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

[MissouriJen]

I'm staying on rented points, so no credit for me. With the pool not going to be completed on time, and the scaffolding that appeared without warning, there won't be the beautiful exteriors I thought I would have. Kind of disappointed right now.

Where is this scaffolding at? We arrive on the 6th, and this certainly wasn't mentioned when I booked. I'm feeling disappointed too.

 

[WDWKOOK]

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[WDWKOOK]

Sitting in the WL lobby while my family naps in the room. We've been here four nights and have three more to go. Overall we are really enjoying the resort. The boat to MK is awesome and we have has good luck with bus transportation so far- no complaints. You do have to wait and you may have to stand if It's crowded but I'd expect that when using mass transit.

We got an excellent deal using Uk Expedia, about half off rack rate during a holiday week. Otherwise we'd never spend this kind of money for a hotel. We have stayed in offsite condos for the last few trips. Even though we are enjoying the lodge, I miss the space for the money we get with a condo.

Service at the lodge has been very good. We booked a standard room but requested bunk beds. We were given a 5th floor lobby room with bunks, woods view I think. We are above WCC and every now and then we hear muffled cheers but nothing that keeps us up. Noise has not been an issue.

It takes awhile for the water to get hot but once it does it's very hot with good pressure. Maintenance came to our room and explained that it's because we are far from the source.

Housekeeping is efficient. No towel animals but that's not something we care about. They were cleaning our room a little late but we requested an earlier clean and got it every day since.

I miss the full size food court of a moderate resort. The limited menu at roaring fork is a little annoying. I knew that going Into this but since we are more counter than sit down service people it's inconvenient for us.

Almost forgot, we can see some of the fireworks from our balcony through the trees. Very nice treat at the end of the day.

Overall we are enjoying our stay but probably won't return. For the price, I'd rather have larger accommodations especially now that the kids are getting older. If we stay onsite in the future we will go back to the moderates.

Thank you for posting about your stay. It's great that you were able to give WL a try. Were you thinking of a FW Cabin for your next stay in a "larger Moderate?"

We checked in today and were told the pool won't open until 12/3. None of the CMs can tell me why there is scaffolding but said there is work going on and not sure how long it will be up. We have courtyard view but were told there is some on villa side too. It's disappointing but not letting it spoil our great time! It's Thanksgiving and we are at Disney! Also they did honor a 50 per night credit and Blizzard beach tickets.

Thank you for the update on the pool opening date. I'll update POST 2 with your information.

Thought I would report back now that we arrived home. Let me start by saying this was my favorite resort, owned VWL for 11 years prior to selling and this is our first stay as non-dvc.

Stayed CL for the first time. Arrived by DME no problems. Landed at 9:10 and we made it to the lobby by 10:10. Checked in the front desk, CM had to search for our package from IPO but no big deal. Made our way to our room, they did exactly what I requested. Big plus, asked for a small snack and some soda left in the room just for a small snack.

Weather was not the greatest, so put a huge damper on the vacation. Pool work being done was loud. Had a south wing courtyard view and it was obnoxious at times. DD arrived Saturday night, DME bus driver quit! So she was shuttles via van and arrived around 11:25, landed at 9:10. Luggage got to us around 2:00am after me calling.!!!!

Was not overly impressed with morning snacks, really would have liked a hArd boiled egg, real yogurt and granola, just something a little nicer. LOVED the Nespresso machine!! Was reprimanded by IPO over canceling a dinner reservation. Women really irritated me, (see previous posts) and I was very nice about it. Also irritated that his same women gave my daughter (22) such a hassle about having a beer, almost implied her ID was fake that there was no way she was over 21!!!! For almost 500 a night, i would never pay that for CL, the room size and the servings just don't warrant it. Should have done much much more research!

Between construction at WL(which I thought would be almost over) and all the construction in the parks, MK, AK, and DTD, I swear i saw more walls than views!! Really took away from the experience. Though I was glad I didn't book the poly as the walls there are even worse!!! Then top off the trip, our flights for today were cancelled, was able to get to JFK, (then paid for a limo to WhitenPlains where our car was) leaving WL on ME at 3:50am, but oh wait, THE BUS NEVER SHOWED UP! Looked at the printout IPO gave me, and they for some reason had us leaving from the CR (yes I originally had booked there and switched). At least they comped the taxi, but getting up at 3am, and waiting and waiting was not a great send off also never received a checkout envelope and had to ask for a print out, did receive an email version upon landing.

