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

[Lolsmum]

I love this thread!

We'll be there in 12 days for our first trip to WDW. I'm so excited!

 

[tallen429]

Crazy weekend of errands and yesterday was spent packing. You all know how it is right before a long trip




Looks like you're checking out the day we check-in. We know you're going to fall in love with WL. Have a wonderful vacation!





Here's a link to a great site that can answer your questions about crowds, weather, etc...

http://**************.net

The left hand side of the page should have what you're looking for. Your vacation sounds great!



Thank you, hbr03!

I've never seen anyone just fishing on their own at WL, but feel like I have at FW. I know it's all catch and release and you can rent all the equipment. Hopefully someone will chime in who's done it at FW


Love them both. TE is a buffet with lots of country goodies and the service was excellent. WCC puts on a bit of a show and is much more 'high energy' than TW and costs a bit more, I believe.

If you've never even been to FW, then I'd suggest TE so you get a glimpse of wonderful FW. Could you squeeze in a breakfast at either place? Maybe you could do one dinner and one breakfast?


YIPPEE! We arrive Saturday


Just one more sleep, but you probably wont sleep tonight


If you need to read a TR now, I have a hyperlink to my TR in my signature from our last WL/CL trip in April.


...But, you'll probably never want to stay elsewhere!


to the DIS and the WL/VWL thread! We're honored to have your first post here! Thank you for your kind comments. Safe travels and I hope you have a wonderful vacation - don't be a stranger!


Shall I put this in the Lodgers' Log? I think you're excited!!!


Looks like you might have to bring more than one outfit


I'll be glad to add you. Don't forget to note all those milestones in your reservation!


Your DH sounds like mine - he just LOVES WL, too. Have a great trip, neighbor!


That was so sweet!! I'll start updating on Saturday. Unless you want an update when I pass quickly by South of the Border

Sure! You can add us!

 

[PamelaKay]

Trip was paid off this morning!!!! Only 47 more days and we'll be at WL!!!!!

If you transpose your number of days to 74 that is how many more I have to wait....

 

[pas130]

A quick good morning....I am back!!!

I was very fortunate to meet The Lodge Lady and her DH on Saturday morning Very lovely couple!!!

Thank you to Kook for a nice welcome gift...

We cancelled our GF evening to stay at Wl one more night

I have so much awesomeness to report, but I have NEVER met a nicer crew of CMs....they took wonderful care of us...AND my DH has agreed to return to WDW....if we stay at WL.....so I have ch-ch-changed my April trip already!!!!!

Here's a pic from the boat going to MK...

 

[marymac123]

Thanks for the replies on TE or WC. I think we will stick with TE seeing that we have never been over to FW at all. I might try to get us into WC once there but, with being CL & on the dining plan...I think it is just too much food. I think DD will not mind once she gets a look at the make your own sundae station anyway.

 

[scanne]

We are back from 6 nights at WL OFC and we just loved it!!!!

We were in room 7052 with a view of Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain and the CR. Watched fireworks from our balcony!

The atmosphere on the 7th floor is so relaxed and calm. The CM's (especially Kristin and Bonnie) were so kind and helpful!!!! My parents - who are not into luxury at all - absolutely LOVED club level and will not stay any other way in Disney again. I agree!

We saved a lot of $$ on things like milk (each small Mickey milk is $1.29 and my kids must have had 4 each day if not more!), the breakfast, snacks (DH loved the magic cookie bars), beverages (soda, lemonade, iced tea and the nescafe coffee machine) saved us as well. My parents were able to make light meals out of the evening offerings several nights and they both liked the wine and beer selections.

We will definitely stay club level again. I am DEFINITELY booking it for Christmas 2013 before our Disney Dream cruise on 12/29/13. THAT will be an amazing vacation!

Any questions, please ask. I will be uploading pictures soon!

Thanks to Kook and everyone on this thread for your great info!

 

[eacosper]

That was so sweet!! I'll start updating on Saturday. Unless you want an update when I pass quickly by South of the Border

Honk your horn and wave to me! I don't live too far from there!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....
I knew you'd come through for our PamelaKay - thank you!

