(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS Information Thread ~2012~

[Grumpy Grandma]

It's official now...


You know that I'm hoping for the perpetual extension, too so I hope it happens and you can get your 12/13 discount.

I called the WDTC yesterday and both spring break and Christmas priced out at rack rate. I also tried to change to a Deluxe room, but still no military or AP discount - thought I'd give it one last try.




There, it's settled, The Linda-Linda-Bunk Queen Great 2012 WL Cupcake Meet 'n Greet is on!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I know that our very own (not so) Grumpy Grandma (the 'other' Linda) already knows this, but... I want to share my successful resort changing intervention with all of you:

pas130 (Jeanette, the perpetual resort changer) finally checked in this morning at 0230! They love their Honeymoon Suite, but she didn't tell DH that she had changed their last night to GF RPC. Over breakfast, DH found out and was not happy with the RPC surprise. They went over to the GF and tried to cancel the one night 'surprise' reservation. GF told them they couldn't keep their WL room - sold out. I suggested she go right over to WL and ask the concierge to keep them in their suite or even a standard CL room and cancel RPC. (I did this last year, but with the Poly and Mike had everything straightened out in 5 minutes)

Happy ending: They were able to keep them in the suite the extra night that she had originally booked and changed to RPC. All is well, and they are very happy at WL. Another satisfied WL customer

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I know that our very own (not so) Grumpy Grandma (the 'other' Linda) already knows this, but... I want to share my successful resort changing intervention with all of you:

pas130 (Jeanette, the perpetual resort changer) finally checked in this morning at 0230! They love their Honeymoon Suite, but she didn't tell DH that she had changed their last night to GF RPC. Over breakfast, DH found out and was not happy with the RPC surprise. They went over to the GF and tried to cancel the one night 'surprise' reservation. GF told them they couldn't keep their WL room - sold out. I suggested she go right over to WL and ask the concierge to keep them in their suite or even a standard CL room and cancel RPC. (I did this last year, but with the Poly and Mike had everything straightened out in 5 minutes)

Happy ending: They were able to keep them in the suite the extra night that she had originally booked and changed to RPC. All is well, and they are very happy at WL. Another satisfied WL customer

kook to the rescue!!!

 

[Viking_53]

Hey Kook,

Add us in - we'll be there from late afternoon 9/4 - 9/8, when we leave for our cruise on the Disney Fantasy.

Haven't seen too much of an update lately on the refurb status. It looks like it should be nearly complete by our arrival date. We are staying in a standard room (unless, of course, pixie dust comes our way!)

 

[jennylyn_b]

Wow this thread is wonderful! Thanks for all the great info! We are considering a long stay next fall in a studio 10/29-11/13. Just wondering if any Christmas will be up before we leave and if you all think we will have getting a studio during this time at the 7 month mark (our home is SSR ). We have always wanted to stay at VWL so I know its a ways away but I'm excited already!


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[flagrandma]

I just did the online check in for our trip Aug. 19th ~ Aug. 21st at WL. Our first time at WL. Myself, dh, dd and 10 yr old dgd. So excited.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Some cell phone photos taken by pas130 of the Honeymoon Suite. She'll send me more from her camera when she gets home next week. Isn't the new décor beautiful?!

 

[goofynut41]

I love the pics from the Honeymoon Suite!!!!!
Wish apon a star and maybe it will come true!!!!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Some cell phone photos taken by pas130 of the Honeymoon Suite. She'll send me more from her camera when she gets home next week. Isn't the new décor beautiful?!

I want to stay there! Honeymoon suite for the Grannie trip!?!?

 

[tarak]

I'm sorry that you might have to postpone your trip. I'm very pragmatic so you might not like my answer (and neither will Disney), but I think it would be more enjoyable and relaxing if you "re-planned" your trip for a time when you wouldn't be as concerned about funding it. I know that WDW is such a happy place and really can take our minds off reality for a while, but reality will still be there when you get home as well as those bills.

If you can book with a great discount or buy points and pay cash for your trip, I think you'd feel much better and you'd also enjoy the trip more. The cruises generally cost more per day than a trip to WDW, so I think that booking a stay at WL makes more sense.

