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

[WDWKOOK]

We are due to check in next week, and I requested both via the phone and the online check-in process sixth/top floor, and when I called in I asked for a Castle view (paid for a Woods view), since I did not remember the direction that side was on (North). Should I call in and add North to the request, or will they know what I meant by Castle View

They will know, no need to call.

You sure about your info? What I read said it was already open with riders about midnight on Saturday night. Did it close again?

According to the article, the ride did re-open around midnight, however, it's possible that the ride might have been down earlier today if RCFD wanted to do some inspections in the daylight. Even on a good day, that ride has frequent stoppages.

 

[hill6]

My daughter called about the fire. Her friend was there and told her ride would be closed till next year to fix. She wanted to let me know so I could rebook next weeks fast passes. Was very happy to not have to change them.

 

[delilah18]

Hello

What exactly are they doing to WL pool are they changing it?

 

[rudetreehill]

Counting down to my January 10th arrival at the lodge, and I couldn't be more excited! I'm actually going to be at Fort Wilderness (in a cabin) for a week just after Thanksgiving, first, so I am about as fortunate as a guy can be.

I have a rather odd question: Is there any reason a solo traveler couldn't be the flag "family?" I'll be staying at the lodge by myself in January. My parents will be staying at Fort Wilderness, and I'd love it if, should I get to be flag family, my parents were able to come over and join me. Is either of these things possible?

richard/tralfie

 

[WDWKOOK]

My daughter called about the fire. Her friend was there and told her ride would be closed till next year to fix. She wanted to let me know so I could rebook next weeks fast passes. Was very happy to not have to change them.

I don't think this is correct as the ride is open and currently has an 80 minute wait.

Hello

What exactly are they doing to WL pool are they changing it?

The kiddie pool is being replaced with a splash pad, the pool bar is being re-done, a new sidewalk is being added around the pool and a fence is supposed to be added. There are more details and photos in POST 2.

Counting down to my January 10th arrival at the lodge, and I couldn't be more excited! I'm actually going to be at Fort Wilderness (in a cabin) for a week just after Thanksgiving, first, so I am about as fortunate as a guy can be.

I have a rather odd question: Is there any reason a solo traveler couldn't be the flag "family?" I'll be staying at the lodge by myself in January. My parents will be staying at Fort Wilderness, and I'd love it if, should I get to be flag family, my parents were able to come over and join me. Is either of these things possible?

richard/tralfie

Welcome and that's not an odd question. You can certainly ask to be Flag Family and yes, your parents can join you. Good luck!

 

[Lacoccinelle]

My daughter called about the fire. Her friend was there and told her ride would be closed till next year to fix. She wanted to let me know so I could rebook next weeks fast passes. Was very happy to not have to change them.

Just got back from MK, it was open all day.

 

[lffam]

Thank you for re-posting the links. I've had a link to your rooftop photos on the first page, but it's easy to miss if you aren't scrounging around there. Those rooftop views are amazing!

It's so good to have those pictures shared. It's such a magnificent lobby . I added some details in my trip report about the actual Flag Family experience for anyone whose interested.

 

[ccarter]

We are staying 12/27-1/03 and have booked bunk bed woods view room. We have done online check in already and requested upper floor . I'm trying to decide if I want to call and add to that request and would like opinions from those of you who have been before. Am I correct that a North wing room on floor 5 or 6 MIGHT give us an MK view (if it's toward the lake end of that wing) and that a South wing upper floor room MIGHT give us a view of the EWP? Are the fireworks and the EWP equally loud or is one louder? Trying to decide if quieter room is more important than possible views. TIA for your advice!

 

[hill6]

I don't think this is correct as the ride is open and currently has an 80 minute wait.

My daughters friend definitely jumped the gun. Folks make their own assumption without knowing facts.

We will get to ride it on Sunday.

 

[dkrauss]

We are staying 12/27-1/03 and have booked bunk bed woods view room. We have done online check in already and requested upper floor . I'm trying to decide if I want to call and add to that request and would like opinions from those of you who have been before. Am I correct that a North wing room on floor 5 or 6 MIGHT give us an MK view (if it's toward the lake end of that wing) and that a South wing upper floor room MIGHT give us a view of the EWP? Are the fireworks and the EWP equally loud or is one louder? Trying to decide if quieter room is more important than possible views. TIA for your advice!

We had room 6024 this past Sept.........good view of Contemporary.........could see Space Mountain too.............have a great time!

Doug

 

[Wood Nymph]

We are staying 12/27-1/03 and have booked bunk bed woods view room. We have done online check in already and requested upper floor . I'm trying to decide if I want to call and add to that request and would like opinions from those of you who have been before. Am I correct that a North wing room on floor 5 or 6 MIGHT give us an MK view (if it's toward the lake end of that wing) and that a South wing upper floor room MIGHT give us a view of the EWP? Are the fireworks and the EWP equally loud or is one louder? Trying to decide if quieter room is more important than possible views. TIA for your advice!

