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

[WDWKOOK]

Announcing our first ever WL stay celebrating the end of the school year (YAY!) and pregnancy with our 3rd little one due in Nov! 2nd trimester...perfect time to do disney
6 night stay mid June. We got the ressie on the summer promo, and we were pretty tight with our dates. We have a courtyard view bunk bed room (as its the 7 yo's wish to have a bunk bed).
I'm not concerned with the view per se, but I really do want a balcony as thats the only time I have to sit and drink my coffee early but still be within safe earshot of the kids without waking them.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and booking WL! You're going to love it. Other than the ground floor rooms, all rooms have a balcony so you can sit back, relax and enjoy.

We've never had dinner at Artist Point and since we are staying at WL we are booked to eat there on our arrival evening. My question is I don't eat fish or anything too wild ... Will I enjoy this meal? From reading some reviews I know I will like the mushroom soup or artisan cheese for an appetizer and thinking of the Cornish hen or Pork Loin for an entree. Has anyone had either the Cornish hen or pork loin?
I guess I could ask on the dining board but I thought I would give the WL regulars opinions first : )

Here's the plan for day 1 .. Get settled in and take a swim and then dinner at Artist a Point followed by watching the electrical water pageant on the beach

Another NO vote for the Cornish Game Hen. It took a lot of effort to eat because it's so tiny and full of tiny bones. It was a lot of effort for not a lot of meat so I wouldn't order it again.

I'm on about page 80 of this thread.. We will be staying at WL in a courtyard bunk bed room July 21-27.. This is our first visit there, question do the CL rooms have bunk beds also?

Welcome to the thread and I'll add your dates. Have you emailed the IPO yet with your bunk request?

My family will be staying at WL for the first time this November. I have booked a CY view room and am wondering what would be the best way to request a room with a good view of the Electrical Water Pageant? Should I request a bear face room or just an inner courtyard?

TIA!

to the DIS and the WL/VWL thread!

I have a quick question. As part of our split stay, we're coming in from BWV into VWL. We're planning on having bell services move our luggage. After we check in, can we just go to bell services and pick up our bags, or do we have to wait for them to be delivered to our room?

They say it can take up to 3 hours for luggage to be transferred. Assuming it's at WL, just show your claim ticket to Bell Services and they will get your luggage and give it to you. You don't have to be in your room to receive your luggage outside of your room.

KOOK,

Ten bags???? TEN???? As in... ONE. ZERO????


Might as well add a couple more so u have one for each day, unless...

Well, you see, like George Costanza, there are the many moods of the KOOK Family which causes us to have around 10 bags each trip…for 3 people. Only 4 are suitcases, and the rest are those Vera Bradley bags for shoes and toiletries mostly. I even do a few loads of I hate a laundry basket full of dirty laundry on vacation. I tried to pack less at Christmas, but ended up with coats, a tree and decorations. Now you see why we always drive

These are the suitcases

So excited to be staying at WL in early December.

Our 180 for restaurant reservations is coming up soon. On our day of arrival we will be tired from going to the airport early and 3+hrs flight, but arriving mid afternoon (so no park). Just wondering about the best dining option for dinner close to/at WL with some excitement. Options are:

1/Take the boat to Fort Wilderness to eat at Trail's End
2/Eat at the resort at Whispering Canyon.
3/Something else?

The good news is that my children are easily impressed.
They like usual kiddie fare like macaroni and cheese, meat, potatoes, salmon...

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Welcome to the thread! I think it would be fun on your arrival day to do a little exploring and take the boat or walk over to WL and take the boat back and eat at Trail's End for an early dinner while it's still light out. Lots of tasty items on the buffet and you'll get to ride the boat and explore next door a bit. I would also try WCC and go over to CR, but TE would be more of an adventure and there's something on the buffet for everyone. HDDR is also great!

41 days to go! My Son and I changed resorts to the Wilderness Lodge, I'm so ready for a vacation! July 12-19th

Welcome to the thread! I'll log your dates in our Lodgers' Log. I don't think you'll regret changing. I hope you'll report back to us

ONLY 2 DAYS!!!

WHAT??!!! I made a mistake??!! Ya better believe the time will be changed on my itinerary! We can't have that, now can we? Glad you have an eagle eye

That completely made me laugh! I can't tell you how many pictures we have of that child perched in front of a TV at Disney. And the funny thing is...he's not big on TV at all. He would much rather be outside. Not sure what the draw is for him at the resorts ...

Only one more day!

Umm, since our threads are right next door to each other, can I also mention that I noticed that your first park day you only have two FP+s instead of three

It must be because Jesse doesn't watch much TV at home that he feels compelled to see what he's been missing. Or maybe he's just getting really good practice sitting for when he's a husband/dad?

Thank you! I love the villas, they're so quiet and the entire resort is peaceful. I was hoping the buses would only be shared with FW but that's ok. For a pre-park breakfast (8:15) what time would you suggest we get to a bus? I was thinking 7:30.

