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

[mexican-mouseketeers]

I don't know where the laundry room in the main building is located, but it's not that long of a walk between the two areas, particularly of you use the steps up to the covered path (by the bus stop) to get back to the main building.

Just a heads up, the Laundry room in the Villas is for DVC members and folks staying in the Villas only. There are a very limited number of machines there, and in my experience usually only half the driers are working at any given time. Sigh.

Thank you! The main laundry room is next to Roaring Forks, so I think it is quite far from the quiet pool.

I hope then that our room is close to the laundry and I will wash at night instead of during the day, this way we might go to the contemporary pool

 

[mexican-mouseketeers]

So if we have an early CP reservation, mine is 8 10 too, we should be at the bus stop by 7 20 max? Do we have to let the front desk know the night before that we need an early breakfast bus? I read somewhere that if you don't do that, the bus might not come?

Yes, that is correct, I would try to be that early at the dock.

Still, if you opt for the bus route, you can always ask any incoming buses if they are going to the MK or to pick up guests at the Contemporary, sometimes it is worth it to hop on the first one if it is picking up guests at the CR and walk to the park from there.

 

[kathyk671]

Our first stay was on our honeymoon also!! Still have the photo of us by the buffalo on my desk at work.

Wow, is WL like the official honeymoon hotel or something? We stayed there for our honeymoon, too! Club level, 2005. Loved it, but so expensive. We've been doing value-to-moderate for our anniversary trips. With 2015 being our 10th, maybe we'll go back to WL - although I'm also trying to convince DH that it's high time for a Disney cruise...

 

[oneprincessjo]

We got married in February also! Little did we know back then it is Disney's Peak ($$$$) season on room rates, lol. We were just getting started as Disney Fans and didn't realize. We always joke that if we would have known about the seasons, we would have gotten married a week or two earlier.
So now we usually don't go on our anniversary day. Always a week later.

Ok. Now I need to ask what day you were married??? My anniversary is February 23rd 2008. We went back once around that time since we were married... but we usually go the last week in January which is great for rates and very low crowds, weather is all over the place but I don't care as long as I'm in Disney!!! Or we go the week after Thanksgiving for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. October 2015 will be our first Halloween in Disney. I can't wait!

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Ok. Now I need to ask what day you were married??? My anniversary is February 23rd 2008. We went back once around that time since we were married... but we usually go the last week in January which is great for rates and very low crowds, weather is all over the place but I don't care as long as I'm in Disney!!! Or we go the week after Thanksgiving for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. October 2015 will be our first Halloween in Disney. I can't wait!

That was a very good day to get married I guess . 2/23/02

I know what you mean by the weather. We always hope it is a little chilly as by February we need to be cooled off a bit. But sometimes you can get down right cold weather or a super hot day. But it is all good when you are at Disney!

 

[WDWFan06]

I love coming home from a long day at work and finding Mickey mail in the mailbox. Looking through our booklet I still can't believe my family has decided to stay at the lodge. It will be our first deluxe! Still 6 months out but love the planning process. That also reminds me training starts soon for the half marathon/marathon. Hope everyone has a great week and if you are traveling soon have a great trip!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Ok. Now I need to ask what day you were married??? My anniversary is February 23rd 2008. We went back once around that time since we were married... but we usually go the last week in January which is great for rates and very low crowds, weather is all over the place but I don't care as long as I'm in Disney!!! Or we go the week after Thanksgiving for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. October 2015 will be our first Halloween in Disney. I can't wait!

That was a very good day to get married I guess . 2/23/02

I know what you mean by the weather. We always hope it is a little chilly as by February we need to be cooled off a bit. But sometimes you can get down right cold weather or a super hot day. But it is all good when you are at Disney!

Oh you folks are just too cute!!!

 

[mystery222184]

So busy w/ a new job I didn't notice the new thread! We are 127 days out from our next WL trip! Though that sounds terribly far away when we have the Poly 28 days away Can't wait!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Does anyone have pics of the tarps/walls from their current stays this month?

 

[mcconnellfam96]

Does anyone have pics of the tarps/walls from their current stays this month?

