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

[bluecastle]

I do have a bit of experience with the copy function and I am sorry to say, it is not all that great.

We went last fall and 2 of us had annual passes and one in our party had to upgrade a single day ticket to a 7 day ticket when we got there. I had your concerns, so I called the FP+ line (it was late in the test phase) and they told me it would be no problem to go ahead and make our reservations for 2 and that when we got there we could use the copy function and get our same times. What they FAILED to mention was that the copy function will only give him our times IF they are still available. Because of the bad info and the fact that we were staying club level at the BWI, management was able to get us all but 2 of the times and for those 2, they gave him a paper fast pass. They did indicate that going forward, this would not be done and that copy would really only work if the times were available.

I promise I am not trying to cause you angst, but want you to be prepared if you need an alternate plan. The 2 fast passes we were not able to get were of course Toy Story Mania and we had one for fireworks viewing at Epcot.

Thanks! I would rather know up front what the situation might be. I was already planning on what I would do if he was unable to be part of our FP reservations. One possibility would be to play around with our FP times once we got there and he was able to be part of it. The other, not sure if this would work or not, would be to reserve FP+s for rides I have no intention of riding ( because of my back) and just switch MBs so he would ride instead of me. I am hoping I don't even have to consider these 2 alternatives, and that by mid-August there may be a bit more flexibility than at busier times, but we shall see! Thanks for the head's up. I am not going to share that with the group right now. I don't want anyone to worry- except for me! That's part of my job description, as trip planner.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Not sure what you have booked, but you'll probably have mo space plus a kitchen staying in the villas. We just stayed in a 2 BR capacity for 5 (but sleeping linens arrangements for 4) and then switched to a deluxe CL room at the Lodge which slept 6. The lodge room was soooo much smaller and we were all on top of one another. For a large party, I'd recommend the villas.

The one bedroom villa has the capacity of four. The two bedroom has a capacity of eight (one king bed, one queen sleeper sofa, two queen beds).

 

[fauntleroy53]

We're here!!!!
Checked in at 9am,WL CL. What kind of day was it?? Well, if DH & I were to leave now, it would have been a marvelous day, with us being pixie dusted more than we ever expected.
We were met in front by a nice CM with an IPad who brought us up to floor 7. We were the only ones checking in at the time, so both Victoria and "Not My Real Name " Luis, helped us. Luis said that he usually works the lobby desk, so his real name tag is on his other uniform. Both of our requested rooms are inhabited, so they were going to put us near 7035,to pop us in there eventually,but I said I preferred 7127 (which I knew was currently being used by another Disboard family). So while Victoria took care of paying off our room, Not My Real Name Luis said he'd move us into 7127 on Tuesday, so he would also move our temporary room from the other side to this side,s o we would be closer when we were moved (we're now in #7111). First sprinkling of pixie dust. While being checked in, DH mentioned how we recently saw Saving Mr. Banks and now he MUST see Mary Poppins, which he never saw...more on that later.....our temporary room wasn't ready, so we grabbed a little breakfast in the CL lounge and walked the grounds-saw the health club, Carolwood Room, Springs Pool, beach, marina..sat for awhile by the brook in the lobby until the sound of the water was having a have to go to the bathroom effect on me. Found that little porch area with the rocking chairs just off the lobby. My new favorite spot. So peaceful. Birds, butterflies, just a nice area. Sealed the deal-officially in love with WL.
Temp room ready at noon. Nice room(7111 I referred to earlier). Waited for Robert to bring up our luggage. Very,very nice man. Had lunch at Roaring Forks, then decided to take the boat over to MK. Did Stitch and Monsters U. for the first time. Did Peoplemovers and Carousel O P for the first time since '64, when I did them at the Worlds Fair - a nostalgic thrill for me(DH is a retired HS principal, so he's been on them as a chaperone many times-me,as a Middle School counselor, our students went to Boston instead of WDW every year.....). I had a Mickey Bar, which made the vacation officially real & under way. Stopped at the Firehouse to pick up Sorcerer Cards, which I can't understand & don't have the grandkids here to explain it, tried hard to figure it out, but not really,so when my brains started leaking out my ears, it was time to head back to the boat. Walked right into the start of a parade!! Nice timing, go figure, who knew, not us...we're walking around MK clueless, but happy......
Got back to our room and there was a lovely "bait basket" welcoming gift. Don't know who it is from though. I thought the chocolates on the bed with the welcoming letter was our check in gift, so we felt Pixie dusted AGAIN. But that's not all. Next to the basket was a DVD of Mary Poppins!!! Either Victoria or Not My Real Name Luis, was really listening when DH said he wanted to see the movie and they made it appear. Now THAT'S what we feel is really sweet and thoughtful!!!! Pixie dusted a third time.
Went to Raglan Road for dinner. Great! If you show up around 6:30,you'll get to see both the dancers and the musicians play (got to hang out in the lobby later with the male dancer, for a few minutes, very nice young man!). Loved table #82. It's a high top for 4,on the other side of the little wall, so you're close enough to see everything, but you're not right in the thick of things, just on the outskirts, as it were.

