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

[NC State]

I think we have nailed down our dates. Since we have a credit with Southwest and my husband will not have but a few vacation days, we will take a short weekend trip. Friday, Feb 10-Sunday, Feb 12. We will only visit MK on that Saturday. I'm so looking forward to staying at WL for the first time. I think we will hang out at the hotel that Friday and eat at the Whispering Canyon that night. With the cold weather it will really feel like a cozy lodge.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Woo hoo!! I hope you guys have as good a trip as I know we are going to. )

And I'm right ahead of you, checking in Thursday...!

If either of you see us, don't hesitate to give a wave or say hi!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I made a couple of updates to the first page:

~In post #2, I added three Honeymoon Suite photos courtesy of thoss63! Thank you for taking them for the thread

~In post #8, I added the WL/Niki Bryan spa link, which also has spa coupons, (but only for SSR and GF at the moment).

We've stayed at the WL twice, with once being CL (back in 2004) and we loved it. The Poly has bigger rooms and a daybed (which is nice with 2 teens), but the WL is just gorgeous during Christmas time and I keep thinking about sitting in the lounge looking over into the lobby . I have to laugh though because my DH thinks I've lost it with all the changes I've made since I booked in February ......but I told him I'm not the only one who does it and that there are alot of people that make changes, with some changing more than I do .

Yep, and you can tell your DH about those crazy people who not only change before arrival, but after

I know what you mean about those bigger Poly rooms. Have you thought about a Deluxe WL room? They're 500 SF, which beats out the Poly and they come with CL access and amazing BL views...

I'm so excited. My children and I are staying at the Wilderness Lodge next summer for our longest vacation ever of any type: 10 days/9 nights. Since I booked the trip, the first thing I see when I log on to the Disney World Website is a beautiful picture of the lodge with the waterfall in front and a note saying how soon our trip is. Sometimes I log on just to see it.

I love that, too, BUT, I didn't like that even after my trip, it would default to that photo with the countdown stuck at two days. I finally removed the cookie so I wouldn't see the countdown to the trip I already took

I think we have nailed down our dates. Since we have a credit with Southwest and my husband will not have but a few vacation days, we will take a short weekend trip. Friday, Feb 10-Sunday, Feb 12. We will only visit MK on that Saturday. I'm so looking forward to staying at WL for the first time. I think we will hang out at the hotel that Friday and eat at the Whispering Canyon that night. With the cold weather it will really feel like a cozy lodge.

Sounds like a great plan and I know you'll love WL and WCC

 

[mickeynut1]

Yep, and you can tell your DH about those crazy people who not only change before arrival, but after

I know what you mean about those bigger Poly rooms. Have you thought about a Deluxe WL room? They're 500 SF, which beats out the Poly and they come with CL access and amazing BL views...

LOL......I forgot about that . BTW....glad it all worked out for you......I think I would be too chicken to change once I'm there .....but then again .

I booked with a 40% pin code so it would probably be a long shot to even get a regular CL room, but I have always wanted to try the deluxe room......even though there's only 4 of us, I think it would be great to have the extra room .

 

[luvmy2babies]

I love that, too, BUT, I didn't like that even after my trip, it would default to that photo with the countdown stuck at two days. I finally removed the cookie so I wouldn't see the countdown to the trip I already took

I bet that was depressing. Only remedy I can think of for that is booking another trip. That's probably what I'll do. The children and I want to take a DCL cruise in 2013. Well, dd and I do. Ds just goes with the flow. Dd really loves animals and kind of wanted AKL for this trip next summer. She loved AK just as much if not more than MK. I think AKL looks great, but I don't think I want to stay there for a long trip. So I'm thinking of tacking on 2 nights in a Savannah view before the cruise and spending a day at AK and half a day at DTD for some shopping. So, if all goes well, once we get back next summer, the picture will just change to AKL.

 

[Photobee]

I just subscribed to this thread!

We have finally agreed to staying at WL next Nov, and are super excited! The photos I have seen are beautiful, and I love reading all these new little details I hadn't heard about, in regards to the resort! Now I'm even more excited!

