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

[violetjaymom]

We are checking in on Monday does anyone have any updates on the river?

 

[dansdad]

We are checking in on Monday does anyone have any updates on the river?

Still not flowing.

 

[BlueFairy]

We have booked our first trip at the wilderness lodge! We are so excited and it will be our 4th wedding anniversary since we got married at disney! I'm always looking to do something special and was thinking of getting something delivered to the room! We have done the usual welcome hamper and disney florist is little pricey this time. I have seen at other resorts that you can get platters of sweet treats and wondered if they do something at WL?

I believe someone posted awhile back that there is champagne in the Mercantile. Also, the room service menu offers chocolate covered strawberries & champagne.

 

[bluecastle]

I hate to say this, but we may have to cancel our trip

I am holding off on canceling until I absolutely have to, but the money just isn't going to be there like I thought it was.
Unfortunately, while DH is home he won't be getting a paycheck so I have to save enough to cover the bills until he goes back.

I am so bummed right now

So sorry to hear that!
I am very familiar with that sadness. This is the third summer in a row that we are trying to get to WDW and, as I approach 3 weeks, I am hoping the 3rd time is the charm. It is almost 5 years since we have been there.
What I did the 2 times we had to cancel our trip (we had RO, not a package) was to modify our reservation for the next year. It helped me to feel a little less sad because I still had a trip planned. It also allowed me to keep saving my Dis Visa points and I have lots to use on this trip now! I have had the same reservation number since 2011! I will keep doing this until we get there! You will get there too. Just keep looking forward. I am sending pixie dust your way! ***********

 

[rdsx28]

Just arrived home from the WL on July 7th. I was told by a cast member that the pool area was going to get a fence around it? He said it was going to be like the pool area at AKL. I have never seen their pool so I cannot say what it is going to look like. I asked why they were doing it now when the resort was busy. Why not Jan or Feb when folks would maybe use the pool a little less? He stated that now there really isn't a "slow" time of the year at Disney anymore so they don't schedule the work that way anymore. My only concern about staying during pool construction would be those with small children. The quiet pool is no longer really a quiet pool as when we visited it was crowded with families and kids everyday. More and more people were coming over from the main pool area. It is a very small pool that really cannot accommodate very large groups of people. It's great that 2 other resort pools can be utilized but who wants to go back and forth with small children who are tired, and warm. To me this is a hassle but that's just my opinion. I must say although we stayed in the Villas I did not hear any construction noise and they seemed to make an effort to not intrude on the guest experience while we were there. Can't wait to see the changes when we return in 2015!

 

[XtraEdGe]

Just got our MBs yesterday and it's getting real now! DW decide that we should go to the outlet this weekend to get our vacation stuff. Still have our fingers crossed that the waterfall will be ready for our first ever visit to WL. But we're just excited to go back to WDW after an 11+ year hiatus.

 

[white306]

Officially made this home for our Sept 12-15 trip! Able to snag a studio in the villas! It's a bummer construction will be going on but won't hurt my feelings much.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I think that if we had young children and had planned to use the pool a lot, then we would switch resorts rather than stay at the WL during the pool construction. But since it is just DH and I, we are sticking with our Oct stay at WL.

 

[MOdisneymom]

Kook, love this thread. Some may call me crazy, but I've switched back to WL for our first family trip October 24-30 2014. We originally were there, switched with the pool mess, and now am back. We visited WL years ago and this was always my DH dream resort to take our family to. We are an outdoor family and loved WL from the moment we stepped foot in the door before. DH was really upset about the construction and not happy about our upcoming trip. But, after reading all of your comments on this thread, I've decided that it won't be as bad as I first imagined. We will enjoy one of the other pools, love Blizzard Beach and look forward to tickets from there(went there before and know our DD9 and DD 5 will love it too), and will enjoy the whole ambiance of WL. Hoping that maybe we can get upgraded to a bunkbed room!! Please add our dates to the roll call

 

[Marlyn]

Can I be added to roll call as well? Aug 2-16 for us! So excited!!!

