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

[Sara1Babe]

Thanks fla4fun! It didn't even occur to me that the path wouldn't be lit. Doh!.

 

[JACKNAG]

Hi all.. does anyone know who is staying there now if the waterfall and stream are still running as of today? Thanks

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hey Kook! Just wondering if when you were at WL if you happened to check out the CL menus to see if anything has changed on them. Also, did you get any new CL pics to share? Thanks so much!!

I posted the most recent OFC menus HERE. I will try to post my new CL photos today or tomorrow

 

[bookgirl]

So I've been playing around trying to make the Fall discount fit my stay.

Briefly jumped over to the Poly since they had standards on discount but really wasn't doing it for me so started playing with dates.

So there were CV Bunk bed rooms available early but not Tuesday. Then there were WV Bunkbed rooms Tuesday and Wednesday.

Neither had rooms all 4 nights.

So we decided to split. Briefly thought WL/POLY, but we went with CVBB two nights and WVBB the other two nights.

Didn't have to change my flights and saved a little over $400.

Now to wait for AP discounts to see if it all changes again.

On a high note F&W Marketplace menus are out. Yum!

Switched my WV bunk Bed to a plain WV room. I hate having to keep calling and change but I'm also not willing to keep a more costly room that I don't actually need when a better room becomes available.

ACK!

However I so want to stay at WL that I'm willing to take my stay piecemeal. The good news is that the room I released went back to the Late Fall selection because it was gone after I reserved it and there were no more but this morning it's back in circulation.

I also got the second reservation, second magic band. I have now officially run out of colors that I like. (got gray for the second one). After this I'm going to have to get a pink one (not my favorite but I don't hate it) then it's the dreaded orange and yellow. I hope they quit offering new bands and let us just stick with the older ones.

 

[jll45]

Hi all.. does anyone know who is staying there now if the waterfall and stream are still running as of today? Thanks

I will be checking in tomorrow morning. I will be sure to let you know.

 

[Marlyn]

I will be checking in tomorrow morning. I will be sure to let you know.

That would be great. I'm checking in on Saturday. Hope waterfall operational

 

[DisneyFEB2013]

We are planning our third trip to WDW for late January, early February. First year we stayed in WL, 2nd year at POR. We realized how much we did love WL when we stayed at POR. While nice, it was missing some magic. Loved the boat ride to Magic Kingdom from WL.

Anyhow, I am thinking of surprising DH with club level. Is it really worth the extra $1000 for club level? We would probably have breakfast in there and maybe late night snacks/drinks. We will eat a light lunch and sit down dinner at the parks (he insists on meal plan). I thought it would be a nice change of pace.

 

[JACKNAG]

I will be checking in tomorrow morning. I will be sure to let you know.

Thank you so much .... Appreciate this

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi all.. does anyone know who is staying there now if the waterfall and stream are still running as of today? Thanks

Yesterday morning it was reported HERE that the waterfall was operating.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I will be checking in tomorrow morning. I will be sure to let you know.

Live updates are always greatly appreciated here. Safe travels!

 

[mcconnellfam96]

Hello Lodgers!

Well, today we are sitting the lobby of this beautiful lodge waiting for Magical Express to pick up for our return flight home. As always, we are sad to leave the World - but this time feel a bit better because (after much research and thought) we finally took the plunge and became DVC members! Yay! And we already have one of
Our next trips booked! Woot! Several years ago when the announcement was made that they would be building villas at Grand Floridian we began researching and then got even more serious in 2013 when we watched the build happening. We are excited to have GFVs for our home resort. Yay!

As we depart today - I thought I would give my final "review" of the lodge, for what it is worth.

1. THEMING/AESTHETICS - In this area the lodge is awesome! The lobby is truly impressive as well as the building and surrounding areas from the outside. Disney has done a fantastic job of making you feel like your are deep in the woods of the Northwest!

