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

[Minnie&Nana]

I'm pretty sure the trip will end up either WL or Poly so I am happy!

Me too...but with WL being refurbed that might hold an edge....and that deluxe room.

 

[NLD]

Hi all,

We're back from our first WL stay, and loved it. Said this already, but THANKS AGAIN to Kook and all the posters here for so much info!

My only other Disney resort experiences are POR and AKL. Hard to say whether AKL or WL is the favorite. The boat to MK was soooo wonderful, as was the beach... and that view in the courtyard! Wow.

Still sorting through pictures. Don't have 'em all done yet, but by way of giving back something to this thread... here are a few from our first night:


20120128-DSC_8865 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120128-DSC_8868 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120128-DSC_8872 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120128-DSC_8880 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120128-DSC_8883 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

 

[wings91]

I found lots for information on Thor's ftp site regarding the WL renovation, so much it's hard to go through. Dozens of drawings, and a 200pg project manual. The drawings were rather ho-hum, basic room layouts with notes on what needs to be removed/demo'd and what gets replaced.

The manual is so big it's hard to process. If I find anything of note I'll pass it along.

 

[TheIncredibles]

Knock, knock...

New to your thread - thought we would come in for a while! We are flying in Sunday March 4 leaving Sunday March 11 and staying at the Wilderness Villas. This is our first time at WL, but we've wanted to stay here for years (we've been a long time neighbor at the Poly next door). Resort always looks beautiful and inviting so we are real excited about our trip next month!

Couple of questions - sure they've been answered, just skimmed through the entire thread;

- Do the villas give the same home style feel the lodge room & lobby area seem to have?
- We have reservations at Artist Point; opinions? We like our wine & steak!
- Any overlooked, must-do's a newbie might miss?

Its just the two of us this time, kids in HS and college so they are in a holding pattern a few years.

Cheers!

 

[fla4fun]

Does anyone remember the last refurb? Did they work from the top down or from the bottom up, as far as floors go? I'll be there in May and I do remember the inconvenience of having the bottom floor closed off when they did the last one - I just can't remember if that was at the beginning or end. I prefer to get indoors as soon as possible when getting off the boat . . . .

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi all,

We're back from our first WL stay, and loved it. Said this already, but THANKS AGAIN to Kook and all the posters here for so much info!

My only other Disney resort experiences are POR and AKL. Hard to say whether AKL or WL is the favorite. The boat to MK was soooo wonderful, as was the beach... and that view in the courtyard! Wow.

Still sorting through pictures. Don't have 'em all done yet, but by way of giving back something to this thread... here are a few from our first night:


20120128-DSC_8865 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120128-DSC_8868 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120128-DSC_8872 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120128-DSC_8880 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


20120128-DSC_8883 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

Thank you for posting some photos from your trip, NLD. Looks like you may have to do a WL/AKL split next time. Looking forward to more of your photos.

I found lots for information on Thor's ftp site regarding the WL renovation, so much it's hard to go through. Dozens of drawings, and a 200pg project manual. The drawings were rather ho-hum, basic room layouts with notes on what needs to be removed/demo'd and what gets replaced.

The manual is so big it's hard to process. If I find anything of note I'll pass it along.

You're right about there being many files, even Fantasyland files and GF, Morocco, etc... Only problem is that with our Macs, most of the files weren't opening, so if you do come across anything interesting, I'd appreciate it if you could post it. There were lots of JPGs, but I couldn't get them to open.

Knock, knock...

New to your thread - thought we would come in for a while! We are flying in Sunday March 4 leaving Sunday March 11 and staying at the Wilderness Villas. This is our first time at WL, but we've wanted to stay here for years (we've been a long time neighbor at the Poly next door). Resort always looks beautiful and inviting so we are real excited about our trip next month!

Couple of questions - sure they've been answered, just skimmed through the entire thread;

- Do the villas give the same home style feel the lodge room & lobby area seem to have?
- We have reservations at Artist Point; opinions? We like our wine & steak!
- Any overlooked, must-do's a newbie might miss?

