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

[Miffy]

Oh, man. I hope "5-star resort" doesn't mean turning the rooms into generically pretty hotel rooms without any particular character or flavor. I would never stay there if that were the case. I, too, love the homey feel of the rooms and the entire lodge. If I want to stay in a 5-star resort, I can go anywhere. But I want to be at WDW, not anywhere!

BTW, a PP mentioned prices upwards of $300/night. That is rack rate at WL.

 

[disneydreamin247]

Oh,my...I've very mixed feelings about WL becoming a 5 star resort (GF is not even a 5 star resort anymore, except in Disney stars.). While it would be great to have larger rooms, not if it hikes the price to equal the other MK Resorts. And, heck, why fix a good thing anyway? WL has a warm homeyness to it, that is not found at any other Disney Resort - it's what makes it special. As well as the water launch to MK and Ft. Wilderness...it is slightly isolated in a good way.

Well, general saying when it comes to Disney Resorts is that the CM's are the last to know, so let's hope this is no more than rumor....although KOOK did say the manager she spoke with said big plans were in the works.

Guess we just have to wait and see. Thanks..and enjoy the rest of your stay!

I can't see them making the rooms larger than they are. It would require entirely too much work to knock down walls and restructure the lodge as it stands.

 

[sjs314]

I can't see them making the rooms larger than they are. It would require entirely too much work to knock down walls and restructure the lodge as it stands.

Dani - I think you are right about them increaseing the size of the rooms. But after a refurb I am sure we might see a significant increase in rack rate just look at the Royal Rooms over at POR and they are only 314 sq ft compared to WL being 340 sq ft and so close to MK and the monorail

Thinking I need to visit WL before the refurb maybe

 

[MMrules]

23 days left!!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

This may just be rumour, but I was speaking to a CM in the gift shop today about upcoming WL refirb, and he said that he heard they were going to turn it into a 5 star resort I hope it isn't true because that would mean pricing would go sky high too. Bleck. One of the things I love about WL is that the pricing isn't ridiculous like GF or CR tower. I just won't pay upwards of $300 a night for a room.

My guess is that the CM was exaggerating - big time. As Minnie&Nana already mentioned, no WDW Resort is a 5-star, not even the GF.

Just to reiterate, the last I spoke to the CL manager in August, he said that it is only a top to bottom room rehab that includes the furniture, fixtures, bedding, carpet... They already had a model room finished and he had seen it and said it was gorgeous. Last month, he reported to me that the rehab was now slated to begin April 15th. It was predicted that it could take up to two years to complete, doing one floor at a time.

As I've said before though, plans, dates, etc... are rather fluid with Disney, so everything is subject to change. Remember those Health and Wellness Suites at the CR?

 

[mickeynut1]

Just to reiterate, the last I spoke to the CL manager in August, he said that it is only a top to bottom room rehab that includes the furniture, fixtures, bedding, carpet... They already had a model room finished and he had seen it and said it was gorgeous. Last month, he reported to me that the rehab was now slated to begin April 15th. It was predicted that it could take up to two years to complete, doing one floor at a time.

As I've said before though, plans, dates, etc... are rather fluid with Disney, so everything is subject to change. Remember those Health and Wellness Suites at the CR?

Hi KOOK . I can't wait to see the WL after the rehab. I have considered it for our July trip, but we are also thinking of another trip either right before Christmas or over New Years. WL CL is at the top of my list for a December trip, although I'm afraid that time will be right in the middle of the rehab . With that said, I'm sure Disney will make it so that the guests are inconvenienced very little, if at all .

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi KOOK . I can't wait to see the WL after the rehab. I have considered it for our July trip, but we are also thinking of another trip either right before Christmas or over New Years. WL CL is at the top of my list for a December trip, although I'm afraid that time will be right in the middle of the rehab . With that said, I'm sure Disney will make it so that the guests are inconvenienced very little, if at all .

