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

[WDWKOOK]

We are at WL currently and I just weny down to The Roaring Fork ... The sign says the grill served from 11am-11pm
Flatbreads served until Midnight

Thank you! I was just going to post this sign with the hours for Mousemommy1:

Thanks again for taking all those great photos, elaw!

 

[elaw]

Thank you! I was just going to post this sign with the hours for Mousemommy1:


Thanks again for taking all those great photos, elaw!

Glad to help

 

[Mousemommy1]

We are at WL currently and I just went down to The Roaring Fork ... The sign says the grill served from 11am-11pm
Flatbreads served until Midnight

Thank you for getting that!!!!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks mickeynut1 and WDWKOOK. Since our cruise will be before the three days at WL, we'll definitely be spending more down time. We'll have three mostly full days, so we'll take some time for MK and probably Epcot. Otherwise, I'm just happy exploring and the kids usually enjoy the resort as much, if not more, than the parks. I converted my husband from the Poly to AKL a few trips back, but he's more than happy to try the WL again.

You're welcome . A few years ago we started spending more time at the resort than the parks. We prefer to relax and enjoy everything about the resort rather than running around the parks all day and night. We do go to the parks, but not near as much as we did when we first started going to Disney. Have a great cruise. We are taking our first DCL cruise in June 2013 and I am very excited.

This is such a friendly thread and so informative.

I agree .

This made me smile. My daughter is almost 26 and we have been planning trips together since she was a little girl. We started out with me reading descriptions of rides to her and she would give me her reaction. Now, she is emailing me prioritized lists of what her BF would like to do and what he wouldn't like to do. (I already know hers!) My DH chimes in, but mostly he is in charge of the driving and packing the car. I think his favorite thing is being able to park the car and leave it for a week, letting Disney transport us everywhere!

I think it is so sweet that you and your daughter have been planning trips together for so long...makes the trips that much more memorable . My DH is the same way when we go to Disney.....he has no desire to drive anywhere and loves it that Disney takes you anywhere you want to go .

I am READY!!! And I CAN do it!!!

Yes, you can

elaw was upgraded upon arrival yesterday from a STD. CL room to a Deluxe room and he so kindly emailed photos to me for everyone!

The 25 Deluxe (CL) rooms, (formerly known as "Jr. Suites") are located on floors 1-6 (I have a map and more info. on the first page). They have two balconies - one small and one regular. They are about 500 SF and they have an additional sitting room with a door that has a queen-sized sofa bed, two chairs a coffee table and extra TV. There are two queens and one regular bathroom that can be accessed from either room. elaw has a "bear face" Deluxe room, as you can tell from his balcony/window photos

elaw​

What a great upgrade for elaw. Thanks for the pics.....the deluxe room looks awesome.....makes me want to book that instead of a regular CL room .

DW and I will be staying at VWL the end of May with DS (27), DDiL (25), DD (24) & DDfiance (24). We're having one night of "do your own thing" where each couple can do whatever they want. DW and I have never been to HDDR so we decided that would be our "thing". When I mentioned it to the "kids", they all said they wanted to go too! I guess old-fashioned fun never goes out of style! Now DW and I have decided to eat at VWL's Artist Point for our "thing" but we're not telling the others what we are doing this time!

Enjoy Artist Point.....it's one of our favorite signature restaurants .

I am so excited to see what a new one looks like!!!

Me too......I can't wait to see what the new rooms look like since I already love the current ones .

We are at WL currently and I just went down to The Roaring Fork ... The sign says the grill served from 11am-11pm
Flatbreads served until Midnight

Hope you're having a good time......congrats on the upgrade .

 

[bluecastle]

