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

[Derek&Ashley]

My family and I have a 2 bedroom villa booked at WLV in September. This will be our first time staying here and we are really excited. I was just curious if anyone knows where the 2 bedroom villas are located? Are they on certain floors or can they be anywhere? TIA.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Hope to book a WLV studio at the 7 month mark!!! So excited to get back!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hopefully someone can answer a question for me. I've stayed at the WL before with my family. I am going on a girls getaway in December with my sister, SIL, and possibly my mom. We want to try to stay in one room but want to avoid sharing beds as much as possible. Are the bunk beds sturdy enough for adults? We aren't overly large people, ranging from 125-140 lbs, none of us over 5'2".

I originally planned on staying at the poly so that we can have access to a day bed, but may think about switching to WL to save a few dollars.

Thanks

There is also the option of a Deluxe room. It's considered a Club Level room, but they are located only on floors 1-6. It has two queen beds and a sitting room with a sleeper sofa and two balconies.

My family and I have a 2 bedroom villa booked at WLV in September. This will be our first time staying here and we are really excited. I was just curious if anyone knows where the 2 bedroom villas are located? Are they on certain floors or can they be anywhere? TIA.

I'm sorry I don't know where they're located. I think they must be scattered throughout the resort? Here are the view options, according to Disney:

Two-Bedroom Villa offers view of of the pool, woodlands, courtyard or Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort hotel

Hope to book a WLV studio at the 7 month mark!!! So excited to get back!

I hope your wish comes true

 

[WDWKOOK]

From the latest AllEars Newsletter:




... from Steve Maslin: The Wilderness Lodge is not currently doing the Flag Family. A Cast Member reports that it will be sometime in April when they resume it. There is some sort of construction on the roof area where the flagpoles are and there are scrims up.

 

[yaksack]

Suubscribing

 

[PamelaKay]

Your mentioning all the great WL CL CMs brought such a smile to my face, PamelaKay. I just have to add the most wonderful CL manager, Randy, to that list. He is a true professional in every sense of the word. He genuinely cares about each guest's CL experience and wants it to be a memorable one.

How exciting that you booked a BB! Isn't it great leaving WDW knowing when you'll return? You MUST get a ticker and start planning some ADRs to hold you over until your trip


I was remiss in not mentioning Randy. You are right he is awesome. The first time we spoke was June 2011 and I discovered that prior to his Disney career, he was the manager that opened a boutique hotel in San Francisco that I like to visit. On this past visit, I commented on how much I like the bear wine bottle holders. He was quick to share that many have asked about them and that he ordered them from Amazon. Such great customer service from all of the staff at the Old Faithful Club.

I have to find a good ticker. So far the WL ones I have seen are not as spectacular as I would like. According to the WDW site, I have 226 days until my return trip. I have already started my spreadsheet for ADR planning. The magic day is April 29. I will be on the phone or emailing the IPO a couple of days before that.

I have read a few posts that folks question if Club Level is a good value. I think this really depends on your circumstances and how you and your family enjoy Disney. I go 2-3 times a year so I feel no need to Kamikaze my way through the parks every day. I may be at a park when it opens for 2 hours and then go back to the resort for relaxation. Like others have mentioned, I love to sit next to the balcony overlooking the majestic lobby.

I find the food offerings in the Old Faithful Club to be way more than enough for dinner. I can't remember every night but a few of the nights were Pulled Pork and buns for sandwiches, beef stew, buffalo chili, salmon chowder. In addition to that, they had cheese, crackers, dips, fresh sourdough bread, usually a cold salad of some type, PB&J shooters (love those).

I think the biggest improvement WDW has made in the last 5 years was to finally offer free wireless. I spent one afternoon with a snack, soda and my laptop, catching up with friends while watching the comings and goings at the WL. I also enjoy sitting out at the pool prior to 1:00 p.m. It is so peaceful to listen to the Nature sounds and waterfall.

Can't wait to see what the renovated rooms will look like. Does anyone have any idea what all they are doing? Happy to answer any questions I can about club level. Happy Disney Planning to you all.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I was remiss in not mentioning Randy. You are right he is awesome. The first time we spoke was June 2011 and I discovered that prior to his Disney career, he was the manager that opened a boutique hotel in San Francisco that I like to visit. On this past visit, I commented on how much I like the bear wine bottle holders. He was quick to share that many have asked about them and that he ordered them from Amazon. Such great customer service from all of the staff at the Old Faithful Club.

I have to find a good ticker. So far the WL ones I have seen are not as spectacular as I would like. According to the WDW site, I have 226 days until my return trip. I have already started my spreadsheet for ADR planning. The magic day is April 29. I will be on the phone or emailing the IPO a couple of days before that.

