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

[pmaurer74]

We were able to be flag family 2 of our last four trips to the WL over the past 5 years. Both times we were treated to the club level free breakfast spread upon finishing our flag family duties. Fantastic experience for the family. The second time we were flag family they told us to cancel any breakfast that we might have planned because for fulfilling our flag family duty ended with a breakfast reward.

How did you get chosen to be a flag family?

 

[bareed]

How did you get chosen to be a flag family?

When checking in you need to request / state your interest in being the flag family of the day with the front desk. The desk worker will then check a 3 ring binder for available dates, during your stay, to become the next flag family. You can not request being flag family ahead of time or before checking into the WL. We were not successful in our request the first two stays at the WL missing an opening by a day or two. The longer your stay at the WL the better your chance of being able to be the flag family. Our two successful requests occurred during 7 night Sat. - Sat. stays. The first time it was a Wed. and the 2nd time it was a Fri. morning. I added a picture from May 2011 to my avatar but I am not sure how to add a picture to my posts?

 

[Lacoccinelle]

When checking in you need to request / state your interest in being the flag family of the day with the front desk. The desk worker will then check a 3 ring binder for available dates, during your stay, to become the next flag family. You can not request being flag family ahead of time or before checking into the WL. We were not successful in our request the first two stays at the WL missing an opening by a day or two. The longer your stay at the WL the better your chance of being able to be the flag family. Our two successful requests occurred during 7 night Sat. - Sat. stays. The first time it was a Wed. and the 2nd time it was a Fri. morning. I added a picture from May 2011 to my avatar but I am not sure how to add a picture to my posts?

We are here seven nights and got it on that eighth morning. We also checked in at 10am. Last year, same length, it was already taken. I asked her to check before she did anything else. While she was writing our name in another check -in agent came looking for the binder.

 

[danikoski]

Only 79 more days to go before we are WL for our Disneymoon I know you all understand my excitement

 

[Divaofdisney]

Only 79 more days to go before we are WL for our Disneymoon I know you all understand my excitement

Awe, Congratulations how wonderful!!

We will be there in 45 days- can't wait!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

For those of you with free passes:

Blizzard Beach will be closed on November 1, 2014 due to projected cold temperatures. Typhoon Lagoon is closed for its annual refurbishment.​

 

[Catira]

Hi.. We have our upcoming trip in just a few days. Doing an adult only trip and we will be spending some time in the resort relaxing when we aren't at the parks. Would appreciate any specific 1 bedroom recommendations where you had a nice view in the woods area. I realize room requests are not guaranteed but it's worth a try. Thanks

 

[WDWKOOK]

I was looking for information from anyone who has stayed in a sudio villa now that they sleep 5. We have three kids, 13, 9, and 8. Was just wondering how cramped it would be for us?! Just trying to figure if we should try a studio or delux room club level.

Thanks!

I know Amy answered your question, but I just wanted to add that not only would it be extremely cramped, you wouldn't have access to the CL lounge nor the CL amenities. Do you need the kitchen? If not, then I would definitely choose the Deluxe room over a Studio for your family.

He was dressed as Pluto and he loved the extra attention.

Our waiter at one of the breakfasts was Jefro and when our table asked for ketchup, he came out dressed like this:

Your photo of your DGS and of the WCC CM dressed as a ketchup bottle were so cute! Also, thank you for the construction photos. I'm going to post a link to them in POST 2.

Hey everyone, sorry for the delay but photobucket wouldn't upload for me yesterday.

The WiFi is spotty at best in the resorts. Thank you for posting your photos and I will post a link to them, too.

Had a busy day yesterday. Breakfast in the room then headed out.

Started out at the mall for a quick look at two stores, them returned the rental.

They were doing a lot of tree/bush trimming around the front of the Lodge

Took a boat from the Dolphin to Epcot for a little food an wine action (and a ride on Spoarin'). Patagonia to eat a few favorites, empanadas (not me) and the beef skewers with chimichuri (me). We also tried the new Puerto Rico food. We had the Braised Beef with Rice and the fried Plantains. Not sure how allergen free the plantains were but decided to try a little and survived it. This was really good.

Went back to the room to cool off then did a little walk around WL before catching a boat over to MK. MK was crazy crowded. Just did a couple of rides and had a light dinner there. Went to the Golden Oak Outpost to try the new topped fries. We both had the BLT fries and they were fantastic. The fries were crisp and not greasy at all. The lettuce and tomato were crisp and chilled not too cold but just enough to cool down the fries, and the bacon was plentiful and right at that great place where it is super crisp but not charred. Then ranch on top to add a perfect creaminess.

