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

[pas130]

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!!!

We will be there too

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 .

I have only just begun on my August trip....2 changes in under 5 days...and I haven't settled yet.darn the GF construction I feel your WL love....

 

[WDWKOOK]

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.

I'm not trying to make you change, but just thought I'd post that the lounge isn't the only reason we prefer CL, although it is the main reason.

We also like knowing what floor we'll be on and we always prefer the top floor. Since there's no one above you, it's quieter. We also like knowing that if we have a room problem or need help, the concierge is on the same floor and we can actually call them or talk to them in person, rather than calling a call center elsewhere in FL just to get the "front desk." I make all my ADRs, but find it easier just emailing any recreation or tour reservations to the IPO rather than calling CRO and being put on hold. The welcome gift is also a nice touch as well as the turn-down service and we also prefer having the keyed-access to the CL floor.

But, for us, the lounge is such a treat to have. Relaxing up there in a comfy chair with a drink makes you really feel like you're on vacation, and it's so easy getting a nice breakfast in the morning. We also like to come back for some appetizers and dessert in the evening. Would you still be in the parks then?

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

I hope you have a great first trip and in case you missed it, I do have some new photos in my WL/CL review here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2909892

Nice to have you and your ISP back!

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.

Thanks for posting your 2000 review of WL. Loved reading it. That is very helpful for those worried about a STD View room.

Prices for EVERYTHING keep going up and up, don't they?

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!!!

to the WL/VWL thread, aiminator! Your trip is coming up VERY soon. Have you stayed at WL before? What view did you book?

 

[Mousemommy1]

I'm not trying to make you change, but just thought I'd post that the lounge isn't the only reason we prefer CL, although it is the main reason.

We also like knowing what floor we'll be on and we always prefer the top floor. Since there's no one above you, it's quieter. We also like knowing that if we have a room problem or need help, the concierge is on the same floor and we can actually call them or talk to them in person, rather than calling a call center elsewhere in FL just to get the "front desk." I make all my ADRs, but find it easier just emailing any recreation or tour reservations to the IPO rather than calling CRO and being put on hold. The welcome gift is also a nice touch as well as the turn-down service and we also prefer having the keyed-access to the CL floor.

But, for us, the lounge is such a treat to have. Relaxing up there in a comfy chair with a drink makes you really feel like you're on vacation, and it's so easy getting a nice breakfast in the morning. We also like to come back for some appetizers and dessert in the evening. Would you still be in the parks then?






I hope you have a great first trip and in case you missed it, I do have some new photos in my WL/CL review here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2909892



Nice to have you and your ISP back!


Thanks for posting your 2000 review of WL. Loved reading it. That is very helpful for those worried about a STD View room.

Prices for EVERYTHING keep going up and up, don't they?


to the WL/VWL thread, aiminator! Your trip is coming up VERY soon. Have you stayed at WL before? What view did you book?

You wouldn't do that would you??? Yeah, we are typically in the parks when the appies and desserts come out. Plus, most of our TS meals are scheduled around 5-5:30 ish...My DD's are young, but it is not unheard of them being in the park until 1 am - and they have been - many times!!! They are sooooo good, and total night owls, and especially on this trip where we plan to do most of our touring at night (to get out of the heat).

I totally get how some people would get alot out of CL, I just don't see us using it too much. I haven't completely ruled it out...but, it's not likely.

 

[aiminator]

to the WL/VWL thread, aiminator! Your trip is coming up VERY soon. Have you stayed at WL before? What view did you book?

This will be my first stay at WL (and my first stay at WDW in over 20 years!!!) I booked the Courtyard View - with the Spring rate discount. I didn't request a specific floor or location I didn't realize I could until I read disboards hmmm... perhaps I should make a call?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hello, WL lovers!! Just wanted to pop in for a minute, and say I hope the renovations turn out great! I laughed at a PP who stated they were disappointed to hear the headboards will likely make another appearance - I'm not much of a fan, either.

I posted this on the GF FAQ in response to my friend, WDWKOOK - hope the cowboy wallpaper returns. I know, I know - not very likely, but a girl can dream, right?!

Enjoy your upcoming stays at the WL, it's such a beautiful resort.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

I think it's great that despite a bad experience, you gave it another try and were very pleased. Based on your most recent experience, I'm going to book it for August.

I see you went there for your anniversary and I would love some ideas of something memorable for our anniversary dinner. We love CA Grill, but sometimes the service can be less than memorable! Did you find AP to be just right as a celebratory dinner? We also love all the fun at HDDR, but they're closing August 5 so we can't go there. We don't want to do V&A because it seems too much like eating at the Greenbrier Resort which we do every so often. Would love to hear your thoughts - and anyone else's!

