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

[Koh1977]

Hi, fellow WL lovers, I made my upcoming reservation through Orbitz, because I couldn't resist the extra 15% off, which was quite a significant savings. But I'm missing being able to call WDW directly regarding my reservation. I called Orbitz this morning and made my room location requests and they said they called WDW and that my requests would be "confirmed on check-in," whatever that means. I'm guessing the Orbitz agent I spoke with was reading from a script, so perhaps there's no hidden meaning, and my room location requests are on my reservation the same as they would be had I booked directly through CRO. At any rate, can I still call WL directly maybe 5 or 10 days before check-in to confirm my room location requests? (And, of course, I know they are only requests and that they don't necessarily have to be honored, etc., but WL has always given us a great room, and usually in the location I requested--or an even better one!) Thanks so much for any info you might have. I'm new to the Orbitz thing and it's making me a little uncomfortable.

You should be able to get your Disney number from them so you can put it in MDE, etc.

 

[Miffy]

You should be able to get your Disney number from them so you can put it in MDE, etc.

Yes. That was on my reservation. Very easy to link to MDE, but I was not able to talk directly with CRO for the room location request. I had to go thru Orbitz for that, and I'm not used to someone else having control of my rez.

I just hope I'll be able to speak directly to WL to verify my room location request maybe a week before check-in, and I haven't been able to find any solid info about whether that will be possible.

 

[outahere]

I just hope I'll be able to speak directly to WL to verify my room location request maybe a week before check-in, and I haven't been able to find any solid info about whether that will be possible.

Most likely they will not even talk to you about your reservation, because the TA "owns" the reservation until you actually check in. You may get lucky and the Disney agent you speak with will confirm it, but I don't think I would count on it. BTW, there is no way to talk directly with someone that is actually at the resort, you would be speaking with someone at CRO.

 

[Miffy]

Most likely they will not even talk to you about your reservation, because the TA "owns" the reservation until you actually check in. You may get lucky and the Disney agent you speak with will confirm it, but I don't think I would count on it. BTW, there is no way to talk directly with someone that is actually at the resort, you would be speaking with someone at CRO.

The woman I spoke with at Orbitz actually told me I could call the resort "directly" (I realize it's not really the front desk of the resort), but as I said, I have no solid proof that this will be possible. I did tell Orbitz my room location requests but I'm still going to attempt calling WL's number about 10 days before check-in.

I feel like I'm just repeating myself now!

 

[amjrsj]

Hi, I have a trip planned in January and would like to request a room. This is my first time to stay at WL. I booked a Woods View room. Is this the thread that I should post in for advice on what area/rooms to request?

Thanks so much, I have not been to WDW since they started the FP+ and have found that I have been a lot more stressed about the planning of this trip than our last trip. I totally forgot how important it is to request a room location! eek.

 

[diskids2]

We are home after a VWL stay of Dec. 1-7. I wish I could report that the construction didn't bother us on our trip, but it did. Too many small things closed added up to a larger impact. The hot tubs were closed, the main pool opened, closed, and opened again with no heat, and I'm hearing the slide wasn't working? The seating area off the lobby was closed because the scaffolding and tarp covered it, the look-out area was closed, the nature trail was closed, the geyser wasn't functioning, the beach was very much impacted with huge construction walls and equipment, and of course, the splash pad wasn't finished. There were a lot of construction workers on the splash pad and the lobby exterior, construction equipment, and it was noisy. When I first heard about the pool rehab, I was afraid of this, and unfortunately, it came to pass. It was supposed to be completed the prior week, but wasn't.
Maybe I would feel differently if WL were my go-to resort for trips. I think it's easier to forgive these things if you've had great stays at other times, but this was a first and only for us. The lobby was beautiful, as was the villas lobby. The studio was too, but the exterior was a pretty big turn-off for us. We would go back to the Epcot resorts when we visit again.

This is really freaking me out!!!!!

I have to admit I am not too happy about this either. I thought that with a December 23rd check in, everything would have been done with a Thanksgiving complete date. The Pool part doesn't bother me as much as the construction, but we'll live with it because we are at WDW I'm just saying I probably would have not booked WL if I knew this was going to be the case.....but keeping a positive outlook

 

[lovingeire]

Hi, I have a trip planned in January and would like to request a room. This is my first time to stay at WL. I booked a Woods View room. Is this the thread that I should post in for advice on what area/rooms to request?

Thanks so much, I have not been to WDW since they started the FP+ and have found that I have been a lot more stressed about the planning of this trip than our last trip. I totally forgot how important it is to request a room location! eek.

We stayed in a Woods View room on our last trip. (Bunk bed room) I requested Otter Pond, high floor thanks to the advice on this thread and we had a view of the castle and Space Mountain. We watched Wishes at night from our balcony.

 

[amjrsj]

We stayed in a Woods View room on our last trip. (Bunk bed room) I requested Otter Pond, high floor thanks to the advice on this thread and we had a view of the castle and Space Mountain. We watched Wishes at night from our balcony.

