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

[PamelaKay]

WDWKook, is the work on the roof around the flagpole done yet?

 

[mggeary]

Hi guys. Hoping someone here can help me figure this out before booking my Nov trip (11/10-11/18). WL is edging out AKL right now, but this may depend on the actual WL bus routes to non-MK parks for Nov.

I have heard antecdotally and from the "transportation" people at Disney that WL buses can share with FW but rarely do so in peak times, such as first thing in the AM (7:45-8:15 AM pick-up is mostly what i care about). I could live with it occasionally sharing with FW, especially if FW is picked up first. I couldn't live with it picking up at GF or Poly or multiple resorts.

Can someone tell me what is currently happening and given that Easter week is likely to be atypical, what i could reasonably expect for the 2nd week of Nov?

Thx very much!

 

[Smee]

The first week of Dec. 2011, I think we often picked up at GF (from WL) on the way to HS and Epcot. Hope this helps.

 

[mggeary]

Thx, I had heard GF pickup only to AK. Bummer. How much travel time does this add? Were you OK with bus frequency?

 

[Smee]

The extra travel time was probably no more than 5 minutes. The bus frequency was good, never had to wait what I would consider "too long", much of the time less than 5 minutes.

 

[annmarieda]

Stayed in December as well... stopped at FW on our way to Epcot in the morning. Stopped at GF in the morning to DHS and AK. Never shared on the way to or from MK. On the way back from Epcot I do not believe we shared, with FW... but I could be wrong.

 

[mggeary]

Thx all!

For those of you who have done both AKL and WL, particularly in an off-peak time, have you found the bus service to be comparable?

If going with WL, standard vs. woods view room? Better to request upper floor (?north wing) standard room with chance of upgrade or better to book Woods view room? Don't think courtyard view is worth it to us.

For AKL, stick with standard room with request for proximal Zebra trail/near Mara or go with pool view to guarantee this location?

Thx again in advance.

 

[bluecastle]

Thx all!

For those of you who have done both AKL and WL, particularly in an off-peak time, have you found the bus service to be comparable?

Another thing to consider is the transit time to certain parks compared to others. One of the (many) reasons we stay at WL is that we tend to do more late night touring at the MK and prefer being close to that park. There is a transit time chart in the Unofficial Guide that may help you, but I would say that if you anticipate spending more time at MK than at the other parks, the WL would be the way to go.
I have never stayed at AKL and part of the reason is what I already mentioned, but there are other factors as well. I like having a boat option to at least one park, especially in the hot weather. (in Nov. that wouldn't be an issue)but I also find it a nice way to unwind. I also have to have a beach-much for the same reason, to unwind and relax. It just doesn't feel like a vacation to me if I don't have sand under my toes! YMMV.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Waiting for kook to check in with us. Bet you are just so happy and having such a good time we'll have to wait to hear from you.

 

[PamelaKay]

Thx all!

For those of you who have done both AKL and WL, particularly in an off-peak time, have you found the bus service to be comparable?

If going with WL, standard vs. woods view room? Better to request upper floor (?north wing) standard room with chance of upgrade or better to book Woods view room? Don't think courtyard view is worth it to us.

For AKL, stick with standard room with request for proximal Zebra trail/near Mara or go with pool view to guarantee this location?

Thx again in advance.

I have stayed at both AKL and WL and preferred the bus service from WL. Even if it makes extra stops during non peak time, it seemed to be faster than AKL. AKL buses actually make 2 stops one at the lodge and one at the villas.

As far as room request. I have stayed in both the Standard and Woods View rooms at WL. If you can afford it, I recommend the Woods View, High Floor on the side overlooking the otter pond. You will then be able to see the MK fireworks at night. Some of the standard view rooms are over the loading docks.

I stayed club level at AKL so I had a view of the Savannah which was absolutely wonderful. I don't think I would stay at AKL and not have a Savannah view room.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Waiting for kook to check in with us. Bet you are just so happy and having such a good time we'll have to wait to hear from you.

Haha, great minds think alike! I was checking to see if KOOK had posted! She is probably too busy having a wonderful time

 

[flagrandma]

We are staying at WL in August for the first time. I've booked a standard room with courtyard view. Should I request a particular room/floor? I am going with my dh, dd and granddaughter age 10. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We loaded-up the car last night so that we could be on our way from BWI to WL at 0900. We were so excited to see the signs for WL and hear "welcome home" from everyone. We were greeted by Ranger Jack who took us up to CL. We were so happy to see all the friendly CL CMs and we were warmly welcomed back. Randy, the manager, is on vacation, but will return tomorrow. Sadly, Bennett, the wonderful WL front desk manager, will be moving to AoA next week where he will be the housekeeping manager.

Our room wasn't ready when we checked-in so we went to the lounge for a few minutes where I got the text that our room was ready. I told them how impressed I was that the room was ready so fast and was told that their goal is to get all guests into their room ASAP. So if they check-in at 0700, WL will do their best to get the guest into their room at 0715

I was so happy that we got the room I requested. It's the same room we had in July for just one night before a leak developed in the ceiling. It's perfect and one of only two rooms like it on the 7th floor. After getting our luggage delivered, we had a fun breakfast at WCC.......CATSUP!!!!!!

