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

[PamelaKay]

Hello everyone! My husband and I are bringing our nearly 2 year old down in June and have booked to stay at WL. My mom decided to throw some pixie dust our way early and purchased our airfare for us! So now that we have a little extra in the budget, we were considering staying Club Level June 1st through 4th. Since this is the WL thread I figured there would be some resident members who may be able to convince me CL is worth it! =)

I'm thinking with the LO it will be great to grab snacks when shes in the "Must eat NOW!" mood. How are the views? We are booked in a Woods View ATM with a request for a high floor. CL views better or worse? What about the offerings, can I enjoy a drink in the evenings? We've stayed at most properties but have yet to experience the joys of WL. We are not on the dining plan and I've heard Concierge can be great with finding open tables in a pinch. Reservations don't always work out with a LO on her own schedule. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

I say if you can afford it, do the club level. I don't think you will be disappointed. You can request a woods view room on the 7th floor that overlooks the otter pond and then you can see the fireworks at the MK each night.

Club level is great. They have an awesome staff led by their manager Randy. I stayed there last June and again this past March and will be staying there again in October. Last June I had a bad case of allergies and my nose was sore. The concierge staff made arrangements to buy a box of puffs with lotion for me. I would have paid whatever they wanted for that box and they charged my room a whopping $3.


In the morning they have continental breakfast and then they put out snacks (gummy bears, chips and dip, goldfish crackers, cookies, lemonade, ice tea) That is out until 4 each day and then they put out the evening offerings. There is so much it is really a meal. Just a few examples are beef stew, buffalo chili, venison meatballs, bbq chicken skewers, chili lime wings, salmon chowder, cold cuts. There are always veggies and dip, crackers and cheese and PBJ shooters. They also have beer, wine and sodas. At 8 they put out desserts and cordials. Usually a hot cobbler, cookies, magic bars and brownies.

If you find something your daughter really likes, you can always take some of that item back to your room for the few hours a day that the club is closed.

As far as reservations at the last minute. They were able to change a couple of mine at the last minute (coral reef and whispering canyon), but I should warn you that there are a few Disney restaurants that are rarely available to any of the resort concierge staff at the last minute (Chef Mickey's, Ohana, CRT).

I have 213 days until I go back and I am counting every one. Good luck with your decision.

 

[PamelaKay]

CBUREK - How unique that you have a picture of the WL Lobby and there is not one person in the lobby. I don't think I have ever seen an empty lobby.

 

[WDWKOOK]

In just five days we'll be checking-in to The Old Faithful Club again. Tomorrow, we'll be arriving at The Innkeeper's Club (BWI). I'm very excited to be able to compare the two club levels and resorts. I'll be posting here and on the BWI thread so stay tuned Now, back to house cleaning, packing and minor panicking

Thanks for the welcome! I have made my reservations for Whispering canyon Cafe but no I do need to request a high floor to my reservation, thanks for that tip! This board is so awesome.

It is an awesome board and you're welcome, Jeffnewc.

Thanks! You are a great moderator. For those of us who may obsess or worry a bit too much, you always respond so quickly.
Now that we are approaching our 4 month mark, I am ramping up the planning and research. I sent lists of attractions to my DD and her BF and then to my DH and now I have everyone's ratings on what they want to do. The 3 of us are pretty much in sync (except for what I will skip because of my back) but my DD's BF is not a big fan of the more "educational" rides-even Spaceship Earth! (a family favorite) So, I am going to come up with an itinerary with some alternate choices. I have no trouble wandering around taking pictures and people watching while they go on rides I cannot ride. I just love being there. This adds a new dimension to my planning that's all. It would be so much easier if they hadn't started enforcing the FP return times! oh well.
happy planning!

How sweet of you to say that, Pamela. Well, I think you can NEVER obsess too much about WDW. Worry's a whole other animal.

You might just have to leave DBF at Mission Mars while you all go on Spaceship Earth. I love that ride because it's so long and dark and relaxing. I also love the new interactive screen. I suppose DBF isn't a big fan of CoP either? Tsk, tsk...

