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

[Wood Nymph]

So if I understand this correctly, I can use my older mug just for ice & water? Does that apply for coffee too because I don't drink soda? DH, DS 14 & DS 12 will purchase a mug!

Yes, you can use an old mug for ice and water. The coffee maker will dispense coffee into a non-RFID cup, but I think you are supposed to pay for it.

 

[WDWKOOK]

My trips are always so crazy that doing a ticker is ugh! Here goes:

Aug 16-22 CSR
Aug 22-25 YC
Aug 25-29 POR
Aug 29-31 CSR

Dec 3-7 Homeless (hope to talk some RC ladies into WL)
Dec 7-14 Sheraton Vistana Resort
Dec 14 Homeless again!

April/May 2015 I'll be there just don't know where or when!

Last week we spent 4 nights at Universal then over to Ormond Beach for a week. We fly home tomorrow.

So, we are starting and ending our stay at CSR??? I'm concerned about one of the resort acronyms not ending in an "R" in August. You might need to replace YC with CBR…on second thought, that is the one resort I wouldn't add…even if homeless, (spent a week there one night).

Hope you have an easy flight home today and hopefully, all your friends and family back home will remember you when you finally return - again

Dearest Kook,

We've gone in mid June, late July and early August. I really don't think there is much difference in crowds during that time frame. Crowded, yes. Manageable, absolutely (especially with OFC). The beach... I have never seen more than a couple of folks at the WL beach so hope you get lucky there.

You've made me feel less worried and though I probably won't do another TR, I will report back on how June compared with July/August. There might even be a new photo of an adult beverage.

This is our first stay at WL, in September this year. What kinds of breakfast do the restaurants offer at WL. We like to have a big breakfast and snack throughout the day and enjoy a nice sit down supper. Also, is there any breakfast buffets offered in any of the restaurants? Does this count as a table service? Even if it does, I'm thinking it would be cheaper to purchase breakfast out of pocket and use our dining plan in the evenings. Thanks for the feedback!

Just adding to Sue's post that we also love Trail's End for breakfast and we also love The Wave's breakfast buffet at CR. But at least half of the time we eat the CL breakfast.

In case you missed it, all the WL menus are hyperlinked in the DINING section of the thread. In POST 1, there's also a link to my April 2012 TR which includes photos of the TE breakfast buffet and in the CR thread, which is hyperlinked in my signature, I have photos and menus of The Wave's breakfast buffet.

So if I understand this correctly, I can use my older mug just for ice & water? Does that apply for coffee too because I don't drink soda? DH, DS 14 & DS 12 will purchase a mug!

Coffee isn't free at the resorts, except in the CL lounge when staying Club Level. There are coffeemakers though in each room.

 

[Koh1977]

Thinking maybe a trip to FW for lunch at TE is a good idea for our transfer day (from CSR to WL). Planning on resort time before heading to HS for EMH that night...

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[pas130]

So, we are starting and ending our stay at CSR??? I'm concerned about one of the resort acronyms not ending in an "R" in August. You might need to replace YC with CBR…on second thought, that is the one resort I wouldn't add…even if homeless, (spent a week there one night).

Hope you have an easy flight home today and hopefully, all your friends and family back home will remember you when you finally return - again

This made me How about CR for Mama Linda??? Then I can take a boat to go see her Then all the planets are aligned with resorts ending in R

Safe flight home Mama Linda

 

[pas130]

What kind of breakfast options are offered at WL? We like to have a big breakfast, snack throughout the day and enjoy a nice sit down supper. Also, do any of the restaurants offer breakfast buffet? Would this count as a sit down meal? Even so, I think it would be better to pay out of pocket for breakfast and use our DP for suppers. Thoughts?

The price at Trail's End is WAY reasonable if you're paying OOP!

 

[mcconnellfam96]

After a stressful week of planning, scheduling, rescheduling and shuffling (due to work commitments).....we have had to change our vacation dates! UGH what a week!

I have spent more time on the Disney website and on the phone with Disney reservations than I have spent actually working! LOL!

WDWKOOK ~ Would you mind changing our trip in the travel log? We were originally booked for August 9-16. Our new travel dates are July 18-28. (Good news - we are suddenly three weeks closer to our departure day and we decided to turn our 9 day/8 night trip in to an 11 day/10 night trip!)

We are NOT changing again, NO MATTER WHAT. Definitely not, I booked our airfare last night!

 

[Caseystigger]

Roaring Forks has a typical counter service breakfast. Whispering Canyon Cafe has a nice table service breakfast. Our favorite breakfast buffet is at Trail's End at Fort Wilderness. It is fairly low-priced, too, considering all the food you get. We like to walk over there, a nice 20 minute or so walk. But you can take a boat, too. The Contemporary has a nice breakfast buffet at the Wave Restaurant, although we haven't tried it yet.

We love the Wave! If you have a disney visa you can get 10% off. The price is already nice and low for a buffet so we saved a table credit and paid oop.

 

[diskids2]

Hi Everyone!

So EXCITED.....just booked WL for our Christmas stay...Dec. 23-Jan 1. This will be our second stay at the WL, our ( I can't count anymore) trip to WDW, and our FIRST trip for Christmas.