So, at 9:30pm,DH got some cobbler, a glass of cognac and watched the end of the Super Bowl. He is totally in the zone and I know I'll need help prying him from the room next Monday. Once he got that drink in his hand, he's settled in, that's it, he's here forever. As for me, some cobbler too, and, I have to say, some of the BEST chocolate milk I've ever had!!!! For me, that's heaven!!Oh, one more thing. We asked about being a Flag Family and Victoria managed somehow to squeeze us in the morning we checkout, next Monday. Perfect!! Pixie Dust #4 !!!!!

An absolutely magical day!!!!!!!
Tomorrow, we do Keys To The Kingdom Tour and Pirates & Pals Fireworks Cruise at night. Will report back on both.

Kook, I'm so glad I brought the goodies for the CM's!!!! They have been SO wonderful and it's only day 1. I'm going to hand it over Tuesday morning when we switch rooms and Randy is back. They really do deserve some recognition for the job they do.
Gotta get up early -tour starts at 8:30,so we'll be at the bus around 7:45, I'm guessing.
Just an amazing day!!!!!!!

 

[carolann210]

I'm sure I've read somewhere here about a step stool for my daughter to use in the bathroom. Was it here? Does anyone know how to go about requesting a step stool in the bathroom at VWL?

 

[Dasha Hermosilla]

The one bedroom villa has the capacity of four. The two bedroom has a capacity of eight (one king bed, one queen sleeper sofa, two queen beds).

Yup... I crossed 1 BR and 2 BR- they could use a 2 BR for that size group.

The 1 BR at VWL do have a capacity for 5 - just w/o linens for the 5th as I understand it.

At any rate... Comparing the 1 BR villa to the Deluxe CL room which had a capacity for 6 (and actually slept 6), there was far more room in the 1 BR even though the Deluxe room slept more (largely b/c of the kitchen and living space obviously). I was actually charged $25 a night for the 5th person in the Deluxe room which was somewhat annoying as the room capacity was listed as 6. Oh well.

 

[DisneySurbeck]

Looking to book WL or AKL next June 2015. Have at only stayed at POP so far. What would I ask for for a wished view room?

 

[Ferrentinos]

So we are headed to WL CL in Oct 2014 and I read that many of you like room 7127... why is that?

I get all turned around when I look at the map of CL rooms... which rooms would we want for a view of the lake? what about for a view of MK? Thank you!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Looking to book WL or AKL next June 2015. Have at only stayed at POP so far. What would I ask for for a wished view room?

You would book a woods view room and request north wing, high floor, in order to have your best chance of seeing Wishes from your room. Most of the views will be partially obscurred but there are some that are very good.

So we are headed to WL CL in Oct 2014 and I read that many of you like room 7127... why is that?

I get all turned around when I look at the map of CL rooms... which rooms would we want for a view of the lake? what about for a view of MK? Thank you!

The rooms numbered 7042-7066 and 7085-86 face MK and most of them have a view of Wishes. The rooms numbered 7100-7120 and 7096-7095 face the villas and bus area. The other room face the inner courtyard with a view of the lake.

 

[ocalla]

