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

[Wood Nymph]

Does anyone know how long after Christmas the decorations are taken down?

Are there any New Years Eve events at the lodge?

What's better on NYE - MK or Epcot when staying at the lodge?

Christmas decorations usually come down soon after New Years Day. They don't stay up too long after Jan 1st.

We haven't been to WDW on NYE but in general it is very easy to get back to the WL from MK. There is the boat which docks right outside the MK gate. And the bus is a very short trip.

It isn't too bad taking a bus back from Epcot, since the first stop is the WL and the ride only takes about 15 minutes.

Hi WL vets,

I just got, after lots and lots of checking, VWL dlx studio for 11/17-25 free dining. I would have preferred 11/15-23 or something but beggars can't be choosers.

We have been saving WL for all these years so that we could stay there in a winter month with Christmas decor up, etc. This is the year! Regarding the pool refurbishment, how much impact do those of you who know that area think it will make? Would it be better to switch to BW this year and try again for WL another year? I just don't want to taint our experience. We won't be looking at it daily since we are in the villas, but sill unsure. Maybe we would get lucky and most of the walls and mess would be gone by then, since it is so close to the end date of construction...

The WL is a beautiful resort. We stayed there the week after Thanksgiving and the decorations are lovely. We will be back at WL during the pool rehab and we aren't worried about it. There are so many things that we like at the WL that have nothing to do with the main pool. In fact, it won't stop us from doing any of the things we have looked forward to doing.

I think that disruption will be kept to a minimum. Reports are that they are putting up a fence around the pool, adding a sidewalk and replacing the kid's pool with a new splash pad. Since the kid's pool area is set back and partially hidden by trees on the north, I don't think the work will be too bad to look at. In fact, I'm rather curious to see what is being done.

 

[Fracfam4]

This trip 9/28-10/5 will be not just my first stay at WL but my first deluxe stay! I was seriously considering moving since the rehab was announced....BUT after a little frustration and disappointment about the pool situation I have decided to stay put. It took a little perspective but this is why I made the decision:

1: I was barely able to afford the upgrade to deluxe, if I moved I'd have to downgrade all the way to value (no mods avail for FD anymore) and that's not happening
2: When I really thought about the MAIN reasons I wanted to upgrade the real reasons weren't the pool but were the closeness to MK, being so much closer to all the restaurants I want to eat at (1900PF, HDDMR, Kona, ect), more options of transportation, not having to walk a mile to food and coffee in the morning (and I've heard that it can actually be close to that for a non preferred room at CBR where I switched from)
3: if I'd stayed at CBR it might still have taken 5-10 minutes to get to the feature pool from where our room ended up being.
4: According to BFF "this will just give us an excuse to explore CR"

As a side note I am really hoping that the new straight to the room check in test they are doing now at some of the resorts is at WL for our trip! We booked room only at POR for just 9/27 since our flight doesn't come in until 6:15 pm and couldn't justify spending the extra $450 to add to the package. It would be so nice to just drop our bags at bell services at POR and be able to go straight to EPCOT without a stop at WL to get our DP and tickets activated!

Hopefully my reasons for staying will help some others still on the fence feel a little better too

My feelings too. I looked at what was available for us. I watched YouTube videos of some other resorts, and considered downgrading and it just boiled down to the fact that I really want to stay at WL. I'm a little worried about the aesthetic beauty being disrupted but that doesn't out weigh any of the reasons I wouldn't want to stay other places.

My DD(7) saw a video of the CR pool and she freaked out. Apparently, she doesn't care about the WL pool.

 

[Fracfam4]

Thanks, Hstrickland! I love pictures! They'll keep me going until November.

 

[pas130]

I understand. I don't want to rehash it. I'm just struggling myself with what to do. CR really is still unappealing to me. Right now there are no GF rooms and even if there were is a lot of money for us.

I love WL and I miss the fork, the mercantile, etc....just afraid I am going to cry if we get there and it's a mess.