Its just the two of us this time, kids in HS and college so they are in a holding pattern a few years.

Cheers!

The VWL lobby is very small compared with WL, but it follows a similar theme and is very cozy with seating areas scattered throughout and interesting displays.

I think you'll love AP. They have wonderful steak and a wide variety of wines to choose from. WCC is also lots of fun and has lots of tasty meats.

I'd recommend taking advantage of FW next door to take a nice walk on one of the trails from WL to FW or rent some bikes and bike over. Once there, I'd recommend the Archery Experience and horseback riding.

In the WL lobby and floors above, there are lots of cozy places to snuggle up and relax, read a book, people watch, etc... The Lodge Tour is free and very interesting.

I hope you have a great first stay at WL!

Does anyone remember the last refurb? Did they work from the top down or from the bottom up, as far as floors go? I'll be there in May and I do remember the inconvenience of having the bottom floor closed off when they did the last one - I just can't remember if that was at the beginning or end. I prefer to get indoors as soon as possible when getting off the boat . . . .

Sorry - I don't have an answer and neither did the CL manager when I asked him back in August. If I do find out, I'll be sure and post it here. Have a great May stay at WL!

 

[pas130]

NLD Fantastic pics!

KOOK Hello my friend

I'm pretty sure the trip will end up either WL or Poly so I am happy!

Looking like we are still WL right???

LOL No, we didn't move ....I was playing around with my countdown and for several days had the Poly ...above it said, "This doesn't look like the WL". Then I changed it to a plain
one...the ticker is the only thing I can change!!

You can change any of it birthday girl

It would seem if they stay on target with the projected finish date all will be done by November.............WL is still being considered for RC B-Day trip? DH would be quite happy I am sure to book there.

Grand gathering, I know they don't officially do those....but still

 

[MMrules]

11 more days!!!
11 more days!!!!
c'mon chant with me....
11 more days!!!

sorry I just can't wait much longer!!!!

OH and go Patriots!!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

KOOK Hello my friend

Miss you! But, I do lurk on the RC thread. That's quite the operation you have going on over there. I have some resort changing that I really need to address, but I've been avoiding. I better make a pit stop over at your thread soon

11 more days!!!
11 more days!!!!
c'mon chant with me....
11 more days!!!

sorry I just can't wait much longer!!!!

OH and go Patriots!!!!

I'll chant with you MMrules

JUST TEN MORE DAYS TOMORROW!!!!! Maybe you can find out what floor the rehab will start on? Or are you only staying at BWI?

 

[NC State]

I'm the same way...2 more days...and today has been the longest day ever!

 

[mickeynut1]

Some more detail on the referb. Thanks to WDWKOOK for giving some direction on what to google.

Taken from:
ftp://ftp.thorcon.net/FL/Wilderness Lodge/Overall Project Scope of Work.xlsx

Great information....thanks for posting .

Hi all,

We're back from our first WL stay, and loved it. Said this already, but THANKS AGAIN to Kook and all the posters here for so much info!

My only other Disney resort experiences are POR and AKL. Hard to say whether AKL or WL is the favorite. The boat to MK was soooo wonderful, as was the beach... and that view in the courtyard! Wow.

Glad you had a great stay. I know what you mean about WL and AKL. We do love being in close proximity to MK, but other than that, it is hard to decide which is the favorite of the two because they are both awesome resorts and each is great in their own way. Thanks for sharing .

Knock, knock...

New to your thread - thought we would come in for a while! We are flying in Sunday March 4 leaving Sunday March 11 and staying at the Wilderness Villas. This is our first time at WL, but we've wanted to stay here for years (we've been a long time neighbor at the Poly next door). Resort always looks beautiful and inviting so we are real excited about our trip next month!

Couple of questions - sure they've been answered, just skimmed through the entire thread;

- Do the villas give the same home style feel the lodge room & lobby area seem to have?
- We have reservations at Artist Point; opinions? We like our wine & steak!
- Any overlooked, must-do's a newbie might miss?

