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

[Grumpy Grandma]

Just a quick pop in to say hi to kook and all the other WL lovers!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Just a quick pop in to say hi to kook and all the other WL lovers!

Hello GG!!!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Hello GG!!!!

I was just thinking that what you really need on your upcoming trip is a grandma .... and I promise not to be "grumpy"!!!

 

[Valgoof]

Ok one more question for today. Does HDDR have silverware? We went to a dinner show in TN last year and there was no silverware. It traumatized DH.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I was just thinking that what you really need on your upcoming trip is a grandma .... and I promise not to be "grumpy"!!!

Do you babysit?!?!?!

 

[Susieo]

Hi everyone!!

I have never posted on this thread, but have been reading it for YEARS!!! I finally joined the forum instead of lurking and wanted to just say a quick hello and a HUGE thank you for the amazing information! We've stayed at WLV twice in a row now, and then last year we stayed at BCV (boooo!!!- actually they are nice but just not our style) and we are coming home to WLV this October to celebrate my 40th birthday!

I just booked the airfare, got the trading pins for my sons in the mail today, and ordered photo pass + today......it is starting to feel real!!

Anyway, just popping in to say hi and thanks!

Sue

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Do you babysit?!?!?!

For your beautiful little princesses .... YES!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Back on page 190, you reported from somewhere that the closure was just a rumor and they changed the times for the shows and opened it back up for reservations. I booked it last night. Hoping it is open.
I should go to the resort changers thread!! I thought about it while I was reading through this one. Glad to know I am not alone. It shouldnt be this hard. So many choices!!!

That's right, they canceled the rehab and instead made all the seating earlier! Thanks for the reminder, Valgoof, I mean.... congratulations on passing our little test to see if you've really read the whole darn thread

Has anyone been in the arcade recently? I think I see Ms. Pacman in the pics on the first page. If that is true, it might just tip the scale for DH. I know that sounds ridiculous. He likes to relive his 80's childhood with those games and then I can get some pool time. Tell me there is Donkey Kong too and I will book it today.

I can't recall Donkey Kong, but why don't you just tell DH they might have it, and when he sees how amazing WL is in person, he will have forgotten all about Donkey Kong

This is probably a dumb question, but we have never tried splitting a stay at different resorts and are considering it this year. Can you stay at different hotels on the same reservation? We will arrive late afternoon on a Friday and would like to stay at AoA and possibly go to Epcot and then move Saturday to WL for the rest of the trip. Is this possible w/o having to buy a separate ticket for just an evening at Epcot? If it isn't then I might just have to do w/o Epcot and head to DTD. TIA!

That's not a dumb question, but yes, you have to have a separate reservation for each resort. So with a room-only reservation, it's very easy to do. With a package it's harder because you would have separate packages/tix. Could you book two room-only reservations and buy your tix separately?

So I see that a lot of people on this forum choose WL CL. We stayed at WL last November with free dining and are currently booked for this November as well with a 30% off room PIN. I was considering upgrading to CL. When I made my reservation I was quoted a price about $550 higher for a 5 night trip. We did spend money last trip on snacks / muffins in the morning, milk from the convenience store in the hotel, bottled water, etc. Would I be able to get all of these things from the lounge? Would it really save me money (probably not the whole difference) or is it more about the convenience factor. Are the rooms bigger than the normal wood view rooms?

WL CL is fantastic, but it won't "save" you money and the standard rooms are identical to non-CL rooms. What I value about CL might not be what you would value, but this is why we book it:

~You are greeted outside and escorted to the 7th floor where you check-in. This sort of personalizes the check-in experience more and it's usually more efficient.

~No more breakfast worries. If we feel like booking an ADR, that's great, but if we don't, breakfast is just steps aways from our room. This really helps get the day started - again, we find it more efficient and hassle-free.

~Though it's not necessary, it's so nice to come back to the room in the evening after turn-down. The trash has been emptied, towels replenished, the beds have been turned-down and the lights left on, and those yummy WL chocolates are a nice way to end the day (so says DD).

~If any issues or problems arise during our stay, we like knowing that we can call the CL desk or just walk over to it and get help. When you're not staying CL and you need to reach the front desk , if you call, you're actually talking to a call center in another part of FL. They then have to relay your message to the resort or you have to physically go to the front desk.

~We like knowing that we'll be on the top floor with no noise above us.

