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

[TJDisneymama]

HI Everyone !!!
Just returned from our 7 day stay Standard View Room 5064. But maybe it wasn't a standard view because every night we saw the MK fireworks from our balcony.
We enjoyed our stay but would we stay again most likely not.
The food options were very slim and of course the rooms were small but we were aware of this before arriving.
One of the nights the boats were not running and we had to take the bus from MK which was a pain since our kids were asleep and we had to fold up our strollers and ride the crowded bus which took about 20mins to get
All the other days we didn't have any transportation issues.
Loved the pool and some how only managed to see the Geyser go off 1 time. We wanted to order drinks at the bar but they wanted to see our ID and of course we don't carry it. SO no alcohol for me
Like I said it was a nice hotel and it was worth a try.

We were in 5017.
We took the monorail from EP to MK one night to avoid the bus (planning to take ferry from MK).....only to find the ferry not running AND the firtst WL bus that came was full and we had to wait 1/2 hour for next one. SO, we should have just taken the bus from EP, lol.

 

[TJDisneymama]

I also want to add I was not thrilled with the constant bus sharing with FW and GF and the water parks. What a pain. I cant believe how many people complain about the sharing of buses at the All Stars and the multiple stops at CBR - at least those are on the same site vs. having to hike it over to completely different resorts.
The $ they charge for deluxes, they should have better transportation and they do with the boat but any time saved on the boat is lost with the bus sharing

 

[SquirmansWife]

I also want to add I was not thrilled with the constant bus sharing with FW and GF and the water parks. What a pain. I cant believe how many people complain about the sharing of buses at the All Stars and the multiple stops at CBR - at least those are on the same site vs. having to hike it over to completely different resorts. The $ they charge for deluxes, they should have better transportation and they do with the boat but any time saved on the boat is lost with the bus sharing

Completely agree. And we got a little confused with the signage about DD and Typhoon Lagoon (though I should've known better since I've read a few snippets about it on here). Based in the wording of the sign, we thought we had to go to Epcot and transfer to get to DD (which we didn't think made sense). So after going to Epcot, then Saratoga Springs, then finally DD and fighting through the Friday night, packed, construction-mess crowds, it took us 3 hours round trip to have dinner at Cookes of Dublin. Literally- we didn't enter any other stores. Lesson learned the hard way but we still got to enjoy one of our favorite meals- so I guess it was worth it! ;-)

 

[BwoZoo22]

Completely agree. And we got a little confused with the signage about DD and Typhoon Lagoon (though I should've known better since I've read a few snippets about it on here). Based in the wording of the sign, we thought we had to go to Epcot and transfer to get to DD (which we didn't think made sense). So after going to Epcot, then Saratoga Springs, then finally DD and fighting through the Friday night, packed, construction-mess crowds, it took us 3 hours round trip to have dinner at Cookes of Dublin. Literally- we didn't enter any other stores. Lesson learned the hard way but we still got to enjoy one of our favorite meals- so I guess it was worth it! ;-)

I also want to add I was not thrilled with the constant bus sharing with FW and GF and the water parks. What a pain. I cant believe how many people complain about the sharing of buses at the All Stars and the multiple stops at CBR - at least those are on the same site vs. having to hike it over to completely different resorts.
The $ they charge for deluxes, they should have better transportation and they do with the boat but any time saved on the boat is lost with the bus sharing

This is exactly why we will occasionally fork over the $20 for a taxi. Especially if DTD is in our plans. Worth every dollar.

 

[PPFDDisneyLover]

Just back from 7 nights at WL, this was our first stay there, and overall we had a great time! I know everyone needs to take the good with the bad, but here are my concerns:

I did not get ID'd at the bar by the pool, but my wife did. Who carries their license with them to a pool? Isn't there a way Disney can link their Magic Bands to help solve this? They are watching everything else we do, help us legal aged folks purchase a drink!

Like others have said, Roaring Forks is just too small!

The quiet pool between the villas and lodge are a hidden gem, especially mid day during the children's activities at the pool...

Halls are not too wide, service carts should have to stay on one side or the other, had to help someone on a scooter maneuver their way around because the carts were parked opposite each other making it tough to walk through, let alone drive a scooter....

