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

[PaulaSB12]

I have booked 14 nights at Wilderness Lodge for september 2013 (uk is offering next year deal) with a wood view. What do you get for that?

 

[nyrebecca]

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!

No, there is not a view of wishes from the lounge. I would still urge you to go club level. We are leaving today and counting the days till October when we get to come back again.

 

[jennylove59]

Hi all! I've been lurking for a few days so I hope i'm posting this right. My family and I will be staying at Wl next September and after looking at the photos of all the views i'm just wondering. Is the courtyard view better than the woods view or which view do you all prefer? We will be staying in 2 standard rooms so any input you all could offer us will be greatly appreciated!

 

[tarak]

Just booked our room only reservation for next January. We're taking a Disney cruise first, so it's only for three nights. I keep telling myself that because it seems like such a short trip otherwise. I'm really hoping for a discount, but since we're a big party, we're staying in a deluxe room and I understand discounts for those can be few and far between.

First sign I have caught that Disney bug, I started singing along to Imagination while on hold.

jennyloves59, I think it probably depends on what type of view you'd like. Are you traveling with kids? How old? Do you want more quiet, or does that matter?

 

[jennylove59]

jennyloves59, I think it probably depends on what type of view you'd like. Are you traveling with kids? How old? Do you want more quiet, or does that matter?[/QUOTE]

We are not traveling with kids. It will be myself (25), husband (28), mother and father. Noise is alright, it kind of adds to the experience and reminds us of where we are, if that makes sense. Though if we could get around having to hear a massive amount that would be good as well.

We like being able to see the pool and people. If we could see the bay also though that would be great!

 

[JerseyJanice]

We are recently back from 4 nights at the Wilderness Lodge. Our family, there to celebrate my parents-in-law's 50th wedding anniversary, had 3 woodsview rooms.

(I'm going to write a full trip report when I can find the time because I'd like to preserve our memories with more than the great photos we took.)

I absolutely loved the resort! Much more than our first stay in 2002. We all got brand new rooms, and the new decor is just fantastic. So beautiful! The lodge itself is nicely laid out in one building, which gives it an extra deluxe feel. The lobby is soothing anytime you walk into it.

To those asking about Woodsview--this is one small negative to me about the resort. The Wilderness Lodge is the only WDW resort we have ever booked for anything other than standard view, and both times, we had terrible views of the outside.

The only reason I would recommend booking woodsview is if it is the only thing available for a discount offer. No way would I say it's worth another $25 to $35 more per night if you're paying rack rates.

In 2002, we were in the south wing, facing the Villas, and directly over a lovely service area (that is, garbage dumpster). This trip, we had a view of two parking lots. How that can be considered an upgraded view, I don't know; however, we did have a nice view from the inside door of our rooms since we were right over the lobby. We did not find it noisy, but I didn't like the balcony either. It was solid because it was part of a roof. If my DH made the trip, he would have insisted they move us up a floor or two because he would have hated that balcony.

 

[Akess]

Thanks to WDWKOOK, Sue M, and GatorEye for answering my CL questions. I just called this afternoon and made the switch from the Beach Club Resort to the Wilderness Lodge; however, we will not be staying CL. Unfortunately, the AAA discount I had used to book my reservation at the Beach Club went from 15% to 10% when I switched resorts. Therefore, I just could not justify the additional cost of CL with just a 10% discount, which, to me, was not much of a difference than paying rack rate. The enclosed balcony at CL, however, was a huge issue for me. I was willing to overlook the enclosed balcony, though, for the convenience that CL provides. Unfortunately, had hoped to reward myself with CL this trip as a reward to myself for recently graduating from a local university. So, hopefully, a pin-code or a public discount will come our way before our travel dates, November 20-27; however, I doubt that considering we are visiting during Thanksgiving week. All in all, my husband and I are ecstatic about returning to the Wilderness Lodge after all these years, especially since it will be decorated for the holidays.

 

[GatorEye]

Thanks to WDWKOOK, Sue M, and GatorEye for answering my CL questions. I just called this afternoon and made the switch from the Beach Club Resort to the Wilderness Lodge; however, we will not be staying CL. Unfortunately, the AAA discount I had used to book my reservation at the Beach Club went from 15% to 10% when I switched resorts. Therefore, I just could not justify the additional cost of CL with just a 10% discount, which, to me, was not much of a difference than paying rack rate. The enclosed balcony at CL, however, was a huge issue for me. I was willing to overlook the enclosed balcony, though, for the convenience that CL provides. Unfortunately, had hoped to reward myself with CL this trip as a reward to myself for recently graduating from a local university. So, hopefully, a pin-code or a public discount will come our way before our travel dates, November 20-27; however, I doubt that considering we are visiting during Thanksgiving week. All in all, my husband and I are ecstatic about returning to the Wilderness Lodge after all these years, especially since it will be decorated for the holidays.