 

[ThE FuTuRe ImAgInEeR]

Still not flowing.

Thanks for the update. Still hoping it will be done before the 10th
At this point I am almost tempted to call WL just to see.

 

[JnKinVA]

So sorry to hear that!
I am very familiar with that sadness. This is the third summer in a row that we are trying to get to WDW and, as I approach 3 weeks, I am hoping the 3rd time is the charm. It is almost 5 years since we have been there.
What I did the 2 times we had to cancel our trip (we had RO, not a package) was to modify our reservation for the next year. It helped me to feel a little less sad because I still had a trip planned. It also allowed me to keep saving my Dis Visa points and I have lots to use on this trip now! I have had the same reservation number since 2011! I will keep doing this until we get there! You will get there too. Just keep looking forward. I am sending pixie dust your way! ***********

This is something I may have to do.

DH has asked to stay until the end of December, and if that is the case, then I will move the reservation to January (if they ever come out with 2015 rates!). We are also going on a cruise out of New Orleans Feb 1, so I may be able to just coordinate Disney and then drive to NOLA.

I am just disappointed that things worked out this way. DH still says to not cancel just yet.
I will hold on as long as I can.

 

[minnime66]

How do I get on the roll call??

 

[WDWKOOK]

I've got more multi-quoting and vacation photos to post, but for now… to all our new Lodgers!​

Officially made this home for our Sept 12-15 trip! Able to snag a studio in the villas! It's a bummer construction will be going on but won't hurt my feelings much.

Whatasnag! I've added your dates and I'm glad your feelings aren't easily hurt

Can I be added to roll call as well? Aug 2-16 for us! So excited!!!

You've been added, too and congratulations!

Kook, love this thread. Some may call me crazy, but I've switched back to WL for our first family trip October 24-30 2014. We originally were there, switched with the pool mess, and now am back. We visited WL years ago and this was always my DH dream resort to take our family to. We are an outdoor family and loved WL from the moment we stepped foot in the door before. DH was really upset about the construction and not happy about our upcoming trip. But, after reading all of your comments on this thread, I've decided that it won't be as bad as I first imagined. We will enjoy one of the other pools, love Blizzard Beach and look forward to tickets from there(went there before and know our DD9 and DD 5 will love it too), and will enjoy the whole ambiance of WL. Hoping that maybe we can get upgraded to a bunkbed room!! Please add our dates to the roll call

You're not crazy at all and you knew a good thing when you had it. Glad you got it back and your dates have been logged.

How do I get on the roll call??

The Lodgers' Log is in POST 2 where the WL/VWL NEWS is located. Just post your dates/resort and I'll add them to the LL

 

[ThE FuTuRe ImAgInEeR]

I do believe that I forgot to ask if I could be added to the LL. Our trip at the WL from August 10th-18th. So Excited!!!!

 

[JennyKS]

Even though I have younger kids (pool closure), we are still going to stay here for our VERY first time! Not our first time at Disney World but our first time at the Wildnerness Lodge. We will be there 11/15-11/22. We are just going to make it work and be happy we are together and getting a break from school, daycare and work!

Thank you for everyone posting and updating. It's making us very excited!

 

[mcconnellfam96]

We will be arriving at WL tomorrow evening! Can't wait to step in to the lodge for the very first time! We are a little bummed the stream/waterfall work is still ongoing (since they had said they were expecting to wrap up the first week of July!), but we will make the best of it and learn to love the workers and the scrims. LOL

 

[XtraEdGe]

We will be arriving at WL tomorrow evening! Can't wait to step in to the lodge for the very first time! We are a little bummed the stream/waterfall work is still ongoing (since they had said they were expecting to wrap up the first week of July!), but we will make the best of it and learn to love the workers and the scrims. LOL

Have a wonderful vacation! And if you can, please give us updates on the waterfall. TIA!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just got an awesome deal from my TA for Marathon Weekend. Even added an extra day to our reservation! Sure hope we like the lodge!