I like that you're ramping up the research and planning - you really can't ramp too much. Then comes the tweaking and before you know it - it's D-Day...Disney Day!

i just have to say that we can't wait to get back to WL.
So excited to finally be able to try CL. WDWKOOK be sure to take lots of pictures. I am really interested in seeing how the enclosed balconies will be.
here are some of my favorite photos to hold us over

Thanks for all the great photos, cburek! I will post a photo of what the enclosed balcony looks like next week. If there are any other photo/info. requests from anyone, just post them here

Hello everyone! My husband and I are bringing our nearly 2 year old down in June and have booked to stay at WL. My mom decided to throw some pixie dust our way early and purchased our airfare for us! So now that we have a little extra in the budget, we were considering staying Club Level June 1st through 4th. Since this is the WL thread I figured there would be some resident members who may be able to convince me CL is worth it! =)

I'm thinking with the LO it will be great to grab snacks when shes in the "Must eat NOW!" mood. How are the views? We are booked in a Woods View ATM with a request for a high floor. CL views better or worse? What about the offerings, can I enjoy a drink in the evenings? We've stayed at most properties but have yet to experience the joys of WL. We are not on the dining plan and I've heard Concierge can be great with finding open tables in a pinch. Reservations don't always work out with a LO on her own schedule. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

I say if you can afford it, do the club level. I don't think you will be disappointed. You can request a woods view room on the 7th floor that overlooks the otter pond and then you can see the fireworks at the MK each night.

Club level is great. They have an awesome staff led by their manager Randy. I stayed there last June and again this past March and will be staying there again in October. Last June I had a bad case of allergies and my nose was sore. The concierge staff made arrangements to buy a box of puffs with lotion for me. I would have paid whatever they wanted for that box and they charged my room a whopping $3.


In the morning they have continental breakfast and then they put out snacks (gummy bears, chips and dip, goldfish crackers, cookies, lemonade, ice tea) That is out until 4 each day and then they put out the evening offerings. There is so much it is really a meal. Just a few examples are beef stew, buffalo chili, venison meatballs, bbq chicken skewers, chili lime wings, salmon chowder, cold cuts. There are always veggies and dip, crackers and cheese and PBJ shooters. They also have beer, wine and sodas. At 8 they put out desserts and cordials. Usually a hot cobbler, cookies, magic bars and brownies.

If you find something your daughter really likes, you can always take some of that item back to your room for the few hours a day that the club is closed.

As far as reservations at the last minute. They were able to change a couple of mine at the last minute (coral reef and whispering canyon), but I should warn you that there are a few Disney restaurants that are rarely available to any of the resort concierge staff at the last minute (Chef Mickey's, Ohana, CRT).

I have 213 days until I go back and I am counting every one. Good luck with your decision.

, Pamela.

There are lots of CL photos, menus, info. on the first page, calismic. You won't be disappointed with The Old Faithful Club. The lounge is roomy and the view below to the lobby and out to Bay Lake and the WL Courtyard is amazing. The CMs are wonderful and as Pamela already mentioned, Randy S., the manager is just terrific. They aim to please there and I can't recommend it enough.

CBUREK - How unique that you have a picture of the WL Lobby and there is not one person in the lobby. I don't think I have ever seen an empty lobby.

I've seen it like that only when we go out to exercise very early. Was that taken late at night or very early in the morning, cburek?

 

[calismic]

After reading Pamela's response I got on the phone with Disney and upgraded our reservation! So so excited! My husband is opening his own practice in 2 short months so this will be our last vacation for the foreseeable future. Sounds like WL will make it spectacular. Quick question though, does IPO not e-mail new CL reservations anymore? The CM on the phone said I would be receiving a new reservation number and additional Club Level information via e-mail but so far I have received nada.

 

[cburek]

CBUREK - How unique that you have a picture of the WL Lobby and there is not one person in the lobby. I don't think I have ever seen an empty lobby.

LOL If I recall, this was about 4 or 5am as I was getting ready to watch a shuttle launch that morning. I have pitcures from the launch I will have to find and post. It was awesome.

 

[cburek]

This was the shuttle launch. I was standing in front of the playground near the waters egde. you will notice the reflection of the shuttle in the water.