Sorry that the CL did not work out for you. I'm hoping for a PIN to come our way as well as it isn't cheap.

Maybe you could try to get a bear face room. Not only is the view from the balcony great, but you will also have a great view of the lobby and the tree right out your front door. WL during the holidays is magical - no doubt about it. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy your trip and congrats on your graduation!

 

[4disneygenerations]

I just love this thread. As I've said before this will be our first stay at WL and we can't wait We have stayed many times at POFQ, which we love and a couple of times at the POLY which we also love

 

[Sue M]

We are recently back from 4 nights at the Wilderness Lodge. Our family, there to celebrate my parents-in-law's 50th wedding anniversary, had 3 woodsview rooms.

(I'm going to write a full trip report when I can find the time because I'd like to preserve our memories with more than the great photos we took.)

I absolutely loved the resort! Much more than our first stay in 2002. We all got brand new rooms, and the new decor is just fantastic. So beautiful! The lodge itself is nicely laid out in one building, which gives it an extra deluxe feel. The lobby is soothing anytime you walk into it.

To those asking about Woodsview--this is one small negative to me about the resort. The Wilderness Lodge is the only WDW resort we have ever booked for anything other than standard view, and both times, we had terrible views of the outside.

The only reason I would recommend booking woodsview is if it is the only thing available for a discount offer. No way would I say it's worth another $25 to $35 more per night if you're paying rack rates.

In 2002, we were in the south wing, facing the Villas, and directly over a lovely service area (that is, garbage dumpster). This trip, we had a view of two parking lots. How that can be considered an upgraded view, I don't know; however, we did have a nice view from the inside door of our rooms since we were right over the lobby. We did not find it noisy, but I didn't like the balcony either. It was solid because it was part of a roof. If my DH made the trip, he would have insisted they move us up a floor or two because he would have hated that balcony.

That is so strange! I would have thought a parking lot view would be a standard view not woods view! Did you ask the desk cm about it? Sometimes they can change rooms if your not happy about something.

Glad you liked the new rooms. Maybe I'll like them better in person!

 

[4disneygenerations]

Me again, sorry I hit the send before I was finished.
My grandkids are so excited to stay at the WLbut are asking questions I am trying to answer.
1) On the first page of this thread the menu for Roaring Forks shows waffles with toppings. When I looked at the WDWINFO menus it does not have any waffles listed? Since the grandkids will miss their beignets I was hoping they could still get Mickey Waffles. Anyone know?

2)I am looking for the hours of the Mercantile?

Thanks so much

 

[bluecastle]

I am seriously considering postponing my trip to next summer. My back is still an issue and my FIL is seriously ill. I even bought insurance in case we had to come back, but my back is just not where I was hoping it would be by now. (the insurance covers leaving for my FIL, but not my back) Anyhow, all the things I still need to do to prepare-trying on and buying sandals, sundresses and other summer clothing, even standing at my laptop trying to catch up on DIS threads!- all cause me pain. I can't imagine a 12 hour drive followed by a 3 hour drive the next day, followed by unpacking, walking, etc. etc. not increasing the risk of me, at the worst, pulling it out and being in serious pain, and at best, just feeling muscle pain throughout the trip. Sorry to be so negtive and I am not sure why I posted this, except that maybe your input will give me some other points of view. I absolutely hate disappointing my DD (she is 26 and just as much of a Dis fanatic as I am), but she is being OK about the possibility of postponement. I am both majorly bummed out and somewhat relieved. It is an odd combination. I am giving myself 2 weeks to make my final decision and then I will try to re-book for next summer around the same time. (early August) I may have to book 2 rooms instead of the 2 BR villa though-it's too early for non-DVCers to book right? I will try to keep reading here without getting depressed. I just don't think it's a good idea to put so many demands on my back. Maybe I can find some alternative treatments since I will now have the time for that. *sigh* Again, sorry for my sad post.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I am seriously considering postponing my trip to next summer. My back is still an issue and my FIL is seriously ill. I even bought insurance in case we had to come back, but my back is just not where I was hoping it would be by now. (the insurance covers leaving for my FIL, but not my back) Anyhow, all the things I still need to do to prepare-trying on and buying sandals, sundresses and other summer clothing, even standing at my laptop trying to catch up on DIS threads!- all cause me pain. I can't imagine a 12 hour drive followed by a 3 hour drive the next day, followed by unpacking, walking, etc. etc. not increasing the risk of me, at the worst, pulling it out and being in serious pain, and at best, just feeling muscle pain throughout the trip. Sorry to be so negtive and I am not sure why I posted this, except that maybe your input will give me some other points of view. I absolutely hate disappointing my DD (she is 26 and just as much of a Dis fanatic as I am), but she is being OK about the possibility of postponement. I am both majorly bummed out and somewhat relieved. It is an odd combination. I am giving myself 2 weeks to make my final decision and then I will try to re-book for next summer around the same time. (early August) I may have to book 2 rooms instead of the 2 BR villa though-it's too early for non-DVCers to book right? I will try to keep reading here without getting depressed. I just don't think it's a good idea to put so many demands on my back. Maybe I can find some alternative treatments since I will now have the time for that. *sigh* Again, sorry for my sad post.

