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

[disneyquilter]

Hi everyone! Back again. Just trying to provide information as we go along that may be of interest or help to soon-to-be lodgers.

Today, we took the bus to Downtown Disney. We waited less that 10 minutes for a bus at WL. Once on board, we stopped at Grand Floridian, them Typhoon Lagoon and then on to Downtown Disney Marketplace (the other DD stop is currently closed). Our travel time in the bus was 40 minutes.
The return trip was much easier! A bus was waiting for us when we walked out and the bus ride was only thirteen minutes, with WL being the first stop. We will be going back later in the week and will DEFINITELY take a cab, at least getting there....simply to avoid my head from exploding during a 40 minute, crowded bus ride.

Downtown Disney Notes: While the construction was obvious when we were here in April, it is MUCH, MUCH worse. Ugh. It literally felt like we we were rats in a maze trying to find the cheese! The atmosphere is definitely gone (temporarily) but we are confident it will be magical when it is complete!
We tried out DisneyQuest today! In all the years it's been open we have never attempted it and my kids LOVED it. My DS10 didn't want to leave, lol. We told him we would bring him back in a few days when we had our next ADR scheduled for Downtown Disney.
Overall - our opinion is, if we hadn't scheduled a few ADRs in Downtown Disney for this trip we would have skipped it altogether until construction was complete. But, we have experienced DD many times in the past.

Also, just another WL thought...the more we look around the grounds and the resort, it is really incredible the job they have done with the theming. As soon as you pull in the gates, it is as though you have been transported to a grand lodge in the Northwest! <3

Thanks for the updates, Jen!!! I love hearing about them! We have 332 days to go...

 

[BlueFairy]

Hi everyone! Back again. Just trying to provide information as we go along that may be of interest or help to soon-to-be lodgers.

Today, we took the bus to Downtown Disney. We waited less that 10 minutes for a bus at WL. Once on board, we stopped at Grand Floridian, them Typhoon Lagoon and then on to Downtown Disney Marketplace (the other DD stop is currently closed). Our travel time in the bus was 40 minutes.
The return trip was much easier! A bus was waiting for us when we walked out and the bus ride was only thirteen minutes, with WL being the first stop. We will be going back later in the week and will DEFINITELY take a cab, at least getting there....simply to avoid my head from exploding during a 40 minute, crowded bus ride.

Downtown Disney Notes: While the construction was obvious when we were here in April, it is MUCH, MUCH worse. Ugh. It literally felt like we we were rats in a maze trying to find the cheese! The atmosphere is definitely gone (temporarily) but we are confident it will be magical when it is complete!
We tried out DisneyQuest today! In all the years it's been open we have never attempted it and my kids LOVED it. My DS10 didn't want to leave, lol. We told him we would bring him back in a few days when we had our next ADR scheduled for Downtown Disney.
Overall - our opinion is, if we hadn't scheduled a few ADRs in Downtown Disney for this trip we would have skipped it altogether until construction was complete. But, we have experienced DD many times in the past.

Also, just another WL thought...the more we look around the grounds and the resort, it is really incredible the job they have done with the theming. As soon as you pull in the gates, it is as though you have been transported to a grand lodge in the Northwest! <3

I really appreciate the transportation updates. It's nice to know what to expect.

Also, DTD is depressing to me. DDs want so badly to do some serious shopping. They don't remember that it is a separate venue, and I keep coming up with excuses where we might not be able to find a Ride Makers or a Build A Bear! Hopefully they'll be satisfied with the in-park shopping. DD6 is a list-maker when it comes to souvenirs.

Keep those updates coming!

ETA: Just finally google searched to see hours. Since RideMakerz and Build A Bear seem to no longer be at DTD, I might be in the clear!

 

[whositsandwhatsits]

Thanks for all the updates Jen!! I like that the overall feel of the Lodge seems to be holding up, regardless of the construction.

Have a magical stay!

 

[mcconnellfam96]

I really appreciate the transportation updates. It's nice to know what to expect. Also, DTD is depressing to me. DDs want so badly to do some serious shopping. They don't remember that it is a separate venue, and I keep coming up with excuses where we might not be able to find a Ride Makers or a Build A Bear! Hopefully they'll be satisfied with the in-park shopping. DD6 is a list-maker when it comes to souvenirs. Keep those updates coming! ETA: Just finally google searched to see hours. Since RideMakerz and Build A Bear seem to no longer be at DTD, I might be in the clear!