We are already planning a second outing there Wednesday.

We decided not to stay for fireworks as it was so crowded, and as we were loading on the boat there were more crowds going in to make the parade.

All in all a good day.

Cute photos and thank you for posting LIVE reports for everyone.

Hello folks,

So today was another day of vacation so it was a GOOD day.

Mom was not doing a park today so she spent the morning relaxing. I headed over to MK after breakfast.

Stopped on my way to the dock.

No one was near the splash pad. The seem to be concentrating on the far side.

Checked again in the evening on my way to Ft. Wilderness. It looks like the have put in the piping and siding/support around the far edge of the pool.



Also saw this as the boat was pulling away from the dock.

Had diner at Trails End. Mom loved it, I liked it. I had a few things from the buffet and then the chef fixed me grilled chicken, broccoli, and a desert in the back.

Did take a walk along one of the trails as a local told us about a couple who basically live on site. They do a ton of decoration.

Came back and decided to go to the beach to watch the fire works and the EWP.

I couldn't figure out the angle for fireworks but sure enough you can see them over the trees. The blob on the lower right is the CR. It was nice to see the actual parade as a whole.

There was only about 15 people on the beach.

Loved sitting out beside the water.

More tomorrow. Night guys.

Imagine practically living at FW - what fun! Thank you for posting more construction photos. Work is really progressing.

I popped over here to see if anyone is going to at WL 11/10-18?

I arrive at poly on 18th and leave early 21st. I want to sneak over to see that magnificent Christmas Tree. I don't want to get my mom's hopes up to see it then get there to find an empty lobby. (She has never been to WL, let alone holiday time.)

So if anyone can report when tree up I would appreciate it.

Thanks!!!

The WL/VWL decoration should be up your arrival day or the next day.

Good Morning All -

As anyone that has reservations at WL or VWL in late November or December, we all are anxious as to whether the rehab / enhancements will be completed at the Courtyard Pool area.

Although we all know that planned rehabs can take longer with unknown issues or the like, it would appear to me that the scope of work for this project is rather specific and straight-forward.

Although these recent pictures show alot of construction, it really does look like alot of the prep for the splash zone area including piping, etc seems to be done. With just under 30 days left before the planned re-opening, I feel pretty confident that the General Contractor will have this finished in time. This is a pretty "high exposure" area from a guest perspective and I feel that enough pressure is being put in the GC to get this done on time.
I may be a glass-half-full type of guy but I am pretty confident that it will be done. It takes longer to prep than to lay the concrete and install the structure(s).

Irregardless, our family feels blessed to be there on 12/4, see the beauty of the holidays at WL, VWL and the parks and will be positive and "go with the flow" IF for some reason, it is not open.

Its our family, the memories and experiences that make this special for us and whether or not the courtyard pool is or is not open, will not effect our desire to have one heck of an awesome time for 10 days at WDW during the holiday season.

Counting down....36 days......

What a sweet post and I hope you'll report back to us about your stay.

I need a vacation - and June is a long way away, so thank you for having this awesome thread so I can come and get a bit of the Disney vacation!

I do understand the curiosity of the pool rehab completion - but to just add to your thoughts, "at least you're not going in June" :little angel:

June will be here before you know it

Yay!!! I finally convinced my parents to vacation with us at WDW by using our DVC points for them and they will get to experience WL with us

I had originally just booked their whole vacation at SSR because their 4 days were all available, but then I convinced my mom to take a chance and book 2 nights at AKL Kidani and 1 night that was available at VWL and waitlist the other. I only did this yesterday and the waitlist came through!

I am beyond excited, and would love to tell my mom, but she ended up in the hospital yesterday with a blood clot. I hope this doesn't affect her ability to travel. I love vacationing with my parents.

I hope your mother is better- very scary stuff. Glad the wait list came through for you.

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!

Congratulations on the upgrade and thank you posting a pool update.

Question: CL Cast Members, can you tip them?

Yes and no...The Disney rule used to be that if offered three times, the CM could accept cash on the third attempt. I don't know if this true in practice, but you could certainly try. I have seen cash offered and refused, but I only witnessed one attempt by the guest. They do/can accept non-monetary gifts and I believe guests have given gift cards. I believe there is a $75 max. rule, but again, this may be Disney urban legend and I don't know what the actual "gift card" rule is.

I'm sure this is somewhere, but what is the best way to make a room request and how far out should the requests be made?
Thanks for any help

The reservation is dropped into the resort's system about a week or so prior to arrival anytime after this, the Room Assignor will assign you room so best to have your request in at least a week prior to arrival. Just call the WDTC/CRO and ask them to add your request to your reservation. If you're staying club level, you can email/call the IPO and they will add your request.

