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

[CuteAsMinnie]

Spring Break prep. has gotten me waaaaaay behind here. Thank you so much to all the amazing posters who are so quick to answer questions
​

Where in the world have you been?

Oh, just dealing with life's little curve balls... But maybe early August, possibly the week before Christmas.... Any word from Randy on a 20th bday ?

 

[bluecastle]

Just got back from an eight night stay at VWL. It was an amazing trip. Sorry I did not take many pictures this time so I have nothing to post pic wise.

We had room 5530 and I liked the refurbishment. Our room had a much smaller main bedroom closet, slanted ceilings, and it had dormer balconies. But other than that was the same as the one bedroom we had last year on the second floor. I preferred the second floor room and location but this room was good too.

Things we loved:
-the pools were amazing, clean, perfect temp, great life guards, pool bar staff
-Roaring Forks breakfasts....yum
-Kids visited the arcade a few times
-Electric Water Pageant, Daily Marshmallow Roast
-Used the buses for all transport except Magic Kingdom returns and never waited long (except to DTD which is always a mess)
-the atmosphere in the villa and main lobbies is just beautiful
-our youngest did an evening at the Cub's Den which was cheaper than a sitter at home and he loved it
-liked the Magic Bands and new FP+ for the most part
-used Garden Grocer for the first time and glad we did...milk, water, wine, coffee cream

We had dinner our second night at Artist Point and while it was OK, we have decided that for the price we will skip it next time. Service was not spectacular. Food was good but not great. I had the fillet and enjoyed but I have had much better, my hubby had the Cornish hen and did not love it, our son got the Mac and cheese and managed two or three bites, our daughter got the scallops and liked them fine. It was not a bad meal just not worth the signature prices. We do not mind paying top dollar as long as you get top dollar service and food.

Our favorite meals were from Via Napoli, Wolfgang Puck Express, Maya Grill, and Kona.

We have already talked about being back next year. We will probably stay at VWL as it has become a family favorite but I am interested in exploring the VGF for the monorail convenience and pool, we also have never stayed at an Epcot resort and that sounds fun, Saratoga Springs proximity to Downtown Disney also interests me. So, we will see when it comes time to make reservations. It may be hard to stay away from the lodge.

For those concerned about the rehab. At VWL. We found the villas just as charming as before...just not as dark. Many of the details of the old room are still there in tile work and fixtures. The new curtains and bedding are nice. Did not love the throw rug design in the living room...it just did not fit but the rest looked good. The new laminate floor looks beautiful...I do prefer carpet but it looks nice. The new appliances and painted cabinets help the rooms not look aged and should appeal to guests who thought the villas were dated. We liked the old rooms....and we like the new ones. Not sure if the mattresses got replaced but the bed was very comfortable and I think the sofa bed was new too.

Thanks for your detailed report- especially of the 5th floor villa. Do you think those slanted ceilings would be a problem for someone who is 6'2"? I don't want my DD's BF bumping his head everytime he goes to sit on the couch. Do they make the rooms feel smaller? We will be 5 adults, ( me, DH, DD, DD's BF, and their friend) and I want everyone, (especially the friend staying on the sleeper couch), to feel like they can move freely. Thanks for the info about the bed. I know I am overthinking this. Right now I have a 4th floor lake/pool side, dedicated 2BR request. But I am flirting with the idea of changing it to 5th floor. I am also thinking that the dormered balcony might keep some of the August sunlight out of the living room. Sorry! I will truly be happy with whatever we get. In fact, after having to cancel our 2 previous August trips, I will be happy just to be there!!

 

[danceteachermom]

Thanks for your detailed report- especially of the 5th floor villa. Do you think those slanted ceilings would be a problem for someone who is 6'2"? I don't want my DD's BF bumping his head everytime he goes to sit on the couch. Do they make the rooms feel smaller? We will be 5 adults, ( me, DH, DD, DD's BF, and their friend) and I want everyone, (especially the friend staying on the sleeper couch), to feel like they can move freely. Thanks for the info about the bed. I know I am overthinking this. Right now I have a 4th floor lake/pool side, dedicated 2BR request. But I am flirting with the idea of changing it to 5th floor. I am also thinking that the dormered balcony might keep some of the August sunlight out of the living room. Sorry! I will truly be happy with whatever we get. In fact, after having to cancel our 2 previous August trips, I will be happy just to be there!!