Yes, RideMakerz is definitely gone and I don't remember where Build A Bear previously was, but I have not seen one there during our 2014 trips.
Also, DD may be completely satisfied with the shopping at WL at the Mercantile shop. I was in there this afternoon, and they have a terrific variety of sections/items: kitchen wears, clothing, DVC, Wilderness Lodge specific, toys, children's clothing, market items, pins/jewelry and more. All the WL items are adorable!

 

[JnKinVA]

Yes, RideMakerz is definitely gone and I don't remember where Build A Bear previously was, but I have not seen one there during our 2014 trips.
Also, DD may be completely satisfied with the shopping at WL at the Mercantile shop. I was in there this afternoon, and they have a terrific variety of sections/items: kitchen wears, clothing, DVC, Wilderness Lodge specific, toys, children's clothing, market items, pins/jewelry and more. All the WL items are adorable!

Loving your updates and making miss the Lodge.

Glad you are having a good time

 

[MelanieRI]

Leaving on Tuesday (7/22) for WL! I'm sad that the water feature will not be up and running, especially since we have a courtyard view. We spend 5 nights at WL and then 5 at YC. I can't wait to go! We leave really early on Tues. (0630 flight), so we'll be at Disney before we're usually awake for the day while we're there (we are not rope drop people, we are close the park people.) We got tx for the Frozen package and will be going on Friday. I hope it's not too busy. DD really wants to do the ice skating part. We'll probably do that on a day when we don't have the package to make sure we get to see everything.

One day to go!

 

[hstrickland]

Downtown Disney Notes: While the construction was obvious when we were here in April, it is MUCH, MUCH worse. Ugh. It literally felt like we we were rats in a maze trying to find the cheese! The atmosphere is definitely gone (temporarily) but we are confident it will be magical when it is complete!

One crazy mess over there, isn't it! Unreal. But will be fabulous if they ever finish. If it had not been for our dining ressie at HoB, we wouldn't have ventured over.

Also, just another WL thought...the more we look around the grounds and the resort, it is really incredible the job they have done with the theming. As soon as you pull in the gates, it is as though you have been transported to a grand lodge in the Northwest! <3

So glad y'all love it! The WL is quite amazing...one of the prettiest on site for sure.

Enjoy the rest of your trip!!

Thanks for the updates, Jen!!! I love hearing about them! We have 332 days to go...

You're not counting or anything

Leaving on Tuesday (7/22) for WL! I'm sad that the water feature will not be up and running, especially since we have a courtyard view. We spend 5 nights at WL and then 5 at YC. I can't wait to go! We leave really early on Tues. (0630 flight), so we'll be at Disney before we're usually awake for the day while we're there (we are not rope drop people, we are close the park people.) We got tx for the Frozen package and will be going on Friday. I hope it's not too busy. DD really wants to do the ice skating part. We'll probably do that on a day when we don't have the package to make sure we get to see everything.

One day to go!

Don't stress too much about the waterfall. Depending on your room location, the tarps on the waterfall may be hard to see The Lodge is so overwhelmingly beautiful, that you'll forget the construction is even there...kind of Let's just say it won't take away from your trip at all.

Safe travels!!!

 

[grannyminnie]

I really appreciate the transportation updates. It's nice to know what to expect.

Also, DTD is depressing to me. DDs want so badly to do some serious shopping. They don't remember that it is a separate venue, and I keep coming up with excuses where we might not be able to find a Ride Makers or a Build A Bear! Hopefully they'll be satisfied with the in-park shopping. DD6 is a list-maker when it comes to souvenirs.

Keep those updates coming!

ETA: Just finally google searched to see hours. Since RideMakerz and Build A Bear seem to no longer be at DTD, I might be in the clear!

I was in DD a couple of weeks ago and had NO problem shopping! Sure, the parking situation is different and workers are present, but the stores and restaurants are open and ready to take your money!
Go, and enjoy! That new Market Co-op is soooo cute! Love, love, love it!

 

[mcconnellfam96]

Good Morning!

Thought I would post a picture of the state of the waterfall/stream area. As I said when we first arrived, all signs of construction are gone (tapping, workers, cranes) with the exception of the potted trees in the lobby and two "pardon our dust signs" (one outside, one inside). If you didn't know the waterfall was suppose to be there - you may not even notice it.