I have read a few posts that folks question if Club Level is a good value. I think this really depends on your circumstances and how you and your family enjoy Disney. I go 2-3 times a year so I feel no need to Kamikaze my way through the parks every day. I may be at a park when it opens for 2 hours and then go back to the resort for relaxation. Like others have mentioned, I love to sit next to the balcony overlooking the majestic lobby.

I find the food offerings in the Old Faithful Club to be way more than enough for dinner. I can't remember every night but a few of the nights were Pulled Pork and buns for sandwiches, beef stew, buffalo chili, salmon chowder. In addition to that, they had cheese, crackers, dips, fresh sourdough bread, usually a cold salad of some type, PB&J shooters (love those).

I think the biggest improvement WDW has made in the last 5 years was to finally offer free wireless. I spent one afternoon with a snack, soda and my laptop, catching up with friends while watching the comings and goings at the WL. I also enjoy sitting out at the pool prior to 1:00 p.m. It is so peaceful to listen to the Nature sounds and waterfall.

Can't wait to see what the renovated rooms will look like. Does anyone have any idea what all they are doing? Happy to answer any questions I can about club level. Happy Disney Planning to you all.

According to Randy in August, each room will have new carpeting, lighting and the bathroom fixtures and vanity area will be all new. I believe he also mentioned the draperies. I don't recall him mentioning the furniture. I know that many would love the addition of a daybed like the CR/Poly, etc... but I just don't think there's enough room for one. When I'm there next month, I'm going to ask him again. He had seen the model room and said it was gorgeous.

We also like to take an afternoon/evening break in the lounge and love having another resort-based "escape" option. It's like a retreat up there and always calms and relaxes us at both the start and end of our day. It's so roomy and neat and clean and they treat you like family - it's definitely "worth it" for us and it sounds like for you, too. My DH would say it's worth it for the cobbler (and beer) alone!

Happy planning!

 

[bluecastle]

Actually, there are speakers in the bushes. I've noticed some between the WL and VWL entrances near the bus stop. They even have some that play cricket noises and chirping. I love hearing it when I come out of the WL early in the morning to go over to the Sturdy Branches. I believe they're near the pool areas, too.

I forgot that you aren't staying CL. Only CL guests with reservations have access to the IPO and CL concierge upon arrival. But, there is a WL concierge in the lobby who can assist you with questions, tickets, problems, transportation, etc...

Thanks WDWKOOK! I had forgotten about the crickets. Even more to look forward to! Our last trip was during the holidays and the music loop was all holiday music instead of their usual. That's also one of the things I am looking forward to hearing again. (even though my DH, who is a musician, gets kind of tired of hearing Billy the Kid after a week-me, never!) Speaking of my DH, he was surprised when I said I wanted to stay at WL again when I first planned this trip to ease the pain of turning 60 (yikes), but now that we are in a villa, I think he is more excited. I had considered doing an Epcot resort, but as much as I love Epcot, I just can't bring myself to be too far away from "my" castle.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks WDWKOOK! I had forgotten about the crickets. Even more to look forward to! Our last trip was during the holidays and the music loop was all holiday music instead of their usual. That's also one of the things I am looking forward to hearing again. (even though my DH, who is a musician, gets kind of tired of hearing Billy the Kid after a week-me, never!) Speaking of my DH, he was surprised when I said I wanted to stay at WL again when I first planned this trip to ease the pain of turning 60 (yikes), but now that we are in a villa, I think he is more excited. I had considered doing an Epcot resort, but as much as I love Epcot, I just can't bring myself to be too far away from "my" castle.

What a great way to celebrate your birthday! where are you going to eat on your birthday? Artist Point? WCC? CA Grill?

I know JUST what you mean about straying too far from the MK. The MK reminds me most of Walt and I just love staying in the MK resorts area because I feel more connected to the main theme of WDW and to Walt. We love Epcot, and go there almost daily. In fact, we're doing an Epcot split for spring break. But, even though we'll only be at BWI for 3 nights, it seems like a long time to be away from the MK area. Have you considered a split-stay? I'll report here live on how I felt being in an Epcot resort. Maybe that will help you make your decision

 

[bluecastle]

[quote="WDWKOOK, post: 44322724"]What a great way to celebrate your birthday! where are you going to eat on your birthday? Artist Point? WCC? CA Grill?

