(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS Information Thread

[permavac]

I apologize for this question in advance I have not read the entire thread and am just wondering: Are the rooms at WLV as "ugly" as the pictures make them seem to be? I was reading a trip report on another board and saw (for the very first time) the "old-timer" decor in the studio (didn't see other rooms). I have always loved the lobby at WL and enjoy the restaurants and I assumed we would stay there one day (DVC). I am thankful that there appears to be a remodel going on now because I honestly don't think I could stay in them as they are. I do know that this topic is subjective and hope there isn't a danger of pot-stirring if there is a pot... I'm just trying to see if these rooms just look better in person? Thanks for any help on this.

Terri

 

[Rorey]

ok I've read the whole thread and am completely caught up now!

Thank you for the warm welcoming, DH and I are very excited to try out WL.

As I was catching up I saw some talk about HDDR. I currently have a ADR for it on Sept. 10th and was told when I booked that it was set to be closed from August through Dec. but since free dining came out they opened it up for the month of September and it will be closed Oct. 1st through Dec. I really hope this holds true.

room requests - I feel like I'm going to have a billion attached to my ressie. Our first one is King Bed, and since we're in a Woods view (if I'm reading the first page correctly about being on the MK side/view) I want to say North side woods view correct?

Thanks so much!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I apologize for this question in advance I have not read the entire thread and am just wondering: Are the rooms at WLV as "ugly" as the pictures make them seem to be? I was reading a trip report on another board and saw (for the very first time) the "old-timer" decor in the studio (didn't see other rooms). I have always loved the lobby at WL and enjoy the restaurants and I assumed we would stay there one day (DVC). I am thankful that there appears to be a remodel going on now because I honestly don't think I could stay in them as they are. I do know that this topic is subjective and hope there isn't a danger of pot-stirring if there is a pot... I'm just trying to see if these rooms just look better in person? Thanks for any help on this.

Terri

Hi, Terri, welcome to the WL thread!

Nope, no pot here, so nothing to worry about, we're all friendly. I understand how you feel about the color scheme and decor of the Studios, though I've only seen them in pictures.

Unfortunately, the VWL will not be undergoing a rehab, only WL is. DVC rarely get rehabbed and are on a different rehab schedule than WDW Resorts that usually get rehabbed about every 8 years.

The one bedrooms have more of a red and green color scheme rather than the "country blue" in the Studios. Maybe that would be more appealing to you?

ok I've read the whole thread and am completely caught up now!

Thank you for the warm welcoming, DH and I are very excited to try out WL.

As I was catching up I saw some talk about HDDR. I currently have a ADR for it on Sept. 10th and was told when I booked that it was set to be closed from August through Dec. but since free dining came out they opened it up for the month of September and it will be closed Oct. 1st through Dec. I really hope this holds true.

room requests - I feel like I'm going to have a billion attached to my ressie. Our first one is King Bed, and since we're in a Woods view (if I'm reading the first page correctly about being on the MK side/view) I want to say North side woods view correct?

Thanks so much!!

Congrats on getting through the entire thread. If you booked a Woods View, then you can omit that as a request. All you would need to request is "King bed, North (Wing) or North (Side)."

I hope you get to go to HDDR, too. It makes sense they would close it after FD.

 

[MartyM]

Add me as another on the list who wants PICTURES!!

I'm so excited to see the new rooms that I might have to fly down for one night just to have a look!

 

[calismic]

Don't do BLT! I hate saying anything negative about Disney, however I was there in February and HATED it. I had really high hopes for the resort and every single one of my expectations fell flat. As many others have said, half the items in the rooms are broken. Our toilet paper holders were crooked and kept dropping the paper all over the floor. The kitchen felt like it was put together by my two year old, all of the fixtures were loose and I'm relatively sure that a level was never used once during construction. The walls are paper thin. I heard every single footstep that passed by. I could have dictated the conversations going on in the studio next to us. CM's are non existent, you need your room key to get anywhere, I could go on and on.........