I did speak to a CM yesterday and asked for an update. He said the projected completion time frame is still 2-3 more weeks. He said this is the first major rehab of the waterfall since the lodge was build 20 years ago, so there was quite a bit work to be done. Unfortunately for us, that means we won't experience it this trip - but the beauty of the lodge in not lost without it! If you are arriving soon, I promise you will be impressed!

(Now the bus service is another story! LOL)

 

[mcconnellfam96]

Loving your updates and making miss the Lodge. Glad you are having a good time

Glad you are enjoying them! Any updates on whether or not you will be able to take your trip?

 

[ThE FuTuRe ImAgInEeR]

I did speak to a CM yesterday and asked for an update. He said the projected completion time frame is still 2-3 more weeks. He said this is the first major rehab of the waterfall since the lodge was build 20 years ago, so there was quite a bit work to be done.

Hope that their timeframe is correct this time. If it is 2-3 weeks then it should reopen sometime during our vacation (hoping its more like 2 so it'll be done before we arrive lol). Still crossing my fingers. Thanks for the update!

 

[ElenaJane]

Thanks Jen for your updates!!! I appreciate the detective work about the stream! Hope they turn it on before those puddles start breeding mosquitos!!

 

[XtraEdGe]

Good Morning!

Thought I would post a picture of the state of the waterfall/stream area. As I said when we first arrived, all signs of construction are gone (tapping, workers, cranes) with the exception of the potted trees in the lobby and two "pardon our dust signs" (one outside, one inside). If you didn't know the waterfall was suppose to be there - you may not even notice it.

I did speak to a CM yesterday and asked for an update. He said the projected completion time frame is still 2-3 more weeks. He said this is the first major rehab of the waterfall since the lodge was build 20 years ago, so there was quite a bit work to be done. Unfortunately for us, that means we won't experience it this trip - but the beauty of the lodge in not lost without it! If you are arriving soon, I promise you will be impressed!

(Now the bus service is another story! LOL)

Thank you for all the updates and pics. We're under 20 days out and we'll be "home" soon, like you.

 

[bluecastle]

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

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!!

 

[bluecastle]

Are you in a villa rather than a studio? Will you be doing a lot of cooking? I would bring things like sugar, salt and pepper. You already have coffee filters listed. We bring coffee, too. I would bring zip-lock storage bags, too, for storing leftovers and for bringing snacks along to the park or pool.

Thanks, Wood Nymph! We will be in a 2BR villa, but I am not planning on doing any cooking, other than making coffee in the morning and heating up leftovers in the microwave! I do plan on buying coffee, as I like to make my own mixtures of different blends.

 

[JnKinVA]

Glad you are enjoying them! Any updates on whether or not you will be able to take your trip?

No sill no word on whether we we can go or not

 

[WDWKOOK]

I can't multi-quote now, but I wanted to get this good news posted. The Disney Armed Forces Salute (ticket and room-only discount) has just been renewed for 2015. The discount percentage remains the same. Details located HERE.​

 

[williamscm3]

I can't multi-quote now, but I wanted to get this good news posted. The Disney Armed Forces Salute (ticket and room-only discount) has just been renewed for 2015. The discount percentage remains the same. Details located HERE.

I called 10 minutes after this was released and they said they had nothing available at WL! Nothing at any MK resort for our dates(nov 15-22) . Is that even possible?!? I'm pretty disappointed.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I called 10 minutes after this was released and they said they had nothing available at WL! Nothing at any MK resort for our dates(nov 15-22) . Is that even possible?!? I'm pretty disappointed.

Don't worry, it's most likely not sold out, this has happened in past years. People who have called immediately after the public announcement have found in the past that the dates they wanted (that weren't blacked-out) weren't available because they haven't been put in the system yet. I'm not promising this is what happened in your case, but it's likely. Check the website to make sure your dates are available at rack rate. If it is, keep calling back. It's very unlikely that every MK room is booked, it's more likely that the Military rate rooms have not been uploaded into the system yet. Don't give up!

 

[williamscm3]

Don't worry, it's most likely not sold out, this has happened in past years. People who have called immediately after the public announcement have found in the past that the dates they wanted (that weren't blacked-out) weren't available because they haven't been put in the system yet. I'm not promising this is what happened in your case, but it's likely. Check the website to make sure your dates are available at rack rate. If it is, keep calling back. It's very unlikely that every MK room is booked, it's more likely that the Military rate rooms have not been uploaded into the system yet. Don't give up!

Thank you! Rack rate rooms are still available for our dates so I'll keep checking