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

[MinnieMomMe]

Hello! Great info and beautiful pictures on this thread, thank you!

We just booked a last minute trip, Disney Cruise on Magic over New Years, and 3 nights following at WL standard club level (Jan7-10). We've never stayed at the WL, although we had a fantastic vacation last August at the YC CL and AKL. We are a family of four, myself, DH, DS (11) and DS (9).

Initially when I booked our WL standard club level, I thought we would have parking lot views, but from your thread it looks like we will have either WV or CV, yay!! Is there a room view/location you would recommend I request (I know this is a request and not a guarantee). I was thinking of requesting inner courtyard view. Also, can someone please explain what a dormer balcony is? Is it standing room only? Is the room itself smaller because of a slanted ceiling? Should I request bunk beds?

After hearing about the beautiful Christmas decorations at WL, I'm kind of regretting not booking our stay before the cruise, but it was so much more expensive and I thought it would be crazy crowded. Does anyone know when the Christmas decorations come down (I assume they will be down by the time we get there on Jan 7)?

We spent a small fortune on food the last time we were at Disney in Aug, so we signed up for DDP this time. Is Artist Point worth the 2 dining plan points, or do you think we should do Whispering Canyon? Between DDP and club level, I think we should be good for food and drinks. We'll be on the Magic for 8 nights before--we may be in a food coma and 10 pounds heavier by the time our trip is over.

Any recommendations on things to do at WL with kids? We're thinking of renting bikes and riding to FW.

Thank you in advance for your insights!!

 

[WDWLODGE]

Just back from a great trip 10/25 - 11/5. We had a courtyard view. This was our first trip to The WL in a while. Boy did we miss it. I am not sure if I want to stay anywhere else again. It just feels like home.

 

[EmmaMagsMom]

Hello! Great info and beautiful pictures on this thread, thank you!

We just booked a last minute trip, Disney Cruise on Magic over New Years, and 3 nights following at WL standard club level (Jan7-10). We've never stayed at the WL, although we had a fantastic vacation last August at the YC CL and AKL. We are a family of four, myself, DH, DS (11) and DS (9).

Initially when I booked our WL standard club level, I thought we would have parking lot views, but from your thread it looks like we will have either WV or CV, yay!! Is there a room view/location you would recommend I request (I know this is a request and not a guarantee). I was thinking of requesting inner courtyard view. Also, can someone please explain what a dormer balcony is? Is it standing room only? Is the room itself smaller because of a slanted ceiling? Should I request bunk beds?



We spent a small fortune on food the last time we were at Disney in Aug, so we signed up for DDP this time. Is Artist Point worth the 2 dining plan points,

Any recommendations on things to do at WL with kids? We're thinking of renting bikes and riding to FW.

Thank you in advance for your insights!!

hi We just got back from the WL CL. This was our second time on the CL level . We were at the lodge last year in a courtyard room. Your kids will love the WL. My girls (8.7) had so much fun with all of the pool activities. They do such a great job with them. It's one of the reasons we keep going back.

We booked a standard CL room. I had requested bunk beds but was told at check in that the CL does not have bunk beds. I have found out later that the CM was wrong and it does. I have to say , I do love the bunk beds. I don't have to listen to my kids fight in the same bed

They are not full balconies. Our room faced the magic kingdom which was great. We watched the fireworks from our room. In oder to see you have to be standing because of the balcony. We did miss our full balcony that we had with the courtyard view. We are debating if next year we skip the CL level and book a courtyard with bunkbeds. However, we loved the CL lounge. Everything was so good.

Have a great time

 

[EmmaMagsMom]

Just back from a great trip 10/25 - 11/5. We had a courtyard view. This was our first trip to The WL in a while. Boy did we miss it. I am not sure if I want to stay anywhere else again. It just feels like home.

We were there the same time. We always say the same thing. It does feel like home. We are hooked!!!!!