Hi! To us AP was just too good not to give it another try. We went for our anniversary dinner. They were wonderful to us. We found AP to be a very nice place to celebrate. We asked for a quiet table and one of our favorite wait persons. Usually they give us by the waterfall, but the waitor we wanted had his station up in the front of the restaurant. Honestly, we were in such a nice quiet table. We wait we actually preferred it.

We recently went to V&A and honestly, it was ok. We did the Victoria Room and it was just way too much food. Food was good, but we couldn't enjoy it all. If we do V&A again, we will do the regular dining room.

Which ever restaurant you pick make sure you let them know it is your 25th!! But you probably know that already

 

[mickeyworld]

I am coming in September and I may need a handicap room. Do you know where they would or how they look. ?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hello, WL lovers!! Just wanted to pop in for a minute, and say I hope the renovations turn out great! I laughed at a PP who stated they were disappointed to hear the headboards will likely make another appearance - I'm not much of a fan, either.

I posted this on the GF FAQ in response to my friend, WDWKOOK - hope the cowboy wallpaper returns. I know, I know - not very likely, but a girl can dream, right?!

Enjoy your upcoming stays at the WL, it's such a beautiful resort.

Welcome to the thread that's right across the lagoon and back behind the trees from your thread. We're happy to have you sit a spell in one of the rockers by the lobby fireplace:

Hi! To us AP was just too good not to give it another try. We went for our anniversary dinner. They were wonderful to us. We found AP to be a very nice place to celebrate. We asked for a quiet table and one of our favorite wait persons. Usually they give us by the waterfall, but the waitor we wanted had his station up in the front of the restaurant. Honestly, we were in such a nice quiet table. We wait we actually preferred it.

We recently went to V&A and honestly, it was ok. We did the Victoria Room and it was just way too much food. Food was good, but we couldn't enjoy it all. If we do V&A again, we will do the regular dining room.

Which ever restaurant you pick make sure you let them know it is your 25th!! But you probably know that already

Thank you, TLL. DD13 will be with us, so quiet/romantic/secluded probably isn't important, but memorable (in a good way) would be nice

I am coming in September and I may need a handicap room. Do you know where they would or how they look. ?

TheLodgeLady provided a DVC room number map for the first page, but it doesn't list which are the HA rooms. Hopefully, someone else will be able to answer your question. If no one can here, perhaps the DISabilities forum might.

 

[WDWKOOK]

This will be my first stay at WL (and my first stay at WDW in over 20 years!!!) I booked the Courtyard View - with the Spring rate discount. I didn't request a specific floor or location I didn't realize I could until I read disboards hmmm... perhaps I should make a call?

You'll want to probably give the WDTC a call. If you booked a CV room and you prefer a view of the WL courtyard/geyser/Bay Lake, then you want to request: INNER COURTYARD OR WL COURTYARD. Also, if you want to have a high floor that will not have an enclosed balcony, the 5th floor is the highest floor without an enclosed balconies.

Have a great first stay at WL! BTW, since you're calling anyway, you might want to have it noted that this is your first stay and your first time back to WDW in over 20 years.

 

[Mousemommy1]

KOOK!!!

I have a question. The more I read the statement you received regarding the rehab and closure of rooms/floors, it appears that it is only referencing the 7th floor, or CL rooms. As you know, I did not book CL, so is there an actual schedule for the rest of the floors or not so much??

I am hoping for a rehabbed room as you know.

 

[mickeynut1]

I have only just begun on my August trip....2 changes in under 5 days...and I haven't settled yet.darn the GF construction I feel your WL love....

I'm sure you will end with just what you want for your August trip . Even though some of us go through alot of changes before it's all said and done, I think we always end up right where we want to be .

the lounge is such a treat to have. Relaxing up there in a comfy chair with a drink makes you really feel like you're on vacation, and it's so easy getting a nice breakfast in the morning. We also like to come back for some appetizers and dessert in the evening.

This is exactly how we feel....being in Disney is like being in a different world, but CL just adds to it .

I totally get how some people would get alot out of CL, I just don't see us using it too much. I haven't completely ruled it out...but, it's not likely.

When we stay CL we use the lounge alot, so for us, the extra cost is worth it.....but if we didn't use it all that much, it wouldn't be worth it to me, either. I don't use IPO for any ADRs or other planning, but we do utilize the lounge for breakfast, appetizers, and desserts in the evening .

This will be my first stay at WL (and my first stay at WDW in over 20 years!!!)

Have a great trip....the WL is awesome....you will love it!!!!