We just couldn't bring ourselves to stay at the CBR where we were first booked. We like that resort, but for Christmas, it had to be WL!

It's been a year since I've been so I am off to reading the new thread!


BTW, here's my expectation of Christmas week. Ride 3 FP+ rides per day. Enjoy Christmas events/decorations. Sing a mantra that I love crowds every day until Dec. 23 and then twice a day that week. Plan all the ADR's at the 180 day mark. Hit the park at RD every other day. Have a TS lunch and dinner ( I have deluxe dining and I don't care if it is cost effective or care what the family actually eats) to relax. Spend NYE at DHS and then DTD. Be Happy I'm at WDW!

 

[BlueFairy]

Hi Everyone!

So EXCITED.....just booked WL for our Christmas stay...Dec. 23-Jan 1. This will be our second stay at the WL, our ( I can't count anymore) trip to WDW, and our FIRST trip for Christmas.

We just couldn't bring ourselves to stay at the CBR where we were first booked. We like that resort, but for Christmas, it had to be WL!

It's been a year since I've been so I am off to reading the new thread!


BTW, here's my expectation of Christmas week. Ride 3 FP+ rides per day. Enjoy Christmas events/decorations. Sing a mantra that I love crowds every day until Dec. 23 and then twice a day that week. Plan all the ADR's at the 180 day mark. Hit the park at RD every other day. Have a TS lunch and dinner ( I have deluxe dining and I don't care if it is cost effective or care what the family actually eats) to relax. Spend NYE at DHS and then DTD. Be Happy I'm at WDW!

Sounds like a GREAT plan! I am going to repeat that mantra during our August trip, adding - "I love the heat!"

 

[jemlover]

I am so excited! We started out with a reservation at POFQ in November. Then when free dining opened I spent two very long phone calls switching to AKL with a standard view. I have been checking periodically online to see if Wilderness Lodge would open up and today I found availability. I called immediately and switched to Wilderness Lodge with a Courtyard view. We have been waiting so long to be able to stay there again.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

I am so excited! We started out with a reservation at POFQ in November. Then when free dining opened I spent two very long phone calls switching to AKL with a standard view. I have been checking periodically online to see if Wilderness Lodge would open up and today I found availability. I called immediately and switched to Wilderness Lodge with a Courtyard view. We have been waiting so long to be able to stay there again.

Congratulations and welcome home!

 

[disney meema]

Hi Everyone! So EXCITED.....just booked WL for our Christmas stay...Dec. 23-Jan 1. This will be our second stay at the WL, our ( I can't count anymore) trip to WDW, and our FIRST trip for Christmas. We just couldn't bring ourselves to stay at the CBR where we were first booked. We like that resort, but for Christmas, it had to be WL! It's been a year since I've been so I am off to reading the new thread! BTW, here's my expectation of Christmas week. Ride 3 FP+ rides per day. Enjoy Christmas events/decorations. Sing a mantra that I love crowds every day until Dec. 23 and then twice a day that week. Plan all the ADR's at the 180 day mark. Hit the park at RD every other day. Have a TS lunch and dinner ( I have deluxe dining and I don't care if it is cost effective or care what the family actually eats) to relax. Spend NYE at DHS and then DTD. Be Happy I'm at WDW!

Make sure to go to fort wilderness campgrounds and see the campers and their camp site decorated for Christmas : ) I think we're just gonna miss it sadly since we're at WL nov 9-19, but googled fort wilderness at Christmas and saw amazing videos ... Looks so fun!

 

[diskids2]

Make sure to go to fort wilderness campgrounds and see the campers and their camp site decorated for Christmas : ) I think we're just gonna miss it sadly since we're at WL nov 9-19, but googled fort wilderness at Christmas and saw amazing videos ... Looks so fun!

Thank you for the tip!!! We have the sleigh ride on our list and plan on spending time at Fort Wilderness.

 

[bookgirl]

So if I understand this correctly, I can use my older mug just for ice & water? Does that apply for coffee too because I don't drink soda? DH, DS 14 & DS 12 will purchase a mug!

I don't drink hot coffee but I know that you can get hot water for free (and you can get cups of hot water in the parks as well). Since coffee has a charge then it is not a free item with an older mug.

 

[ToyStory3]

Hi Kook. A FD room opened up at the BCR and that was our original pick so we are moving back over. Please take us off the schedule for 9/20-9/27. I did fall in love with the WL just in my short time on the this thread so we will definitely be going over in September to check out the resort! This is our home next time! Thanks

 

[Kimberann13]

just upgraded to club level to surprise my hubby for our anniversary!!!

 

[pennyplanner]

Has anybody ever requested a Bay Lake View at WL?

Would that be more likely a Woods View or Courtyard view? Sounds like a contradiction in terms, doesn't it?

I've looked at the room chart, but I'm still not sure.

Just love looking out to the water!

Thanks,

Pennyplanner

 

[Wood Nymph]

Has anybody ever requested a Bay Lake View at WL?

Would that be more likely a Woods View or Courtyard view? Sounds like a contradiction in terms, doesn't it?