Why are there no screens on the balcony doors? Not so much now, but during the cooler season I'm sure it would be great to be able to sleep with the doors open through the night and shut the AC off.....

Sharing busses with GF and FW was not fun, and sometimes just plain sucked.

Disney would prefer we use the boats to MK, but they are seriously under staffed during peak hours.

What's it take to get towel characters? We tipped everyday and not once did we get one except for the first day we arrived!

Oh, and in case you've never seen it, we indeed did watch an alligator or crocodile swim the dock area for transportation, how do they ensure it doesn't go on land?

Just some questions and a couple concerns.....We will definitely stay here again, but our goal is to stay at every resort once before we begin repeats. Did a BB for same time next year, but at CBR to save some $$$

 

[MissNurse]

WDW now serves Joffrey's both in the restaurants and in the rooms. Much better than Nescacrap.

Thank you!!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for the welcome everyone. We will be there August 25-September 2, 2015. Hoping that they start MNSSHP on September 1st again next year.

You can never be booked too soon - I'll add your dates to the Lodgers' Log.

Hi everyone! We're staying at the villas with rented DVC points 10/26 - 11/01 and we're getting so excited! This will be the first trip for my husband and kids

Right now I'm planning out our arrival day and I'm wondering how long it takes to drive by car between WL and Animal Kingdom? We'd like to eat at Boma for breakfast, so I'm trying to figure out how long it will take for us to go register at the villas (to activate our dining plan) and then drive to Boma. For example, if I grabbed an 8:05 at Boma, I was thinking of registering at WL around 7:00 to allow some time to register.

Any insight is appreciated! Thanks!

Welcome and I'll add your dates, too. When we've driven from WL to AK, I think it took maybe 10-15 mins. I think your plan sounds very good and doable.

I'm sure this is a duplicate and my apologies in advance but here it goes. My husband and I are staying at the WL club level 1/31-2/7 2015 and were wondering if there are any rooms we can request with a MK or partial MK view? This is a anniversary trip/celebration and this would be such a fun way to enhance an already special vacation.

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Welcome and I'll log your dates. No problem with repeat questions. Some of the Woods View rooms in the North Wing have a partial MKV. Make sure your anniversary is noted in your reservation - you can add any requests by emailing the IPO.

Has anyone stayed in the Courtyard View rooms overlooking the Villas? If so, any pictures of the views? What was your experience?

That is the only view we haven't had.

Thanks that will be much appreciated! Do you happen to know what the final plan is slated to look like? I heard something about an infinity pool???

No infinity edged pool, but pool rehab updates are located in POST 2.

My name is getting closer to the top of the list We all know what that means................15 days until we're home...........for the 1st time

Doug

Hey everyone! Super excited that we have our trip (flights included!) officially booked! We're staying one night at AKL (3/7), but then the rest of our trip (3/8-3/13) at the VWL! My DH and I stayed there several years ago, but pretty excited to have both of our kiddos this time around! 2015 is a year of "big" events: my DD turns 5 in January, I turn 35 while we're in DW crazy2, my little DS will turn 2 a few days after we return, and DH will turn 40 in June . So a good year of celebrating!
Looking forward to hearing from all of you experts!

Much to celebrate and I'll log your dates. Welcome to the WL/VWL thread!

Hi again all.

Just returned from a 10 day stay at the Lodge, and once again, it did not disappoint.

We were in a standard view room, however, it was a "lobby" room that faced MK, that really seemed more like woods view, with a fantastic view of wishes each evening. (we were on the 6th floor).

The staff, from the front desk, to mousekeeping, to Whispering Canyon and Roaring Fork were fantastic as usual. I also want to send a special thanks out to Ranger Jack, we got to be the flag family again, for another great morning of conversation, great pictures, and interaction with the kids.

Really. I can't say enough about how much I love the place. Pool and waterfall etc. were all up and running just fine, and there were zero signs of pending construction, which allowed for some truly awesome pics. (As soon as I get a chance to offload all 3k plus we took this trip I'll get some up, LOL).

We also booked a bounce back for next year with free dining for August. Booked at CBR due to financial constraints, but I"m already thinking about changing it to the WL again, depending on next years tax return, LOL. (12 night stay, so it gets a little pricey).