 

[nathanyell]

Hi all,

My wife and I are staying at the WL the end of January. We're DVC members and have stayed at the Villas a few times, but this time we decided to splurge. We're staying concierge level and booked a honeymoon suite. This will be a much needed relaxing vacation for us. No kids!! We won't be in park commando mode, just gonna take it easy and do whatever we feel like doing. Has anyone ever stayed in the Honeymoon Suites? Which floor are they on? How's the view? Full balcony or not? Any info is greatly appreciated!

Jim

WL Honeymoon Rooms

They are on the 7th floor right off of the lobby. They are the same size as the other rooms in the lodge, but have a big jetted tub. Two of them are on the MK Woods side and the other two look out to the Villas. The balconies are in the rooftop, so they do have solid walls, but they do not have a roof, so plenty of sunlight. Make sure you request the MK side so you can see the fireworks!

Looked for some pics online. I know there is someone on here that has stayed in them.

Brian

 

[MinnieMomMe]

Thanks EmmaMagsMom! We're from California and we love the Grand Californian at Disneyland, so I imagine we'll love WL too. I would love to have a MK view too. Could you see the castle? Or just the fireworks? Either way I'm sure it would be divine. I think I'll request inner courtyard or facing MK. I'm sure we'll be happy with whatever we get.
Thanks again.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi all,

My wife and I are staying at the WL the end of January. We're DVC members and have stayed at the Villas a few times, but this time we decided to splurge. We're staying concierge level and booked a honeymoon suite. This will be a much needed relaxing vacation for us. No kids!! We won't be in park commando mode, just gonna take it easy and do whatever we feel like doing. Has anyone ever stayed in the Honeymoon Suites? Which floor are they on? How's the view? Full balcony or not? Any info is greatly appreciated!

Jim

nathanyell already answered your questions, but I just wanted to add that there are some Honeymoon Suite photos on the first page/post #2. There is also a MK Honeymoon Suite room view which shows the CR and BLT in the distance.

Hello! Great info and beautiful pictures on this thread, thank you!

We just booked a last minute trip, Disney Cruise on Magic over New Years, and 3 nights following at WL standard club level (Jan7-10). We've never stayed at the WL, although we had a fantastic vacation last August at the YC CL and AKL. We are a family of four, myself, DH, DS (11) and DS (9).

Initially when I booked our WL standard club level, I thought we would have parking lot views, but from your thread it looks like we will have either WV or CV, yay!! Is there a room view/location you would recommend I request (I know this is a request and not a guarantee). I was thinking of requesting inner courtyard view. Also, can someone please explain what a dormer balcony is? Is it standing room only? Is the room itself smaller because of a slanted ceiling? Should I request bunk beds?

After hearing about the beautiful Christmas decorations at WL, I'm kind of regretting not booking our stay before the cruise, but it was so much more expensive and I thought it would be crazy crowded. Does anyone know when the Christmas decorations come down (I assume they will be down by the time we get there on Jan 7)?

We spent a small fortune on food the last time we were at Disney in Aug, so we signed up for DDP this time. Is Artist Point worth the 2 dining plan points, or do you think we should do Whispering Canyon? Between DDP and club level, I think we should be good for food and drinks. We'll be on the Magic for 8 nights before--we may be in a food coma and 10 pounds heavier by the time our trip is over.

Any recommendations on things to do at WL with kids? We're thinking of renting bikes and riding to FW.

Thank you in advance for your insights!!

Thank you for your kind comments about the thread. Most of your questions have been answered. Personally, we feel that it's never a good value to use up two TS credits for one meal. When we have had the DDP, we have always found it a better value to pay OOP for the two TS meals.

All the rooms at the WL, CL included (but not the Deluxe rooms or suites) are the same size and all of the balconies are "full balconies," however, as already mentioned, you must stand to see above them on the 7th floor because they have a solid railing - even the Presidential Suite's four balconies are this way.

