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

[Autumnslight]

Oh wow! Now, do I switch from our WL Woods view bunk bed room to a studio instead??? Hmmmm...

I've never stayed at WL or VWL. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Edit: We're thinking of having another person join us on our trip in June, so we'd need a room that could accommodate five anyway, which the bunk bed room won't. I went ahead and booked a studio villa, and only put four people on the reservation, since the system doesn't show that it can sleep five yet. I figure I should be able to add the fifth person closer to arrival. I wanted to get it booked now though, using my AP discount, because I have a feeling these rooms are going to book FAST once it's updated that they can sleep five!

 

[annaaidan99]

How comfortable is the sofa sleeper in the deluxe rooms? We are actually considering booking one deluxe room vs two standard woods view rooms, and the comfort level of the sofa is a concern. Also any input on the available storage (enough for six?) in a deluxe room would be good. Thanks in advance.

 

[tpimental]

Apologies if this is listed prior...so much info.

Does anyone know if the 5 sleeper option is only being added to the Studio Villas or will the 1 Bedroom Villas also sleep 5. I think I can convince my husband of staying if the 1 Bedroom will sleep 5. He likes the idea of the separate bedroom. We have 3 children and the youngest is just about ready to be out of the crib or would be by fall.

 

[dansdad]

Does anyone know if the 5 sleeper option is only being added to the Studio Villas or will the 1 Bedroom Villas also sleep 5.

According to the update link in post #2, it only lists the Deluxe Studios getting the fold down. It doesn't specifically state that the 1 Bedrooms won't, but it only lists the Studios as getting them.

 

[cheesemouse]

For those with questions about the rehab at VWL, there is a thread over on the DVC Resorts board with more info and pictures.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3233143

From what others are saying in that discussion, only the studios are getting the additional sleeping space for a 5th person.

We are staying at VWL in 20 days (but who's counting...) and I will try to take some good pictures if we get a rehabed unit.

-Carrie

 

[Autumnslight]

I'm happy about the additional sleeping surface, as it means a bunk bed room at WL isn't our only option for not having our kids share a bed now, or we could have five people in a room without having to spring for a second room.

But WOW, Disney must have skimped on interior design/decorating, because those rooms look pretty bad in the photos. The colors and materials are just a mismatched mess, and things look cheap all around. That's kind of sad.

I think we'll go with a bunk bed room if we only need to accommodate four people, and just do a studio if we are going to have five people.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'm happy about the additional sleeping surface, as it means a bunk bed room at WL isn't our only option for not having our kids share a bed now, or we could have five people in a room without having to spring for a second room.

But WOW, Disney must have skimped on interior design/decorating, because those rooms look pretty bad in the photos. The colors and materials are just a mismatched mess, and things look cheap all around. That's kind of sad.

I think we'll go with a bunk bed room if we only need to accommodate four people, and just do a studio if we are going to have five people.

I totally hate what they have done to my VWL. I own there and it looks horrible now.

 

[MermaidMommy]

I've got a quick view question I'm hoping someone can answer. We'd love to get a view of the castle and possibly the monorail in our woods view room, and, thanks to this great thread, I have learned to request the north wing, facing Otter Pond, and upper floor.

However, I saw on the post about views that there are woods view rooms off the lobby that have MK views -- the northside lobby woods view rooms. Is the view from these rooms as good as the Otter Pond rooms? I'm not really interested in seeing Wishes, since we won't be in the room then, but I would like to see the castle, but it would also be great to be so close to the lobby. Am I better off requesting an Otter Pond-facing room, or are the views from the northside lobby rooms just as good?

 

[annaaidan99]

I bit the bullet and booked a deluxe room for my trip with mom and dad and kids. And to think, in January I had fully paid for my single all star music room package . I'm still wanting ground floor north wing unless that is not advised. I've never used CL before and am excited!

