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

[Mousemommy1]

We are using Frontier, we got a great price out of a small airport not far from our home.

Does the ME pick up at one location and drop off at different hotels, or pick up a group that are going to a particular hotel?

Magic Your way Tickets if we add the hopper for the water parks I think were more expensive.

We will be there 8 full days, not sure how many days to buy for the park? My husband said he wants to go to a park everyday, but you can be at a water park for an entire day, I know that from being there is 2001.

The ME picks up at one location in the airport and then drops off usually to a group of Disney Resorts in the same area.

For tickets, if you've got 8 full days, you could do the WYW ticket with Water park and more option (without Hopper) I think??? Again, more expensive but I'm not sure how much it costs to buy a waterpark ticket separately...

We bought AP's this year, because our trip in July is for 11 days and then we are going again in April 2013 for 9-10 nights.

The military rate for the AP's is wonderful and will end up saving us close to $1000 over two trips.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

We are booked CL as well and bunk beds are VERY important to us. My 3 year old boy and 16 year old girl will NOT share a bed. This is what I am most worried about. If we have 2 queens I'm not sure what we will do. Can someone PM me the email address of the IPO. We are booked but have not heard from them yet. We aren't traveling until November but I'd like to contact them asap about the bed situation.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We are booked CL as well and bunk beds are VERY important to us. My 3 year old boy and 16 year old girl will NOT share a bed. This is what I am most worried about. If we have 2 queens I'm not sure what we will do. Can someone PM me the email address of the IPO. We are booked but have not heard from them yet. We aren't traveling until November but I'd like to contact them asap about the bed situation.

The email address for the WL IPO is:

Wilderness.Lodge.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com

Include your confirmation number in the subject heading and just explain why you NEED bunk beds and I'm sure the room assignor will do her best to accommodate your request. The IPO will email to you a confirmation that they have added your request to your reservation.

 

[Bisoubird]

Ok you guys....I just priced the same vacation we have currently booked at WL (standard room, 6 nights, plus dining) at AOA and it would save me over $1300 to switch to there. I could even add deluxe dining and still save almost $1000. I don't know what to do!! It's our first trip and I'm having serious anxiety about the cost but loved the new rooms and feel of WL, that being said, AOA standard rooms will be only 2 mos old when we go. What to do, what to do!

 

[princssdisnygina]

Ok you guys....I just priced the same vacation we have currently booked at WL (standard room, 6 nights, plus dining) at AOA and it would save me over $1300 to switch to there. I could even add deluxe dining and still save almost $1000. I don't know what to do!! It's our first trip and I'm having serious anxiety about the cost but loved the new rooms and feel of WL, that being said, AOA standard rooms will be only 2 mos old when we go. What to do, what to do!

One word.... LOCATION. You have to also keep in mind the AoA is a value resort so the rooms will be smaller and you won't get that "luxury" feel around the resort, it is more Disney/Kid oriented. Although $1000 is a lot of money! If you aren't going to spend much time in your room I say go with AoA... but if you are going to spend time at the resort then stick with WL. Either way, you are at Disney!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Ok you guys....I just priced the same vacation we have currently booked at WL (standard room, 6 nights, plus dining) at AOA and it would save me over $1300 to switch to there. I could even add deluxe dining and still save almost $1000. I don't know what to do!! It's our first trip and I'm having serious anxiety about the cost but loved the new rooms and feel of WL, that being said, AOA standard rooms will be only 2 mos old when we go. What to do, what to do!

You have to go with what makes you comfortable. Vacation spending should not cause you anxiety. I had to come to a point for our upcoming July trip where I felt that the amount I was spending was "worth" it. I feel that way about our WL CL choice!!!

Believe me, I know it's hard knowing you could spend a lot less money (we usually stay in values)...but we are looking for a different experience this time, so willing to pay more (a lot more), than we usually spend on our Disney trips.

 

[luvallprincesses]

Ok you guys....I just priced the same vacation we have currently booked at WL (standard room, 6 nights, plus dining) at AOA and it would save me over $1300 to switch to there. I could even add deluxe dining and still save almost $1000. I don't know what to do!! It's our first trip and I'm having serious anxiety about the cost but loved the new rooms and feel of WL, that being said, AOA standard rooms will be only 2 mos old when we go. What to do, what to do!

I saw your post on the November thread...we are subbing to the same threads...and have the same predicament! We also usually stay values and mods and wanted to do WL for the first time. We are booked Woods View with a 10% pin currently. I called tonight and I do have the FD pin attached. But we don't want the dining plan...we want 30% off room rate. It's a better deal for us with picky kids who don't enjoy sitting for a TS meal every day. But FD is better than 10% room so I will be switching to the FD pin tomorrow. My backup plan is POFQ if we have to stick with FD instead but DH has wanted to stay WL for 15 years and we aren't taking a summer vacay in order to do so. So I feel your confusion! And I am holding out for a 30-40% room only pin or GP discount so DH can get his WL dream. Good Luck deciding!