2. POOL/WATER FEATURES - Again, gorgeous! Such a natural feel that fits in seamlessly with the surroundings. We were a bit sad that the first 6 or 7 days of our trip were without the stream and waterfall but were glad to be able to enjoy it the last 4 or 5 days with it. Here is what it looks like today:



3. ROOMS - Overall, I would rate the rooms as "good". They are a tad on the small side but come with the features you are accustomed to at the deluxe level. Storage space was adequate, though the closets could definitely have a better configuration to help out here. The beds are very comfortable. While vacationing, I am often in awful back pain after a night's sleep on a hotel bed. Fortunately, the beds at WL are what we have come to love at the other deluxes. Bathrooms were nice, only negative was the toilet. The darn thing never seemed to flush right! LOL. The balcony space was a tad on the small size, but adequate forums to enjoy a few relaxing moments in the evenings.

4. CAST MEMBERS - Excellent! This is a standard we have come to expect at Disney. Very, very seldom in all our WDW trips have we encountered a CM that didn't meet or exceed our expectations. This trip was no different. Many of these people so clearly love that jobs!

5. FOOD - we all of our table service meals away from the lodge but had several quick service meals at Roaring Fork. My favorite food item was the turkey and Swiss sandwich (substitute the bun for the multigrain bread) - so yummy! The Wilderness Salad is also delish. The pizzas, burgers, fries and chicken sandwiches were all acceptable. Your basic quick service fare. My hubby is has a shellfish and gluten allergy and then accommodated him well...GF pizza, salads, burgers, etc. Some of the staff in the Roaring Fork were some of our favorite!
So personable and helpful. The restaurant was surprisingly small, but well run and we never had a problem finding a seat even at busy time. You order and pay for your food and then are given a table tent number and they you food is delivered to your table. (If you order is to go, you are given a pager and pick up at the to-go counter when it buzzes.). Very organized!

6. BOAT TRANSPORTATION - We utilized this service basically every day, usually multiple times. LOVED IT. We never waited longer than 5 minutes, normally we walked up to a boat waiting or could see one pulling in. Seriously, a phenomenal service. And the boat captains were great! Such personalities, especially the singing captains!

7. BUS SERVICE - This is definitely the only area of the lodge that was a negative for us. (I realize a factor of luck/timing plays in here - but it was not on our side this trip!) Approximately 75% of the time we waited 20 minutes or longer for a bus. A few times we waited in excess of 30 minutes and we would occasionally step on a full bus where there didn't even appear to be standing room. Most days I would have rated our bus service "bad" a few days I would have rated it wretched! In all our trips, this was by far our worst experience with the bus transportation, and we typically travel Easter week! We ended up utilizing cabs 4 times - but that was about $100 total. The worst busing situation was Downtown Disney, by far!

8. MOUSEKEEPING - Excellent! Our sweet MOUSEKEEPING Gloria was just wonderful. And each day she left a little surprise for stuffed animal loving 10 year old. These people work hard - tip them well!



Overall - we leave this lodge and our beloved WDW completely satisfied and eager to return. We are so happy to have experienced the lodge and will return again some day to bring my parents, who will totally love the atmosphere. I am so thankful to all the lodgers on this thread who helped me feel prepared and increase my excitement for this trip! You are all wonderful! THANK YOU!

 

[marymac123]

Great Review! Thank You!! Getting even more Excited about our stay!!

 

[patty57]

It sounds as though you had a wonderful trip! Agree that the buses at WDW can be awful...at best they are a total crap shoot. Maybe okay, and maybe not. I absolutely agree about buses to/from DTD. They are truly hideous no matter which resort you stay at.
Congrats on the DVC purchase!

 

[mrsap]

I posted the most recent OFC menus HERE. I will try to post my new CL photos today or tomorrow

You really are great!!!! Thank you!!!!!!

PS - the menus look incredible!! Was the food just as good?! I just called my DH at work and he is SO excited!!!! He's loving the food options!!

 

[BlueFairy]

Hello Lodgers!

Well, today we are sitting the lobby of this beautiful lodge waiting for Magical Express to pick up for our return flight home. As always, we are sad to leave the World - but this time feel a bit better because (after much research and thought) we finally took the plunge and became DVC members! Yay! And we already have one of
Our next trips booked! Woot! Several years ago when the announcement was made that they would be building villas at Grand Floridian we began researching and then got even more serious in 2013 when we watched the build happening. We are excited to have GFVs for our home resort. Yay!

