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

[JerseyJanice]

Can someone point me to more information on the room refurbishment? I've Googled and looked through several pages here and can't find answers to my questions about it like:

Will all WL rooms be rehabbed eventually?

What sections have been done so far?

Where can I see a schedule of which rooms will be done when?

TIA for any help you WL experts can provide.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Can someone point me to more information on the room refurbishment? I've Googled and looked through several pages here and can't find answers to my questions about it like:

Will all WL rooms be rehabbed eventually?

What sections have been done so far?

Where can I see a schedule of which rooms will be done when?

TIA for any help you WL experts can provide.

See page 1 of this thread.

 

[JerseyJanice]

See page 1 of this thread.

Thank you Mousemommy! The info was right under my nose, but I didn't see it until you told me.

O.K., so if I am understanding the info on page 1 correctly, to get Woods view rehabbed room in mid-June, we'd have to be in the north wing. If we wind up on the south side, we'd be in old rooms, correct?

 

[Mousemommy1]

Thank you Mousemommy! The info was right under my nose, but I didn't see it until you told me.

O.K., so if I am understanding the info on page 1 correctly, to get Woods view rehabbed room in mid-June, we'd have to be in the north wing. If we wind up on the south side, we'd be in old rooms, correct?

Yes, because the South Wing won't be started until 7/7- and they will start with the 7th floor and work their way down....you should have a decent shot at a refurbed room if you request north wing (and it couldn't hurt to say "refurbed room")

 

[JerseyJanice]

Yes, because the South Wing won't be started until 7/7- and they will start with the 7th floor and work their way down....you should have a decent shot at a refurbed room if you request north wing (and it couldn't hurt to say "refurbed room")

I will be doing just that MM! Thanks again for your help.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I will be doing just that MM! Thanks again for your help.

Good luck!!!!

 

[Lisann]

Are the Villas getting refurbished, too?

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

The WL Villas are not be rehabed at this time.

 

[bowbat]

I normally just read and and have been following this thread for the renovated photos. We just got back from BWI and booked Club Level for Nov. Now I'm thinking of switching based on these.

Looks so nice!!

We stayed BWI CL last November and LOVED it, but we'll be at WL this November. It kinda bummed me out how crowded the BWI lobby got with everyone coming to see the Christmas decorations. I like that the CL at WL overlooks the lobby, so you can enjoy the decorations without having to fight the crowds. Also, I just think the WL is ideal that time of year. They're both fabulous resorts, though, and I do prefer the size of the BWI rooms.

 

[Zanda]

Thank you for posting the pictues. My excitement level just increased to a new time high. I can't wait to see it in person this August. The tile in the shower is adorable. Thanks again.

 

[twinkles]

Hi Gang I thought I read somewhere on these boards that they have a nightly campfire with Marshmellows at Wilderness? Or maybe I'm just confusing this with Ft. Wilderness?

I know the Lodge has nightly movies...is there other fun kid activities my grandsons wouldn't want to miss.

Thanks so much!!

 

[calismic]

Thanks so much for the pics! Any idea the room number? IPO is still telling me that the reno'd rooms wont be available for my June 1st stay despite this new evidence. =(

 

[Stasieki]

As a PP said, there are two boats - one larger and enclosed, the other smaller and open. On the larger boat, strollers don't HAVE to be folded. However, if there are a lot of people waiting (so lots of people trying to get aboard), and you are able to (no sleeping LOs), I would just to be courteous and save space. When we were there, the boats were fairly uncrowded, so when we had the larger boat, I just strolled right on. On the smaller, open sided boat, you do have to fold the stroller. It can be somewhat of a pain if you have a tired/sleeping child, or if you have stuff in the basket that would have to be taken out (I kept a spare bag for shoving all the little things in it if I had to fold quickly). Alternatively, you could just wait for the next boat (which would be the big one) that is usually only a few minutes away. When we were there, we rented a stroller -a Baby Jogger Mini (Theme Park Strollers) - and it was the easiest thing to fold so that helped when it came to the boats, buses, and train.

Thank you since we will most likely be there during slow season it should be ok then.

 

[tarak]

Thank you since we will most likely be there during slow season it should be ok then.

