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

[twinkles]

Checked in to a 2 bedroom at VWL. It is HUGE. Beautiful room, view of trees and glimpses of the lake. Made a request to be close to elevators and am waaaaay down the hall. It's ok though. Also they are NOT doing flag family. Must have been wrong info from a CM at central reservations that told me that. The roof is still being worked on, but a CM told me they hope to finish soon.

Thanks for the update...I'm glad you like the 2 bedroom we will be in one in 5 days. Maybe they will have the roof completed by this weekend.

Enjoy your time

 

[TheLodgeLady]

I have been lurking for awhile and thanks to this great thread booked WL for Nov 24 to Dec 1. I decided to keep the resort a surprise from everyone until we arrive. DH has wanted to stay WL since his first WDW trip in 1997 on our honeymoon when we dined at WCC; I decided since he put up with me for 15 years, that was long enough to wait! I have two questions:

(1) Is it a necessity to make an ADR for WCC for our family of 4? We certainly want to dine there but just don't want to be tied to ADRs all trip long and are hoping if we decide when we get up one morning that we will be back at dinner time to just be able to make a ressie at that time. Is it worth taking a chance to keep in the spirit of not being tied to ADRs?

(2) I have a one night ressie at the Dolphin for our arrival day (late on Nov 23) since I can get a fabulous teacher rate there even the day after Thanksgiving, but WL will be full holiday rack-rate at that time and I can't see forking out that amount of $ for that first night. With the Dolphin being "Disney but not Disney", will we be able to have our luggage transferred to WL as flawlessly as from a Disney resort or will I regret this?

I may be able to help. Here is what is on the first page of the Swan and Dolphin FAQ thread. I would give them a call and see what they say.

"Will the Swan and Dolphin transfer my luggage?

One of the benefits to staying at a Disney resort is that the resort will transfer your luggage as you change resorts during your stay. The Swan and Dolphin is not considered a Disney resort, but they have been known to extend this same luxury. All you need to do is call the Bell Services of your current resort and ask if they will transfer your luggage. We have stayed at the Dolphin numerous times and they have always provided us this courtesy. "

Regarding reservations at WCC. We have never had a problem getting into the restaurant for a late breakfast or lunch. Lunch is usually pretty empty. But, on that note, you are going around the holidays. Early breakfast and especially dinnercan be pretty full. They may be able to accommodate you but they may also put you in the side room (quiet room). We go for the antics so we like the main dining room.

I would make a reservation or two and play it by ear. WCC is not a signature so they don't need a credit card hold. As the time gets closer, you can always move it or cancel the reservation.

Good luck and you are going to have a great time!! Your family is going to be so surprised. I would love to see your husband's face when you guys pull up

 

[scanne]

So, with the new round of AP discounts, I was quite bummed to see that WL is only getting 5%. We are sticking with our AAA 15% discount, but we are also now going to do a split stay. We will do the first 5 nights at POR in a Royal Guest Room and the last 6 nights at WL OFC.

We will save over $1600 by doing this, so this will cover (or MORE than cover) our meals since we won't be on the dining plan. I am going to get a TIW card. Ordering that this week...

Anyway, I know I will fall head over heels in love with OFC, which is why it is the 2nd half of our stay.

I am excited about POR, too. Has anyone else that is a WL stayed at POR?

Thanks!

 

[mommadjones]

So, with the new round of AP discounts, I was quite bummed to see that WL is only getting 5%. We are sticking with our AAA 15% discount, but we are also now going to do a split stay. We will do the first 5 nights at POR in a Royal Guest Room and the last 6 nights at WL OFC.

We will save over $1600 by doing this, so this will cover (or MORE than cover) our meals since we won't be on the dining plan. I am going to get a TIW card. Ordering that this week...

Anyway, I know I will fall head over heels in love with OFC, which is why it is the 2nd half of our stay.

I am excited about POR, too. Has anyone else that is a WL stayed at POR?

Thanks!

That is our 2nd choice resort. We have always stayed in the mansions and just love them. The resort is beautifully themed and well maintained. It's a short walk to POFQ and a short boat ride to DTD. I'm sure you will really enjoy your stay there

 

[TheLodgeLady]

So, with the new round of AP discounts, I was quite bummed to see that WL is only getting 5%. We are sticking with our AAA 15% discount, but we are also now going to do a split stay. We will do the first 5 nights at POR in a Royal Guest Room and the last 6 nights at WL OFC.