However, we are planning a return trip to somewhere in Disney in April 2015.

If you'd like come visit the Resort Changers thread. We would be happy to help and add lots of helpful information...its what we do I think you've stopped by already but most of us have stayed at at least one of your choices

 

[pas130]

Happy to see so many friends today over here

 

[pas130]

Since we already have the CV room booked at the rack room rate, we are waiting for the AP discounted rates to come out.
Do the CL rooms ever get the AP discount?

I don't want to change and then find out that we don't qualify for the discount.

CL rooms are normally included in ap rates depends on availability of course...best upgrade ever BTW

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Been away for a few hours m already on page 5. ?!?!

 

[nogreenworld]

we had a stay booked for VWL for 11/15-11/22. found out after about the pool. bummed because we had a day planned to hang out there, and my daughter loves the waterslide. i'm really not interested in trekking to another hotel to use their pool, that's just inconvenient and uncomfortable.

i am looking for other things to do on the WL grounds. I saw the link for recreation, and some brief ideas there, so i thought i'd put it out to the group and see what they thought the most fun things to do on site.

thanks!

 

[LvsTnk]

Have a great trip and thank you so much! I have been following this thread since my one night stay back in March hoping to et back for a full stay soon!

 

[whositsandwhatsits]

we had a stay booked for VWL for 11/15-11/22. found out after about the pool. bummed because we had a day planned to hang out there, and my daughter loves the waterslide. i'm really not interested in trekking to another hotel to use their pool, that's just inconvenient and uncomfortable.

i am looking for other things to do on the WL grounds. I saw the link for recreation, and some brief ideas there, so i thought i'd put it out to the group and see what they thought the most fun things to do on site.

thanks!

We are looking forward to being explorers!!!! With all there is to do at both WL and FW, I'm not sure we will fit it all in. I do not know the age of your daughter...so some of this may not appeal to her. In our world, with 2 little guys we would:

Head over to Ft Wilderness and have breakfast at Trails End
Next head to Tri-Circle-D-Ranch and check out the animals.
Depending on age, and budget, either go horseback riding or for a carriage ride (or both!)
If my kids were big enough we would add archery to the mix.
Then we'd jump in the pool b/c we are already over there .

I'd head back to the Lodge, grab lunch at RF or WCC and then rent a kayak (or canoe). We love kayaking!
Next, the boys would go fishing with their dad (NOT my cup of tea)

Now, if you are going W-Sat, there is an hour tour of WL starting at 9am. Plus you can rent bikes or walk along the many trails.

And of course, cap the day off with the campfire and a wagon ride over at FW.

I'm not an expert, just a dreamer, who like to see and do it all!!!!

 

[JnKinVA]

CL rooms are normally included in ap rates depends on availability of course...best upgrade ever BTW

Oh good. Maybe I should just bump us up to CL and hope that the AP discounts come out soon for later in October.

 

[dpswift]

Of course I'm worried. I'm scheduled Dec. 1-7. Maybe it will be finished, but if it goes over the least little bit, I'll be in the refurb. I'm on rented points, and have no options to move or change my dates. I just don't see any value in rehashing it over and over at this point.

Yes it is time to stop being upset and make the most of it.

 

[kittyx3]

I think we have taken a big breath and decided that WL is the place for us. Pool or no pool, there are options. We have taken many trips to both DL and DW and we know that at the end of the day, the Mouse and his keepers will take care of you. We can't allow a little bump like the pool derail our 5 years and 5 months worth of planning. Embracing the positive and excited for all of it!! Is it time yet???

 

[pas130]

Oh good. Maybe I should just bump us up to CL and hope that the AP discounts come out soon for later in October.

I like it!

I think we have taken a big breath and decided that WL is the place for us. Pool or no pool, there are options. We have taken many trips to both DL and DW and we know that at the end of the day, the Mouse and his keepers will take care of you. We can't allow a little bump like the pool derail our 5 years and 5 months worth of planning. Embracing the positive and excited for all of it!! Is it time yet???

