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

[GillieRose]

Okay finally called and put a request in for North Side, Higher floor. We already have Bunk Beds and woodsview. Fingers crossed for a new room. Thank you for all the great information on this thread. 25 more days....Trust me when I say we all need the vacation since baseball/softball/Soccer season has started.

 

[PamelaKay]

Reading this thread and seeing all the beautiful pictures always puts a smile on my face.

You guys are all awesome. (esp you kook aka Lodge Temptress)

 

[Mousemommy1]

I just switched my reservation back to WL, for the whole 10 nights!!!!!
I am soooo excited, and hope I get a new room! 89 more days to go.

 

[mickeynut1]

I know our Lodge Tempress much prefers OFC, she was less than impressed with Atrium Club not to put words in her mouth)...I am the same way, that was my hesitation with Poly CL...didn't want to be disappointed....AKL & YC were nice, but didn't wow me..

Now I have that little boy from the Incredibles in my head " Iam waiting for something amazing to happen"

I have reservations about Poly CL, which is why I have never taken the plunge to book it. I've heard AKL CL is awesome, as well as YC CL, but I hear the YC CL lounge is pretty small. I think you will really like WL CL......it ranks right up there (for me) with GF RPC. I know the two are so very different, but they are both awesome in their own ways .

Hey Everyone! We leave for the WL tomorrow! I can't believe it is finally here. Sooooo excited. Thank you to everyone on DIS and especially those who contributed to this thread. Although I don't post much, I do come here and read up a lot. Thanks again! You guys rock!

Have a great trip .

We will be there Saturday

Have a great time and enjoy the Lodge .

When we went to WDW for Christmas in 2010 (DH was deployed), I did a CR/WL split. I thought they were both perfect for Christmas, but we did stay only 3 nights at the CR and 8 at WL...

I had a Deluxe RPC room booked for a split this summer and canceled due to the construction view. I just couldn't bring myself to pay a premium for a non-premium view.

I love all the choices at WDW and I always think competition is a good thing. Choices make the planning fun! You all know how bad you feel when your resort or room type is unavailable.

Yep, LOVE the CR, but I didn't love their club level. But, that was back in 12-10 so maybe it's better now? But, the lounge is pretty small, which hasn't changed. But, that view is amazing.

First I want to say THANK YOU to your DH for serving .

I am excited to try the CR (and I have thought about trying Atrium CL), but I keep thinking about the WL as that resort is hard to beat during the holidays, IMO. I didn't realize the CR CL lounge was small.....from all the pics I've seen, it looks pretty spacious . When I stayed GF SL, I didn't like the lounge at all. The food offerings were great (same as RPC), but the lounge was too cramped for me......I don't like that it's located right inside the lobby.

I remember you having RPC booked, but changed due to construction and I can't say I blame you........that wouldn't be a very pretty sight to look at....especially for the price .

I think Disney is great that there are so many choices for every taste, budget, etc., but it makes it so hard for me when trying to choose a resort because we have our favorites and then there are so many others we want to try .

Okay finally called and put a request in for North Side, Higher floor. We already have Bunk Beds and woodsview. Fingers crossed for a new room. Thank you for all the great information on this thread. 25 more days....Trust me when I say we all need the vacation since baseball/softball/Soccer season has started.

Have a great trip....I hope you get your request .

Reading this thread and seeing all the beautiful pictures always puts a smile on my face.

You guys are all awesome. (esp you kook aka Lodge Temptress)

I agree.....seeing pics of the Lodge always puts me in a good mood .

I just switched my reservation back to WL, for the whole 10 nights!!!!!
I am soooo excited, and hope I get a new room! 89 more days to go.

I was wondering when you would switch back.....I knew it was only a matter of time .

 

[Wiley Coyote]

I will try and post from time to time to let you guys know how the remodel is going. Also if it is loud at the WL. Either way, it's not going to ruin our trip!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Okay finally called and put a request in for North Side, Higher floor. We already have Bunk Beds and woodsview. Fingers crossed for a new room. Thank you for all the great information on this thread. 25 more days....Trust me when I say we all need the vacation since baseball/softball/Soccer season has started.