I would love to see this too! (Would love to hear EVEN MORE that the tarps/walls are gone and the stream is flowing again! Lol)

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I would love to see this too! (Would love to hear EVEN MORE that the tarps/walls are gone and the stream is flowing again! Lol)

Honestly, i was afraid to ask for fear of someone yelling at me. Seems like everyone is going out of their way to not talk about it. While I will not go on an angry tirade like a lot of people, I think if you are a fan of this resort, the construction is a concern and we all want to know what's going on. There are some helpful descriptions on other threads recently but pics would help.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Honestly, i was afraid to ask for fear of someone yelling at me. Seems like everyone is going out of their way to not talk about it. While I will not go on an angry tirade like a lot of people, I think if you are a fan of this resort, the construction is a concern and we all want to know what's going on. There are some helpful descriptions on other threads recently but pics would help.

No one HERE is going to yell at you!!!!

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Major change in plans today, the day after my trip was paid on full!!! lol. My 3 resort stay has just become a 2 resort split unexpectedly. **sigh**

No longer going to be staying at the Lodge in August I was completely gutted when I cancelled... but - it was short lived, will be doing a pre Christmas stay (hopefully CL) to make up for it.

Will post my new dates once they are finalized so I can be re added to the list!

It's been a crazy afternoon working out new logistics... I'm going to find a nice glass of sangria & a chair in the sun to enjoy it in...

Cheers!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hello, Lodgers
​

My apologies for not multi-quoting. We are having a fabulous stay and I've been busy morning till night. We checked into WL from YC on Wednesday. We couldn't wait to get here and we arrived at the Lodge around 8:30.

After our first night in 7035 in the North Wing, which is the mirror image of our favorite room 7127, we were moved to a Deluxe Room. This is our first stay in a Deluxe room and the CY view and extra room is wonderful. I'll go into more detail later.

I have lots of random WL thoughts/news to share and tons of photos. I had nearly given up trying to upload photos to Photobucket when I had some mild success this morning. The WiFi here is spotty at best and I don't post from my phone. The WiFi was more reliable at the YC, but I will post more photos from home in July.

Random Thoughts and News:

~The draining of the Silver Creek hasn't impacted our vacation at all. The screens are a noticeable, but they aren't in a very prominent location within the CY. The creek is still scheduled to be up and running next week. But, I've not seen any work being done on it and neither has a CM I spoke with so we're not sure what is actually being done.

Regarding the pool rehab:

~Those with reservations will be offered a one-day water park pass in addition to transportation and use of the CR and FW pools. Letters should be going out soon with this offer. Also, guests may speak with a leader/manager AFTER check-in to discuss room rate adjustments due to the pool closure and/or CY View degradation.

~Managers are suggesting that due to the closure of the pool, disruption to the entire CY area and noise, guests who can book elsewhere during the rehab, may want to. The Lodge won't be at its best and managers don't want disappointed guests, but they have no control over the rehab. There will be some jack hammering for several days which will be very noisy and CY views will be impacted. The rehab is un-avoidable due to the requirement that all Disney feature pools (with life guards) must be fenced in. There are only a finite number of installers and workers to perform the rehab, so all Disney pool work must be staggered and some rehab dates aren't optimal. WL was able to change the rehab from the summer to the fall, but the work couldn't be put off until the winter.

~Randy, the wonderful CL Manager, just left the Lodge for a Temporary Assignment in Recreation at POR/POFQ. He may return in 3-4 months, but the Rec. TA was one he requested so unfortunately for us, he may not be returning to WL. But, he gets to wear sneakers and swim trunks now

I have to run now, but here are a few photos from this week:

Sunrise from the lounge:


Early morning lobby:









Screens surrounding Silver Creek as viewed from our balcony:



For the person who asked about stuffed animals, this is the only bear they sell now:


​

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Hello, Lodgers
​

My apologies for not multi-quoting. We are having a fabulous stay and I've been busy morning till night. We checked into WL from YC on Wednesday. We couldn't wait to get here and we arrived at the Lodge around 8:30.

After our first night in 7035 in the North Wing, which is the mirror image of our favorite room 7127, we were moved to a Deluxe Room. This is our first stay in a Deluxe room and the CY view and extra room is wonderful. I'll go into more detail later.