Great news!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Soon I'll be heading south. I feel much better knowing our thread won't be closed while I'm away. (Unless you rabble-rousers don't behave). Hold down the fort, errr, Lodge while I'm away. You never know when I might drop in with an impromptu HOWDY!
​

Woohoo!!! New kicks for the summer. Thank you to the Bay Lake Hostess with the mostest for keeping the Lodge lover home intact while you get ready for your WELCOME HOME

Even at this early hour, you're FTP and how do you always come up with such sweet sentiments? Oh, and I'm relieved we already have a Lodge Nurse on call…just in case

Thanks Kook for the brand spanking new digs! Enjoy your vacation!

I know I'll have a great vacation as soon as I get well past the packingworryingfussingpanicking part.

I can't wait to go on the Lodge Tour and have all the interesting architecture pointed out. It is such a beautiful building. For all you club level aficionados...how would you say the WL Old Faithful Club stacks up with their food offerings? I was lucky enough to have some pixie dust and upgraded to Old Faithful on my one and only one-night stay at the Lodge, and was blown away by the offerings (and the pictures and menus posted here). Are all club levels this good?

Also...thank you for the new thread Kook. Maybe now you can relax and take your vacation.

I do look forward to some R&R and I'm glad to hear you'll be taking the Lodge Tour. Jack knows so much and it's very well organized and the price is right. We've only stayed CL at BWI, CR, YC and WL. Of those, the food at WL is our favorite. It seems more varied and less "fried." There are also foods that are unique to WL such as the paella, cobbler, sliders and stews. They also offer a varied selection of cold appetizers such as sushi and caprese with mozzarella and balsamic. I can't wait to arrive there next week and I'll be sure to post some phood photos.

Good Morning!

Kook, thank you for taking such good care of all us! The new thread will be well used & enjoyed!

Have an awesome vacation!

It's my pleasure, but you behave or I might have to attack The Fort while you aren't looking.

Good morning!! It's great looking at all those pictures again!! Thanks for the updated board, Kook!

I never made the roll call list. We are doing a split stay... AoA 11/26 - 11/30 and WL CL 11/30 - 12/6. CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!

Have a great trip, Kook!! Thanks again!!

Your split stay will be duly noted and welcome back to the thread.

Well done, my friend! All complete before your travels!!!




Let the Bon Voyage Party commence in your honor....

And it would't be complete without my favorite dancin' man (or men, in this case)...

Hey, isn't that PIF (Paid in Full) Dancing Man? I like that he appeared with all his twin brothers. He's dressed nicely enough for AP

Good morning! Found the new home.

Thanks again to Kook for maintaining this, and especially for all the recent news and updates regarding the WL pool stuff!

You're welcome, Steve and I'm glad you found your new Lodge address.

Thank you for switching the thread...that was no small feat!

Have a fabulous vacation!!!

Tell me about it, but first, let me tell you... I got up a little earlier than usual (0415) in hopes of re-posting before I headed out. I log in to the DIS and receive an error message that the "database can't be found" (like a 404 error, but worse) and I started panicking. Luckily, the database was "found" and the site re-appeared about a half hour later. Then, I scrambled to copy/paste/re-post all 21 posts, and in my haste, re-posted post 17 twice. Had to go back and delete all subsequent posts then copy/paste-re-post again. I feel bad though because usually I edit the information and/or photos before re-posting, but I don't have the time so I'll do that next month.

Good thinking on starting the new thread! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!! (Although we will be there the day before you leave)

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Let's hope we have no rain and no crowds

Can't wait to finally see the beautiful place in August. Thanks a for all the great work that you do Kook on this thread and have a wonderful well deserved vacation.

You're going to be amazed and impressed. Glad you found your way over.

Can anyone tell me about the studios at the Villa's? All the literature I have found online, including the links at the beginning of this thread, state it sleeps 4 adults. However when I look on Disney's website- it states there is a pull down twin size bed and it can sleep 5 adults. Has anyone seen or experienced the "updated" studio?