Since you'll be there in just a few weeks, only the CL floor on the North Side might be done by then. The rehab just started and each floor will take about 3 weeks.

Sounds like you need some R&R. Have you thought about booking a massage at Sturdy Branches? I have the Relaxed Yet link on the first page and sometimes they have coupons

Reading this thread and seeing all the beautiful pictures always puts a smile on my face.

You guys are all awesome. (esp you kook aka Lodge Temptress)

You're awesome, too, PamelaKay. This is a great group of Lodge Lovers and it's so nice to get to chat about "our" resort while we await our next trip or when we're suffering from "We need catsup!" and geyser withdrawal. It really makes the time pass faster and it makes me smile, too

I just switched my reservation back to WL, for the whole 10 nights!!!!!
I am soooo excited, and hope I get a new room! 89 more days to go.

When are you going to tell the kids? Have they ever stayed at WL? I'm so excited for you! Did you book CL? Do you have to change any ADRs?

I have reservations about Poly CL, which is why I have never taken the plunge to book it. I've heard AKL CL is awesome, as well as YC CL, but I hear the YC CL lounge is pretty small. I think you will really like WL CL......it ranks right up there (for me) with GF RPC. I know the two are so very different, but they are both awesome in their own ways .


First I want to say THANK YOU to your DH for serving .

I am excited to try the CR (and I have thought about trying Atrium CL), but I keep thinking about the WL as that resort is hard to beat during the holidays, IMO. I didn't realize the CR CL lounge was small.....from all the pics I've seen, it looks pretty spacious . When I stayed GF SL, I didn't like the lounge at all. The food offerings were great (same as RPC), but the lounge was too cramped for me......I don't like that it's located right inside the lobby.

I remember you having RPC booked, but changed due to construction and I can't say I blame you........that wouldn't be a very pretty sight to look at....especially for the price .

I think Disney is great that there are so many choices for every taste, budget, etc., but it makes it so hard for me when trying to choose a resort because we have our favorites and then there are so many others we want to try .


I agree.....seeing pics of the Lodge always puts me in a good mood .



I was wondering when you would switch back.....I knew it was only a matter of time .

Now it's your turn, mickeynut1

Thank you for your kind words about DH. I'm very proud of him. That deployment was after he had retired from the Air Force so we thought that was all behind us! He missed out on about 25 days and 5 resorts at WDW - poor guy. I've been making up for what he missed since he got back

I KNOW that you love the Poly so CL is the next logical transition for you. I think since you love the Poly, but you're worried about CL, maybe you should someday try a split so you're not there the whole trip. If it really stinks, you can always switch after you get there - trust me.

And yes, the Regatta Club lounge is small, like BC. I wish it weren't because I love the resort's location and theming, but I didn't like wondering if we'd get a seat in the lounge and it just felt so crowded, even at a non-peak time. I also didn't like looking at the ugly rooftop with gravel and puddles every time I came out of my room and walked to the lounge. I just find it so hard to love the Epcot Resorts like I do the MK Resorts.

 

[mickeynut1]

Now it's your turn, mickeynut1

Thank you for your kind words about DH. I'm very proud of him. That deployment was after he had retired from the Air Force so we thought that was all behind us! He missed out on about 25 days and 5 resorts at WDW - poor guy. I've been making up for what he missed since he got back

I KNOW that you love the Poly so CL is the next logical transition for you. I think since you love the Poly, but you're worried about CL, maybe you should someday try a split so you're not there the whole trip. If it really stinks, you can always switch after you get there - trust me.

And yes, the Regatta Club lounge is small, like BC. I wish it weren't because I love the resort's location and theming, but I didn't like wondering if we'd get a seat in the lounge and it just felt so crowded, even at a non-peak time. I also didn't like looking at the ugly rooftop with gravel and puddles every time I came out of my room and walked to the lounge. I just find it so hard to love the Epcot Resorts like I do the MK Resorts.

