(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS INFORMATION THREAD ~2014~

[Wood Nymph]

We just booked WL for January 2015 -- we're excited to be back at WL, after a brief hiatus! We got a nice deal through Orbitz/Ebates, but I'd love if they came out with an even better offer between now and then!

There is a general public room only discount available now for January. That is what we got. There is also the Stay, Play and Dine offer available, too. And there is a discount for annual pass holders-35% off. I don't think that there will be any other discounts from Disney.

 

[JulieODC]

There is a general public room only discount available now for January. That is what we got. There is also the Stay, Play and Dine offer available, too. And there is a discount for annual pass holders-35% off. I don't think that there will be any other discounts from Disney.

Thanks -- at this point, I'm just hoping for a 20% off promocode from Orbitz (I used a 15% off one), and a bigger cash back % from Ebates (I got 1.7% back on the hotel). Haha, I'm just getting greedy at this point!

 

[tiriggs1]

I am currently booked at a Royal Room at POR. Looking into upgrading to a standard room at WL or AKL. Has anyone have advice on what to choose? Stay at POR? Upgrade? AKL or WL? Distance from parks is not important. Transportation reliability, pool, resort activities, and room (cleanliness, distance from lobby, amentities) are most important to us. We usually spend 1 evening and 1 full day at our resort during our 6 night stay. Other than that, we sleep/shower/eat breakfast.

 

[AngiTN]

Thanks -- at this point, I'm just hoping for a 20% off promocode from Orbitz (I used a 15% off one), and a bigger cash back % from Ebates (I got 1.7% back on the hotel). Haha, I'm just getting greedy at this point!

I noticed that the last couple of codes from Orbitz didn't work on Disney properties but they have in the past. I used one just last month for booking our December trip. I'm hoping maybe there is a new deal in the works for 2015 and the codes will work again soon.

 

[bookgirl]

Well sad sad sad.

Sitting in the airport. I didn't get a chance to post yesterday but lots of work. In the morning they were filling in dirt around the splash pad. It was much more level. They also were washing down the pool area. When I got back in the afternoon the walls of the pool had been "plastered". They were dark gray and guys were pulling out the wood spacers around the end nearest the pad. Not sure if this is texture or if it is the first layer of the new surface. This morning they were again working on the dirt around the pad and the walls of the pool.

This was the last of the construction photos taken 9am this morning.

We are very sad to leave the Lodge. We talked of another fall trip next year and had narrowed it down AKL or OKW. However we couldn't do it. Instead we booked CV WL.

It really was a perfect location for us. Not so huge for my mom to navigate and lots of transportation options (we went on a transpo tour last night and basically rode a lot of monorails and boats just looking around. Plus we really liked the resort itself and the atmosphere.

I'll be back in January solo at ASMo, but next October somewhere in the week of the 17th, we'll be back at the lodge.

 

[tiriggs1]

i am currently booked at a royal room at por. Looking into upgrading to a standard room at wl or akl. Has anyone have advice on what to choose? Stay at por? Upgrade? Akl or wl? Distance from parks is not important. Transportation reliability, pool, resort activities, and room (cleanliness, distance from lobby, amentities) are most important to us. We usually spend 1 evening and 1 full day at our resort during our 6 night stay. Other than that, we sleep/shower/eat breakfast.

♡

 

[JulieODC]

I am currently booked at a Royal Room at POR. Looking into upgrading to a standard room at WL or AKL. Has anyone have advice on what to choose? Stay at POR? Upgrade? AKL or WL? Distance from parks is not important. Transportation reliability, pool, resort activities, and room (cleanliness, distance from lobby, amentities) are most important to us. We usually spend 1 evening and 1 full day at our resort during our 6 night stay. Other than that, we sleep/shower/eat breakfast.

We love the WL theming, and think that POR has a similar feel -- which we like a lot! For me, it would depend on the cost of the upgrade. Either resort, you'll be doing busses to the parks mostly...though the WL boat to MK is a nice, relaxing ride, and a nice break from the busses. Also, being the same building as the lobby, restaurants, etc is nice as well...POR has more walking, but does have very lovely grounds.

I'm not sure that was very helpful -- both great resorts -- it would come down to how much $ is at stake for me

 

[tiriggs1]

We love the WL theming, and think that POR has a similar feel -- which we like a lot! For me, it would depend on the cost of the upgrade. Either resort, you'll be doing busses to the parks mostly...though the WL boat to MK is a nice, relaxing ride, and a nice break from the busses. Also, being the same building as the lobby, restaurants, etc is nice as well...POR has more walking, but does have very lovely grounds.

I'm not sure that was very helpful -- both great resorts -- it would come down to how much $ is at stake for me

$350 more to upgrade from POR Pool View Royal Room to WL Standard. We travel next summer.

