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

[MomofDisneyLoversx3]

Thanks for all the info guys! I saw the pics but just wanted to confirm the +1 thing. I'm a little nervous to try a new resort. And I'm definitely nervous about my folks. It may be just my mom, so I'm leaning toward deluxe room vs 2 CL rooms. Will I pay the extra adult fee though? Hmmm so many questions.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We were in a similar situation a couple of months ago. We took the bus from WL to MK for our pre-opening breakfast ADRs at both CP and CRT. As mentioned above, we could have taken the boat from WL to CR and walked over to MK, but we found the bus to be the most direct option, and the most predictable in terms of timing. At least one morning we had the whole bus to ourselves.

Edited to add: The buses start running early enough to get WL guests to early ADRs. I'm not sure the exact schedule, but it's definitely earlier than an hour before park opening, as suggested above.

Thank you for correcting me! I completely forgot about the early ADR buses - thank you! I'll have to edit my post so as not to confuse anyone.

 

[Figment104]

Really? How did guests get to FW and CR or are you saying the wait took more than 20 minutes?




Every post has a purpose and we're glad you checked in with us. We all get excited and nervous, too. Check-ins can be very stressful - it's the moment you've been waiting a long time for and sets the tone for your vacation. Everyone wants the CM to be welcoming, get their preferred location/requests and have their room be ready so they can get their vacation started. If it helps, a WL GM once told me their goal is to get every guest into their room ASAP

Happy Planning!

Thanks so much for the welcome! I normally feel like an old hand at all this Disney stuff, with this being the only thing I worry about, but with this trip being our DS first trip and him only being 17 months, I have a bunch of other questions, thoughts, and worries swirling around my head that I'm just not used to. Once we're there though, I'm sure all the will hit me, and I'll be all set (at least here's hoping lol ).

 

[diskids2]

Good question. We also have an 8AM Crystal Palace ADR. It seemed the MK busses start quite early, and it is a very quick trip, so our plan was to take an MK bus about 7:20-7:30, and once it arrives it is less than a 5 min trip.

Our other option would be boat to CR, then walk to MK which should work because the Blue Flag boats start early. I wonder if there is any difficulty getting from CR into MK before the park opens? We've just never done this walk before, but have heard it is nice and short.

We haven't ever been in a park before opening before, so we're looking forward to it.

Last year we had an 8 am ADR for Crystal Palace. We ended up taking a cab from the Beach Club to the Contemporary. Then we walked. We had no issues walking over early. The walk was about 10 minutes. I'd rather take the Blue Flag boat and walk over, but I read on the thread that the Blue Flag was not coming very frequently. I may try that and if it doesn't come within 15-20 minutes (7 am - 7:20 am) just go to the bus.

You will love the early ADR. Last year was our first time. There were people on Main Street, but NOT nearly as many as usual all stampeding (did I say that!) to the rides. I can't remember exactly which side the Breakfast ADR entrance was, but it was easy to see/locate. We strolled up Main Street and checked in at CP. Our ADR was 8:05 am. We were seated around 8:10 am. I wanted to see all of the characters, so we didn't leave until 9:15 am. At first, I thought I'd be out by 9 am and make RD, but that was not the case.

 

[diskids2]

Welcome fellow RC! I think this should be your last change, too, but from my own experience, I know this might not be your last change. You might just have to add Club Level

Oh I just saw this! Don't tempt me! I wanted to go CL but DH was reluctant. I will have to work on him. I think I may pull the "I want that for Mother's Day card" on him.

 

[Dr Ken]

Really? How did guests get to FW and CR or are you saying the wait took more than 20 minutes?

We had no problem getting from WL to FW by bus for an 8:30am Segway tour. That bus runs frequently. We could also walk (about 20 minutes).

But, I never saw a boat from WL to FW or CR. I'm sure they run but they seem to run infrequently during the off-season. Our boat to MK was always quick so I never stayed on the pier long enough to see the other boat.

My guess is that they reduce the number of choices during the off season. In other words, there's always at least one convenient mode of transportation but alternatives might run less frequently.

 

[Figment104]

Does anyone know if they've switched the coffee in Roaring Forks over to the new provider yet? I just read on another thread that that the transitions were supposed to begin mid April? I love my morning cup of coffee, but am not a fan of the Nescafe at all.