Quick Update: Arrived, via ME, to the Lodge around 2PM today. We had requested a lobby room 5th floor or higher (we booked a standard room but hoped for a woods upgrade). CM greeted me at the the entrance and whisked me away to the 7th floor. She stated that we had been upgraded to Club Level! I was concerned because we have two reservations but they blocked our room so we get Club Level the entire stay without having to move! Can you say pixie dust?! Received our tickets for Hoop Dee Doo tonight and will, hopefully, be Flag Family on Friday! I wanted to hit up WCC for lunch but they had just closed. Ran down to Roaring Fork and ran into an old friend. Came back to the room with a complementary Halloween cupcake! The pixie dust is raining down! Of course, I'm somewhat concerned since things are going so well, that the pixie dust will dry up before we leave. Either way, I am soaking it up while I can! So far, a fantastic first trip to the Lodge!!

WOW! What a great first day - enjoy

If you have been the flag family recently, were you treated to breakfast? I have heard yes and no.

My understanding is that a Club Level breakfast is still offered after the ceremony.

All these upgrade stories are so exciting! Here's a question:

I'm staying a WL with my mom for WDW marathon weekend in January. I'm running the full with a non-profit and my mom will be there to cheer me on. She is just the most incredible woman and we are actually arriving in FL ON her birthday. We have a woods view bunk bed because that was the best deal, and my mom insists she'll sleep in the bunk bed (I'm 5'11" lol)... But do you think I'll be able to sweet talk the front desk into an upgrade (or just two queen beds... Any view!) when we arrive? Or is there a way to make a request ahead of time??

Also- I'm thinking of surprising her with a Rez at artists point that night of her bday- any other ideas for a bday surprise for the best Mom ever?!?!

A bunk room actually costs more than a non-bunk so the only "upgrade" would be to a Courtyard View bunk (or a CL non-bunk room). You could check now to see if you could change to a two queen. If non-bunks are all booked, you should explain at check-in that you were only able to book a bunk and that you only need a two queen since it's only you and your mother. Make sure that the fact that you're celebrating her birthday is mentioned in your reservation.

You could also ask at check-in about the possibility of seeing Wishes from the roof one night in honor of your mom's birthday or even being Flag Family. If you wanted to purchase something, Sturdy Branches offers great massages which would be a nice gift.

I have a question for any Territory Lounge pros here. In the sticky, it says "select" items from Artist Point may be ordered. Does anyone know...is that one or two items, or a good part of their menu? We have an ADR for Artist Point in December, but I would be just as happy (maybe happier) to eat in the Lounge. I'm a total sucker for truffle fries, so Territory Lounge is looking awfully good to me.

Here is the TL AP menu from the summer, (you have to ask for it). Some items do change seasonally:

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.

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.

Cute photo of you and mom and thank you for all your updates. It's great that you and mom will be returning in less than a year and you will be back even sooner.

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

Appendages crossed for you and to the DIS and the WL/VWL thread! We're honored that your first post is here on our fine thread. I'll add your vacation dates to the Lodgers' Log in POST 2.

Hey guys,

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

The hyperlink to the activity calendar is in POST 2 HERE. The November calendar isn't up yet, but should be within the next week.

Only 79 more days to go before we are WL for our Disneymoon I know you all understand my excitement

That's so exciting

 

[patty57]

Here is the TL AP menu from the summer, (you have to ask for it). Some items do change seasonally:

Thanks so much. Wow...it looks everything from AP is available in TL. Great news!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi.. We have our upcoming trip in just a few days. Doing an adult only trip and we will be spending some time in the resort relaxing when we aren't at the parks. Would appreciate any specific 1 bedroom recommendations where you had a nice view in the woods area. I realize room requests are not guaranteed but it's worth a try. Thanks

I can't offer a specific recommendation, but there is a VWL room number map posted HERE. If you arrive in just a few days, then it's probably too late to put in a request as your villa has most likely already been assigned. But you can still try and you can ask at check-in if your requested location was available.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks so much. Wow...it looks everything from AP is available in TL. Great news!

Also, you can use TiW at TL, but you cannot use the DDP.

 

[lffam]

How did you get chosen to be a flag family?

When checking in you need to request / state your interest in being the flag family of the day with the front desk. The desk worker will then check a 3 ring binder for available dates, during your stay, to become the next flag family. You can not request being flag family ahead of time or before checking into the WL. We were not successful in our request the first two stays at the WL missing an opening by a day or two. The longer your stay at the WL the better your chance of being able to be the flag family. Our two successful requests occurred during 7 night Sat. - Sat. stays. The first time it was a Wed. and the 2nd time it was a Fri. morning. I added a picture from May 2011 to my avatar but I am not sure how to add a picture to my posts?