Anyway, I'll be following the thread as always, and look forward to posting some pics in a few days!

Thank you for posting your TR. The lure of WL is hard to resist, so let me know if you'd like to be in the Log

Glad you got one of those magical SV rooms that offer a partial MKV. Looking forward to your photos.

We were there last year when they went up and I believe it was Nov 19th.

Kook thanks re: the stuffed animals..weird but glad we grabbed WL Pluto when we did! Can you put us back on the trip log?

We are there Dec 2-8.

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

We just got back on Wednesday! We where a Flag Family also & Ranger Jack was very nice! My boys really enjoyed hanging up the flags & taking pictures on the rooftop was quite spectacular! Glad you had a great vacation as so did we! We had a Woods View overlooking the Villas pool! It truly was the BEST VACATION EVER!

Sounds like you had one of the rooms that disneyquilter was asking about and it sounds like you loved it!

At the lodge now. While we can look down from our balcaney and see a parking lot, if we look above the trees, we had a great view of MK fireworks. Bonus!

We really like the look of this hotel. Short stay to explore this resort and attend the first MNSSP.

Just so there's no confusion for anyone who doesn't know, the "parking lot" you refer to below you is actually a delivery/receiving area and the Smokehouse. The guest parking lot is off to the left of your balcony. Glad you're enjoying your stay, Lynne.

On the ME on our way home from first WL stay . We loved it. We booked a std. View room but were facing the pool (courtyard view?). Dinner at Whispering canyon was the best meal we had (steak). Underwhelmed by the food court. So small! Im glad the kids werent with us as we utilize the QS food more when with the kids.

Aside from WL, the temps were WAY too hot for my liking, this is the last time I will come in the summer. I was really uncomfortable in the parks. That sun was brutal.
All in all we enjoyed WL And would def. Recommend it. We probably wont be back any time soon as I'm on a mission to stay at every WDW resort so lots more to do before I can come back to WL.

It does sound like you were upgraded to a CYV room. Thanks for your TR.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We will be in Disney World, checking into the WL for 6 nights THIS MONTH!!!!!! Only 22 days until we leave, and 23 until we arrive!!!!!

Just returned Saturday from our 9 night stay at the lodge. Had a wonderful trip. Booked a standard room but ended up in a 5th floor lobby-facing room with bunk beds which the kids loved (felt the pixie dust immediately ). We felt that Roaring Fork was a bit small and didn't like the shared bussing. BUT we did love the interior hallways and smaller size of the resort. Not to mention that beautiful lobby. We actually used the villas pool more than the main pool per our kids request. It was generally less crowded. I agree with the PP though- it was exceptionally hot this year. I also felt like it was busier in the parks this year than it was last year. But we still had a fantastic trip! Until next time!

Welcome back! While you can't book a SV Bunk, they do have a few (not sure how many) and they are a request, but can't be guaranteed. That's great that you got one!

I think that RF would seem bigger if it had the ordering kiosks so that fewer guests are waiting in lines. Breakfast is crazy in there! And, sharing buses is no fun, especially when you've waited a long time for one.

22 days and 3 hours for my family! We stayed at WL last year and in 2009. We will miss it! We are staying at Old Key West this time.

pas130 just returned from a GREAT stay at OKW. She was apprehensive about it, but loved it. The villas are huge and she just started a TR today HERE.

I just wanted to take a moment on this Labor Day to post that we did our first split stay last month (August) which included our first stay at the WL followed by our usual BWI. (both club level)

Here's what we liked about WL:

The pool: our kids especially loved this pool. Probably even more so than BWI. The WL pool is simply great.

The lobby: spectacular view. Everyone knows this.

The club level offerings were pretty good: we especially liked the creamy oatmeal at breakfast and one night they had the Chorizo stew.

We were able to get the tour to the roof - great view!

The CM's (especially CL) were also very helpful - kudos!

Although the BWI is our preference, overall, I can't really think of anything bad to say about the WL. (I guess we prefer the BWI for it's energy, whereas the WL is more laid back - nothing wrong with that)

Thank you for posting your TR both here and to the BWI thread. It's great that the oatmeal is now offered year 'round at WL and the dried cranberries/raisins are a nice addition. That's great that you got to see Wishes from the rooftop. Was it a special occasion?