Shortly after; the vapor trail as the sun rises

 

[PamelaKay]

After reading Pamela's response I got on the phone with Disney and upgraded our reservation! So so excited! My husband is opening his own practice in 2 short months so this will be our last vacation for the foreseeable future. Sounds like WL will make it spectacular. Quick question though, does IPO not e-mail new CL reservations anymore? The CM on the phone said I would be receiving a new reservation number and additional Club Level information via e-mail but so far I have received nada.

Since WDWKOOK is busy packing for her trip to BWI CL and WL CL, I will take a stab at answering. OBVIOUSLY GREEN WITH ENVY HERE WDWKOOK

I can't remember when you said you were going, but if it is within the next 6 months, I would call the IPO today.

Walt Disney World Itinerary Planning Office
Phone: (407) 934-5348

Their email address is also listed on the post on page 1 about the Old Faithful Club. If you have any special requests, you can share them with the IPO. For example, my dad is a diabetic and need v8 or tomato juice in the morning and they arranged to stock it for him.

Congrats on the upgrade. I really think you will enjoy it. If you have any questions you can post and I will try and answer or you can PM me.

 

[PamelaKay]

Wow! What great shots of the shuttle launch. Thanks for sharing CBUREK.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Hi!!!

Here's my story...

DH and I just celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary last week! We have been thinking about how we really want to celebrate beyond the gift exchange and dinner and realize our hearts belong to WDW and that is where we want to be. For a couple of reasons, the biggest of which is the Fantasyland expansion, WL room refurb we decided to go next summer and do it BIG.Traveling will be DH and I, DS (16) a nd DD (19). I think our stay will be 8 nights.
My dilemma is this: We obviously love love love WL. I Do, tho, would also like to try another resort as well, namely the Boardwalk. DH says, "Ugh! Why.". DS says, " Can't we save that for when you and Dad just go.". DD says, "Finally!". I am really torn. If we did this, we would possible stay the first 2
nights at the BW, probably just a standard view and 6 nights at WL, CL. How
difficult is it really to split a resort stay? DS is convinced that nothing could
ever compare to the WL (it's the only WDW resort he has ever known (poor
kid) and he is probably right. Honestly, none of the other Deluxe resorts tickle
my fancy except for the BW. Is it really worth the disappointment of DS?
Then there is DD who would rather try something new entirely (sorry DD, that
won't happen). DH is letting me choose. I know this will be the last WDW trip
all together.

Those of you who do split stays (WDWKOOK) do you pack separate
suitcases, transfer your own luggage or let the resorts handle it?


Thank you all for your input. WDWKOOK thank you sooo much for all you do here!!! I haven't been on DIS in quite a while and the WL thread is fabulous! Looking forward to YOUR trip report, pics, room rehab update, etc Have a glorious trip.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi!!!

Here's my story...

DH and I just celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary last week! We have been thinking about how we really want to celebrate beyond the gift exchange and dinner and realize our hearts belong to WDW and that is where we want to be. For a couple of reasons, the biggest of which is the Fantasyland expansion, WL room refurb we decided to go next summer and do it BIG.Traveling will be DH and I, DS (16) a nd DD (19). I think our stay will be 8 nights.
My dilemma is this: We obviously love love love WL. I Do, tho, would also like to try another resort as well, namely the Boardwalk. DH says, "Ugh! Why.". DS says, " Can't we save that for when you and Dad just go.". DD says, "Finally!". I am really torn. If we did this, we would possible stay the first 2
nights at the BW, probably just a standard view and 6 nights at WL, CL. How
difficult is it really to split a resort stay? DS is convinced that nothing could
ever compare to the WL (it's the only WDW resort he has ever known (poor
kid) and he is probably right. Honestly, none of the other Deluxe resorts tickle
my fancy except for the BW. Is it really worth the disappointment of DS?
Then there is DD who would rather try something new entirely (sorry DD, that
won't happen). DH is letting me choose. I know this will be the last WDW trip
all together.

Those of you who do split stays (WDWKOOK) do you pack separate
suitcases, transfer your own luggage or let the resorts handle it?