We were there in early December a few years ago and I don't remember ever having to wait long for a boat, and the lines were never so long that we had to wait for the next boat. The larger boat was definitely nicer to take since we didn't have to collapse the stroller, and it was never so crowded that we had to make room for other people.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Due to popular demand, (errr, DH and DD...) today, I added a 5-night VWL one bedroom stay on to our August vacation. As it stands now, we have 5 nights at VWL followed by 8 nights WL/CL (should make for an easy move). Since our vacation is 13 nights (and during our anniversary) we thought it would be nice to have a little more space, and that good ol' washer/dryer will be mighty convenient.

This will be our first-ever DVC stay. I tried to book BLT with our military discount, but it wasn't available. It would have been nice to have two bathrooms and the walkway to the MK, but it wasn't meant to be this next trip and besides, we know we love the WL setting.

I would love to hear about any VWL one bedroom experiences - we don't get many VWL reviews here, but I know a few of you will be staying at VWL very soon

Thank you guys very much for coordinating the delivery of these photos! I'm so very excited to be staying CL in October ($300 a night makes it even better!)

You're welcome, MartyM and I'm glad you're excited!

Love the tile, love the carpets, but most of all, LOVE the duvets. Who would think that WL would be the first MK-area resort to get rid of those nasty bedspreads???

Well, actually WL is #2 - the CR has had a very similar white comforter in between two sheets for years.

Hi, KOOK.....I think we were posting at the same time. Thanks for posting the pics.....they look great .

And thanks to Macavity for taking them .

My pleasure, mickeynut1!

Thanks for posting & captioning the photos, KOOK!

I think the foyer floor might be that ceramic tile designed to look like hardwood.

You're welcome, bowbat

Just barging into this thread to say how ADORABLE those new shower tiles are!!!! So sweet to take a shower with the critters.... Seriously, they better get ready to sell those in the gift shop because it would be hot, hot, hot. Also happy to see the duvet that helps brighten the room. Looking forward to seeing the pics taken with the regular camera too.

OK--back to regular programming.....

Barging? No way! The welcome mat is always out here - stop on by (or lurk) anytime. OK, you can go back to the Poly now

Macavity. What is your room number so that I can request it for our trip.

Goodbye suar loaf hello wilderness lodge!!!

Thanks

Are you changing from SL to OFC? There is a lot more lounge seating at WL than SL which is nice, especially in the morning and WL is less expensive, too.

Wow, the rooms look great! Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to get the pictures posted.

My vacation is now less than 270 days away. Ten days less than a full term pregnancy. So the first few months will go very quickly, things will slow down a bit in the middle, and by the end, I'll be thinking this vacation baby will never come.

What a great analogy, tarak. I just hope you don't get morning sickness

WOW!! Thanks Mcavity and Kook for getting those pictures up!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new rooms. Can't wait to be in that shower! So exciting!

So glad you love the new room, WeCantWait!

Mcavity thank you Soooo much for taking time out of you own magical vacation to take all these pics!

Wdwkook thank you sooo much for posting them!

Macavity didn't waste a minute getting the photos to me. She even sent the photos from the nice lady's phone she borrowed to take the first set of photos - it was a true team effort.

Looks good

Am very glad I managed to convince hubby to go again.

Thanks Mcavity an WDWKOOK

So DH approves? Excellent

Thanks so much for the pics

Even tho we are staying in the Villas my in-laws will be in the Lodge...can't wait to check out their room

I can't wait to hear what you think of VWL - we need more VWL reviews

Thank you everyone for the pictures! Now hoping and praying for a refurb room when we check in on May 29! Let the pixie dust fall our way!

The 6th floor, North Wing should be completed by then - I hope you get one!

I knew I shouldn't have looked at these. Now I will be thinking about them the whole time I am in the villas next week. The kids would have LOVED the chracter tiles!

Great pics. Thanks for sharing!

I hope you'll post about your VWL stay, 2goofykiddos. Are you in a one bedroom?

I normally just read and and have been following this thread for the renovated photos. We just got back from BWI and booked Club Level for Nov. Now I'm thinking of switching based on these.

Looks so nice!!

Welcome to the WL thread, Livia, we stayed at BWI/CL last month for the first time and IMHO, it just didn't come close to WL-CL's level of service and food selection. My reviews are hyperlinked in my signature.

