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

[scanne]

I actually prefer woods view over courtyard view. The few times I booked courtyard specifically, I got the side that looks out onto the villas. If you want inner courtyard, it will be request only as not a
Guarantee. The woods view rooms I have stayed in have been lovely and peaceful and the best was on the north side of the lodge and and we had a view of wishes from our balcony. I'd stick with woods view....but that's just my opinion.

 

[twinkles]

Hi Everyone. This is our first time staying in the villas. I was wondering is there a small supply of laundry detergent provided? Or do we supply our own. Since we are flying trying to figure out if I should buy some or bring some with us. Any suggestions on a compact size detergent.

Also, did they change over to the pod coffee makers? We all like a good strong cup of coffee in the morning and we were planning on bringing our own coffee.

Also, if there is anything you would like to share I would appreciate it!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Hi Everyone. This is our first time staying in the villas. I was wondering is there a small supply of laundry detergent provided? Or do we supply our own. Since we are flying trying to figure out if I should buy some or bring some with us. Any suggestions on a compact size detergent.

Also, did they change over to the pod coffee makers? We all like a good strong cup of coffee in the morning and we were planning on bringing our own coffee.

Also, if there is anything you would like to share I would appreciate it!!

In 1 beds and 2 beds there is a supply of detergent. Studios dont have W/D. Usually, mousekeeping will leave you more during your cleanings. Also, they will bring more to you if you call.

Last stay, coffee pots were same.

Enjoy!

 

[twinkles]

Great! We are staying in a 2 bedroom (one less thing I have to worry about).

I guess we will just pack our coffee and filters.

Thank you!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Does anyone know if the mattresses/bed spreads in the Villas are also scheduled for replacement?? That would be perfect!!!

I'm sorry, but I haven't heard of any DVC/VWL rehab. in the works. I only know that all of the WL rooms will have new mattresses and comforters.

This will be our first time at the WL, we are very excited I made a woods view reservation. After looking at all the pictures with my family they tell me they wish I booked a courtyard view So my questions are these - Is a courtyard view always better than a woodsview? Are there any bad courtyard views? Is it worth the extra $$? And finally, we are going during FD, will I be able to change to a courtyard view and keep my FD package or do I risk messing up my whole reservation?

Thank you to all WL and Dis experts

Congratulations on booking your first stay at WL! The Woods View rooms are lovely, especially near the "Otter Pond." You can even see some of Wishes from the upper rooms. The Woods View rooms are also quieter in the afternoons when the pool party is taking place.

The INNER Courtyard views, IMHO, are amazing. You have a view of the pool, Bay Lake and the geyser. If you are in an upper room facing toward the MK/CR, you can see some of Wishes. You can also watch the nightly Electric Water Pageant.

If you do book a Woods View, there is the possibility that you might be upgraded. If you book a Courtyard View, make sure that you have requested "INNER Courtyard View." As a PP mentioned, a Courtyard View could also be of the VWL courtyard and "INNER" can't be guaranteed.

You won't lose your FD or any other discount by changing your reservation as long as your discount/promo is still available (not sold out) with that booking category.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful vacation

Hi Everyone. This is our first time staying in the villas. I was wondering is there a small supply of laundry detergent provided? Or do we supply our own. Since we are flying trying to figure out if I should buy some or bring some with us. Any suggestions on a compact size detergent.

Also, did they change over to the pod coffee makers? We all like a good strong cup of coffee in the morning and we were planning on bringing our own coffee.

Also, if there is anything you would like to share I would appreciate it!!

Welcome to our thread! I know your question's been answered, but here is a list of stocked VWL items from the first page:

...you'll be provided with the following amenities free of charge at the start of your stay. After that, you may purchase more for the following fees:

Toiletries Package, $5.00 - 1 facial soap, 1 bath soap, 1 shampoo, 1 conditioner, 1 shower gel

Coffee Package, $3.00 - 1 package of coffee, 8 sugars, 8 creamers, 8 artificial sweeteners

Towel Package, $6.00 - 4 bath towels, 2 hand towels, 4 washcloths, 1 bath mat

Laundry Detergent, $1.00 - 1 box

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Hi Everyone. This is our first time staying in the villas. I was wondering is there a small supply of laundry detergent provided? Or do we supply our own. Since we are flying trying to figure out if I should buy some or bring some with us. Any suggestions on a compact size detergent.

Also, did they change over to the pod coffee makers? We all like a good strong cup of coffee in the morning and we were planning on bringing our own coffee.

Also, if there is anything you would like to share I would appreciate it!!

What I usually do for laundry is put a few of the Purex Complete 3 in 1 Laundry Sheets in a baggie. They are light weight, don't spill, weigh almost nothing and if I don't use them all I just bring them home for the next trip.

 

[twinkles]

Oh I never heard of those laundry sheets, thats a great idea thank you so much!!

 

[Sue M]

We've used the Purex sheets too for WDW. They've worked fine for me, but some people have reported they leave spots on clothes?
Tide has now come out with Pods. Haven't tried those yet, but people seem to like them. I still have 2 or 3 Purex sheets from our last trip.

 

[Jeffnewc]

This will be my families first stay at the lodge as well and I cannot wait!!! I am beyond excited even though I have about 174 days or so left (Whose counting). We have a woods view and hope we get a room high enough to see wishes at night. I really am looking forward to a beautiful place to come rest, relax and recharge each night. We all love the water and the pool looks fantastic as do the hot tubs.

I also can't wait to see their faces when we eat at the Whispering Winds we all love to play along and have fun with the out of the ordinary!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

This will be my families first stay at the lodge as well and I cannot wait!!! I am beyond excited even though I have about 174 days or so left (Whose counting). We have a woods view and hope we get a room high enough to see wishes at night. I really am looking forward to a beautiful place to come rest, relax and recharge each night. We all love the water and the pool looks fantastic as do the hot tubs.