Adding a day is awesome!

Has anyone here ridden 7DMT? KOOK? I have heard it is pretty mild as far as coasters go, but I am wondering if it does one of those sudden stops that coasters do at the bottom of an incline. I probably won't ride it ( because of my back) but I would really love to see the inside. We have FP+s for 2 of our 8 days, so even using those I don't think I would get to do all of the pre-ride activities. The musical one is what I most want to do.

Sorry for the OT questions, but like a previous poster said, this too is my Disney home.

Not OT at all! There is a very abrupt stop at the very end of the ride. When you use FP+ for 7DMT, you won't go through any sort of interactive queue. We never rode stand-by so I don't know what that line features, but the wait times are ridiculous and I would never recommend it stand-by.

This is what I posted 7/6:

"We rode 7DMT 4 times with FP+. I would not wait stand-by for this ride as it breaks down often and the stand-by lines are very long. My recommendation is to ask to wait for the last car. They will put you aside and you will board quickly. The 7DMT FP+ queue moves very fast and the indoor line is very well air conditioned. If you ask for the last car you will find that you can rock back and forth more easily and you won't feel the deceleration effect as you would from any other car. The other cars feel as if they are slowing down greatly after climbing a hill and preparing to descend. Also, prepare to come to a very abrupt halt at the very end of the ride before you slowly enter back into the mine. The ride is very smooth and fun, but again, I would only do it with FP+."

Thank you for this thread, KOOK! We are staying VWL on rented points during the pool closure, so no moving for us. Do you think I should ask for some sort of compensation? We are first time guests, and I'm bummed. Don't want to beat the pool horse dead, just not sure if there is anything Disney can do for us in this specific instance? If you have any advice, I'd appreciate it!!!

Welcome to the thread and thank you for your kind comment.

I see two issues: First, you're staying on rented points so you have no control over the reservation at all. My DVC knowledge is limited, but I do believe that there is little to nothing Disney will ever do to compensate a guest staying on rented points. The DVC owner is the only person, I believe, who can be compensated in any way and from what I've read, this rarely, if ever happens. Second, you're not staying at WL where the pool rehab will occur. I couldn't tell you how Disney would handle guests booked at VWL. But again, I don't see that they will even discuss your reservation since you are staying on rented points. If I'm all wrong about this, hopefully one of our DVC experts will correct me.

I told the kids and the little one wants me to say this:

Here's another one for the kids

Our Magic Bands just came in the mail. Things are finally getting real. Only 24 days until we leave and 27 days until we check in. Things will definitely start getting hectic next week, lots of laundry to be done, shopping, and packing. Can't wait until we arrive!!! Go WILDERNESS LODGE!!!

It does seem like everything needs to be done the week before a big trip. It feels so good when you finally pull out of the driveway

We are so excited to be traveling to Disney and staying at the Wilderness Lodge. I'm thankful for all of the great info this thread has provided!

It looks like there are several washers/dryers available. Do any of you have a suggestion about when the best time of day would be to count on getting an open washer? Planning to do it 1 time midweek.

Thanks again!!

I have never had a problem and I usually do laundry on a weekday in the morning. The washers only take about 30 minutes so even if they're all taken, that would be probably the longest you'd ever wait.

My parents just booked their first WDW deluxe resort in over 25 years and they chose the WL-I'm so excited for them My DH & I stayed there for part of our honeymoon and we loved it. I am hoping they will enjoy their stay as much as we did. They are most excited about taking the boat to MK.

They will be there during the pool renovation (Halloween week), but they have no interest in using the pool anyways. They will be staying in a standard room, so I'm hoping their room will be quiet.

Should they make any requests regarding floor number or which rooms to stay away from? A quiet room is their biggest priority.

Thanks!