Besides the bike rentals, I would also recommend the Sea Raycers and the Archery Experience - we loved it - even in the rain! If you've ridden before, the horseback riding will seem lame, but I would still recommend it as a nice diversion.

Just back from a great trip 10/25 - 11/5. We had a courtyard view. This was our first trip to The WL in a while. Boy did we miss it. I am not sure if I want to stay anywhere else again. It just feels like home.

You sound just like my DH! I'm glad you had a great trip

We were there the same time. We always say the same thing. It does feel like home. We are hooked!!!!!

Did you book a bounceback? Time to start planning that next trip

WL Honeymoon Rooms

They are on the 7th floor right off of the lobby. They are the same size as the other rooms in the lodge, but have a big jetted tub. Two of them are on the MK Woods side and the other two look out to the Villas. The balconies are in the rooftop, so they do have solid walls, but they do not have a roof, so plenty of sunlight. Make sure you request the MK side so you can see the fireworks!

Looked for some pics online. I know there is someone on here that has stayed in them.

Brian

I have some photos on the first page - thoss63 was just there and provided some photos.

Thanks EmmaMagsMom! We're from California and we love the Grand Californian at Disneyland, so I imagine we'll love WL too. I would love to have a MK view too. Could you see the castle? Or just the fireworks? Either way I'm sure it would be divine. I think I'll request inner courtyard or facing MK. I'm sure we'll be happy with whatever we get.
Thanks again.

If when you check-in you aren't assigned a room where you'd like, just ask them if your preferred location is available. They are very accommodating and will certainly try to get you your preferred location, if possible.

 

[JimS4210]

WL Honeymoon Rooms

They are on the 7th floor right off of the lobby. They are the same size as the other rooms in the lodge, but have a big jetted tub. Two of them are on the MK Woods side and the other two look out to the Villas. The balconies are in the rooftop, so they do have solid walls, but they do not have a roof, so plenty of sunlight. Make sure you request the MK side so you can see the fireworks!

Looked for some pics online. I know there is someone on here that has stayed in them.

Brian

Thanks!

 

[MMrules]

99 days til I check in!!!!...I finally broke the triple digit mark!

 

[janabananas]

We will be staying at WL for our anniversary weekend, so we are splurging. We will be there from friday at check in to sunday checkout. So that is the amount of time we have to enjoy WL.

So the scenario is this: I got with an AP rate the CY view for $204. Neither one of us care about the view but given the chance to have it we will enjoy it. I just checked online to see the pricing to see if any standard's opened up for an additional savings. None did. But I saw that a standard CL did open, for only $75 more a night.

Is this a good deal? I think it is because comparing this to other CL offerings it is pretty good, but I don't have experience. Is CL worth it for $150 extra for the 3 days?

We will pretty much be staying at WL for the weekend, no parks except for EPCOT R&C Illuminations dinner, and maybe time at MK. We really just want to enjoy us time.

So which is better?? WL CY for $204 or WL CL standard for $279?

The $$ is an issue, although we have it, I don't want to waste it either. I am thinking the extra $$ we would use would be what I might pay in food anyways??

 

[prince.john]

I know its a silly unimportant question to most, but I'll ask...

If someone has stayed at WL recently, Do you happen to know if
they have that Big breakfast waffle in the shape of a Mickey Mouse head, at the Roaring Fork ? (I didn't see it on the menu, but it was an older menu)

We took DD7 to the Poly in '09, and that's what she ordered every day.
(sometimes two) I'm so excited to be back in planning mode again for our upcoming 2012 trip to the WL...

p.s. to the creators of this new thread, great job. So much info on that first page alone.

 

[janabananas]

After much thought and consideration.... I booked CL!!! Dbf had asked how much it was as a gag a few weeks ago and we looked it up and it was insane expensive. Well I knew he wanted to do it and I said to myself, DO IT!!! So it will be my surprise to him

 

[WDWKOOK]

99 days til I check in!!!!...I finally broke the triple digit mark!