 

[tiriggs1]

We love the WL theming, and think that POR has a similar feel -- which we like a lot! For me, it would depend on the cost of the upgrade. Either resort, you'll be doing busses to the parks mostly...though the WL boat to MK is a nice, relaxing ride, and a nice break from the busses. Also, being the same building as the lobby, restaurants, etc is nice as well...POR has more walking, but does have very lovely grounds.

I'm not sure that was very helpful -- both great resorts -- it would come down to how much $ is at stake for me

I read negative reviews about the bussing at POR. Makes me nervous. The bonus is the boat to DTD at POR.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Question: CL Cast Members, can you tip them?

In cash, no. But then can accept small gifts. I believe there is more info on post one. Otherwise, Kook........

 

[JulieODC]

I read negative reviews about the bussing at POR. Makes me nervous. The bonus is the boat to DTD at POR.

The DTD boat is definitely a plus! I forgot one of the big reasons we love WL, and other deluxe...the balcony! Especially with a LO, we can put her to bed and enjoy some time on the balcony if we aren't too tired ourselves!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

I read negative reviews about the bussing at POR. Makes me nervous. The bonus is the boat to DTD at POR.

We just faced a similar choice for our trip in September. After always staying at WL and loving it, we gave POR a try.

In our opinion, we would probably say WL Std View is worth the $350 more, but whether it is for you depends on a few factors:

1. Your tolerance for bus crowds. In our experience the bus ride times from POR were only slightly longer (if at all) than the times from WL at the same time of year. Overall the bus experience isn't great either way because WL buses often have to stop at GF or FW on the way to parks. POR buses have four internal bus stops, and sometimes share with POFQ. For us the big difference was the crowded feel on the POR buses because they often arrived nearly full, which does not happen nearly as much at WL.

2. Your park preference. WL is more convenient for MK due to the boats and very quick buses. WL might be less convenient for Epcot since the bus ride takes a while and the monorail involves a boat to CR and two monorails. (But is more fun...)

3. Your frequency of visiting DTD. The boat from POR is great. But does take about 25 minutes. Still it is way faster and more relaxing than the often long bus ride to DTD from WL. I would strongly consider POR if DTD was a priority.

4. Your enjoyment of other deluxe amenities. For us, we missed the balconies that WL has, and the fact it is all under one roof, which is great in bad weather.

For us the rooms were very comparable on the inside, but we had an Alligator Bayou room at POR, so it didn't have the dresser we were used to at WL. The Royal Room would have one, and the fancy decor as well, which might appeal to young princesses. We instead chose a preferred room at POR to minimize the walk to the lobby and bus stop, which worked out great for us.

Either way you will have a great trip, and during your trip it would be fun to take the time to visit the other resort. They both have their unique advantages and are nice to visit.

 

[WhoDatDisney]

Checked in at 10 am. Take it for what it is worth but she said the pool construction was going well and they were ahead. Flag family for 11/5. So excited! Booked standard view but on here it says woods view. Opens up to the lobby but can see contemporary and parts of delivery area.
So happy to be here.

Wow it is hot today!

Any idea if pool will open sooner than scheduled?

Going to be at WL from 11/20 -11/30

Would be great if pool opens sooner than 11/28

Thx

 

[Lacoccinelle]

Any idea if pool will open sooner than scheduled?

Going to be at WL from 11/20 -11/30

Would be great if pool opens sooner than 11/28

Thx

I do not think they would ever say that, but she did say they were ahead of schedule. I leave Wed and will take pictures. Someone just posted yesterday so I did not take any.

 

[SFunaro]

is there a good way to help ensure we could be the flag family?

 

[Koh1977]

We just faced a similar choice for our trip in September. After always staying at WL and loving it, we gave POR a try. In our opinion, we would probably say WL Std View is worth the $350 more, but whether it is for you depends on a few factors: 1. Your tolerance for bus crowds. In our experience the bus ride times from POR were only slightly longer (if at all) than the times from WL at the same time of year. Overall the bus experience isn't great either way because WL buses often have to stop at GF or FW on the way to parks. POR buses have four internal bus stops, and sometimes share with POFQ. For us the big difference was the crowded feel on the POR buses because they often arrived nearly full, which does not happen nearly as much at WL. 2. Your park preference. WL is more convenient for MK due to the boats and very quick buses. WL might be less convenient for Epcot since the bus ride takes a while and the monorail involves a boat to CR and two monorails. (But is more fun...) 3. Your frequency of visiting DTD. The boat from POR is great. But does take about 25 minutes. Still it is way faster and more relaxing than the often long bus ride to DTD from WL. I would strongly consider POR if DTD was a priority. 4. Your enjoyment of other deluxe amenities. For us, we missed the balconies that WL has, and the fact it is all under one roof, which is great in bad weather. For us the rooms were very comparable on the inside, but we had an Alligator Bayou room at POR, so it didn't have the dresser we were used to at WL. The Royal Room would have one, and the fancy decor as well, which might appeal to young princesses. We instead chose a preferred room at POR to minimize the walk to the lobby and bus stop, which worked out great for us. Either way you will have a great trip, and during your trip it would be fun to take the time to visit the other resort. They both have their unique advantages and are nice to visit.