~Not all club levels are created equal - the staff of the Old Faithful Club will go above and beyond for guests. They really value the guest and make you feel welcome. We feel our 'Disney dollars' are well spent when we stay CL at WL - and I will tell you that I haven't felt that way at some WDW resorts.

~Though I don't use them to make ADRs, I do email the IPO to ask them to make recreation or tour reservations and confirm room location requests. You can also call them and they are very helpful before arrival.

Yes, you can get all the things you mentioned from the lounge. However, water is in a large bottle - CLs no longer offer individual bottles of water. Let us know what you end up doing!

We did it!!!!!!

We booked our Summer 2013 Disney Wilderness Lodge Vacation today!!!!!

Just couldn't wait another day!!!!

2013 Seasons and rates (abliet rack rates) are available!

Eight nights at Wilderness Lodge Club Level!
We requested: View of Silver Springs, North Wing, Bunk Bed Room Please!

That terrific - a whole year of planning and anticipating! I think your request sounds great and I know you'll be able to apply a savings code next year to your booking.

Just a quick pop in to say hi to kook and all the other WL lovers!

I've been MIA from the DIS more now that DD is off of school. But I'm glad you're around to answer any DVC/VWL questions

Ok one more question for today. Does HDDR have silverware? We went to a dinner show in TN last year and there was no silverware. It traumatized DH.

You're talking about Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, aren't you?! We used to go to that area for spring break and one year we went to the Dixie Stampede and we were in shock that there weren't any utensils. The couple next to us had been before and had brought their own plastic forks. I know what to do next time... Yes, HDDR has utensils - no BYOU at HDDR

Hi everyone!!

I have never posted on this thread, but have been reading it for YEARS!!! I finally joined the forum instead of lurking and wanted to just say a quick hello and a HUGE thank you for the amazing information! We've stayed at WLV twice in a row now, and then last year we stayed at BCV (boooo!!!- actually they are nice but just not our style) and we are coming home to WLV this October to celebrate my 40th birthday!

I just booked the airfare, got the trading pins for my sons in the mail today, and ordered photo pass + today......it is starting to feel real!!

Anyway, just popping in to say hi and thanks!

Sue

to the WL/VWL thread, Susieo! We're glad you've come out of lurkdom. I know just what you mean about the lure of WL/VWL. We did a split BWI/WL over spring break, and though there was nothing really wrong, it just didn't feel right 'over there'.

You've had a busy day today, but all for a good cause. Do you have all your ADRs booked?

 

[mkaccountant]

That's not a dumb question, but yes, you have to have a separate reservation for each resort. So with a room-only reservation, it's very easy to do. With a package it's harder because you would have separate packages/tix. Could you book two room-only reservations and buy your tix separately?

Thanks, WDWKOOK! That was what I was afraid of. I need to do a package b/c I have a PIN for free dining. I think I may have read this before, but what room would you recommend for a first timer at WL? I want a decent view of Bay Lake and would love to be able to watch Wishes. However I do not want to spend the extra money for CL if possible as this is our first time going deluxe and I don't want to have sticker shock

 

[Mousemommy1]

For your beautiful little princesses .... YES!

 

[Valgoof]

That's right, they canceled the rehab and instead made all the seating earlier! Thanks for the reminder, Valgoof, I mean.... congratulations on passing our little test to see if you've really read the whole darn thread

I can't recall Donkey Kong, but why don't you just tell DH they might have it, and when he sees how amazing WL is in person, he will have forgotten all about Donkey Kong

You're talking about Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, aren't you?! We used to go to that area for spring break and one year we went to the Dixie Stampede and we were in shock that there weren't any utensils. The couple next to us had been before and had brought their own plastic forks. I know what to do next time... Yes, HDDR has utensils - no BYOU at HDDR

LOL. Yep I really did read it.

Ms. Pacman will be good enough. DK would have just sent it over the top.

YAY for silverware!! Yep that's the one I meant. We actually knew about it and left the plastic utensils at our cabin. Glad to hear we dont have to use our fingers at HDDR.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks, WDWKOOK! That was what I was afraid of. I need to do a package b/c I have a PIN for free dining. I think I may have read this before, but what room would you recommend for a first timer at WL? I want a decent view of Bay Lake and would love to be able to watch Wishes. However I do not want to spend the extra money for CL if possible as this is our first time going deluxe and I don't want to have sticker shock

You're welcome, mkaccountant. If you'd like a view of Bay Lake and the WL courtyard (our favorite view), you'd need to book a Courtyard View room AND request an inner courtyard or WL courtyard view. If you'd also like a partial Wishes view, then you'd need to also book the CV and request a North Wing, inner courtyard view room on a high floor.

