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

[Sue M]

Just returned on Sunday from our first stay at WL. Overall, we were pleased with our stay. I was a little disappointed at check in because I had requested a north wing higher floor room (booked woods view), but got a 1st floor south wing courtyard view room. Go figure, but the room was fine. Looked like the refurb is on the 2nd floor now of the north wing. We ate at WCC and several times at Roaring Forks. Both were fine, although RF can be very slow. We never had a problem finding a table though. Cast members were always polite and acknowledged my DD's birthday button many times. We used the boat and bus transportation a few times and never waited more than 10 min with relatively uncrowded conditions. The pool was nice and wasn't overly crowded either. We would definitely consider staying there again, but I would probably try to get a room further away from the pool and boat horn noise.

Glad you enjoyed yor stay at WL. Sorry you were disappointed in your free upgrade to courtyard view. We also booked a woods view last jan and requested north wing, but we're thrilled to get a south wing courtyard upgrade.
Love taking to boat to MK.

 

[cmdg]

Question...
This is the first time we have to switch from AA to SW airlines. Our flight does not get in until 8:50 pm. So, this year, we will be using Florida Tours TownCar service to pick us up from the aiport & take us to the hotel. I don't want to wait 2-3 hours past 9 pm to get our luggage by utilizing the Disney Magical Express option. Also, we want to utilize their grocery stop visit on the way to the hotel.

Here is my question,they typically stop at "Publix" which closes at 10:00 pm & their website states they do not make grocery stop visits after 10:00 pm, do you think we will be able to make it to the Publix located 3 miles from the airport before it closes since our flight arrives at 8:50 pm? I know that is pushing it.

If we can't, do they sale cases of bottled water Wilderness Lodge store? I know they have some groceries from our last two visits, but I have never actually looked for cases of bottled water since I typically use We Go shop to deliver groceries, but since we are arriving late, I may just buy some at the WL store if they sale water by the case.

If not, I may just have some RedBulls, case of water, & some other drinks delivered to the Wilderness Lodge from UPS--- if I do this, should I have it delivered the day before we arrive?

We usually have groceries delivered by GardenGrocer.com right to WL and they are either there when we get there (the lodge can keep refrigerated items cold), or just shortly after. Also, you could chose to pick up your bags at baggage claim so that you don't have to wait for them to be delivered to the resort. Have fun!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

kook thanks for posting the link with the disabled vet discount information .... explains it very well! You are the best ... hope you never give up hosting this thread!

 

[Bisoubird]

We arrive at WL on a Saturday and plan on checking out the property and heading over to check out FW. We have dinner reservations at Trails End and then plan on going to the Campfire Sing Along. My question might be silly but... Will Chip n Dale sign our daughters autograph book there?

 

[WDWKOOK]

kook thanks for posting the link with the disabled vet discount information .... explains it very well! You are the best ... hope you never give up hosting this thread!

You're welcome, Linda, and I hope you never stop posting to this thread

I know that Gwynne already posted the link to another thread, but maybe it will help someone else here.

We arrive at WL on a Saturday and plan on checking out the property and heading over to check out FW. We have dinner reservations at Trails End and then plan on going to the Campfire Sing Along. My question might be silly but... Will Chip n Dale sign our daughters autograph book there?

Not a silly question! According to this, they do sign autographs:

There is a free Campfire Sing-Along with Chip & Dale at the WDW Fort Wilderness Campground. It generally begins around 7 p.m. during the fall/winter season and 8 p.m. beginning sometime in April through the summer. It is held near the Meadow Trading Post in the campfire area. The program begins with a sing-along led by a Disney cast member - if you've seen "Barney", you know these songs - and a marshmallow roast around two campfire rings. While this is going on, Chip and Dale make an appearance to visit with guests and sign autographs. The sing-along lasts about 40 minutes



I hope you have a great vacation. Will you be able to check-in with us while you're at WL?

 

[kristainohio]

DH broke out the WL soundtrack today since we are under 90 days Both DDs were dancing around to it even though they have no idea what it's from. DD#1, who is 4, kept saying "What's this from? I've never heard this before!" Can't wait until we are in the lobby listening to it! DH just told me that he wanted me to call and try to make a room request so that our room is in the lobby area. What would I request with that? We currently have a standard view, but DH said to book a woods view if it wasn't too much more. I told him I was probably pushing my luck at this point since the pin expired and I already had gotten major pixie dust to change to WL!