If you want to experience some extra WL energy, I'm sure they'll be plenty with the pool rehab that's starting tomorrow

and it changes yet again.......

So where last we stood I had to switch my reservation to two separate reservations to get a discount(first two nights CVbb then WVbb for the last two) that wasn't a standard view (although they are now gone for my dates as well).

The stalking paid off. All four nights came up open in a CVbb room at the Fall Discount price. yippee!

So we don't have to switch rooms and I got a discount. Still have a bunk bed, but hey I will just keep stalking, at this point, you just never know.

Phew! That is a relief and your stalking, err, persistence paid off

I'm driving myself crazy trying to decide what to do. DH, DD 15, DD 11, and I will be at USF (big HP fans) next month and staying on property there. We're going to move to DW for two nights and go to MNSSHP only (no other parks), so we'll have lots of time to explore. The current available options we're considering are WL CL (would be a first), WL woods view, or FW cabin (all late fall offers). Since we won't have the DP, would the extra $125 for CL be worth it? Any advice is much appreciated!

Without the DP, CL is even more "worth it." It's only for two nights so I think that's a great way to "try out" the OFC. But, be warned, you may be hooked

HI Everyone !!!
Just returned from our 7 day stay Standard View Room 5064. But maybe it wasn't a standard view because every night we saw the MK fireworks from our balcony. We enjoyed our stay but would we stay again most likely not.

The food options were very slim and of course the rooms were small but we were aware of this before arriving.

One of the nights the boats were not running and we had to take the bus from MK which was a pain since our kids were asleep and we had to fold up our strollers and ride the crowded bus which took about 20mins to get
All the other days we didn't have any transportation issues.

Loved the pool and some how only managed to see the Geyser go off 1 time. We wanted to order drinks at the bar but they wanted to see our ID and of course we don't carry it. SO no alcohol for me

Like I said it was a nice hotel and it was worth a try.

Thank you for posting about your stay. Some of the upper SV rooms do have a view of the MK beyond the woods. At least you tried WL, but it just wasn't for you. There are so many great resort choices at WDW, so I'm sure there's something that might be a better fit for your family.

I also want to add I was not thrilled with the constant bus sharing with FW and GF and the water parks. What a pain. I cant believe how many people complain about the sharing of buses at the All Stars and the multiple stops at CBR - at least those are on the same site vs. having to hike it over to completely different resorts.

The $ they charge for deluxes, they should have better transportation and they do with the boat but any time saved on the boat is lost with the bus sharing

It really is hard when you have to wait a long time for a bus and then go on to another resort before finally getting to your destination. I feel so sorry for the FW guests when we finally arrive there and the bus is already full and they all have to stand up. While it's a short trip to Epcot from FW and the trip from Epcot to WL is very short and stops first at WL, getting to the parks can seem arduous.

Just back from 7 nights at WL, this was our first stay there, and overall we had a great time! I know everyone needs to take the good with the bad, but here are my concerns:

I did not get ID'd at the bar by the pool, but my wife did. Who carries their license with them to a pool? Isn't there a way Disney can link their Magic Bands to help solve this? They are watching everything else we do, help us legal aged folks purchase a drink!

Like others have said, Roaring Forks is just too small!

The quiet pool between the villas and lodge are a hidden gem, especially mid day during the children's activities at the pool...

Halls are not too wide, service carts should have to stay on one side or the other, had to help someone on a scooter maneuver their way around because the carts were parked opposite each other making it tough to walk through, let alone drive a scooter....

Why are there no screens on the balcony doors? Not so much now, but during the cooler season I'm sure it would be great to be able to sleep with the doors open through the night and shut the AC off.....

Sharing busses with GF and FW was not fun, and sometimes just plain sucked.

Disney would prefer we use the boats to MK, but they are seriously under staffed during peak hours.

What's it take to get towel characters? We tipped everyday and not once did we get one except for the first day we arrived!

Oh, and in case you've never seen it, we indeed did watch an alligator or crocodile swim the dock area for transportation, how do they ensure it doesn't go on land?

