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

[TheLodgeLady]

Yes, there is a housekeeping area behind our favorite room (sometimes the carts hit the wall where the headboards are) and there is also a service elevator which makes a whirring noise when it goes up and down. There is also a clanking noise that comes from the plumbing above the sinks, but it's intermittent. I've really made this room sound horrible, but we like it because other than the two suites, it's one of only two rooms on the 7th floor that look straight out at the WL courtyard and Bay Lake. There isn't much if any foot traffic over there next to the Pres. Suite and there isn't a connecting door so you aren't bothered by other guests. It's technically not a "bear face" room since it's off to the side and not in the middle of the resort (the lounge is there), but it's the closest thing to it on the 7th floor. It's room #7127 in the South Wing.

There is an error on the floor plan map I have of WL (Thor Construction posted them) which shows "our" room as being 7129 when there isn't a 7129, it's actually 7127 which is the last room in the South Wing. What is labeled as 7127 is actually the master bedroom and bath of the Presidential Suite. In looking at the same floor plan map of the North Wing, I see the Vice Presidential Suite which is 7037, so in theory the room should be 7035 on the North Wing. It has a housekeeping room and elevator behind it just like 7127. 7061 which is a North Wing CV has something marked as housekeeping behind it. Was this your room?

Just wanted to chime in on the rooms. We had friends who stayed in room 7035 (connector to the Vice Presidential Suite). They loved it, they said it was very quiet, not much foot traffic and had a great view, nice view for sunrises.

Also, if I remember correctly and they still kept the it after the renovation, the connectors to the VP and the Pres usually have upgraded room decor. I remember we stayed in the connector to the Pres (room 7121) one year and the bed spreads, etc were not the same as the other rooms. I asked and they said that they mimic the connectorsto the suites because guests who reserve the suites will most likely reserve the connector.

7035 and 7121 are usually more available as they don't give these out unless they are very full.

 

[Lulu'sMom]

Great to see you over here!

Which season/time period have prices gone up for? Is the OFC's increase a greater percentage than other CL's? I didn't notice the increase yet since I booked our next trip back in November with a 40% discount.

I've looked at the rack rates and they've not gone up...yet, but the discounts have not been there for the WL. For example, instead of getting a 30% of AP rate, it's only a 5% DISCOUNT for the date of 6/16. (the date I looked up for an example)

Here's it is, one night of CL at:

WL CL $566- 5% discount!
BC CL 461
AKL CL 386
GF SL 603
(all include taxes)

The others discounts were in the range of 20-30%.

Of course, WL CL is worth it, but we've got to start keeping a tight lip about this great CL!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Hi everybody, and thanks for a wonderful source of information. It is so nice to have all the info so nicely organized in one place.
We are making our return to WL in 100 days! We have had the trip planned for over a year, and really have been working on going back since we first stayed at WL for our honeymoon in June 2007. Now we're headed back, this time with our almost three year old and my parents too. We are so excited that we get to stay at WL again, and even though we just have standard rooms getting to be in our favorite resort will be awesome. I've been following the thread for some time, and decided that I'd post about our upcoming trip when we reached 100 days. We will be there September 8-17th!

Thanks again for all the info, and a daily place to share our excitement.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Good Morning Happy Lodgers!!!!!

Tomorrow is day 45 out from our trip, and after the last year of resort changing and hemming and hawing, I know that WL CL was the best choice I could have made for my family!!! Tomorrow the choice will be "locked in" and I couldn't be happier!!!!

I can't wait until our magical 10 nights at the Lodge!!!

Yes. The beds are so comfortable! Of course I'd been up from 1:30 AM and didn't get to bed til 10:30PM so I might have fallen asleep anywhere. We watched Wishes from our balcony. I am assuming that we were upgraded since I reserved a standard room. I think DNiece6 would be content to stay here all day! Did have to call housekeeping as the frige was leaking. Floors 3,4& 5 are closed.