We will save over $1600 by doing this, so this will cover (or MORE than cover) our meals since we won't be on the dining plan. I am going to get a TIW card. Ordering that this week...

Anyway, I know I will fall head over heels in love with OFC, which is why it is the 2nd half of our stay.

I am excited about POR, too. Has anyone else that is a WL stayed at POR?

Thanks!

We also loved staying at POR. We would stay in the Alligator Bayou section. It's has the feel of the Lodge The grounds are beautiful and the food court is great!!

 

[Sue M]

So, with the new round of AP discounts, I was quite bummed to see that WL is only getting 5%. We are sticking with our AAA 15% discount, but we are also now going to do a split stay. We will do the first 5 nights at POR in a Royal Guest Room and the last 6 nights at WL OFC.

We will save over $1600 by doing this, so this will cover (or MORE than cover) our meals since we won't be on the dining plan. I am going to get a TIW card. Ordering that this week...

Anyway, I know I will fall head over heels in love with OFC, which is why it is the 2nd half of our stay.

I am excited about POR, too. Has anyone else that is a WL stayed at POR?

Thanks!

I was very dissapointed in the 5% too for WL. We booked Aug at AKL but were thinking of a split with WL. Or BC. So I hope the late Aug AP discount is better.

POR is our fav moderate. We love the mansion section, and last visit got a brand new refirbed room in Acadian House. Next to the quiet pool, it was a great location and love the new rooms.
If you're booking the Royal Rooms, I'd request Oak Manor. Royal Rooms are in Oak Manor and Parterre Place. One year we were stuck in Parterre Pl; and that's my least fav location. We were almost in FQ and it was far from the main pool.

The boat to DTD is a fun and scenic way to get there. Love the Make your Own Pasta Bar for lunch or dinner. Even when we're not staying there, we have gone for this. Bob Jackson's show at night is fun too.

 

[tarak]

We also loved staying at POR. We would stay in the Alligator Bayou section. It's has the feel of the Lodge The grounds are beautiful and the food court is great!!

I really want to stay at POR or POFQ one day. It will probably wait until I'm taking a trip to Food and Wine fest (whenever that happens to be), since it's closer to Epcot. The theming for YC/BC and BWI just aren't my cup of tea, and I don't know that I'd want to spend the money to stay there even with the ability to walk to Epcot. I lived in Louisiana once upon a time and just looking at the photos makes me nostalgic. Also, the idea of taking a boat to DTD, rather than a bus, is incredibly appealing.

I'm glad to see it might be possible to eat at WCC without making ADRs. I'm leaning towards not making any at all next trip (although DH is leaning towards the Biergarten for lunch the day we hit Epcot). We'll be there in late January, so I don't know that it would be too crowded. We could easily do a late breakfast or a late lunch. And if we can't get in, no big deal. God willing, there will always be another trip to WDW.

 

[ssjones]

Thanks for the update...I'm glad you like the 2 bedroom we will be in one in 5 days. Maybe they will have the roof completed by this weekend.

Enjoy your time

I did the online check-in for our arrival at VWL this friday 5/18. We are staying in a one bedroom villa. Can I still request a certain villa on check-in?

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'm back! (Like that means much in the cyberworld). You guys were very busy around here while I was away for a few days. Thanks for not letting our beloved thread slip too far from page one

Does anyone know if they still have archery at Fort Wilderness. I can't find info on it anywhere.

Yes, they do and it is LOTS of fun, even for an experienced archer. Here is the current info on it from WDWinfo.com (the WDW website doesn't really have much on it):

Archery Experience

Following instructions in the use of a compound bow, you'll take aim at the bullseye in the range target.

WHERE: Ft. Wilderness
WHEN: Thursday, Friday, Saturday
TIME: 2:45 - 3:15
AGE: 6 and up
PRICE: $25 plus tax

The Archery Experience can be booked by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Upon arrival you check in at the Ft. Wilderness Bike Barn.


Here is a 2010 review:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/photoblog/2010/03/ready_archery_experience_revie.html

Can I get help with WL Woods View Room Requests?

We arrive Saturday and it's our first stay at the WL!

We have a Woods View booked and I didn't know if I should request anything specific when I call to confirm everything or just let it ride?

Do I say anything at check-in, etc.?

It's been a while since I have been back to WDW and it's my first time taking a child!!! My niece's 1st trip to Disney!