Its just the two of us this time, kids in HS and college so they are in a holding pattern a few years.

Cheers!

Congrats on your upcoming WL stay. We've stayed at the WL twice and the Poly once and we love them both for different reasons. I hope you love the WL as much as you do the Poly because the WL is a great resort . Regarding your question about Artist Point.....we LOVE it!!!! The salmon and filet are awesome . The atmosphere is very nice and the food just fabulous.....we can't wait to go back.

11 more days!!!
11 more days!!!!
c'mon chant with me....
11 more days!!!

sorry I just can't wait much longer!!!!

OH and go Patriots!!!!

How exciting.....have a great trip .

I have some resort changing that I really need to address, but I've been avoiding. I better make a pit stop over at your thread soon

Maybe you can find out what floor the rehab will start on?

Hi Kook . What changes are you making? There are too many great resort choices which makes it so hard to choose .

I would love someone to find out where the rehab is going to start. I am hoping to book for New Years and the WL is in the running with 2 other resorts and it would be great to have a chance at a refurbed room .

I'm the same way...2 more days...and today has been the longest day ever!

Have a great trip .

 

[MMrules]

Miss you! But, I do lurk on the RC thread. That's quite the operation you have going on over there. I have some resort changing that I really need to address, but I've been avoiding. I better make a pit stop over at your thread soon



I'll chant with you MMrules

JUST TEN MORE DAYS TOMORROW!!!!! Maybe you can find out what floor the rehab will start on? Or are you only staying at BWI?

Yay! We are going at the same time!! Just did my online checkin!!!
We are spending 2 nights at the WL and then going over to BWV. We have DVC and gave 2 other studios to my in-laws to celebrate my niece's upcoming HS graduation. The WL is just me, my husband and boys. I had the pleasure of a solo trip there last year for a weekend and desperately want my family to fall in love with WL like I did . So we get a couple of days of our family time before we become a grand gathering of 14!
I will try to find out about renovations....

 

[RedfromNL]

Well, I'm back

Thanks all who posted tips here for the Wilderness Lodge was absolutely great! We loved the whole feel of the resort, the pool with the hot tubs, the wood everywhere. The rocking chairs could do with some pillows though

We were there for a whole twelve days and loved every minute of it.

We had a standard room but still had a decent view with some trees in front, we could even see some of the fire-works from the balcony just over the treetops. Funny, you first see the lights and the boom follows a few seconds later.

The rooms didn't feel dark to me at all, some had metioned the rooms being a bit dark. They just felt comfy and cosy to me. Mousekeeping was great too. Good service, loads of towel-critters, plenty of everything always available.

When we get back in a few years time (oh please yes) we will very likely go back to the Lodge. We did go to many other resorts for meals or drinks or shopping but we just felt the Lodge to be most right for us.

Now I have to get used to the very cold weather here, it's freezing outside!

We were very lucky with the wonderfull weather, well until we tried to go home that is: airport closed due to snow Trip took 8 hours extra, mostly waiting and waiting, bleeeech

 

[pas130]

Miss you! But, I do lurk on the RC thread. That's quite the operation you have going on over there. I have some resort changing that I really need to address, but I've been avoiding. I better make a pit stop over at your thread soon

Our thread.....I'll be waiting...

 

[RobinHoodGirl]

This is more a "Put my fears to rest" question-type-thing:

While not booked yet (I keep bugging the boyfriend about this but we just need to sit, confirm everything we want IS what we we want) we do know our dates. With the referb would we have any issues getting a room in mid-November? Some of our trip will over-lap "Jersey Week"...

