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

[Sue M]

We've stayed at both, and they are great resorts. AKL is very nice, and IMO the pool is nicer, and Mara is more spacious then Roaring Forks. Loads of seating.
We loved the evening Cultural Exchange talks in the Living Room, just past the Concierge Desk. Also night vision viewing. Culinary Tour.

We also enjoy (when we have ADRs at AKL or Kidani) getting to Kidani Savanna viewing area around 4pm to watch feeding time. Watching the animals chase after the feeding truck is hilarious.

Kidani also has a beautiful pool.

AKL was my 2nd pic when Jan/Feb AP rates came out. But I kept watching the WDW AP web site, and Standard View all of a sudden came up with the AP discount, and I jumped on it. Wasn't avail. for long. You can keep watching in case it shows up again. Then Grab it quick. Good luck!

 

[annmarieda]

Just have another of those "what room do I request" questions. I am sorry.

Here is my questions. I have been browsing the photos of WL and see "sitting areas" and "work areas" Are these areas off in nooks somewhere or are there rooms that have doors that open up to them?

Not having been to WL, I am not entirely sure what to request (if anything) I don't want to walk to far to get my morning coffee or to the buses. I also would like to be able to see the pool (although being near the pool isn't necessary) and lake, yet have a little quiet area near our room. I know...I am expecting too much. We have a courtyard view booked... maybe just requesting an inner view on say the 5th floor? Or would you not even say the floor? I still have time to request...but as the days are starting to wheedle away, I am beginning to think about the idea of requesting a room.

TIA

 

[MMrules]

Thanks. I did book dinner at Jiko and Sanaa. I've already been to Boma.



I guess I will find out. I love sitting on the balcony at WL and looking out, but I mostly look at the water. I know I'll miss the boat. TOOT! TOOT!

They were both designed by the same architect so they are similar in structure. The lobby in AKL is actually quieter b/c no noise from the Whispering Canyon . I love the CY view at WL but the savanna views at AKL are just breathtaking. It is amazing to see the animals from your balcony while you are drinking your morning beverage. There is a lot of great activities at AKL for all family members as well. Yes, there is no boat, but the resort is just amazing! I think you willl like it...while it may not replace your love for WL is is just as magical

 

[nathanyell]

. I have been browsing the photos of WL and see "sitting areas" and "work areas" Are these areas off in nooks somewhere or are there rooms that have doors that open up to them?

There are sitting/work areas on the 4th and 5th floor over the main entrance to the lobby. They are great, but many people use them wen waiting for magical express, so they can be already taken. I'm a full time doctoral student and so I usually have to study for part of my vacation. this is definitely where I do it if I can.

Not having been to WL, I am not entirely sure what to request (if anything) I don't want to walk to far to get my morning coffee or to the buses. I also would like to be able to see the pool (although being near the pool isn't necessary) and lake, yet have a little quiet area near our room. I know...I am expecting too much. We have a courtyard view booked... maybe just requesting an inner view on say the 5th floor? Or would you not even say the floor? I still have time to request...but as the days are starting to wheedle away, I am beginning to think about the idea of requesting a room.

TIA

I would request a fifth floor inner courtyard in the north wing. That puts you near the elevator to roaring fork for coffee. The buses would be about the same from anywhere. But there is a study area on the fifth floor near the front doors.

Enjoy!!

Brian

 

[nathanyell]

While I did like AKV, I was not in love with it. No comparisons to VWL. Unless you get a Savanna view, there is nothing to look at from your balcony. We had a pool view and it was noisy. We love the woods view at WL. There is no quiet pool. You have to take buses to everywhere and they can be long rides at times. The restaurants were ok. Sorry Roaring Fork is the best CS on property!

We are booked in a std view room with no car. So I'm not getting my hopes up.

We've stayed at both, and they are great resorts. AKL is very nice, and IMO the pool is nicer, and Mara is more spacious then Roaring Forks. Loads of seating.
We loved the evening Cultural Exchange talks in the Living Room, just past the Concierge Desk. Also night vision viewing. Culinary Tour.