We're here!!!!
Checked in at 9am,WL CL. What kind of day was it?? Well, if DH & I were to leave now, it would have been a marvelous day, with us being pixie dusted more than we ever expected.
We were met in front by a nice CM with an IPad who brought us up to floor 7. We were the only ones checking in at the time, so both Victoria and "Not My Real Name " Luis, helped us. Luis said that he usually works the lobby desk, so his real name tag is on his other uniform. Both of our requested rooms are inhabited, so they were going to put us near 7035,to pop us in there eventually,but I said I preferred 7127 (which I knew was currently being used by another Disboard family). So while Victoria took care of paying off our room, Not My Real Name Luis said he'd move us into 7127 on Tuesday, so he would also move our temporary room from the other side to this side,s o we would be closer when we were moved (we're now in #7111). First sprinkling of pixie dust. While being checked in, DH mentioned how we recently saw Saving Mr. Banks and now he MUST see Mary Poppins, which he never saw...more on that later.....our temporary room wasn't ready, so we grabbed a little breakfast in the CL lounge and walked the grounds-saw the health club, Carolwood Room, Springs Pool, beach, marina..sat for awhile by the brook in the lobby until the sound of the water was having a have to go to the bathroom effect on me. Found that little porch area with the rocking chairs just off the lobby. My new favorite spot. So peaceful. Birds, butterflies, just a nice area. Sealed the deal-officially in love with WL.
Temp room ready at noon. Nice room(7111 I referred to earlier). Waited for Robert to bring up our luggage. Very,very nice man. Had lunch at Roaring Forks, then decided to take the boat over to MK. Did Stitch and Monsters U. for the first time. Did Peoplemovers and Carousel O P for the first time since '64, when I did them at the Worlds Fair - a nostalgic thrill for me(DH is a retired HS principal, so he's been on them as a chaperone many times-me,as a Middle School counselor, our students went to Boston instead of WDW every year.....). I had a Mickey Bar, which made the vacation officially real & under way. Stopped at the Firehouse to pick up Sorcerer Cards, which I can't understand & don't have the grandkids here to explain it, tried hard to figure it out, but not really,so when my brains started leaking out my ears, it was time to head back to the boat. Walked right into the start of a parade!! Nice timing, go figure, who knew, not us...we're walking around MK clueless, but happy......
Got back to our room and there was a lovely "bait basket" welcoming gift. Don't know who it is from though. I thought the chocolates on the bed with the welcoming letter was our check in gift, so we felt Pixie dusted AGAIN. But that's not all. Next to the basket was a DVD of Mary Poppins!!! Either Victoria or Not My Real Name Luis, was really listening when DH said he wanted to see the movie and they made it appear. Now THAT'S what we feel is really sweet and thoughtful!!!! Pixie dusted a third time.
Went to Raglan Road for dinner. Great! If you show up around 6:30,you'll get to see both the dancers and the musicians play (got to hang out in the lobby later with the male dancer, for a few minutes, very nice young man!). Loved table #82. It's a high top for 4,on the other side of the little wall, so you're close enough to see everything, but you're not right in the thick of things, just on the outskirts, as it were.

So, at 9:30pm,DH got some cobbler, a glass of cognac and watched the end of the Super Bowl. He is totally in the zone and I know I'll need help prying him from the room next Monday. Once he got that drink in his hand, he's settled in, that's it, he's here forever. As for me, some cobbler too, and, I have to say, some of the BEST chocolate milk I've ever had!!!! For me, that's heaven!!Oh, one more thing. We asked about being a Flag Family and Victoria managed somehow to squeeze us in the morning we checkout, next Monday. Perfect!! Pixie Dust #4 !!!!!

An absolutely magical day!!!!!!!
Tomorrow, we do Keys To The Kingdom Tour and Pirates & Pals Fireworks Cruise at night. Will report back on both.

Kook, I'm so glad I brought the goodies for the CM's!!!! They have been SO wonderful and it's only day 1. I'm going to hand it over Tuesday morning when we switch rooms and Randy is back. They really do deserve some recognition for the job they do.
Gotta get up early -tour starts at 8:30,so we'll be at the bus around 7:45, I'm guessing.
Just an amazing day!!!!!!!

Congrats on the Pixie Dust!!! What a way to begin your vacation. Enjoy!!

 

[taylor3297]

Yup... I crossed 1 BR and 2 BR- they could use a 2 BR for that size group.

The 1 BR at VWL do have a capacity for 5 - just w/o linens for the 5th as I understand it.

At any rate... Comparing the 1 BR villa to the Deluxe CL room which had a capacity for 6 (and actually slept 6), there was far more room in the 1 BR even though the Deluxe room slept more (largely b/c of the kitchen and living space obviously). I was actually charged $25 a night for the 5th person in the Deluxe room which was somewhat annoying as the room capacity was listed as 6. Oh well.

When we booked our 1 bedroom villa back in September for this March, I was told on 4 people were allowed in the one bedroom.

As to being charged the $25 dollars a night extra, that is if there is more than 2 adults in the room.

 

[Mcdopey73]

Hi! Can we be added to the log? We're staying 4/5-4/12! First time @ WL (Woods View)!

I also have a few newbie questions:

What do you all do on the first day? We land @ 1:50. Trip is a surprise for kids and my DH hates to plan/schedule vacations so I'm on my own planning this trip! I currently reserved dinner at Kona--thought we'd relax, but I really want to go to a park.

Also, when do you do requests? During online check-in or over the phone? Are there rooms that are near an elevator that have MK or Contemporary views?

Thanks!

 

[ocalla]

Hi! Can we be added to the log? We're staying 4/5-4/12! First time @ WL (Woods View)!