YIPPEE

We will be staying at WL for our anniversary weekend, so we are splurging. We will be there from friday at check in to sunday checkout. So that is the amount of time we have to enjoy WL.

So the scenario is this: I got with an AP rate the CY view for $204. Neither one of us care about the view but given the chance to have it we will enjoy it. I just checked online to see the pricing to see if any standard's opened up for an additional savings. None did. But I saw that a standard CL did open, for only $75 more a night.

Is this a good deal? I think it is because comparing this to other CL offerings it is pretty good, but I don't have experience. Is CL worth it for $150 extra for the 3 days?

We will pretty much be staying at WL for the weekend, no parks except for EPCOT R&C Illuminations dinner, and maybe time at MK. We really just want to enjoy us time.

So which is better?? WL CY for $204 or WL CL standard for $279?

The $$ is an issue, although we have it, I don't want to waste it either. I am thinking the extra $$ we would use would be what I might pay in food anyways??

Since you're not doing the parks commando style and it's only for two nights, that's even more reason to me for you to try out the Old Faithful Club. In fact, have you looked into the Honeymoon Suite? There are four of them on the club level floor, but I don't know if they would be available with your AP discount. Just a thought to make it extra special. In any event, I think you would really enjoy the service and since you're not going to the parks much, you'd get to fully utilize the lounge.

Also, if you make a CL reservation, request an inner courtyard view and you'll have a great view of the pool, geyser and Bay Lake. And, make sure they note in your reservation that it's your anniversary

I know its a silly unimportant question to most, but I'll ask...

If someone has stayed at WL recently, Do you happen to know if
they have that Big breakfast waffle in the shape of a Mickey Mouse head, at the Roaring Fork ? (I didn't see it on the menu, but it was an older menu)

We took DD7 to the Poly in '09, and that's what she ordered every day.
(sometimes two) I'm so excited to be back in planning mode again for our upcoming 2012 trip to the WL...

p.s. to the creators of this new thread, great job. So much info on that first page alone.

Thank you so much for your kind comment about the thread. I loved putting it together and it makes me happy when people find it useful in planning their trip.

They should still have them and here is a link to a thread from June which has photos of the different types they offer:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2738975

ENJOY!

After much thought and consideration.... I booked CL!!! Dbf had asked how much it was as a gag a few weeks ago and we looked it up and it was insane expensive. Well I knew he wanted to do it and I said to myself, DO IT!!! So it will be my surprise to him

Jana, you're bananas DBF is going to be soooo surprised. Were you able to apply the AP discount?

 

[janabananas]

Yes I was able to get the AP discount on it!! The CM saw the price and was shocked and said to grab it quick before it disappears!! So I did!! I am just hoping it wasn't a mess up on Disney's part and when I get there they tell me "sorry, no reservation for you."

I was curious about the room view, though. It is a "standard view" CL. Does that mean it will be in the standard view room category area, just on the 7th floor. I am hoping not to get a room over the loading dock, BUT I am so happy about the CL I don't know if I will really care...

Is there a map of where the CL rooms are? or are they just random on the 7th floor? Are all rooms on the 7th floor CL? And where is the lounge in relation to hotel layout? Is it in the main part of the hotel (off the lobby) or one of the off shoot wings?

Sorry for so many questions.

I took dbf to WL to walk around last week and he fell in love with it. I am so looking forward to this time together with him.



One more logistical-type question (sorry), dbf was completely facinated with the waterfall & pool filtration system. He spent about 15 minutes looking at it and inspecting it and trying to figure it out. He thinks the illusion is that the waterfall streams into the pool, but they are on completely separate water systems, the waterfall recirculating back up into the lobby, while the pool recirculates and filters by itself. Is he right? I would love for the illusion to be true just because I think it would be really cool.