We also enjoy (when we have ADRs at AKL or Kidani) getting to Kidani Savanna viewing area around 4pm to watch feeding time. Watching the animals chase after the feeding truck is hilarious.

Kidani also has a beautiful pool.

AKL was my 2nd pic when Jan/Feb AP rates came out. But I kept watching the WDW AP web site, and Standard View all of a sudden came up with the AP discount, and I jumped on it. Wasn't avail. for long. You can keep watching in case it shows up again. Then Grab it quick. Good luck!

Culinary Tour. hmm... sounds fun. Is that just one of the offerings they have or do you need reservations?

I'm keeping an eye open for WL Standard. Trust that!

They were both designed by the same architect so they are similar in structure. The lobby in AKL is actually quieter b/c no noise from the Whispering Canyon . I love the CY view at WL but the savanna views at AKL are just breathtaking. It is amazing to see the animals from your balcony while you are drinking your morning beverage. There is a lot of great activities at AKL for all family members as well. Yes, there is no boat, but the resort is just amazing! I think you willl like it...while it may not replace your love for WL is is just as magical

I'm hoping we get an upgrade from std view, but I'll be fine with it. I can go sit in one of the viewing areas, I guess.

I'll also camp out in the lobby a bit. I'm in between semesters so no studying!!!

Feeling a bit better.

Thanks Everyone!

Brian

 

[LastLookAtTheCastle]

I just confirmed my studio villa at WL for January! I'm so happy, I could just FLIP!

But I have some questions, those of you who've stayed there before, if anyone can help...

First, coffee. Very important subject to me. Primal importance, really. Is it the same little coffeemaker like in the regular rooms, or a bigger one? I'm bringing my own coffee and filters, and want to double check if it's a pod version or a bigger one. And are there dishes in the cupboards?

Secondly, how comfortable, really, is the pull out couch?

Thirdly, are all of the views wooded, or pool?

Fourth...ly, are the laundry machines really free in the villas?

Thanks so much. Any other suggestions you may have will be appreciated!

 

[MMrules]

We are booked in a std view room with no car. So I'm not getting my hopes up.



Culinary Tour. hmm... sounds fun. Is that just one of the offerings they have or do you need reservations?

I'm keeping an eye open for WL Standard. Trust that!



I'm hoping we get an upgrade from std view, but I'll be fine with it. I can go sit in one of the viewing areas, I guess.

I'll also camp out in the lobby a bit. I'm in between semesters so no studying!!!

Feeling a bit better.

Thanks Everyone!

Brian

My first stay at AKL was booked in a standard and got a free upgrade to Savanna view. I have read a lot on these boards that they give lots of upgrades there to savanna views so fingers crossed for you. There are fireplaces inside and out and both are very cozy (and the lodge has a fantastic smell when you are sitting there too). I can honestly say I love both hotels for different reasons. We just bought DVC and AKV is where we purchased b/c it is such a great place to stay. I hope you will like it too

 

[troynkasey]

I just confirmed my studio villa at WL for January! I'm so happy, I could just FLIP!

But I have some questions, those of you who've stayed there before, if anyone can help...

First, coffee. Very important subject to me. Primal importance, really. Is it the same little coffeemaker like in the regular rooms, or a bigger one? I'm bringing my own coffee and filters, and want to double check if it's a pod version or a bigger one. And are there dishes in the cupboards?

Secondly, how comfortable, really, is the pull out couch?

Thirdly, are all of the views wooded, or pool?

Fourth...ly, are the laundry machines really free in the villas?

Thanks so much. Any other suggestions you may have will be appreciated!

I can't comment on the coffeemaker from experience, but I do recall it being the little black coffee maker I've seen in other resorts. Nothing fancy and only good for 4 small cups (no the gigantic cups most drink.)

The pull out couch is just that...a typical pullout. I'm 6'4 and slept on it one year....big bar in the middle of my back and all. It is what it is. It's nothing more than what you think of with a pullout. Our kids sleep on it and have no problem sleeping on it.

The views can be of either the woods or the pool depending on where they put you. I believe you can have a view of the quiet pool too.