I also have a few newbie questions:

What do you all do on the first day? We land @ 1:50. Trip is a surprise for kids and my DH hates to plan/schedule vacations so I'm on my own planning this trip! I currently reserved dinner at Kona--thought we'd relax, but I really want to go to a park.

Also, when do you do requests? During online check-in or over the phone? Are there rooms that are near an elevator that have MK or Contemporary views?

Thanks!

What I did for this upcoming trip, was to schedule 3 Fastpass plus rides late in the afternoon/evening at MK on our arrival day. If our flights are delayed, I will get on MDE and cancel them, but at least I will have them if all goes as planned.

I didn't make any ADR on arrival day, in case of flight delays. With the new policy (credit card hold), delays won't give me 24 hours to cancel!!!

 

[Ferrentinos]

You would book a woods view room and request north wing, high floor, in order to have your best chance of seeing Wishes from your room. Most of the views will be partially obscurred but there are some that are very good.

The rooms numbered 7042-7066 and 7085-86 face MK and most of them have a view of Wishes. The rooms numbered 7100-7120 and 7096-7095 face the villas and bus area. The other room face the inner courtyard with a view of the lake.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!! That totally makes sense now when I look at the map - I was all sorts of turned around! Thank you a thousand times!!

 

[Mouse14]

Just checked in, we are in room 4073. They call it one of the bear face rooms, awesome view of bay lake and pool.

We met up with park ranger Jack and told him that 3 years ago I proposed in the roof top, and that today is our anniversary, he was able to take us up on the roof for a few minutes. Had a nice talk with him about different rumors. Took some picture. Had a good magical time.

Now just drinking cocktails by the pool and EPCOT for dinner later.

Good start to our vaca so far!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

When we booked our 1 bedroom villa back in September for this March, I was told on 4 people were allowed in the one bedroom.

As to being charged the $25 dollars a night extra, that is if there is more than 2 adults in the room.

If you book a VWL one bedroom via DVC, you can have five persons in the one bedroom villa. BUT, they do not provide anything for the fifth person to sleep on, no cot, no rollaway. You have to bring your own bed, bedding, towels, etc for the fifth person. And you can't add one under the age of three if you have added one aged three or older (no five plus one under the age of three in the one bedroom villas that officially only sleep four).

But if you book through Disney Reservation Center, you are limited to four plus one under the age of three.

Also, there is no extra adult free when you book DVC villas. Like with Family Suites

 

[yooperfan]

Just checked in, we are in room 4073. They call it one of the bear face rooms, awesome view of bay lake and pool.

We met up with park ranger Jack and told him that 3 years ago I proposed in the roof top, and that today is our anniversary, he was able to take us up on the roof for a few minutes. Had a nice talk with him about different rumors. Took some picture. Had a good magical time.

Now just drinking cocktails by the pool and EPCOT for dinner later.

Good start to our vaca so far!!

Do the trees near the Lodge block your view at all?

 

[Karebear]

Hi everyone

My family will be staying at the WL for the first time this Sept. We were at the YC last Sept. and booked a bounce back to stay at the YC again. I love the YC--the short walk to Epcot, the pool, etc. While we were at the YC last year, I took dd to dinner at 1900 Park Fare while my husband and ds toured some hotels. They both really liked the WL resort and want to stay there. So, I changed our reservation from the YC to WL bunk beds, woods view to surprise them Is that a good choice or should I change it to courtyard view with bunk beds? I was thinking of requesting a room on the side that does not face the MK as it might be quieter--on the map it looks like the MK side gets noise from the restaurants. Any tips at all would be welcome as we have never stayed there before--thanks so much!!

 

[mouselovenfamily]

Add us too!!!! March 14-20 woods view. Have no idea what to request. Do all woods view rooms have balconies? Any room request suggestions? My son wants a lobby room but not sure what is good.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Can anyone comment if the refurb has started over at the Villas?

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Add us too!!!! March 14-20 woods view. Have no idea what to request. Do all woods view rooms have balconies? Any room request suggestions? My son wants a lobby room but not sure what is good.

Congratulations. All of the rooms have balconies (or patios if they are on the ground floor). You really can't go wrong with location, but some things to consider are that Roaring Forks (the quick service restaurant) is in the middle of the North wing, the North wing has potential MK / Wishes views in the distance, and most of the rooms in the South wing are considered courtyard view since the Villas courtyard is on the South side. We enjoy rooms that open to the lobby since the view is beautiful, but others prefer a quieter location. You can sometimes hear the WCC restaurant at busy times. You could also just see what you get because it is a small enough resort that you cant go wrong. Enjoy!