I hope you didn't have any trouble finding the place. We've got the green roof instead of the red, but it suits us fine and blends well with the foliage. We don't have anything fancy like your afternoon tea, but we'd love to have you stop by the next time you're in the area and watch our geyser and have a S'Mores cupcake. We'll save a rocking chair for you

....

Sorry it took a few days to wander back here, my younger DS and his fiance have been home for his b'day. Thanks for the invite, love those rockers, so cozy. The green roof does become you, I must say.

Thank you so very much! Glad you dropped by for a visit and the information

You are more than welcome! I forgot to mention the new Princess Kate set tea option. We tried it when it was first offered and it was very good; we are so used to the Buckingham Palace or Grand Tea (same as BP, with a glass of champagne) it's hard to switch to something new, but it was delicious.

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

Way to go on the intervention. I need to keep this tip in mind if we ever want to switch resorts. I've read it is easier to do from the resort you want rather than the one you want to leave, as you say. And if you are checked in already, they make a bigger effort to keep you if that is your wish. (was that as clear as mud? lol)

 

[ejrj]

Add me to your ranks!!! After MUCH contemplation, I just switched our reservation to WL, the place I really wanted to be at all along.

I surprised my (now) husband with a WDW trip back when we were dating. Now we have the pleasures of brining our three young daughters.

Am I Excited??

 

[Cadyrose]

We would love to be added to the Lodger's Log!

We are going 12/11-12/14 with free dining. This will be our second trip. Originally we booked POFQ as we wanted to not spend a ton but with holidays at Disney, how could we resist WL?

We did choose a basic room but last time got upgraded Courtyard for our anniversary...maybe with my daughter's birthday we will get lucky again! If not, no worries...we're just thrilled to be going back!

 

[pas130]

We are back from 6 nights at WL OFC and we just loved it!!!!

We were in room 7052 with a view of Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain and the CR. Watched fireworks from our balcony!

The atmosphere on the 7th floor is so relaxed and calm

We had a similar view...SO cool! And it was an amazing stay up there, is it not????

I AM A WL BELIEVER

Way to go on the intervention. I need to keep this tip in mind if we ever want to switch resorts. I've read it is easier to do from the resort you want rather than the one you want to leave, as you say. And if you are checked in already, they make a bigger effort to keep you if that is your wish. (was that as clear as mud? lol)

I totally get what you're saying!!!!!!!!!!!!

I texted Kook immediately, she knew exactly what to do

 

[TheLodgeLady]

A quick good morning....I am back!!!

I was very fortunate to meet The Lodge Lady and her DH on Saturday morning Very lovely couple!!!

Hello!!

We were so happy we ran into you and your handsome hubby! Wish we had more time chat!

 

[TheLodgeLady]

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'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!

I think the new menu changes will be on the menu tomorrow. We decided to go back on our last night!

Over the weekend we didn't hear much of the construction but we did see them working. Today was a different story. It was pretty loud. Lots of banging and drilling. We spoke to some of the cm's and they said it has been loud. Now, while we are in our room we don't hear a thing. And it only seemed to last until early afternoon. It was definitely louder toward the Southwing.

Other than that, everything has been wonderful so far! This is a great time to visit as it is not very busy. CMs are just the best!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I will update our beloved Lodgers' Log Tuesday morning. I hope I can keep up on vacation, especially if we want a Lodgers' Cupcake Meet 'n Greet while I'm there

What time can I reasonably expect to be at Hollywood Studios the day I arrive. We fly into MCO at 10am on Sunday November 4th. We are using ME to get to WL CL. This is our first visit ever to DW. So I expect that the family and I will want to take a quick tour of WL. We are staying 8 nights and have only planned one other day at H.S.. I am thinking best case scenario is that we are in the park around 2pm....Below is the schedule for the week....Also, we do not have park hopper passes as of now...
We really want to see fantasmic so that is reason to go to H.S. that day. We are going later in the week to H.S. but in the evening we want to take in Osborne Lights. If we go to Fantasmic on the 4th we won't feel like we have to rush through the lights to get in line on the 11th to see Fantasmic..

