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

[fauntleroy53]

Hi everyone!
I haven't posted all week on our stay here at WL CL, and I'll try to catch up today, a little at a time. I have two mini trip reports posted for 2/2 and 2/3, a few pages back. But before I get into all the park/restaurant stuff, I need to make two statements, one about our room and the other about the incredible CM's here at CL.
First, our room-#7127. It is, by far, the best view of the lake and courtyard. I won't use up space posting a picture because there are pictures in the beginning of this thread already. DH & I love this room, but I just want to remind you to please heed the words/warning of KOOK in an earlier post. This room is NOT for everyone! I know I'm repeating Kooks words, but I feel it does need to be said again. 1) Yes,the view is magnificent. I love walking around my room and seeing the water. But it is a closed balcony and you can't see the view unless you stand to look over the rail. I have height issues, so sitting out there and not seeing how high we are is fine with me. Also, DH likes to read out on the balcony, so not having other distractions are fine. It also lends itself to more privacy, for sitting out there in jammies, which also lends itself to a kinda cozy feel. I don't mind open balconies at all, but we're also fine with a closed one, but if you're not, CL may not make you happy. 2) Yes, you do hear the movement of the rear elevator going up and down. I find it to sound muffled and far away. In fact, I sometimes forget it's the elevator and think it's the geyser. After awhile, it just becomes "white noise" and I don't hear it so much. DH either is totally unaware or it just doesn't bother him because he hasn't said a thing about it. But don't take this room if you know it'll be an issue for you. 3) I've had only one "cart bumping into the wall" incident. I was sitting in bed at the time, writing on my laptop. It shook both the wall and me, but it made me laugh and feel like I was back on a ride. It's only happened once all week and only for two seconds, so I'm not concerned. But again, it's something to take into account for this room. 4) On the positive side, it's in a location that doesn't get much, if any, foot traffic, so it is pretty quiet. Having started our first two days in the hallway, I can attest to the quiet factor where we are now. 5) It's close to the lounge and elevators, which we find convenient. DH & I love this room, but don't say you weren't warned!!!

 

[bluecastle]

amwildwood- so sorry you had all those water and noise issues! Glad you got the credit and hopefully the rest of your trip will be extra magical! How was your dinner at Cali Grill?

Woodnymph- love your pictures! Thanks for sharing them. Now that I look at the open balcony, I am thinking that we may have only experienced closed balconies on our trips. I think in both stays we have been on the 6th floor. I guess it didn't bother me. I can see how the extra sun would be appreciated in the cold weather. I am not sure we spent too much time on our balcony in Dec. 2009- it was so cold!

Fauntleroy53- just loving your trip reports!! So much detail and so full of Disney magic and just the joy of being there. Thank you!!

Transportation- I agree with dansdad that there is a wide spectrum of opinion about Disney transportation v. car. There are people who stress out if they have to wait more than 15 minutes for a bus. We are in the Let Disney Do the Driving camp. We know going in that traveling to certain places will take longer, so we plan for that, and then if it takes even longer we just try to find the positives in the experience. We love talking to people and finding out where they are from and helping when we can with suggestions if they are newbies or appear overwhelmed. Living in an area with stressful commuting, we love to not drive for those 8 days!

I have my ADR date this week and I am avoiding thinking it about it! Why? I think it's the new policy. But I will probably make sure we have each person's favorite or new place to try- my DD wants BoG for her birthday, I want Boma's, Yachtsman Steakhouse is another favorite that my DH didn't get to last trip because he got sick, and we all want to try Raglan Road. Anything else I think I will leave until after I make my FP+ Reservations in June.

Oh, and KOOK- I didn't really expect you to write another TR. I have written a couple and I know how much work they are. ( one of mine is still in mouseplanet's archive under a pseudonym) And again, thank you so much for what you do here. Not only do you address everyone's questions ( together with some very knowledgeable and helpful long-time posters), but you make this a very welcoming place to visit. (somewhat like the World we all love!)