I know JUST what you mean about straying too far from the MK. The MK reminds me most of Walt and I just love staying in the MK resorts area because I feel more connected to the main theme of WDW and to Walt. We love Epcot, and go there almost daily. In fact, we're doing an Epcot split for spring break. But, even though we'll only be at BWI for 3 nights, it seems like a long time to be away from the MK area. Have you considered a split-stay? I'll report here live on how I felt being in an Epcot resort. Maybe that will help you make your decision:confused3[/QUOTE]

My actual birthday (as well as our 30th anniversary!) is in the spring, but the only time we could all go together was the summer. My DD and her BF are going with us as well. It will be the 2nd time we are taking someone who has only gone once before and hasn't done WDW "our way." We took my daughter's oldest friend the year they turned 16 and she still talks about that trip. We haven't been commando guests for years, but we do tour very purposefully and I always have back-up plans in my head when we encounter long waits are larger than expected crowd levels.
I have entertained the idea of a split stay, but one of my favorite feelings at WDW is the one I get after I have completely unpacked, set up everything where and how I want it, knowing that I don't even have to look at a suitcase (or our car) for 8 more days! Even if we end up spending more time at Epcot, we still love coming home every night to the familiar sounds, smells, and sights of the WL. (we used to feel this way about the Polynesian too-but their prices are just not worth what you get anymore, IMHO)
Since we are going a bit beyond our usual WDW budget, we are not going to eat at too many expensive restaurants. Via Napoli will probably be my birthday dinner and Yachtsman Steakhouse will be for our 30th. I have left the last night open for now in case we decide we just have to go to Tutto Italia or CA Grill or someplace new!

 

[bluecastle]

And I forgot to mention that we are trying Artist Point for the first time this trip!

 

[TheIncredibles]

And I forgot to mention that we are trying Artist Point for the first time this trip!

Returned Sunday night from our first trip to WL - great time as expected! Wilderness Lodge newbies won't be disappointed.

We enjoyed Artist Point, be prepared for Washington/Oregon wines only if you're into that sort of thing. They are good, and the staff is able to help; I just know California wines so I was on my heels. 13 year Disney veteran Donald was our server and passionate about his job and Disney, which I like a lot.

We had the sirloins which were fine, but not stellar. I believe the house specialities are seafood, and I'm finicky about those dishes. They looked great though (served on cedar planks). The cobbler desert was outstanding! Came with Blackberry ice cream! The check-in desk was able to get us a fine window seat - our reservations were at 6pm. That, and the week before spring break(s) week probably helped. I give a thumbs up - enjoy!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Returned Sunday night from our first trip to WL - great time as expected! Wilderness Lodge newbies won't be disappointed.

We enjoyed Artist Point, be prepared for Washington/Oregon wines only if you're into that sort of thing. They are good, and the staff is able to help; I just know California wines so I was on my heels. 13 year Disney veteran Donald was our server and passionate about his job and Disney, which I like a lot.

We had the sirloins which were fine, but not stellar. I believe the house specialities are seafood, and I'm finicky about those dishes. They looked great though (served on cedar planks). The cobbler desert was outstanding! Came with Blackberry ice cream! The check-in desk was able to get us a fine window seat - our reservations were at 6pm. That, and the week before spring break(s) week probably helped. I give a thumbs up - enjoy!

Thank you for posting about your first stay at WL. You sure do have a lot of Poly under your belt - where might you stay on your next visit? Would you return to WL or do you prefer the Poly?

Looking forward to the blackberry ice cream soon

 

[bluecastle]

Returned Sunday night from our first trip to WL - great time as expected! Wilderness Lodge newbies won't be disappointed.

We enjoyed Artist Point, be prepared for Washington/Oregon wines only if you're into that sort of thing. They are good, and the staff is able to help; I just know California wines so I was on my heels. 13 year Disney veteran Donald was our server and passionate about his job and Disney, which I like a lot.

We had the sirloins which were fine, but not stellar. I believe the house specialities are seafood, and I'm finicky about those dishes. They looked great though (served on cedar planks). The cobbler desert was outstanding! Came with Blackberry ice cream! The check-in desk was able to get us a fine window seat - our reservations were at 6pm. That, and the week before spring break(s) week probably helped. I give a thumbs up - enjoy!

Thanks for the info TheIncredibles! Except for when we eat Italian food, we tend more towards beer than wine-even in "fine dining" restaurants. (I don't like taking chances on a wine headache-especially on vacation!)
What did you think of the villas? I am looking forward to having more space and places to put my stuff. Thanks again for the dining tips. My DD and I study menus for months before we go and often have our dinners ordered in our heads before we even open a menu! I am thinking of having the cedarplank salmon and maybe the portabella soup. (I think this was the place with that soup-I read so many dining reviews I am lost without my notes!)

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Hello Wilderness Lodge Lovers! I am a long time lurker and always keep up on this thread. Love to see what's going on at my home away from home. We have been going to the Lodge since our honeymoon and are hooked. We usually try to get there a couple times a year. We've made many friends over the years and it's like coming home to family when we stay.

