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

[mom2jcc]

Today is the day!!!!

 

[nathanyell]

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.

See that is my fear. Hmm... I can see it for about that long. Were staying 6 days so maybe it won't be too bad. I think it would be better with a car.

Brian

 

[nathanyell]

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

You have to love those upgrades... I hoping for one at AKL in January!

Today is the day!!!!

Have an awesome trip!!! Make sure you tell us all about it when you get back!

Brian

 

[WDWKOOK]

Here is a little more free WiFi info. Not sure why this is a test to see if it's "successful." How could FREE WiFi not be successful

To connect to the network using a wireless-enabled device (e.g. laptop, cell phone, etc.), you'll notice a network option labeled "Guest - Access (unsecured)". When you click on that option, you will be taken to a screen that prompts you to accept the terms and conditions. After accepting the terms and conditions, you'll have complimentary Wi-Fi access. Note that for cell phone users, cellular carriers AT and T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and MetroPCS are covered for Wi-Fi access. . Complimentary in-room wired internet will also be available at these resorts until Octobert 24. If the testing for complimentary Wi-Fi is successful, the free availability will continue in the future. This will not affect the status of Disney Vacation Club members, who currently receive complimentary Wi-Fi.

http://allears.net/acc/internet.htm

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

Than you for trying to post your photos, Crazy Kanga, but they are appearing as question marks. I hope you're having a great time!

Today is the day!!!!

So exciting! Have a great vacation, mom2jcc!

 

[Sue M]

We've stayed at WL twice and been lucky enough to get upgraded both times to courtyard view. Never asked. Both times we checked in early morning.

This time our flight doesn't arrive till 4:30ish, so won't get to WL till 5:30ish hopefully.
Has anyone checked in late afternoon and gotten a free upgrade? Just wondering. I've never done on line check in either. Do you think this would increase or decrease the chance of that very magical upgrade?

I posted on the general board, but either nobody knows or those that may haven't seen post.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

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

Bump anyone ?

 

[LastLookAtTheCastle]

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!!!

Thanks so much! This is a big help! And I figured the coffee maker wasn't sufficient for my needs.

 

[LastLookAtTheCastle]

Bump anyone ?

I'd be there at 7am. It's a long bus ride to AK.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks so much! This is a big help! And I figured the coffee maker wasn't sufficient for my needs.

Just wanted to try to help with the DVC laundry issue - all DVC Resorts have free laundry facilities for the studios. I've used it at BWV and we used our room key card for access - we were renting points that time, but there was nothing to identify that on our key card. I have heard that some DVC laundry rooms for the studios do require a member card, but that was not our experience. Definitely check (not with the front desk, but find the Villa laundry and try your key card) before hiking over to the Lodge to do laundry.

Also, the views from Villa studios are mostly a woods view, a few of the Villa pool and can also overlook the walkway to the Villas from the Lodge and there are some on the road (garbage pick-up) side as well.

We had one of a few views that included a side window with a pool view and the balcony overlooking the pine trees - we could see the lake through the trees and hear, sort of see, the Electrical Water Pageant at night. It was nice - oh, we could also see the top of Wishes over the Lodge - that was terrific!

Have a fabulous trip!!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I'd be there at 7am. It's a long bus ride to AK.

Thanks! Do the buses start running at 7am?

 

[saintstickets]

Today is the 7 month window to add on to our current VWL reservation in May, 2012. Being the planner that I am (what DVCer isn't, right? ), I had mapped out numerous options if what we wanted was not available. Of course these options had changed from the previous scenarios I had envisioned 4 months ago when I made the initial reservation. Since that time, DS1 decides to get married in December so I had to make changes AGAIN and scope out options AGAIN to get the newlyweds their own room! WHEW!! Kids, gotta love 'em!

So now it is official, we have a 2 br at VWL for 5/20-5/25/12 and a studio at VWL for 5/20-5/25/12!
This is our first trip to VWL and we are really looking forward to it. This trip we will visit Discovery Cove, Harry Potter, Seaworld and maybe Kennedy Space Center so don't tell Mickey we are staying at his house and not visiting WDW!