Awwww....I don't really have much advice except to say that I think it would be very hard to enjoy my vacation if I was in pain. By postponing the trip, do you think it will be better in a year? I'm not sure what your injury/condition is, but do you have an active treatment plan in place, with expected recovery times? I guess what I am getting at is, by postponing the trip do you expect to be all better on next trip??

I'm sorry you're having to make this decision.

 

[Sue M]

Thanks to WDWKOOK, Sue M, and GatorEye for answering my CL questions. I just called this afternoon and made the switch from the Beach Club Resort to the Wilderness Lodge; however, we will not be staying CL. Unfortunately, the AAA discount I had used to book my reservation at the Beach Club went from 15% to 10% when I switched resorts. Therefore, I just could not justify the additional cost of CL with just a 10% discount, which, to me, was not much of a difference than paying rack rate. The enclosed balcony at CL, however, was a huge issue for me. I was willing to overlook the enclosed balcony, though, for the convenience that CL provides. Unfortunately, had hoped to reward myself with CL this trip as a reward to myself for recently graduating from a local university. So, hopefully, a pin-code or a public discount will come our way before our travel dates, November 20-27; however, I doubt that considering we are visiting during Thanksgiving week. All in all, my husband and I are ecstatic about returning to the Wilderness Lodge after all these years, especially since it will be decorated for the holidays.

Looks like discounts last year started trickleing out from late August For free dining and as late as oct 5 for room discount. AP room discount came out in sept. so keep watching. They're better then the AAA discount. I can't figure them out. We had a20% AAA at POR. but when WDW discount came out it was better so we switched.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I am seriously considering postponing my trip to next summer. My back is still an issue and my FIL is seriously ill. I even bought insurance in case we had to come back, but my back is just not where I was hoping it would be by now. (the insurance covers leaving for my FIL, but not my back) Anyhow, all the things I still need to do to prepare-trying on and buying sandals, sundresses and other summer clothing, even standing at my laptop trying to catch up on DIS threads!- all cause me pain. I can't imagine a 12 hour drive followed by a 3 hour drive the next day, followed by unpacking, walking, etc. etc. not increasing the risk of me, at the worst, pulling it out and being in serious pain, and at best, just feeling muscle pain throughout the trip. Sorry to be so negtive and I am not sure why I posted this, except that maybe your input will give me some other points of view. I absolutely hate disappointing my DD (she is 26 and just as much of a Dis fanatic as I am), but she is being OK about the possibility of postponement. I am both majorly bummed out and somewhat relieved. It is an odd combination. I am giving myself 2 weeks to make my final decision and then I will try to re-book for next summer around the same time. (early August) I may have to book 2 rooms instead of the 2 BR villa though-it's too early for non-DVCers to book right? I will try to keep reading here without getting depressed. I just don't think it's a good idea to put so many demands on my back. Maybe I can find some alternative treatments since I will now have the time for that. *sigh* Again, sorry for my sad post.

So sorry about your trip .... and don't feel bad about posting here .... we all understand. I will tell you that years ago I made a trip to WDW with a back injury and it had it's ups and downs. It was fun because I was at WDW with my family but I was in a lot of pain so I really couldn't enjoy myself. I think giving yourself another 2 weeks to decide is a good idea.

As far as renting DVC, have you checked into renting directly from an owner rather than thru WDW? It will generally save you some money. There is a section on the DIS for DVC with a sticky about renting points from owners. As for timeframe for making reservations .... if they are an owner at that resort they can make reservations 11 months prior and if they own at another resort they can make the reservations at 7 months out.

Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful vacation rather it is this year or next.