As we depart today - I thought I would give my final "review" of the lodge, for what it is worth.

1. THEMING/AESTHETICS - In this area the lodge is awesome! The lobby is truly impressive as well as the building and surrounding areas from the outside. Disney has done a fantastic job of making you feel like your are deep in the woods of the Northwest!

2. POOL/WATER FEATURES - Again, gorgeous! Such a natural feel that fits in seamlessly with the surroundings. We were a bit sad that the first 6 or 7 days of our trip were without the stream and waterfall but were glad to be able to enjoy it the last 4 or 5 days with it. Here is what it looks like today:



3. ROOMS - Overall, I would rate the rooms as "good". They are a tad on the small side but come with the features you are accustomed to at the deluxe level. Storage space was adequate, though the closets could definitely have a better configuration to help out here. The beds are very comfortable. While vacationing, I am often in awful back pain after a night's sleep on a hotel bed. Fortunately, the beds at WL are what we have come to love at the other deluxes. Bathrooms were nice, only negative was the toilet. The darn thing never seemed to flush right! LOL. The balcony space was a tad on the small size, but adequate forums to enjoy a few relaxing moments in the evenings.

4. CAST MEMBERS - Excellent! This is a standard we have come to expect at Disney. Very, very seldom in all our WDW trips have we encountered a CM that didn't meet or exceed our expectations. This trip was no different. Many of these people so clearly love that jobs!

5. FOOD - we all of our table service meals away from the lodge but had several quick service meals at Roaring Fork. My favorite food item was the turkey and Swiss sandwich (substitute the bun for the multigrain bread) - so yummy! The Wilderness Salad is also delish. The pizzas, burgers, fries and chicken sandwiches were all acceptable. Your basic quick service fare. My hubby is has a shellfish and gluten allergy and then accommodated him well...GF pizza, salads, burgers, etc. Some of the staff in the Roaring Fork were some of our favorite!
So personable and helpful. The restaurant was surprisingly small, but well run and we never had a problem finding a seat even at busy time. You order and pay for your food and then are given a table tent number and they you food is delivered to your table. (If you order is to go, you are given a pager and pick up at the to-go counter when it buzzes.). Very organized!

6. BOAT TRANSPORTATION - We utilized this service basically every day, usually multiple times. LOVED IT. We never waited longer than 5 minutes, normally we walked up to a boat waiting or could see one pulling in. Seriously, a phenomenal service. And the boat captains were great! Such personalities, especially the singing captains!

7. BUS SERVICE - This is definitely the only area of the lodge that was a negative for us. (I realize a factor of luck/timing plays in here - but it was not on our side this trip!) Approximately 75% of the time we waited 20 minutes or longer for a bus. A few times we waited in excess of 30 minutes and we would occasionally step on a full bus where there didn't even appear to be standing room. Most days I would have rated our bus service "bad" a few days I would have rated it wretched! In all our trips, this was by far our worst experience with the bus transportation, and we typically travel Easter week! We ended up utilizing cabs 4 times - but that was about $100 total. The worst busing situation was Downtown Disney, by far!

8. MOUSEKEEPING - Excellent! Our sweet MOUSEKEEPING Gloria was just wonderful. And each day she left a little surprise for stuffed animal loving 10 year old. These people work hard - tip them well!



Overall - we leave this lodge and our beloved WDW completely satisfied and eager to return. We are so happy to have experienced the lodge and will return again some day to bring my parents, who will totally love the atmosphere. I am so thankful to all the lodgers on this thread who helped me feel prepared and increase my excitement for this trip! You are all wonderful! THANK YOU!

YAY! I am so excited for our trip NEXT WEEK! Thank you so much for all of your wonderful input. Bonus - we are going to soak up the atmosphere around Bay Lake and at MK, so we don't have to worry about those buses!

More bananas for me and the kiddos!



Stay tuned into the thread. Maybe we can help with any end-of-WDW blues that settle in.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you to TinkerBellLiz for her creek updates and unique and amazing photos from DTD. Thanks also to firstvisit14 and nonnahsb for your creek updates! So nice of all of you to keep everyone in the loop.​

KOOK! Thanks for this...I think that as "Device Dumb" as I am, I can possibly do this!?! Gonna play around with this tonight.