Hello, WL lovers!! Just wanted to pop in for a minute, and say I hope the renovations turn out great! I laughed at a PP who stated they were disappointed to hear the headboards will likely make another appearance - I'm not much of a fan, either.

I posted this on the GF FAQ in response to my friend, WDWKOOK - hope the cowboy wallpaper returns. I know, I know - not very likely, but a girl can dream, right?!

Enjoy your upcoming stays at the WL, it's such a beautiful resort.

Welcome to the WL thread . I agree that the WL is a beautiful resort and it definitely has that WOW feeling the minute you walk into the lobby .

Love this pic, KOOK . I wish I was sitting in one of those rocking chairs right now .

 

[WDWKOOK]

KOOK!!!

I have a question. The more I read the statement you received regarding the rehab and closure of rooms/floors, it appears that it is only referencing the 7th floor, or CL rooms. As you know, I did not book CL, so is there an actual schedule for the rest of the floors or not so much??

I am hoping for a rehabbed room as you know.

Mousemommy1!

The only verified schedule I have is that on April 15 the rehab of the North Wing's 7th floor begun. In theory, work on the 6th floor of the North Wing should begin in a couple of weeks. The IPO said that the South Wing's 7th floor should be started July 7. That's leaves about 12 weeks for the South Wing to be completed. The entire project should be completed by the end of September, according to the CL manager, leaving 12 weeks to complete the North Wing. Each floor should then take about 2 weeks to complete, with the 7th floor possibly taking less since it has fewer rooms, however it does have two suites with much more square footage and bathrooms.

I hope this helped and didn't confuse everyone. So if you're in the North Wing in July for your trip, you will be in a new room (unless the rehab is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances).

I'm sure you will end with just what you want for your August trip . Even though some of us go through alot of changes before it's all said and done, I think we always end up right where we want to be .



This is exactly how we feel....being in Disney is like being in a different world, but CL just adds to it .



When we stay CL we use the lounge alot, so for us, the extra cost is worth it.....but if we didn't use it all that much, it wouldn't be worth it to me, either. I don't use IPO for any ADRs or other planning, but we do utilize the lounge for breakfast, appetizers, and desserts in the evening .



Have a great trip....the WL is awesome....you will love it!!!!



Welcome to the WL thread . I agree that the WL is a beautiful resort and it definitely has that WOW feeling the minute you walk into the lobby .



Love this pic, KOOK . I wish I was sitting in one of those rocking chairs right now .

I'm always surprised that the area in front of the main fireplace is never crowded.

Don't forget that pas130 doesn't always end-up where she wants. Last year she was booked RPC and got bumped at check-in (while hobbling on a broken foot) to a suite at the YC because GF was over-booked. I don't think she's fully forgiven the GF yet for that

 

[twinkles]

Hi everyone! This is my situation, maybe someone could give me some suggestions?

We are booked for a 2 bedroom Villa, however, after thinking about it I'm sure its gonna be a little tight. I have tried to get me and my husband a studio, but there's nothing available.

So, my next option would be to check the lodge...is there any current promos or codes available. Does Disney release rooms if they know they won't be booked?

Thank you.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Mousemommy1!

The only verified schedule I have is that on April 15 the rehab of the North Wing's 7th floor begun. In theory, work on the 6th floor of the North Wing should begin in a couple of weeks. The IPO said that the South Wing's 7th floor should be started July 7. That's leaves about 12 weeks for the South Wing to be completed. The entire project should be completed by the end of September, according to the CL manager, leaving 12 weeks to complete the North Wing. Each floor should then take about 2 weeks to complete, with the 7th floor possibly taking less since it has fewer rooms, however it does have two suites with much more square footage and bathrooms.

I hope this helped and didn't confuse everyone. So if you're in the North Wing in July for your trip, you will be in a new room (unless the rehab is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances).


I'm always surprised that the area in front of the main fireplace is never crowded.

Don't forget that pas130 doesn't always end-up where she wants. Last year she was booked RPC and got bumped at check-in (while hobbling on a broken foot) to a suite at the YC because GF was over-booked. I don't think she's fully forgiven the GF yet for that

So I got your attention....

I think that makes sense! 12 weeks for each wing...I did put on my request North Wing, Rennovated room (not to be too precise or anything) . Thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

The only verified schedule I have is that on April 15 the rehab of the North Wing's 7th floor begun. In theory, work on the 6th floor of the North Wing should begin in a couple of weeks. The IPO said that the South Wing's 7th floor should be started July 7. That's leaves about 12 weeks for the South Wing to be completed. The entire project should be completed by the end of September, according to the CL manager, leaving 12 weeks to complete the North Wing. Each floor should then take about 2 weeks to complete, with the 7th floor possibly taking less since it has fewer rooms, however it does have two suites with much more square footage and bathrooms.