Thank you for noticing that I hadn't updated the Studio description to reflect that it can accommodate 5 with the new twin Murphy Bed. I've fixed the description, thanks to you.

Well I didn't make it until page 3 but I'm on west coast time .... that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!!!

Now to go back and read .......

Linda, we're pleased to have a grandma who's grumpy post here anytime!

Thanks KOOK! Cannot wait for November!! Even with all the p**l talk (not even going to say the word)

Just what I needed and I literally LOL'd at this. November will be here before you know it.

We're staying too! Looking forward to November as well. Current travelers post pictures and have a great trip!

Another November in the house! I shall be posting some photos soon. In the meantime, maybe Heather will post her FW/WL-CL TR

Speaking of CL, I am thinking of changing from CV to CL for this trip in October. We want to try new things rather than just rush rush rush with the parks all day, and CL sounds nice, especially with the food offerings!

Justnhave to convince DH hehe

Cobbler, beer, wine, tasty hot apps and amazing views from a lounge with so much comfy seating. Just repeat that list to him and he'll be sold. Oh, and the "it's not that much more than a CV room" might work, too. Besides, it's 40% off. BTW, DH stayed for the first time at the OFC right after his deployment to AFG and it's still his favorite CL.

The studios were recently rehabbed and they now sleep five. There are links to the pictures in post#19 of this thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=50126423&postcount=19

There are some great pictures in this thread. In fact, the whole thread discusses the villas rehab.

VWL Refurb Info

Thank you for posting the links.

So excited for our first stay in the lodge in November!

Yet another November - the weather should be lovely.

Hi Everybody! I am joining in late from the West coast as well. Thanks so much Kook for posting the thread and all your work conveying useful information.

I can't wait to visit WL in September, just 84 days away...

Well, I do hope you won't have any pool issues at POR. And, you're not late, you're fashionably late, West Coast and all

As always, great job on the new thread, KOOK

Great to have you here again! Are the boys off for the summer?

 

[nogreenworld]

We are looking forward to being explorers!!!! With all there is to do at both WL and FW, I'm not sure we will fit it all in. I do not know the age of your daughter...so some of this may not appeal to her. In our world, with 2 little guys we would: Head over to Ft Wilderness and have breakfast at Trails End Next head to Tri-Circle-D-Ranch and check out the animals. Depending on age, and budget, either go horseback riding or for a carriage ride (or both!) If my kids were big enough we would add archery to the mix. Then we'd jump in the pool b/c we are already over there . I'd head back to the Lodge, grab lunch at RF or WCC and then rent a kayak (or canoe). We love kayaking! Next, the boys would go fishing with their dad (NOT my cup of tea) Now, if you are going W-Sat, there is an hour tour of WL starting at 9am. Plus you can rent bikes or walk along the many trails. And of course, cap the day off with the campfire and a wagon ride over at FW. I'm not an expert, just a dreamer, who like to see and do it all!!!!

Thank you so much! Those are some great ideas. My daughter is 8. I think the horseback would be awesome and if they'll let her do archery, she'd freak! I was thinking about trying the kayaks or the little power boats you can rent.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Subscribing to this new thread. Excited to have our first stay at VWL in late October. Making lemonade out of the p**l situation and will enjoy all the other wonderful things the resort has to offer!

I'm glad you have a good sense of humor and you found the new thread.

Yes, there are still MANY people worried about it! Some of us have just chosen to roll with it and enjoy the many other things available! Plus, we now have a reason to visit the Contemporary for the first time ever.

See you on the CR thread?

Just got back on the 14th and have tons of pics! Will be happy to post a few

No way are you only posting a few, please add some zeros.

Yay! A new thread! Kook, you must be heading out soon? Sunday? Can't wait to see your on location updates and photos!

Our countdown is at 28 days!!