So much excitement on this thread while I was re-adjusting to life at work! My back is hurting, but I am trying to stay positive and think of everything as part of the healing process.
First of all, a huge thank you to macavity and Kook for getting those pictures up so fast and for all the captions and info! I am also in love with those tiles. Luckily, I am not regretting my villas choice as I thought I might. I just keep thinking about the space and the kitchen!
Kook-to answer your question several pages back, I have taught preschool, Kindergarten and 3rd grade in the past. When my daughter was born I became a stay-at-home mom, but still very involved at school volunteering and subbing and eventually turoring at home. When DD went to college I decided to go back as an assistant to just see how things had changed and to decide if I wanted to recertify and go back to teaching. 8 years later, I remain an overqualified Sp. Ed assistant and,other than my very low salary, I love my job!! I work with all elementary grades and don't bring home any work! The kids had written me letters and wrote welcome back messages all over the chalkboard. It's tough going, back-wise, and my primary motivation is to be ready for WDW in August!!
Thanks again for this wonderful thread! BTW, what is the pilot FP system about?

You're welcome, bluecastle and welcome back to the thread. It'll probably take some time to get used to your new activities and schedule. Teaching, especially special needs, can be very taxing on the best of days. I, too used to teach before having DD (Secondary-English). It's such a rewarding job, but at the same time, quite stressful. I hope you don't overdo it. You need to be in tip-top shape for WDW! Can't wait to hear about VWL.

The new rooms look lovely -- so glad they are getting rid of the bedspreads at all the resorts! Thanks so much for posting the photos!

You're welcome, mmmears. I wonder if they had a huge bonfire and threw all those bedspreads in it... Poly and GF can't be far behind

Thank you for posting the pictues. My excitement level just increased to a new time high. I can't wait to see it in person this August. The tile in the shower is adorable. Thanks again.

We'll be there in August, too - can't wait either. We're going to be giddy when we open the room door for the first time

Hi Gang I thought I read somewhere on these boards that they have a nightly campfire with Marshmellows at Wilderness? Or maybe I'm just confusing this with Ft. Wilderness?

I know the Lodge has nightly movies...is there other fun kid activities my grandsons wouldn't want to miss.

Thanks so much!!

Yes, WL has a free, nightly marshmallow roast behind the Trout Pass in the sand near the movie screen. I have more information/photos on activities in the RECREATION section on the first page/post #6.

Thanks so much for the pics! Any idea the room number? IPO is still telling me that the reno'd rooms wont be available for my June 1st stay despite this new evidence. =(

I made the decision not to post Macavity's room door photo for privacy reasons. After she leaves WL, remind me to post it, calismic.

 

[twinkles]

KOOK, thanks for the info on the campfire and recreation post

I will be at the VWL in 12 days so I will be sure to report back my thoughts (first time staying here)

I have another quick question...is there free Wifi at the lodge or villas?

 

[minniesbiggiestfan]

Are you changing from SL to OFC? There is a lot more lounge seating at WL than SL which is nice, especially in the morning and WL is less expensive, too.

I think so. I am so flipped flopped this time. It's driving me batty. We originally wanted the RPC but who dosent. But with all the building at GF I'm not sure I can stand the change or the noise. Then we booked the wilderness lodge but was told it was a bit cramped with no extra sofa to stretch out on. I got worried. Then I booked sugar loaf but I've told it's really crazy there too and now I'm back to wilderness lodge or even the CR. we love the monorail so I'm not sure. See the frustration. Haha.

 

[2goofykiddos]

Will definitely try to post a review of VWL. We are staying in a 2 bedroom. My PDD (Post Disney Depression) shouldn't be as bad as before as we have another countdown (or 2 ) on the horizon.

 

[WDWKOOK]

KOOK, thanks for the info on the campfire and recreation post

I will be at the VWL in 12 days so I will be sure to report back my thoughts (first time staying here)

I have another quick question...is there free Wifi at the lodge or villas?

Can't wait to read about VWL - thanks and have a great vacation

Yes, there is free WiFi at WL and VWL and it works GREAT! I stayed at both BWI and WL last month, and at BWI the WiFi was very unreliable and often difficult to connect to, but at WL it was very reliable and always connected in most resort areas - and this was during busy spring break.