Did receive turn down 3 of the 5 nights, again not a big deal, but it was so strange,first three days housekeeping was great, and I left tips, the next day the room was half done!! Very very strange.

Things i did notice is the lack of "disney Magic" resorts and parks were always sparkling clean. Being in construction we tend to notice things. Lights out heading to the bus area, many cobwebs, dirty windows again, not a big deal, but just not the magic that it used to be!! It may be many years until we head back, will definitely make sure there is no construction going on!!!!!

Thank you for posting your TR. Doesn't sound like you had the most magical CL experience and you had a few too many bumps in your Disney road, too. Where do you think you might stay next time or are you going to give Disney a little break?

Just popping in to say HELLO! Last night I called my husband to the computer and asked him what he thought of some pictures. The pictures I was showing him were of the wilderness lodge! He said that this place looked like more his style (originally we were going to stay at POFQ) SO I called my mom and my sister for moral support and they both encouraged me to switch to WL! I called Disney and NOW I'M OFFICIALLY STAYING THERE!

Our dates are January 5-9 at the wilderness lodge...for our honeymoon! And Hubby's first trip in 20 years (his first time staying on site!)

Every now and then I let out a little yelp, because I'm so happy and so excited!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Welcome to the thread! How exciting that you're officially booked and DS and DM are very smart. Those Lodge photos are a big hit with DHs, aren't they?

I'll put your dates in the Lodgers' Log and let us know if you have any questions.

Where is this scaffolding at? We arrive on the 6th, and this certainly wasn't mentioned when I booked. I'm feeling disappointed too.

The scaffolding is covering some of the "Bear Face" rooms which overlook the WL Courtyard and directly front the pool and Bay Lake. It also covers the CL lounge window (7th floor), some lobby windows and an outdoor public seating area, which I assume is closed due to the scaffolding.

This was posted 5 days ago by capttigger, so its positioning may have changed since this was taken 11/22:

 

[bluecastle]

Thank you for posting about your stay. It's great that you were able to give WL a try. Were you thinking of a FW Cabin for your next stay in a "larger Moderate?"


Thank you for the update on the pool opening date. I'll update POST 2 with your information.


Thank you for posting your TR. Doesn't sound like you had the most magical CL experience and you had a few too many bumps in your Disney road, too. Where do you think you might stay next time or are you going to give Disney a little break?


Welcome to the thread! How exciting that you're officially booked and DS and DM are very smart. Those Lodge photos are a big hit with DHs, aren't they?

I'll put your dates in the Lodgers' Log and let us know if you have any questions.


The scaffolding is covering some of the "Bear Face" rooms which overlook the WL Courtyard and directly front the pool and Bay Lake. It also covers the CL lounge window (7th floor), some lobby windows and an outdoor public seating area, which I assume is closed due to the scaffolding.

This was posted 5 days ago by capttigger, so its positioning may have changed since this was taken 11/22:

Just want to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I know that I am very thankful to all of you for the help, photos, and all-around friendliness that exists on this thread. It is my favorite DIS thread and it is not just because I love the WL, but because of all of you! Hope your Thanksgivings are filled with love, good food and company. For those at WDW right now, I hope you find Disney magic, in spite of the unexpected delay in the pool opening and the mysterious scaffolding! I recommend spending time inside, staring at the tree and enjoying the other holiday decorations. One of our favorite evenings in Dec. 2009 was when we got some drinks at Territory Lounge, and then hung out in front of the fireplace listening to the music. If there is no magic outside, there is inside. Enjoy!! P.S. Please know that I am not trying to minimize your disappointment, only imagining what I would do in your situation.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

WDWKOOK, we are definitely taking a break from Disney, not trying to be a "Debi Downer" but, when one takes those rose colored glasses off, staying CL, park passes, food, etc. your spending over 1k a day for a family of four, and at least this trip, there is a much less return on investment if you want to look at it like that. I'm thinking 2017 May be our next trip, as hopefully the parks will have the majority of construction done. As far as where we would stay, maybe CR or BWI. Possibly Four Seasons or Bonnet Creek also, I truly did not remember the rooms at the WL being that small, still love Disney and the WL, just feel for the price there should be more.