Yes, we drop anchor at YC Sunday. Do I dare report here from there?

Since we already have the CV room booked at the rack room rate, we are waiting for the AP discounted rates to come out.
Do the CL rooms ever get the AP discount?

I don't want to change and then find out that we don't qualify for the discount.

I thought DH was eligible for the military -40%? I assumed he was AD or RET - sorry I confused you back there.

Following the new thread. Kook- have a GREAT trip!

Thank you and welcome back!

Hi WL vets,

I just got, after lots and lots of checking, VWL dlx studio for 11/17-25 free dining. I would have preferred 11/15-23 or something but beggars can't be choosers.

We have been saving WL for all these years so that we could stay there in a winter month with Christmas decor up, etc. This is the year! Regarding the pool refurbishment, how much impact do those of you who know that area think it will make? Would it be better to switch to BW this year and try again for WL another year? I just don't want to taint our experience. We won't be looking at it daily since we are in the villas, but sill unsure. Maybe we would get lucky and most of the walls and mess would be gone by then, since it is so close to the end date of construction...

Welcome! I understand your concern, but to be honest, many hate the BWI pool because of the clown theming and clown-mouthed child-spewing slide. Have you thought about a split stay?

This trip 9/28-10/5 will be not just my first stay at WL but my first deluxe stay! I was seriously considering moving since the rehab was announced....BUT after a little frustration and disappointment about the pool situation I have decided to stay put. It took a little perspective but this is why I made the decision:

1: I was barely able to afford the upgrade to deluxe, if I moved I'd have to downgrade all the way to value (no mods avail for FD anymore) and that's not happening
2: When I really thought about the MAIN reasons I wanted to upgrade the real reasons weren't the pool but were the closeness to MK, being so much closer to all the restaurants I want to eat at (1900PF, HDDMR, Kona, ect), more options of transportation, not having to walk a mile to food and coffee in the morning (and I've heard that it can actually be close to that for a non preferred room at CBR where I switched from)
3: if I'd stayed at CBR it might still have taken 5-10 minutes to get to the feature pool from where our room ended up being.
4: According to BFF "this will just give us an excuse to explore CR"

As a side note I am really hoping that the new straight to the room check in test they are doing now at some of the resorts is at WL for our trip! We booked room only at POR for just 9/27 since our flight doesn't come in until 6:15 pm and couldn't justify spending the extra $450 to add to the package. It would be so nice to just drop our bags at bell services at POR and be able to go straight to EPCOT without a stop at WL to get our DP and tickets activated!

Hopefully my reasons for staying will help some others still on the fence feel a little better too

I love how you talked yourself back into WL and what a helpful post.

Thanks for the new thread space, Kook, and have fun on vacation!

It will be interesting to see if WL becomes part of the straight to the room check in test. I don't think I like the idea. I like having some input on the room assignment when I check in, like when they say I'm getting an upgrade to a CV, when there is a specific reason I reserved a WV.

Like many WL lovers, we are sticking with our plans for the WL and hoping construction impact is minimal. If it's disturbing, well, we will just need more of those yummy habanero lime margaritas from TL.

It will be a hardship, but I think you can make it. Just keep swimming, umm, drinking Margaritas

Thanks for the new home Kook! I hope you enjoy your vacation and may you be sprinkled with pixie dust again!

Can't wait for all the work to be done on the lodge so I can start planning my next trip! Thinking of Christmas of 2015 with my two boys while DH is deployed! It would be tough spending Christmas without him home with us.

Every visit to WDW and WL is full of PD. Just being there is such a special treat and puts a huge on my face (an so many others I see). A bad day at WDW is always better than a good day at home, right?

Thanks, Hstrickland! I love pictures! They'll keep me going until November.

You love 'em - she's got 'em - she just needs to share 'em

If you'd like come visit the Resort Changers thread. We would be happy to help and add lots of helpful information...its what we do I think you've stopped by already but most of us have stayed at at least one of your choices

Dear Jeanette is the Queen of Resort Changing and she has trained everyone on the thread. They are ready to offer advice and help anyone who feels homeless or mis-booked in any way. It's a great and helpful thread.