The quietest SV rooms would be in the South Wing. While some of the higher North Wing rooms have a partial Wishes view, the South Wing rooms don't have a service area beneath them. The larger trucks make a beeping noise when they back-up which might bother some guests.

I hope your parents have a wonderful trip

My daughter is on a medicine that has to be kept cold. We are fine traveling down and during our stay keeping them in the fridge. I will need to be able to freeze her ice packs before we head home. This is our first trip with the new meds. Does anyone else have this issue? Is there a place at the lodge where they would be willing to put the packs in the freezer a day or so before we head home? Thanks!!

The new fridges that replaced the recalled ones last year don't have a separate freezer compartment like the old ones. But, I'm sure that the lobby concierge will have a solution for you. Just ask at check-in or you could even call WL now or email the IPO if you're staying CL.

I hate to say this, but we may have to cancel our trip

I am holding off on canceling until I absolutely have to, but the money just isn't going to be there like I thought it was.
Unfortunately, while DH is home he won't be getting a paycheck so I have to save enough to cover the bills until he goes back.

I am so bummed right now

Do you have an update?

We have booked our first trip at the wilderness lodge! We are so excited and it will be our 4th wedding anniversary since we got married at disney! I'm always looking to do something special and was thinking of getting something delivered to the room! We have done the usual welcome hamper and disney florist is little pricey this time. I have seen at other resorts that you can get platters of sweet treats and wondered if they do something at WL?

Congrats and make sure your anniversary is noted in your reservation. Room service has some tasty treats you can order like chocolate covered strawberries - these were delicious!


Thank-you TheLodgeLady!

Just arrived home from the WL on July 7th. I was told by a cast member that the pool area was going to get a fence around it? He said it was going to be like the pool area at AKL. I have never seen their pool so I cannot say what it is going to look like. I asked why they were doing it now when the resort was busy. Why not Jan or Feb when folks would maybe use the pool a little less? He stated that now there really isn't a "slow" time of the year at Disney anymore so they don't schedule the work that way anymore. My only concern about staying during pool construction would be those with small children. The quiet pool is no longer really a quiet pool as when we visited it was crowded with families and kids everyday. More and more people were coming over from the main pool area. It is a very small pool that really cannot accommodate very large groups of people. It's great that 2 other resort pools can be utilized but who wants to go back and forth with small children who are tired, and warm. To me this is a hassle but that's just my opinion. I must say although we stayed in the Villas I did not hear any construction noise and they seemed to make an effort to not intrude on the guest experience while we were there. Can't wait to see the changes when we return in 2015!

Welcome home and thank you for your update. The pool rehab won't begin until after Labor Day. The current work on the creek hasn't involved any noise that I'm aware of. There is a pool rehab update in POST 2. The pool will be fenced, a new sidewalk added and the children's pool will be replaced with a splash pad feature. Someone reported that it would be made into a zero entry, but I can't confirm this. Happy planning!

Just got our MBs yesterday and it's getting real now! DW decide that we should go to the outlet this weekend to get our vacation stuff. Still have our fingers crossed that the waterfall will be ready for our first ever visit to WL. But we're just excited to go back to WDW after an 11+ year hiatus.

Yippee!

I do believe that I forgot to ask if I could be added to the LL. Our trip at the WL from August 10th-18th. So Excited!!!!

We will be arriving at WL tomorrow evening! Can't wait to step in to the lodge for the very first time! We are a little bummed the stream/waterfall work is still ongoing (since they had said they were expecting to wrap up the first week of July!), but we will make the best of it and learn to love the workers and the scrims. LOL

I'm excited for you and I hope you'll be able to check in with us from time to time.

 

[mcconnellfam96]

Have a wonderful vacation! And if you can, please give us updates on the waterfall. TIA!

I'm excited for you and I hope you'll be able to check in with us from time to time.

I will definitely be checking in with all of you here! If I knew how to post pics from my iphone I would do that as well - but photo posting is still a mystery to me! LOL