OMG KOOK.....I have changed resorts so many times in my mind....just haven't picked up the phone every time to call CRO . If I called Disney every time I "wanted" to change, I'd never get off the phone .

Good for you for making sure DH gets his well deserved time in Disney......he deserves the down time and there's no better place than at Disney .

I know you're right about the Poly and CL and I am dying to try it......but you also know how hesitant I am due to all of the negative reviews I've read . But you do bring up a good point that if I absolutely don't like it, I can change resorts when I'm there.....therefore, the wheels are turning once again .

I'm right there with you about the Epcot resorts. I love the location and you can't beat being within walking distance to Epcot and DHS, but I, too, find it hard to love those resorts like I do the MK resorts. We had a great stay at the BC, but it just isn't the same as being near the MK .

 

[Mousemommy1]

Since you'll be there in just a few weeks, only the CL floor on the North Side might be done by then. The rehab just started and each floor will take about 3 weeks.

Sounds like you need some R&R. Have you thought about booking a massage at Sturdy Branches? I have the Relaxed Yet link on the first page and sometimes they have coupons


You're awesome, too, PamelaKay. This is a great group of Lodge Lovers and it's so nice to get to chat about "our" resort while we await our next trip or when we're suffering from "We need catsup!" and geyser withdrawal. It really makes the time pass faster and it makes me smile, too



When are you going to tell the kids? Have they ever stayed at WL? I'm so excited for you! Did you book CL? Do you have to change any ADRs?


Now it's your turn, mickeynut1

Thank you for your kind words about DH. I'm very proud of him. That deployment was after he had retired from the Air Force so we thought that was all behind us! He missed out on about 25 days and 5 resorts at WDW - poor guy. I've been making up for what he missed since he got back

I KNOW that you love the Poly so CL is the next logical transition for you. I think since you love the Poly, but you're worried about CL, maybe you should someday try a split so you're not there the whole trip. If it really stinks, you can always switch after you get there - trust me.

And yes, the Regatta Club lounge is small, like BC. I wish it weren't because I love the resort's location and theming, but I didn't like wondering if we'd get a seat in the lounge and it just felt so crowded, even at a non-peak time. I also didn't like looking at the ugly rooftop with gravel and puddles every time I came out of my room and walked to the lounge. I just find it so hard to love the Epcot Resorts like I do the MK Resorts.

Nope! We've never stayed WL before but it has always been on the list (as you know). . As of right now DD's say they don't want to know where we are staying until they get off of Magical Express...we'll see how long that lasts. . Oh, and we just got a woods view BB room, we contemplated CL but just don't feel we will use it enough to justify paying for it.

 

[cburek]

I can't believe your trip is almost here. Have a great vacation and a safe trip. Will you be checking-in with us?

Thank you. Yes I plan to checkin whenever I can. We arrive on Saturday.Just a warning , I tend to take ALOT of pictures

 

[twinkles]

Thank you. Yes I plan to checkin whenever I can. We arrive on Saturday.Just a warning , I tend to take ALOT of pictures

Hi from NJ too

Please do take lots of pics....we will be there in 30 days and this is our first stay at VWL.

Have a safe and magical trip

 

[Mousemommy1]

Thank you. Yes I plan to checkin whenever I can. We arrive on Saturday.Just a warning , I tend to take ALOT of pictures

Yay for lots of pictures!!!!

 

[PamelaKay]

Yay for lots of pictures!!!!

I agree! Yay for lots of pictures! Can't wait. It will help me pass the time.

On another note.. my ADR window opens shortly. Woo hoo.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I agree! Yay for lots of pictures! Can't wait. It will help me pass the time.

On another note.. my ADR window opens shortly. Woo hoo.

ADR day!!!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

ADR day!!!!

 

[pas130]

Hey Everyone! We leave for the WL tomorrow! I can't believe it is finally here. Sooooo excited. Thank you to everyone on DIS and especially those who contributed to this thread. Although I don't post much, I do come here and read up a lot. Thanks again! You guys rock!