 

[danceteachermom]

We are headed to VWL April 4. I had requested a first or second floor room near the elevator because last year we had a room on the second floor right above Sturdy Branches and loved it. Now I have read that the refurbishment is going from top to bottom floors and that it should be finished in March. If it is done on time I have no worries. But if it is still in progress when we arrive, I am wondering if we should change our requests to a high floor. Anyone there now and know what floor they are working on? How is the noise?

I am excited to see the refurbishment. I loved it before and did not mind the dated look. Not sure if I will like the faux wood floors and the lighter colors. But I think the other upgrades will be nice.

Counting the days...six weeks from now we will be waking up at VWL. I will have had my waffles or chocolate croissant and we will be getting ready to head to the MK. Thanks to the DIS I was able to book a Fastpass for lunch at BOG for our first full day. So excited. I placed my first ever Garden Grocer order this week and think it is really going to help us save on little things like bottled water, other drinks, and such.

 

[ocalla]

Check Out That Ticker Folks!!!! Just a little excited

Haven't packed anything but my backpack for the parks Guess I better get off my rear and get moving on that.

Was hoping that the rain chances would be almost none being that our May/June/July trips usually rain every day......but according to the weather channel looks like I'm out of luck on that one.

Hoping to run into a few Dis'ers while there. I usually meet at least one member each trip.

 

[trishadono]

Check Out That Ticker Folks!!!! Just a little excited

Haven't packed anything but my backpack for the parks Guess I better get off my rear and get moving on that.

Was hoping that the rain chances would be almost none being that our May/June/July trips usually rain every day......but according to the weather channel looks like I'm out of luck on that one.

Hoping to run into a few Dis'ers while there. I usually meet at least one member each trip.

I just found a great rate on orbitz for WL in June. I decided to POP on and read up on this resort because I have only stayed here once and it's been more than 5 years.

Saw your name and recognized it then I see you are going this week! So jealous!!!

Get packing already!

Oh I am just going with dd19 if she agrees. She wants a true monorail resort but yikes the prices are just really up there.

 

[ocalla]

I just found a great rate on orbitz for WL in June. I decided to POP on and read up on this resort because I have only stayed here once and it's been more than 5 years.

Saw your name and recognized it then I see you are going this week! So jealous!!!

Get packing already!

Oh I am just going with dd19 if she agrees. She wants a true monorail resort but yikes the prices are just really up there.

Hey There!!! How's it going???

Yes indeed, our trip is right around the corner! This will be our first WL stay, and I can't wait to experience it!

I'm guessing Disney has not released any offers for June yet? Keep checking, you never know, but grab the Orbitz offer now (just make sure you can cancel if need be).

I need to have a mother daughter trip one of these days!!!

 

[hstrickland]

We didn't hear from them either. So about 2 weeks before, I sent an e-mail,using the address you'll find in the beginning of the thread.
I introduced ourselves and gave arrival/departure details.
I received a very nice reply just hours later.
You're correct. It does make it feel official and we're really on our way. I kept it.......

Thanks for the info!

By the way, I just left a 19 point reply post on the Resorts thread. It's Titled "Which Deluxe I Wouldn't Stay At".
I gave 19 points on why I WOULD stay at WL. Couldn't resist......
Yes, I know, I have to finish my TR's........I promise, I'm getting to it!!!! No really....

I'm always up for a good TR

Just adding to fauntleroy53's post below that there are triggers for guests being contacted by the IPO. It usually occurs just before the 6 month/180-day point, if booked that early. If not, they usually then contact the guests just prior to the 60, 30 and 10-day points. But, this can vary.

They used to contact you as soon as you booked or within a week, but for the past year or two it seems they contact you at pre-set intervals. If you were never contacted at all by the IPO, just email them with your confirmation number and last name in the subject heading and they'll reply within 24-hours. They no longer send the PIP (Pre-Itinerary Planning) form, at least they haven't sent it to me in a long time. They just send this:

Thanks! Not gonna sweat it......yet We're not even to our 90 day mark. Guess I will wait a bit longer and not bug them. I don't think we ever heard from AKL CL Can't remember. Poly CL sent us something right away. Not that any of that matters ....


