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

[WDWKOOK]

The WL did not impose a fee when we had Garden Grocer deliver.

Thank you for posting that information.

Anyone ever use an air mattress in one of the standard rooms? I travel with my mom and my son, and I really don't want to be sleeping with either of them.

I'm sure the feeling is mutual. Have you thought about getting bunk beds? I think they might actually be more comfortable than an air mattress since there isn't much floor space in the room for one without tripping over it.

We typically stay over in the Yacht/Beach Club area. Last minute decision to spend our 25th anniversary in Disney has lead us to Wilderness Lodge Club level. Is it similar to BC/YC? Anything I should know about the resort? We'll be staying there for 3 nights at the end of the month.

to the DIS and the WL thread, Mary Beth in NJ!


Congratulations on celebrating 25 years! We'll be celebrating ours this summer. I think you've picked a great resort for your anniversary. The Old Faithful Club has a wonderful staff who do a fantastic job of keeping the lounge area very neat and tidy and the food is always replenished quickly and it's all delicious.

I've stayed at the Regatta Club, but I absolutely love and prefer the Old Faithful Club. Here are the main differences:

~WL CL has a MUCH larger lounge area than YC. The lounge area wraps around, in a U-shape, the entire lobby below. I've never had trouble getting a seat at WL, but I have at the YC. The view down to the lobby is gorgeous and so is the view out to the courtyard/Bay Lake/Geyser.


~The WL is very cozy and the theming and lobby are amazing. The rooms are smaller than YC/BC, but I've never found this to be a problem. The bathrooms have double sinks and the shower/toilet area is separate. Every room has a balcony with plenty of drawer and closet space.

~YC does have sliced hard boiled eggs in the morning, which I loved and WL doesn't. But, every evening at dessert time, they serve a cobbler which is so yummy.

~There are many transportation options at WL: Boat to MK, boat to FW and CR. From the CR you can walk to the MK or take the monorail to the TTC to Epcot. You can walk to FW on several beautiful trails and there is even a non-stop bus to MK which is often faster than the boat.

~There are two TS restaurants and one quick serve at WL. Plus, the monorail resorts are only a boat ride away and FW also has places to eat.

~The health club does have massages and I prefer it over Ship Shape because it doesn't share with another resort and is less crowded.

~I think WL is much more romantic and would be perfect for your anniversary. In fact, writing this is convincing me that I need to make some changes to our summer trip.

Let us know if you have anymore questions. Oh, if you do book, you can make one of three room location requests: Inner Courtyard, which is of the WL courtyard and Bay Lake and you can see the nightly EWP. Woods, which face toward the MK and CR and you can see some of Wishes and VWL Courtyard facing toward the Villas.

 

[WDWKOOK]

When do the decorations come down usually at WL? Our dates are changing a bit and now it looks like we might be there starting Jan 3 or 4 next year.

Usually, the decorations start coming down by January 3. You'd be cutting it awfully close

 

[Mary Beth in NJ]

to the DIS and the WL thread, Mary Beth in NJ!


Congratulations on celebrating 25 years! We'll be celebrating ours this summer. I think you've picked a great resort for your anniversary. The Old Faithful Club has a wonderful staff who do a fantastic job of keeping the lounge area very neat and tidy and the food is always replenished quickly and it's all delicious.

I've stayed at the Regatta Club, but I absolutely love and prefer the Old Faithful Club. Here are the main differences:

~WL CL has a MUCH larger lounge area than YC. The lounge area wraps around, in a U-shape, the entire lobby below. I've never had trouble getting a seat at WL, but I have at the YC. The view down to the lobby is gorgeous and so is the view out to the courtyard/Bay Lake/Geyser. Good, because that was definitely a problem at BC in January.


~There are many transportation options at WL: Boat to MK, boat to FW and CR. From the CR you can walk to the MK or take the monorail to the TTC to Epcot. You can walk to FW on several beautiful trails and there is even a non-stop bus to MK which is often faster than the boat.We've got our car, DD works for Disney and has hers as well, so I'm not worried about getting around.

~There are two TS restaurants and one quick serve at WL. Plus, the monorail resorts are only a boat ride away and FW also has places to eat.The only definite for us is Narccoossee's at the Grand Floridian - I hope I can get a reservation this late.

Let us know if you have anymore questions. Oh, if you do book, you can make one of three room location requests: Inner Courtyard, which is of the WL courtyard and Bay Lake and you can see the nightly EWP. Woods, which face toward the MK and CR and you can see some of Wishes and VWL Courtyard facing toward the Villas.[/QUOTE] I've booked already, so now it's just a matter of seeing what other reservations I want. Views are typically not something I request, I take what they give me. In January, we were upgraded to a Jr. Suite at the BC.

Hubby and DD are heading to Clearwater at least one of the days - to watch a Phillies game. Me, I just love the parks and being there alone is a treat!

