsessively planning my family's first trip for Nov 1-8. I have 5 and 8 yr old kids so this news about the pool is disappointing, this is our "big Disney trip." Even if we come back we would probably stay moderate or off site so we are sort of splurging on WL (we are pretty frugal ) although we are getting free dining.

Part of the reason to splurge us to enjoy the resort but if the big pool is closed and the view is of construction (courtyard view)...not that we won't have a good trip, but is it worth it? Trying to decide if I should switch to AKL while rooms for the promotion are still available. Advice?

I am in the EXACT same boat. We are actually staying Nov 1-8 too at WL and have a 5 and 9 year old. I spend so much time planning " our perfect" big splurge vacation that we are surprising them with. Who knows how much we will even use the pool but it's the point that we are paying for a deluxe resort and not getting to use the deluxe amenities. I'm so frustrated and don't know what to do.

 

[bookgirl]

Can the pails be ordered before arrival?

We are going in Oct as our "birthday trip" because my birthday is in September and my moms is in November. Those pails might be a nice little treat to celebrate.

 

[WDWFan06]

Excited to say we are booked for Jan 9 -12 for Marathon weekend. First time staying at the lodge and can't wait to learn more about it!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Put this under my Disney confessional...I've stayed one other time at WL. I had a trip booked at BWV for my parents in their 80s, and me. I decided to do one night in a studio at VWL because it was in December, and knew they would love the decorations. Not to get morose, but my dad died in August of that year. I talked my mom into going with me anyway. When we went to check in for our one night, we were upgraded to CL from the studio, because something was wrong in the studio. My one and only CL experience! My mom and I really enjoyed that night, and the next day. The food and drinks were great, and it felt really special. I get why you, and others, would be hooked. That little bit of pixie dust went a long way to helping us enjoy that trip. This December 1-7 will be my first time back to stay at WL. Looking forward to it.

A little pixie dust can go a long way. So happy you are returning to the Lodge!

The living room I am referring to is on the 4th floor above the entrance to the lodge. It's really just a small area with a fireplace, sofa, ottoman, and a couple of chairs.

Many of our stays at WL have been in rooms that open up to the lobby, just love that location! When arriving back at the lodge after a long day in the parks we often find ourselves cozied up on the sofa and chairs by the fireplace on the 4th floor, just steps from our room door. We've come to call this space "our living room". There is something so warm about WL late at night when all the hustle and bustle has come to a stop. So quiet and peaceful!

Some of my fondest memories of our stays at WL is DH, myself, and our two boys enjoying a quiet night unwinding in "our living room" before heading to bed. We spent Christmas at WL a few years ago, and were lucky enough to get our lobby location on that trip. The boys got ipods for Christmas that year and we spent the last few moments of Christmas Day in "our living room" while the kids loaded their new ipods with music and apps. It gave that Christmas a very homey feel!

One of the best spots in the Lodge!

Got back this afternoon just moments ahead of thunder showers! Unfortunately my nephew fell getting out of the Doom Buggy in the Haunted Mansion! Luckily for us a kind man getting off behind us ran up to help me get him up from floor. The moving walkway stopped immediately but CMs did not offer assistance or even check to see if he was alright!

By time we returned to WL he was complaining of back pain I called front desk to see if they had ice packs as the bag of ice I used from ice machine was melting n making a huge mess. I was told to report incident to manager since I had not done so in park and they did send someone up to room with a few instant ice packs.

The manager did inform me that CMs are not allowed to provide physical assistance with rides. He also offered further medical assistance if needed. Hopefully Tylenol and ice packs will do the trick!

Oh, dear! Hope he is ok!

Excited to say we are booked for Jan 9 -12 for Marathon weekend. First time staying at the lodge and can't wait to learn more about it!

Take time to read thru page 1. A ton of info and great pics!!!

DS is a XC runner and hopefully will do one of the Disney Runs soon. In h.s. they're prohibited from racing in other events. Not sure yet what college rules are.

 

[BlueFairy]

The living room I am referring to is on the 4th floor above the entrance to the lodge. It's really just a small area with a fireplace, sofa, ottoman, and a couple of chairs.

Many of our stays at WL have been in rooms that open up to the lobby, just love that location! When arriving back at the lodge after a long day in the parks we often find ourselves cozied up on the sofa and chairs by the fireplace on the 4th floor, just steps from our room door. We've come to call this space "our living room". There is something so warm about WL late at night when all the hustle and bustle has come to a stop. So quiet and peaceful!

Some of my fondest memories of our stays at WL is DH, myself, and our two boys enjoying a quiet night unwinding in "our living room" before heading to bed. We spent Christmas at WL a few years ago, and were lucky enough to get our lobby location on that trip. The boys got ipods for Christmas that year and we spent the last few moments of Christmas Day in "our living room" while the kids loaded their new ipods with music and apps. It gave that Christmas a very homey feel!

I did find that one! It is great, especially at Christmas. I like the 3rd floor one as well, but it was a little busier.

Hi everyone!!

DH and I are staying at BWI in October on bounceback. We wanted to extend the trip to start before the BB dates and I've been having a tough time deciding where to spend those two days. Well this morning, after many hours of looking at pictures and reviews, I decided on WL! Then I'm scrolling this thread and see the pool refurb....
We aren't typically pool people, or even those that hang at the resort - but we need this vacay and want to use those 2 first days to relax, without parks! If the pool is closed, what about the pool bar? What else, or where else, is there on the resort property to just hang out and relax? Courtyard view is available, but should I go for something else? Or would I be able to request a view of bay lake?
Any feedback/advice is appreciated!! Thanks!!

There is a beach with lounge chairs. And paths to Fort Wilderness. And the boat rentals on the lake. And, oh my goodness, why isn't anyone mentioning the wonderful lobby with its GIANT fireplace and rocking chairs and that music! Or the Carolwood Pacific room at the Villas which you will have almost to yourselves, also with a fireplace, cozy chairs, and board games.

Forgive me if someone answered this in the past five pages, I haven't read them all yet, but wanted to answer you. WE got two of these delivered to our room on our last trip, complimentary from WCC when we left a toy at our table and they wanted to return it to our room. Each of our kids got a pail with shovel and inside the pails were a variety of things, I know one Mickey rice kripsy treat, a bag of chips, a couple different candies, I think some other small snacks like Mickey shaped crackers,e tc. I would say for $15 it would be well worth it. The kids thought it was great fun getting a surprise in the room. Heck, I teared up because the CMs at WCC had them sent up, just to return our light up Minnie spinner toy we'd left on the table (and not realized we'd left).

Here is what we got in our room, sorry the photos aren't great. There was a LOT stuffed in the pails. I can't say what is in the pails you can order but my guess is that it is very similar, if not identical.

IMG_4502

IMG_4501

Thank you so much! That settles it. I'll be getting some autograph books and a spinner and asking at checkin if we can have some sent up to the room. SO much more affordable than a basket from the florist. Thanks for the photos.

 

[BlueFairy]

Ok I can't resist. I think all of these photos are great. Here are our aforementioned WL buddies.


Koda



Humphrey

 

[Danielle1971]

Thanks for the reminder on being able to do this. I just wrote to them myself regarding our August 20th through the 29th vacation; along with concerns over a possible main pool closure. Should I receive a response, I'll post it here as well.

I'm there Aug 18 -27! Keeping my fingers crossed!