I know you can do it!

I actually think that is the reason why they will be putting a fence around the pool at WL, so they can check everyone going in to prevent people from resort hopping to go in the WL pool. Which kind of stinks because at BC the pool doesn't open until 10 because of that policy. Normally at the Wl we just wake up in the morning and go down, if they add a fence in institute the BC pool policy we won't be able to do that anymore

The fences around all the feature pools are being implemented due to the drowning that occurred last year at a Value resort. But, an added benefit certainly is the ability to restrict access to only guests of the resort where the pool is located. SAB was opening at 9 when we were there last month and I believe it was closing at 11. But, times do change seasonally.

Hopefully...fingers crossed! Yeah!!! Now to make them smaller!!!

You did it!

The Wilderness lodge has been one of our dream resorts. Should we stay there in Sept or stay somewhere else due to the construction? My husband and I aren't really pool people. Do you think it would effect us even if we decide not to go swimming?

We visit Disney often so I could always book again during Christmas or January. But this trip is to celebrate both of our birthdays so I wanted to book somewhere we both would love. We love visiting North Carolina and the WL reminds me of a giant NC cabin.

I was pretty sure I wanted to stay there despite the construction until I saw all the pictures on post 2. Eh I don't want to ruin the "magic" of our vacation with a bunch of construction. I'm thinking AKL since he has never been but I have and I wanted something new for the both of us that has that manly appeal. I don't know..I may go with AKL. What do you all think? We definitely want to stay at a Deluxe.

The recommendation I received from various CMs/managers was that if guests can stay somewhere else during the construction, they should. WL won't be at its best and even if you aren't using the pool, you'll be impacted by the view and probably the walk to the boat dock. However, there won't be any afternoon pool party noise and the resort will probably be less crowded

Well some Deluxe standard views popped up this morning.

We are now deciding between Poly and WL (don't care about either construction project). Poly is the cheaper of the two at the moment and their standard views are pretty nice for the most part.

We may save WL for another trip or it may all change when AP discounts come out.

At this rate I may have to join the Resort Changers thread.

The RC thread will help you with all your resort changing needs

Kook could you please remove us from the log I really wanted to stay at WL this trip but there were no discounts available, including the military discount I was counting on. We made the switch to POFQ. Hopefully we will try out the lodge next Christmas!

I understand and have a beignet for me.

Kook, Popping in to ask you to remove us from the log. We cancelled our December trip due to work obligations.

Working on a trip in February again, but are going to try out the Beach Club this time.

We love the Wilderness Lodge and this thread is so very helpful so I know we will be back again someday!

Thank you, Patty

You're welcome back anytime, Patty.

Does anyone know what floor that the standard view rooms facing the Contemporary have the enclosed balconies? Is it the 5th floor? And what floor facing the Contemporary would be the best to request for a standard view?

TIA!!!

I don't believe there are any SV rooms with enclosed balconies in the north wing:

This week it became official we are staying at WL 28 Nov-6 Dec. This will be our first stay at a deluxe. I am so excited!!!

Now to educate myself on the resort. Our TA asked us if we wanted to make any room requests, any BTDT suggestions?

My folks will be glamping at Fort Wilderness. I've heard ther is a trail btw the campground and WL.
How long is the walk from WL to the campground? Is it Stroller friendly? Thanks

Congratulations and I'll add your dates to the Lodgers' Log.

We just returned from WDW and actually witnessed a proposal on Friday morning about 8am. We had reservations at the Crystal Palace before park opening and had walked up to the Photopass photographer in front of the castle for a family photo. There was a lovely couple in front of us (we were the only ones waiting) and they posed for the typical photo. Suddenly, the guy grabbed his girl's hand and leaned in closely to say something to her and then dropped to his knee. The girl was wonderfully surprised! Our mouths fell open as he pulled a black box from his pocket and proposed right there! The Photopass guy never missed a beat! He kept clicking away and even had them pose afterwards with the ring. I asked afterwards and he said he took 21 photos of the moment. He was rather elated himself after the experience. It was a very exciting moment. I saw the couple a little later in the Crystal Palace and both were just beaming.

