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

[RedfromNL]

I'm happy

I more or less convinced Ronald we need to get back to WDW next year Depending on some other obligations it will most likely be early may

And I have to say, choosing a resort is easy! Wilderness Lodge was so good in Januari, we will most definitly stay there again.

Wooooooooooohooooooooooooo!!!
Oh dear only a year to get everything organised....

 

[Poppergirl]

Hi everyone! Just joining the conversation. We will be staying at WL for the first time in December. I booked a woods view. Can't wait!

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm happy

I more or less convinced Ronald we need to get back to WDW next year Depending on some other obligations it will most likely be early may

And I have to say, choosing a resort is easy! Wilderness Lodge was so good in Januari, we will most definitly stay there again.

Wooooooooooohooooooooooooo!!!
Oh dear only a year to get everything organised....

It's always great knowing you're going back . Have fun planning...sometimes that's just as much fun as going .

Hi everyone! Just joining the conversation. We will be staying at WL for the first time in December. I booked a woods view. Can't wait!

You will LOVE the WL . It a beautiful resort any time of year, but especially at Christmas time . The lobby is gorgeous all decorated and the fireplace surrounded by the rocking chairs makes for a very cozy atmosphere .

 

[Minnie&Nana]

As someone who often stayed in the north wing of CR, I understand where you are coming from. I will admit that the look of CR was forever altered (and not necessarily in the best way) by the addition of BLT. But it's here, and we can't change it, so I decided I had to let it go. But I have stayed at both BLT and VWL, and they are both great.

It depends a lot on the size villa you are looking at. The studios at VWL are larger than the studios at BLT, but my 1BR at BLT was larger than my 1BR at VWL. The one bedroom at BLT has a second full bathroom, which they do not have at VWL. Balcony size is consistent at BLT - every villa has the same size balcony because of how the building is designed. The balconies at VWL can vary -especially on the 1BR villas. I've had one small balcony (off the main room only), two small balconies (one off each living space), and one huge balcony that stretched from bedroom to living room. Of course, one theme may appeal to you more than the other. I find VWL to be very warm and cozy, and BLT to be bright and airy.

If someone was comparing studios, then VWL would win on space alone. But if they were looking at larger villas, then I would have to ask them whether the second bath and being able to walk to MK was more important than the possibility of a larger balcony and quieter surroundings. Also, BLT is typically more expensive then VWL, which is always a big thing to consider.

Very true about living with the change - but still do not like it that new Tower.

Those are such good points about the size of the Villas - BLT studio is listed as 300 sq ft, but I did see mention of it being slightly larger....still it is small for a Villa studio. VWL (356 sq ft).

Very much like that BLT 1 bdrm has 2 bathrooms and admit to seriously considering staying there for my DGD's first trip - my DD, SIL, DGD and I would all go - a 1 bedroom with 2 bathrooms would be very nice. Have given that a lot of thought over the last few months.

BTW, on points, BLT studio is slightly less than VWL during our Dec dates - just 3 points, but less. Did not check a 1 bdrm.

 

[tarak]

I'm tie-dying a Mickey head romper for my youngest in anticipation of our trip next January. I had to guess at the size, since she's not quite two months old and itty bitty. With luck, it will fit and be warm enough.

 

[WDWKOOK]

You're so sweet. We were in a corner studio, half way around the rotunda, down a short hall - our Villa was right there...we had the housekeeping closet opposite our room and a long hall where there must have been families coming and going, but we never heard a sound. It was very peaceful. As you know, the balcony over looked trees and the side window the pool, so we could see a lot of Wishes at night and hear the EWP.

BLT vs VWL? VWL hands down! Very little, if anything, appeals to me about what I consider an incredibly ugly building that ruined the look of the CR. I won't go into the history and CR and why the North Wing never should have been demolished, but I am sure you know, and possibly agree anyway.

I think it would be fun for you all to experience the 'other side" of the Lodge...and it can be considered research.

Keep us posted!

OK, I'm confused (not entirely your fault) - nothing appeals to you about BLT and you'd pick VWL over BLT, then why do you have a BLT ticker? Why aren't you staying at VWL? What did I miss

So if this is research, might it be tax deductable

As someone who often stayed in the north wing of CR, I understand where you are coming from. I will admit that the look of CR was forever altered (and not necessarily in the best way) by the addition of BLT. But it's here, and we can't change it, so I decided I had to let it go. But I have stayed at both BLT and VWL, and they are both great.