4th--arrive and Hopefully go to H.S.
5th--Epcot
6th---MK
7th--AK
8th Off Day
9th--MK and also MVMCP
10th-- Epcot
11th--H.S.
12 Leave in the morning....

Thoughts????

Welcome back to the thread and congratulations (again?) on planning your first trip to WDW!

I like your 2:00 est. if your flight gets in on time, then you should be at WL by around 11-12. This gives you about an hour to settle in and then head to the bus stop to DHS.

I'd explore FW on your non-park day. Lots to see and do and it's right next door.

Without PH, just make sure the park you go to is also the park you want to eat in or you can also easily eat at the MK area resorts.

Keep us posted on your planning!

Trip was paid off this morning!!!! Only 47 more days and we'll be at WL!!!!!

PIF dancing guy for you...

I don't know if this has been addressed previously but if anyone can help me mimic the smell of WL lobby at home I'd be eternally grateful.

I don't now what the scent is, but I know that some guests at other resorts have figured out the Yankee Candle or Bath and Body Works equivalent scents. Hopefully, someone will help you

I love this thread!

We'll be there in 12 days for our first trip to WDW. I'm so excited!

Thank you! I think our trips overlap. Make sure it's noted in your reservation that this is your "first time." You're going to love the Lodge!

A quick good morning....I am back!!!

I was very fortunate to meet The Lodge Lady and her DH on Saturday morning Very lovely couple!!!

Thank you to Kook for a nice welcome gift...

We cancelled our GF evening to stay at Wl one more night

I have so much awesomeness to report, but I have NEVER met a nicer crew of CMs....they took wonderful care of us...AND my DH has agreed to return to WDW....if we stay at WL.....so I have ch-ch-changed my April trip already!!!!!

While I believe that you were pleasantly surprised by WL, I'm not sure if you'll be keeping your spring break reservation there. BTW, did you apply a discount? I couldn't apply one to spring break

I'm so pleased that you were able to extend your visit by one night. I think your kids would love it there! And, you're welcome

We are back from 6 nights at WL OFC and we just loved it!!!!

We were in room 7052 with a view of Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain and the CR. Watched fireworks from our balcony!

The atmosphere on the 7th floor is so relaxed and calm. The CM's (especially Kristin and Bonnie) were so kind and helpful!!!! My parents - who are not into luxury at all - absolutely LOVED club level and will not stay any other way in Disney again. I agree!

We saved a lot of $$ on things like milk (each small Mickey milk is $1.29 and my kids must have had 4 each day if not more!), the breakfast, snacks (DH loved the magic cookie bars), beverages (soda, lemonade, iced tea and the nescafe coffee machine) saved us as well. My parents were able to make light meals out of the evening offerings several nights and they both liked the wine and beer selections.

We will definitely stay club level again. I am DEFINITELY booking it for Christmas 2013 before our Disney Dream cruise on 12/29/13. THAT will be an amazing vacation!

Any questions, please ask. I will be uploading pictures soon!

Thanks to Kook and everyone on this thread for your great info!

Thank you for reporting back to us about your CL stay. I'm so happy you and your parents had a wonderful time and plan on returning. Looking forward to your photos!

Honk your horn and wave to me! I don't live too far from there!!

Pedro sez - will do!

Sorry it took a few days to wander back here, my younger DS and his fiance have been home for his b'day. Thanks for the invite, love those rockers, so cozy. The green roof does become you, I must say.



Way to go on the intervention. I need to keep this tip in mind if we ever want to switch resorts. I've read it is easier to do from the resort you want rather than the one you want to leave, as you say. And if you are checked in already, they make a bigger effort to keep you if that is your wish. (was that as clear as mud? lol)

You're such a great sport
I do have a tinge of guilt about wooing our Jeanette from her beloved RPC - no hard feelings I hope. I really had the best interest of her hubby in mind - you know, all that cobbler...

