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

[disneymagicgirl]

I see the Christmas tree went up 11/19 last year. Did the rest of the decor (garland, etc) go up before or after that? We are in VWL 11/17-26.

 

[bluecastle]

So, silly question. We will be in WDW, staying @ WL 10 days before DH birthday (couldn't arrange time off of work on his actual birthday). Do you have to be there on the official birthday, or does it count being there a bit early for the occasion? I don't want to say we are celebrating something special (when/if asked) if it isn't legitimate. See, silly question

We have celebrated birthdays and anniversaries there, not only not on the exact date, but not even the same month! The way I see it, timing a Disney trip with an actual date is almost impossible, so we just celebrate whatever is happening the year that we go; milestone birthdays or anniversaries mostly.

Don't stress about the multi-quoting....you're a busy lady. Summer is always crazy with family and kids (crazy in a good way) This thread moves fast, so if you miss a few things, we won't rant and rave too much Relax


By the way....a very beautiful shot of the beach through the tall grass. Love it! You have an eye for photography

What she said! It's a nice reminder of the beauty at WL, no matter what may or may not be working at the present time.

First off - GOOD MORNING!

Secondly - Sadly busses can be a mess. I have always found that the busses to Epcot from the WL are terrible. Especially if you just miss one. I love the Lodge, but this also makes me crazy sometimes.

I think that they focus on the MK in the mornings too.

Make sure when they send you the survey that you mention it.

If Epcot buses are a problem, would it be worth it to take one of those many MK buses and then get the Epcot monorail from there?

 

[XtraEdGe]

If Epcot buses are a problem, would it be worth it to take one of those many MK buses and then get the Epcot monorail from there?

We are planning to do this on our Epcot day. Actually, since we have an ADR breakfast at CR we're taking the boat there then from there take the monorail to Epcot. Hope this plan works!

 

[Sunnyday3]

I see the Christmas tree went up 11/19 last year. Did the rest of the decor (garland, etc) go up before or after that? We are in VWL 11/17-26.

The 19th? Bummer. We are going to be there from 11/11 to 11/17. Looks like we will miss it. I was hoping to see it.

 

[mcconnellfam96]

If Epcot buses are a problem, would it be worth it to take one of those many MK buses and then get the Epcot monorail from there?

We considered this earlier this morning. But that would be a boat ride to CR (with a possible detour at FW, depending on the direction of boat you catch), then walk the dock and up to the monorail platform in the CR, then taken the monorail over to switch monorails to get to EPCOT. So, I am sure waiting 37 minutes for the bus was still quicker, lol.

 

[TJDisneymama]

Hello all, WL newbie here, can't wait for our trip in just 5 weeks! We booked a standard view room and it looks like the majority of standard views are in one section? Just wondering if there's anything I should request or are all SV rooms pretty much the same as far as location, views, etc?

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Hello all, WL newbie here, can't wait for our trip in just 5 weeks! We booked a standard view room and it looks like the majority of standard views are in one section? Just wondering if there's anything I should request or are all SV rooms pretty much the same as far as location, views, etc?

The bookable view location map (here) shows that the majority of the SV rooms are in the North wing, but there are some that open to the lobby in the South wing. The North ones have balconies that face towards MK, but are above a loading dock / service area. The South side ones have balconies that face towards the bus stop but since they are only on the 4th floor they aren't much above the roof line so the view isn't great, but the view from the door side of the room into the lobby is quite nice. The walking time between either of these locations is just a couple of minutes, so the resort is really fairly compact.

Another thing to consider is that upgrades can occur based upon pixie dust and availability, so if there is something you prefer, you can request it and you might not be limited by the standard room locations. Of course you can't complain if you don't get upgraded, but I recommend requesting what you think you'd like. In our case, we request high floor, open to lobby for a standard view room. These requests aren't exactly possible, but going at off peak times we have gotten a higher floor room that opens to the lobby, even though it would be classified as a Woods view room.