It depends a lot on the size villa you are looking at. The studios at VWL are larger than the studios at BLT, but my 1BR at BLT was larger than my 1BR at VWL. The one bedroom at BLT has a second full bathroom, which they do not have at VWL. Balcony size is consistent at BLT - every villa has the same size balcony because of how the building is designed. The balconies at VWL can vary -especially on the 1BR villas. I've had one small balcony (off the main room only), two small balconies (one off each living space), and one huge balcony that stretched from bedroom to living room. Of course, one theme may appeal to you more than the other. I find VWL to be very warm and cozy, and BLT to be bright and airy.

If someone was comparing studios, then VWL would win on space alone. But if they were looking at larger villas, then I would have to ask them whether the second bath and being able to walk to MK was more important than the possibility of a larger balcony and quieter surroundings. Also, BLT is typically more expensive then VWL, which is always a big thing to consider.

How would you compare BLT's room condition and noise from other villas with VWL? I've read many more reviews about the poor condition (broken and marred items) in the rooms at BLT more than I ever have about VWL rooms and this worries me some. We've stayed many times at the CR and love the rooms, but I'm concerned about the condition of the BLT one bedroom.

I'm happy

I more or less convinced Ronald we need to get back to WDW next year Depending on some other obligations it will most likely be early may

And I have to say, choosing a resort is easy! Wilderness Lodge was so good in Januari, we will most definitly stay there again.

Wooooooooooohooooooooooooo!!!
Oh dear only a year to get everything organised....

Won't it be fun planning your next trip? Time to start thinking about ADRs

Hi everyone! Just joining the conversation. We will be staying at WL for the first time in December. I booked a woods view. Can't wait!

to the DIS and to the WL thread, Poppergirl! We hope you'll keep us updated throughout your planning

I'm tie-dying a Mickey head romper for my youngest in anticipation of our trip next January. I had to guess at the size, since she's not quite two months old and itty bitty. With luck, it will fit and be warm enough.

Aww, how cute. You'll have to post a photo when you're done if you get a chance

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm tie-dying a Mickey head romper for my youngest in anticipation of our trip next January. I had to guess at the size, since she's not quite two months old and itty bitty. With luck, it will fit and be warm enough.

This sounds so cute . I would love to see a picture when you're done with it .

I've read many more reviews about the poor condition (broken and marred items) in the rooms at BLT more than I ever have about VWL rooms and this worries me some. We've stayed many times at the CR and love the rooms, but I'm concerned about the condition of the BLT one bedroom.

I don't have personal experience with VWL, but close friends of ours go every May and rent points. Last year they stayed at BLT, but prior to that, they stayed at VWL for 4 or 5 years in a row. They obviously love it there as that's always been their choice, but after their last stay, they did say that the villas started looking very worn and in need of updating. Everyone has different opinions, but I thought I'd pipe in since you asked about the condition of the rooms. Like I said, I don't have first hand experience, but thought I'd give some input on what others have said. They still love the lodge, but would also like to see the villas redone .

 

[tarak]

I will definitely post a photo once the shirt is done (takes about 24 hours to set really well). My oldest turned 9 today, so she had some friends over and we tie dyed shirts, then made hand scrubs. She's all about the bath and body products - the picture from WL she was most interested in seeing was the bathroom sink so she could get an idea of what would be offered.

mickynut1, I'm glad my comments were helpful. I also have to rave about Wayne, one of the AKL CL CMs. Really wonderful guy. He absolutely went above and beyond for us. Just one example that comes to mind - when he found out my son had just started pin trading, Wayne gave him one to start. Actually, they were all fantastic. My sister was joining us mid-week and her plane got in late enough that the lounge was closed. Before it did, I asked if it would be possible to get a cookie or two and maybe a glass of wine to take up so she'd have a little something waiting for her (this was between 5-7 and long before they'd have put out dessert). One of the CMs went to the kitchen and came back with a bottle of Chardonnay and a box of desserts for all of us.

The Poly staff were very nice, but I think the way things are arranged makes them more distanced. It's like a traditional lobby downstairs with the lounge upstairs. Whereas at AKL the concierge desk is right there in the lounge and you really have a better opportunity to get to know the staff because you see them all the time.

 

[RedfromNL]

WDWKook Won't it be fun planning your next trip? Time to start thinking about ADRs

Oh we will most likely just book a few and do the rest simple meals. We feel the amounts of food are enormous and usually share anyway! Or just have a snack, some of the snacks are bigger than what I usually have for lunch!