I hope this helped and didn't confuse everyone. So if you're in the North Wing in July for your trip, you will be in a new room (unless the rehab is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances).


I'm always surprised that the area in front of the main fireplace is never crowded.

Don't forget that pas130 doesn't always end-up where she wants. Last year she was booked RPC and got bumped at check-in (while hobbling on a broken foot) to a suite at the YC because GF was over-booked. I don't think she's fully forgiven the GF yet for that

Thanks for the info on the rehab schedule . I am giving more thought to WL CL for our December/January trip as I would love to stay in a new room.....and we love CL there . But with that said, I have also gotten excited about the CR, so I don't know what to do . It would be an easy decision to do both if we were going longer, but we're only going for 5 or 6 nights and I'd rather stay put in one place for that short of a time. Oh well.....I have time and I'm sure I'll be changing back and forth many times between now and then .

You're right.....I do remember pas130 ending up at YC when she was booked at RPC . I hope she gets here RPC stay this year as I think she would love it .

Hi everyone! This is my situation, maybe someone could give me some suggestions?

We are booked for a 2 bedroom Villa, however, after thinking about it I'm sure its gonna be a little tight. I have tried to get me and my husband a studio, but there's nothing available.

So, my next option would be to check the lodge...is there any current promos or codes available. Does Disney release rooms if they know they won't be booked?

Thank you.

From your ticker I assume you are talking about your trip in 4 weeks. Are you booked with a promo now? If so, you could call and see if there's anything available at the lodge under that promo. If it's an expired code, guest services would have to check availability and make the change as the regular reservation CMs don't have access to expired promos. If there is availability for a regular lodge room, there shouldn't be any problem changing. Other than that, I don't think there are any discounts now for stays next month as the room only discount that was recently released is for stays mid June through sometime in August. Good luck .

I think that makes sense! 12 weeks for each wing...I did put on my request North Wing, Rennovated room (not to be too precise or anything) . Thanks!

I hope your request is met .

 

[twinkles]

Thanks Mickeynut. We are staying in the villas. No promo code a friend of mine gifted the 2 bedroom to us. Perhaps I'll call and see how much for a room in the lodge. Who knows maybe I'll have a pin attached to my name

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks Mickeynut. We are staying in the villas. No promo code a friend of mine gifted the 2 bedroom to us. Perhaps I'll call and see how much for a room in the lodge. Who knows maybe I'll have a pin attached to my name

You're welcome . How nice of your friend to do that . I agree that it doesn't hurt to call as you never know what kind of discount might be attached to your name. Good luck and I hope it all works out the way you want it to .

 

[WDWKOOK]

The metal roof seams are being recoated thorough June 29 at WL and a reminder that Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be closed for refurbishment August 5 through December 31.

http://www.mouseplanet.com/9945/Walt_Disney_World_Resort_Update

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi everyone! This is my situation, maybe someone could give me some suggestions?

We are booked for a 2 bedroom Villa, however, after thinking about it I'm sure its gonna be a little tight. I have tried to get me and my husband a studio, but there's nothing available.

So, my next option would be to check the lodge...is there any current promos or codes available. Does Disney release rooms if they know they won't be booked?

Thank you.

The only active discounts I know of for your arrival date is a Spring Passholder room-only discount that is good now through June 14 and a military room-only discount that is good through the end of September. You might want to also check AAA, if you're a member and Expedia sometimes has rack rate discounted rooms.

 

[pas130]

Hello, WL lovers!! Just wanted to pop in for a minute, and say I hope the renovations turn out great! I laughed at a PP who stated they were disappointed to hear the headboards will likely make another appearance - I'm not much of a fan, either.

I posted this on the GF FAQ in response to my friend, WDWKOOK - hope the cowboy wallpaper returns. I know, I know - not very likely, but a girl can dream, right?!

Enjoy your upcoming stays at the WL, it's such a beautiful resort.

I'm sure you will end with just what you want for your August trip . Even though some of us go through alot of changes before it's all said and done, I think we always end up right where we want to be .

I agree!

Don't forget that pas130 doesn't always end-up where she wants. Last year she was booked RPC and got bumped at check-in (while hobbling on a broken foot) to a suite at the YC because GF was over-booked. I don't think she's fully forgiven the GF yet for that

I know....you know me SO well my friend.......

You're right.....I do remember pas130 ending up at YC when she was booked at RPC . I hope she gets here RPC stay this year as I think she would love it .

I hope so too....if only that darn construction......and no other RPC rooms with the discount...odd...I'm overthinking......however.....I am solid with WL CL...