Thanks!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Thanks for all the info guys! I saw the pics but just wanted to confirm the +1 thing. I'm a little nervous to try a new resort. And I'm definitely nervous about my folks. It may be just my mom, so I'm leaning toward deluxe room vs 2 CL rooms. Will I pay the extra adult fee though? Hmmm so many questions.

Good point! Kook..... When does the extra fee kick in for a deluxe room? After 2 still???

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Oh I just saw this! Don't tempt me! I wanted to go CL but DH was reluctant. I will have to work on him. I think I may pull the "I want that for Mother's Day card" on him.

There you go!!!!

 

[diskids2]

There you go!!!!

Another temptress! Happy 25th BTW! That will be me next year.

 

[mckelvey72]

I didn't read thru all 224 pages of this thread but sure I will by the time we leave on 11/29!!! We stayed at WL April 2012 and absolutely loved it. When I asked the kids if they wanted to try a different resort they quickly said NO!!! Fine by me HAHA!!!

So quick question....can you get club level with a standard room with bunk beds? Trying to figure this out!

Thanks

 

[Wood Nymph]

I didn't read thru all 224 pages of this thread but sure I will by the time we leave on 11/29!!! We stayed at WL April 2012 and absolutely loved it. When I asked the kids if they wanted to try a different resort they quickly said NO!!! Fine by me HAHA!!!

So quick question....can you get club level with a standard room with bunk beds? Trying to figure this out!

Thanks

Bunk beds in club level rooms is by request only. They are not guaranteed. You can ask for them and hope that they are available for your stay.

 

[jenifferf00]

Does anyone know if they've switched the coffee in Roaring Forks over to the new provider yet? I just read on another thread that that the transitions were supposed to begin mid April? I love my morning cup of coffee, but am not a fan of the Nescafe at all.

Thanks!

I would love to know the answer to this too. We always ended up brewing some in room and filling our mugs with that because it tasted better than the Nescafe. Would love to see a better offering before we get there.

 

[mommyrosa2]

We currently have a reservation at CSR, business class for August but am seriously considering a switch to WL. Is a standard view at this particular resort bad? Will the room be far from everything? I've never booked standard view at any resort but need to be mindful of sticking to a budget on this trip...just a tad nervous about the views. Could also consider upgrading to woods view if better...any difference? One view better than the other? Really need suggestions...TIA!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Another temptress! Happy 25th BTW! That will be me next year.

Aww thank you! That was sweet!

Early congrats to you!

 

[dansdad]

We currently have a reservation at CSR, business class for August but am seriously considering a switch to WL. Is a standard view at this particular resort bad? Will the room be far from everything? I've never booked standard view at any resort but need to be mindful of sticking to a budget on this trip...just a tad nervous about the views. Could also consider upgrading to woods view if better...any difference? One view better than the other? Really need suggestions...TIA!

One of the great things about WL is how compact it is. So you really won't be far from anything no matter where you are. If you look at post #2 of this thread, you will see detailed descriptions and pictures of the different views/categories.

 

[goofynut41]

Just got my MVMCP tickets!!! Makes things seem closer some how..

 

[GaBelle]

Hey Ya'll!
We are currently booked at BLT in September, but I am seriously thinking about switching to WL in order to take advantage of FD.
My question for you WL experts is this: we will need two rooms, prefer connecting. Can you get one room with bunks and one with queen beds? Or in order to be connecting, do they need to be "mirrored" room types?
I know they cannot guarantee connecting rooms.
TIA!!

 

[mommyrosa2]

One of the great things about WL is how compact it is. So you really won't be far from anything no matter where you are. If you look at post #2 of this thread, you will see detailed descriptions and pictures of the different views/categories.

Thank you.... I think I'll look into the "woods view"

 

[nathanyell]

We currently have a reservation at CSR, business class for August but am seriously considering a switch to WL. Is a standard view at this particular resort bad? Will the room be far from everything? I've never booked standard view at any resort but need to be mindful of sticking to a budget on this trip...just a tad nervous about the views. Could also consider upgrading to woods view if better...any difference? One view better than the other? Really need suggestions...TIA!

I'll tell you I love WL, but I did go to CSR-Business Class for a meeting in March. I was very impressed. They really did a great job. They did not have the warm apps like Club Level, but we did Breakfast there every day. We also had the sangria in the evening. It was so good I want to go back sometime soon.