 

[nathanyell]

Yes I was able to get the AP discount on it!! The CM saw the price and was shocked and said to grab it quick before it disappears!! So I did!! I am just hoping it wasn't a mess up on Disney's part and when I get there they tell me "sorry, no reservation for you."

I was curious about the room view, though. It is a "standard view" CL. Does that mean it will be in the standard view room category area, just on the 7th floor. I am hoping not to get a room over the loading dock, BUT I am so happy about the CL I don't know if I will really care...

Is there a map of where the CL rooms are? or are they just random on the 7th floor? Are all rooms on the 7th floor CL? And where is the lounge in relation to hotel layout? Is it in the main part of the hotel (off the lobby) or one of the off shoot wings?

Sorry for so many questions.

I took dbf to WL to walk around last week and he fell in love with it. I am so looking forward to this time together with him.

CONGRATS!!!

The lounge is basically on the 7th floor almost directly over the mercantile on the lobby level. The CL is the entire 7th floor, but the rooms only go half way down each wing.

All the CL rooms are considered Standard rooms because they are the same size as the regular rooms. My reservation is for "Standard Room-Courtyard View". You need to request an inner CY view if that is what you want. You can do it by contacting the IPO.

One more logistical-type question (sorry), dbf was completely facinated with the waterfall & pool filtration system. He spent about 15 minutes looking at it and inspecting it and trying to figure it out. He thinks the illusion is that the waterfall streams into the pool, but they are on completely separate water systems, the waterfall recirculating back up into the lobby, while the pool recirculates and filters by itself. Is he right? I would love for the illusion to be true just because I think it would be really cool.

They are completely different systems. If you go to the bridge right by the waterfall you can notice that the water does not "run" under the bridge. It's a good illusion though.

Brian

 

[janabananas]

CONGRATS!!!

The lounge is basically on the 7th floor almost directly over the mercantile on the lobby level. The CL is the entire 7th floor, but the rooms only go half way down each wing.

All the CL rooms are considered Standard rooms because they are the same size as the regular rooms. My reservation is for "Standard Room-Courtyard View". You need to request an inner CY view if that is what you want. You can do it by contacting the IPO.





They are completely different systems. If you go to the bridge right by the waterfall you can notice that the water does not "run" under the bridge. It's a good illusion though.

Brian

Brian,

Thank you so much for the info!!

Silly question but what is IPO? Is that the regular Disney reservation line? Or is there a different number?


As for the waterfall, he deduced it was seperate. He got on his hands and knees and inspected it. I was thouroughly embarrassed.... I was like "No it's Disney magic, of course it is the same."

 

[nathanyell]

Brian,

Thank you so much for the info!!

Silly question but what is IPO? Is that the regular Disney reservation line? Or is there a different number?

Walt Disney World Itinerary Planning Office
Phone: (407) 934-5348
Fax: (407) 824-3162

Wilderness.Lodge.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com

Brian

 

[janabananas]

Walt Disney World Itinerary Planning Office
Phone: (407) 934-5348
Fax: (407) 824-3162

Wilderness.Lodge.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com

Brian

Thank you again!!

We already have our ADR's made for Artist Point & Rose and Crown, but I am hoping to get either a carriage ride, boat rental, or Safari booked. So they will be able to help with that!!

 

[Tbone17701]

We are 16 days away from our first WL stay...and while it's all decorated for Christmas!! I'm considering NOT using online check-in this time. I have in the past and it definitely expedited the process, but that was also a late January trip and in a FS at ASMU, so room location or availability wasn't an issue. This time we check-in (hopefully b/w 2P-3P) on Black Friday and I really would like a centrally located room...preferably a lobby room on an upper floor. My real question is...will having my requests met be a pipe dream given I'm checking in during the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving week? I'm envisioning a full hotel and a chuckling CM when I attempt to get anything other than an available room.

 

[stoneyloon]

We're staying here next year and have got the free DDP. How much extra is CL compared to a normal room?