I've heard the laundry machines are free, but I don't believe that is the case. If you book a 1 or 2 bedroom villa, then you have in room service that is free. The units for the studios to use are of the pay variety. I think that is where people get confused with the "free" laundry service.

Enjoy your stay. We love WL!!!

 

[spyglass]

Where is the laundry room in the Villas?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just booked a Courtyard View Bunk Bed room with dining for 4/27 to 5/6! So very excited. This will be our first time at WL!

I hope you have a great first stay at WL

Hey all,

I'm kind of depressed... For January, I tried and tried to book WL with the AP discount, but all I come up with is CY or higher. So I booked AKL instead for the first time. I have to say that it's still not totally sitting well with me.

We still get to hit WL for a weekend in December which is more than a lot of people get to do.

Anyone here stayed at both and can help out?

Brian

Stayed at both and personally, I can only do AKL for 3 days max. I just miss not being able to boat, walk or monorail anywhere. But, I do love the restaurants and quick serve and their pool and gym are great.

I'm just a WL die hard, so I personally need some convincing that I'll like AKL.

I'm actually moving closer to dc this weekend. I'll so miss Naptown....

I hope your move goes smoothly!

Where is the laundry room in the Villas?

Self-service laundry facilities can be found in the VWL on the ground floor near room 1509. According to Anna114, if you are staying at the Villas they are free, but you need your KTTW card to get into the laundry room.

 

[Kcags]

Hi everyone. We are staying at WL (first time at Disney ) for our honeymoon this December. I am going crazy planning an itinerary. Just wondering how long it will take to get to each park. I know WL is in the MK area so it will not take long by bus or boat and that we have to take a bus to everything else. I know it also depends on crowds, but can anyone give me a rough idea how long to allow to get to MK, Epcot, DHS, AK, and Downtown Disney? I want to get there at opening! Thanks for your help! Kara

 

[annmarieda]

There are sitting/work areas on the 4th and 5th floor over the main entrance to the lobby. They are great, but many people use them wen waiting for magical express, so they can be already taken. I'm a full time doctoral student and so I usually have to study for part of my vacation. this is definitely where I do it if I can.



I would request a fifth floor inner courtyard in the north wing. That puts you near the elevator to roaring fork for coffee. The buses would be about the same from anywhere. But there is a study area on the fifth floor near the front doors.

Enjoy!!

Brian

Thanks!!!!

 

[StEpHandMiKe<3Disney]

Hi everyone. We are staying at WL (first time at Disney ) for our honeymoon this December. I am going crazy planning an itinerary. Just wondering how long it will take to get to each park. I know WL is in the MK area so it will not take long by bus or boat and that we have to take a bus to everything else. I know it also depends on crowds, but can anyone give me a rough idea how long to allow to get to MK, Epcot, DHS, AK, and Downtown Disney? I want to get there at opening! Thanks for your help! Kara

Hi Kara, we always stay at the lodge and I think the transportation is great. We do rope drop and we normally leave about 45min before just to be safe and to see the morning show at MK. Actually I think we leave about 45min for each park. We are never late so this is a good time frame for us. Hope this helps.

 

[StEpHandMiKe<3Disney]

I have a quick question and I hope someone can help.... I have gone through all the music from the link at the front, but I'm looking for the music that they play on the bus from EPCOT to the lodge at night. I thought it was Creation but now I'm thinking it isn't. Does anyone know? Also, I have recently discovered that Christmas music is played throughout the world during December... Does that mean the other music isn't played, like the music at the lodge, on the busses or at the parks?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We want to make EMH at 8a at Animal Kingdom. What time should we be out waiting for the bus?

 

[WDWKOOK]

We want to make EMH at 8a at Animal Kingdom. What time should we be out waiting for the bus?

I would recommend you start walking out to the bus stop at 0700.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

We are here in room 2121 courtyard view bunk bed room. Booked woods view but got a free upgrade to CY! Awesome view!

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Looking slightly to the right.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We want to make EMH at 8a at Animal Kingdom. What time should we be out waiting for the bus?

 

[Crazy Kanga]

My husband and son crossing the bridge back to our room...patio just to the right.