Some people (like us) prefer to be near the lobby for the great view and proximity to the buses. Others prefer a location in one of the wings that would be quieter (especially in the evenings when the WCC restaurant gets busy). Also Roaring fork (the QS restaurant) is in the middle of the North wing, so some prefer quick access to there. Many people request high floor with standard view, which helps get a better view and be further from potential loading dock noise.

Overall, no matter what you'll be at a great resort. Happy planning and enjy your trip.

 

[TJDisneymama]

The bookable view location map (here) shows that the majority of the SV rooms are in the North wing, but there are some that open to the lobby in the South wing. The North ones have balconies that face towards MK, but are above a loading dock / service area. The South side ones have balconies that face towards the bus stop but since they are only on the 4th floor they aren't much above the roof line so the view isn't great, but the view from the door side of the room into the lobby is quite nice. The walking time between either of these locations is just a couple of minutes, so the resort is really fairly compact.

Another thing to consider is that upgrades can occur based upon pixie dust and availability, so if there is something you prefer, you can request it and you might not be limited by the standard room locations. Of course you can't complain if you don't get upgraded, but I recommend requesting what you think you'd like. In our case, we request high floor, open to lobby for a standard view room. These requests aren't exactly possible, but going at off peak times we have gotten a higher floor room that opens to the lobby, even though it would be classified as a Woods view room.

Some people (like us) prefer to be near the lobby for the great view and proximity to the buses. Others prefer a location in one of the wings that would be quieter (especially in the evenings when the WCC restaurant gets busy). Also Roaring fork (the QS restaurant) is in the middle of the North wing, so some prefer quick access to there. Many people request high floor with standard view, which helps get a better view and be further from potential loading dock noise.

Overall, no matter what you'll be at a great resort. Happy planning and enjy your trip.

ok, thanks. I think high floor, open to lobby would be a good request to put in. Haven't gotten any pixie dust yet but it's always possible!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I don't want to take anything away from this wonderful thread, but there is a very helpful group of VWL lovers over on the DVC boards.

This thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3242976 is a lot about community but also about getting Member specific, rent/trade and VWL room questions answered.

So pop on over and take a look, especially if you are staying at VWL.

Nonsense! You've added a very useful link - thank you. But, the link isn't working so I will see if I can post the correct one.


ETA: HERE is the active link to the VWL Groupies thread.

After stalking the website forever, I was finally able to add the last night on my FD ressie at VWL!!!

So excited! 9 glorious nights! 11/17-26!

Your persistence paid off

We will once again be returning to the WL!!! Our dates are Nov 18 - 28. We can't wait!!!!

Congratulations!

Full disclosure...I have not read this entire article, which is a comment format. The rumor being that some Deluxe resorts will be have many rooms converted to DVC, with WL the first deluxe in line for conversion. Here it is http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-spirited-8th-wonder-wdws-future-you.887031/
Wondering what the long-time lodgers think about it?

Thank you for posting the link. I don't know anything at all about this rumor, but it all (minus the teepees) sounds plausible to me. DVC is very lucrative for WDW and they make more profit from DVC villas than non-DVC rooms.

I read a few pages of it. There is talk of building DVC units out over the water of Bay Lake at WL. And they would be shaped like teepees. And then they would convert some of the regular WL resort rooms into DVC rooms, just like they did over at AKL. Okay - I can understand putting DVC units out over the water at the Poly. It goes with the tropical theme and there is a shortage of build able land there. But not at the WL! There is plenty of land between the resort and Fort Wilderness. This rumor of teepees over the water seems strange to me.

Who ever knew that DVC was so lucrative for Disney that they would take normal resort rooms out of inventory like this?

Although, it is still a rumor until it is officially announced.

Well, you know how these "rumors" often become reality long before Disney releases the "rumor" label.

The very long thread about WL converting rooms to villas and adding a DVC CL, does go into some very specific details about DVC profits. Poly is having longhouses converted to villas so this rumor fits in with the general direction Iger is going with WDW becoming more of a resort company than a parks company. They expand where the greatest profit lies. What this means for WL, etc… I don't know. The pool rehab might just be the least of everyone's concerns

Three days to go! We are SOO excited

I finally started packing. I had DH move my luggage to the spare bedroom so the (4-legged) kids don't catch on. I'm not sure why they get so stressed out! DS (their other brother!) spoils the crazy when he housesits.