We are here seven nights and got it on that eighth morning. We also checked in at 10am. Last year, same length, it was already taken. I asked her to check before she did anything else. While she was writing our name in another check -in agent came looking for the binder.

We stayed in Oct/Nov 2013 ( this exact time last year) and we asked at check-in time if there was an opportunity to be Flag Family during our stay. There was only one day left available and we were able to get that.
I can tell you it is a fantastic experience and one people should definitely ask about. The vistas are truly magnificent from the roof of the lodge and you can see 360degress in every direction.

Here is my post in my (still going) Trip report. Flag Family Part 1 Raising the Flags

For those interested in soem more postings and pictures from the WL itself, here is the link of The Arrival at the Lodge. Arrival at Wilderness Lodge

 

[WDWKOOK]

Sorry to have to repeat yesterday's bad news, but Blizzard Beach is closed again today due to the cold weather and TL is closed until 1/3/15 due to its annual refurbishment.​

We stayed in Oct/Nov 2013 ( this exact time last year) and we asked at check-in time if there was an opportunity to be Flag Family during our stay. There was only one day left available and we were able to get that.
I can tell you it is a fantastic experience and one people should definitely ask about. The vistas are truly magnificent from the roof of the lodge and you can see 360degress in every direction.

Here is my post in my (still going) Trip report. Flag Family Part 1 Raising the Flags

For those interested in soem more postings and pictures from the WL itself, here is the link of The Arrival at the Lodge. Arrival at Wilderness Lodge

Thank you for re-posting the links. I've had a link to your rooftop photos on the first page, but it's easy to miss if you aren't scrounging around there. Those rooftop views are amazing!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Some unexpected "fireworks" last night at 7DMT. If the ride is still closed, and you have a FP+ for today, you should receive an email notice via MDX alerting you to the cancelation of your FP+. You would be able to re-use the FP+ when the ride re-opens.

7DMT CATCHES FIRE - NO INJURIES.​

 

[jd65]

Some unexpected "fireworks" last night at 7DMT. If the ride is still closed, and you have a FP+ for today, you should receive an email notice via MDX alerting you to the cancelation of your FP+. You would be able to re-use the FP+ when the ride re-opens. 7DMT CATCHES FIRE - NO INJURIES.

Why did I hear rumor that 7DMT is now going to be closing and turned into a Frozen ride? Please tell me that is not true.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Why did I hear rumor that 7DMT is now going to be closing and turned into a Frozen ride? Please tell me that is not true.

Are you thinking of Malstrom in Epcot's Norway Pavilion? That has closed and is being "re-imagined" into a Frozen attraction.

 

[Broncobilly83]

We are due to check in next week, and I requested both via the phone and the online check-in process sixth/top floor, and when I called in I asked for a Castle view (paid for a Woods view), since I did not remember the direction that side was on (North). Should I call in and add North to the request, or will they know what I meant by Castle View

 

[Divaofdisney]

Hi there starting to do some thinking about decorating our rooms for christmas- do they allow you to put anything on your door? also what are the limits inside- id like to bring some holiday lights and small tree along with kids stockings. any information is greatly appreciated. thanks'

 

[AngiTN]

Some unexpected "fireworks" last night at 7DMT. If the ride is still closed, and you have a FP+ for today, you should receive an email notice via MDX alerting you to the cancelation of your FP+. You would be able to re-use the FP+ when the ride re-opens.

7DMT CATCHES FIRE - NO INJURIES.​

You sure about your info? What I read said it was already open with riders about midnight on Saturday night. Did it close again?

Hi there starting to do some thinking about decorating our rooms for christmas- do they allow you to put anything on your door? also what are the limits inside- id like to bring some holiday lights and small tree along with kids stockings. any information is greatly appreciated. thanks'

I can't say what is allowed inside the room but I can say they allow things on the door. We stayed CL for DGD's birthday and brought along a large box of decorations for the room. I worked with the CL staff and they put up the decorations for us while we went to dinner. The put some of the things on the door so I have to assume things are allowed on the door.

 

[AngiTN]

Why did I hear rumor that 7DMT is now going to be closing and turned into a Frozen ride? Please tell me that is not true.

What the H! How on earth does such a rumor gain legs? Love the Internet but sometimes it is more detriment than benefit. This ride isn't even a year old. How could anyone think it's going to be closed and re-themed?