Thank you all for your input. WDWKOOK thank you sooo much for all you do here!!! I haven't been on DIS in quite a while and the WL thread is fabulous! Looking forward to YOUR trip report, pics, room rehab update, etc Have a glorious trip.

Welcome back to the DIS and the WL thread!

I'm in the throes of last minute packing, but wanted to tell you first, thank you for your kind comments! Second, splits are very easy for us because we drive. I just load up the car and head to the next resort. I usually make "change" day my laundry day. I don't pack separate suitcases because I have to unpack everything after I check-in. This trip, we're doing a 4/6 split.

Congratulations on your 25th! Ours is this summer - the time just flies by, doesn't it? If it's any consolation, my DH LOVES WL/CL (especially that cobbler), too so he was a bit apprehensive about BWI, but we've heard only great things about their staff and lounge. I'll give you my honest impressions soon!

 

[Sue M]

Welcome back to the DIS and the WL thread!

I'm in the throes of last minute packing, but wanted to tell you first, thank you for your kind comments! Second, splits are very easy for us because we drive. I just load up the car and head to the next resort. I usually make "change" day my laundry day. I don't pack separate suitcases because I have to unpack everything after I check-in. This trip, we're doing a 4/6 split.

Congratulations on your 25th! Ours is this summer - the time just flies by, doesn't it? If it's any consolation, my DH LOVES WL/CL (especially that cobbler), too so he was a bit apprehensive about BWI, but we've heard only great things about their staff and lounge. I'll give you my honest impressions soon!

Have a great vacay! Sounds wonderful! Looking forward to hearing about BWI, it's one resort that just doesn't appeal to me, so interested in what you think. If I'm going to an Epcot resort, it's BC for me

 

[DisneyDuo]

We are just over a month out from our time at VWL, and I have a question. I KNOW that the in room coffee equipment changed to the pods, but which ones? I also know that it was mentioned, along with a zillion other things - (which makes planning much easier -- thanks all!!!!), somewhere in this thread - but I can't find it. And we both need some coffee in the A.M.
Also, thanks cburek for the great shuttle launch shot - brings back memories.

 

[Sue M]

Hi!!!

Here's my story...

DH and I just celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary last week! We have been thinking about how we really want to celebrate beyond the gift exchange and dinner and realize our hearts belong to WDW and that is where we want to be. For a couple of reasons, the biggest of which is the Fantasyland expansion, WL room refurb we decided to go next summer and do it BIG.Traveling will be DH and I, DS (16) a nd DD (19). I think our stay will be 8 nights.
My dilemma is this: We obviously love love love WL. I Do, tho, would also like to try another resort as well, namely the Boardwalk. DH says, "Ugh! Why.". DS says, " Can't we save that for when you and Dad just go.". DD says, "Finally!". I am really torn. If we did this, we would possible stay the first 2
nights at the BW, probably just a standard view and 6 nights at WL, CL. How
difficult is it really to split a resort stay? DS is convinced that nothing could
ever compare to the WL (it's the only WDW resort he has ever known (poor
kid) and he is probably right. Honestly, none of the other Deluxe resorts tickle
my fancy except for the BW. Is it really worth the disappointment of DS?
Then there is DD who would rather try something new entirely (sorry DD, that
won't happen). DH is letting me choose. I know this will be the last WDW trip
all together.

Those of you who do split stays (WDWKOOK) do you pack separate
suitcases, transfer your own luggage or let the resorts handle it?


Thank you all for your input. WDWKOOK thank you sooo much for all you do here!!! I haven't been on DIS in quite a while and the WL thread is fabulous! Looking forward to YOUR trip report, pics, room rehab update, etc Have a glorious trip.

Congrats on your anniversary! Split stays are easy, Although I wonder if it's worth it for a 2 day stay? We do split stays on longer vacays of 10 + days.
You can phone Bell Service, and they take care of your luggage, getting it to your next resort. You can then go off to a park, and check into new resort when you want that day. I prefer to take a cab with my luggage in the morning to new resort.

The only difficulty is if you want to DDP. That would be a bit problematic. You can have the DDP on both reservations- Split stays are 2 separate reservations, and if you want the DDP, you must have park tickets too, on each reservation, unless you have an AP. Getting 2 sets of park tickets is pretty expensive.