Just some questions and a couple concerns.....We will definitely stay here again, but our goal is to stay at every resort once before we begin repeats. Did a BB for same time next year, but at CBR to save some $$$

Thank you for posting about your recent stay. While the MBs do solve many issues, one they create is the need to sometimes carry ID along with it. Another example is if you have an AP, you still have to carry your license/photo ID to prove it's your AP. This is the only way to get AP discounts and it looks like the only way to get served alcohol if you appear to be under 40.

One reason there might not be screens on any resort doors is so guests are less likely to leave the doors open AND the AC/heat running.

It's great you were able to book a BB and save some money, too. I hope you enjoy your stay at CBR and happy planning!

 

[bookgirl]

Oh, and in case you've never seen it, we indeed did watch an alligator or crocodile swim the dock area for transportation, how do they ensure it doesn't go on land?

Alligators are American and Crocodiles are African/Asian. They have different max sizes and teeth. The only crocodile in WDW is the one chasing Captain Hook.....tick tock tick tock.j

Unless they are sunning alligators prefer to be in the water, so don't go wading in the lake's or ponds. They will attack animals at the water's edge but WDW has animal wranglers and they come relocate them pretty darn quick.

 

[kastoney]

WOOHOO!!!! T-minus 10 days and counting until my 40th bday/anniversary extravaganza

Just asked hubby if it would be ok for me to take 10 benadryl and have him wake me up in 10 days. Apparently that is frowned upon ; ) At least he is on notice that I will be of no use the next few days. Now I just gotta break the news to my bosses....

 

[BlueFairy]

We were there last year when they went up and I believe it was Nov 19th. Kook thanks re: the stuffed animals..weird but glad we grabbed WL Pluto when we did! Can you put us back on the trip log? We are there Dec 2-8.

I'm digging through old posts.

We were there in early Aug. WL Pluto was there. Also, DD chose a generic little husky dog that's pretty cute.

 

[BlueFairy]

Did I read somewhere that Roaring Fork offers good coffee??? As in not Nescafe dirty water??? Can someone please confirm? TIA!

It is Joffreys. Whether it tastes like dirty water is a matter of perspective. I prefer a Peets dark roast and did not care for the RF coffee.

 

[patty57]

This is the day pool construction is supposed to begin. I would love to see updates on it, since I have a VWL trip beginning on Dec. 1st. Would Kook and other long-timers on this thread prefer that this be done on another thread, so it doesn't take over this one, or do you think it could be managed here?

 

[Lynne G]

We are back from our short stay at the WL. Room 6014. If you like to hear a truck backing up beeping early in the morning, this room is for you. Yes, as Kook said, we had below us a small parking lot for workers and a pad with generators and other equipment. The balcony doors did a good job of stopping some of the mechanical humming, but not the backing up beeping. What we did like about the room is you can see part of the CR and high MK fireworks over the treeline.

We agree, of the 3 hotels we stayed at, WL had the smallest room and smallest bathroom. The biggest was a villa room at the Portofino, next was at YC, but this room had a daybed that we appreciated. All rooms we had booked at at SR rate.

We would stay at the WL again. My teen, who requested YC because of the pool and closeness to Epcot, said he'd rather be at the WL if we stay at WDW again.

What we also did not like was the sharing of the buses. We took an after midnight bus from MK to WL. It had to stop at the CR first, and no one got off the bus or was waiting for it. Made the ride that much longer.

What we did like. It took us longer than I thought to walk to the Fort, but when my teen DS and I finally got there, we enjoyed looking at the horses and chickens. We had Khan, a horse that was the horse used by the headless horseman in the Halloween parades, stick his head out of his stall, and look at us. He's a beautiful horse. We also got to see him in action, as we saw him at the second Halloween parade.

 

[Diznotyzed]

Hello everyone -

Not much action, not much noise. Just a sign out and the chairs are stacked up. The geyser is still active. Off to Blizzard Beach!

 

[WDWKOOK]

This is the day pool construction is supposed to begin. I would love to see updates on it, since I have a VWL trip beginning on Dec. 1st. Would Kook and other long-timers on this thread prefer that this be done on another thread, so it doesn't take over this one, or do you think it could be managed here?

