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

[PamelaKay]

I was just thinking Narcoosees!!! And then AP as a back up to that!!!

Great minds think alike...

Since I am going a bit later in the year... I have HDDR as a request and Cali Grill as the back up. After taking WDWKook's advice, I called the IPO today and asked them to book both since the dates of the renovation of HDDR are still unknown.

 

[mickeynut1]

Yup, I just changed my reservation to AP!!! Woohoo!!!! I don't like to deal with uncertainty!!!

You're gonna love it .

Yesindeedy!


Be on your best behavior since you're going before me. I don't want the place closing down or anything because of you and your rowdy family

I think you made a good choice .

You cracked me up about your comment to Mousemommy1 .

My DH loves getting messages at Sturdy Branches! He says they are amazing there and very relaxing.

We always book one for him each trip.

I may just have to try one of those massages on a future trip .

Go for the spa too! After a trek, wouldn't a little foot massage and pedi feel nice.

Candace, I think she was referring to YOU AND DH being the rowdy ones, without the girls the two of you....outtacontrol

 

[Mousemommy1]

Candace, I think she was referring to YOU AND DH being the rowdy ones, without the girls the two of you....outtacontrol

Very well could be

We're gonna live it up!!!!!

I made reservations for Cubs Den today, further exhibiting my commitment to the WL.

 

[WDWKOOK]

My DH loves getting messages at Sturdy Branches! He says they are amazing there and very relaxing.

We always book one for him each trip.

Do you remember the "Wishes" package they used to offer where you would get a set number of "wishes" with your package and you could use them for a variety of activities and meals? Well, I calculated that the best bang for our "Wishes" buck was to use them for massages and lobster dinners. That year we were staying at WL (this must have been 9 years ago?) and I got several massages at Sturdy Branches using those Wishes (and we had lobster at almost every meal). I have to say, the masseuse did a wonderful job. DH would never get a massage though - he's all about the cobbler.

After that year, they stopped the Wishes packages and DH used to joke that I killed the program by using all our Wishes on the most expensive activities.

I think it's nice that you book a massage each visit for your DH

Go for the spa too! After a trek, wouldn't a little foot massage and pedi feel nice.

Trek or no Trek, that sounds dreamy, Pamela. But, Sturdy Branches only offers the massages. I believe only SSR has the mani/pedi right now since they're an actual spa?

Candace, I think she was referring to YOU AND DH being the rowdy ones, without the girls the two of you....outtacontrol

Good one, Jeanette! And, yes I was!

Since I am going a bit later in the year... I have HDDR as a request and Cali Grill as the back up. After taking WDWKook's advice, I called the IPO today and asked them to book both since the dates of the renovation of HDDR are still unknown.

I feel better that you have back-up plans. Hopefully, the rumor that CAG will close at the end of December is true so that you can go. It's really looking like HDDR will close August 5.

You're gonna love it .



I think you made a good choice .

You cracked me up about your comment to Mousemommy1 .



I may just have to try one of those massages on a future trip .

I'm glad you like my plan. I thought it was funny you mentioned that your DS's can't go to the DCL kid's club because they're too old. I have the same "issue" with DD whose 13 so she goes everywhere with us (whether she likes it or not). She loves dressing-up so she's already told me she needs a new outfit for AP!

I made reservations for Cubs Den today, further exhibiting my commitment to the WL.

It's REALLY official now - no one could ever change that reservation. Seriously, they're going to love the CD (and so are you and DH). Are you ordering a cake?

 

[Mousemommy1]

Do you remember the "Wishes" package they used to offer where you would get a set number of "wishes" with your package and you could use them for a variety of activities and meals? Well, I calculated that the best bang for our "Wishes" buck was to use them for massages and lobster dinners. That year we were staying at WL (this must have been 9 years ago?) and I got several massages at Sturdy Branches using those Wishes (and we had lobster at almost every meal). I have to say, the masseuse did a wonderful job. DH would never get a massage though - he's all about the cobbler.

After that year, they stopped the Wishes packages and DH used to joke that I killed the program by using all our Wishes on the most expensive activities.

I think it's nice that you book a massage each visit for your DH


Trek or no Trek, that sounds dreamy, Pamela. But, Sturdy Branches only offers the massages. I believe only SSR has the mani/pedi right now since they're an actual spa?


Good one, Jeanette! And, yes I was!