Hope everyone has a fab weekend! We finally have some nice weather down here....sunny and high of 70!!!! Spring fever has definitely kicked in...

 

[LvsTnk]

This will be our first stay at VWL we are arriving a night early and the boys in the fam are finally getting their wish. I have visited the resort a lot and loved it just wasn't to keen in the location.

Now I'm concerned I won't want to switch to BLT after reading this thread. The only thing I requested was near an elevator because my son uses a wheelchair so hopefully we will have a decent room/view. Pretty excited!!

 

[HockeyMomR]

Check Out That Ticker Folks!!!! Just a little excited

Haven't packed anything but my backpack for the parks Guess I better get off my rear and get moving on that.

Was hoping that the rain chances would be almost none being that our May/June/July trips usually rain every day......but according to the weather channel looks like I'm out of luck on that one.

Hoping to run into a few Dis'ers while there. I usually meet at least one member each trip.

Have a great vacation!!! Looking forward to hearing about your WL experience.

 

[pld5]

Check Out That Ticker Folks!!!! Just a little excited

Haven't packed anything but my backpack for the parks Guess I better get off my rear and get moving on that.

Was hoping that the rain chances would be almost none being that our May/June/July trips usually rain every day......but according to the weather channel looks like I'm out of luck on that one.

Hoping to run into a few Dis'ers while there. I usually meet at least one member each trip.

And I was just coming here to post about MY ticker. And procrastinating about packing. But definitely making sure we bring extra shoes to keep our feet dry!

 

[WDWKOOK]

There sure is a huge amount of information on here! Thanks to all who contribute! I am getting so EXCITED!

Welcome! Let us know if we can answer any questions that come up.

We are here!!! I just love WL! Got in last night and had a quick dinner at Territory Lounge before calling it a night. Luggage was later than anticipated (landed at 8 pm, didn't show until 12:45 am) from magical express. But it's here and we are in disney and ready for a magical adventure!!!

Let the fun begin!

This is meant as an FYI for somebody reading this with a trip coming up. Disney advertises your luggage will be in your room 3-4 hours after you check in to your resort. I'm guessing you checked in around 9PM, so they were within their window.

Again, just for clarification.

Hope you have a Magical stay!

Thanks for the clarification and though I've never used ME, I've read that if you want to have your luggage with you upon arrival, you should retrieve it at MCO and take it to the ME bus. Is this still possible?

How comfortable is the sofa sleeper in the deluxe rooms? We are actually considering booking one deluxe room vs two standard woods view rooms, and the comfort level of the sofa is a concern. Also any input on the available storage (enough for six?) in a deluxe room would be good. Thanks in advance.

I've not stayed in a Deluxe room at WL, but DD reported that the queen sleeper at BLT was very comfortable, but they aren't the same as WL. I know that doesn't really help you, but I think they may have been replaced during the WL rehab in '12.

For those with questions about the rehab at VWL, there is a thread over on the DVC Resorts board with more info and pictures.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3233143

From what others are saying in that discussion, only the studios are getting the additional sleeping space for a 5th person.

We are staying at VWL in 20 days (but who's counting...) and I will try to take some good pictures if we get a rehabed unit.

-Carrie

Great link to current photos - thank you so much. I'm going to post your link in the rehab section.

I totally hate what they have done to my VWL. I own there and it looks horrible now.

I've got a quick view question I'm hoping someone can answer. We'd love to get a view of the castle and possibly the monorail in our woods view room, and, thanks to this great thread, I have learned to request the north wing, facing Otter Pond, and upper floor.