 

[lilaurora]

I am SO, SO, SO excited!

Up until 2 days ago, I was booked at POFQ for 12 nights in June for just me and my DD7. Due to a series of events, my husband and I (DH is not coming with on this trip) decided that DD and I should stay at a Deluxe resort.

So, Monday I am scouring the available resorts online and really, really want to stay at WL. I stayed there for the first time last November/December 2011 and loved it.

To no avail, the only deluxe resorts with availability for my dates are GF, Poly and AKL. Well, GF and Poly are just not in my budget (darn it anyway!). And nothing against AKL, especially since I've never been, but I didn't want to stay there.

So yesterday, at the 16 day mark, I decide that if I'm going to switch resorts, I need to make the move. In a last effort, I look up online to see if somehow any WL rooms had opened up, and it is still booked solid. So I call up CRO and change my ressie from POFQ to AKL standard view room. I'm trying to convince myself that it will be really fun and DD will enjoy it. But I can't get WL out of my head.....

Now fast forward to 2:15 this afternoon. I'm bumming around on the DIS and have about 20 minutes before I have to go pick up DD from school. For no good reason, I pull up Disney online reservations to just "look" if WL has any availability - and it does!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Cue the angels singing).

I immediately call up CRO and change my ressie again (twice in two days!) to WL Courtyard view (only view available). I consider myself incredibly lucky and fortunate and I am thrilled.

We arrive on 06/07 - just 15 more days. (Sorry for the long-ish post for a simple celebration. )

 

[MandyTG]

Okay, I saw this pic in with the refurbishment photos and I have to ask, does everyone get a chocolate WL totem pole in their room? It's sooooo adorable! Or at least do they sell them in the gift shop? I must have one!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Ok you guys....I just priced the same vacation we have currently booked at WL (standard room, 6 nights, plus dining) at AOA and it would save me over $1300 to switch to there. I could even add deluxe dining and still save almost $1000. I don't know what to do!! It's our first trip and I'm having serious anxiety about the cost but loved the new rooms and feel of WL, that being said, AOA standard rooms will be only 2 mos old when we go. What to do, what to do!

I've said it before, you can always spend more on a vacation and you can always spend less. The trick is reaching an acceptable compromise. Have you considered a split stay where you would stay part of your trip at AoA and the last part of your trip at WL? You would still save some money and get to experience a new resort and a new resort room at a Deluxe

One word.... LOCATION. You have to also keep in mind the AoA is a value resort so the rooms will be smaller and you won't get that "luxury" feel around the resort, it is more Disney/Kid oriented. Although $1000 is a lot of money! If you aren't going to spend much time in your room I say go with AoA... but if you are going to spend time at the resort then stick with WL. Either way, you are at Disney!

Yep, location, location, location. You have more transportation options (boat and bus) at WL and you can walk to FW.

And, the AoA regular (not Family Suite) rooms only have double beds and not queens like the Mods. and Deluxes have.

Bisoubird: If you are on a DxDP, you won't be able to fully utilize your dining credits at a Value since they don't have any TS restaurants. You'll have to either go to a Moderate or Deluxe resort or the parks/DTD to eat. I think it's so much fun eating at a TS restaurant every so often at the resort you're staying at - it's convenient and relaxing especially on days you choose not to go to the parks.

I saw your post on the November thread...we are subbing to the same threads...and have the same predicament! We also usually stay values and mods and wanted to do WL for the first time. We are booked Woods View with a 10% pin currently. I called tonight and I do have the FD pin attached. But we don't want the dining plan...we want 30% off room rate. It's a better deal for us with picky kids who don't enjoy sitting for a TS meal every day. But FD is better than 10% room so I will be switching to the FD pin tomorrow. My backup plan is POFQ if we have to stick with FD instead but DH has wanted to stay WL for 15 years and we aren't taking a summer vacay in order to do so. So I feel your confusion! And I am holding out for a 30-40% room only pin or GP discount so DH can get his WL dream. Good Luck deciding!

See my posts above. FD is better than 10% off rack rate so that's a good move. Hopefully a bigger room discount will be offered for your dates

I am SO, SO, SO excited!

Up until 2 days ago, I was booked at POFQ for 12 nights in June for just me and my DD7. Due to a series of events, my husband and I (DH is not coming with on this trip) decided that DD and I should stay at a Deluxe resort.

So, Monday I am scouring the available resorts online and really, really want to stay at WL. I stayed there for the first time last November/December 2011 and loved it.

To no avail, the only deluxe resorts with availability for my dates are GF, Poly and AKL. Well, GF and Poly are just not in my budget (darn it anyway!). And nothing against AKL, especially since I've never been, but I didn't want to stay there.

So yesterday, at the 16 day mark, I decide that if I'm going to switch resorts, I need to make the move. In a last effort, I look up online to see if somehow any WL rooms had opened up, and it is still booked solid. So I call up CRO and change my ressie from POFQ to AKL standard view room. I'm trying to convince myself that it will be really fun and DD will enjoy it. But I can't get WL out of my head.....