 

[pas130]

"The 1 BR is her closest hope to having a private anniversary evening." I'm still LOL at this - you're hilarious. You pegged it, Jeanette and also DD13 loves having her own bathroom, and we love her having her own bathroom, too. But, now that Christine has reconfirmed what I already suspected about the poor condition of many BLT rooms, I'm beginning to think that mold, mildew, broken and marred furniture, and crayon marks don't make for a great anniversary setting

Kidani was beautiful....we stayed 2010..I know you didn't ask I totally understand with the negative reviews....hmmmmmmm no crayon marks for your anniversary, not romantic... OK got it....book RPC King. change 52 times and get bumped to a 2 BR YC suite...perfecto

 

[mickeynut1]

The 1 BR is her closest hope to having a private anniversary evening....

But, now that Christine has reconfirmed what I already suspected about the poor condition of many BLT rooms, I'm beginning to think that mold, mildew, broken and marred furniture, and crayon marks don't make for a great anniversary setting

Recently, psac posted from BLT that a few days into their trip, the carpeting was soaked from the shower leaking into the bedroom, I believe. It's like those Poly/CL reviews, I can't get past the negative ones - I have bad review tunnel vision.

Thank you for confirming what I've read about BLT, too. Just seems that for some reason BLT is worse for wear. But maybe all the DVCs are like that? The DVCs rarely get rehabbed (they're on a different rehab schedule than non-DVC rooms) so maybe that's part of the problem? Can anyone confirm that there's less upkeep/updating of the DVC rooms?

Now I don't know what to do. Too bad the VWL one bedrooms don't have two bathrooms like BLT. But, the overall better condition of the room might make up for that. Though mickeynut1 reported that her friends felt the condition of VWL rooms had gone down over the past several years, but they're still the top ranked DVC on AllEars, so that's promising.

I don't read too much about the DVC rooms as we don't stay in them, but I have come across several negative reports about BLT and I've always wondered why. There always seems to be someone reporting that fixtures were broken or falling off the wall, things didn't work properly, no lock on the bathroom door.....the list just seems to go on and on, so I can see why you would be hesitant to give it a try. With that said, I think you may be answering your own question to stay the whole time in WL CL .

I keep checking this thread for the first photos....
I know this will most likely be the first place that they show up!

I think you're right .

5 days to go... I am hoping the Pixie Dust Fairy saves a room for me!

Have a great trip .....and good luck getting a new room .

Pictures,Pictures,Pictures!!!!

Please....we are all anxiously awaiting them.

I'm with Mousemommy1 .

I have stayed in the regular rooms and I am normally a Poly girl but it was unavailable so WL is my 2nd fav!

Us too......love the Poly, but the WL runs a very close second .

I apologize for this question in advance I have not read the entire thread and am just wondering: Are the rooms at WLV as "ugly" as the pictures make them seem to be? I was reading a trip report on another board and saw (for the very first time) the "old-timer" decor in the studio (didn't see other rooms). I have always loved the lobby at WL and enjoy the restaurants and I assumed we would stay there one day (DVC). I am thankful that there appears to be a remodel going on now because I honestly don't think I could stay in them as they are. I do know that this topic is subjective and hope there isn't a danger of pot-stirring if there is a pot... I'm just trying to see if these rooms just look better in person? Thanks for any help on this.

Terri

We've never stayed in a studio or villa, but I agree.....I've never been too thrilled about how they look in the pics as they're just not very appealing to me .

Thank you for the warm welcoming, DH and I are very excited to try out WL.

I'm sure you will have a fabulous time at the Lodge .

I'm so excited to see the new rooms that I might have to fly down for one night just to have a look!

I like your thinking .

Don't do BLT! I hate saying anything negative about Disney, however I was there in February and HATED it. I had really high hopes for the resort and every single one of my expectations fell flat. As many others have said, half the items in the rooms are broken. Our toilet paper holders were crooked and kept dropping the paper all over the floor. The kitchen felt like it was put together by my two year old, all of the fixtures were loose and I'm relatively sure that a level was never used once during construction. The walls are paper thin. I heard every single footstep that passed by. I could have dictated the conversations going on in the studio next to us. CM's are non existent, you need your room key to get anywhere, I could go on and on.........

I'm sorry you had such a bad stay . That is awful about everything that was wrong, especially for such a new resort .