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the thread! If you're arriving Saturday, the 6th floor of the North Wing will probably still be closed due to the rehab. The 5th floor should also be closed due to the noise above. Floors 1-4 of the North Wing should be open and all of the South Wing Woods view rooms. If you want to be in a different wing from the construction, you could request "South Wing" or if you want to be on floors 5 or 6. If you want to have a partial Wishes view, you should request a "high floor/North Wing," though I'm not sure if a 4th floor room is high enough to see any of Wishes

I hope you have a great first stay and make sure you get a "First Visit" button for your neice

We're going to be staying in WL in a few weeks. This will be our second time staying there and so far it has been our favorite resort (also been to Port Orleans Riverside and All Star Music which are also great in their own ways). This thread has been really great and appreciate people taking the time to update info and respond!

Last year we stayed on the 4th floor at the inner courtyard w/ bunk beds, and I'm hoping we get that location again. One of my favorite memories from the trip was watching the water parade in the evenings after a long day at the parks. Can anyone give recommendations for room areas that have a good view of the water / parade in case they don't have an inner courtyard room available?

We are also going to try something new this year and will go to the neighboring Fort Wilderness (via boat). Our oldest daughter will be 2 weeks from turning 9 and really wants to do the trail riding. She has about 3 years experience riding horses but she doesn't meet the minimum age requirement (9)- does anyone know if they would consider an exception? We are also going to try and call to find out, but I'd like to know in advance. If tere is a no exception rule we will certainly set expectations with her before we go there.


Thanks much.

I believe you can only see Bay Lake and the EWP from an inner/WL Courtyard View room. It might be possible, though I'm not certain, to see some of Bay Lake from a WL (VWL) Courtyard View room if you look out to the left of your balcony. If seeing the EWP is important and you've booked a CV room, then I would put in your request: "Electric Water Pageant View, please." Then there's no question about your preference.

You have to sign some legally bearing consent forms when you go trail riding. The Disney lawyers have decided that age and height, and not experience, is the benchmark for riding. The lady who checked us in at Tri-Circle-D was very nice and if DD will be 9 in two weeks, I'm hopeful they have a little wiggle room. You'll have to make a reservation, but be prepared for the CM on the phone at WDW PLAY to not have an answer about an exception for DD, but I would make the reservation anyway.

I found my Tri-Circle-D brochure that has a number to call for same day reservations. This number might be for the actual person who checks you in and she could give you a more definitive answer: (407) 824-2832

Joining in the WL CL celebrating!!!

Only 244 more days to my FIRST CL stay!!!

That is exciting news! I'm so happy for you

Just wanted to thank all the posters on here for the great info.!!! We had our first WL stay 4/29-5/3(not long enough!) We look forward to going back, can't wait to book our next trip!
This was our 1st stay on WDW property. Our family consists of myself, DH and DD'S (2 1/2 & 13 mos). I picked up some great tips on here...I requested a 5th floor room, pack-n-play, and bed rails. The resort was beautiful, rooms are fine-what we expected, great view. It was great to be able to take the boat over to MK without folding the stroller-that was a huge plus for us going back & fourth. From there we jumped on the monorail to Epcot, dinner at O'Hana etc. We took the ME, great perk! We never waited long for buses the 2 times we used them (to AK & HS). The buses were also pretty empty. We also used Garden Grocer to deliver bottled water, milk, diapers & snacks to our room. That couldn't have been easier, and allowed us to pack lighter. I am so glad we booked the trip, and now I am hooked! Just wanted to take a moment to post our experience in case anyone else new is lurking aorund like me LOL
Thanks again for the great info.!

Thank you for posting about your recent trip. I hope you get to book your next rip very soon

Single digits now!!! Arriving 5/19 for a one night stay at BLT then moving to VWL from 5/20-5/26/12! First stay at both....can't wait!!

I expect a full report on VWL and BLT! Are you in a one bedroom? I have considered both as part of a split stay and even booked (and then switched) VWL. I keep trying to get a BLT one bedroom, but can't with our discount. I can't wait to hear your opinion of the pluses and minus of each Villa. Will you check-in with us at all during your stay? Will you be taking any photos? hint-hint...

I will be arriving for my first stay at WL in just 17 days. I have a standard room booked and haven't made any requests. should I? If so what? It will be just my 6yo niece and myself.