Safe travels, and yes...post from Wl...enjoy

Have Fun! We will be there Saturday

Very cool!!! Safe travels!!!!

OK, I've been called many things, but Lodge Temptress? That has to beat them all. You always bring a smile to my face, but I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry about that moniker. Makes it sound like I'm hangin' out in front of the arcade or by the marina a lot at night

BTW, I've found the WL room assignors to be great. I've been granted my request every visit (we've had 5) and/or we've been upgraded, so don't worry about your multi request, just have it in the order of preference, like mickeynut1 mentioned.



I read this and thought, "The reservation is young, and so are we...

What reservation isn't young for you? Tell us all about those old, ancient reservations that you never changed

When I think of Lodge temptress...she is a beautiful, whimsical Princess...no negative moniker...it is all "G" rated You are holding a plate of cobbler BTW

The IPO restated my room requests in order, and did a fabulous recap..I am very impressed. And all my info was transferred to GF bakery to CR bakery for DDs cake order. I am set!!!


As for my reservation fo Sept. HRH already told methat she wants 1 night Poly/2 nights GF "castle" AKA RPC in the same breath CR/RPC

There was 1 reservation I never changed in all my trips....our CBR trip (it was our worst trip...not a bad trip, but in comparison) Coincidence.....

Thank you for all the help, guidance, support, laughs, thanks fo all you do for me and the Dis

Reading this thread and seeing all the beautiful pictures always puts a smile on my face.

You guys are all awesome. (esp you kook aka Lodge Temptress)

I wholeheartedly agree...and yay for ADR day

I just switched my reservation back to WL, for the whole 10 nights!!!!!
I am soooo excited, and hope I get a new room! 89 more days to go.

I was waiting for this change

I have reservations about Poly CL, which is why I have never taken the plunge to book it. I've heard AKL CL is awesome, as well as YC CL, but I hear the YC CL lounge is pretty small. I think you will really like WL CL......it ranks right up there (for me) with GF RPC. I know the two are so very different, but they are both awesome in their own ways . t I want to say THANK YOU to your DH for serving .

THANK YOU for all our Dis Military spouses
We found the YC lounge a bit crowded, but offering always plentiful! An CMs very nice!!! AKL was very relaxed, the CMs not as engaging as YC or GF, and 2 guests that seemed to liv in the lounge and "empty the trays" Literally, my DS was in line for a cookie, and a grown man emptied a full tray onto his plate. The CM said they were out of chocolate chip cookies, but a chef brought him some 10 min later...The CMs at SL addressed all my kiddos by name, and brought them chocolate milk whenever they came to thelounge...so that is what makes SL tough to beat. Occupancy was down when we were at GF so maybe that's why it didn't feel packed..that Poly lounge DOES look amazing. I agree though if I was going Dec. IMO not too many resorts seem to beat WLs theming...but I've never been during the winter season.....

Thank you. Yes I plan to checkin whenever I can. We arrive on Saturday.Just a warning , I tend to take ALOT of pictures

Hope its more of a promise rather than a warning

Hi from NJ too

Please do take lots of pics....we will be there in 30 days and this is our first stay at VWL.

Have a safe and magical trip

I'm a Jersey peep too!!! We'll be coming down after you!!!!

YAY Christine is back online!!!!

 

[bluecastle]

Hi from NJ too

Please do take lots of pics....we will be there in 30 days and this is our first stay at VWL.