 

[fauntleroy53]

Okay,time to talk about the CL CM's and their own brand of Pixie Dust
If you read my first report, back on 2/2, you know that the magic happened for us the moment we checked in. They moved us into our requested room two days after arrival. The magical appearance of a DVD DH mentioned wanting to watch someday. The lovely gift basket appearing when least expected. Their tips/suggestions, attention to detail, helpful without hovering,knowledge for all that is Disney and beyond,etc. DH & I have been to other resorts,both as day visitor and weekly resident. The CM's at the resorts have been, for the most part,very nice. No complaints there at all. But there is something about the CM's at WL and at CL in particular, that set them apart from the others. It's difficult to find the correct words, but they go that extra mile. There's just something more here. We feel more like family and less like a temporary guest, perhaps that's what I'm trying to say. They don't just say the words Welcome Home here. We feel as if they really do mean it. I even have proof as to their kindness, open hearts. DH & I wanted to show our appreciation for their professionalism and dedication , to,honestly, our happiness and comfort while here. So we put together a bag filled with food items from our hometown, which is also considered a vacation destination. We asked that the bag be placed in their break/lunch room, and figured that was that. Well, imagine our surprise when we found an amazing gift basket in our room, with a lovely note from the CM's, thanking US for OUR thank-you!!!! It was totally unexpected on our part -we were thanking THEM and was certainly NOT expecting ANYTHING in return. But there it was-a basket, as far as we were concerned, filled with kindness and thoughtfulness. Yes, I cried. They so totally did not have to do that. I'm telling you this because it shows what I'm finding hard to put into words. It's what I'm trying to say about the character of the people who work here. Phenomenal doesn't even scratch the surface. I would start naming them, but I'm so afraid of leaving someone out, I'll just say it's a group effort. Oh, I don't want to leave out those wonderful "lodgekeepers" either. Each and everyone so very nice, and yes, I even have a quick story there. Dh & I were about to leave for dinner, when there was a knock on the door. It was one of our wonderful lodgekeepers, stating that it was time for "turn down' service. I said it wasn't necessary this evening, we're okay...well, our lovely lodgekeeper replied " Surely you won't turn down some chocolates anyway.." I hesitated for a few seconds, and she said, "Just Say Yes To Chocolate" and she placed a bunch in my hand. She could have just said okay and walked away, but there was that extra kindness. Always popping up when you least expect it.
Just our opinion.......loving WL CL ..people

 

[mom_of_2]

We will be staying at WL for the first time November 5-11, 2014. We are very excited as we have only heard wonderful things about WL!

I am looking forward to chatting with all of you over the next few months.

 

[johnsonet]

Headed back to the beautiful Lodge next week
Can't wait to try out Magic Bands and see the "new" room decor for the first time. I think it looks great in photos

By any chance does anyone have the February Activities list?

Thanks.

 

[johnsonet]

We will be staying at WL for the first time November 5-11, 2014. We are very excited as we have only heard wonderful things about WL!

I am looking forward to chatting with all of you over the next few months.

Have fun planning - that is a great time of year for WDW.
You will LOVE WL!

 

[4disneygenerations]

We have stayed at WL once before, thinking about going back. Did I read correctly some pages ago that the oplls close at 9pm? I heard that resort pools were closing at 11pm but 9pm? This is very disappointing.

 

[ocalla]

Anyone at WL now? If so, would it be possible for you to take a picture of the Artist Point menu that is available in the Lounge?

Thanks in advance for helping,
Have a great vacation

 

[Wood Nymph]

We have stayed at WL once before, thinking about going back. Did I read correctly some pages ago that the pools close at 9pm? I heard that resort pools were closing at 11pm but 9pm? This is very disappointing.

The main pool closed early on at least one of the nights we were there in January, but it was also 55 degrees out and most people were avoiding the pool. The Hidden Springs pool was open that night.

I think you'll find that the pools will be returning to normal hours when the weather returns to normal temperatures.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Thanks for the trip reports, faunterloy. I'm really enjoying them.

First, our room-#7127. It is, by far, the best view of the lake and courtyard. ,,,,, 1) Yes,the view is magnificent. I love walking around my room and seeing the water. But it is a closed balcony and you can't see the view unless you stand to look over the rail. I have height issues, so sitting out there and not seeing how high we are is fine with me. Also, DH likes to read out on the balcony, so not having other distractions are fine. It also lends itself to more privacy, for sitting out there in jammies, which also lends itself to a kinda cozy feel.

Woodnymph- love your pictures! Thanks for sharing them. Now that I look at the open balcony, I am thinking that we may have only experienced closed balconies on our trips. I think in both stays we have been on the 6th floor. I guess it didn't bother me. I can see how the extra sun would be appreciated in the cold weather. I am not sure we spent too much time on our balcony in Dec. 2009- it was so cold!

Here are the balconies from our three rooms. I was glad to finally get the open balcony.

room 6018 - a dormer room on the 6th floor, North Wing - nice view of the fireworks, though, and you could see the castle from there

room 3104 in the south wing - wider and with a lower wall than the dormer balcony - I liked the privacy of this one

room 5055 - open balcony - The sun on the balcony felt great, especially since it was only in the sixties that day. but I bet it gets really hot out there in the summer.