OK got it....book RPC King. change 52 times and get bumped to a 2 BR YC suite...perfecto

 

[PamelaKay]

So I have been camping with no internet or computer for the past 4 days. Sunday was my ADR day. I got home Sunday night and there was the email from the WL IPO. They got me every single ADR I wanted at the time I wanted (and of course I asked for difficult ones). Just another reason I LOVE WL CL.

It has taken me over an hour to catch up on all the WL Board posts and here is my 2 cents.

WDWKook - Stay WL CL the entire trip. I think you will be sad if you don't.

Macavity - I too will be waiting at 6:01 p.m. on May 4 for pics of the remodeled rooms.

I have actually contemplated a quick weekend trip in June just to see the rooms before my May trip. How sick is that... I truly have an addiction.

 

[bluecastle]

I have a feeling that I will begin doubting my switch to the 2 BR villa as I read the reviews and see the pictures of the rehabbed rooms. (not to mention a few of the negative comments on the villas being worn or unappealing) I just keep thinking about that kitchen and the space and how different this trip will be because it will be the first (and maybe only) time we have ever stayed in anything larger than a standard room. I am also really sensitive to smells, like new carpeting, so maybe it's a good thing if it's a little worn!
Anyhow, just wanted to say hi and catch up. My time out of work because of mu back is coming to an end soon and I will miss being able to visit here everyday. (sometimes multiple times!) But I will try to keep up with all the posts. It's such a nice group of people and it's fun to share our love of the WL.

 

[permavac]

Hi, Terri, welcome to the WL thread!

Nope, no pot here, so nothing to worry about, we're all friendly. I understand how you feel about the color scheme and decor of the Studios, though I've only seen them in pictures.

Unfortunately, the VWL will not be undergoing a rehab, only WL is. DVC rarely get rehabbed and are on a different rehab schedule than WDW Resorts that usually get rehabbed about every 8 years.

The one bedrooms have more of a red and green color scheme rather than the "country blue" in the Studios. Maybe that would be more appealing to you?...

Thanks for that! We usually stay in studios since it's just the DH and me. I looked at the first page and saw the other color scheme for the 1-bedroom. Whew! That is MUCH better for me. We will have an excuse to upgrade to a one-bedroom now when we decide to stay at WLV. Thanks again for the info.

Terri

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Kidani was beautiful....we stayed 2010..I know you didn't ask I totally understand with the negative reviews....hmmmmmmm no crayon marks for your anniversary, not romantic... OK got it....book RPC King. change 52 times and get bumped to a 2 BR YC suite...perfecto

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Linda, for some reason I just noticed your ticker!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Linda, for some reason I just noticed your ticker!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!

I know .... crazy right?

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I know .... crazy right?

Not crazy at all - fabulous!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Since we're on the topic, here's a link to a nice VWL one bedroom video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jw00TzfiGg

Add me as another on the list who wants PICTURES!!

I'm so excited to see the new rooms that I might have to fly down for one night just to have a look!

Can you get there on May 4th before 6PM?

Don't do BLT! I hate saying anything negative about Disney, however I was there in February and HATED it. I had really high hopes for the resort and every single one of my expectations fell flat. As many others have said, half the items in the rooms are broken. Our toilet paper holders were crooked and kept dropping the paper all over the floor. The kitchen felt like it was put together by my two year old, all of the fixtures were loose and I'm relatively sure that a level was never used once during construction. The walls are paper thin. I heard every single footstep that passed by. I could have dictated the conversations going on in the studio next to us. CM's are non existent, you need your room key to get anywhere, I could go on and on.........

Thank you so much, calismic for sharing your recent BLT experience with us. I know exactly how you feel when you say that you hate saying anything negative about WDW. I felt bad having to report recently that we just didn't like BWI/CL, but I wanted to offer my honest opinion, FWIW.