Yes, a North Wing Woods View upper floor room has a chance of having a view of the fireworks, although it may be partially obscured. But a South Wing Woods View room will not have a view of the Electric Water Parade. What you'll get with that view will be a view of either the villas or the entrance drive near the bus stop. An inner courtyard view has the best chance of seeing it, although the view can be obscured by trees or the side of the building, depending on location. The closer the inner courtyard room is to the lake, the better the chance of a good view.

As far as the noise from the EWP - you can't escape it. The music is so loud that you can hear it all over the lodge. I guess they don't want you to miss it.

 

[patty57]

I can't believe that it's already November! Only 3+ weeks left of pool construction, if it's completed on time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a Thanksgiving opening.

 

[Lacoccinelle]

Hey guys,

Is there any way that someone there now could post the activities guide from the Lodge? THANKS!!

I have an iPad and do not know how to post the picture , what do you specifically want to know. I have it right here.
Sun. Sleeping Beauty
Mon. Fox and Hound
Tues. Enchanted
Wed. Gus
Thurs. Pocahontas
Fri. TS2
Sat. Pirate Fairy

This is also why I have not posted pool pics, but it is moving right along!

 

[mrsap]

I have an iPad and do not know how to post the picture , what do you specifically want to know. I have it right here. Sun. Sleeping Beauty Mon. Fox and Hound Tues. Enchanted Wed. Gus Thurs. Pocahontas Fri. TS2 Sat. Pirate Fairy This is also why I have not posted pool pics, but it is moving right along!

Are those movies for the month of November? Thanks

 

[bluecastle]

Hi all! I am finally caught up!! All it took was a day off and lots of determination. I have no idea when we will be back at our beloved lodge- all monies being saved for DD's wedding next summer- but hanging out here keeps the connection going.
Thanks to everyone who has posted photos and construction updates. Reading it all in a row like I did, it was interesting to go from rumors, to reality, and now to anticipation of an end date. I especially have enjoyed reading about how everyone has enjoyed their stays, in spite of the construction. It is just a testament to how very special the WL is!!
Someone a few pages back asked about the 2 BR villas. We loved ours! My order of requests were: dedicated, not lock-off ( the 2nd queen in the 2nd BR was important to us), high floor, lake side, far from elevator. ( I like quiet and the building is not so large as to make the walk to the elevator a hardship- even with my bad back). We received all except lake side. But since we were far from elevator, we had a very nice area of mostly trees outside our room. I would be happy to answer any questions, now that I am caught up and will read them in a more timely manner!
KOOK- to answer a couple of questions you asked a while back. No WDW wedding. So many reasons why we can't do this, mostly financial, but also can't ask the families to do this. Also no to the massage when we were there. I have so many specific problems with my back I am not comfortable having just anyone do that. I think next time I will definitely consider something for my feet and legs! ( even though my Keens were terrific!)
Looking forward to reading about all the holiday trips coming up! We were there in Dec. 2009 and it was a dream come true. After looking at pictures for years, I walked into the lobby and cried when I finally saw the tree in person. It was a cold, but magically unique trip and one of our favorites. Happy planning everyone!!

 

[stpats317]

I don't think this is correct as the ride is open and currently has an 80 minute wait.

My daughters friend definitely jumped the gun. Folks make their own assumption without knowing facts.

We will get to ride it on Sunday.

Yay! As will we. We arrive on Saturday (our 29th Wedding anniversary) and our first park day is MK on Sunday. Starting off with the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Can't wait to get back to WL and we're hoping that the construction isn't too bad.

 

[mrsap]

Hi KOOK, I was wondering if there's a link to the resort activities page you could post. I could have sworn there was one posted at one point. Thanks so much!

 

[Bree]

Hi everyone! I just changed our January 2015 trip from the GF to WL CL! The AP rate was just too good to pass up. We have stayed at WL many many times, but never CL. I did this on Friday, but have not heard a peep from IPO. I don't need much since my ADR's have been booked for awhile. My MIL is turning 75yo and this is her very first trip to WDW. MIL is a smoker so I basically just want to request a room that will get her to and from the smoking area easily. I tried using the Touring Plan room finder, but it was being difficult and I got fed up LOL! Could anyone advise a room area for me to request or should I just send a generic request in my email to IPO?

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hi everyone! I just changed our January 2015 trip from the GF to WL CL! The AP rate was just too good to pass up. We have stayed at WL many many times, but never CL. I did this on Friday, but have not heard a peep from IPO. I don't need much since my ADR's have been booked for awhile. My MIL is turning 75yo and this is her very first trip to WDW. MIL is a smoker so I basically just want to request a room that will get her to and from the smoking area easily. I tried using the Touring Plan room finder, but it was being difficult and I got fed up LOL! Could anyone advise a room area for me to request or should I just send a generic request in my email to IPO?

The smoking area is just outside of the exit door to the bus stop and villas, near the arcade. I think that a room close to the main lobby elevator would be about as close as she could get.

 

[bookgirl]

The smoking area is just outside of the exit door to the bus stop and villas, near the arcade. I think that a room close to the main lobby elevator would be about as close as she could get.

Oops totally missed the CL stay. Ignore my suggestion.