Just an idea.

On a Wilderness Lodge note, we had a wonderful stay this past week at the lodge. Club level was awesome; DH is completely sold. He made the comment last night that the Lodge is "our resort" and we should definitely do club level if possible in the future. The staff was wonderful and spoiled us immensely. We missed visiting the lounge on our first night as our flight delays put us into the Lodge at 10:05. The next night, we were literally running back and arrived at 9:50 to try the cobbler. We turned the corner to find only a handful of lemon bars and some sad-looking magic bars. Within two minutes, however, a new cobbler had been brought out with two trays heaping with brownies and magic bars. The staff was also very helpful in securing an impossible Toy Story Mania fastpass one evening. And, to top it all off, I got the recipe for the Buffalo Chili! Now, I just gotta find some buffalo!

Thanks for all the recommendations for staying club level at the Lodge. Your advice was spot on! We'll definitely be back!

What a cute proposal story. WL CL is addictive and I hope you get to book another stay soon.

We are planning our third trip to WDW for late January, early February. First year we stayed in WL, 2nd year at POR. We realized how much we did love WL when we stayed at POR. While nice, it was missing some magic. Loved the boat ride to Magic Kingdom from WL.

Anyhow, I am thinking of surprising DH with club level. Is it really worth the extra $1000 for club level? We would probably have breakfast in there and maybe late night snacks/drinks. We will eat a light lunch and sit down dinner at the parks (he insists on meal plan). I thought it would be a nice change of pace.

I highly recommend CL at WL. I think your DH will love it and the upgrade would make for a much appreciated surprise. But, one warning, DH will probably be hooked on the OFC.

Besides the breakfast, you'll also have some snacks in the afternoon, unlimited beverages, including alcohol, evening appetizers and dessert. You'll also receive automatic turn-down service each evening.

The lounge views of Bay Lake/Courtyard and the lobby are beautiful and the lounge offers a relaxing place to sit any time of the day. It's nice to be on a controlled-access floor and you'll also have pre-arrival booking/planning assistance, should you need it. Even if you don't use it, it's very convenient having a direct phone number to call the OFC should you need any assistance during your stay. The CL CMs are extra special and attentive. You'll also know exactly what floor you'll be on (if you aren't booking a Deluxe room) and there won't be any guests above you

 

[WDWKOOK]

I missed multi-quoting some posts while I was posting. I've got to run, (an all too common experience this summer), but I'll be back later to respond

 

[ElsaColon]

Such a pleasant surprise to get back from magic kingdom to the creek flowing!!

Woo Hoo! I'll be there in Sept. Can't wait to hear the babbling brook

 

[grkmbee]

The staff was also very helpful in securing an impossible Toy Story Mania fastpass one evening.

Question for you: Over on the club level board, someone mentioned that there is a trial going on of allowing CL guests to text CL CM for help - reservations and such, including FP+. I believe that this DIS member was at the CR. Was this trial extended to the WL and is that what helped you get the FP+ for TSMM?

 

[CGB]

Question for you: Over on the club level board, someone mentioned that there is a trial going on of allowing CL guests to text CL CM for help - reservations and such, including FP+. I believe that this DIS member was at the CR. Was this trial extended to the WL and is that what helped you get the FP+ for TSMM?

I read the same post you did about the texting trial for CL guests last week. We weren't offered that service at the WL CL last week. After reading that post, I decided to ask for the staff's help. We came back from the parks one afternoon for a pool break (after using our three FP+ that morning at Animal Kingdom.) I asked the staff if they could check to see if there were any FP+ available for TSMM that evening because we also planned to see Fantasmic. Fortunately, there were enough openings he could slide our family of four in at 6:50 pm. He could only make the one FP+ for us, but advised us to immediately visit the FP Kiosk right beside TSMM afterwards to get a FP+ for Fantasmic. It worked perfectly!

I hope they extend the CL texting help to all resorts. I'm already sold on CL, but it would just make it that much sweeter.