I feel better that you have back-up plans. Hopefully, the rumor that CAG will close at the end of December is true so that you can go. It's really looking like HDDR will close August 5.


I'm glad you like my plan. I thought it was funny you mentioned that your DS's can't go to the DCL kid's club because they're too old. I have the same "issue" with DD whose 13 so she goes everywhere with us (whether she likes it or not). She loves dressing-up so she's already told me she needs a new outfit for AP!


It's REALLY official now - no one could ever change that reservation. Seriously, they're going to love the CD (and so are you and DH). Are you ordering a cake?

Hey, I've got 3 ressies at WL now....I'm in deep!!!

We did not order a cake....we are just so excited to have a night to ourselves at Disney!!!. That hasn't happened since our honeymoon 10 years ago!!!

 

[scanne]

....we are just so excited to have a night to ourselves at Disney!!!. That hasn't happened since our honeymoon 10 years ago!!!

My kids won't leave our sides! We have tried to get them to stay at the Cub's Den, The Neverland Club and the children's club at the Beach Club. We took them to look around during the day and then they said, "Wow, you'll really hang out here with us tonight?" Kind of defeated the whole purpose.

Enjoy your Disney evening! Hope you have a magical vacation!

 

[tarak]

mickeynut1, we're taking a 4 night cruise to the Bahamas on the Dream in January 2013. The last cruise I took was in 1988 with my high school performance choir (think Glee with 80s style). We performed in St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and on the ship. I often wonder what the people on the cruise thought of us. It was on the Norwegian cruise line, but I can't for the life of me remember what ship.

How are the buses to DTD from the WL? DTD seems to be the one trip that takes forever, regardless of which resort I'm staying at.

 

[Mousemommy1]

My kids won't leave our sides! We have tried to get them to stay at the Cub's Den, The Neverland Club and the children's club at the Beach Club. We took them to look around during the day and then they said, "Wow, you'll really hang out here with us tonight?" Kind of defeated the whole purpose.

Enjoy your Disney evening! Hope you have a magical vacation!

Thanks!! Our kids can't wait!!! They are very excited to try the Kids Club, I hope they still are when we get there!

 

[WDWKOOK]

mickeynut1, we're taking a 4 night cruise to the Bahamas on the Dream in January 2013. The last cruise I took was in 1988 with my high school performance choir (think Glee with 80s style). We performed in St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and on the ship. I often wonder what the people on the cruise thought of us. It was on the Norwegian cruise line, but I can't for the life of me remember what ship.

How are the buses to DTD from the WL? DTD seems to be the one trip that takes forever, regardless of which resort I'm staying at.

I took the DTD bus from WL a few weeks ago and yes, it still feels like it takes forever. First, the bus goes to the GF and then to TL and finally to DTD. Not as bad going as returning. On the return, the bus stops at another DTD stop and there always seems to be a bus driver exchange. After that, it's back to TL and finally to WL. My DD likes going to TrenD, but if we go again, I'm going to drive.

The positive aspect is that the WL is the first picked-up and dropped off. I noted the time in my phone and it took 25 minutes to get from WL to TL, with the GF stop. After TL, it's a little over 5 minutes to DTD. Figure a minimum of 30 minutes travel time there and it's longer coming back with the additional DTD bus driver exchange stop.

 

[Smileybug]

Good morning ya'll.

I'm just curious about something. If you book CL are you still eligible for free dining if it is offered?

 

[mickeynut1]

I made reservations for Cubs Den today, further exhibiting my commitment to the WL.

I'm sure your kids will love the Cubs Den .

I'm glad you like my plan. I thought it was funny you mentioned that your DS's can't go to the DCL kid's club because they're too old. I have the same "issue" with DD whose 13 so she goes everywhere with us (whether she likes it or not). She loves dressing-up so she's already told me she needs a new outfit for AP!

I think your DD has the right idea......gotta get a new outfit for a nice dinner . We have always taken our DSs with us everywhere too, even when they were little. We never utilized the kids clubs at Disney, but I hear people report all the time that their kids love going to them .

Hey, I've got 3 ressies at WL now....I'm in deep!!!

No turning back now .

My kids won't leave our sides! We have tried to get them to stay at the Cub's Den, The Neverland Club and the children's club at the Beach Club. We took them to look around during the day and then they said, "Wow, you'll really hang out here with us tonight?" Kind of defeated the whole purpose.