The ceilings were slanted but not low so I do not think it would be a problem. We did not feel it was smaller...just different. Hope you have a great trip.

 

[rmoore7]

Thanks WDWKOOK for such great and thorough information, wonderful photos, and the time taken to produce an unparalleled resource for the Wilderness Lodge. I'm fortunate to live a relatively short drive (90 Minutes) from WDW so we get to visit regularly. My daughter requested a WL stay for what has now become our annual August Birthday pilgrimage. Needless to say I had to brush up on my knowledge of the lodge again and your words and pictures have me totally excited to be going back to one of our favorite places at WDW.

Can't Wait
August 12 - 17
.

 

[zdad]

Our trip report has started. I hope to add a bunch of pics, so I posted it in the trip reports section of the site. I'll update a link here with every update.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=51189159#post51189159

 

[Koh1977]

Our trip report has started. I hope to add a bunch of pics, so I posted it in the trip reports section of the site. I'll update a link here with every update. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=51189159#post51189159

Yeah!!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[martinmont]

Can we put in the room request that we do not want a handicapped room?

 

[dansdad]

Can we put in the room request that we do not want a handicapped room?

Yup.

 

[pas130]

Thank you and this just may stick for you

I believe it may....I really do

It's so nice to know that when life takes you away from this thread for a little while, that it is all comfy, cozy and full of stories and info about our beloved WL upon returning. I am looking forward to spending more time here now that spring break has arrived. Thanks to KOOK and everyone for making this such a great place!

Me too!!

Our trip report has started. I hope to add a bunch of pics, so I posted it in the trip reports section of the site. I'll update a link here with every update.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=51189159#post51189159

Off to a good start, I can't wait to hear about the WL check-in!! Thanks for the link!

 

[BlueFairy]

Ok. So I spent the weekend mulling over our plans. I want to run them by the Lodgers. I'll be posting a thread over on Theme Parks and Strategies too.


I managed to get 3 nights in a standard room (room-only ressie) at the Summer Vacation offer rate. Saved myself 10% from Woods view price . I'm assuming TAs can still attach room requests, right?


Food will be OOP since DD9 really prefers to order off the adult menu and DD6 will probably share a lot of her food with me. I don't even think I'll try to make TS reservations since we tend to change our plans a lot and don't want to be tied to a schedule for fear of a no-show charge.


I'll purchase 1 day MYW base tickets prior to arrival to do FP+. If we decide to do a second day we will either upgrade during day 1 at the gate or just purchase them on the fly since there really isn't much savings either way.


We'll be traveling early August, myself and 2 DDs (6 and 9). Arriving MCO around 1pm. DME to the resort with bathing suits in our carryon, hopefully by 3pm.


Arrival day - probably swim and just eat at RF. 6:45p - Playtime on the beach and roast marshmallows. We'll probably get to bed for an early start.


Day 1 - no EMH at MK. Bus to MK for rope drop (or boat to CR and walk? We had trouble with boats for rope drop in May 2010 using the MK boat). Goal of DD6 is probably to see Ana and Elsa (do this first!), not sure on DD9. Experience what we can based on crowds. TP is suggesting a crowd level of 8. We usually tour with 6 being the busiest for us. Even that hasn't happened since 2006. Kids prefer M&Gs and shows over rides. See New Fantasyland and Storybookland, water play area, carousel, Tom Sawyer Island, etc.
Honestly I'm torn about this because I don't want to spend so much money on a one or 2 day ticket and then spend all of our time in long lines. This is really the key to whether I will decide to keep our reservation since we've never taken such a short trip.
I think we're likely to snack all day or just eat QS lunch, hopefully at an off-peak mealtime. FoF Parade, and then back to the resort for a break via the boat. Then possibly boat to CR for dinner at Contempo Cafe and a monorail ride to the park. Find a spot for MSEP and Wishes preferably in Town Square.


