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

[AlexWyattMommy]

WOW!! Awesome job, well done.

I book VWL through Davids and after seeing on your photo's (maps) just how far away the Villa's are, I'm a bit nervous.

My husband thinks we're staying at POP, when I booked that he said how he'd love to stay at WL, but knew how expensive it is. I figured since we were going for a quick trip I'd see if I could find a good discount. There weren't any pins connected to our name. I found Davids, it's looked hassle free and booked it.

I'm really looking forward to our trip.

It really isn't that far. My son and I took a stroll over to look at the villa's lobby and take photos.

You are going to have lovely time!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Can someone post the link to the photo thread??? Thank you!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Can someone post the link to the photo thread??? Thank you!

Here you go!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1717127

It's hyperlinked at the bottom of the first post.

 

[disadventurer]

Thank you so much for putting this together WDWKOOK. We just returned from 10 days at WL last night. It was our first stay there and we really loved it. I have a bunch of pictures that I took around the resort but it will take me some time to go through them. I posted this on the resort picture thread but thought I would post it here as well. It pays to get up early some days.

What a gorgeous shot Thanks for sharing.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Here you go!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1717127

It's hyperlinked at the bottom of the first post.

Thank you so much for posting the link .... not sure how I missed it in the first post. I want to add my thanks for all the work you have put into this thread. It is so helpful!

 

[WDWKOOK]

WOW!! Awesome job, well done.

I book VWL through Davids and after seeing on your photo's (maps) just how far away the Villa's are, I'm a bit nervous.

My husband thinks we're staying at POP, when I booked that he said how he'd love to stay at WL, but knew how expensive it is. I figured since we were going for a quick trip I'd see if I could find a good discount. There weren't any pins connected to our name. I found Davids, it's looked hassle free and booked it.

I'm really looking forward to our trip.

Thank you, bjgrazi

Like AlexWyattMommy posted, it's not far at all from the WL. Maps, especially overhead images, can be quite deceiving. You won't be inconvenienced at all getting to the WL from VWL. We went everyday from the 7th floor of the WL to the Sturdy Branches in the VWL lobby and it took maybe all of 3 minutes.

I hope you have a wonderful vacation and I'm certain your DH will be very pleasantly surprised

Do tell about the WL reference in your tag

Super Job!! Wonderful framed pics. Love the excitement driving up to the lodge--great idea! Nice touch outlining the views for everyone! The menus, the food, oh my

Our excitement builds!! Thanks for the awesome job--just WOW

WOW, you made MY day, disadventurer. I'm going to print your comments and carry them wherever I go and when I feel down I'm going to take out that little piece of paper and read your post

I'm so glad you're excited about your upcoming trip. A little over two months and you'll be there

 

[Minnie&Nana]

WOW!! Awesome job, well done.

I book VWL through Davids and after seeing on your photo's (maps) just how far away the Villa's are, I'm a bit nervous.

My husband thinks we're staying at POP, when I booked that he said how he'd love to stay at WL, but knew how expensive it is. I figured since we were going for a quick trip I'd see if I could find a good discount. There weren't any pins connected to our name. I found Davids, it's looked hassle free and booked it.

I'm really looking forward to our trip.

How exciting! Try not to be nervous - we stayed in the Villas last November and it was wonderful! Views are not much to write home about, but the the walk to the Villas is very short - and closest to the buses so no walking through the entire resort to/from the bus.

Even to get to Roaring Forks or the Water Launch - there is a sort of short cut - just go out the back door of the Villas (pool), walk around the pool and you will see the main pool, the walk way to the docks and just the other side of the pool is Roaring Forks. About a 4 min walk, maybe 5 if you are further from the Villa elevator.

And you get to either walk that way back from the boat or through the main Lodge lobby, past the Gift Shop - it is wonderful!!

It is not the way it looks on the maps b/c I hesitated staying there after looking at the map - but it is absolutely convenient and not far or removed.

Just think - when you come out of the Villa door, the bus walkway is just a few feet away!

It will be wonderful! At check-in ask if they can find you a room near the elevator - it will not be noisy, but closer. Our studio was just around the corner from the elevator and a corner room - it was fantastic!

Have a magical stay!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you so much for posting the link .... not sure how I missed it in the first post. I want to add my thanks for all the work you have put into this thread. It is so helpful!

Linda, you're welcome and I'm glad you've found some of it helpful. Oh, and I don't think you're grumpy at all!

 

[WDWKOOK]

How exciting! Try not to be nervous - we stayed in the Villas last November and it was wonderful! Views are not much to write home about, but the the walk to the Villas is very short - and closest to the buses so no walking through the entire resort to/from the bus.

Even to get to Roaring Forks or the Water Launch - there is a sort of short cut - just go out the back door of the Villas (pool), walk around the pool and you will see the main pool, the walk way to the docks and just the other side of the pool is Roaring Forks. About a 4 min walk, maybe 5 if you are further from the Villa elevator.