However, I saw on the post about views that there are woods view rooms off the lobby that have MK views -- the northside lobby woods view rooms. Is the view from these rooms as good as the Otter Pond rooms? I'm not really interested in seeing Wishes, since we won't be in the room then, but I would like to see the castle, but it would also be great to be so close to the lobby. Am I better off requesting an Otter Pond-facing room, or are the views from the northside lobby rooms just as good?

Welcome! I've not stayed in one of those rooms so I can't comment from personal experience, but hopefully someone else can

I bit the bullet and booked a deluxe room for my trip with mom and dad and kids. And to think, in January I had fully paid for my single all star music room package . I'm still wanting ground floor north wing unless that is not advised. I've never used CL before and am excited!

Congratulations! That is quite the upgrade from ASMu!

We are headed to VWL April 4. I had requested a first or second floor room near the elevator because last year we had a room on the second floor right above Sturdy Branches and loved it. Now I have read that the refurbishment is going from top to bottom floors and that it should be finished in March. If it is done on time I have no worries. But if it is still in progress when we arrive, I am wondering if we should change our requests to a high floor. Anyone there now and know what floor they are working on? How is the noise?

I am excited to see the refurbishment. I loved it before and did not mind the dated look. Not sure if I will like the faux wood floors and the lighter colors. But I think the other upgrades will be nice.

Counting the days...six weeks from now we will be waking up at VWL. I will have had my waffles or chocolate croissant and we will be getting ready to head to the MK. Thanks to the DIS I was able to book a Fastpass for lunch at BOG for our first full day. So excited. I placed my first ever Garden Grocer order this week and think it is really going to help us save on little things like bottled water, other drinks, and such.

Maybe you could leave your request as is, and I'm sure that in March we'll have a status update on the rehab. If for some reason they are behind schedule, you can still change your request before your arrival. As long as you do it NLT one week prior to arrival, you should be ok. You can even ask at check-in and adjust if necessary at that time, assuming there is an alternate location available.

Check Out That Ticker Folks!!!! Just a little excited

Haven't packed anything but my backpack for the parks Guess I better get off my rear and get moving on that.

Was hoping that the rain chances would be almost none being that our May/June/July trips usually rain every day......but according to the weather channel looks like I'm out of luck on that one.

Hoping to run into a few Dis'ers while there. I usually meet at least one member each trip.

Get to packin'!

I just found a great rate on orbitz for WL in June. I decided to POP on and read up on this resort because I have only stayed here once and it's been more than 5 years.

Oh I am just going with dd19 if she agrees. She wants a true monorail resort but yikes the prices are just really up there.

Welcome, Trisha! I think you'll love WL as much as we do and let us know if you have any questions.

Hope everyone has a fab weekend! We finally have some nice weather down here....sunny and high of 70!!!! Spring fever has definitely kicked in...

60's here all weekend so I hope the last of the snow melts - and never returns.

This will be our first stay at VWL we are arriving a night early and the boys in the fam are finally getting their wish. I have visited the resort a lot and loved it just wasn't to keen in the location.

Now I'm concerned I won't want to switch to BLT after reading this thread. The only thing I requested was near an elevator because my son uses a wheelchair so hopefully we will have a decent room/view. Pretty excited!!

Welcome! Could you switch your split? We did a BLT/WL split, in that order, and loved it.

 

[annaaidan99]

It was definitely an upgrade, but believe it or not it wasn't significantly more than my original reservation at a value. When my parents decided to go, we needed a second room for them. All things added (and minus the QS dining) it was very reasonable.

 

[Seasideshell]

I am getting so excited for our March CL trip! My husband will be so surprised to find us at WL! A few quick questions for the experts please. Will I be able to bring a beer or two to sit by the pool in the afternoon from the lounge? Also, I've requested a quiet room (alas, I am not a great sleeper..sigh) any thoughts as to where that might put us? Can we watch the water pageant from the pool area? I am thinking of reservations for lunch on the day we leave...where shall we have our farewell lunch? Thank you all for all the info...so happy that we can be at the Lodge!!