Are you changing from SL to OFC? There is a lot more lounge seating at WL than SL which is nice, especially in the morning and WL is less expensive, too.

I think so. I am so flipped flopped this time. It's driving me batty. We originally wanted the RPC but who dosent. But with all the building at GF I'm not sure I can stand the change or the noise. Then we booked the wilderness lodge but was told it was a bit cramped with no extra sofa to stretch out on. I got worried. Then I booked sugar loaf but I've told it's really crazy there too and now I'm back to wilderness lodge or even the CR. we love the monorail so I'm not sure. See the frustration. Haha.

I know just how you feel. We were originally book for part of our vacation at RPC - thought it would be the perfect spot for our anniversary. I canceled though after I started seeing the construction photos and when we were there last month, I was happy with my decision to cancel. I think saving RPC until after the DVC is built, is a better choice. RPC is quite pricey and to pay that much for a construction view just isn't right in my book. There is the option of a TPV room though.

We love CR, too. Have you thought about a CR/WL split? We enjoyed doing that once. Have you also considered a Deluxe room at WL? They are 500 SF, have full CL access, a queen sleeper sofa in a separate room with an extra TV and balcony and are on floors 1-6. I have a link on the first page to Deluxe room photos taken by elaw just last month (pre-rehab). There is also the option of a one bedroom at VWL. They have about 735 SF and that sofa you like to stretch out on

Let us know what you decide to do!

Will definitely try to post a review of VWL. We are staying in a 2 bedroom. My PDD (Post Disney Depression) shouldn't be as bad as before as we have another countdown (or 2 ) on the horizon.

That makes it sooooo much better to already know when you're returning BEFORE you leave. Then you get home and start planning again.

Can't wait to hear how you like VWL!

 

[mickeynut1]

Due to popular demand, (errr, DH and DD...) today, I added a 5-night VWL one bedroom stay on to our August vacation. As it stands now, we have 5 nights at VWL followed by 8 nights WL/CL (should make for an easy move). Since our vacation is 13 nights (and during our anniversary) we thought it would be nice to have a little more space, and that good ol' washer/dryer will be mighty convenient.

I think you will enjoy the 1 bedroom villa before moving over to the Lodge for the last 8 nights in CL . And like you said, it will be a very easy move since you're right there. It will be August before you know it and you'll be on your way .

I will be at the VWL in 12 days so I will be sure to report back my thoughts (first time staying here)

Have a great trip.....I can't wait to hear what you think about the villas .

I think so. I am so flipped flopped this time. It's driving me batty. We originally wanted the RPC but who dosent. But with all the building at GF I'm not sure I can stand the change or the noise. Then we booked the wilderness lodge but was told it was a bit cramped with no extra sofa to stretch out on. I got worried. Then I booked sugar loaf but I've told it's really crazy there too and now I'm back to wilderness lodge or even the CR. we love the monorail so I'm not sure. See the frustration. Haha.

If I had to choose between GF SL and WL CL, my choice would be WL CL. I thought SL was just ok. The SL building is very convenient to the courtyard pool for grabbing snacks and drinks throughout the day if you spend alot of time at the pool, but during our stay the lounge was always chaotic and it was hard to find a table. We've also stayed RPC and if that wasn't doable for us but we wanted the GF, I would choose a GV room over SL. I didn't hate SL, but I didn't think it was worth the extra money. I think the lounge is too small for the amount of people staying there and I don't like that it's located in the lobby of the SL building. Another perk to WL CL over SL is that WL is cheaper. Some people don't like that the seating goes along the railing, but that's one of the many things I like about it as it's relaxing looking down into the lobby. Good luck deciding, but I don't think you would regret going with the WL. We've only stayed 3 CLs (WL, SL, & RPC) and I would rank WL right up there with RPC as far as lounge, CMs, and atmosphere .

Will definitely try to post a review of VWL. We are staying in a 2 bedroom. My PDD (Post Disney Depression) shouldn't be as bad as before as we have another countdown (or 2 ) on the horizon.

Can't wait for your review . Congrats on already having more trips planned before going on this next one. I usually start planning our next one before we leave the one we're on as that helps with the sadness of having to go home .