Thanks ELAW for taking the time to post while you are there! There is just something about reading "I am here now" that makes me excited and happy. By the time we go, I should be used to the new phone I plan on getting next month and hopefully will be able to post here and maybe even send some pictures.
As far as spending more time at the hotel and less time in parks as the years go by, we have gone from being a commando family to strategically making sure we see our favorites, some new or updated attractions, and mostly absorbing the atmosphere. I still plan compulsively, but it is more to ensure we have as stress-free trip as possible. (always have back up plans, take advantage of what the weather gives you each day, and remember that we can still have a magical day even if we only see 3-4 main attractions-or even less- in an entire day!) Our favorite things are not always attractions: my DD and I enjoy watching my DH have these spontaneous conversations with everyone he meets (he is more of an extrovert than we are), we love taking pictures for people, we love walking out of a park when tons of people are walking in, we love hanging around past closing just listening to the music and watching the park empty, and most of all, we love taking our time to enjoy the details-in the sidewalks, the buildings, the landscaping, the signage...there's so much to enjoy without even going on a single ride!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Thanks ELAW for taking the time to post while you are there! There is just something about reading "I am here now" that makes me excited and happy. By the time we go, I should be used to the new phone I plan on getting next month and hopefully will be able to post here and maybe even send some pictures.
As far as spending more time at the hotel and less time in parks as the years go by, we have gone from being a commando family to strategically making sure we see our favorites, some new or updated attractions, and mostly absorbing the atmosphere. I still plan compulsively, but it is more to ensure we have as stress-free trip as possible. (always have back up plans, take advantage of what the weather gives you each day, and remember that we can still have a magical day even if we only see 3-4 main attractions-or even less- in an entire day!) Our favorite things are not always attractions: my DD and I enjoy watching my DH have these spontaneous conversations with everyone he meets (he is more of an extrovert than we are), we love taking pictures for people, we love walking out of a park when tons of people are walking in, we love hanging around past closing just listening to the music and watching the park empty, and most of all, we love taking our time to enjoy the details-in the sidewalks, the buildings, the landscaping, the signage...there's so much to enjoy without even going on a single ride!

I agree. One of our favorite things to do is to find a bench and watch the people walk by...even our DD's love this. We are lucky to be only 45 minutes from Boston, and one of our girls favorite things to do is to drive down the Fanueil Hall and take a seat on a bench and just watch the world go by (all while eating a giant cookie of course!)

We love doing that same thing in Disney as well!

 

[pas130]

Yes, you can

Speaking of DCL....one of the docs at works RAVES about DCL, he goes every year.... He said his kids were mad when the kids clubs closed for the night...they didn't miss mom & dad at all

elaw Congrats on the upgrade

Kook Thanks for posting elaw's pics

 

[sjs314]

KOOK I love the Deluxe Room Now to tempt DH !

 

[PamelaKay]

As tempting as the room itself is, I think I might miss getting off the elevator several times a day and being greeted by the wonderful WL CL staff.

I like the 7th floor.

 

[PamelaKay]

WDWKook,

I spoke to the WL IPO yesterday because my ADR day is Sunday. We are planning on doing HDDR on Thursday, November 1 and after reading your post that it will be closed, I wanted to make a change to what I previously emailed the IPO.

If we can't get HDDR, I want to do Cali Grill. She indicated that they have been booking reservations for HDDR for late October and have not received word that it will be closed for renovation.

What do you think will happen if they book it for me and then WDW closes it. How sure are we that HDDR will in fact be closed?

Thanks for the help.
Pam

 

[gwynne]

Our stay isn't far off, getting very excited to spend some time at the Lodge!

May I ask a taxi question? After checkout, I need to take get a taxi to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Does bell services help with this?
TIA!
(I am taking a taxi rather than having Disney move my bags because it's just easier, time-wise for me.)

 

[WDWKOOK]

What a great upgrade for elaw. Thanks for the pics.....the deluxe room looks awesome.....makes me want to book that instead of a regular CL room .

I've thought about booking the Deluxe room, too, but the French doors don't actually provide any privacy. They have sheer curtains on them so you can see into the room with queens. elaw was kind enough to confirm this for me by taking a picture through the closed French doors. If you need to accommodate more people, then it's great, but if you're looking for any privacy, it doesn't really provide much.

Thanks ELAW for taking the time to post while you are there! There is just something about reading "I am here now" that makes me excited and happy. By the time we go, I should be used to the new phone I plan on getting next month and hopefully will be able to post here and maybe even send some pictures.
As far as spending more time at the hotel and less time in parks as the years go by, we have gone from being a commando family to strategically making sure we see our favorites, some new or updated attractions, and mostly absorbing the atmosphere. I still plan compulsively, but it is more to ensure we have as stress-free trip as possible. (always have back up plans, take advantage of what the weather gives you each day, and remember that we can still have a magical day even if we only see 3-4 main attractions-or even less- in an entire day!) Our favorite things are not always attractions: my DD and I enjoy watching my DH have these spontaneous conversations with everyone he meets (he is more of an extrovert than we are), we love taking pictures for people, we love walking out of a park when tons of people are walking in, we love hanging around past closing just listening to the music and watching the park empty, and most of all, we love taking our time to enjoy the details-in the sidewalks, the buildings, the landscaping, the signage...there's so much to enjoy without even going on a single ride!