Add me to your ranks!!! After MUCH contemplation, I just switched our reservation to WL, the place I really wanted to be at all along.

I surprised my (now) husband with a WDW trip back when we were dating. Now we have the pleasures of brining our three young daughters.

Am I Excited??

A resort changer AND a WL booker - perfect! YES! You are excited.

We would love to be added to the Lodger's Log!

We are going 12/11-12/14 with free dining. This will be our second trip. Originally we booked POFQ as we wanted to not spend a ton but with holidays at Disney, how could we resist WL?

We did choose a basic room but last time got upgraded Courtyard for our anniversary...maybe with my daughter's birthday we will get lucky again! If not, no worries...we're just thrilled to be going back!

I like that you booked a category you can live with - that's the way to do it. The decorations are wonderful at WL and they'll definitely get you and your kids in the spirit. I hope you have a great vacation in December!

I think the new menu changes will be on the menu tomorrow. We decided to go back on our last night!

Over the weekend we didn't hear much of the construction but we did see them working. Today was a different story. It was pretty loud. Lots of banging and drilling. We spoke to some of the cm's and they said it has been loud. Now, while we are in our room we don't hear a thing. And it only seemed to last until early afternoon. It was definitely louder toward the Southwing.

Other than that, everything has been wonderful so far! This is a great time to visit as it is not very busy. CMs are just the best!

That is great that the venison will be on the menu when we dine there. DH said to book it the first night so that we have flexibility to book it again before we leave if we really like it. I think that's a great way to end your trip

Thank you for the noise update. They must be very close to finishing and they must be ahead of schedule. Please give my regards to the OFC staff and enjoy the rest of your vacation!

 

[cmdg]

It's a long shot, but is rice or coconut milk available in the CL lounge?

 

[eacosper]

It's a long shot, but is rice or coconut milk available in the CL lounge?

They should be able to get something like this for you.

 

[WDWKOOK]

It's a long shot, but is rice or coconut milk available in the CL lounge?

They should be able to get something like this for you.

Yes, just email the IPO as soon as you have a confirmed reservation. They should be able to let you know right away whether this is doable or not, but as eacosper speculated, they should be able to since you have a dietary need.

 

[pas130]

Hello!!

We were so happy we ran into you and your handsome hubby! Wish we had more time chat!

Us too!!!!! Glad you are still there enjoying it!!!!! Hope it stays quiet there for you

While I believe that you were pleasantly surprised by WL, I'm not sure if you'll be keeping your spring break reservation there. BTW, did you apply a discount? I couldn't apply one to spring break

I'm so pleased that you were able to extend your visit by one night. I think your kids would love it there! And, you're welcome

I do have a tinge of guilt about wooing our Jeanette from her beloved RPC - no hard feelings I hope. I really had the best interest of her hubby in mind - you know, all that cobbler...

Don't feel guilty...k&a&c'smom & junglecruiser are SO used to my changes.....

COBBLER IS DELISH!!!!!

DH is happy, I am happy, kids will love OFC.....hmmm chances of keeping the reservation intact.......prefer not to jinx....but kook, DH has never loved a place more

No discount....I am doing RPR first...busy week so we can have the Express Pass...then over to WL....DH wants to do March & October now but I don't want to kids missing too much school....we shall see

 

[CaliKT]

So great to hear about all the nice trips everyone had. You're getting me even more excited for our trip! I'm under four months out now! Wooo!

Quick question: I was reading tips of things to bring to WDW, and one was a power strip to make sure you had a place to charge all your various electronics. I thought for some reason I had seen a charging station incorporated into the WL refurbished rooms, but now I can't find that picture. Did I dream it?

 

[pas130]

So great to hear about all the nice trips everyone had. You're getting me even more excited for our trip! I'm under four months out now! Wooo!

Quick question: I was reading tips of things to bring to WDW, and one was a power strip to make sure you had a place to charge all your various electronics. I thought for some reason I had seen a charging station incorporated into the WL refurbished rooms, but now I can't find that picture. Did I dream it?

It's on the small desk/table...a power strip is actually part of the table