Our last trip was a split between POR and WL and I really wish we would have stayed the entire time at WL. The buses seemed quicker (whether or not they really were), especially to MK and then there was the boat too. Everything was way more compact at WL too so it made it easier to get around (to the boat or bus, etc.). We also had a bunk bed room which the kids LOVED and made the room seem bigger as a result. Not as spacious as the Poly by any means, BUT because of the layout, it seemed more spacious than POR (we had an Alligator Bayou room).

 

[tiriggs1]

We just faced a similar choice for our trip in September. After always staying at WL and loving it, we gave POR a try.

In our opinion, we would probably say WL Std View is worth the $350 more, but whether it is for you depends on a few factors:

1. Your tolerance for bus crowds. In our experience the bus ride times from POR were only slightly longer (if at all) than the times from WL at the same time of year. Overall the bus experience isn't great either way because WL buses often have to stop at GF or FW on the way to parks. POR buses have four internal bus stops, and sometimes share with POFQ. For us the big difference was the crowded feel on the POR buses because they often arrived nearly full, which does not happen nearly as much at WL.

2. Your park preference. WL is more convenient for MK due to the boats and very quick buses. WL might be less convenient for Epcot since the bus ride takes a while and the monorail involves a boat to CR and two monorails. (But is more fun...)

3. Your frequency of visiting DTD. The boat from POR is great. But does take about 25 minutes. Still it is way faster and more relaxing than the often long bus ride to DTD from WL. I would strongly consider POR if DTD was a priority.

4. Your enjoyment of other deluxe amenities. For us, we missed the balconies that WL has, and the fact it is all under one roof, which is great in bad weather.

For us the rooms were very comparable on the inside, but we had an Alligator Bayou room at POR, so it didn't have the dresser we were used to at WL. The Royal Room would have one, and the fancy decor as well, which might appeal to young princesses. We instead chose a preferred room at POR to minimize the walk to the lobby and bus stop, which worked out great for us.

Either way you will have a great trip, and during your trip it would be fun to take the time to visit the other resort. They both have their unique advantages and are nice to visit.

Thank you!!!!!!!

 

[elaw]

In cash, no. But then can accept small gifts. I believe there is more info on post one. Otherwise, Kook........

We once gave one of the CL CM's one of the old style WL Disney pins as a gift.

 

[BridgetR3]

Hey guys,

Is there any way that someone there now could post the activities guide from the Lodge? THANKS!!

 

[ccarter]

We just faced a similar choice for our trip in September. After always staying at WL and loving it, we gave POR a try.

In our opinion, we would probably say WL Std View is worth the $350 more, but whether it is for you depends on a few factors:

1. Your tolerance for bus crowds. In our experience the bus ride times from POR were only slightly longer (if at all) than the times from WL at the same time of year. Overall the bus experience isn't great either way because WL buses often have to stop at GF or FW on the way to parks. POR buses have four internal bus stops, and sometimes share with POFQ. For us the big difference was the crowded feel on the POR buses because they often arrived nearly full, which does not happen nearly as much at WL.

2. Your park preference. WL is more convenient for MK due to the boats and very quick buses. WL might be less convenient for Epcot since the bus ride takes a while and the monorail involves a boat to CR and two monorails. (But is more fun...)

3. Your frequency of visiting DTD. The boat from POR is great. But does take about 25 minutes. Still it is way faster and more relaxing than the often long bus ride to DTD from WL. I would strongly consider POR if DTD was a priority.

4. Your enjoyment of other deluxe amenities. For us, we missed the balconies that WL has, and the fact it is all under one roof, which is great in bad weather.

For us the rooms were very comparable on the inside, but we had an Alligator Bayou room at POR, so it didn't have the dresser we were used to at WL. The Royal Room would have one, and the fancy decor as well, which might appeal to young princesses. We instead chose a preferred room at POR to minimize the walk to the lobby and bus stop, which worked out great for us.

Either way you will have a great trip, and during your trip it would be fun to take the time to visit the other resort. They both have their unique advantages and are nice to visit.

This is great pro/con information! We were booked at POR and decided to upgrade to WL as it may be our chance to afford deluxe. Your review, as well as the others who provided info, made me really feel like we made the best choice for us...wouldn't it be awesome if WL had a boat to DTD, too!