Some like to request a high floor in the North Wing so they can see some of Wishes. You might get a rehabbed room if you request a North Wing rehabbed room.

I hope you have a great first stay!

10 more days and we'll be there! Staying from the 22nd thru the 29th!

How exciting! Check back with us if you can!

If y'all see a mid-50's tall, fat man with a good looking wife, a son (who's a shorter, skinnier, better looking version of dad) with his gorgeous new wife, a daughter that looks nothing like mom but is beautiful in her own right with her comparable looking, soon to be husband...that won't be us...wait, yes it will...except for the tall part...I'm only 6'3". (Whew...if any of them read this I hope I scored some brownie points! )

I bet your WANTED poster is all over the Lodge now

Checked in to a 2 bedroom at VWL. It is HUGE. Beautiful room, view of trees and glimpses of the lake. Made a request to be close to elevators and am waaaaay down the hall. It's ok though. Also they are NOT doing flag family. Must have been wrong info from a CM at central reservations that told me that. The roof is still being worked on, but a CM told me they hope to finish soon.

Thanks for letting everyone know that FF is still on hold. What is the condition of your room like? Would love some photos for the first page

I have been lurking for awhile and thanks to this great thread booked WL for Nov 24 to Dec 1. I decided to keep the resort a surprise from everyone until we arrive. DH has wanted to stay WL since his first WDW trip in 1997 on our honeymoon when we dined at WCC; I decided since he put up with me for 15 years, that was long enough to wait! I have two questions:

(1) Is it a necessity to make an ADR for WCC for our family of 4? We certainly want to dine there but just don't want to be tied to ADRs all trip long and are hoping if we decide when we get up one morning that we will be back at dinner time to just be able to make a ressie at that time. Is it worth taking a chance to keep in the spirit of not being tied to ADRs?

(2) I have a one night ressie at the Dolphin for our arrival day (late on Nov 23) since I can get a fabulous teacher rate there even the day after Thanksgiving, but WL will be full holiday rack-rate at that time and I can't see forking out that amount of $ for that first night. With the Dolphin being "Disney but not Disney", will we be able to have our luggage transferred to WL as flawlessly as from a Disney resort or will I regret this?

I agree with TheLodgeLady that you will be probably be able to get into WCC without an ADR, and it's much easier at breakfast and lunch, but probably not on Thanksgiving. Holiday dining fills up FAST.

So, with the new round of AP discounts, I was quite bummed to see that WL is only getting 5%. We are sticking with our AAA 15% discount, but we are also now going to do a split stay. We will do the first 5 nights at POR in a Royal Guest Room and the last 6 nights at WL OFC.

We will save over $1600 by doing this, so this will cover (or MORE than cover) our meals since we won't be on the dining plan. I am going to get a TIW card. Ordering that this week...

Anyway, I know I will fall head over heels in love with OFC, which is why it is the 2nd half of our stay.

I am excited about POR, too. Has anyone else that is a WL stayed at POR?

Thanks!

I think your split sound great! Out first onsite stay back in '96 was at Dixie Landings and our DD's first stay was at POR in '01. As PPs already mentioned, the food court is great there and so is the lush landscaping. All the rooms have queen beds now so that's BIG plus. While you're going to LOVE the OFC, POR/RGR is a great way to start off your trip.

I did the online check-in for our arrival at VWL this friday 5/18. We are staying in a one bedroom villa. Can I still request a certain villa on check-in?

Actually, you should call now and place your request in your reservation. That way, the room assignor will see it a few days prior to your arrival when she's assigning your room. Be sure to ask at check-in if you've been assigned your preferred villa. Also, you might want to explain why you want a certain villa so that if it's not available, the room assignor can try to put you in a comparable villa. For example, if you like that villa because it has a certain view or is close to an elevator, put that in your request. Good luck and please let us know how you liked your VWL stay!

 

[nyrebecca]

I had a dream about the WL last night...guess it is good we will be there next month!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Aww

 

[saintstickets]

I expect a full report on VWL and BLT! Are you in a one bedroom? I have considered both as part of a split stay and even booked (and then switched) VWL. I keep trying to get a BLT one bedroom, but can't with our discount. I can't wait to hear your opinion of the pluses and minus of each Villa. Will you check-in with us at all during your stay? Will you be taking any photos? hint-hint...