 

[princssdisnygina]

DH broke out the WL soundtrack today since we are under 90 days Both DDs were dancing around to it even though they have no idea what it's from. DD#1, who is 4, kept saying "What's this from? I've never heard this before!" Can't wait until we are in the lobby listening to it! DH just told me that he wanted me to call and try to make a room request so that our room is in the lobby area. What would I request with that? We currently have a standard view, but DH said to book a woods view if it wasn't too much more. I told him I was probably pushing my luck at this point since the pin expired and I already had gotten major pixie dust to change to WL!

The standard room we had opened up to the lobby. But if you want to request that then I would just say "with door opening to lobby".

 

[Akess]

I have a question regarding the enclosed balcony at club level. We are currently booked club level at the Beach Club during Thanksgiving week. However, the Wilderness Lodge is sentimental to my husband and I because we stayed there in 1996 for our one-year anniversary. I booked the Beach Club because of our preference for Epcot and our preference for close proximity to good sit-down restaurants. I had hoped to avoid running around here and there to get to dinner reservation this trip. I know many people do not like the fact that the Beach Club resort does not have a food court for quick service dining; however, I like that a huge variety of table service dining is available without having to board a bus to get there (Beaches & Cream, Cape May, Epcot World Showcase restaurants, Swan & Dolphin restaurants, and restaurants at the Boardwalk). Back to my original thought process, I am really considering switching from Beach Club to Wilderness Lodge because I do not think the weather will be ideal for us to enjoy the pool at the Beach Club and instead we would prefer to lounge in front of the many fireplaces at the Wilderness Lodge in November. I would like to book club level at Wilderness Lodge, but the enclosed balcony is unappealing to me. To those who have stayed club level at the Wilderness Lodge before, is the enclosed balcony that much of an issue?

 

[WDWKOOK]

I have a question regarding the enclosed balcony at club level. We are currently booked club level at the Beach Club during Thanksgiving week. However, the Wilderness Lodge is sentimental to my husband and I because we stayed there in 1996 for our one-year anniversary. I booked the Beach Club because of our preference for Epcot and our preference for close proximity to good sit-down restaurants. I had hoped to avoid running around here and there to get to dinner reservation this trip. I know many people do not like the fact that the Beach Club resort does not have a food court for quick service dining; however, I like that a huge variety of table service dining is available without having to board a bus to get there (Beaches & Cream, Cape May, Epcot World Showcase restaurants, Swan & Dolphin restaurants, and restaurants at the Boardwalk). Back to my original thought process, I am really considering switching from Beach Club to Wilderness Lodge because I do not think the weather will be ideal for us to enjoy the pool at the Beach Club and instead we would prefer to lounge in front of the many fireplaces at the Wilderness Lodge in November. I would like to book club level at Wilderness Lodge, but the enclosed balcony is unappealing to me. To those who have stayed club level at the Wilderness Lodge before, is the enclosed balcony that much of an issue?

Welcome to our thread, Akess! I'll tell you, in doing an AllEars review for WL/CL, the ONLY negative I could even come up with were the solid-railed balconies, but personally, that has never really been a big deal. If you're going to compare WL/CL with BC/CL there are some big differences. If you're concerned about the balcony, you need to keep in mind that only about 50% of BC rooms have a full-sized balcony, and 50% have a 'Juliet' style balcony that can only fit one person. All WL balconies are full-sized with two chairs and a small table. Personally, I wouldn't make the balcony the deciding factor. However, if you absolutely do not want a solid balcony, the WL Deluxe rooms do have CL access and none of them are on the 7th floor - all 25 are on floors 1-6.

The lounge at the BC is very small and can get very crowded with limited seating at peak times. The lounge seating area at WL is very large and wraps around the entire lobby below in a 'U' shape. The food service area is also set-up in such a way that guests can easily maneuver themselves and their dishes around. Since you'll be there at a peak time, having more seating is important.