I have lots of random WL thoughts/news to share and tons of photos. I had nearly given up trying to upload photos to Photobucket when I had some mild success this morning. The WiFi here is spotty at best and I don't post from my phone. The WiFi was more reliable at the YC, but I will post more photos from home in July.

Random Thoughts and News:

~The draining of the Silver Creek hasn't impacted our vacation at all. The screens are a noticeable, but they aren't in a very prominent location within the CY. The creek is still scheduled to be up and running next week. But, I've not seen any work being done on it and neither has a CM I spoke with so we're not sure what is actually being done.

Regarding the pool rehab:

~Those with reservations will be offered a one-day water park pass in addition to transportation and use of the CR and FW pools. Letters should be going out soon with this offer. Also, guests may speak with a leader/manager AFTER check-in to discuss room rate adjustments due to the pool closure and/or CY View degradation.

~Managers are suggesting that due to the closure of the pool, disruption to the entire CY area and noise, guests who can book elsewhere during the rehab, may want to. The Lodge won't be at its best and managers don't want disappointed guests, but they have no control over the rehab. There will be some jack hammering for several days which will be very noisy and CY views will be impacted. The rehab is un-avoidable due to the requirement that all Disney feature pools (with life guards) must be fenced in. There are only a finite number of installers and workers to perform the rehab, so all Disney pool work must be staggered and some rehab dates aren't optimal. WL was able to change the rehab from the summer to the fall, but the work couldn't be put off until the winter.

~Randy, the wonderful CL Manager, just left the Lodge for a Temporary Assignment in Recreation at POR/POFQ. He may return in 3-4 months, but the Rec. TA was one he requested so unfortunately for us, he may not be returning to WL. But, he gets to wear sneakers and swim trunks now

I have to run now, but here are a few photos from this week:

Sunrise from the lounge:


Early morning lobby:









Screens surrounding Silver Creek as viewed from our balcony:



For the person who asked about stuffed animals, this is the only bear they sell now:


​

Thanks Kook! That doesn't sound good at all The rate change does, but I am wary of something that doesn't come ahead of time....really shocked they are suggesting people go elsewhere!

 

[ElenaJane]

Thank you so much Ms. Kook!! That explanation for the timing of the refurb makes me feel a lot better. That makes sense why they have to stagger it. Now I get to start thinking about Blizzard Beach!

 

[EmmaMagsMom]

Thanks Kook for the updates. Sounds like you are having a great trip. Can't wait to hear more. For the first time in 4 years, we won't be taking our DD's to the lodge for Halloween. We are doing an adult only trip for four nights before our cruise in Oct. Because of the pool ( we love our pool time) we are staying at the Contemporary. We look forward to returning to the Lodge next year with our girls. I'm sure we will be taking the boat over for a peek. Happy Planning to all.

 

[kittyx3]

Thank you Kook for the info. It really helps. I know you are on vaca, and I really do appreciate the info. Do you know how this will effect the Villas? Will there be sound issues there as well? Should those staying in the Villas also inquire about rate changes, passes, etc? If you don't have the answer, please don't go out of your way to seek it. I will be more than happy to phone and get the answers. I was just wondering if you happened to know off hand?

You are a star and have been my guiding light to our first deluxe stay surprise 5th birthday adventure. Thank you again and look forward to the pictures.

 

[Lady SnowElla]

WDW KOOK, Thanks so much for the update. My DDs and I will be arriving at the WL for 10 nights starting July 2. The pictures are beautiful! I can hardly wait until we arrive to celebrate the adoption anniversaries of my two daughters--20 years for my oldest DD on July 4th and 15 years for youngest DD on July 7th.

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Thank you for the info and photos Kook! That confirms what I was told last week when we booked our CL stay for the 23 - 27 of July of no construction during our stay.

DH just interrupted my reading to tell me 3 weeks from today we would be on our way home from WL. I reminded him unless he wanted to change dates AGAIN for this trip, 3 weeks from today we wouldn't have left! I think someone is craving Disney Magic.

Sunset looks wonderful from the lounge. I almost wish he was right and not a week off!

Liz