Been away for a few hours m already on page 5. ?!?!

Same thing happened to me, but I don't think I was having as much fun

we had a stay booked for VWL for 11/15-11/22. found out after about the pool. bummed because we had a day planned to hang out there, and my daughter loves the waterslide. i'm really not interested in trekking to another hotel to use their pool, that's just inconvenient and uncomfortable.

i am looking for other things to do on the WL grounds. I saw the link for recreation, and some brief ideas there, so i thought i'd put it out to the group and see what they thought the most fun things to do on site.

thanks!

My personal favorites are renting Sea Raycers and going many times around Discovery Island and over to 7SL to check on the Poly and GF. DD loves it, too. We also love horseback riding over at FW, eating at TE for breakfast, going to Sturdy Branches and renting bikes and riding over to FW. I know I'm leaving something out, but you get the idea - so much fun in the wilderness.

Have a great trip and thank you so much! I have been following this thread since my one night stay back in March hoping to et back for a full stay soon!

Thank you and welcome to the thread!

We are looking forward to being explorers!!!! With all there is to do at both WL and FW, I'm not sure we will fit it all in. I do not know the age of your daughter...so some of this may not appeal to her. In our world, with 2 little guys we would:

Head over to Ft Wilderness and have breakfast at Trails End
Next head to Tri-Circle-D-Ranch and check out the animals.
Depending on age, and budget, either go horseback riding or for a carriage ride (or both!)
If my kids were big enough we would add archery to the mix.
Then we'd jump in the pool b/c we are already over there .

I'd head back to the Lodge, grab lunch at RF or WCC and then rent a kayak (or canoe). We love kayaking!
Next, the boys would go fishing with their dad (NOT my cup of tea)

Now, if you are going W-Sat, there is an hour tour of WL starting at 9am. Plus you can rent bikes or walk along the many trails.

And of course, cap the day off with the campfire and a wagon ride over at FW.

I'm not an expert, just a dreamer, who like to see and do it all!!!!

Love your list and like Walt said, "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

I think we have taken a big breath and decided that WL is the place for us. Pool or no pool, there are options. We have taken many trips to both DL and DW and we know that at the end of the day, the Mouse and his keepers will take care of you. We can't allow a little bump like the pool derail our 5 years and 5 months worth of planning. Embracing the positive and excited for all of it!! Is it time yet???

What a great outlook and with an attitude like that, you're bound to have an amazing vacation.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you so much! Those are some great ideas. My daughter is 8. I think the horseback would be awesome and if they'll let her do archery, she'd freak! I was thinking about trying the kayaks or the little power boats you can rent.

Yes, the Archery Experience, I knew I forgot something. It was lots of fun, well run and very inexpensive. They even carried on in the rain.

 

[hstrickland]

No way are you only posting a few, please add some zeros.

I shall not bore the masses with 3000 pictures...(only 2000)

You love 'em - she's got 'em - she just needs to share 'em

This will have to suffice Mrs. KOOK, as I'm in the middle of posting my TR

 

[dkrauss]

2: When I really thought about the MAIN reasons I wanted to upgrade the real reasons weren't the pool but were the closeness to MK, being so much closer to all the restaurants I want to eat at (1900PF, HDDMR, Kona, ect), more options of transportation, not having to walk a mile to food and coffee in the morning (and I've heard that it can actually be close to that for a non preferred room at CBR where I switched from)
4: According to BFF "this will just give us an excuse to explore CR"

Your post perked me up..........hearing so much, albeit probably justified, negativity about this situation. You took a deep breath and really thought about what your vacation is about! I really like #2 and #4 on your list of reasons to stay at the WL. Outstanding! I completely agree.

Hope you have a wonderful trip..........we'll be there about 2 weeks before you so "we'll leave the light on "

Doug