 

[JerseyJanice]

That is so strange! I would have thought a parking lot view would be a standard view not woods view! Did you ask the desk cm about it? Sometimes they can change rooms if your not happy about something.

My guess was that our rooms this trip are considered "woodsview" (better than standard) because we were in the main building part of the lodge. We were directly above the Whispering Canyon Cafe on the 4th floor.

Standing on the outdoor balcony (which as I mentioned was "solid" because it's a roof), the view to the right was a section of the building, straight ahead appeared to be the employee parking lot, and to the left, the view was the guest parking lot.

Overall, we were happy with the room though. I'm just saying that if we got an "upgraded" view, I'd hate to see what standard view is. We got 35% off the woodsview rooms with a general public code, so we paid less than rack for standard. But since this is the second time this happened to us, I'm convinced that woodsview is not worth more money than standard view.

Glad you liked the new rooms. Maybe I'll like them better in person!

I loved the room! The comforter surrounded by sheets is a very nice touch--I far prefer it to a bedspread. The tiles in the entrance of the room and in the bathroom are made to look like wood--very clever! I like the granite counter top and shelf in the sink area although that may not be new. The shelf is a handy place to put your cosmetics.

The headboards are awesome. They are padded near your head, then have beautiful wood carvings on top, with an animal carved into the top of each post that is also a reading light. A mirror over the table and chairs is decorated with metal acorns, and there's a lovely lamp above it that is similar to the light fixtures in the resort hallways. The beds were on the soft side--I'm used to a firmer mattress, but these weren't bad.

I think the new rooms are well-designed. They seemed brighter lit to me with the 4 reading lights, the light over the table and a light in the hallway.

 

[sdzman]

Thats whats so great about the WL. It feels like it is "tucked" away in the woods. Although there are some service area views, these are very limited abd the rest of the rooms have great views and feels to them.

 

[Broncobilly83]

I posted this in the Concierge/Club thread, but since it is related to WL specifically, maybe I can get help here

Hi all. We will be first time CL visitors this November at the Wilderness Lodge, and so far, I have to say it has made the trip easier. I did not have to worry about making ADRs, and was able to get everything I asked for ADR wise and will be contacted as soon as Be Our Guest might open for ADR taking

We also have a room request in (would like 7th floor, castle view), but understand that it is not a 100% lock to get. Should I remind them of the room request closer to check in time?

Reading some of the thread so far, I noticed this in the first post:

Tipping Guideline: Thank you to TheRustyScupper, for the following information (9/22/08)

"1) Concierge (and Front Desk) CM's can be fired for taking cash tips.
2) They are supposed to refuse up to three times.
. . . if you ask a fourth time, they take it
. . . but, they must immediately turn it over to a manager
3) The tip goes into a fund, and the manager buys donuts or coffee for all.
4) If they do not turn in the cash, it can be immediate termination.

NOTE: They can accept gifts of up to $75 value (like candy, doll, etc)."

So what is suggested, as we were going to have envelopes with cash ready to go, but now that I see that, I want the person who helps us to get something, not necessarily go towards donuts for all, etc?

As a first time CL visitor, what is the normal check in procedure for the WL? Should we do online check-in (did it the last 2 times for normal visits)?

Any tips/tricks others might have learned in general? Like what to ask for/not to ask for, etc?

Can they help with specific character locations throughout the parks, i.e. finding out if a character will be available for pictures, etc? I ask as my main picture want would be with Scrooge McDuck, usually only seen during Christmas time events. We will be at MVMCP twice during our stay, but I read last year there was no photo ops with the character, unlike the years before.

 

[nyrebecca]

Back home from our week at the WL CL. I miss it already. Thankfully we have another trip to the OFC coming up in October !

 

[Akess]

Looks like discounts last year started trickleing out from late August For free dining and as late as oct 5 for room discount. AP room discount came out in sept. so keep watching. They're better then the AAA discount. I can't figure them out. We had a20% AAA at POR. but when WDW discount came out it was better so we switched.

Hopefully, a bigger discount is in the future for that week, or at least part of my week, in which case I would just book two reservations at the same resort to get the bigger discount for part of our stay. We are thinking about purchasing an annual pass because we recently found out my daughter's dance team will be traveling to Disney World in June 2013, which is six months after our November trip. Plus we are interested in the Table in Wonderland card since we will not have a dining plan on this trip, at least not as of right now because we are booked through AAA (you cannot add a dining plan with a AAA discount unless you book directly through AAA). Do we have to have a annual pass purchased upon booking to get a discounted rate for annual passholders or do we just present it upon check-in?