 

[my2disneyboys]

Just back from an amazing stay at the Wilderness Lodge. We only stayed 2 nights before our Disney Cruise (which wasnt very nice ) but our stay at the Wildernes Lodge and our time at Disney MADE our whole week! I have some great pictures to share. I took so many but it was so pretty, i couldnt stop! I woke up early and walked around and got some great pictures of the sunrise. What a relaxing and amazing place! My family enjoyed the jacuzzi after our day at the Magic Kingdom and going out to the beach to see the Electric Water Pageant. We loved having Roaring forks just downstairs (not needing to leave the building to get our morning coffee) I loved sitting by the fire having my coffee in the morning. My kids loved the Gift Shop, The Pool and Slide and the Boat to MK! Our Woods View room had a view of the castle at night. We would fall asleep to the castle changing colors all night. It was magical! We are planning on staying here for our 10th year anniversary next year!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi Kook . What changes are you making? There are too many great resort choices which makes it so hard to choose .

Hey, mickeynut1! Well, I just re-booked Spring Break, LOL. DH thinks that the dates will work after all so he encouraged me to re-book. I was amazed I could get the exact same dates, room and military discount as I had previously booked back in November.

The other change will be to our summer anniversary trip and you already know what my "issues" are with that. I've even removed the rotating ticker because it was getting on my nerves since I knew I am changing it. Will you join me on the Resort Changers' thread sometime

Well, I'm back

Thanks all who posted tips here for the Wilderness Lodge was absolutely great! We loved the whole feel of the resort, the pool with the hot tubs, the wood everywhere. The rocking chairs could do with some pillows though

We were there for a whole twelve days and loved every minute of it.

We had a standard room but still had a decent view with some trees in front, we could even see some of the fire-works from the balcony just over the treetops. Funny, you first see the lights and the boom follows a few seconds later.

The rooms didn't feel dark to me at all, some had metioned the rooms being a bit dark. They just felt comfy and cosy to me. Mousekeeping was great too. Good service, loads of towel-critters, plenty of everything always available.

When we get back in a few years time (oh please yes) we will very likely go back to the Lodge. We did go to many other resorts for meals or drinks or shopping but we just felt the Lodge to be most right for us.

Now I have to get used to the very cold weather here, it's freezing outside!

We were very lucky with the wonderfull weather, well until we tried to go home that is: airport closed due to snow Trip took 8 hours extra, mostly waiting and waiting, bleeeech

While your trip home sounds grueling, your stay at WL sounded wonderful. I've never felt the rooms were dark either. Though I will say that those darn CFL bulbs do take a loooong time to warm-up and don't provide much light near the bathroom mirror, but this is the case at the Poly and AKL, too.

Will you be posting some photos?

Our thread.....I'll be waiting...

You always say just the right thing - I'll be over in two shakes of Tigger's tail

This is more a "Put my fears to rest" question-type-thing:

While not booked yet (I keep bugging the boyfriend about this but we just need to sit, confirm everything we want IS what we we want) we do know our dates. With the referb would we have any issues getting a room in mid-November? Some of our trip will over-lap "Jersey Week"...

I don't think you should worry too much since November is a long way off. I had booked WL for this spring break back in November and had to cancel due to a conflict and then just today, I was able to re-book 58 days out. You can always book now and if it's a room-only booking, you have up to 5 days prior to arrival to cancel and receive a full refund or up to 45 days for a package

Just back from an amazing stay at the Wilderness Lodge. We only stayed 2 nights before our Disney Cruise (which wasnt very nice ) but our stay at the Wildernes Lodge and our time at Disney MADE our whole week! I have some great pictures to share. I took so many but it was so pretty, i couldnt stop! I woke up early and walked around and got some great pictures of the sunrise. What a relaxing and amazing place! My family enjoyed the jacuzzi after our day at the Magic Kingdom and going out to the beach to see the Electric Water Pageant. We loved having Roaring forks just downstairs (not needing to leave the building to get our morning coffee) I loved sitting by the fire having my coffee in the morning. My kids loved the Gift Shop, The Pool and Slide and the Boat to MK! Our Woods View room had a view of the castle at night. We would fall asleep to the castle changing colors all night. It was magical! We are planning on staying here for our 10th year anniversary next year!