We are hoping the stream is flowing by the time we get there! DH is already planning on a Old Faithful beverage and snack right after we check in!

Quick question about online check in and CL. Will someone still meet us and take us up to the 7th floor?

I'm just not crazy about this check-yourself-in thing. The personal touch has always been what brought us back to Disney, the Disney Magic if you will. Disney is always the standard we compare other resorts with. Hope they don't do away with that.

Liz

Our cat used to find the luggage and get in it - whether there were clothes in it or not. Really tugs at your heartstrings . Good you have such a great pet-sitter who will take good care of them and your house.

Start the vacation off right and head to the OFC! DH likes getting there before breakfast is over so he can have some pineapple.

OCI won't make any difference to your CL check-in other than your credit card will already be in the system and you won't have to show it upon arrival. If you've already contacted the IPO with your arrival estimate, they will most likely have a Runner waiting for you at the port cochere. If they're taking someone else up, then you might have to wait for the Runner. Someone always seems to be outside with an iPad so whether you do OCI or not, they will (eventually) escort you upstairs, unless it is before 7 AM or after 10 PM.

Well, it took all morning, but I finally caught up with everything on this new thread. WOW. So much going on.

We are counting down our days til we get to go "home" again to the Lodge in November.

Looks like you have mastered it! Thanks for all the updates on the waterfall and other helpful info. Sounds like we may or may not have the waterfall flowing when we are there. So, besides the normal challenges of the August weather, I will mentally prepare myself and my group for the possibility of no waterfall, construction walls and digging sites at the hub in MK, construction and traffic around DD, and long bus rides! And let's not forget, there's always the possibility of a hurricane! In spite of all those things, and any other negative that might happen, all I really care about is being able to be there! 5 years is too long between trips!!

That is some intense mental prep. Maybe the hurricane would be a good distraction. Whatever happens, don't let 5 years go by again without returning

Ok, wdwkook you can add us to the log for Nov. 30-Dec 6th. We will be in courtyard view bunkbed room. Originally had club level, but called today and they said the only thing available for military discount there for my dates was the bunk rooms. SO took what I could get, going to try to keep calling to upgrade. So excited!!!!

Congratulations on booking, but don't give-up on CL. They may add those rooms at a later date.

I am wondering if someone could help me. We are scheduled to stay in a studio villa from 7/29-8/5. My DH is going to have to work a few times while we are there and does not want to have to depend on the spotty wi-fi. Do the rooms in the villas have the option for wired internet also? I saw there are ports by the table and chairs in the lodge rooms but I can find any info on the villas. We will be bringing our own cables. TIA!

Since all resorts went to WiFi, there no longer is an ethernet cable in the closet, but I believe the ethernet plug is still on the table. But, IDK if it works anymore.

You ARE there celebrating his Birthday. It doesn't matter when the actual day is, that IS what you are celebrating! So relax, enjoy and have him where his Birthday Button proudly during the entire stay!

Don't stress about the multi-quoting....you're a busy lady. Summer is always crazy with family and kids (crazy in a good way) This thread moves fast, so if you miss a few things, we won't rant and rave too much Relax


By the way....a very beautiful shot of the beach through the tall grass. Love it! You have an eye for photography

Thank you for calming me

Good morning Lodgers!

This morning we are on our way to EPCOT for EMHs. We had hopes for and planned for an early start - but the busses are definitely working against us this trip. This morning, we waited 36 minutes for an EPCOT bus to show up and a family at the bus stop when we arrived said they had already been waiting an additional five minutes. During our wait, FIVE Magic Kingdom buses came and left - empty every time. I normally try not to sweat the small stuff while in WDW, but the busses are starting to get to me. LOL. Our average wait time is 25-30 minutes. Ugh.

On to enjoy our day!