I hope your plans work out and you get to go when it's decorated for Christmas. I'm certain they'll strive to keep the disruption to guests at a minimum. They usually work during the day when fewer guests are in their rooms. I think your boys are out of the napping stage so you should be OK. Or are they at the age when they do PM EMH and sleep during the day?

Unlike the GF DVC that affects RPC, LV views, the WL room rehab, as far as I know, is only a room rehab, so that shouldn't affect anything on the exterior or the views.

 

[mickeynut1]

I hope your plans work out and you get to go when it's decorated for Christmas. I'm certain they'll strive to keep the disruption to guests at a minimum. They usually work during the day when fewer guests are in their rooms. I think your boys are out of the napping stage so you should be OK. Or are they at the age when they do PM EMH and sleep during the day?

Unlike the GF DVC that affects RPC, LV views, the WL room rehab, as far as I know, is only a room rehab, so that shouldn't affect anything on the exterior or the views.

My oldest is still in the napping stage.....being 18 wears you out after having to go to school and all . He is my one who loves sleeping during the day......will stay up until all hours of the night and sleep the days away .

Thanks.....I hope we are able to get back at the end of the year too . We have visited the WL during the holidays and it is just gorgeous!!!! I have told DH many times that if we did decide to stay WL during December that I would definitely book CL as I would really enjoy sitting up there looking over into the lobby taking in all the decorations and holiday happenings .

 

[Sue M]

My guess is that the CM was exaggerating - big time. As Minnie&Nana already mentioned, no WDW Resort is a 5-star, not even the GF.

Just to reiterate, the last I spoke to the CL manager in August, he said that it is only a top to bottom room rehab that includes the furniture, fixtures, bedding, carpet... They already had a model room finished and he had seen it and said it was gorgeous. Last month, he reported to me that the rehab was now slated to begin April 15th. It was predicted that it could take up to two years to complete, doing one floor at a time.

As I've said before though, plans, dates, etc... are rather fluid with Disney, so everything is subject to change. Remember those Health and Wellness Suites at the CR?

Well, I hope CM was exaggerating! I'd hate to see it turned into a 5 star. We've enjoyed our stay and will look forward to seeing what they do with the rooms. I do agree they need updating, although I really have no complaints.
The CMs here are great. We were down at the pool today, (after our morning Segway tour at FW- Fantastic) and was talking to a lifeguard, saying how dissapointed I was that men were power washing the pool area in the middle of the day. It was my last day, and I had ben looking forward to enjoying the pool for the afternoon. He agreed they shouldn't be power washing at that time, and went to his boss, who made a phone call, 10 min later power washing stoped, wow! I was impressed.

WCC dinner tonight, now packing. We have to be up early because we're Flag Family tomorrow Then check out, leave our luggage with Bell SErvice, and head to Kona for breskfast before we hit the road, for our next stop, Ft. Lauderdale to take care of some family business before flying home Saturday.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Well, I hope CM was exaggerating! I'd hate to see it turned into a 5 star. We've enjoyed our stay and will look forward to seeing what they do with the rooms. I do agree they need updating, although I really have no complaints.
The CMs here are great. We were down at the pool today, (after our morning Segway tour at FW- Fantastic) and was talking to a lifeguard, saying how dissapointed I was that men were power washing the pool area in the middle of the day. It was my last day, and I had ben looking forward to enjoying the pool for the afternoon. He agreed they shouldn't be power washing at that time, and went to his boss, who made a phone call, 10 min later power washing stoped, wow! I was impressed.

WCC dinner tonight, now packing. We have to be up early because we're Flag Family tomorrow Then check out, leave our luggage with Bell SErvice, and head to Kona for breskfast before we hit the road, for our next stop, Ft. Lauderdale to take care of some family business before flying home Saturday.

Love your power washing story! That's another great example of how the WL Staff really care about the guests. They always strive to go out of their way or go above and beyond to make guests happy.

We'd love to see some FF photos when you get home! Sounds like you've had a great stay and the weather has been gorgeous, right?

Have a safe trip home and have fun in FLL.