I have one year to plan, and make this one of the best trips ever! (our first staying ON disney property).

 

[WDWKOOK]

I bet that was depressing. Only remedy I can think of for that is booking another trip. That's probably what I'll do. The children and I want to take a DCL cruise in 2013. Well, dd and I do. Ds just goes with the flow. Dd really loves animals and kind of wanted AKL for this trip next summer. She loved AK just as much if not more than MK. I think AKL looks great, but I don't think I want to stay there for a long trip. So I'm thinking of tacking on 2 nights in a Savannah view before the cruise and spending a day at AK and half a day at DTD for some shopping. So, if all goes well, once we get back next summer, the picture will just change to AKL.

I think AKL is perfect for no more than a few nights. DD and I did that last summer and three nights was enough. The lack of transportation options there (only buses) is my only gripe with the resort. I think your idea of doing a land/sea vacation sounds wonderful - at least until DS starts having his own opinions

I just subscribed to this thread!

We have finally agreed to staying at WL next Nov, and are super excited! The photos I have seen are beautiful, and I love reading all these new little details I hadn't heard about, in regards to the resort! Now I'm even more excited!

I have one year to plan, and make this one of the best trips ever! (our first staying ON disney property).

to the WL/VWL thread! I think staying at the WL for your first on-property stay is a great idea. I hope you have fun planning for the next year - it's never too early to plan ADRs, parks and activities

LOL......I forgot about that . BTW....glad it all worked out for you......I think I would be too chicken to change once I'm there .....but then again .

I booked with a 40% pin code so it would probably be a long shot to even get a regular CL room, but I have always wanted to try the deluxe room......even though there's only 4 of us, I think it would be great to have the extra room .

There's only three of us and I'd like to try the Deluxe room, too. I've been fortunate to use the military 40% off since it came out years ago, but the Deluxe room has always been excluded from the inventory, but CL never has been. I'm glad you have a 40% off pin code to use. I would never book rack rate and I feel so bad when people don't get any discount and either can't go or book and then wait patiently for any discount.

I know you have two teenagers. Have you ever stayed in a one bedroom villa anywhere?

 

[mickeynut1]

I bet that was depressing. Only remedy I can think of for that is booking another trip. That's probably what I'll do. The children and I want to take a DCL cruise in 2013. Well, dd and I do. Ds just goes with the flow. Dd really loves animals and kind of wanted AKL for this trip next summer. She loved AK just as much if not more than MK. I think AKL looks great, but I don't think I want to stay there for a long trip. So I'm thinking of tacking on 2 nights in a Savannah view before the cruise and spending a day at AK and half a day at DTD for some shopping. So, if all goes well, once we get back next summer, the picture will just change to AKL.

We did a split stay last December and stayed 2 nights at AKL before changing resorts and AKL is beautiful, but I agree that just a few nights is good. I loved the resort and it was beautifully decorated for Christmas, but I wouldn't want to stay there for a week......2 nights was perfect for us .

I just subscribed to this thread!

We have finally agreed to staying at WL next Nov, and are super excited! The photos I have seen are beautiful, and I love reading all these new little details I hadn't heard about, in regards to the resort! Now I'm even more excited!

I have one year to plan, and make this one of the best trips ever! (our first staying ON disney property).

You chose a great resort for your first on site stay . The WL is beautiful and it is very convenient to MK via boat. The WL is our favorite resort during the holidays......it has such a homey feel with all the decorations, not to mention the huge fireplace in the lobby surrounded by rocking chairs . You are going to have a fabulous time .

There's only three of us and I'd like to try the Deluxe room, too. I've been fortunate to use the military 40% off since it came out years ago, but the Deluxe room has always been excluded from the inventory, but CL never has been. I'm glad you have a 40% off pin code to use. I would never book rack rate and I feel so bad when people don't get any discount and either can't go or book and then wait patiently for any discount.

I know you have two teenagers. Have you ever stayed in a one bedroom villa anywhere?