Is this at the MK? If so, I think that sounds perfect. For the other parks, I'd get to the bus stop NLT 7:15.

I'm torn between Thanksgiving week or the first/second week of December (don't want the Pop Warner week) to visit for 8d/7n.

ODD will be in K so I have no school concerns.

Sadly, not until 2016, but I need to "do something" for the trip.

Thoughts greatly welcomed.

Welcome and it's never too early to plan a WDW vacation. When our DD was in kindergarten, we took her out so we could go in early December. It was perfect - crowds were lower and everything was decorated. It will be less crowded and cheaper to go than during T'Giving Week.

I get there on Thursday morning. any word on the stream/waterfall?

The word on the street, ummm, from the TheLodgeLady, is that the stream may be dry all summer. She is going to give us an update on the status Sunday, but you would know before her. I'm really going to miss the water flowing, too.

 

[JerseyGuy24]

quick question..I am staying at WL for 5 days and on the last day I need a rental car from very early in the morning(around 7am). I heard(from someone not too reliable) that I am able to have a rental car sent over to the WL for me. If that's not true, what is my best/closest option for a rental car? I do not have a preference in rental companies.

Thanks!

 

[WDWKOOK]

quick question..I am staying at WL for 5 days and on the last day I need a rental car from very early in the morning(around 7am). I heard(from someone not too reliable) that I am able to have a rental car sent over to the WL for me. If that's not true, what is my best/closest option for a rental car? I do not have a preference in rental companies.

Thanks!

There is a AAA Car Care Center with a rental agency very close to WL. It is next to the Hess Station that is right across from the TTC parking area. HERE is more information:

Operating Hours:
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Monday - Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday

Contact
(407) 824-3470

Pick up and return your National or Alamo rental car at the AAA Car Care Center, located near Magic Kingdom park. Our convenient, complimentary shuttle makes it easy with door-to-door service from your Resort hotel to the AAA Car Care Center.

Walt Disney World Resort Guests should inquire at the Concierge or use any Walt Disney World Resort lobby phone to be connected to Alamo Rent-A-Car at the AAA Car Care Center.

 

[Figment Mom]

This may have been addressed somewhere (I've been reading this thread for days) but how did the bear face rooms get that name?

And is that a term you can use in a room request or is that just a DISboard thing? I'm guessing you'd have to request an inner courtyard view that opens to the lobby. Is that right?

Would any other requests on top of that reduce my likelihood of possibly being assigned a bear face room? (For example I'd also like 4th or 5th floor without a connecting door.)

 

[GrandCalifornian]

This may have been addressed somewhere (I've been reading this thread for days) but how did the bear face rooms get that name? And is that a term you can use in a room request or is that just a DISboard thing? I'm guessing you'd have to request an inner courtyard view that opens to the lobby. Is that right? Would any other requests on top of that reduce my likelihood of possibly being assigned a bear face room? (For example I'd also like 4th or 5th floor without a connecting door.)

Bear face comes from the way the windows in this part if the hotel look like a Bear's face when you view the resort from Bay Lake.

The official term for this location (and therefore best bet for requests) is inner courtyard, open to lobby as you had figured out.

In general adding requests decreases the likelihood that they will be met, but all of the bear face rooms are on floors 4 and 5 so that one will match well. I am not sure about the connecting request though. I usually limit it to three requests, I saw somewhere that's all they have room for.

 

[WDWKOOK]

This may have been addressed somewhere (I've been reading this thread for days) but how did the bear face rooms get that name?

 

[annaaidan99]

I guess my big issue with the stream is that there is zero information about it anywhere. I know maintenance has to happen sometime, and I'm going to do my best to not be disappointed. I'm going with my whole family who has never seen WL. I would have chosen different dates or maybe even hotels had I known about it, particularly since I doubt my parents will be back. In the long run will be fine.

 

[MomofDisneyLoversx3]

Kook: 10 bags seems reasonable. Of course I had 3 outfit changes at my aunt's wedding, so I may be biased. If you don't mind my asking, how long of a drive? I'm thinking of driving at the end of the month. It's about 16 hours.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Well, you see, like George Costanza, there are the many moods of the KOOK Family which causes us to have around 10 bags each trip…for 3 people. Only 4 are suitcases, and the rest are those Vera Bradley bags for shoes and toiletries mostly. I even do a few loads of I hate a laundry basket full of dirty laundry on vacation. I tried to pack less at Christmas, but ended up with coats, a tree and decorations. Now you see why we always drive

These are the suitcases

Love the red Mickey suitcases!! Definately NEED those!

 

[mslhb]

I guess my big issue with the stream is that there is zero information about it anywhere. I know maintenance has to happen sometime, and I'm going to do my best to not be disappointed. I'm going with my whole family who has never seen WL. I would have chosen different dates or maybe even hotels had I known about it, particularly since I doubt my parents will be back. In the long run will be fine.