Keep us posted

You are absolutely right. I cancelled the cruise and immediately felt better. It makes a lot more sense to go when everyone can enjoy it. For the youngest, that will be a few years out. And as much as I think we'd love it, the cost is just too much at this point. It might always be too much, when I consider the per night price. We looked into renting DVC points and I have enough to pay outright for a 1 BR villa at Kidani. It feels weird to be staying that way, although it probably shouldn't.

I guess that makes me a resort changer, doesn't it? Next up will be a stay CL at the WL. I just have to figure out when and whether I can get away with a split stay. My husband will think I'm mad for considering it.

 

[guarn3md]

Lost you all for a few weeks, but I'm all caught up and subscribed to the new thread! Add us to the Lodger's Log (?), please.... not sure if that's what it was called...
My DH, DS (11) and I will be there November 2-7, staying CL for our third time! Yay!! This will be our 13th trip to WDW...just realized what an unlucky number that is, must book another trip quick!! Love that we are finally going at a time that should be a lighter crowd than what we have been used to lately - Spring Break w/Easter 2011 & 2012, Thanksgiving 2011, 4th of July week 2010, you get the picture!
Can't wait to stay at WL again, it's our favorite resort.
Debbie

 

[family3indisney]

Just returned from a stay at the VWL. This was our first stay here and we LOVED it! The parks were crowded and hot, so we spent many afternoons just hanging out at the resort. My son would have been happy if we never left and he could just hang out at the pool the whole trip. I had the best omlet ever at Whispering Canyon. The staff was so helpful. Wonderful experience cant wait to return!!

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Hello All!

Were here! Got a great room and are very happy. The Lodge is beautiful and is very empty. We were talking to a manager last night and it seems as they had to take several floor out of inventory as the construction was making more noise than they thought and bothering some guests. It looks as though much of the Southwing is being worked on. Maybe they will finish ahead of time!
Oh, and I finally finished packing at 1130pm Thursday night, lol. It took me almost 3 hours to unpack . But then were here 9 nights.

J - I just wanted to say THANK YOU !! What a nice surprise.

Off to Sturdy Branches to work off dinner from last night. We went to Artist Point and it was wonderful! Lots of new things on the menu and it seems as they are changing some things come Monday. They are adding venison carpaccio to replace the buffalo carpaccio. We had the buffalo carpaccio last night and it was great! I also had the salmon and hubby had the slow roasted buffalo strip steak.

New dessert on the menu will be a white and dark chocolate mousse which they have been testing. We tried it last night, yummy!!

 

[pld5]

I'm not sure if you are adding stays in 2013 to your 2012 WL Thread, but if so, can you add me and my dates?

We're staying 2/24/13 to 3/2/13 Club Level for the first time. 2nd time at WL and it already feels like our home.

I love this thread. So much information.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I want to stay there! Honeymoon suite for the Grannie trip!?!?

Who gets the spa tub?

Hey, can I add that room just for myself?

You are absolutely right. I cancelled the cruise and immediately felt better. It makes a lot more sense to go when everyone can enjoy it. For the youngest, that will be a few years out. And as much as I think we'd love it, the cost is just too much at this point. It might always be too much, when I consider the per night price. We looked into renting DVC points and I have enough to pay outright for a 1 BR villa at Kidani. It feels weird to be staying that way, although it probably shouldn't.

I guess that makes me a resort changer, doesn't it? Next up will be a stay CL at the WL. I just have to figure out when and whether I can get away with a split stay. My husband will think I'm mad for considering it.

This all sounds better and now you can officially start your "re-planning". And, Kidani and BLT are the only one bedrooms with two bathrooms. Have fun planning.

Lost you all for a few weeks, but I'm all caught up and subscribed to the new thread! Add us to the Lodger's Log (?), please.... not sure if that's what it was called...
My DH, DS (11) and I will be there November 2-7, staying CL for our third time! Yay!! This will be our 13th trip to WDW...just realized what an unlucky number that is, must book another trip quick!! Love that we are finally going at a time that should be a lighter crowd than what we have been used to lately - Spring Break w/Easter 2011 & 2012, Thanksgiving 2011, 4th of July week 2010, you get the picture!
Can't wait to stay at WL again, it's our favorite resort.
Debbie

Glad you found us, Debbie. There should definitely be lower crowds. Is DS out longer in MD? In NoVA, we have just 11/5-6 off that week for "teacher work days" at the end of each quarter. DD13 is starting high school so I've heard that once they're in high school it's difficult to pull them out at all. Let us know how the crowds are when you're there.