I've noticed that with the 40% pin codes I've gotten in the past, the WL deluxe rooms have never been included . I'd love to try one, but not at rack rate . I agree with you about rack rate. Our first onsite stay (2002) we stayed at CBR and as I didn't know any better (and didn't know about the Dis back then), I just booked a package and on we went . But after that trip I knew we would be returning to Disney, so I started searching the Disney site more closely and was told about these boards by a friend, and have gotten some sort of discount ever since . But I also feel bad for those who don't get a discount or don't know how to go about getting one.

We have never stayed in any of the villas. I have heard they are great for the extra space. The only thing I don't like about the 1 bedroom is that my two DSs would have to share the pull out in the living room.....not sure how that would work out . I have considered a 2 bedroom though, just to give a villa a try.....just haven't taken that step in booking one .

 

[NC State]

I would love a PIN for our quick Feb trip. I'm not staying long enough for the FD code. I hope they will have one.

 

[CooperPrincesses]

If either of you see us, don't hesitate to give a wave or say hi!!

Well be on the lookout for you guys!! We're only there from Friday afternoon until Sunday checkout but hey a quick trip is better then no trip. If you see three excited blondes all about 20 years apart that will be me, my mom and my daughter (well Boogie is actually 30 years younger then me but you get the point)

We leave TOMORROW MORNING!!! Woo hoo!!!

Gotta get crackin on those Mouseketeer costumes.

This time tomorrow my DD and I ought to be on the road somewhere in south GA!

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Well be on the lookout for you guys!! We're only there from Friday afternoon until Sunday checkout but hey a quick trip is better then no trip. If you see three excited blondes all about 20 years apart that will be me, my mom and my daughter (well Boogie is actually 30 years younger then me but you get the point)

We leave TOMORROW MORNING!!! Woo hoo!!!

Gotta get crackin on those Mouseketeer costumes.

This time tomorrow my DD and I ought to be on the road somewhere in south GA!

We'll keep an eye out for you, too! Have a great time!!!!!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hoop Dee Doo Revue Changes - from Disney Food Blog (hyperlink has new videos)



Disney World’s Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue Dinner Show has undergone some significant changes over the past few weeks. Due to contractual, copyright, and legal issues, some of the show’s songs have been eliminated from the performance — including the well known “Hoop Dee Doo Polka” that started every show!

 

[Momtomouselover]

You're welcome and I hope you get your request. Now all you need is a brand new, shiny ticker

Thanks! I guess i should take the time to figure out how to make that new, shiny ticker. I do seem to spend enough time on here

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

We're headed to the airport in about six hours!!! And tomorrow night I'll be going to sleep at WL!!!!

 

[jak07]

I indeed have rehab news straight from the club level manager. The rehab was due to begin in December, but it now looks like it will begin in February 2012. It will NOT be a soft rehab. It will be a top to bottom complete room rehab. Everything will be replaced, including the bathroom fixtures. There is already a model room that the club level manager has seen and he says it is fantastic and everything will be replaced. He predicted that it might take up to two years and will be done floor by floor by blocking off one floor at a time. No word yet on whether they will start at the top or the bottom.

Been off the boards for awhile.

Woohoo!!! I'm glad you found the answer! I am glad that my info about the rehab back in June was true. Seems it has been pushed back, but that is ok. Thanks for the information!!!!

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Here now!! So, we have visited and eaten at WL before, and I knew it was a nice place, but I never expected to feel almost as at home here as we do at the Poly!! If there were a castle view here, it'd make for a tough choice. We really enjoyed the resort today. The club level staff is fabulous, and they've been so helpful with anything we've needed.
We just finished watching the EWP from our balcony (and then sideways at its next stop, and now we can hear the music again...love that WDW ambiance!). We were planning to head to the Poly to watch the special fireworks, but all MK resorts were madhouses tonight!!! We were in a super long line to get back into the WL after hitting SoG to get our park tickets. Half the cars had to turn around and leave because they were only admitting cars that were guests or had dining reservations.
So, we're having a fabulous time!! I thought I'd be more than ready to head to the Poly on Monday, but I could definitely have stayed here longer.