The CM's at the resorts have been, for the most part,very nice. No complaints there at all. But there is something about the CM's at WL and at CL in particular, that set them apart from the others. It's difficult to find the correct words, but they go that extra mile. There's just something more here. .....Oh, I don't want to leave out those wonderful "lodgekeepers" either. Each and everyone so very nice,

I've never stayed club level but I want to add that all the CM's and lodgekeepers that we have encountered at the WL seem very nice and very helpful.

 

[GetGlowing]

Bar menu from Territory Lounge (Late Jan 2014)



Buffalo Nachos from Territory Lounge



We rented a small boat and took it out on Bay Lake / Seven Seas Lagoon for a little while



Loved the Thumper pillows!


Our Balcony - 6th Floor, Woods View, Otter Pond
Great place for a nap!


View of the Contemporary from our balcony


Coffee and fridge.
I left a banana and a couple apples in the top drawer. Hope mousekeeping found them! I didn't remember until we were long gone.


Detail of the headboard


Bathroom


vanity area


Our room -- loved it!!

 

[MinnieF]

Quick question about the refrigerators in the rooms: do they have a freezer compartment in them... Say big enough for a lunch box size ice pack?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Buffalo Nachos from Territory Lounge

Our Balcony - 6th Floor, Woods View, Otter Pond

Our room -- loved it!!

Next time we are at the Territory Lounge we are going to get those nachos.
Thanks for the room pictures. You have a good picture of the dormer balcony with the high walls on all three sides. And the ceiling in the bedroom slopes down a bit near the outer wall. But the view is great.

Quick question about the refrigerators in the rooms: do they have a freezer compartment in them... Say big enough for a lunch box size ice pack?

Thanks in advance!

No, the refrigerators don't have an ice compartment. But if you turn it cold enough, it might freeze your ice pack. We had a partially frozen bottle of water until we turned down the temp in our refrigerator.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Thanks for the trip reports, faunterloy. I'm really enjoying them.



Here are the balconies from our three rooms. I was glad to finally get the open balcony.

room 6018 - a dormer room on the 6th floor, North Wing - nice view of the fireworks, though, and you could see the castle from there

room 3104 in the south wing - wider and with a lower wall than the dormer balcony - I liked the privacy of this one

room 5055 - open balcony - The sun on the balcony felt great, especially since it was only in the sixties that day. but I bet it gets really hot out there in the summer.



I've never stayed club level but I want to add that all the CM's and lodgekeepers that we have encountered at the WL seem very nice and very helpful.

Great photos.

As much as we love staying CL, I forget how nice it is to have an open balcony. When we stay at the Yacht I spend so much more time on the balcony than when we stay at the WL CL. But, It's All Good!

 

[MinnieF]

No, the refrigerators don't have an ice compartment. But if you turn it cold enough, it might freeze your ice pack. We had a partially frozen bottle of water until we turned down the temp in our refrigerator.

Ok cool. Thanks so much.

 

[WDWKOOK]

UPDATE: Gina from front desk called left msg. We talked to her tonight and she gave us a credit over pts. Works for us. We also stayed out of the room today during the water shutoff (easier to work it in our plans) and the water didn't take 30-40 min to flush out like yesterday. So we do have clear water now with no other shutoffs expected during our stay. The lamp in the room was fixed today too.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Great news and enjoy the rest of your vacation and/or have a safe trip home.

Curious whether those of you who have stayed at WL before think there's any advantage to having a rental car. We will be there mid Nov (after Food & Wine and Jersey Week but before Thanksgiving, if that matters), for 7 nights (11/15 - 11/22). I know that the quickest way to get from WL to the MK is by boat, but is it worth it for going to the other parks and hotels for meals?

Also, if we decide to try the buses and then don't like it, can the front desk get a rental car delived to WL for us? Or will I pay through the nose if I try to do that?

Family of four. Kids are 7 and 4.

Thanks.

I don't know whether they deliver, but the rental cars are very close to WL. They are next to the HESS Station across from the TTC area. Maybe they pick-up? I would assume that you will save money by booking in advance and using a discount code. Walk-ups will pay more. We always drive to WDW, but we seldom use our car at all so I would forgo the rental. You can also take the bus to the MK.

thank you so much for the information! We are looking forward to giving WL CL a try!

You're welcome and check back with us after your stay.

Thank you! I have requested. We are excited. I love Disney in April, enjoy your trip! Checked out your links for room views. I am in planning mode and have made our ADR for Artist Point, which we love, for Easter dinner. Think I will be lurking around this thread, you have great information on the first page with links!