The CL CMs, management, views, architecture... are so wonderful at WL, that I don't think you'll even be thinking about the balcony much once you arrive. The lounge seating area has a huge window overlooking the courtyard/geyser and Bay Lake and you can sit and eat at a table right in front of it.

As far as quick access to meals, WL has two table service, room service and one quick serve and it's only a short boat ride away to the CR where there are two TSs and one QS. You can then easily take the monorail over to the Poly or GF where there are even more meal options. And, FW has a dinner show, BBQ and TS which you can either walk or boat to.

The decorations will really get you in the holiday spirit and all those cozy fireplaces are so relaxing. There is much less hustle and bustle at WL and I think it would be the perfect choice for your Thanksgiving vacation. Keep us posted!

 

[Sue M]

I have a question regarding the enclosed balcony at club level. We are currently booked club level at the Beach Club during Thanksgiving week. However, the Wilderness Lodge is sentimental to my husband and I because we stayed there in 1996 for our one-year anniversary. I booked the Beach Club because of our preference for Epcot and our preference for close proximity to good sit-down restaurants. I had hoped to avoid running around here and there to get to dinner reservation this trip. I know many people do not like the fact that the Beach Club resort does not have a food court for quick service dining; however, I like that a huge variety of table service dining is available without having to board a bus to get there (Beaches & Cream, Cape May, Epcot World Showcase restaurants, Swan & Dolphin restaurants, and restaurants at the Boardwalk). Back to my original thought process, I am really considering switching from Beach Club to Wilderness Lodge because I do not think the weather will be ideal for us to enjoy the pool at the Beach Club and instead we would prefer to lounge in front of the many fireplaces at the Wilderness Lodge in November. I would like to book club level at Wilderness Lodge, but the enclosed balcony is unappealing to me. To those who have stayed club level at the Wilderness Lodge before, is the enclosed balcony that much of an issue?

Yes, WDWKOOK has a point of the positives outweighing the negatives. Personally though I hated the enclosed balcony too! I found it made the room darker too, with less light coming in, and hated the fact that sitting down for a coffee, etc on the balcony all you're looking at is a solid wall. Have to stand up to see out.
We were lucky at BC CL we had a full balcony. She's right about the lounge being smaller, but we were there in late Aug, low season and never had a problem getting a table.

 

[bluecastle]

Finally caught up! The end of the school year is always busy and I haven't had much time to hang out here. And, suddenly, my countdown to departure is 39 days!! Oh, and another reason I haven't been here much is that I have been playing with my new iPhone. I got the Disney Mobile Magic app and Lines. I have been having lots of fun with Lines. It looks like Soarin' FPs are gone everyday by around 12:30. Not surprised, with the closing of TT.
Since my back is still an issue, I am probably going to make double itineraries-one for DH, DD, and DD's BF, and one with substitute activities for me. Luckily for me, I am perfectly content to wander, people watch on a bench, or go back to VWL and spend some time in the spa.
Ok-back to planning!

 

[GatorEye]

I have a question regarding the enclosed balcony at club level. We are currently booked club level at the Beach Club during Thanksgiving week. However, the Wilderness Lodge is sentimental to my husband and I because we stayed there in 1996 for our one-year anniversary. I booked the Beach Club because of our preference for Epcot and our preference for close proximity to good sit-down restaurants. I had hoped to avoid running around here and there to get to dinner reservation this trip. I know many people do not like the fact that the Beach Club resort does not have a food court for quick service dining; however, I like that a huge variety of table service dining is available without having to board a bus to get there (Beaches & Cream, Cape May, Epcot World Showcase restaurants, Swan & Dolphin restaurants, and restaurants at the Boardwalk). Back to my original thought process, I am really considering switching from Beach Club to Wilderness Lodge because I do not think the weather will be ideal for us to enjoy the pool at the Beach Club and instead we would prefer to lounge in front of the many fireplaces at the Wilderness Lodge in November. I would like to book club level at Wilderness Lodge, but the enclosed balcony is unappealing to me. To those who have stayed club level at the Wilderness Lodge before, is the enclosed balcony that much of an issue?

As I mentioned a page or two back in my summary of the CL, the enclosed balcony is the only downside to it. I understand why they may have done it for aesthetic purposes, but they should have realized that it was going to be a negative for most guests who are paying a premium for those rooms and figured out a way to have regular balconies fit into the look somehow.