If you're doing room only reservations it wouldn't be a problem. You can either get your park tickets thru a ticket seller like Undercover Tourist, or thru Disney- putting the length of stay tickets on your first reservation, then doing room only on 2nd reservation.

If you wanted the DDP, I'd do the DDP with WL since your plan is to stay there 6 days, and stay there first. Put length of stay tickets - 8 days, on your WL res; then do BWI 2 days last as room only.

 

[Sue M]

We are just over a month out from our time at VWL, and I have a question. I KNOW that the in room coffee equipment changed to the pods, but which ones? I also know that it was mentioned, along with a zillion other things - (which makes planning much easier -- thanks all!!!!), somewhere in this thread - but I can't find it. And we both need some coffee in the A.M.
Also, thanks cburek for the great shuttle launch shot - brings back memories.

We were just there in Jan. it's the Cusinart pods. Better then the dreaded nescafe

 

[bluecastle]

How sweet of you to say that, Pamela. Well, I think you can NEVER obsess too much about WDW. Worry's a whole other animal.

minor correction on my name: Mickey (really)

You might just have to leave DBF at Mission Mars while you all go on Spaceship Earth. I love that ride because it's so long and dark and relaxing. I also love the new interactive screen. I suppose DBF isn't a big fan of CoP either? Tsk, tsk...

It's true! He put a 1 on CoP and we all gave it a 4 (must see). I am sure my DD will explain some of our traditions-and my DH is willing to skip some of the rides that my DD and I gave 4's to that her BF doesn't want to ride. But he is not going to skip rides that we go on every trip and that we have memories of our DD riding since she was 3.
(23 years of iasw-except the one time it was closed for refurbishment (1990 I think) and I didn't know because I didn't research refurbs then! ( lesson learned)

I like that you're ramping up the research and planning - you really can't ramp too much. Then comes the tweaking and before you know it - it's D-Day...Disney Day!
I am very excited for you and look forward to reading about your trip. Have a wonderfully magical time!!

 

[wiseguyslovethemouse]

Well, I'm obsessed all right! I can NOT get enough of WL in the past week. It's all I think about, and research. We've only stayed here once, and that was back in the dating days, no kids, so that was like, a lifetime ago. I am always drawn to BC/YC and we switched from Poly last year, which is how obsessed w/them I am. However.....WL? With my giant family?? A villa? Help!!

I love the look of the WL, and really, am embarrassed to say, had no idea just how close it was to the MK until I went through these pics. (even though I knew it was a MK resort! )

Anyway, can you sell me? Or am I going to be hoofing it back to the BC/YC or CR??

TIA!!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Okay...I'll convince you!

The glorious Wilderness Lodge instantly transports you far away from the hustle and bustle of WDW. It FEELS remote, distant, in another World, while still being a 10 min. relaxing boat ride from MK (always our favorite) and a bus ride to anywhere else. CR, Poly and GF are also just minutes away if you choose to dine at those resorts or catch the monorail.

Most importantly tho, Wilderness Lodge does take you to 'another place' and you feel like you are on a vacation from your vacation. WL has the most repeat guests than any other resort on property. The structure, the feel of it all, the grounds, Silver Springs, the ducks in the pool early in the morning, the sun rise over Bay Lake, the sunset over the Lodge, the Lobby.... I think I'm getting a tear and womdering why o why would I want to split our next stay.

WL is MUCH smaller than YC/BC. I've always wanted to try YC/BC must always was voted out. Last trip we did spend a few hours there and I must say although it is a pretty place, I was just not feeling it. To us, it felt like a pretty resort, nothing more. The WL transports us to a different place and we are instantly relaxed when we step ito the majestic lobby whether it is upon arrival or on day 5 or day 9.

You mentioned considering the Villas so you'll have the best od both worlds!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Oooooooo and congrats on the soon arrival of your 'surprise!!!

 

[DisneyDuo]

Thanks Sue M, , the mornings are saved , and all will be well at the WORLD.

 

[pas130]

bumping to await our kook family arrival at WL from BWI