We actually have two different rooms reserved. DW, myself, DD and future DSiL are staying in a 2br at BLT. We then transfer to a 2br at VWL where DS and DDiL will join us but are staying in a separate studio (they're newlyweds!). This is our 1st stay at both. I most definately will be doing a TR when we return. As for checking in during the week, it will all depend on how exhausted I am at the end of the day! And pictures? I have two 8GB and one 16GB memory cards and 3 camera batteries in case I decide to take a pic or two!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Exactly 2 months from today, we'll be checking in for our 1st WL CL trip!!!!.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Exactly 2 months from today, we'll be checking in for our 1st WL CL trip!!!!.

Mousemommy you will love it!!! We're only 365 days ish behind you

Your little ones will love all the kiddie offerings at OFC. Be sure to relax with a glass of wine..or two...

 

[PamelaKay]

Exactly 2 months from today, we'll be checking in for our 1st WL CL trip!!!!.

I am green with envy I still have 164 days to go.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Mousemommy you will love it!!! We're only 365 days ish behind you

Your little ones will love all the kiddie offerings at OFC. Be sure to relax with a glass of wine..or two...

I am green with envy I still have 164 days to go.

Aww thanks guys!!! We are beyond excited for this trip!! 11 days of pure bliss, with tons of downtime planned into it.

And, we booked this trip at 348 days out, so I know the wait seems long, but it will be here before you know it!!!

 

[UNCFanatik]

Hello all again.... 16 days and counting before our arrival at WL. Cant wait.

I was looking at a website about WL and it said something about the boats to MK. Said the red line runs 30 minutes before MK opening and Blue line runs earlier to CR and FW.

SO...my question is...to make rope drop and be at MK early would I take the blue boat to CR and then walk or take monorail to MK?

Thanks!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

I'm wondering what you all think of my 'theory.'

We have all noticed the summer discounts at our beloved WL are much less than all the other deluxe resorts coming in at a whopping 5%. Do you think this MAY be because at a given time during the room rehab there could be up near 100 room unavailable to guests so if Disney does not offer an attractive discount, many guests would be less likely to stay at WL.

I'm trying to justify the 5% in hopes next summer discounts (our next trip) will be more in line with the other deluxe resorts.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hello all again.... 16 days and counting before our arrival at WL. Cant wait.

I was looking at a website about WL and it said something about the boats to MK. Said the red line runs 30 minutes before MK opening and Blue line runs earlier to CR and FW.

SO...my question is...to make rope drop and be at MK early would I take the blue boat to CR and then walk or take monorail to MK?

Thanks!

Yes, the Blue Flag starts operating around 0645. You would get off at the CR and walk (about 10 minutes) to the MK. This allows guests to make ADRs at CRT, CM and CP.

There is also a non-stop bus from WL to the MK. It starts operating about 1 hour prior to park opening. This is the easiest way of getting to the MK early, but not as popular as the boat.

I'm wondering what you all think of my 'theory.'

We have all noticed the summer discounts at our beloved WL are much less than all the other deluxe resorts coming in at a whopping 5%. Do you think this MAY be because at a given time during the room rehab there could be up near 100 room unavailable to guests so if Disney does not offer an attractive discount, many guests would be less likely to stay at WL.

I'm trying to justify the 5% in hopes next summer discounts (our next trip) will be more in line with the other deluxe resorts.

Yes, I think it has to do with occupancy rates. With fewer rooms in service, the rate of occupied rooms is going to be higher, so fewer discounts will be offered. I think you'll see discounts more in line with the other Deluxes after the rehab is completed in September

 

[TinkPirateMom]

I think I need all of you WL fans to talk me into switching from the Poly to WL.

I really fell in love with the Poly but also really like the looks of WL. DH and the kids love the looks of WL, but I convinced them that Poly was the way to go and we have been booked in a regular GV room there for months. I am booked using a TA rate and availability is limited. In fact if I cancel my Poly res there are no other rooms available there for our dates with the discount so there's no turning back!

I have been checking WL availability with the discount and lo and behold a WL CL room just opened up! Maybe that's a sign. The cost is only $175 more total than what we were paying Poly GV for all 8 nights. The continental breakfast would be helpful because we are not on the dining plan.

So should l make the switch? I guess the main thing holding me back is that we really need to get bunk beds and it seems that is just a request when booking CL. We have a teen girl and a toddler boy. They don't want to share a queen. SO what is the likelihood of getting the bunk beds???

TIA for your help