 

[nyrebecca]

Have you thought about getting bunk beds? I think they might actually be more comfortable than an air mattress since there isn't much floor space in the room for one without tripping over it.

We have a standard club level room..do they come with bunk beds at all?

 

[WDWKOOK]

We have a standard club level room..do they come with bunk beds at all?

Yes, that is an option that can be requested when staying CL. Just add the request to your reservation and then inquire again when you check-in.

 

[NCjenn]

I just booked our week at WL! We'll be there the first week in October
I noticed in another thread someone mentioned WL being refurbished this year. Can someone fill me in? Is this something I need to check on for our stay. I'd rather not be there with a bunch of construction going on.
Thanks!

 

[WLSILVERCREEKSPRINGS]

I wouldn't worry about this, we were there the last time they were doing a refurb, I believe it was 2006, and they do it in sections so there is minimal evidence that anything is going on

 

[woolfman72]

Just wanted to thank everyone for all the info in this thread. My family (Wife,Son and neice) Will be staying at the WL 3/19-3/22 , Which is our first time staying at this resort. Hopefully we wont regret heading down during spring break.

It has been a few years since we have been to Disney and i was curious if anyone could suggest a few ideas to surprise my wife , Her birthday is the 23rd . Although we will be leaving one day before her birthday , I just thought it might be a nice surprise to come up with something.


Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I just booked our week at WL! We'll be there the first week in October
I noticed in another thread someone mentioned WL being refurbished this year. Can someone fill me in? Is this something I need to check on for our stay. I'd rather not be there with a bunch of construction going on.
Thanks!

I wouldn't worry about this, we were there the last time they were doing a refurb, I believe it was 2006, and they do it in sections so there is minimal evidence that anything is going on

I wouldn't worry at all either. The rehab (which I have an update about on the first page) is supposed to start April 15 and last about one year. Since it will be completed one floor at a time, during the day, there should't be too much of a disruption to other guests. The rehab is only of the rooms, not of the lobby or other common areas. In fact, if you're there in October, NCjenn, you could even request a "new" room

Just wanted to thank everyone for all the info in this thread. My family (Wife,Son and neice) Will be staying at the WL 3/19-3/22 , Which is our first time staying at this resort. Hopefully we wont regret heading down during spring break.

It has been a few years since we have been to Disney and i was curious if anyone could suggest a few ideas to surprise my wife , Her birthday is the 23rd . Although we will be leaving one day before her birthday , I just thought it might be a nice surprise to come up with something.


Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

to the DIS and the WL thread, woolfman72!

We'll be there for spring break, too (but, before you) and I know it will be much more crowded than August when we usually go, but as long as you plan around the crowds, you'll be fine:

~Make sure you utilize Fast Pass and get there early if getting on certain rides is important to you and your family.

~Have some ADRs to ensure that you can easily get into restaurants that might otherwise be full.

~Have a resort day or two where you do resort activities at WL, FW or the monorail resorts.

~Remember that sometimes the direct bus to the MK is faster than the boat

~Make some recreational reservations at FW or one of the parks, such as tours. This ensures you can easily have planned activities without any wait.

Would your DW like Artist Point for her birthday? You could make an ADR there and surprise her with a cake. Or maybe a carriage ride through FW or the Segway tour?

 

[cburek]

woohoo, just paid off our trip for the end of April. This will be our first time trying CL and cannot wait. We love WL and have requested a room with the bunkbeds.Does anyone know if they will allow you to move to a lower floor if one is not available on the 7th while still maintain access to the club lounge? I dont necessarily care if the room is on the 7th floor as much as the bunkbeds.
With a 13yo and 5yo it makes it so much easier

 

[WDWKOOK]

woohoo, just paid off our trip for the end of April. This will be our first time trying CL and cannot wait. We love WL and have requested a room with the bunkbeds.Does anyone know if they will allow you to move to a lower floor if one is not available on the 7th while still maintain access to the club lounge? I dont necessarily care if the room is on the 7th floor as much as the bunkbeds.
With a 13yo and 5yo it makes it so much easier

Congrats on the big pay-off! You're going to love The Old Faithful Club. The lounge, CMs and manager are absolutely wonderful.

We once were upgraded to CL access at WL, and we were on the 5th floor because the 7th was full, so I know it's possible. If when you check-in, you discover that they don't have a 7th floor bunk for you, definitely ask if you can have a bunk on another floor. One advantage if you end-up on floors 2-5 (and some of 6) is that you'll have a balcony railing that you can see through when seated

 

[cburek]

Congrats on the big pay-off! You're going to love The Old Faithful Club. The lounge, CMs and manager are absolutely wonderful.

We once were upgraded to CL access at WL, and we were on the 5th floor because the 7th was full, so I know it's possible. If when you check-in, you discover that they don't have a 7th floor bunk for you, definitely ask if you can have a bunk on another floor. One advantage if you end-up on floors 2-5 (and some of 6) is that you'll have a balcony railing that you can see through when seated

Good to hear! thank you for that. This is what I was thinking also.especially with my youngest. Makes it hard for him to "see out" with those enclosed balconies.