Here now and it honestly looks worse then I expected. Definitely not affecting our trip but last visit we had a perfect courtyard view overlooking the stream/waterfall. I loved listening to the sound of the water while sitting on the balcony. Definitely missing it this trip. Overall the lodge is as wonderful as ever though. And our amazing luck with Disney transportation to and from continues!

 

[mcconnellfam96]

Here now and it honestly looks worse then I expected. Definitely not affecting our trip but last visit we had a perfect courtyard view overlooking the stream/waterfall. I loved listening to the sound of the water while sitting on the balcony. Definitely missing it this trip. Overall the lodge is as wonderful as ever though. And our amazing luck with Disney transportation to and from continues!

Is there any idea of how long the stream/waterfall are going to be out of commission?

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Well, you see, like George Costanza, there are the many moods of the KOOK Family which causes us to have around 10 bags each trip…for 3 people. Only 4 are suitcases, and the rest are those Vera Bradley bags for shoes and toiletries mostly. I even do a few loads of I hate a laundry basket full of dirty laundry on vacation. I tried to pack less at Christmas, but ended up with coats, a tree and decorations. Now you see why we always drive

These are the suitcases

I love it!! I used to feel weird about bringing lots of suitcases when we visit but I'm over it now.

Even on two night trips, we bring a suitcase, hanging bag, cosmetic bag, make up bag, and our vacation bin.

You have to see us on longer trips!, lol You would be proud.

 

[annaaidan99]

Here now and it honestly looks worse then I expected. Definitely not affecting our trip but last visit we had a perfect courtyard view overlooking the stream/waterfall. I loved listening to the sound of the water while sitting on the balcony. Definitely missing it this trip. Overall the lodge is as wonderful as ever though. And our amazing luck with Disney transportation to and from continues!

That's what I'm afraid of. I sold the group on WL when Poly looked like a mess. I knew we likely wouldn't be going as a group again and I knew the stream in the lobby with the waterfall would be a winner. Now we are leaving in a couple days and I just feel defeated. I did my homework on this trip and I wasn't expecting this. I'm trying to find a bright side of it, I promise.

 

[mslhb]

That's what I'm afraid of. I sold the group on WL when Poly looked like a mess. I knew we likely wouldn't be going as a group again and I knew the stream in the lobby with the waterfall would be a winner. Now we are leaving in a couple days and I just feel defeated. I did my homework on this trip and I wasn't expecting this. I'm trying to find a bright side of it, I promise.

I didn't want to alarm anyone. From the inside it isn't that bad. Just odd looking fake plants around the bridge. Even outside doesn't look horrible horrible. It is really from my balcony that I can see more ugliness then I expected and was disappointed. Probably would bother me less if I didn't know what it is supposed to look like.

 

[mcconnellfam96]

I love it!! I used to feel weird about bringing lots of suitcases when we visit but I'm over it now. Even on two night trips, we bring a suitcase, hanging bag, cosmetic bag, make up bag, and our vacation bin. You have to see us on longer trips!, lol You would be proud.

What exactly is your vacation bin??

 

[WishnDisney]

My TA put in a room request for an upper north wing floor. We are booked woods view bunk beds.

I haven't done online check in before. I would like to do it but am afraid that it will wipe out my TA request.

Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[livinlife25]

This is kind of random, but for those who use your car while at WDW, does the Richard Petty driving experience noise ever bother you? We were a bit surprised at how loud it was from the parking lot when we went to a breakfast reservation at Whispering Canyon. Kind of ruined the atmosphere a bit.

 

[Wood Nymph]

My TA put in a room request for an upper north wing floor. We are booked woods view bunk beds.

I haven't done online check in before. I would like to do it but am afraid that it will wipe out my TA request.

Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks!

I was worried that online registration would wipe out the requests that the CM added, so I was careful not to make any requests when I did online check in.

 

[pas130]

Miss Kook I need that pencil. We are switching to OKW. It's all good, I'll miss wl but giving up location I'm getting space for the Pas-lettes which is invaluable

 

[TheLodgeLady]

What exactly is your vacation bin??

It's a Clear Plastic Storage Bin, we use the Sterilite kind. I think it is about 2-1/2' x 1-1/2'. We like the kind that have the snaps or latches to close them securely.

We store extras in it like my make up mirror, blow dryer, extension cords, batteries, etc. The sides are sturdy. I also have one that I put my snacks, extra cups, plates, napkins, etc. They work really well, as once at the WL we had one of the bell service guys drop it off of the cart. He was trying to balance it on the top of the suitcases, why, I don't know. But nothing broke. We keep it packed and just throw it in the truck when traveling.

We went to a craft store and got all sorts of Disney, Epcot (countries) and Food & Wine type stickers and decorated them!! So much fun.

We've been asked several times if we are a professional packing company or if we had this done professionally.

I will try and get a photo posted.