I've looked at the room chart, but I'm still not sure.

Just love looking out to the water!

Thanks,

Pennyplanner

A Bay Lake view would most likely be a courtyard view.

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[CuteAsMinnie]

just upgraded to club level to surprise my hubby for our anniversary!!!

Doesn't get much better than that!!! Happy Anniversary!

Has anybody ever requested a Bay Lake View at WL?

Would that be more likely a Woods View or Courtyard view? Sounds like a contradiction in terms, doesn't it?

I've looked at the room chart, but I'm still not sure.

Just love looking out to the water!

Thanks,

Pennyplanner

A Bay Lake view would most likely be a courtyard view.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I will add 'Inner Courtyard with view of Bay Lake please."

A simple 'courtyard view' can also put you looking at the quiet pool facing the villas w/ no chance of seeing Bay Lake.

Enjoy!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I just realized that the 20th anniversary opening of our beloved Wilderness Lodge on May 28th is the exact same day as the grand opening of Seven Dwarf's Mine Train 20 years later

This made me How about CR for Mama Linda??? Then I can take a boat to go see her Then all the planets are aligned with resorts ending in R

CR would be perfect, but I noticed a slight Moderate trend. Are you still at WL-CL your entire trip?

After a stressful week of planning, scheduling, rescheduling and shuffling (due to work commitments).....we have had to change our vacation dates! UGH what a week!

I have spent more time on the Disney website and on the phone with Disney reservations than I have spent actually working! LOL!

WDWKOOK ~ Would you mind changing our trip in the travel log? We were originally booked for August 9-16. Our new travel dates are July 18-28. (Good news - we are suddenly three weeks closer to our departure day and we decided to turn our 9 day/8 night trip in to an 11 day/10 night trip!)

We are NOT changing again, NO MATTER WHAT. Definitely not, I booked our airfare last night!

I'lll change your dates. I hope you have great weather

We love the Wave! If you have a disney visa you can get 10% off. The price is already nice and low for a buffet so we saved a table credit and paid oop.

And, I'll just add that you can get 10% off at The Wave with an AP and 20% off with TiW.

Hi Everyone!

So EXCITED.....just booked WL for our Christmas stay...Dec. 23-Jan 1. This will be our second stay at the WL, our ( I can't count anymore) trip to WDW, and our FIRST trip for Christmas.

We just couldn't bring ourselves to stay at the CBR where we were first booked. We like that resort, but for Christmas, it had to be WL!

It's been a year since I've been so I am off to reading the new thread!


BTW, here's my expectation of Christmas week. Ride 3 FP+ rides per day. Enjoy Christmas events/decorations. Sing a mantra that I love crowds every day until Dec. 23 and then twice a day that week. Plan all the ADR's at the 180 day mark. Hit the park at RD every other day. Have a TS lunch and dinner ( I have deluxe dining and I don't care if it is cost effective or care what the family actually eats) to relax. Spend NYE at DHS and then DTD. Be Happy I'm at WDW!

You are going to love being there at Christmas - it's so magical. Those were pretty much our dates last year and we had a wonderful time. (I hope we'll be able to book those same dates this year) With FP+, there really isn't any reason to do RD at all, unless you enjoy it. While I would avoid the parks on Christmas Day and personally, NYE, unless you're there at RD, it's really not that bad since you'll have FPs that guarantee you entry whenever you'd like pretty much. We had FPs last Christmas and some ADRs and by afternoon, we would head back to WL. Sometimes, DD and I would return at night to Epcot or MK for a few rides. We also enjoyed some resort days, such as Christmas Day when we went horseback riding and then ate at TE and CA Grill for dinner. Christmas is very doable, but don't forget about those black-outs for discounts such as AP and TiW and meal price increases

I am so excited! We started out with a reservation at POFQ in November. Then when free dining opened I spent two very long phone calls switching to AKL with a standard view. I have been checking periodically online to see if Wilderness Lodge would open up and today I found availability. I called immediately and switched to Wilderness Lodge with a Courtyard view. We have been waiting so long to be able to stay there again.

Your persistence paid off and congratulations!!

Make sure to go to fort wilderness campgrounds and see the campers and their camp site decorated for Christmas : ) I think we're just gonna miss it sadly since we're at WL nov 9-19, but googled fort wilderness at Christmas and saw amazing videos ... Looks so fun!

You're right about the decorations, they go all out at FW. It's so much fun to rent bikes and bike all around taking it all in. It's a must-do!

Hi Kook. A FD room opened up at the BCR and that was our original pick so we are moving back over. Please take us off the schedule for 9/20-9/27. I did fall in love with the WL just in my short time on the this thread so we will definitely be going over in September to check out the resort! This is our home next time! Thanks

I understand and WL will be there for your next trip. Have fun at SAB!

just upgraded to club level to surprise my hubby for our anniversary!!!

What a great surprise. Is this your first stay at the OFC? You are going to love it up there! The CMs are so friendly and nice and the lounge seating area has amazing views of the lobby and Bay Lake/WL Courtyard. Make sure you take DH promptly at 5:00 for some tasty beverages and appetizers and then again at 8:00 for the best cobbler