How cute that they thought you would be staying with them . You gotta love kids and the things they come up with .

mickeynut1, we're taking a 4 night cruise to the Bahamas on the Dream in January 2013. The last cruise I took was in 1988 with my high school performance choir (think Glee with 80s style). We performed in St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and on the ship. I often wonder what the people on the cruise thought of us. It was on the Norwegian cruise line, but I can't for the life of me remember what ship.

How are the buses to DTD from the WL? DTD seems to be the one trip that takes forever, regardless of which resort I'm staying at.

That will be a nice cruise . It looks like I'm not the only one who has cruised WAY in the past . My last cruise was 20 years ago in 1992 for my honeymoon, so it's been a long time for me as well . We cruised Princess (the ship was the Island Princess) to Alaska and it was amazing . I'm hoping my boys like the cruise next year because an Alaskan cruise is one I really want them to experience....and what a better combination than Mickey and Alaska .

We have never had any complaints about the buses at the WL, but I do agree that going to DTD from any resort takes awhile . But one time we tried driving to DTD and it was awful.....it was so busy that we couldn't find a place to park ....so we decided driving to DTD wasn't for us as we do a little better with the buses .

Thanks!! Our kids can't wait!!! They are very excited to try the Kids Club, I hope they still are when we get there!

They will have a great time .

Good morning ya'll.

I'm just curious about something. If you book CL are you still eligible for free dining if it is offered?

Yes, if a CL room is available under the free dining promo, you certainly can get free dining with a CL room .

 

[Smileybug]

mickeynut1.....Thank you for your help. Its just one of those things I have wondered about.

 

[pas130]

Very well could be

We're gonna live it up!!!!!

I made reservations for Cubs Den today, further exhibiting my commitment to the WL.

Very cool! I wanted to do a kids club....but DS3 not 100% potty trained just yet You'd think MIL would sit for us..... All good...now if I could get DH & kiddos to stop trying to get me to change to all BC

Jeanette[/B]! And, yes I was!

I'm glad you like my plan. I thought it was funny you mentioned that your DS's can't go to the DCL kid's club because they're too old. I have the same "issue" with DD whose 13 so she goes everywhere with us (whether she likes it or not). She loves dressing-up so she's already told me she needs a new outfit for AP!

Sounds like my kiddos...Imight attempt a walk by the lake just DH & I but I picture that we my have to get up at 5am to do it

 

[bluecastle]

I took the DTD bus from WL a few weeks ago and yes, it still feels like it takes forever. First, the bus goes to the GF and then to TL and finally to DTD. Not as bad going as returning. On the return, the bus stops at another DTD stop and there always seems to be a bus driver exchange. After that, it's back to TL and finally to WL. My DD likes going to TrenD, but if we go again, I'm going to drive.

The positive aspect is that the WL is the first picked-up and dropped off. I noted the time in my phone and it took 25 minutes to get from WL to TL, with the GF stop. After TL, it's a little over 5 minutes to DTD. Figure a minimum of 30 minutes travel time there and it's longer coming back with the additional DTD bus driver exchange stop.

Thanks for the bus info. We plan on going to TL one day at opening, so that helps. We are also going to DD another day to spend some time at DQ and dinner at Raglan Road, so the return time info is also helpful. My tentative plan is, if we have the energy, to go to DHS for extra hours after RR instead of back to WL. Maybe that bus ride will be better!
Thanks also for your AP link! We are going on the 2nd to last day of our trip. I put my birthday in the ADR as our special occasion, but wondering if I should also put our 30th anniversary. Is there such a thing as too many special occasions?

 

[bluecastle]

I know there are other forums that address this, but I thought I would ask here because everyone is so nice.
It's been 10 years since we have gone in the summer and one thing I remember is having to be much more aware of our feet! I was wondering if you had tips in this area. I have an old pair of Nike Straprunners (kind of like Teva's) that served me well in the past by alternating back and forth between them and a good pair of sneakers. I am looking for a newer version of the Nike's that is similar in design. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated! I can't use Crocs because of the slippage possibilities (really bad for my back) and need the ankle support. Thanks for any help. I want to buy them in the next month or so to have time to break them in and discover if there are any problems.