Thanks, so much! We don't have a bunk room so if anyone else has suggestions I would appreciate the help so much. I will try to see if non-bunk rooms are in that area though!

 

[Tbone17701]

I saw the information on the DIS Boards rehab list......which is why I included the link.............

I love The Whispering Canyon.........so I hope it is an error......so those at WDW and WL during that time get to enjoy the food and the fun

Doug

Just confirmed that the TA Refurbs list says it's closed May 15-June 26, 2015.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Thanks, so much! We don't have a bunk room so if anyone else has suggestions I would appreciate the help so much. I will try to see if non-bunk rooms are in that area though!

There are many more rooms that have two queen beds instead of bunk beds that also have this view. Just request high floor, north wing to get your best chance of having a view like that. Room 6010 had a perfect view and it had two queen beds.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I have to admit I am not too happy about this either. I thought that with a December 23rd check in, everything would have been done with a Thanksgiving complete date. The Pool part doesn't bother me as much as the construction, but we'll live with it because we are at WDW I'm just saying I probably would have not booked WL if I knew this was going to be the case.....but keeping a positive outlook

I emailed IPO to see what they had to say about the construction and got this reply (we arrive next Friday 12/19):

Howdy!

Thank you for your email!

We are anticipating the hot tub and aquatic play area to reopen by the time you arrive. The Silver Creek Springs Pool has not closed again, but periodically is not available if cleaning is needed or chemicals need to be balanced.

The beach, geyser, and trail to Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campgrounds are still impacted and we are not expecting those to be fully reopened by the time you arrive.

If there is anything else we can assist with before you arrive, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Happy Trails,
William

 

[Kona65]

Is the construction finally complete, or are they still running behind schedule?

 

[BlueFairy]

What type of to-go items does Roaring Forks usually have for breakfast? In particular I'm interested to know if they have yogurt. It's an essential item for us & I'm wondering if we can find it in the resort, or if I should make a grocery order.

Roaring Fork and the grocery area of the Mercantile both have yogurt. I remember one location didn't have Greek yogurt, but the other did. Check both because the selection was different.

 

[BlueFairy]

Looking at photos of Wilderness Lodge rooms it appears there are no sitting/armchairs. Is it possible to get one and if so, how would one request that? I'm asking because my husband tore some abdominal muscles that are taking forever to heal (might be a six month thingy). Sitting up on a bed is incredibly uncomfortable. Regular chairs are o.k. but don't allow him to quite stretch the muscle area properly. Just thought I'd ask about opinions on if it might even be possible. I realize it would make for tight quarters, but I think it would help my husband out. Thanks in advance for any info.

We've never had bunks, but you might consider a villa. Certainly you'd get a chair in a 1 BR. Maybe in a studio? Someone will know.

 

[reddog]

Thanks for the idea about the villas. We stayed in them 8 years ago and given his recently acquired injury they would probably be more comfortable. At this point though - money wise or time to rent from a DVCer - we have to go with just the hotel room.

The idea of an arm chair just came to me, but I'm not even sure where hotel staff would get one...

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Is the construction finally complete, or are they still running behind schedule?

The front desk leader I spoke with last week said they were a week or two behind because of the bad weather we've had…


On Monday they were outside working in the rain and cold so who knows?

 

[Mainemama]

Between booking on Orbitz and arriving early enough (before 11:00 a.m.) that we will be happy with an available room, I am leaning towards not making any requests. We are new to the lodge. Are there bad Woods view bunk locations? It looks like everything is easily accessed from all locations. I don't mind a patio, as we have young kids that like to play on them, but balconies are good, too.

 

[Mainemama]

I am trying to pick which night we do HDDR. We are looking forward to a more straightforward route than from our usual resort. How easy is the route? I want to avoid feeling rushed, so am debating an early show on arrival day or on a rest day or a late show after Ak the night before our rest day. Since they all sound good, I thought one of you could give me the low down on arrival by boat or walking (3. Kids, 1stroller). I need a nudge so I can commit to booking something!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I am trying to pick which night we do HDDR. We are looking forward to a more straightforward route than from our usual resort. How easy is the route? I want to avoid feeling rushed, so am debating an early show on arrival day or on a rest day or a late show after Ak the night before our rest day. Since they all sound good, I thought one of you could give me the low down on arrival by boat or walking (3. Kids, 1stroller). I need a nudge so I can commit to booking something!

You can get to HDDR from the WL by walking, taking the boat, or taking the special bus to Fort Wilderness that they run for it. Keep in mind that the trail isn't lighted, so if you want to walk to Fort Wilderness, about a 20 minute walk, you'll want to get an early show. There will be a boat or bus to take you back to the WL after dinner.

 

[sotoalf]

Yes, the bus connecting WL with the Fort is the best and fastest: it's a three-minute ride and runs all day.