Isn't it just wonderful sitting by the fireplaces? I hope you get to book it for your anniversary

Looking forward to your photos!

 

[TheIncredibles]

Thanks Mickeynut1 & WDWKOOK for the insight.

We knew about the Fort Wilderness walk, but might try the bike ride instead. And archery...really? That sounds pretty cool. Speaking of Fort Wilderness, do they still have the outdoor movie?

You would think a full week would give plenty of extra time for the many activities around the World, but it never does, at least not for us!

 

[mickeynut1]

The WL is just me, my husband and boys. I had the pleasure of a solo trip there last year for a weekend and desperately want my family to fall in love with WL like I did . So we get a couple of days of our family time before we become a grand gathering of 14!
I will try to find out about renovations....

I'm sure they'll love it just as much as you do . Have a great trip and enjoy your grand gathering .

Our thread.....I'll be waiting...

I may just have to wander on over to the RC thread as I am terrible with booking early and thinking too much about our trips .

This is more a "Put my fears to rest" question-type-thing:

While not booked yet (I keep bugging the boyfriend about this but we just need to sit, confirm everything we want IS what we we want) we do know our dates. With the referb would we have any issues getting a room in mid-November? Some of our trip will over-lap "Jersey Week"...

As WDWKOOK said, I don't think you have too much to worry about with November being some time away. Happy planning .

Just back from an amazing stay at the Wilderness Lodge. We only stayed 2 nights before our Disney Cruise (which wasnt very nice ) but our stay at the Wildernes Lodge and our time at Disney MADE our whole week! I have some great pictures to share. I took so many but it was so pretty, i couldnt stop! I woke up early and walked around and got some great pictures of the sunrise. What a relaxing and amazing place! My family enjoyed the jacuzzi after our day at the Magic Kingdom and going out to the beach to see the Electric Water Pageant. We loved having Roaring forks just downstairs (not needing to leave the building to get our morning coffee) I loved sitting by the fire having my coffee in the morning. My kids loved the Gift Shop, The Pool and Slide and the Boat to MK! Our Woods View room had a view of the castle at night. We would fall asleep to the castle changing colors all night. It was magical! We are planning on staying here for our 10th year anniversary next year!

The WL is an amazing place . Glad you had a nice stay and I hope you are able to go back for your anniversary next year .

Hey, mickeynut1! Well, I just re-booked Spring Break, LOL. DH thinks that the dates will work after all so he encouraged me to re-book. I was amazed I could get the exact same dates, room and military discount as I had previously booked back in November.

The other change will be to our summer anniversary trip and you already know what my "issues" are with that. I've even removed the rotating ticker because it was getting on my nerves since I knew I am changing it. Will you join me on the Resort Changers' thread sometime

Yay for you going back for spring break . Funny how things work out and you were able to get exactly what you booked before . Are you still toying with your summer anniversary trip? I know just how you feel.....it's not easy making those decisions. I can't decide where to book for a (possible) New Years trip so I asked DH today if we should go with something tried and true (WL or Poly) or try something different (BWI). He said he wouldn't mind trying a new resort...and wouldn't you know, out of the deluxes we haven't stayed at (YC, BWI, & CR), he chose CR . I have always wanted to stay at the CR for maybe a night or two, but not sure I want it for a week . So.....along with your decisions about your anniversary trip, I am in unchartered territory with considering the CR . I guess I should head over to the CR FAQ and start reading up on things there....and then head to the RC thread because I'm sure if I do book it, it will get changed more times than I can count .

Thanks Mickeynut1 & WDWKOOK for the insight.

We knew about the Fort Wilderness walk, but might try the bike ride instead. And archery...really? That sounds pretty cool. Speaking of Fort Wilderness, do they still have the outdoor movie?

You would think a full week would give plenty of extra time for the many activities around the World, but it never does, at least not for us!

You're welcome . I agree completely about there not being enough time to do alot of extras while at the World. Our time always goes by way too fast and it's very sad going home .

 

[NC State]

One more sleep...I don't think I can tonight!