And you get to either walk that way back from the boat or through the main Lodge lobby, past the Gift Shop - it is wonderful!!

It is not the way it looks on the maps b/c I hesitated staying there after looking at the map - but it is absolutely convenient and not far or removed.

Just think - when you come out of the Villa door, the bus walkway is just a few feet away!

It will be wonderful! Request a room near the elevator - it will not be noisy, but closer.

Have a magical stay!!

Great point about being just steps from the bus stop and about requesting to be near the elevators. Love the shortcut info., too!

 

[stephgles]

We are a little over 2 months from returning home. I just went through your page with my dd and she is jumping around saying only 2 more months until we are home at WL again.

 

[sjs314]

How exciting! Try not to be nervous - we stayed in the Villas last November and it was wonderful! Views are not much to write home about, but the the walk to the Villas is very short - and closest to the buses so no walking through the entire resort to/from the bus.

Even to get to Roaring Forks or the Water Launch - there is a sort of short cut - just go out the back door of the Villas (pool), walk around the pool and you will see the main pool, the walk way to the docks and just the other side of the pool is Roaring Forks. About a 4 min walk, maybe 5 if you are further from the Villa elevator.

And you get to either walk that way back from the boat or through the main Lodge lobby, past the Gift Shop - it is wonderful!!

It is not the way it looks on the maps b/c I hesitated staying there after looking at the map - but it is absolutely convenient and not far or removed.

Just think - when you come out of the Villa door, the bus walkway is just a few feet away!

It will be wonderful! At check-in ask if they can find you a room near the elevator - it will not be noisy, but closer. Our studio was just around the corner from the elevator and a corner room - it was fantastic!

Have a magical stay!!

Christine -

You sold me on the villas, who knows if a studio becomes available, the bug has bit me to switch now.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We are a little over 2 months from returning home. I just went through your page with my dd and she is jumping around saying only 2 more months until we are home at WL again.

That's great to read. How old is your DD? The free marshmallow roast on the beach near the pool is new and lots of fun. While it doesn't take long to do, it's a nice diversion.

Have a fantastic vacation in two months!

 

[bjgrazi]

How exciting! Try not to be nervous - we stayed in the Villas last November and it was wonderful! Views are not much to write home about, but the the walk to the Villas is very short - and closest to the buses so no walking through the entire resort to/from the bus.

Even to get to Roaring Forks or the Water Launch - there is a sort of short cut - just go out the back door of the Villas (pool), walk around the pool and you will see the main pool, the walk way to the docks and just the other side of the pool is Roaring Forks. About a 4 min walk, maybe 5 if you are further from the Villa elevator.

And you get to either walk that way back from the boat or through the main Lodge lobby, past the Gift Shop - it is wonderful!!

It is not the way it looks on the maps b/c I hesitated staying there after looking at the map - but it is absolutely convenient and not far or removed.

Just think - when you come out of the Villa door, the bus walkway is just a few feet away!

It will be wonderful! At check-in ask if they can find you a room near the elevator - it will not be noisy, but closer. Our studio was just around the corner from the elevator and a corner room - it was fantastic!

Have a magical stay!!

Thanks, I wrote that bit of information down. I'm really looking forward to staying there. We're only going to be there 3 1/2 days, but I'm thinking the 1/2 day no parks and all resort with DTD in the evening. I have time to figure it all out. I made an ADR for WCC for lunch the day we arrive. We're going with our 5 y/o and he should love it.

 

[HubbDave]

That's great to read. How old is your DD? The free marshmallow roast on the beach near the pool is new and lots of fun. While it doesn't take long to do, it's a nice diversion.

Have a fantastic vacation in two months!

We were hoping to watch the premiere of the Phineas and Ferb movie on the beach when we were there, but a thunderstorm kept us in the room for it.

So much to see and do there. Almost worth spending a day just at the resort. I never got over to the museum.

I did try the smaller pool by the villas. Very nice there. My kids loved the bubbles almost as much as the slide in the big pool.

 

[2girlsR2good]

The free marshmallow roast on the beach near the pool is new and lots of fun. While it doesn't take long to do, it's a nice diversion.

Ohh--that sounds totally Can you tell me more about it???
Thanks!

 

[nancycg56]

I'll be heading to WL on December 11-17 and I am really looking forward to it since I have always wanted to stay there.

This is a special trip ~ to make a long story short, my DH is military (retired now) and when he would go out to sea, the kids and I would head to WDW. It was an easy vacation My daughter is getting married next June so the kids and I decided to do one last trip to WDW "like we used to"

My son lives in Orlando and he will be staying at WL with my daughter and I. Dh and DD's fiance are staying home. We will be back with them in October of 2012 (and we were just there this past February).