Nicely said, PamelaKay.

I love waiting until almost everyone has left LMA at DHS and then we walk down to the fence and watch them get ready for the next show.

Kook Thanks for posting elaw's pics

You're welcome

KOOK I love the Deluxe Room Now to tempt DH !

It would be perfect for you and DH. Tempt DH with this:

As tempting as the room itself is, I think I might miss getting off the elevator several times a day and being greeted by the wonderful WL CL staff.

I like the 7th floor.

I know what you mean. We were upgraded once to CL access. We were assigned the 5th floor, but no rooms were left on the 7th so she gave us CL access. While I loved the 5th floor room because it had a see-thru balcony railing, it was a much different experience not staying on the CL floor - we felt sort of disconnected from the experience. I felt a little like a lounge interloper

WDWKook,

I spoke to the WL IPO yesterday because my ADR day is Sunday. We are planning on doing HDDR on Thursday, November 1 and after reading your post that it will be closed, I wanted to make a change to what I previously emailed the IPO.

If we can't get HDDR, I want to do Cali Grill. She indicated that they have been booking reservations for HDDR for late October and have not received word that it will be closed for renovation.

What do you think will happen if they book it for me and then WDW closes it. How sure are we that HDDR will in fact be closed?

Thanks for the help.
Pam

I think that IPOs and CMs are sometimes the last to know! Here is the HDDR closure news from mouseplanet.com:

Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – closed for refurbishment August 5 through December 31.


And, this more confusing announcement from **************.net:

DISNEY WORLD HOOP-DEE-DOO REVUE CLOSURE CONFIRMED

Update 4/19/2012: The situation is the same as it was 4/4.

Update 4/4/2012: Allison and my other friends at Destinations in Florida Travel have spoken to half a dozen or so Disney Dining staff, and have gotten consistently the following inconsistent message: Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue will be closed for refurbishment October 1 to December 31, 2012, but that they are still allowed by the system to book dates in this window.

This combination suggests that either the systems are behind, the closure dates aren’t firm, or both! But the autumn closure of Hoop-Dee-Doo is real, just the details are still not set.



If you book it and it does close, your deposit will be refunded and you'll have to go somewhere else. if I were you, I'd double-book your ADR for that day

 

[WDWKOOK]

Our stay isn't far off, getting very excited to spend some time at the Lodge!

May I ask a taxi question? After checkout, I need to take get a taxi to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Does bell services help with this?
TIA!
(I am taking a taxi rather than having Disney move my bags because it's just easier, time-wise for me.)

Yep, that's exactly what you'll do. You just go out the front door and ask a bellman to call a cab to take you to AKL.

OR........


You can get on the boat or take the direct bus with all your luggage and get off at the MK. Then walk to the AKL bus and off you go! I'd love to see someone do that!

 

[gwynne]

Yep, that's exactly what you'll do. You just go out the front door and ask a bellman to call a cab to take you to AKL.

OR........


You can get on the boat or take the direct bus with all your luggage and get off at the MK. Then walk to the AKL bus and off you go! I'd love to see someone do that!

Just what I needed to know. Thanks, Kook.
You're always helpful, and your work is so appreciated!

 

[mickeynut1]

Speaking of DCL....one of the docs at works RAVES about DCL, he goes every year.... He said his kids were mad when the kids clubs closed for the night...they didn't miss mom & dad at all

I have heard the same thing that DCL is amazing and hard to beat . It is quite a bit more expensive than other cruise lines as what we're paying for 4 of us for a 3 night cruise is what it costs for a 7 night cruise on other lines .....but for me I think it's worth it for the Disney experience....at least once . My DH and I have cruised a few times before, but our DSs have never experienced it and since I have always wanted to try DCL, I thought what a better cruise to go with to show our DSs how fun cruises can be . I hear the kids clubs are great......with that said, that is one area we won't be experiencing as my two have far surpassed the kid club stage .