Don't forget to book that 14th trip soon

Just returned from a stay at the VWL. This was our first stay here and we LOVED it! The parks were crowded and hot, so we spent many afternoons just hanging out at the resort. My son would have been happy if we never left and he could just hang out at the pool the whole trip. I had the best omlet ever at Whispering Canyon. The staff was so helpful. Wonderful experience cant wait to return!!

Thank you for letting us know how your trip went. I've been hearing that the parks have been very crowded lately which has me worried. We usually find August to have lower crowds since the schools in the south are back in session. Was everything crowded, even transportation and dining?

The big question is: When are you going back?!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hello All!

Were here! Got a great room and are very happy. The Lodge is beautiful and is very empty. We were talking to a manager last night and it seems as they had to take several floor out of inventory as the construction was making more noise than they thought and bothering some guests. It looks as though much of the Southwing is being worked on. Maybe they will finish ahead of time!
Oh, and I finally finished packing at 1130pm Thursday night, lol. It took me almost 3 hours to unpack . But then were here 9 nights.

J - I just wanted to say THANK YOU !! What a nice surprise.

Off to Sturdy Branches to work off dinner from last night. We went to Artist Point and it was wonderful! Lots of new things on the menu and it seems as they are changing some things come Monday. They are adding venison carpaccio to replace the buffalo carpaccio. We had the buffalo carpaccio last night and it was great! I also had the salmon and hubby had the slow roasted buffalo strip steak.

New dessert on the menu will be a white and dark chocolate mousse which they have been testing. We tried it last night, yummy!!

Thank you so much for checking in with us - I was getting worried about you!

We have Artist Point booked our first night, too. I love venison, so I wonder if it will be on the menu by the 21st?

With so much of the South Wing closed, it must seem rather empty. Are you hearing much noise while in the lounge?

You've gotten me even more excited about our upcoming stay! Hope to see you a week from today (and, you're welcome)

I'm not sure if you are adding stays in 2013 to your 2012 WL Thread, but if so, can you add me and my dates?

We're staying 2/24/13 to 3/2/13 Club Level for the first time. 2nd time at WL and it already feels like our home.

I love this thread. So much information.

I'd be happy to add your dates. You're going to love WL even more - CL is fantastic! I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[cwt580]

May 4-11th... full pkg w. dxddp..(hoping for our request of "bearface room"...per Disney "inner courtyard off lobby" as CM said to me)




Anything that normally happens around first full week of May??? crowd levels?

Whats the normal temps around that time?

always hear about summer,fd, and xmas stays. never hear alot of late springtime stays .

 

[hbr03]

56 days!!! Whew! Silly 'ol job.... finally caught up on the new thread. So excited I'm waking in the middle of the night thinking of more to research! We surprised our DDs the first time we went and this time around is so much more fun planning and dreaming together. DD12 is a huge planner like me and DD8 has been watching all our Disney movies again. Another huge THANKS to Kook and everyone who make this the best thread!

Quick question... DH will have just returned from a fly fishing trip to Yellowstone when we leave for WL. I've seen the fishing excursions, but does anyone know if it's allowed to fish on your own? TIA! Heather

 

[family3indisney]

Thank you for letting us know how your trip went. I've been hearing that the parks have been very crowded lately which has me worried. We usually find August to have lower crowds since the schools in the south are back in session. Was everything crowded, even transportation and dining?

The big question is: When are you going back?!

Transportation to WL was never crowded, we often were the only ones at the bus stop, felt bad for folks staying at the Saratoga Springs, Art of Animation and all the value resorts, those bus stops were always packed with people. We had many reservations and found that stopping for meals was a good way to escape crowds and the heat we never felt like the sit down meals were ever crowded, however the quick service meal sites were insane. I heard many people mention that school starts this week for schools in the south so maybe the crowds will improve. We hope to go back in June of next year with in laws. So the new count down begins!

 

[marymac123]

Which would you guys do...Trails End dinner or Whispering Canyon dinner? We have never been to TE or even over to FW unless it was to dropoff/pickup w/bus or boat. DH & I have done WCseveral times but DD fell asleep at a late adr on an arrival day-they put about 4 chairs together to make her a bed-so she never got to try. DD wants to try it but I thought TE would be good. Any one else? thanks!