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

[guarn3md]

Does anyone know if the tree will be up in the lobby during my trip 11/2-11/7? I have seen the tree two times, so if it isn't no biggie. Just would be a bonus! The times I have been there have been the week before Thanksgiving and everywhere is obviously decorated for the holidays. Just wondering what decorations we are going to see on this trip.
Thanks!!
Debbie

 

[guarn3md]

Unfortunately, the Deluxe rooms at WL are never included in any discounts. I've tried many times with both the military and AP rates and others have, too and it's not been included. But, that's not to say that might change, so don't give-up. I'd love to book a WL Deluxe room, too but not w/o the 40% off. Deluxe rooms (with CL) at BWI, GF and BC have been included in the mil. discount.

Just saw this post about Deluxe rooms and discounts. Anyone ever able to get a AAA discount on the deluxe rooms? I was hoping to reserve a deluxe room for Spring Break 2013 for 5 of us to share. I think it was $909 a night, rack rate. But if they allow the AAA that would be a good 10% savings. I haven't called yet to ask, wondering if anyone here knows!
Debbie

 

[doodlebug210]

I just found out that DH has us booked in one of the honeymoon rooms for 11/30-12/3! We stayed at WL in a courtyard room in April/May and fell in love. My father just passed away so he made these reservations for a special treat for me to have something to look forward to. The best part is that the kids are not going with us!

The only issue is that he didn't tell me until a few days ago so getting ADRs (we are going to be on the DxDP) are pretty hard to get. I'll just keep trying...

Anyway, we are very excited about our first experience at CL at WL!

 

[kristainohio]

Just checked in!! Arrived on the ME at 1:30 and our room was ready about 2:30. We are thrilled to be back and it's our first time bringing our DDs! I booked a standard view but I'm fairly certain we were upgraded since we have a king bed and bunk beds and are in room 5086. Anyone know? We are here till saturday and it seems very busy today. Hopefully the parks are still dead

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just checked in!! Arrived on the ME at 1:30 and our room was ready about 2:30. We are thrilled to be back and it's our first time bringing our DDs! I booked a standard view but I'm fairly certain we were upgraded since we have a king bed and bunk beds and are in room 5086. Anyone know? We are here till saturday and it seems very busy today. Hopefully the parks are still dead

I'm not aware of a king bed with bunks configuration - only a queen with bunks. The view would be the dead giveaway if you were upgraded. I believe that 5086 is in the North Wing and overlooks the smokehouse and is a Standard View, but you should be able to see some of Wishes tonight

Have a great evening and thanks for checking in with us - hope to hear more from you soon!

 

[kristainohio]

You're right! It is a queen the bed looked bigger for some reason. Just was excited! Crossing fingers for wishes view! We can DEFINITELY hear wcc from here...the girls are napping and it was so loud. Thankfully my kids sleep like rocks! Btw the workers are renovating on the 5th floor and are around the corridor from where we are. Looking forward to WCC tomorrow!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi everyone

69 days to go and I was wondering whether the "movies under the stars" activities are still run in the late November early December season (given how cold the nights can be) ?

Thanks

J

Yes, they are shown year 'round. It can be chilly in the evening/morning. The average high in November is in the upper 70s and the average low can be in the upper 50s.

Does anyone know if the tree will be up in the lobby during my trip 11/2-11/7? I have seen the tree two times, so if it isn't no biggie. Just would be a bonus! The times I have been there have been the week before Thanksgiving and everywhere is obviously decorated for the holidays. Just wondering what decorations we are going to see on this trip.
Thanks!!
Debbie

The decorations usually start going up right after Halloween so the tree should be up during your stay

I just found out that DH has us booked in one of the honeymoon rooms for 11/30-12/3! We stayed at WL in a courtyard room in April/May and fell in love. My father just passed away so he made these reservations for a special treat for me to have something to look forward to. The best part is that the kids are not going with us!