Thank you so much for posting your daily updates and photos, Jen. I don't know what it is about that Epcot bus, but it's a running joke now with our family that when we want to go to Epcot, every bus will come multiple times before the Epcot bus. A few weeks ago we waited 40 minutes one morning for the Epcot bus. And, by the time it arrives, the line for it will be very long and it still has to go to FW. It's often SRO for FW guests and I feel sorry for them. Each park dispatches its own buses, but someone at Epcot doesn't do a great job of dispatching to WL

Such beautiful wildflowers

Thank you and did you take your Sea Raycer over from CR?

We are at the lodge now and haven't had any troubles with the buses luckily..I hope it stays that way!!!
We are headed to Animal Kingdom today so hopefully it holds true

Hope you're having a great vacation.

 

[mcconnellfam96]

Well, we made it back to WL from EPCOT in a much more relaxed fashion - we waited just five minutes for the bus and had it to ourselves all the way back to the lodge! Yay!

We spent the afternoon just hanging out....tidbit for soon-to-be lodgers....the lobby is a super comfy place that offers some great people watching. One of my favorite pastimes! LOL

We also spent a little more time shopping around the Mercantile shop - seriously, the WL themed merchandise is so SUPER cute. EXAMPLE:

URL=http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/Jen_McConnell/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps852898ce.jpg.html]

[/URL]

We picked up some ponchos for tonight. We are heading out to MK and rain is in the forecast again! (Lordy, did we get wet last night at DHS!). Happy to be just a boat ride away from our destination this evening!

Tomorrow morning, we are hoping to make it to AK for EMH that begin at 7:00 AM....oh my! We are considering saving ourselves some frustration and calling for a cab. Anyone know where a cab would drop us at AK?

 

[Danielle1971]

The bookable view location map (here) shows that the majority of the SV rooms are in the North wing, but there are some that open to the lobby in the South wing. The North ones have balconies that face towards MK, but are above a loading dock / service area. The South side ones have balconies that face towards the bus stop but since they are only on the 4th floor they aren't much above the roof line so the view isn't great, but the view from the door side of the room into the lobby is quite nice. The walking time between either of these locations is just a couple of minutes, so the resort is really fairly compact. Another thing to consider is that upgrades can occur based upon pixie dust and availability, so if there is something you prefer, you can request it and you might not be limited by the standard room locations. Of course you can't complain if you don't get upgraded, but I recommend requesting what you think you'd like. In our case, we request high floor, open to lobby for a standard view room. These requests aren't exactly possible, but going at off peak times we have gotten a higher floor room that opens to the lobby, even though it would be classified as a Woods view room. Some people (like us) prefer to be near the lobby for the great view and proximity to the buses. Others prefer a location in one of the wings that would be quieter (especially in the evenings when the WCC restaurant gets busy). Also Roaring fork (the QS restaurant) is in the middle of the North wing, so some prefer quick access to there. Many people request high floor with standard view, which helps get a better view and be further from potential loading dock noise. Overall, no matter what you'll be at a great resort. Happy planning and enjy your trip.

I'm arriving on 4 weeks! Yay! It's my first time @ WL & going Deluxe! I'm in a Woods View & requested open balcony / high floor near elevator! I don't know the layout or which wing I'll be placed! Any suggestions upon check in?

 

[GrandCalifornian]

I'm arriving on 4 weeks! Yay! It's my first time @ WL & going Deluxe! I'm in a Woods View & requested open balcony / high floor near elevator! I don't know the layout or which wing I'll be placed! Any suggestions upon check in?

Just go with it and have a great time. We have gone and without specific location requests and been impressed with something about each room location we have had. Being your first time, you will get to discover what you like.

Like the map shows, the layout is basically an H with one portion wider (and longer) than the other. There's also a bend in the middle of the wings that makes them even wider apart. As far as rooms go the wings are basically symmetrical, but the North wing has the main walkway ramp between the lobby (2nd floor) and pool level (1st floor) as well as all three restaurants (WCC, Artist Point, and Roaring Fork). The boat dock is East of the end of the North Wing, and the buses are South of the West end of the South wing off the lobby. There are elevators in about the middle of each wing, and also one more set on the South side near the lobby. You can walk from wing to wing on the 4th floor or above staying on the same level. Below that, the North wing is interrupted by the high ceilings of Artist Point, so you'll need to go down to the pool level to go up the ramp to the lobby, or you can take an elevator to the 4th-6th floor and walk uninterrupted down either wing to the lobby area and look down on everything. It is a neat view.