Having said that I think it is a major downside if you have younger kids. Personally I enjoy getting my evening drink from the lounge and standing on the balcony seeing the lights of the pool and everything at night. I'd prefer to sit (especially after a long day of walking in the parks), but I can do it. However for my younger kids I have to hold them or let them stand on the chair which I'm not thrilled about. To watch the Electric Water Pageant I'll have to hold my younger one (or head down to the beach). It is kind of a pain.

There are so many other positives to the WL and staying in the CL that I try not to let it bother me. You could always go out on the deck that is by the bear face rooms. I think it's on the 4th floor. I remember the first time we ever stayed at WL I booked a standard room with no request and got a bear face room which was awesome and I think I remember the common deck was right next to my room. It could have been on another floor (we've been there so many times that the room locations are all running together), but I'm pretty sure it was on the 4th floor and maybe there are others. Perhaps WDWKook or someone else can chime in on that. If you want the solitude of being in your own room, that wouldn't work, but if you just want to enjoy the view and don't mind the possibility of being with other people, it might.

I'm not sure anything could convince me to NOT stay at WL during the holidays.

 

[DisneyNDecember]

We have arrived that late before. Our solution was: don't put the DME bands on your luggage. Get it from the turnstyle yourselves, put it under the bus, and don't worry about waiting for it. We do Garden Grocer so our order is at the bell hop when we arrive. You can get yourselves organized and be ready for your first early morning much quicker Than making a stop - and save money on airport transportation!

Good idea, I think we will go this route, but just have our drinks delivered via UPS to the hotel a few days before, thanks for great advice everyone !!

 

[ashper99]

30 days until we arrive at WL. We have stayed at the cabins in FW before but this will be the first time at WL. We have a standard room but hope to upgrade.

 

[ajj221]

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!

<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>

Thank you for responding. I am still considering it, I guess I should call and see if it is still available. I think the biggest thing is my husband was not a big fan of Roaring Forks. Also, last trip we had several character breakfast ADRs and we do not this time. I have a few brunches scheduled, but that still means an early breakfast / snack for the kids before heading to the park for Rope Drop. So for us I think the biggest advantage is the ease of breakfast in the morning plus the availability of drinks / snacks in the evening after putting the kids to bed.

 

[HoneyPooh72]

We checked in today and we were lucky enough to get a 6th floor rehabbed room and we just watched Wishes from our room!

 

[Minnie]

Congratulations on your DS's graduation

Thank you

If you're concerned about the balcony, you need to keep in mind that only about 50% of BC rooms have a full-sized balcony, and 50% have a 'Juliet' style balcony that can only fit one person.

This - many of the rooms at the BC have standing room balconies - not even a chair will fit on them - if for some reason you decide to stay with the BC area you might consider the YC - much higher probability of a full balcony - we just returned from a stay at the YC CL and it was The location was perfect for our June trip but for a Nov trip you can't miss with switching to the WL

 

[Minnie]

We checked in today and we were lucky enough to get a 6th floor rehabbed room and we just watched Wishes from our room!

What a wonderful surprise - hope you have a fabulous time

Thinking of Wishes (one of my favorite things in all of WDW) does the CL level at the WL have a view of the fireworks?

 

[nyrebecca]

What a wonderful surprise - hope you have a fabulous time

Thinking of Wishes (one of my favorite things in all of WDW) does the CL level at the WL have a view of the fireworks?

We are here in CL and have an amazing view of wishes! Last night we went to Epcot and watched illuminations and manged to get back here, grab some cobbler from the lounge and settled in to watch wishes from our room.

Sad that we leave tomorrow, but we will be back in October!

 

[Minnie]

We are here in CL and have an amazing view of wishes! Last night we went to Epcot and watched illuminations and manged to get back here, grab some cobbler from the lounge and settled in to watch wishes from our room.

Sad that we leave tomorrow, but we will be back in October!

Oh wow how lucky!!! Hope you are having a fabulous time - DS and I walked to Epcot several times from the YC to catch Illuminations but Wishes is my favorite

Is there a view of Wishes from the lounge itself? I'm considering upgrading to the CL level from the CY view we have booked now - thanks!