The only issue is that he didn't tell me until a few days ago so getting ADRs (we are going to be on the DxDP) are pretty hard to get. I'll just keep trying...

Anyway, we are very excited about our first experience at CL at WL!

My condolences to you on the passing of your father. What a thoughtful man.

You have a couple of ADR options: You can email the IPO and let them know what you want and when and they'll do it all for you, but there's no guarantee you'll get your preferred times/location. Or you can just do them yourself online. Have you tried to make them yet or contacted the IPO? I hope you have a great vacation

 

[midge3426]

Just back. We had a nice vacation. The Wilderness Lodge was, as usual, magnificent. All the cast members were super nice, especially in Club Level. The only problem I had was getting access to the bathroom to get ready. I had two teenage girls with me and they spent a lot of time in the bathroom and in front of the mirror. I did not partake much of the Club Level food since I usually was not there when it was open, but the girls sure did and they certainly enjoyed themselves. What food I did try was excellent. I am really in awe of the art and architecture of the Wilderness Lodge---it is truly well done and absolutely amazing. I have to go do tons of laundry now and go to the grocery store. After seven days of Disney Dining, the family is hungry, especially the teenagers.

 

[cmdg]

I read here that (sadly) the deluxe rooms are rarely discounted (so it looks like we will likely be switching to a standard, maybe standard club-level).

Are CL rooms counted in any FD offers that come out? Would deluxe rooms also be included in that?

Thanks!

303 days for us!

 

[doodlebug210]

My condolences to you on the passing of your father. What a thoughtful man.

You have a couple of ADR options: You can email the IPO and let them know what you want and when and they'll do it all for you, but there's no guarantee you'll get your preferred times/location. Or you can just do them yourself online. Have you tried to make them yet or contacted the IPO? I hope you have a great vacation

I got online immediately and snagged a dinner at California Grille. DH wants Le Cellier, but I've come up empty handed for the whole weekend, probably due to the Candlelight Processional. I did get Artist Point (always a must do) and a few 1 credit TS for the weekend.

I have not contacted the IPO yet. I was waiting for DH to give me flight info. If I asked them to check for Le Cellier, would they keep checking like I do every day?

 

[August2010]

Just returned from a week at WL.(Sept 3rd-9th) We were booked in a standard view but after seeing the view of the loading docks and hearing the roar of hvac units we went to the front desk to complain and ask to pay for an upgrade. We were given a free upgrade to a courtyard view (room 4011). The manager agreed that standard view is bad!
It was totally dead there. No one at the Roaring Fork eveytime we went to eat. The pool wasn't too busy either. The room seemed a little small to us but it was fine for the amount of time we actually spent in it. The boat access was great! We never waited more than 5 mins for a boat. Overall a great experience at WL.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

Congratulations on being PIF - it seems 'more real' now, doesn't it?

Disney transportation is amazing, I agree. But, the monorail's efficiency and usefulness has unfortunately diminished over the years. With the purchase of more buses and longer ones, it seems that Disney has figured out that buses are the most efficient and cost effective mode of transportation for them. They are extremely flexible in their usage and can easily add or take away buses on an as needed basis. They seem to be trending in the direction of making them the primary mode of transportation and are directing guests away from the monorail by taking it away as a transportation option during PM EMH. This isn't a big issue for most guests, but is a bone of contention for guests who have paid more to stay at the Poly and GF, who as an option, can't even walk to the MK. At least CR/BLT guests have the walkway as a monorail alternative.

If only the buses weren't so cold in the morning

Thanks! It definitely is more real now. We are all getting very excited.

We were originally booked at the Poly. One of the many reasons I switched to WL was because monorail access at the Poly doesn't seem like much of a perk any more.

Beautiful!

I have to get packing done-We leave tomorrow morning!!!

Safe travels and have a magical trip!

 

[RedfromNL]

Kook, I promised you to let you know asap if I'd be making it to WDW next year...


YES!!

