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

[pld5]

The Yellowstone Park Foundation has an animal adoption program and you get a stuffed black wolf, a wolf (tan/grey) or rainbow trout stuffed animal as part of the adoption. You get a certificate and the animal (and it might be tax deductible).

https://secure3.convio.net/ypf/site/Ecommerce;jsessionid=E510392698670F172A88261A4FA2AB79.app366a?store_id=1241

I've adopted a wolf, a bat and a bison for my son through a three or four year period

Awesome! Thanks for sharing that with me.

 

[cheesemouse]

Hi - I have a few questions about Roaring Fork. Are the pizza flatbreads the same as the ones at Pinocchio's Village Haus? PVH is going to be closed while we are there in March and I love their barbecue chicken flatbread. I am hoping the ones at Roaring Fork are similar.

Also, does anyone know if you can get food (lunch) to go at Roaring Fork? We are doing a cruise after our WL stay and will be getting picked up by WDW transportation anywhere from 11:30-12:30. I'd like to grab lunch to go from Roaring Fork for the family and eat it on the bus. 11am will just be too early for us to eat lunch. I figure at worst case I could get a bunch of kids PB&J lunches since they are already wrapped up. Or just bring some zip lock bags I suppose.

Thanks for the help.

 

[HockeyMomR]

Just joining in. Terrific thread! DH and I are planning a week after Easter trip and booked WL April 20-26! New experience for us. Stayed at WL one night way back in 2007 with our boys.

Any suggestions for Woods View rooms? Thinking upper floor? Any suggestions / feedback please.

Rebecca

 

[fauntleroy53]

Was Peter Pan waiting for you when you docked? We have this cruise booked for July!

YES!! I'm so sorry,I forgot to add that. Peter was waiting at the dock with a lantern that he said had Tinkerbell inside making it light up. He stayed to take pics with everyone.But it's supposed to be secret. The kiddos don't know about it until you're almost docked and can actually see him.

Oh, while we're on the subject...yesterday DH & I got off the RR in Fantasyland, Storybook Circus area. We're not used to that part of MK, so I was somewhat turned around. We had FP's for the Peter Pan ride and didn't know which way to go. I stopped a CM and asked where Peter Pan is. She said -"You Mean The Ride?" I started laughing because this is the only place where you can ask for Peter Pan and you might be referring to the actual human!!!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks Kook, I was afraid of that. Had vague memories about there only being 3 or 4 when I bought Wolfie last year.

Our son tells everyone that Wolfie was born at Wilderness Lodge on his birthday.

Maybe Wolfie will get a cousin bear this year.

How cute. Maybe Wolfie does still live there and we just didn't notice him or maybe he's at FW's Trading Post

Awesome. Thanks for the info!

You're welcome.

The Yellowstone Park Foundation has an animal adoption program and you get a stuffed black wolf, a wolf (tan/grey) or rainbow trout stuffed animal as part of the adoption. You get a certificate and the animal (and it might be tax deductible).

https://secure3.convio.net/ypf/site...8670F172A88261A4FA2AB79.app366a?store_id=1241

I've adopted a wolf, a bat and a bison for my son through a three or four year period

That would make a cute tag

Room 5055 - courtyard view

Thank you for posting about your room. I'm going to post a link to your comments and photos on the first page

Day2(yesterday) at WL...
I'm posting here and not in the official TR area because I'm not intending on getting too technical. Just a basic overview.

DH & I did the Keys To The Kingdom Tour. Started 8:30am,ended at 1pm. Had Katie as a guide and she was terrific. Some parts of the tour will be different for each group,as you might see different things at different times of the year, in the back stage areas. Got a lot of info/insight concerning Walts' vision and how WDW progressed. Went on three rides and received background info about them,also interesting. Got a half hour break for lunch at Columbia House-you picked out an entrée and a drink before the tour starts and the food is waiting for you when you get there -very efficient!
You get a feel for the layout/design of WDW and it turns out to be quite different from the back than it is from the front. All in all,it's a lot of time spent on your feet,but it does seem to fly by. Can't say enough good things about our guide,Katie. Knew tons of info about Walt & WDW-good luck trying to stump her!!!

Tour ended at 1pm,so DH & I headed over Thunder Mountain RR,where we had a FP for 1:20 for DH (I don't do thrill rides). While he rode,I found a conveniently located ice cream cart nearby and had me a Mickey Bar!!
Then we hopped the RR over to Fantasyland,where I scanned my MB for our 2:20 FP for Peter Pan,when I hear DH yelling behind me. His MB is gone!! He lost it on the roller coaster & didn't notice it until just then. The CM's let him in anyway to join me on the ride,which we were grateful for - (I was going on Peter Pan no matter what!!!). We then headed over to City Hall to get a replacement. All they had was hot pink(DH had lime green), so DH ended up with a pink band. I bought him a pirate sword cover for it before leaving MK.
The Pirates/Pals Fireworks Cruise was great. DH & I were the only adults there without any children,but in Disney,that doesn't matter,we're just bigger kids....