 

[patty57]

Just want to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I know that I am very thankful to all of you for the help, photos, and all-around friendliness that exists on this thread. It is my favorite DIS thread and it is not just because I love the WL, but because of all of you! Hope your Thanksgivings are filled with love, good food and company. For those at WDW right now, I hope you find Disney magic, in spite of the unexpected delay in the pool opening and the mysterious scaffolding! I recommend spending time inside, staring at the tree and enjoying the other holiday decorations. One of our favorite evenings in Dec. 2009 was when we got some drinks at Territory Lounge, and then hung out in front of the fireplace listening to the music. If there is no magic outside, there is inside. Enjoy!! P.S. Please know that I am not trying to minimize your disappointment, only imagining what I would do in your situation.

Excellent advice, which we will definitely take. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

 

[SarahSummer]

We arrive 12/8. I'm very concerned about the pool and hoping it will be open. It would definitely ruin the magic for us to not have a pool. I wish I didn't feel that way but I do. I would rather stay somewhere else. Does anyone know if the scaffolding is related to the pool work? Will that be down by the time we get there? Thank you

 

[patty57]

To the best of my knowledge, the scaffolding has nothing to do with the pool. I don't think that anyone here knows what it's all about, or how long it will be up.

 

[Sara1Babe]

I am a little bummed about the pool but am looking forward to the room credit that will more than cover a few snacks, adult beverages and presents.

Question is the room credit from check-in until 12/3 or length of stay?

We check in tomorrow

 

[Divaofdisney]

We arrive in 17 days and we have all really been looking forward to this stay. Perhaps if anyone is going in the next week or so, it would be great if they could find out what the scaffolding is for?? As long as the pool is open along with whirlpools I will be more than happy. Getting so excited

 

[Tahoegal]

Hello! Just paid off our trip. We are officially staying at The Wilderness Lodge Jan 31-Feb 8th. Could you add our dates? Thank you!!

 

[Btc0078]

I've stayed at the lodge four times this year January, May, July, and most recently in Ocotber, there has been scaffolding at various outer locations of the lodge for the entire year, so this has nothing to do with the pool.

I don't think it affected my experience one bit

 

[BlueFairy]

I've stayed at the lodge four times this year January, May, July, and most recently in Ocotber, there has been scaffolding at various outer locations of the lodge for the entire year, so this has nothing to do with the pool. I don't think it affected my experience one bit

Add our trip in August and now November and you have at least 6 months of scaffolds with relatively little complaining on that particular issue. It must not be too obtrusive. Sounds like maybe they are working their way around the exterior with painting or minor maintenance. I know the August scaffolding wasn't up for a long time.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Curious to know people's experiences moving forward with getting the $50 credit at check in. We hope to ask for it since the pool is still closed.

 

[Lsdolphin]

Curious to know people's experiences moving forward with getting the $50 credit at check in. We hope to ask for it since the pool is still closed.

You have to request the credit they are not going to offer it to you!
I read a post from someone on another thread that they received a $75 per night credit as well as the Blizzard Beach passes. However I have not heard of anyone else getting that amount! Considering the pool is still closed after it's completion date you are certainly entitled to the compensation!
We stayed at WL in Oct and received the credit after asking. We used the smaller pool which is open and loved it! It was never crowded and there were always plenty of lounges and tables. You will also be able to use the pool at Ft Wilderness and CR.
Enjoy your visit!

 

[Lsdolphin]

I am a little bummed about the pool but am looking forward to the room credit that will more than cover a few snacks, adult beverages and presents.

Question is the room credit from check-in until 12/3 or length of stay?

We check in tomorrow

 

[Syndrome]

The scaffolding has been up in differing spots before the pool construction was started.

When we were at WL in August , we got a personal tour of the entire resort from a really nice , long time WL cast member, but his name escapes me.
We didn't ask for a personal tour , but we are DVC members and were staying in one of the new studios over at the villas side and asked to see one of the 2 bedroom rooms if any were open .........for some reason, that turned into a 1+ hour tour of the Lodge and villas .
Anyway ............when we walked past some scaffolding that was up around on the right side of the lodge rooms going out the walkway from the lodge to the villas area I asked the CM what it was for .
He told me that they were checking and sealing up all the upper areas of the roof line, eve's and "attic" areas to prevent any critters from entering those spaces, and taking up residence.

Not sure if its true, but thats what we were told about the scaffolding.

Disappointed that the pool is not open yet .............we arrive on the 10th of December, and really hoping they are done with the pool construction by then !!!

 

[mom2william]

So we just have to ask for the 50$ per night credit? I know we will never go to blizzard beach or another pool.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I was initially offer the $75 a night credit because I was very angry but I ended up switching hotels. In the end we ended up back at wilderness Lodge but with different dates