We are looking at arriving may 4th and not leaving till may 18th

I can finally start planning properly!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I hope everyone has a great week! Just curious, does anyone have any comments on the upcoming WCC menu changes?

Just back. We had a nice vacation. The Wilderness Lodge was, as usual, magnificent. All the cast members were super nice, especially in Club Level. The only problem I had was getting access to the bathroom to get ready. I had two teenage girls with me and they spent a lot of time in the bathroom and in front of the mirror. I did not partake much of the Club Level food since I usually was not there when it was open, but the girls sure did and they certainly enjoyed themselves. What food I did try was excellent. I am really in awe of the art and architecture of the Wilderness Lodge---it is truly well done and absolutely amazing. I have to go do tons of laundry now and go to the grocery store. After seven days of Disney Dining, the family is hungry, especially the teenagers.

And I thought just one teenage girl was hard when it comes to bathroom time - you poor thing!

Welcome back and are you planning a return trip yet?

I read here that (sadly) the deluxe rooms are rarely discounted (so it looks like we will likely be switching to a standard, maybe standard club-level).

Are CL rooms counted in any FD offers that come out? Would deluxe rooms also be included in that?

Thanks!

303 days for us!

I've never tried to book a Deluxe room with FD, I've only tried with room only discounts like AP and military. But, since they've not been available with those, I doubt they'd be with FD. Maybe someone else will be able to answer your question.

Kook, I promised you to let you know asap if I'd be making it to WDW next year...


YES!!

We are looking at arriving may 4th and not leaving till may 18th

I can finally start planning properly!!

That sounds great! Would you like that in the Log on the first page? Happy planning and you need a nice, shiny ticker

 

[RedfromNL]

That sounds great! Would you like that in the Log on the first page? Happy planning and you need a nice, shiny ticker

Sure Ans maybe I should get a ticker somewhere, any nice place to get one?

I mean, less than 8 months to go...

 

[Flossbolna]

I hope everyone has a great week! Just curious, does anyone have any comments on the upcoming WCC menu changes?

Hi, I am new to this thread, have been lurking for a few weeks as I plan to change my DVC reservation from my home resort (BWV) to VWL for next spring soon when the 7 months window opens.

To be honest, I was very disappointed when I read about the planned changes. I personally love the skillet, but I think having options is great for the restaurant. After all, I think the resort restaurants should cater to the people staying there as well. And with only the skillet available, I don't think anyone would ever want to eat there more than once during a trip. And Artist Point is very expensive, so not possible for everyone. I do consider this a serious downgrade of the restaurant.

Also, I absolutely hate the idea of eliminating the salad but adding a dessert instead. Disney talks so much about healthy eating - but that's just the opposite. I think it is great to have something fresh tasting like the salad to have with all the heavy food in the skillet. And I was so stuffed afterwards anyway that I could not imagine having dessert. It seems like this is another thing done to streamline dining for the dining plan.

It will not affect my travel plans - at least for this trip - but it does leave an ungood feeling about the direction Disney is taking at the moment.

 

[VbChristy]

Do we have an idea when the menu change will occur?

 

[twinmom108]

I hope everyone has a great week! Just curious, does anyone have any comments on the upcoming WCC menu changes?
:

The WCC menu changes are very dissapointing. DH & My body needs salad, it does not need more dessert.

We have an adr for WCC in November. We haven't been to WCC in 6 years due to a bad experience with a very rude WCC waiter the last night of our WDW vacation. We were looking forward to trying it out again. Between the possibility of having nothing healthy in our dinner food (to help process) & reading on the restaurant boards that WCC still has a rude waiter on their recent visit, not sure that we will be keeping this adr. Love the Wilderness Lodge experience, but WCC may be a thing of the past for us.

 

[PamelaKay]

I am a little sad by the proposed changes. At least our reservation there in November is for breakfast.

 

[LuvGoldens]

Leaving for the airport soon. One short sleep tonight at POP by the time we get there very late this evening and then tomorrow morning we finally check in at WL!!!