You check in upstairs at the Contemporary. You each get a kerchief to wear so those in charge know you're part of the group. At 6:45,two very funny pirates announce the start of your evening & you enter a room,where just breathing the air will give you a sugar high. It's a kids dream-treasure chest filled with cotton candy,another chest filled with gold coins(chocolate inside),chocolate cake,red velvet cake,little bags of pretzels,Smart popcorn,apples,oranges,a small freezer case with Mickey Bars,Mickey Ice Cream sandwiches,frozen fruit bars,coffee,ice tea,lemonade,apple juice.....after a few minutes,Captain Hook himself and Mr. Smee enter the room and everyone gets the chance to have pics taken-a photographer is there so the whole family can get in the picture.

Then you go in one of two groups to the marina. Your row is assigned at check in, so there's no haggling over seats. We had an EXCEPTIONAL CM pirate with us-wish I had remembered his name(he also does a few characters in the parks). He has an amazing singing voice!!. He kept us all engaged with songs,told funny pirate jokes and gave each child either a little sword or flag and posed with every child for pics. Seeing the fireworks from the water is something everyone must do once-it's breathtaking. We got back to the marina,I think, by 9. It was another good day. Made even better by ending back at WL. What a peaceful place to come back to. By the way, came across a few CM's during the day, upon hearing where we were staying, whispered how that was their favorite resort-they whispered because they were working at other resorts..........

Tomorrow the Behind The Seeds Tour and later in the week-Wild Afrika Trek Tour. Have to go over to the lounge now & grab a few cookies and some chocolate milk. Lovin' CL!!!!!!!!

I think it's great that you and DH went on the PPFC just the two of you. The "kids' dream" sounds a little like mine, too. Your tours sound like so much fun. And, what better way to end the day than at the OFC lounge. You are having one lodge-riffic vacation. Thanks for checking in with us.

We walked over to Fort Wilderness for breakfast, twice, and we found the ponies covered in blankets on that chilly morning.

I have such a soft spot for all the FW ponies. I refer to each of them as 'Mystery' LOL. I try to see them each morning, but I didn't see them with their blankets on over Christmas. This photo is so cute - thank you for posting it.

9 o'clock?!? Wow, that is so early!! Did anyone give you a hard time about being in there after 9?

In the winter they close early. The rest of the year it closes at 10.

Hi - I have a few questions about Roaring Fork. Are the pizza flatbreads the same as the ones at Pinocchio's Village Haus? PVH is going to be closed while we are there in March and I love their barbecue chicken flatbread. I am hoping the ones at Roaring Fork are similar.

Also, does anyone know if you can get food (lunch) to go at Roaring Fork? We are doing a cruise after our WL stay and will be getting picked up by WDW transportation anywhere from 11:30-12:30. I'd like to grab lunch to go from Roaring Fork for the family and eat it on the bus. 11am will just be too early for us to eat lunch. I figure at worst case I could get a bunch of kids PB&J lunches since they are already wrapped up. Or just bring some zip lock bags I suppose.

Thanks for the help.

I think they always have cheese flatbread and one special one at RF? You should have no problem taking items to go. I don't remember seeing bags though, but they do have containers. Maybe bags are under the counter?

Just joining in. Terrific thread! DH and I are planning a week after Easter trip and booked WL April 20-26! New experience for us. Stayed at WL one night way back in 2007 with our boys.

Any suggestions for Woods View rooms? Thinking upper floor? Any suggestions / feedback please.

Rebecca

Welcome to the WL/VWL thread, HockeyMomR. You arrive the day after we depart.

For a Woods View room, a popular request is a high floor near the Otter Pond. These rooms are in the North Wing and you can see some of Wishes/CR/MK from the higher floors. However, if you don't want to have a balcony with a solid railing, you'll need to request the 5th floor which is the highest floor without them. Some of the 6th floor and all of the CL's 7th floor balconies have solid railings that you have to be standing to see over.

Happy planning and let us know if you have any other questions.