If you want to save some money, you could book a Standard View and request a South Wing room on a high floor and you would have a partial Wishes View. Woods View rooms in the South Wing will also have a partial Wishes view if you are on a high floor.

I'm not trying to push you into something you don't want, but keep in mind that with a discount, often the WL CL rooms are not too much more than a CV room and you would not have to pay out of pocket as much for alcohol, beverages, breakfast, snacks, appetizers and desserts. You also could request a bunk bed room and/or any room view and not pay extra. However, the bunk beds and views are not guaranteed, they are only requests.

 

[Kathy Z]

I am currently booked at CSR from 12/15-12/22. Started out the planning looking at AKL and WL. Then I booked CR TPV, changed to POFQ, then POP and finally CSR. Now this weekend I was thinking about WL again. Found this thread and read the whole thing! No I didn't get a lot of work done today. Today was my ADR day and I booked dinners at Ohana, 2 at WCC, CM (but will change to BOG if I can) and just talked DH into Hoop De Doo. We should stay at WL, huh? It is more money, but the location is great, resort is beautiful and we would love other transportation options besides the bus. I also like that it is under one roof versus CSR, so spread out. And of course it is perfect for Christmas!! And newly refurbed rooms!! This will be my first time staying on site which is why I can't make up my mind, I think. Not really asking your opinions, since I know what they are after 196 pages. I think I just needed to talk it out a bit with someone besides DH, who is sooo done with the planning. He says he will just be surprised when we get to the resort. By the way, I have been on A LOT of resort threads and this one is really great! Very friendly and quick with answers! Sorry for the novel. Will keep reading and hopefully tell you I switched to WL soon!!

If you have not already changed your reservation to WL but are still thinking of it, decide quickly because a lot of WL repeat visitors love WL during the time frame you will be traveling in December. In 2009 we tried using a BB in May to book WL in Dec. (were very flexible in our dates) and could not get it. We bounced back to BWI instead. In 2010 I again tried it during the summer for a Dec. week (again flexible) using a general discount and could not get it. We stayed at AKL, Savannah View instead. I know this doesn't mean they (WL) had no rooms available, just full enough that they were not going to offer them at a discount.

 

[nyrebecca]

We are still here at the WL Club level and I will agree with Kook. This place is amazing. We stayed club level at the Grand Floridian last year and we were not impressed.

We got back from illuminations last night, grabbed some cobbler (which is awesome!) , and we were able to watch wishes from our balcony.

The CMs here are amazing. Without asking they sent us a microwave to use for my son, they ask if there is anything special we need for him each night. We have an aerobed for my son to use and mouse has now set that up with a duvet and he gets turn down chocolates at night as well. We appreciate everything they have been doing for us.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We are still here at the WL Club level and I will agree with Kook. This place is amazing. We stayed club level at the Grand Floridian last year and we were not impressed.

We got back from illuminations last night, grabbed some cobbler (which is awesome!) , and we were able to watch wishes from our balcony.

The CMs here are amazing. Without asking they sent us a microwave to use for my son, they ask if there is anything special we need for him each night. We have an aerobed for my son to use and mouse has now set that up with a duvet and he gets turn down chocolates at night as well. We appreciate everything they have been doing for us.

So glad to hear it!!!! 26 more days!!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

If you have not already changed your reservation to WL but are still thinking of it, decide quickly because a lot of WL repeat visitors love WL during the time frame you will be traveling in December. In 2009 we tried using a BB in May to book WL in Dec. (were very flexible in our dates) and could not get it. We bounced back to BWI instead. In 2010 I again tried it during the summer for a Dec. week (again flexible) using a general discount and could not get it. We stayed at AKL, Savannah View instead. I know this doesn't mean they (WL) had no rooms available, just full enough that they were not going to offer them at a discount.

Excellent advice, Kathy.

We are still here at the WL Club level and I will agree with Kook. This place is amazing. We stayed club level at the Grand Floridian last year and we were not impressed.

We got back from illuminations last night, grabbed some cobbler (which is awesome!) , and we were able to watch wishes from our balcony.

The CMs here are amazing. Without asking they sent us a microwave to use for my son, they ask if there is anything special we need for him each night. We have an aerobed for my son to use and mouse has now set that up with a duvet and he gets turn down chocolates at night as well. We appreciate everything they have been doing for us.