Oh....and did I mention that we will try to add on another day at the 60 day window using some points in a holding account? Where is my point chart and eraser to see what changes need to be made for the umpteenth time?!

 

[sjs314]

Thanks! Do the buses start running at 7am?

I have read that the buses to the Parks start running at 6:30am.

 

[troynkasey]

I have read that the buses to the Parks start running at 6:30am.

I believe they say they start running an hour and a half before park opening, so they would start around 6:30 if the park opens at 8.

 

[NC State]

I found this about the campfire progam. I'm not camping but will be staying at the WL in February. How far will I need to go to get to this campfire. If it's some distance will there be a golf cart to take us?

The campfire program has no admission fee and is open to all WDW resort guests. It generally begins around 7 p.m. during the fall/winter season and 8 p.m. after the time changes 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 CM and a marshmallow roast around two campfire rings. You may bring your own marshmallows or buy them at the Chuck Wagon. You may also buy pizza, hot dogs, candy, nachos, juice, popcorn, sodas, coffee, beer and other refreshments at the Chuck Wagon. 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. Next, one or two Disney animated features, depending upon the season, are shown on a large outdoor screen. Seating is available in bleachers or on benches. There is also plenty of room to lay out a quilt or blanket. In the event of rain, the sing-along is still held on the porch of the Meadow Trading Post. Here is a recent movie schedule to give you an idea of what is shown:

 

[Sue M]

We've stayed at WL twice and been lucky enough to get upgraded both times to courtyard view. Never asked. Both times we checked in early morning.

This time our flight doesn't arrive till 4:30ish, so won't get to WL till 5:30ish hopefully.
Has anyone checked in late afternoon and gotten a free upgrade? Just wondering. I've never done on line check in either. Do you think this would increase or decrease the chance of that very magical upgrade?

I posted on the general board, but either nobody knows or those that may haven't seen post.

Anyone?

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Anyone?

Both times we have gotten free upgrades were before noon so it does look like a pattern.

 

[nathanyell]

Anyone?

I was not upgraded in the morning, but have been upgraded many times in the late afternoon. Been upgraded using on-line check in and not.

It all seems to be luck.

I found this about the campfire progam. I'm not camping but will be staying at the WL in February. How far will I need to go to get to this campfire. If it's some distance will there be a golf cart to take us?

The campfire program has no admission fee and is open to all WDW resort guests. It generally begins around 7 p.m. during the fall/winter season and 8 p.m. after the time changes 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 CM and a marshmallow roast around two campfire rings. You may bring your own marshmallows or buy them at the Chuck Wagon. You may also buy pizza, hot dogs, candy, nachos, juice, popcorn, sodas, coffee, beer and other refreshments at the Chuck Wagon. 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. Next, one or two Disney animated features, depending upon the season, are shown on a large outdoor screen. Seating is available in bleachers or on benches. There is also plenty of room to lay out a quilt or blanket. In the event of rain, the sing-along is still held on the porch of the Meadow Trading Post. Here is a recent movie schedule to give you an idea of what is shown:

I'd leave and hour or so before it starts. It's really not far, but you have to take a bus to FW and then switch to the internal bus. I believe it is the orange or yellow bus that takes you to the meadow. Ask the driver, they will help you. also if you go to the camping board they can tell you which bus is best.

Brian

 

[Sue M]

Thanks for the replies, was wondering about others experience with getting upgrades checking in late afternoon on arrival vs on-line.

I've never done on-line, mostly because I check in in the morning, and have never had long lines. And am hesitant about using on line.
I'm strange, and I actually like the whole check in process
Maybe I'll give on-line a try this trip. I have lots of time to think (obsess ) about it!

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Just back from a fabulous stay at WL. Sorry the pics I tried to post didn't work. They showed up at first then disappeared later.
Oh well, I'll figure it out and repost later. Anyway we really hated to leave and will most definitely be back. The only complaint I had, and it was minor, was that our check in CM was not very welcoming or friendly. I really hate how the Disney customer service is slipping, but nothing that ruined our trip by any means. Finally got it to work! Here is a view from our room 2121.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Our room was just to the right of the bridge.