I am so looking forward to this trip ~ free dining which I upgraded to deluxe and there really isn't any must-do so we are going to do all the shows we haven't seen in a long time and Mickey's Christmas party. And it's my 55th birthday while we are there

This is a wonderful thread ~ thank you for the info and pics! I'll be sure to post mine when we get back

 

[WDWKOOK]

We were hoping to watch the premiere of the Phineas and Ferb movie on the beach when we were there, but a thunderstorm kept us in the room for it.

So much to see and do there. Almost worth spending a day just at the resort. I never got over to the museum.

I did try the smaller pool by the villas. Very nice there. My kids loved the bubbles almost as much as the slide in the big pool.

We had two resort-only days out of our 12 day trip. With FTW right next door, like you wrote, there's plenty to see and do.

Ohh--that sounds totally Can you tell me more about it???
Thanks!

I have a photo of it on the first page. The CMs build a fire on the beach next to the sidewalk behind the Trout Pass a little before 7:30. They have sticks that they give you and a marshmallow (sometimes two) and you roast your marshmallow. Remember not to shake it or twist it too fast if it catches on fire! It's a really quick activity, but lots of fun - even for the adults. The CM said the roast is new to the WL.

I'll be heading to WL on December 11-17 and I am really looking forward to it since I have always wanted to stay there.

This is a special trip ~ to make a long story short, my DH is military (retired now) and when he would go out to sea, the kids and I would head to WDW. It was an easy vacation My daughter is getting married next June so the kids and I decided to do one last trip to WDW "like we used to"

My son lives in Orlando and he will be staying at WL with my daughter and I. Dh and DD's fiance are staying home. We will be back with them in October of 2012 (and we were just there this past February).

I am so looking forward to this trip ~ free dining which I upgraded to deluxe and there really isn't any must-do so we are going to do all the shows we haven't seen in a long time and Mickey's Christmas party. And it's my 55th birthday while we are there

This is a wonderful thread ~ thank you for the info and pics! I'll be sure to post mine when we get back

That is such a wonderful story! I love that you're all going back "one last time." My DH is retired military, too and we stayed at the WL last Christmas when he was in AFG. I can relate to making the time pass faster by going to WDW - it really helped a lot.

Congratulations on your DD's wedding. Is she getting married at WDW? How exciting for you and your family to be going back to WDW.

Oh, and (early) to you.

 

[nancycg56]

That is such a wonderful story! I love that you're all going back "one last time." My DH is retired military, too and we stayed at the WL last Christmas when he was in AFG. I can relate to making the time pass faster by going to WDW - it really helped a lot.

Congratulations on your DD's wedding. Is she getting married at WDW? How exciting for you and your family to be going back to WDW.

Oh, and (early) to you.

My son and I tried to talk them into a Disney wedding but it was no-go. That isn't going to stop me from buying the wedding ears though

Thank you for the early bday wishes ~ I'm not looking forward to turning 55 but being in WDW will help

Thanks again for all the info

 

[pas130]

you must be checking in the day after us--how cool!! i see that you will be at the gf next week too and then an adults only trip in november--lucky lucky you!!

I am so very spoiled this year!!!

Great Pictures!!!
Finally doing the single digit dance!!! 9 days!!

Enjoy! And be sure to come back and tell us all about it! Safe travels!

WOW lots of people checkin' in on Nov. 4th..

Is it a holiday?
Should I be worried that it will be packed?

I think we all have good timing . It's the week "before" Jersey Week, but it's usually not too bad. We have went for Halloween and stayed the 2 weeks, and I have no complaints about the crowds at all.

The Under Construction sign has been removed from the first page so let the fun begin (Yes, that's me celebrating)



Thanks so much, pas130 and I especially love the cat.

I am so happy and excited for you booking CL today. In fact, I can't believe it. PLEASE don't change it though! You AND DH will LOVE it.

I will try my best. I REALLY don't want to. It seems very cozy, and DH has always liked the decor. I feel like my trip is set

pas - You are going to love the lodge.....congrates on booking your first stay

The last 2 days I just kept looking, and looking at the WL. It "called me". Or maybe this thread is too AWESOME to resist

Minnie&Nana I don't know what view we will have-have to do more research on the different views. I DO know the view from the lounge though

 

[MAGIC...itis!]

The Under Construction sign has been removed from the first page so let the fun begin (Yes, that's me celebrating)

Cheers to a beautiful job well done!!! If a pin code or a BB was available NOW for March I'd already be booked for WL.

The CMs build a fire on the beach next to the sidewalk behind the Trout Pass a little before 7:30. It's a really quick activity, but lots of fun - even for the adults.

Aaaah, love it! I want to work this into my next visit.

Try not to be nervous - we stayed in the Villas last November and it was wonderful! It is not the way it looks on the maps b/c I hesitated staying there after looking at the map - but it is absolutely convenient and not far or removed. It will be wonderful! At check-in ask if they can find you a room near the elevator - it will not be noisy, but closer.

Thanks for the advice. Never though to stay at VWL but you are selling me on the idea.

.

What a beautiful WL image! Thank you for letting us enjoy it.