 

[amwildwood]

If you're staying on the VWL soon during renovations, please reconsider. We've had so many WATER issues today it makes our villa almost unusable. And they say it will happen again tomorrow. Lots of construction noise during the day. We had no water 11-5. The. It took 30-40 min to run clear again. Now it's off again or running low and yellow. I was doing a load of laundry and now it won't finish. I don't have much time to reply until I'm back from vacation.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[WDWKOOK]

If you're staying on the VWL soon during renovations, please reconsider. We've had so many WATER issues today it makes our villa almost unusable. And they say it will happen again tomorrow. Lots of construction noise during the day. We had no water 11-5. The. It took 30-40 min to run clear again. Now it's off again or running low and yellow. I was doing a load of laundry and now it won't finish. I don't have much time to reply until I'm back from vacation.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Oh no, that is not conducive to having an enjoyable vacation. PLEASE go in person to the front desk and ask to speak to a manager ASAP. Relay to them what you've posted here about the disruption to you and your family having an enjoyable and relaxing vacation. They may be able to offer you an alternative accommodation. Maybe you could even ask about a room at WL or something that would make your vacation relaxing and enjoyable.

 

[amwildwood]

Oh no, that is not conducive to having an enjoyable vacation. PLEASE go in person to the front desk and ask to speak to a manager ASAP. Relay to them what you've posted here about the disruption to you and your family having an enjoyable and relaxing vacation. They may be able to offer you an alternative accommodation. Maybe you could even ask about a room at WL or something that would make your vacation relaxing and enjoyable.

We did call the front desk. Nothing offered, no apology. Also, broken light might get fixed tonight. Light above eating table has wires sticking out, only hanging by half. Chipped mug and glasses in kitchen too, but not really surprised or disappointed about that. The villa was cleaner than our stay there in sept 2012.

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[Meghatron]

We did call the front desk. Nothing offered, no apology. Also, broken light might get fixed tonight. Light above eating table has wires sticking out, only hanging by half. Chipped mug and glasses in kitchen too, but not really surprised or disappointed about that. The villa was cleaner than our stay there in sept 2012. Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

You have to physically go to the front desk, NOT just call. A phone call is routed to a call center. An in-person visit to the front desk makes sure that on-site management is aware of the problem.

Sent from my Tricorder using DISBoards

 

[WDWKOOK]

We did call the front desk. Nothing offered, no apology. Also, broken light might get fixed tonight. Light above eating table has wires sticking out, only hanging by half. Chipped mug and glasses in kitchen too, but not really surprised or disappointed about that. The villa was cleaner than our stay there in sept 2012.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

PLEASE go in person and please ask to speak to a manager and relay to them what you've posted. I'd bring the whole family, if you can.

You have to physically go to the front desk, NOT just call. A phone call is routed to a call center. An in-person visit to the front desk makes sure that on-site management is aware of the problem.

Sent from my Tricorder using DISBoards

ITA
That is one nifty Tricorder posting

 

[amwildwood]

PLEASE go in person and please ask to speak to a manager and relay to them what you've posted. I'd bring the whole family, if you can. ITA That is one nifty Tricorder posting

We will try that. Going to ADR now at Cali grill. We are staying on rented pts, so not sure what they can do. It's kind of annoying to say the least, but at least I got a good deal. And if anyone is sensitive to lots of banging or paying cash full rate, I think they should know.

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[cheesemouse]

If you're staying on the VWL soon during renovations, please reconsider. We've had so many WATER issues today it makes our villa almost unusable. And they say it will happen again tomorrow. Lots of construction noise during the day. We had no water 11-5. The. It took 30-40 min to run clear again. Now it's off again or running low and yellow. I was doing a load of laundry and now it won't finish. I don't have much time to reply until I'm back from vacation.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Eeeeekkkk!!! We are staying at VWL March 13-16, also on rented points. I am super nervous now!

Does anyone know how long the renovations are scheduled to last? We have a little one and will for sure be coming back to the room each afternoon for at least 4-5 hours. To not have water during the day would be a huge deal breaker.

I know renovations can take a while and I'd be surprised if it was done by the time we get there. Guess I'll have to keep my fingers crossed.

 

[amwildwood]

We will try that. Going to ADR now at Cali grill. We are staying on rented pts, so not sure what they can do. It's kind of annoying to say the least, but at least I got a good deal. And if anyone is sensitive to lots of banging or paying cash full rate, I think they should know. Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

So my husband talked to the front desk - didn't expect much. Wanted them to know that we weren't happy about it Wouldn't want them to think that everyone's ok with the water outage. Refunded one night of pts. But we're renting. So at least it helps the friend of a friend were renting from. ?

Dangling light should have been fixed and that's how my husband understood from the front desk mgr. they said work order completed. It was not. Still half broken. The light works, just looks like it's falling down. I have a pic, not a way to post it.

Sigh. We liked this place enough last time to go back. Not so sure now. My husband hates the disconnect between Disney deluxe and everywhere else deluxe.

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[amwildwood]

Eeeeekkkk!!! We are staying at VWL March 13-16, also on rented points. I am super nervous now! Does anyone know how long the renovations are scheduled to last? We have a little one and will for sure be coming back to the room each afternoon for at least 4-5 hours. To not have water during the day would be a huge deal breaker. I know renovations can take a while and I'd be surprised if it was done by the time we get there. Guess I'll have to keep my fingers crossed.