Whenever I've told DH about a negative BLT room condition review, he'd joke that it's like Godzilla slept there (pretend that's BLT in ruins):

So when I recently brought up the suggestion we stay there before WL, he of course wondered if we'd be rooming with Godzilla. Sounds funny now, but DH should know better than to joke about these VERY SERIOUS AND LIFE-ALTERING WDW RESORT DECISIONS

Kidani was beautiful....we stayed 2010..I know you didn't ask I totally understand with the negative reviews....hmmmmmmm no crayon marks for your anniversary, not romantic... OK got it....book RPC King. change 52 times and get bumped to a 2 BR YC suite...perfecto

OK, but do I have to drop a frozen chicken and break my foot right before my trip

So I have been camping with no internet or computer for the past 4 days. Sunday was my ADR day. I got home Sunday night and there was the email from the WL IPO. They got me every single ADR I wanted at the time I wanted (and of course I asked for difficult ones). Just another reason I LOVE WL CL.

It has taken me over an hour to catch up on all the WL Board posts and here is my 2 cents.

WDWKook - Stay WL CL the entire trip. I think you will be sad if you don't.

Macavity - I too will be waiting at 6:01 p.m. on May 4 for pics of the remodeled rooms.

I have actually contemplated a quick weekend trip in June just to see the rooms before my May trip. How sick is that... I truly have an addiction.

Welcome back, Pamela. I'm glad the IPO got everything squared away for you while you were way out in the wilderness. I think there's a theme here with your vacations

So I shouldn't even try out a one bedroom at VWL?

Yesiree, you need to go in June - just a fact finding mission, of course

I have a feeling that I will begin doubting my switch to the 2 BR villa as I read the reviews and see the pictures of the rehabbed rooms. (not to mention a few of the negative comments on the villas being worn or unappealing) I just keep thinking about that kitchen and the space and how different this trip will be because it will be the first (and maybe only) time we have ever stayed in anything larger than a standard room. I am also really sensitive to smells, like new carpeting, so maybe it's a good thing if it's a little worn!
Anyhow, just wanted to say hi and catch up. My time out of work because of mu back is coming to an end soon and I will miss being able to visit here everyday. (sometimes multiple times!) But I will try to keep up with all the posts. It's such a nice group of people and it's fun to share our love of the WL.

NO! You can't go back to work!

Remind me how many folks will be in the two bedroom? Other than the "frilly blue" Studio bedspreads, I think the decor in the rest of the VWL rooms is lovely and fits perfectly with the setting.

I think you're going to love all the room and that washer and dryer. Just a reminder that VWL is still ranked #1 on AllEars and also has very positive reviews on TripAdvisor. (I'm mildly WDW Resort review-obsessed.)

Thanks for that! We usually stay in studios since it's just the DH and me. I looked at the first page and saw the other color scheme for the 1-bedroom. Whew! That is MUCH better for me. We will have an excuse to upgrade to a one-bedroom now when we decide to stay at WLV. Thanks again for the info.

Terri

You're welcome, permavac. It's not that much more for the one bedroom so if you can swing it, I would consider it over the Studio. I wouldn't worry about it being just you and DH. With the one bedroom you'll have a washer/dryer, the whirlpool tub and that extra large shower

 

[WDWKOOK]

Christine, what are doing trying to convince GG that she isn't crazy? Next, you'll be using the same line on Jeanette.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Christine, what are doing trying to convince GG that she isn't crazy? Next, you'll be using the same line on Jeanette.

Hey! Jeanette and I would make a great team .... I'd just keep adding days at different resorts and she'd just keep changing them! Sounds pretty great to me!!! Who knows how long, how many different resorts and how many changes we could make!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Christine, what are doing trying to convince GG that she isn't crazy? Next, you'll be using the same line on Jeanette.

Hey, whatever works, yes?

 

[Rorey]

I love your ticker too, for some reason I've never noticed before that the tickets can hold more than one trip!


Has anyone ever done the archery over a FW? Do you have to make ADR? I'm pretty sure you do, just now sure if you can only make those at the resort or if you can call for an ADR. DH wants to try to do the Haunted Carriage Ride again, even though it scared the bageebies out of me last year.

It's going to be so much better being so close to FW!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I love your ticker too, for some reason I've never noticed before that the tickets can hold more than one trip!


Has anyone ever done the archery over a FW? Do you have to make ADR? I'm pretty sure you do, just now sure if you can only make those at the resort or if you can call for an ADR. DH wants to try to do the Haunted Carriage Ride again, even though it scared the bageebies out of me last year.

It's going to be so much better being so close to FW!!

Christine was the one that told me about the rotating ticker!