 

[disneyfanbcv]

23 days left!!!!

We will be there too Down to 21 Days!!!!

 

[saintstickets]

This may just be rumour, but I was speaking to a CM in the gift shop today about upcoming WL refurb, and he said that he heard they were going to turn it into a 5 star resort I hope it isn't true because that would mean pricing would go sky high too. Bleck. One of the things I love about WL is that the pricing isn't ridiculous like GF or CR tower. I just won't pay upwards of $300 a night for a room.

It is just my opinion (that and a few dollars might get you a cup of coffee!), but I doubt the refurbishment will convert WL to a 5 star resort. It is my understanding that only the rooms will be refurbished so that in itself discredits the rumor. Secondly, with the addition of a DVC at the Grand Floridian and the addition of a Four Seasons as part of the new Golden Oak Community, I can't see them adding ANOTHER upscale resort. One never knows what goes through the mind-of-the-mouse though. Now if you had heard this from a bus driver, then .............

 

[cinderella73]

Thank u to all of u that answered my questions about the rehab earlier. Its been crazy and I hadn't gotten a chance to get back on here in a bit.

Interesting what I am reading on here about the rehab. Here is my take on it. I think they "might" create a few larger rooms to accompany a party of 5 ( aside from the suites they have) , but I doubt they will resize all the rooms , or go 5 star.

Someone mentioned that they said the manager saw a model / sample room done it. I would LOVE to see pics but cant seem to find anything online. Anyone come across any pics of the model room yet ? I am excited to see the updates !

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank u to all of u that answered my questions about the rehab earlier. Its been crazy and I hadn't gotten a chance to get back on here in a bit.

Interesting what I am reading on here about the rehab. Here is my take on it. I think they "might" create a few larger rooms to accompany a party of 5 ( aside from the suites they have) , but I doubt they will resize all the rooms , or go 5 star.

Someone mentioned that they said the manager saw a model / sample room done it. I would LOVE to see pics but cant seem to find anything online. Anyone come across any pics of the model room yet ? I am excited to see the updates !

You're welcome.

There are already 25 Deluxe Rooms which sleep 6 and have 500 square feet. Unfortunately, the model room is not open to the public.

 

[Skysdad]

I just booked a studio thru a rental from a DVC member and am so excited about the property thanks to this thread. I have visited the resort a number of times to eat but never really noticed anything else about it. I can't wait to stay here I might like it better than AKL!
Thanks for all the great pics on the first page WDWKOOK!

 

[lancer74]

What time can we check in at WL? We are staying off site the night before and wanted to get to the park as early as we could on our first day.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I just booked a studio thru a rental from a DVC member and am so excited about the property thanks to this thread. I have visited the resort a number of times to eat but never really noticed anything else about it. I can't wait to stay here I might like it better than AKL!
Thanks for all the great pics on the first page WDWKOOK!

You're welcome, Skysdad and thank you for your kind words.

What time can we check in at WL? We are staying off site the night before and wanted to get to the park as early as we could on our first day.

You will be able to get your KTTW cards with your park tix/DDP on them as early as 0700, even if your room isn't ready.

 

[Sue M]

I'd post photos if I only knew how. Down at my moms condo in Ft. Lauderdale trying to sort thur everything and pack up.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'd post photos if I only knew how. Down at my moms condo in Ft. Lauderdale trying to sort thur everything and pack up.

Well, if you need a break, there's a great Chinese restaurant called Silver Pond in Lauderdale Lakes on State Rd. 7 (441).

Posting photos is easy. You just need to sign up for a free photo hosting account, such as PhotoBucket. You upload your photos to the site and it creates and image code or "IMG" and that is what you need to put into your post. PM me if you need more help or want me to give you more detailed instructions.

 

[MMrules]

We will be there too Down to 21 Days!!!!

Have a great time! I am only at WL for 2 days and then going over to the Boardwalk Villas. I am hoping my DH falls in love with WL as much as I did so we can add on some WLV points