According to the front desk when I checked in., They just started renovating. When it was just the banging during the day, it was not wonderful but tolerable. It's not too early or too late in the day. A shared door could be worse. I would suggest a white noise machine to be on the safe side.

We're in a two bed villa - my kids still slept thru the tapping/banging in the afternoons we took naps. We have a noises machine in each bedroom.

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[MUDisneyCouple]

I'm so sorry this is making your trip less than magic. I was wondering about the refurb and if we should move our ressies...we don't get there until May tho. Any ideas from the management how long the refurb should take?
I hope your vacation gets better!! It would have been nice for you to know in advance that this was a possibility during your stay and then you'd have the option of changing before you got there...

 

[Deb & Bill]

Eeeeekkkk!!! We are staying at VWL March 13-16, also on rented points. I am super nervous now!

Does anyone know how long the renovations are scheduled to last? We have a little one and will for sure be coming back to the room each afternoon for at least 4-5 hours. To not have water during the day would be a huge deal breaker.

I know renovations can take a while and I'd be surprised if it was done by the time we get there. Guess I'll have to keep my fingers crossed.

They go on all day long and could last about a year to do the entire resort. We had them renovating a two bedroom lockoff a few doors down from us when we were there in Jan 2013 and it was noisy all day long.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Eeeeekkkk!!! We are staying at VWL March 13-16, also on rented points. I am super nervous now!

Does anyone know how long the renovations are scheduled to last? We have a little one and will for sure be coming back to the room each afternoon for at least 4-5 hours. To not have water during the day would be a huge deal breaker.

I know renovations can take a while and I'd be surprised if it was done by the time we get there. Guess I'll have to keep my fingers crossed.

I was told that VWL would be rehabbed through March, but as you know, that could change and it looks like it may take longer. Whatever the end date, it will most likely still be going on when you're there.

So my husband talked to the front desk - didn't expect much. Wanted them to know that we weren't happy about it Wouldn't want them to think that everyone's ok with the water outage. Refunded one night of pts. But we're renting. So at least it helps the friend of a friend were renting from. ?

Dangling light should have been fixed and that's how my husband understood from the front desk mgr. they said work order completed. It was not. Still half broken. The light works, just looks like it's falling down. I have a pic, not a way to post it.

Sigh. We liked this place enough last time to go back. Not so sure now. My husband hates the disconnect between Disney deluxe and everywhere else deluxe.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

At least your compensation is greater than it was when you called and you've let onsite staff know in person. Was a switch to another DVC or WL not possible?

As far as "Disney Deluxe" Vs. off-site, such as Waldorf-Astoria or Four Seasons, Disney Resorts have off-site beat when it comes to theming, transportation, Disney immersion and location, location, location (and those great Disney CMs). But, all resorts everywhere undergo rehabs at some point which can cause major or minor disruptions, and unless completely shut-down, can and will make for a less than relaxing vacation, which you've experienced.

I don't know why they haven't blocked off floors as they did with the WL rehab. They closed off to guests one floor beneath the floor being rehabbed at WL. This helped to create a buffer. I hope today is better for you and your family.

 

[ocalla]

Just joining in. Terrific thread! DH and I are planning a week after Easter trip and booked WL April 20-26! New experience for us. Stayed at WL one night way back in 2007 with our boys.

Any suggestions for Woods View rooms? Thinking upper floor? Any suggestions / feedback please.

Rebecca

Hey Rebecca!!! I see you are giving WL a try also this year? I'm definitely going to miss heading to BC this summer, but we are really excited about our upcoming WL stay!!

Happy Planning

 

[amwildwood]

I'm so sorry this is making your trip less than magic. I was wondering about the refurb and if we should move our ressies...we don't get there until May tho. Any ideas from the management how long the refurb should take? I hope your vacation gets better!! It would have been nice for you to know in advance that this was a possibility during your stay and then you'd have the option of changing before you got there...

I'm guessing 3-4 months for the refurb based on what the front desk told me at checkin. There's a chance you could get a remodeled villa.

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[WDWKOOK]

Culinary Magic events at Walt Disney World restaurants:


DVC is adding a series of dining events similar to the Tables in Wonderland dinners. These are great for DVC members who are local to Orlando or who will be vacationing during this time.

Artist Point

March 13, 2014 (according to the menu, not Mouseplanet)
Number of Guests: 50
Hosted by: Renowned Wine Expert
Time: 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Price: $165 per person according to Mouseplanet, but $155 per person according to the menu.

Bookings open February 6, and full prepayment is required when you make your reservation. They have a very generous one-day cancellation policy. No discounts apply to these events.
~Mouseplanet


The MENU is HERE.