But we will be booking a few meals. Those we liked a lot: Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner, breakfast at Crystal Palace, breakfast at WCC and Tokyo Dining. Oh and tea at the GF Great way to take a relaxed break from the MK.

I will be looking at some good places "outside" though. Since we will be going for at least two weeks and will want to visit some other stuff in the area too.

The biggest thing is start saving for airfare (biggest expense!) and keeping an eye out for bargains.

Hmmmmmmmmmm, fun, fun, fun

 

[mickeynut1]

I will definitely post a photo once the shirt is done (takes about 24 hours to set really well). My oldest turned 9 today, so she had some friends over and we tie dyed shirts, then made hand scrubs. She's all about the bath and body products - the picture from WL she was most interested in seeing was the bathroom sink so she could get an idea of what would be offered.

mickynut1, I'm glad my comments were helpful. I also have to rave about Wayne, one of the AKL CL CMs. Really wonderful guy. He absolutely went above and beyond for us. Just one example that comes to mind - when he found out my son had just started pin trading, Wayne gave him one to start. Actually, they were all fantastic. My sister was joining us mid-week and her plane got in late enough that the lounge was closed. Before it did, I asked if it would be possible to get a cookie or two and maybe a glass of wine to take up so she'd have a little something waiting for her (this was between 5-7 and long before they'd have put out dessert). One of the CMs went to the kitchen and came back with a bottle of Chardonnay and a box of desserts for all of us.

The Poly staff were very nice, but I think the way things are arranged makes them more distanced. It's like a traditional lobby downstairs with the lounge upstairs. Whereas at AKL the concierge desk is right there in the lounge and you really have a better opportunity to get to know the staff because you see them all the time.

I can't wait to see the pic . How cute about your 9 year old and wanting to see a pic of the WL bathroom to see what she would get .

That is a great story about Wayne at AKL CL. That is what sets some CL CMs apart from others. Some are there just because it's a job, while others are there that go above and beyond to interact with the guests and make sure they have a magical stay. That's what I remember about the WL CL CMs. We've only stayed CL there once and although it was awhile ago (2004), I remember it like it was yesterday and the CMs were amazing . I distinctly remember one CM having a WL clip-type thing on his uniform and one of my DSs commented on it. The next thing I know, the CM is taking it off and giving it to my DS. I thought that was the nicest thing!!!! I look at it almost every day as I have it in a cabinet with other Disney things and it always makes me think of that trip and what a great time we had.....which was mainly because of the CMs in CL .

AKL CL is on my list to try as I've heard so many great things about it; sounds like CL there is like CL at the WL with great CMs .

The biggest thing is start saving for airfare (biggest expense!) and keeping an eye out for bargains.

Hmmmmmmmmmm, fun, fun, fun

Have fun planning and good luck with airfare....I hope you're able to find a good deal .

 

[delilah18]

Hello


Is there any pics of the new rooms I see that the mock up rooms are supposed to be done?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hello


Is there any pics of the new rooms I see that the mock up rooms are supposed to be done?

The first rehabbed rooms are slated to be completed May 4. They are the CL rooms on the 7th floor in the North Wing. Model room photos were not made public.

 

[pas130]

I'm on the fence about booking our first DVC stay. We're staying 13 nights in August for our anniversary. I have WL/CL booked the whole time, but I'm considering staying maybe 4 nights up front in a one bedroom villa at VWL. It would be during our actual anniversary and I thought it would be nice to have the separate bedroom and I could even do laundry in the room before we move over to WL.

How does this sound to everyone? I considered other villas and even suites, but we can't use our military discount for a suite and other than BLT, I can't get very excited about other villas. Any thoughts? Comments? Suggestions?

I vote BLT 1BR/WL CL...there is NO way you can stay near WL and not have your OFC.....JMHO

Hi, KOOK If it were me, I would stay all 13 nights at WL CL. Good luck deciding as I know how hard it is to pick just one resort .

The 1 BR is her closest hope to having a private anniversary evening....

You're welcome to hang-out here, but it just got a little sadder - not as happy anymore

Thank you my friend....my DH was when I said that we had to stay there one night so I might get pics of the rehabbed rooms...does he not know me by now .......

The first rehabbed rooms aren't slated to re-open until May 4, so as you said, Macavity is our best hope!