We rented Sea Raycers today after an afternoon at the MK. The rentals are staying open until 6 during spring break. Tomorrow we're off to AK. If anyone has any questions, I can try and get answers during my stay this week.

bumping to await our kook family arrival at WL from BWI

You're so sweet to not let my dear thread disappear into the bowels of the DIS while I'm on vacation

WDWKook, is the work on the roof around the flagpole done yet?

Actually, Ranger Jack greeted us upon arrival this morning and escorted us up to CL. He said that the roof construction is behind schedule and thus, no Flag Family during our stay.

Hi guys. Hoping someone here can help me figure this out before booking my Nov trip (11/10-11/18). WL is edging out AKL right now, but this may depend on the actual WL bus routes to non-MK parks for Nov.

I have heard antecdotally and from the "transportation" people at Disney that WL buses can share with FW but rarely do so in peak times, such as first thing in the AM (7:45-8:15 AM pick-up is mostly what i care about). I could live with it occasionally sharing with FW, especially if FW is picked up first. I couldn't live with it picking up at GF or Poly or multiple resorts.

Can someone tell me what is currently happening and given that Easter week is likely to be atypical, what i could reasonably expect for the 2nd week of Nov?

Thx very much!

I just arrived today and have only gone to the MK via boat, but tomorrow we'll be going to AK and I will make a note of the routing.

Waiting for kook to check in with us. Bet you are just so happy and having such a good time we'll have to wait to hear from you.

Yes! We are sooooo happy to be "back home."

Haha, great minds think alike! I was checking to see if KOOK had posted! She is probably too busy having a wonderful time

So nice to have you over here and on the BWI thread, JC! I was having a heck of a time trying to connect with any consistency at BWI, so far no trouble here at WL

We are staying at WL in August for the first time. I've booked a standard room with courtyard view. Should I request a particular room/floor? I am going with my dh, dd and granddaughter age 10. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Congratulations on booking. You're going to love the Lodge

Make sure that if you want to have a view of the WL Courtyard/geyser/Bay Lake that you request and "INNER COURTYARD VIEW." Otherwise, you could have a view of VWL instead.

 

[Bluebonnet]

If you have a chance could you post the activities for kids? Is there still cookie decorating and crafts? We're thinking about a trip in May. We stayed at AKL last visit and the kids loved the activities there.
Thx!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

WDWKOOK welcome home!

You mentioned your room was as you requested and only one of two like it on the 7th floor. What makes these two rooms special/different.

Also, I'm curious how you felt walking into the lobby of WL as opposed to arriving at BW.

Enjoy your stay

 

[Sue M]

WDWKOOK Ranger Jack was our ranger in Jan. when we were Flag Family. He's so nice.

Glad you've arrived home!! Find out if the room renos started, and what floor they are starting on. Anything else too!

We've rented Searaycers from WL (and Poly) they are so much fun. We like to go around the Old River Country slowly to see if we can see anything! And the other Island, that had the animals. The name eludes me at the moment

 

[nyrebecca]

I was so happy that we got the room I requested. It's the same room we had in July for just one night before a leak developed in the ceiling. It's perfect and one of only two rooms like it on the 7th floor.

KOOK -- I am curious, what is different/special about the room you are in? Curious since you said there are only two rooms like it on the 7th floor.

Hope you are having a great time !!

 

[TheLodgeLady]

We loaded-up the car last night so that we could be on our way from BWI to WL at 0900. We were so excited to see the signs for WL and hear "welcome home" from everyone. We were greeted by Ranger Jack who took us up to CL. We were so happy to see all the friendly CL CMs and we were warmly welcomed back. Randy, the manager, is on vacation, but will return tomorrow. Sadly, Bennett, the wonderful WL front desk manager, will be moving to AoA next week where he will be the housekeeping manager.

Our room wasn't ready when we checked-in so we went to the lounge for a few minutes where I got the text that our room was ready. I told them how impressed I was that the room was ready so fast and was told that their goal is to get all guests into their room ASAP. So if they check-in at 0700, WL will do their best to get the guest into their room at 0715

I was so happy that we got the room I requested. It's the same room we had in July for just one night before a leak developed in the ceiling. It's perfect and one of only two rooms like it on the 7th floor. After getting our luggage delivered, we had a fun breakfast at WCC.......CATSUP!!!!!!

We rented Sea Raycers today after an afternoon at the MK. The rentals are staying open until 6 during spring break. Tomorrow we're off to AK. If anyone has any questions, I can try and get answers during my stay this week.

YAY!!! You're Home!!

Ranger Jack is so wonderful. We have known him forever! He took over when our beloved Ranger Stan passed away. He is keeping Stan's legacy alive.

Cool that you got your room you wanted. It is one of the BEST!

So good for Bennett that he moved over to AoA! Many have tried for positions over there. He had lots of competition. Moving into housekeeping manager is a big step up! They all need to be in that position so that they can move on to higher management positions.

Have fun and soak up all the lodge you can!

 

[flagrandma]

Congratulations on booking. You're going to love the Lodge

Make sure that if you want to have a view of the WL Courtyard/geyser/Bay Lake that you request and "INNER COURTYARD VIEW." Otherwise, you could have a view of VWL instead.[/QUOTE]


Thanks for the info. I'll be sure to put in that request. Any other suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[macleod1979]

I second the motion of "Inner Courtyard View"

-J