Rebecca

Thank you, Rebecca and happy planning!

Apparently, they were discontinued. I saw this on the Allears site:

UPDATE 9/13: Haunted Carriage Rides at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will not be returning this year. The seasonal 25-minute rides, which were themed to "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and featured the Headless Horseman, were discontinued in 2012. No word if the change is permanent

That's right, they are still not being offered.

Hi everyone!
I haven't posted all week on our stay here at WL CL, and I'll try to catch up today, a little at a time. I have two mini trip reports posted for 2/2 and 2/3, a few pages back. But before I get into all the park/restaurant stuff, I need to make two statements, one about our room and the other about the incredible CM's here at CL.

First, our room-#7127. It is, by far, the best view of the lake and courtyard. I won't use up space posting a picture because there are pictures in the beginning of this thread already. DH & I love this room, but I just want to remind you to please heed the words/warning of KOOK in an earlier post. This room is NOT for everyone! I know I'm repeating Kooks words, but I feel it does need to be said again. 1) Yes,the view is magnificent. I love walking around my room and seeing the water. But it is a closed balcony and you can't see the view unless you stand to look over the rail. I have height issues, so sitting out there and not seeing how high we are is fine with me. Also, DH likes to read out on the balcony, so not having other distractions are fine. It also lends itself to more privacy, for sitting out there in jammies, which also lends itself to a kinda cozy feel. I don't mind open balconies at all, but we're also fine with a closed one, but if you're not, CL may not make you happy. 2) Yes, you do hear the movement of the rear elevator going up and down. I find it to sound muffled and far away. In fact, I sometimes forget it's the elevator and think it's the geyser. After awhile, it just becomes "white noise" and I don't hear it so much. DH either is totally unaware or it just doesn't bother him because he hasn't said a thing about it. But don't take this room if you know it'll be an issue for you. 3) I've had only one "cart bumping into the wall" incident. I was sitting in bed at the time, writing on my laptop. It shook both the wall and me, but it made me laugh and feel like I was back on a ride. It's only happened once all week and only for two seconds, so I'm not concerned. But again, it's something to take into account for this room. 4) On the positive side, it's in a location that doesn't get much, if any, foot traffic, so it is pretty quiet. Having started our first two days in the hallway, I can attest to the quiet factor where we are now. 5) It's close to the lounge and elevators, which we find convenient. DH & I love this room, but don't say you weren't warned!!!

You didn't mention the KLUNK-RATTLE-KLUNK-RATTLE-KLUNK of (presumably) the (plumbing?) pipes above the sink area. But, we still love that room, too.

Even the four balconies of the Presidential Suite are solid. The architect certainly was aesthetically consistent.

I have my ADR date this week and I am avoiding thinking it about it! Why? I think it's the new policy. But I will probably make sure we have each person's favorite or new place to try- my DD wants BoG for her birthday, I want Boma's, Yachtsman Steakhouse is another favorite that my DH didn't get to last trip because he got sick, and we all want to try Raglan Road. Anything else I think I will leave until after I make my FP+ Reservations in June.

Oh, and KOOK- I didn't really expect you to write another TR. I have written a couple and I know how much work they are. ( one of mine is still in mouseplanet's archive under a pseudonym) And again, thank you so much for what you do here. Not only do you address everyone's questions ( together with some very knowledgeable and helpful long-time posters), but you make this a very welcoming place to visit. (somewhat like the World we all love!)

I'd love to know what percentage of guests who booked ADRs under the old policy, have stopped booking with the new policy of a credit card requirement for every booking. I wonder if this new policy will actually make walk-ups easier to get. We were actually thinking of trying more QSs and trying some walk-ups in April. We usually book one ADR per day. I would definitely recommend ADRs for Sig. Dining, Character and BoG, but the others may be more feasible now as walk-ups.

Thank you for your kind words and I'd love to see your TR is you'd post the link sometime