 

[MMrules]

We are now extending our Feb vacation by 2 days b/c flights are much cheaper prior to our original departure day...so...I have to add on two days . I told hubby that we could do a moderate b/c the BWI will be too expensive, but now I am going to shoot for the WL...wish me luck! I just love it here!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Been off the boards for awhile.

Woohoo!!! I'm glad you found the answer! I am glad that my info about the rehab back in June was true. Seems it has been pushed back, but that is ok. Thanks for the information!!!!

Nice to have you back and you're welcome. The info. I got is from late July/early August and as you know with WDW, schedules are subject to change. But you were certainly given the right info

Here now!! So, we have visited and eaten at WL before, and I knew it was a nice place, but I never expected to feel almost as at home here as we do at the Poly!! If there were a castle view here, it'd make for a tough choice. We really enjoyed the resort today. The club level staff is fabulous, and they've been so helpful with anything we've needed.
We just finished watching the EWP from our balcony (and then sideways at its next stop, and now we can hear the music again...love that WDW ambiance!). We were planning to head to the Poly to watch the special fireworks, but all MK resorts were madhouses tonight!!! We were in a super long line to get back into the WL after hitting SoG to get our park tickets. Half the cars had to turn around and leave because they were only admitting cars that were guests or had dining reservations.
So, we're having a fabulous time!! I thought I'd be more than ready to head to the Poly on Monday, but I could definitely have stayed here longer.

See what I mean? Now you know why we cancelled our 8 nights Poly/CL split after only one night WL/CL (before our upgrade). Everything was just perfect - the lounge, the staff, housekeeping...

Make sure you say hi to Mike and Randy the CL manager for us (we're the family who had the leaking celling and were moved to the Presidential suite). Please tell them we miss them!

We are now extending our Feb vacation by 2 days b/c flights are much cheaper prior to our original departure day...so...I have to add on two days . I told hubby that we could do a moderate b/c the BWI will be too expensive, but now I am going to shoot for the WL...wish me luck! I just love it here!!!

Oooo, good luck! Make sure you show him some menus

 

[mickeynut1]

Here now!! So, we have visited and eaten at WL before, and I knew it was a nice place, but I never expected to feel almost as at home here as we do at the Poly!! If there were a castle view here, it'd make for a tough choice. We really enjoyed the resort today. The club level staff is fabulous, and they've been so helpful with anything we've needed.
We just finished watching the EWP from our balcony (and then sideways at its next stop, and now we can hear the music again...love that WDW ambiance!). We were planning to head to the Poly to watch the special fireworks, but all MK resorts were madhouses tonight!!! We were in a super long line to get back into the WL after hitting SoG to get our park tickets. Half the cars had to turn around and leave because they were only admitting cars that were guests or had dining reservations.
So, we're having a fabulous time!! I thought I'd be more than ready to head to the Poly on Monday, but I could definitely have stayed here longer.

I know exactly how you feel. We stayed at the WL twice before trying the Poly and although the Poly is our favorite and we LOVE it, the WL runs a close second and we love it there as well . If the WL had slightly larger rooms and daybeds, we would have a tough choice choosing between them. Glad you are having a great time and are enjoying the WL .

We are now extending our Feb vacation by 2 days b/c flights are much cheaper prior to our original departure day...so...I have to add on two days . I told hubby that we could do a moderate b/c the BWI will be too expensive, but now I am going to shoot for the WL...wish me luck! I just love it here!!!

It's always exciting when you can add days to a Disney vacation . Good luck getting a ressie at the WL .

 

[disneywatcher]

Hey Kook! We reciently found out we will have to postpone our trip back to the Lodge by another YEAR! We got orders out of our current duty station and will be traveling across the US. Really am kinda sad about not going to my happy place next summer but am hoping that you and the other Wilderness Lodge Lovers can help feed my addiction to this lovely resort.