 

[bluecastle]

I requested a top floor in the villas without thinking about the railing. I just thought, "top floor- nice view." Are the balconies the same solid kind like they are in the lodge?
Thanks!

144 days to HP, 146 to VWL

 

[bluecastle]

I read on the last page that you usually go in August. We are going the first week in August. We used to go in June right after school ended, so I still have my lists from those trips to help me remember what we need for a summer trip. I was just wondering if you had any advice or if you knew of a thread here that deals with summer touring tips. Right now our general plan is to go early, nap, pool, shower, then go back to parks for the evening. (with a sleep late, hang out at hotel day in the middle)
Thanks!

143 days to HP, 145 days to VWL

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I requested a top floor in the villas without thinking about the railing. I just thought, "top floor- nice view." Are the balconies the same solid kind like they are in the lodge?
Thanks!

144 days to HP, 146 to VWL

The Villas have the regular balcony, but not usually much of a view. Most Villas have views of Pine Trees. Even the view that face the pool see some pine trees as well.

I requested an upped floor corner studio - it was nice because we had the balcony and side window looking over the pool. The pine trees are not quite as full at that end so we could see through to the lake a bit.

I would not mind the other side that faces the walkway and buses either and a some the road going up to the resort.

Have a great trip!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I read on the last page that you usually go in August. We are going the first week in August. We used to go in June right after school ended, so I still have my lists from those trips to help me remember what we need for a summer trip. I was just wondering if you had any advice or if you knew of a thread here that deals with summer touring tips. Right now our general plan is to go early, nap, pool, shower, then go back to parks for the evening. (with a sleep late, hang out at hotel day in the middle)
Thanks!

143 days to HP, 145 days to VWL

While I'm not Kook , we went in August for many years so have lots of experience with that time of year. We planned our days just as you mentioned: out early (rope drop or morning EMH), back to the resort about noon (or when the heat and crowds got bad), a swim, rest, shower etc, then back to the parks after 5...it will still be very humid, but can be a little better heat wise once the sun goes down. You've been in June and the heat is pretty much the same; although my native Floridian friends tell me June and all of September is the worst!

Happy planning and have a wonderful trip!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hi everyone, we are staying at the WL for the 1st in May!!! We are beyond excited!!! Two things I am hoping all you WL experts can help me with.

First, so I am just hearing about construction starting in April. Seems like this isn't something I should worry about b/c its done one floor at a time right? I just don't want the atmosphere of the WL to seem disrupted b/c of the construction. So if they do one floor at a time, will the whole floor wing be closed? I wouldn't want to be in a room next to room in the process of being refurbed.

Second, we booked a standard room. Currently, I requested on my reservation a room close to lobby and elevators and room with balcony. My question is can anyone recommend a good standard room location? Basically I just want our room to be close to all the action of the resort (i.e. lobby, pool, roaring forks, transportation). If that is what I am looking for, what should a request when I call the room assigner before the trip?

Appreciate any and all advice!!!

 

[bluecastle]

Thanks Minnie&Nana for both replies! My DD and I are both light sleepers so we probably won't want to be on the side that faces the buses, but we both have sleep machines now and they help a lot. Having a kitchen will change my packing list. I want to bring my own coffee maker (and bottled water of course!) because I will be making morning coffee for the 4 of us. I know there is a coffee maker there, but I am kind of fussy when it comes to my coffee. We always drive, so that makes packing way less complicated. And now with a villa, we can pack less clothes and do a laundry if needed. I am so excited!!
Thanks again.

143 days to HP, 145 to VWL

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks Minnie&Nana for both replies! My DD and I are both light sleepers so we probably won't want to be on the side that faces the buses, but we both have sleep machines now and they help a lot. Having a kitchen will change my packing list. I want to bring my own coffee maker (and bottled water of course!) because I will be making morning coffee for the 4 of us. I know there is a coffee maker there, but I am kind of fussy when it comes to my coffee. We always drive, so that makes packing way less complicated. And now with a villa, we can pack less clothes and do a laundry if needed. I am so excited!!
Thanks again.

143 days to HP, 145 to VWL

I am so sorry!! I did not even notice it was you who asked both questions! Will you have a one or two bedroom? Either is so nice and think you'll really enjoy the space. Having a washer/dryer right in the room is fabulous - I washed my favorite khaki crops every night so I could wear them the next day...it was August and those were so comfy!

If you do have a room facing the lake, even with the trees in between, be sure to listen for the Electrical Water Pageant at ngt if back in the room - we could hear it perfectly, but not see it clearly...it was still neat. Love EWP! If you happen to get one of the rooms facing the pool it might be a better view of EWP - that would be very nice.

Glad I could help!

 

[GillieRose]

We just made are final payment.... WHOO WHOO We have woods view with bunk beds... The kids are so excited. Is there any special request we should make for the room?