Okay,time to talk about the CL CM's and their own brand of Pixie Dust

If you read my first report, back on 2/2, you know that the magic happened for us the moment we checked in. They moved us into our requested room two days after arrival. The magical appearance of a DVD DH mentioned wanting to watch someday. The lovely gift basket appearing when least expected. Their tips/suggestions, attention to detail, helpful without hovering,knowledge for all that is Disney and beyond,etc. DH & I have been to other resorts,both as day visitor and weekly resident. The CM's at the resorts have been, for the most part,very nice. No complaints there at all. But there is something about the CM's at WL and at CL in particular, that set them apart from the others. It's difficult to find the correct words, but they go that extra mile. There's just something more here. We feel more like family and less like a temporary guest, perhaps that's what I'm trying to say. They don't just say the words Welcome Home here. We feel as if they really do mean it. I even have proof as to their kindness, open hearts. DH & I wanted to show our appreciation for their professionalism and dedication , to,honestly, our happiness and comfort while here. So we put together a bag filled with food items from our hometown, which is also considered a vacation destination. We asked that the bag be placed in their break/lunch room, and figured that was that. Well, imagine our surprise when we found an amazing gift basket in our room, with a lovely note from the CM's, thanking US for OUR thank-you!!!! It was totally unexpected on our part -we were thanking THEM and was certainly NOT expecting ANYTHING in return. But there it was-a basket, as far as we were concerned, filled with kindness and thoughtfulness. Yes, I cried. They so totally did not have to do that. I'm telling you this because it shows what I'm finding hard to put into words. It's what I'm trying to say about the character of the people who work here. Phenomenal doesn't even scratch the surface. I would start naming them, but I'm so afraid of leaving someone out, I'll just say it's a group effort. Oh, I don't want to leave out those wonderful "lodgekeepers" either. Each and everyone so very nice, and yes, I even have a quick story there. Dh & I were about to leave for dinner, when there was a knock on the door. It was one of our wonderful lodgekeepers, stating that it was time for "turn down' service. I said it wasn't necessary this evening, we're okay...well, our lovely lodgekeeper replied " Surely you won't turn down some chocolates anyway.." I hesitated for a few seconds, and she said, "Just Say Yes To Chocolate" and she placed a bunch in my hand. She could have just said okay and walked away, but there was that extra kindness. Always popping up when you least expect it.

Just our opinion.......loving WL CL ..people

I know I've mentioned it to you, but it bears repeating here, most of the OFC CMs go above and beyond to make you feel appreciated as a guest. Most also have a great attention to detail which makes staying at the OFC so enjoyable. I think the management has a lot to do with this. And, I'm glad you mentioned the wonderful Lodgekeepers, too. I love your turn-down story. We usually "turn-down turn-down" if we're in the room, but they always offer a beautiful handful of chocolates and ask if we'd like more towels.

We will be staying at WL for the first time November 5-11, 2014. We are very excited as we have only heard wonderful things about WL!

I am looking forward to chatting with all of you over the next few months.

Welcome and congratulations! I'll log your dates and let us know if you have any questions. You're going to love the Lodge

Headed back to the beautiful Lodge next week
Can't wait to try out Magic Bands and see the "new" room decor for the first time. I think it looks great in photos

By any chance does anyone have the February Activities list?

Thanks.

themouseforless.com still hasn't updated to the Feb. calendar. They usually change over within the first week of the month. Maybe someone will take a picture and post it for you, but in the meantime, keep checking the calendar hyperlink in post 2.

Anyone at WL now? If so, would it be possible for you to take a picture of the Artist Point menu that is available in the Lounge?

Thanks in advance for helping,
Have a great vacation

If no one does, I can post it in April, but that might not help you. This is what I recall was on the AP menu at TL in December:

Scallops

Salmon Silverbay. Not cedar plank, but DH loved it. - $35

Beef Tenderloin. We split this and it was perfect. - $43

Chicken. I had this and I believe it was a small Cornish Game Hen cut into several pieces - $29

A vegetarian dish. I had this, but I can't recall the name and on my receipt it only says "Vegetarian" - $28

A mixed grill dish with a few meats.

Thank you for posting your great photos! I'm going to post a link later to them in the ROOM section of the thread. Do you recall the exact room number?

Quick question about the refrigerators in the rooms: do they have a freezer compartment in them... Say big enough for a lunch box size ice pack?

Thanks in advance!

The old fridges did have a freezer area, but the new ones do not.

Great photos.

As much as we love staying CL, I forget how nice it is to have an open balcony. When we stay at the Yacht I spend so much more time on the balcony than when we stay at the WL CL. But, It's All Good!

But, the OFC lounge area is a great place to relax

 

[HockeyMomR]

Loving the room and room view pics!

 

[johnsonet]

Mousesavers still hasn't updated to the Feb. calendar. They usually change over within the first week of the month. Maybe someone will take a picture and post it for you, but in the meantime, keep checking the calendar hyperlink in post 2.

I will keep checking, thanks. If there's no update by this weekend, I will post it myself

 

[GetGlowing]

@WDWKOOK - Our room was 6022.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hi guys, figured this be the best place to get my question answered . Saw that they started to refurb the villas over on the DVC board. Thinking of adding a night to our existing stay and wanted to try the villas. Any idea when the refurb is scheduled to be complete? Sorry if this had been asked before.