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for making this such a wonderful thread.

Also, a huge thank you to WDWKOOK to all the hard work you do in keeping this up! You have done a fantastic job and there is so much more information now that we have had in the past!

I have been reading your posts lately and I think I can help with some of the questions, so I decided to come out of hiding, lol.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Here is the latest information I received today from the WL IPO (Itinerary Planning Office - for Club Level):

The renovations at the Wilderness Lodge will begin on April 15th to May 4th and the entire North Floor (including the suites on the north side) will be closed during this time. The South Wing will be closed for renovations from July 7th to July 27th, including the Presidential Suite and Honeymoon Suites on the south side.
This is all the information I have at this time.

I was just having lunch with the hubby and told him about your post and he said to me, "don't you remember what Randy said?" We were there a few weeks ago and I forgot that we were talking with Randy about the renovations.

Randy said that the info he has was that they would start with the North Wing, 7th floor and work their way down the floors of the North Wing first. Then they will continue to the South Wing, 7th floor and work their way down the South Wing. According to your dates, that makes sense as to they they are so spread out. Also, makes sense being the workers will not have to move their equipment from side to side. Hope I'm making sense. So hopefully, by the end of July the Club Level will be completed.

We also heard that they are replacing all the carpeting on the floor. And that there was going to be some "special" carpet near the "check in" area by the elevators.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

I also have a map of the villas with room numbers!! I'm not sure how to post it though. It would make a great addition to the first page.

I think this will give you all an idea of where the rooms are. It's color coded and has whether they are studio, 1 or 2 bedroom and the lock offs, dedicated studios and 2 bedrooms. It also shows the views.

It may help with anyone staying at the villas in their requests.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hello Wilderness Lodge Lovers! I am a long time lurker and always keep up on this thread. Love to see what's going on at my home away from home. We have been going to the Lodge since our honeymoon and are hooked. We usually try to get there a couple times a year. We've made many friends over the years and it's like coming home to family when we stay.

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for making this such a wonderful thread.

Also, a huge thank you to WDWKOOK to all the hard work you do in keeping this up! You have done a fantastic job and there is so much more information now that we have had in the past!

I have been reading your posts lately and I think I can help with some of the questions, so I decided to come out of hiding, lol.

Thanks so much for your kind words, TheLodgeLady! We're thrilled you've come out of lurkdom and have joined us in extolling the virtues of our favorite Lodge. I would love all the help I can get in answering questions - thank you

I was just having lunch with the hubby and told him about your post and he said to me, "don't you remember what Randy said?" We were there a few weeks ago and I forgot that we were talking with Randy about the renovations.

Randy said that the info he has was that they would start with the North Wing, 7th floor and work their way down the floors of the North Wing first. Then they will continue to the South Wing, 7th floor and work their way down the South Wing. According to your dates, that makes sense as to they they are so spread out. Also, makes sense being the workers will not have to move their equipment from side to side. Hope I'm making sense. So hopefully, by the end of July the Club Level will be completed.

We also heard that they are replacing all the carpeting on the floor. And that there was going to be some "special" carpet near the "check in" area by the elevators.

Thank you for posting that information. This explains the two month gap between the start of the CL's North Wing and the start of the South Wing. I'm not sure how they can get the entire North Wing, floors 1-6 done in less than 3 months, especially since there are more rooms on floors 1-6 than the 7th. Poor Randy, I'm going to have so many questions for him

 

[WDWKOOK]

I also have a map of the villas with room numbers!! I'm not sure how to post it though. It would make a great addition to the first page.

I think this will give you all an idea of where the rooms are. It's color coded and has whether they are studio, 1 or 2 bedroom and the lock offs, dedicated studios and 2 bedrooms. It also shows the views.

It may help with anyone staying at the villas in their requests.

That would be great. Is it scanned or on paper? It would need to either be scanned into your computer (as an image file/jpg) or you could take a photo of it and PM it to me. Or you could upload it to a photosharing site, such as PhotoBucket. Then you just post the IMG code here and then I can copy it and put it on the first page with credit to you.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Thanks so much for your kind words, TheLodgeLady! We're thrilled you've come out of lurkdom and have joined us in extolling the virtues of our favorite Lodge. I would love all the help I can get in answering questions - thank you



Thank you for posting that information. This explains the two month gap between the start of the CL's North Wing and the start of the South Wing. I'm not sure how they can get the entire North Wing, floors 1-6 done in less than 3 months, especially since there are more rooms on floors 1-6 than the 7th. Poor Randy, I'm going to have so many questions for him

Yes, 3 months does sound like such a short time for 1-6. I wonder if they mean just the front part of the lodge under the club level.

You'll have to be gentle with Randy, lol