Have a great time, and enjoy experiencing WL for the first time.

 

[BlueFairy]

Nonsense! You've added a very useful link - thank you. But, the link isn't working so I will see if I can post the correct one.


ETA: HERE is the active link to the VWL Groupies thread.

Oops. I think I messed up the code. I'll be testing links in future posts.

Seriously, those folks are major VWL fans and someone always seems to be home at the Lodge, so it's a great place to get Villas questions answered.

Well, we made it back to WL from EPCOT in a much more relaxed fashion - we waited just five minutes for the bus and had it to ourselves all the way back to the lodge! Yay!

We spent the afternoon just hanging out....tidbit for soon-to-be lodgers....the lobby is a super comfy place that offers some great people watching. One of my favorite pastimes! LOL

We also spent a little more time shopping around the Mercantile shop - seriously, the WL themed merchandise is so SUPER cute. EXAMPLE:

URL=http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/Jen_McConnell/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps852898ce.jpg.html]

[/URL]

SOOOO Cute! I'm sure DD6 will need her photo taken with this.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

The 19th? Bummer. We are going to be there from 11/11 to 11/17. Looks like we will miss it. I was hoping to see it.

Yeah, I found it on the first couple pages of this thread. Maybe they will do it earlier this year.

 

[JnKinVA]

We also spent a little more time shopping around the Mercantile shop - seriously, the WL themed merchandise is so SUPER cute. EXAMPLE:

We LOVE The Mercantile. I have such a collection from there

Cute picture

 

[ElenaJane]

Well, we made it back to WL from EPCOT in a much more relaxed fashion - we waited just five minutes for the bus and had it to ourselves all the way back to the lodge! Yay! We spent the afternoon just hanging out....tidbit for soon-to-be lodgers....the lobby is a super comfy place that offers some great people watching. One of my favorite pastimes! LOL We also spent a little more time shopping around the Mercantile shop - seriously, the WL themed merchandise is so SUPER cute. EXAMPLE: URL=http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/Jen_McConnell/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps852898ce.jpg.html][/URL] We picked up some ponchos for tonight. We are heading out to MK and rain is in the forecast again! (Lordy, did we get wet last night at DHS!). Happy to be just a boat ride away from our destination this evening! Tomorrow morning, we are hoping to make it to AK for EMH that begin at 7:00 AM....oh my! We are considering saving ourselves some frustration and calling for a cab. Anyone know where a cab would drop us at AK?

I have taken a cab to AK and got dropped off right at the front!! I highly recommend it!

 

[patty57]

I have taken a cab to AK and got dropped off right at the front!! I highly recommend it!

I wonder if any of the new car services such as Uber or Lyft are working around WDW? I haven't had any experience with them, but hear they are pretty inexpensive. I'll have to look into that before we go in December.

 

[mcconnellfam96]

I have taken a cab to AK and got dropped off right at the front!! I highly recommend it!

We are just stepping out of the cab at Animal Kingdom! They were ready immediately (sitting in front of WL) when we called to pick us up. It was 13 minutes from lodge to AK and the fare was $22.....well spent in our minds! Now we are off to conquer Everest....again!

 

[ElenaJane]

We are just stepping out of the cab at Animal Kingdom! They were ready immediately (sitting in front of WL) when we called to pick us up. It was 13 minutes from lodge to AK and the fare was $22.....well spent in our minds! Now we are off to conquer Everest....again!

I'm so glad you had the same experience! Going from MK resorts to AK, a taxi ride has got to shave like 40 minutes off the trip. Easier to plan things to if you know you will get there at a certain time. I love having the free transportation, but the splurge is fun!

 

[BwoZoo22]

Just checked on the availability of the new discounts rates for WL. NADA. Really? Even no discount room only is booked Oct-Nov. Even with the construction. Can WL really be fully booked for the fall? In the past I've always waited until August to make my resort reservations; glad I didn't wait this year if there really is no availability!