KOOK I love the Deluxe Room Now to tempt DH !

They do look very nice...I may have to look into them a little more the next time we stay at the lodge .

As tempting as the room itself is, I think I might miss getting off the elevator several times a day and being greeted by the wonderful WL CL staff.

I like the 7th floor.

I have to agree . I do like being greeted coming off of the elevator, but I also like being on the same floor as the lounge and the whole floor being CL guests . This is one reason that I'm hesitant to book BWI CL since there are standard rooms as well as CL rooms on the CL floor.

Our stay isn't far off, getting very excited to spend some time at the Lodge!

How exciting for you .

I've thought about booking the Deluxe room, too, but the French doors don't actually provide any privacy. They have sheer curtains on them so you can see into the room with queens. elaw was kind enough to confirm this for me by taking a picture through the closed French doors. If you need to accommodate more people, then it's great, but if you're looking for any privacy, it doesn't really provide much.

I would book it for the extra space ....not that we really need it since there are only 4 of us, but with 2 growing teenagers, it's sometimes nice to have a little extra space to spread out . BTW....that cobbler looks awesome!!!!

 

[saintstickets]

I love your inspiration for purchasing at VWL. I think the cobbler at the Old Faithful Club has certainly inspired DH! I can't wait to read about your VWL experience/impressions. Will you be posting a link to your TR here? (hint-hint).

Most definately! That cobbler reminds me of our lunch at WCC. I loved the Canyon skillet! I think I embarrassed DW with the amount I gorged on during that visit! The other members of our family have not eaten there before and I can't wait for DS to ask for ketchup!

This trip will be a bit different. We are staying at BLT/VWL on DVC points but not entering any Disney parks. We are going to Seaworld, Discovery Cove, Universal & Kennedy Space Center. Don't tell Mickey we are staying at one of his houses and not going to see him!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I posted this to the CR thread, but I know many Lodgers love CAG, too:

The rumors of CA Grill's rehab have now been confirmed by AllEars. What differs from the rumor is that it seems it will return as CA Grill with the same menu. The rumors had it closing at the end of the year, but it looks like it may be much sooner:

According to sources at the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort, the signature restaurant is scheduled to close for an extended period soon while important maintenance is done. Glass windows will be replaced, and repair work will be done on the roof. In addition, the kitchen and other back room areas will be renovated. When the restaurant reopens, it will continue to operate as the California Grill and will serve the same type of menu. Exact dates for this work have not been confirmed as yet.






Hi, mickeynut1!

Just what I needed to know. Thanks, Kook.
You're always helpful, and your work is so appreciated!

You're welcome and thank you, gwynne. I forgot to mention that you can also just call Bell Services and tell them you'd like your luggage brought down and you need a cab to AKL. (BTW, I just read that Orlando cabs will impose a 9% rate increase soon).

Most definately! That cobbler reminds me of our lunch at WCC. I loved the Canyon skillet! I think I embarrassed DW with the amount I gorged on during that visit! The other members of our family have not eaten there before and I can't wait for DS to ask for ketchup!

This trip will be a bit different. We are staying at BLT/VWL on DVC points but not entering any Disney parks. We are going to Seaworld, Discovery Cove, Universal & Kennedy Space Center. Don't tell Mickey we are staying at one of his houses and not going to see him!

Mickey knows everything

 

[pas130]

I have heard the same thing that DCL is amazing and hard to beat . It is quite a bit more expensive than other cruise lines as what we're paying for 4 of us for a 3 night cruise is what it costs for a 7 night cruise on other lines .....but for me I think it's worth it for the Disney experience....at least once . My DH and I have cruised a few times before, but our DSs have never experienced it and since I have always wanted to try DCL, I thought what a better cruise to go with to show our DSs how fun cruises can be . I hear the kids clubs are great......with that said, that is one area we won't be experiencing as my two have far surpassed the kid club stage

Apparently adults aren't allowed in the kids clubs either Still plenty of parent free teenager stuff to do they will love it I'm sure

 

[marymac123]

Just called to add a day to our WL stay, getting there 1 day sooner. I gotta go change my ticker...

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just called to add a day to our WL stay, getting there 1 day sooner. I gotta go change my ticker...

YIPPEE for one day sooner and a ticker change!

Looking at your signature, you are one dedicated Wildernesslodger