Have a safe and magical trip

I am looking forward to reading all your comments about the villas. We will be there this summer.
While I was doing some trip planning this weekend, I re-read a trip report that I had written in 2000, our first WL stay, and it was so much fun to read my first impressions and notice some differences-like, then there were 2 choices for a refillable mug, a travel size for $8.50 and a larger wide-size for $9.50! But I thought I would share with you some of what I wrote:
" I got up and went down to Roaring Fork to throw some food and OJ on a tray to bring back to the room. Have I mentioned how much I love this hotel? I had tons of stuff piled on this tray, but it was no problem taking it back to our room, 1 hallway, a walk over a little bridge with running water under it, then into an elevator that was very fast-zip up to the 6th floor, down the hallway and then to our room. So easy. We had brunch on the balcony . We were in room 6058 which overlooks the smokehouse in the immediate area and the Contemporary beyond the trees. We loved this room."
One reason we loved this room: We came home one night from an unfortunate incident with a guest in HISTA (she kicked the back of my chair twice and I have a bad back) and were about to turn in when we saw the MK fireworks from our balcony! We got energized and went to the pool and the spa and a poolside drink took away all my back pain.
As I've said before, the Polynesian was always our preferred hotel, but as many of you know, sometimes those morning walks with a trayful of food back to the room can be problematical. (especially in the rain!)
Sorry this is so long, but I thought the fact that we could love a smokehouse view room might help someone who might be worried about their room.

 

[mickeynut1]

Nope! We've never stayed WL before but it has always been on the list (as you know). . As of right now DD's say they don't want to know where we are staying until they get off of Magical Express...we'll see how long that lasts. . Oh, and we just got a woods view BB room, we contemplated CL but just don't feel we will use it enough to justify paying for it.

Even without staying CL, the WL is a fabulous resort .

As for my reservation fo Sept. HRH already told methat she wants 1 night Poly/2 nights GF "castle" AKA RPC in the same breath CR/RPC

We found the YC lounge a bit crowded, but offering always plentiful! An CMs very nice!!! AKL was very relaxed, the CMs not as engaging as YC or GF, and 2 guests that seemed to liv in the lounge and "empty the trays" Literally, my DS was in line for a cookie, and a grown man emptied a full tray onto his plate. The CM said they were out of chocolate chip cookies, but a chef brought him some 10 min later...The CMs at SL addressed all my kiddos by name, and brought them chocolate milk whenever they came to thelounge...so that is what makes SL tough to beat. Occupancy was down when we were at GF so maybe that's why it didn't feel packed..that Poly lounge DOES look amazing. I agree though if I was going Dec. IMO not too many resorts seem to beat WLs theming...but I've never been during the winter season.....

What a great compromise.....the Poly and RPC .

I've heard that about the YC lounge......not too much room to spread out. I have read awesome AKL CL reviews, but I don't think I'd care too much for guests clearing the trays, although I think all CL lounges have some of those people . I'm glad the CMs brought your DS some cookies.....how very rude of that man ahead of him .

I'm glad you had a great SL stay. I don't think SL can be beat for its location to the courtyard pool.....it's very convenient for grabbing snacks and drinks while relaxing by the pool .....but the lounge itself did get very crowded on our stay. I wasn't around the lounge much to comment on the CMs, but RPC is that way.....the CMs acknowledge you by name when you come and go.....makes for a very comfortable stay, IMO .

I agree wholeheartedly about the WL being very hard to beat during the holidays....that's why I'm having such a hard time making a definite decision for our December/January trip . The GF is gorgeous as well, but the WL has that cozy, homey feel with the fireplace and rocking chairs .

 

[pas130]

I agree wholeheartedly about the WL being very hard to beat during the holidays....that's why I'm having such a hard time making a definite decision for our December/January trip . The GF is gorgeous as well, but the WL has that cozy, homey feel with the fireplace and rocking chairs .

I think your decision is made (.....is it final ?ehhh....they never are with us are they? )

 

[aiminator]

Hi everyone! This is my first post on the WL thread - I have enjoyed reading all of your wonderful posts and viewing your pictures! You have managed to get me completely psyched about my upcoming trip to WL over Memorial weekend 2012!! Thank you, thank you!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

I think your decision is made (.....is it final ?ehhh....they never are with us are they? )

You might be right . Our December 2010 trip was the first time I ever made a resort change......and it wasn't just one .....I made so many changes over the course of a few months that my head starting spinning, so I can imagine how CRO felt felt with me calling every other day . But you're right......even when we think we've made a decision once and for all, it never seems to be the final one .