I also can't wait to see their faces when we eat at the Whispering Winds we all love to play along and have fun with the out of the ordinary!!

Welcome to the thread, Jeffnewc! This is the perfect place to hang out until your trip. Those 174 days will fly by. Have you made your ADR for Whispering Canyon Cafe? And, did you make sure to add a request of "high floor" to your reservation?

Have fun planning and I hope you have a great first trip to WL

 

[bluecastle]

here is a list of stocked VWL items from the first page:

...you'll be provided with the following amenities free of charge at the start of your stay. After that, you may purchase more for the following fees:

Toiletries Package, $5.00 - 1 facial soap, 1 bath soap, 1 shampoo, 1 conditioner, 1 shower gel

Coffee Package, $3.00 - 1 package of coffee, 8 sugars, 8 creamers, 8 artificial sweeteners

Towel Package, $6.00 - 4 bath towels, 2 hand towels, 4 washcloths, 1 bath mat

Laundry Detergent, $1.00 - 1 box

We are staying as non-DVCers (I think that's called cash guests?) and I assumed that we would get the same kind of housekeeping that we would receive in the lodge:daily replacement of toiletries, towels etc. I am bringing my own coffee and detergent, but hadn't planned on paying extra for shampoo, towels, etc. Perhaps I misread this. Help!

 

[WDWKOOK]

We are staying as non-DVCers (I think that's called cash guests?) and I assumed that we would get the same kind of housekeeping that we would receive in the lodge:daily replacement of toiletries, towels etc. I am bringing my own coffee and detergent, but hadn't planned on paying extra for shampoo, towels, etc. Perhaps I misread this. Help!

Don't worry, since you have a cash reservation and aren't staying on points, you'll receive daily housekeeping and free replenishment of amenities as needed.

 

[PamelaKay]

This will be my families first stay at the lodge as well and I cannot wait!!! I am beyond excited even though I have about 174 days or so left (Whose counting). We have a woods view and hope we get a room high enough to see wishes at night. I really am looking forward to a beautiful place to come rest, relax and recharge each night. We all love the water and the pool looks fantastic as do the hot tubs.

I also can't wait to see their faces when we eat at the Whispering Winds we all love to play along and have fun with the out of the ordinary!!

So it won't be my first stay, nor will it be my last, but I am right there with you on counting down. As of today, I still have 214 days until my next trip to the WL. Yes I am counting. Only 34 days until I can make my dining reservations. I think another 2 weeks or so and the park hours will be posted for the end of October. We are planning to do the MNSSHP so I have also started working on our costumes.

The WL is a great place to relax. I highly recommend checking out the movie on the beach one night and also the electric water parade. It is wonderful to sit out on the dock and watch the lights on the floats reflect on the water.

 

[megs1313]

Just booked today for June! Is there a way to make a room request that might give me a better chance of getting one of the renovated rooms? We requested standard view! TIA!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just booked today for June! Is there a way to make a room request that might give me a better chance of getting one of the renovated rooms? We requested standard view! TIA!

Congratulations on booking!

The North Wing of the 7th floor (CL) should be completed by May 4. The rehab will be completed one wing at a time. It's possible that the 6th floor, North Wing would also be completed by June. Best to add "Rehabbed (or renovated) room, please" to your reservation and then inquire at check-in.

 

[Jeffnewc]

Welcome to the thread, Jeffnewc! This is the perfect place to hang out until your trip. Those 174 days will fly by. Have you made your ADR for Whispering Canyon Cafe? And, did you make sure to add a request of "high floor" to your reservation?

Have fun planning and I hope you have a great first trip to WL

Thanks for the welcome! I have made my reservations for Whispering canyon Cafe but no I do need to request a high floor to my reservation, thanks for that tip! This board is so awesome.

 

[bluecastle]

Don't worry, since you have a cash reservation and aren't staying on points, you'll receive daily housekeeping and free replenishment of amenities as needed.

Thanks! You are a great moderator. For those of us who may obsess or worry a bit too much, you always respond so quickly.
Now that we are approaching our 4 month mark, I am ramping up the planning and research. I sent lists of attractions to my DD and her BF and then to my DH and now I have everyone's ratings on what they want to do. The 3 of us are pretty much in sync (except for what I will skip because of my back) but my DD's BF is not a big fan of the more "educational" rides-even Spaceship Earth! (a family favorite) So, I am going to come up with an itinerary with some alternate choices. I have no trouble wandering around taking pictures and people watching while they go on rides I cannot ride. I just love being there. This adds a new dimension to my planning that's all. It would be so much easier if they hadn't started enforcing the FP return times! oh well.
happy planning!

 

[cburek]

i just have to say that we can't wait to get back to WL.
So excited to finally be able to try CL. WDWKOOK be sure to take lots of pictures. I am really interested in seeing how the enclosed balconies will be.
here are some of my favorite photos to hold us over

 

[cburek]

 

[calismic]

Hello everyone! My husband and I are bringing our nearly 2 year old down in June and have booked to stay at WL. My mom decided to throw some pixie dust our way early and purchased our airfare for us! So now that we have a little extra in the budget, we were considering staying Club Level June 1st through 4th. Since this is the WL thread I figured there would be some resident members who may be able to convince me CL is worth it! =)

I'm thinking with the LO it will be great to grab snacks when shes in the "Must eat NOW!" mood. How are the views? We are booked in a Woods View ATM with a request for a high floor. CL views better or worse? What about the offerings, can I enjoy a drink in the evenings? We've stayed at most properties but have yet to experience the joys of WL. We are not on the dining plan and I've heard Concierge can be great with finding open tables in a pinch. Reservations don't always work out with a LO on her own schedule. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.