Day 2 - Enjoy the Lodge! This is why I want to go to WDW right now. Explore the Lodge, perhaps breakfast at WCC. Arcade, checkers in the Carolwood Pacific room, try both pools, whatever suits us. (I'm concerned that we'll be tempted into a second day in the parks, so I wonder if I should move our resort day to Day 1). Before 7pm make our way to FW for the Chip and Dale Campfire and Singalong. Then back to WL (I doubt we'll be able to stay for the movie), maybe watching EWP from the beach (9:35).


Departure Day - For now I am planning to stick around the WL. Resort Airline checkin before 1pm. DME departure around 3.


What does everyone think? I know that I would be happy in a lounge or rocking chair at the WL for 3 days. I know the kids won't get bored. I'm just concerned about a) one jam packed day in the MK being nothing but frustration and/or b)the kids not being satisfied with missing out on more of that park or other parks.:


Thanks for reading!

 

[pas130]

BlueFairy I think it's a good strategy, you can get FP for the meet & greet right? If it's crazy crowded, you'll have the next day to relax Worst case you buy a second day, right?? Sounds like a great trip to the lodge. We do a LOT of pool time in summer

 

[BlueFairy]

BlueFairy I think it's a good strategy, you can get FP for the meet & greet right? If it's crazy crowded, you'll have the next day to relax Worst case you buy a second day, right?? Sounds like a great trip to the lodge. We do a LOT of pool time in summer

Thanks. I will certainly try to get a FP for A&E. For now we are outside 60 days. Also, it sounds like during this intro period people are struggling. I'm hoping by the end of summer there will be a smoother system, or at least I will have an idea what to expect.

 

[pas130]

Thanks. I will certainly try to get a FP for A&E. For now we are outside 60 days. Also, it sounds like during this intro period people are struggling. I'm hoping by the end of summer there will be a smoother system, or at least I will have an idea what to expect.

We are in the same boat, we are end of August. But I opted to not get park hoppers so I am trying to plan what days to do what

 

[bluecastle]

The ceilings were slanted but not low so I do not think it would be a problem. We did not feel it was smaller...just different. Hope you have a great trip.

Thanks for your quick reply! I am leaning(slanting?) towards changing my request to 5th floor unless I hear any reasons that I should stick with 4th floor. Who knows where they will put us anyhow?!

 

[WDWKOOK]

My apologies for not multi-quoting. We're on vacation and heading out soon for some horseback riding...yahooee! I did manage to add everyone's dates to the Lodgers' Log in Post 2. Love everyone's posts! No parties while I'm gone...ok, just one party.

 

[MLinDisney]

I've been lurking and learning from this thread. I just booked a Mother/daughter trip!! December 6 to December 12!!! We are going to get in the Christmas Spirit at Wilderness Lodge. We booked six nights woods view! Just updated my ticker! Now to book MVMCP!! so excited!!

 

[zdad]

Day 1 with several pics is up. It's post #5 in the thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=51189159#post51189159

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

My apologies for not multi-quoting. We're on vacation and heading out soon for some horseback riding...yahooee! I did manage to add everyone's dates to the Lodgers' Log in Post 2. Love everyone's posts! No parties while I'm gone...ok, just one party.

Enjoy!!!!!

I've been lurking and learning from this thread. I just booked a Mother/daughter trip!! December 6 to December 12!!! We are going to get in the Christmas Spirit at Wilderness Lodge. We booked six nights woods view! Just updated my ticker! Now to book MVMCP!! so excited!!

What fun!!

 

[pas130]

My apologies for not multi-quoting. We're on vacation and heading out soon for some horseback riding...yahooee! I did manage to add everyone's dates to the Lodgers' Log in Post 2. Love everyone's posts! No parties while I'm gone...ok, just one party.

Enjoy!!

Day 1 with several pics is up. It's post #5 in the thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=51189159#post51189159

I've been lurking and learning from this thread. I just booked a Mother/daughter trip!! December 6 to December 12!!! We are going to get in the Christmas Spirit at Wilderness Lodge. We booked six nights woods view! Just updated my ticker! Now to book MVMCP!! so excited!!

Awesome!!

 

[natter]

In the transportation post (#13) it states that buses will stop at other resorts before going on to AK, HS, EP, and DTD. Is this during all seasons or just slower times. I ask because the post stated it was for September travel.

TIA