No pressure on Macavity..thank goodness its not an RCer

 

[Minnie&Nana]

OK, I'm confused (not entirely your fault) - nothing appeals to you about BLT and you'd pick VWL over BLT, then why do you have a BLT ticker? Why aren't you staying at VWL? What did I miss

Did I say nothing appeals to me other than BLT? Wonder why the heck I would say that!! I can only think I must have meant that in comparison to FQ or AOA??? Have confused myself (not rare . As for not booking VWL...BLT was offered because the DISer already happened to be holding our dates at BLT and decided not to go. Unfortunately, I never heard back ...so the ticker is gone and no idea where we will wind up. This trip budget is too tight to book WL or WLV through Disney.

I haven't stayed in a one bedroom at BLT, but common complaints seem to be the condition of the furniture - the black shows kicks easily so it was looking worn pretty quickly. Also a bathroom photo with quite a lot of mold and peeling paint along the tub/shower area.

Have a great Sunday!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I vote BLT 1BR/WL CL...there is NO way you can stay near WL and not have your OFC.....JMHO

The 1 BR is her closest hope to having a private anniversary evening....

Thank you my friend....my DH was when I said that we had to stay there one night so I might get pics of the rehabbed rooms...does he not know me by now .......

"The 1 BR is her closest hope to having a private anniversary evening." I'm still LOL at this - you're hilarious. You pegged it, Jeanette and also DD13 loves having her own bathroom, and we love her having her own bathroom, too. But, now that Christine has reconfirmed what I already suspected about the poor condition of many BLT rooms, I'm beginning to think that mold, mildew, broken and marred furniture, and crayon marks don't make for a great anniversary setting

Recently, psac posted from BLT that a few days into their trip, the carpeting was soaked from the shower leaking into the bedroom, I believe. It's like those Poly/CL reviews, I can't get past the negative ones - I have bad review tunnel vision.

Did I say nothing appeals to me other than BLT? Wonder why the heck I would say that!! I can only think I must have meant that in comparison to FQ or AOA??? Have confused myself (not rare . As for not booking VWL...BLT was offered because the DISer already happened to be holding our dates at BLT and decided not to go. Unfortunately, I never heard back ...so the ticker is gone and no idea where we will wind up. This trip budget is too tight to book WL or WLV through Disney.

I haven't stayed in a one bedroom at BLT, but common complaints seem to be the condition of the furniture - the black shows kicks easily so it was looking worn pretty quickly. Also a bathroom photo with quite a lot of mold and peeling paint along the tub/shower area.

Have a great Sunday!

Thank you for confirming what I've read about BLT, too. Just seems that for some reason BLT is worse for wear. But maybe all the DVCs are like that? The DVCs rarely get rehabbed (they're on a different rehab schedule than non-DVC rooms) so maybe that's part of the problem? Can anyone confirm that there's less upkeep/updating of the DVC rooms?

Now I don't know what to do. Too bad the VWL one bedrooms don't have two bathrooms like BLT. But, the overall better condition of the room might make up for that. Though mickeynut1 reported that her friends felt the condition of VWL rooms had gone down over the past several years, but they're still the top ranked DVC on AllEars, so that's promising.

Does anyone else have any VWL or BLT experience? I'd love to hear how you felt about the room condition and noise.

 

[scanne]

The first rehabbed rooms are slated to be completed May 4. They are the CL rooms on the 7th floor in the North Wing. Model room photos were not made public.

I keep checking this thread for the first photos....
I know this will most likely be the first place that they show up!

 

[Macavity]

5 days to go... I am hoping the Pixie Dust Fairy saves a room for me!

 

[Mousemommy1]

5 days to go... I am hoping the Pixie Dust Fairy saves a room for me!

Pictures,Pictures,Pictures!!!!

Please....we are all anxiously awaiting them.

 

[princssdisnygina]

Just booked 3 nights in a Deluxe Studio before our Disney fantasy cruise! Does anyone have pics of the deluxe studios?

I have stayed in the regular rooms and I am normally a Poly girl but it was unavailable so WL is my 2nd fav! Never been in the villas so will be interested in seeing them!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just booked 3 nights in a Deluxe Studio before our Disney fantasy cruise! Does anyone have pics of the deluxe studios?

I have stayed in the regular rooms and I am normally a Poly girl but it was unavailable so WL is my 2nd fav! Never been in the villas so will be interested in seeing them!

Here is an AllEars video tour of a VWL Studio:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhlmFMf0Z9E

Congratulations on booking!