I don't think that updates ever overtake a thread! I love updates and the pool closure updates are still located in POST 2, along with the hyperlink to the thread you referred to, for those who would like to vent any pool closure frustrations and anger

We are back from our short stay at the WL. Room 6014. If you like to hear a truck backing up beeping early in the morning, this room is for you. Yes, as Kook said, we had below us a small parking lot for workers and a pad with generators and other equipment. The balcony doors did a good job of stopping some of the mechanical humming, but not the backing up beeping. What we did like about the room is you can see part of the CR and high MK fireworks over the treeline.

We agree, of the 3 hotels we stayed at, WL had the smallest room and smallest bathroom. The biggest was a villa room at the Portofino, next was at YC, but this room had a daybed that we appreciated. All rooms we had booked at at SR rate.

We would stay at the WL again. My teen, who requested YC because of the pool and closeness to Epcot, said he'd rather be at the WL if we stay at WDW again.

What we also did not like was the sharing of the buses. We took an after midnight bus from MK to WL. It had to stop at the CR first, and no one got off the bus or was waiting for it. Made the ride that much longer.

What we did like. It took us longer than I thought to walk to the Fort, but when my teen DS and I finally got there, we enjoyed looking at the horses and chickens. We had Khan, a horse that was the horse used by the headless horseman in the Halloween parades, stick his head out of his stall, and look at us. He's a beautiful horse. We also got to see him in action, as we saw him at the second Halloween parade.

Thank you for posting more about your stay, Lynne. Love the FW horses and that's neat that you got to see such a "famous" one.

While the Standard View rooms are the least expensive, the North Wing ones have their pluses and minuses. The higher rooms have a partial MKV for the price of a SV, but you are right above the loading dock and Smokehouse. The South Wing SV rooms are much quieter and peaceful, but don't offer the possibility of a MKV.

Hello everyone -

Not much action, not much noise. Just a sign out and the chairs are stacked up. The geyser is still active. Off to Blizzard Beach!

Well, isn't that an understatement?! I hope they at least placed a letter in your room or gave you notification at check-in? If you get a chance, I would be so appreciative if you could post the pool closure notification letter or any written notice you see, like the sign in the background that I can't make out. Thank you for posting the pool closure photo - it's going on the update page with thanks to you

 

[mickeystoontown]

I don't think that updates ever overtake a thread! I love updates and the pool closure updates are still located in POST 2, along with the hyperlink to the thread you referred to for those who would like to vent any pool closure frustrations and anger


Thank you for posting more about your stay, Lynne. Love the FW horses and that's neat that you got to see such a "famous" one.

While the Standard View rooms are the least expensive, the North Wing ones have their pluses and minuses. The higher rooms have a partial MKV for the price of a SV, but you are right above the loading dock and Smokehouse. The South Wing SV rooms are much quieter and peaceful, but don't offer the possibility of a MKV.




Well, isn't that an understatement?! I hope they at least placed a letter in your room or gave you notification at check-in? If you get a chance, I would be so appreciative if you could post the pool closure notification letter or any written notice you see, like the sign in the background that I can't make out. Thank you for posting the pool closure photo - it's going on the update page with thanks to you

WDWKOOK, I was able to click on the picture and zoom in. The second sign in the background says:

The pools and spas are for the exclusive use of Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas Guests. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

I couldn't get it to zoom in enough to see the smaller green sign a little further out and to the left.

 

[johnsonginad]

Looking at the pictures in this thread makes me SO excited! I am currently planning a June 2015 trip to WDW. This will be our first stay in a deluxe resort, and we are planning on staying Club Level. Are there specific rooms that are better than others to request? Any suggestions?

 

[BandMom1]

So excited to be returning to DW January 1-11, 2015! We will have a split stay - 2 nights at POR (standard) - 4 nights at WLV (studio) - and 4 nights at Saratoga Springs (1 bedroom). Was hoping to book entire stay at the WL Villas but we are renting DVC points (1st time doing so) and that was all that was available. Still, we are soooo excited to have at least part of our stay there! Would be interested to hear of anyone else's experience of renting points/studio stay at WL Villas....also, I may have missed this, but is room service available at the Villas? This is an awesome thread - can't wait to be at DW and especially the Wilderness Lodge!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I'm digging through old posts.

We were there in early Aug. WL Pluto was there. Also, DD chose a generic little husky dog that's pretty cute.

That sounds cute! Thanks