Now fast forward to 2:15 this afternoon. I'm bumming around on the DIS and have about 20 minutes before I have to go pick up DD from school. For no good reason, I pull up Disney online reservations to just "look" if WL has any availability - and it does!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Cue the angels singing).

I immediately call up CRO and change my ressie again (twice in two days!) to WL Courtyard view (only view available). I consider myself incredibly lucky and fortunate and I am thrilled.

We arrive on 06/07 - just 15 more days. (Sorry for the long-ish post for a simple celebration. )

Persistence paid off - congratulations! I always advise people to never give-up trying to get the room/resort you really want. People cancel all the time, especially the closer it gets to their arrival date and/or within the 45-day and 5-day arrival timeframe.

Sounds like you could be a member of our Resort Changer's Club (Yes, we have a thread for that "issue" on the Resort's forum and everyone is welcome).

You'll love the Courtyard View. You'll be able to see the EWP and beautiful Bay Lake and the geyser. Your DD is going to have a great time! Just make sure you request an INNER or WL CV room

Okay, I saw this pic in with the refurbishment photos and I have to ask, does everyone get a chocolate WL totem pole in their room? It's sooooo adorable! Or at least do they sell them in the gift shop? I must have one!

The chocolates are a Club Level welcome amenity. It would be a great idea to sell it to the general public, but thus far, I've not heard that it will be available and it's not available from Private Dining either. I'll be sure to ask when I'm next there in August if it will ever be available.

 

[amykay9377]

Between the menu that WeCantWait posted and this photo I found posted in 2007 on the DISboards HERE, I think that should prove it to DH

Thanks for the pic, Kook! Maybe he'll believe me NOW!!!

 

[MandyTG]

The chocolates are a Club Level welcome amenity. It would be a great idea to sell it to the general public, but thus far, I've not heard that it will be available and it's not available from Private Dining either. I'll be sure to ask when I'm next there in August if it will ever be available.

Aww, man! Now I need to scheme a way to stay club level, at least one night! LOL!

 

[Bisoubird]

Thanks KOOK! I do sort of have my heart set on WL since it will be so amazing for the holidays. Good point on double vs. queen too! I'm crossing my fingers for at least a 30% room discount and then my choice will be super easy!

 

[luvallprincesses]

Thanks KOOK! I do sort of have my heart set on WL since it will be so amazing for the holidays. Good point on double vs. queen too! I'm crossing my fingers for at least a 30% room discount and then my choice will be super easy!

I will keep my fingers crossed with you day and night until that happens so we can both have our WL Wishes come true!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for the pic, Kook! Maybe he'll believe me NOW!!!

I have to confess that since you asked about that sandwich and I posted that photo, I'm thinking we need to try that in August - so thanks for asking about it - I had never heard of it and I know my DH and DD would love it.

Aww, man! Now I need to scheme a way to stay club level, at least one night! LOL!

There is no shame in WDW trip scheming - scheme away

Thanks KOOK! I do sort of have my heart set on WL since it will be so amazing for the holidays. Good point on double vs. queen too! I'm crossing my fingers for at least a 30% room discount and then my choice will be super easy!

I will keep my fingers crossed with you day and night until that happens so we can both have our WL Wishes come true!

I'm confident a better discount will come along in late summer/fall - don't give-up!

 

[TinkPirateMom]

The email address for the WL IPO is:

Wilderness.Lodge.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com

Include your confirmation number in the subject heading and just explain why you NEED bunk beds and I'm sure the room assignor will do her best to accommodate your request. The IPO will email to you a confirmation that they have added your request to your reservation.

Thank you very much!!!!

 

[Bisoubird]

I will keep my fingers crossed with you day and night until that happens so we can both have our WL Wishes come true!

for us both!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you very much!!!!

You're welcome. About one week before your trip, you can email the IPO and ask them to verify that your bunk bed request is in your reservation. When you check-in, ask if you have a bunk and if for some reason you don't, the CL concierge will do all they can to find a bunk for you.

 

[amykay9377]

I have to confess that since you asked about that sandwich and I posted that photo, I'm thinking we need to try that in August - so thanks for asking about it - I had never heard of it and I know my DH and DD would love it.

My hubby - who NEVER eats breakfast - got this back when we stayed for One More Disney Day and fell in LOVE with it! It's a HUGE croissant, stuffed to overflowing with eggs, bacon and cheese. He said it was very filling and left him with lots of energy for the Disney day ahead. I had a bite and it was realllllly good (but I had a Bounty Platter that I was attempting to demolish).

 

[disney newb]

My hubby - who NEVER eats breakfast - got this back when we stayed for One More Disney Day and fell in LOVE with it! It's a HUGE croissant, stuffed to overflowing with eggs, bacon and cheese. He said it was very filling and left him with lots of energy for the Disney day ahead. I had a bite and it was realllllly good (but I had a Bounty Platter that I was attempting to demolish).

I remember having it when we went in 2008...also at allears.net menu it shows it being 5.99 it WAS deliciously good