 

[fanofeeyeore]

I am sure that this question has been asked a million times, so here is a million and one! We are going to be checking into the WL on 6/22. It will be our first stay there (our 11 DS first ever trip!). We have a woods view room. Is there any other request that I should make? Is there any chance of getting a refurb room?

 

[mmmears]

I've been looking through this thread and see that there is an upcoming renovation at the WL. Are there any photos of renovated rooms? If so, can someone please point me in the right direction? I've never stayed at the WL, but I think it's beautiful and hope to stay there someday...

 

[Mousemommy1]

I've been looking through this thread and see that there is an upcoming renovation at the WL. Are there any photos of renovated rooms? If so, can someone please point me in the right direction? I've never stayed at the WL, but I think it's beautiful and hope to stay there someday...

The rennovation just started on April 15th and I believe started with the North Wing. No one has pictures yet, we are all anxiously awaiting same. The project is supposed to complete in September.

 

[Wiley Coyote]

Hi everyone. We just got back last night from a week at the WL. It was our first stay there and we were NOT disappointed. Let me hit the high points.

1. DME - This service is amazing. It was quick and everyone involved was super friendly. Our luggage arrived in our room and within a couple hours of us landing. Couldn't imagine going to Disney and not using this service.

2. WL - Great lobby, real nice CMs. We were upgraded from a Woods view to a Courtyard view. Our room was on the 6th floor and we a great view of the pool and lake. Saw the boats coming and going all day. It was a great view. The room was standard, with a king bed. No complaints. The TV channels stunk but they are being upgraded ASAP. That certainly didn't ruin the trip! lol. The pool was great. Just a warning. The birds outside the Roaring Forks are fearless. It was like jurassic park out there. And there are love bugs by the pool. They were mildly annoying.

3. Transportation - We never waited more than 8 minutes for a boat or bus. They both came in fat supply. Really impressed. The boat service was fantastic. A lot of fun.

4. Food - We ate at all three restaurants at the WL. All good. Artist Point was amazing! ORDER THE SCALLOPS.

5. Construction - You can tell what's going on. There are two sides of the hotel that the balcony's are covered with green construction "cloth." You see workers walking around and once and awhile you hear them working. Never woke us up though. It did not influence my stay one way or another. I tried to get a sneak peak but all the room were closed and locked. They did change out the door locks, from gold ones to black ones. They looked nice. Based on this, it doesn't appear they are going to change out the room doors.

Overall we had a great trip. I would recommend this resort to anyone. We love to stay at different places everytime we go so we probably won't be staying here again. However, that is because of the type of people we are, not a statement against the WL. It was fantastic. I'm sad we're home.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Hi everyone. We just got back last night from a week at the WL. It was our first stay there and we were NOT disappointed. Let me hit the high points.

1. DME - This service is amazing. It was quick and everyone involved was super friendly. Our luggage arrived in our room and within a couple hours of us landing. Couldn't imagine going to Disney and not using this service.

2. WL - Great lobby, real nice CMs. We were upgraded from a Woods view to a Courtyard view. Our room was on the 6th floor and we a great view of the pool and lake. Saw the boats coming and going all day. It was a great view. The room was standard, with a king bed. No complaints. The TV channels stunk but they are being upgraded ASAP. That certainly didn't ruin the trip! lol. The pool was great. Just a warning. The birds outside the Roaring Forks are fearless. It was like jurassic park out there. And there are love bugs by the pool. They were mildly annoying.

3. Transportation - We never waited more than 8 minutes for a boat or bus. They both came in fat supply. Really impressed. The boat service was fantastic. A lot of fun.

4. Food - We ate at all three restaurants at the WL. Artist Point was amazing! ORDER THE SCALLOPS.

5. Construction - You can tell what's going on. There are two sides of the hotel that the balcony's are covered with green construction "cloth." You see workers walking around and once and awhile you hear them working. Never woke us up though. It did not influence my stay one way or another. I tried to get a sneak peak but all the room were closed and locked. They did change out the door locks, from gold ones to black ones. They looked nice. Based on this, it doesn't appear they are going to change out the room doors.

Overall we had a great trip. I would recommend this resort to anyone. We love to stay at different places everytime we go so we probably won't be staying here again. However, that is because of the type of people we are, not a statement against the WL. It was fantastic. I'm sad we're home.

AWWW!!! Glad you had a wonderful trip!!! We made ressies for AP, and my DH loves Scallops!!! Good to hear that they are good!