Awww, I'm so glad you're having such a great WL/CL experience. That is so cute that the mousekeeper turned-down your DS's Aerobed and left him chocolates - that's so sweet.

Are you going for appetizers now?

 

[GatorEye]

So I see that a lot of people on this forum choose WL CL. We stayed at WL last November with free dining and are currently booked for this November as well with a 30% off room PIN. I was considering upgrading to CL. When I made my reservation I was quoted a price about $550 higher for a 5 night trip. We did spend money last trip on snacks / muffins in the morning, milk from the convenience store in the hotel, bottled water, etc. Would I be able to get all of these things from the lounge? Would it really save me money (probably not the whole difference) or is it more about the convenience factor. Are the rooms bigger than the normal wood view rooms?

<my .02>

To follow up, WDWKook pretty much hit all the major points. For us it's a combination of convenience and feeling a little extra special.

The lone downside...there is no difference in the rooms. Actually there is one difference that some (many) feel is a negative in that all the balconies have enclosed walls, not slatted. If you are sitting down or have young children you and they will not be able to see anything except a wall of concrete. You have to stand or have younger kids stand on something or be held to enjoy the view. Outside of being on the top floor with no one above you, there is no advantage to the room itself on CL.

You will probably not make up the entire difference in cost, but I'd say it would be hard NOT to easily save half the $110 extra a night in food alone. This all depends how often and when you are at the resort vs. being in the parks. You are going to have a free breakfast, and deserts and drinks at the end of the day at a minimum. If you come back for a break during the day, you'll have snacks/cookies/treats. If you are there around dinner time, you could pretty much eat dinner and be filled by their offerings if you chose to do so. So just in food cost alone you will save some money, but the ability to grab a quick breakfast and eat there or grab stuff and eat back in your room without dealing with Roaring Forks, is a huge plus to us. Getting to the parks early is the #1 tip for anyone going to WDW and the CL helps in that regard.

The IPO can do all kinds of things for you (and I know because I've had them do some crazy requests) so that is a big benefit. If you don't want to deal with ADRs, they can handle it all for you. If not, you aren't really missing anything.

The more personalized check-in does make you feel a little more special and it's great to get everything done quickly especially if you have little ones waiting in the checkout line with you. Being taken straight up to the 7th floor makes you feel a little like a VIP.

Having your own concierge right there on the floor to help with anything is a huge plus as well. They can do all kinds of things for you. For example, I usually plan out every day so I know how many days worth of tickets we need (which pretty much everyone has to do to figure out their ADRs). However I usually leave a day or so "empty". I usually short the number of days when I buy my tickets by a day or two in case our plans change. Up to the last day of the ticket, I can then have the concierge there just add a day or two as necessary and charge me the difference. I'm sure you could do it at the parks, but it's easy for me to do it there while the wife and kids are eating desert.

So in short, will you break even in cost - probably not. Is it worth it? Depends...if you can afford it, then I say it's worth doing at least once to try it and see. If you can't afford it, the WL is so special anyway that I wouldn't feel it's a big deal if you don't do it.

Enjoy!

</my .02>

 

[nyrebecca]

Excellent advice, Kathy.


Awww, I'm so glad you're having such a great WL/CL experience. That is so cute that the mousekeeper turned-down your DS's Aerobed and left him chocolates - that's so sweet.

Are you going for appetizers now?

Oh yes! Tonight there is ancho chili chicken skewers and salmon chowder I believe. The skewers are great. They also had the pbj shooters with rolls, a wonderful potato been salad, cheese and crackers, veggies and dip. There was also tomato and mozzerella cheese salad, sour dough bread with two types of humus. Needless to say I am stuffed!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

So glad to hear it!!!! 26 more days!!!!

I love dancing with you! Yay for 26 more days!!!

 

[disadventurer]

Wow are you sure we weren't on the same trip. I don't remember you there but we were probably shadowing each other. Actually I am pretty sure our first trip was in 75. Speaking of HoJo's, anyone get their corn muffin toasties? They were square flat muffins that fit in pop-up toasters.

My WL countdown is down to 15 days.

Have a great time at WL.

Yes, I remember corn muffin toasties. In addition. HoJo's would always have a special fruit sundae for dessert ie peach (my favorite as a kid). After we waited one hour, then we could swim in the pool.