That's very interesting about floor 3 being closed. I know that they are rehabbing floor 5 now and the floor below is being left vacant, but I wonder if they're now leaving two floors below the rehab floor vacant? Either that or they're actually rehabbing both 4 and 5 now? Maybe a a CM would know? (Or a bus driver)

We are planning a trip back to the VWL next year, and our booking time is comming up soon !

When we went the 1st time we didn't request anything. Can anyone recommend what I should request for studio view? We would love to overlook the pool or the lake. Do I just ask for pool or lake view?

Thanks

I know many like to request a high floor facing toward the lake, even though you can't really see much of the water it's still a peaceful view. There is a VWL room map on the first page that might also help you choose a location.

Happy booking and planning!

This is my first time to consider staying at the WL. We're doing 2 or 3 room only nights before our free dining package at a value in December, so we thought we'd try a new resort. We are looking for the cheapest way to stay at the WL for those nights.

1) Is WL typically included in any room only discounts that come out or is it hit and miss? Yes, although general public discounts have been limited due to the rehab reducing room inventory.

2) are the least expensive rooms likely to be included? Yes, all categories are included, except Deluxe rooms and suites.

3) if we go with one of the less expensive rooms, is there a room or floor recommendation that is better than another? Yes, with a Standard View room that is on a high floor, you can see some of Wishes. So I would request a North Wing room on a high floor.

4) Is it too late to rent points and stay at VWL? I can't answer that question, but hopefully a DVC expert will

Thanks for any help you can give me!

You're welcome!

Just wanted to chime in on the rooms. We had friends who stayed in room 7035 (connector to the Vice Presidential Suite). They loved it, they said it was very quiet, not much foot traffic and had a great view, nice view for sunrises.

Also, if I remember correctly and they still kept the it after the renovation, the connectors to the VP and the Pres usually have upgraded room decor. I remember we stayed in the connector to the Pres (room 7121) one year and the bed spreads, etc were not the same as the other rooms. I asked and they said that they mimic the connectorsto the suites because guests who reserve the suites will most likely reserve the connector.

7035 and 7121 are usually more available as they don't give these out unless they are very full.

This is so interesting - thank you for posting this information. Even though 7127 is next door to the Pres. Suite, it doesn't have a connecting door like 7035 has to the Vice Pres. Suite in the North Wing. The wings on the 7th floor aren't mirror images, which I now see as I look at the room location map that Thor Construction posted.

Did your friends ever mention hearing the mechanical noises in 7035 like we've heard in 7127?

When you were in 7121, did you hear noise from guests in 7119 next door? 7121 sounds like it would be a great room since there wouldn't be any mechanical noises and the connecting door is to the Yellowstone Suite's entryway which is quiet. Did you still have a good view off to the right of Bay Lake?

I've looked at the rack rates and they've not gone up...yet, but the discounts have not been there for the WL. For example, instead of getting a 30% of AP rate, it's only a 5% DISCOUNT for the date of 6/16. (the date I looked up for an example)

Here's it is, one night of CL at:

WL CL $566- 5% discount!
BC CL 461
AKL CL 386
GF SL 603
(all include taxes)

The others discounts were in the range of 20-30%.

Of course, WL CL is worth it, but we've got to start keeping a tight lip about this great CL!

OK, I think that's due to the lack of room inventory due to the rehab. After the rehab is finished, the discounts should be better so don't give up looking for some better discounts after the rehab. Also, did you check the new room discount that begins August 15th? You can book/check online.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi everybody, and thanks for a wonderful source of information. It is so nice to have all the info so nicely organized in one place.
We are making our return to WL in 100 days! We have had the trip planned for over a year, and really have been working on going back since we first stayed at WL for our honeymoon in June 2007. Now we're headed back, this time with our almost three year old and my parents too. We are so excited that we get to stay at WL again, and even though we just have standard rooms getting to be in our favorite resort will be awesome. I've been following the thread for some time, and decided that I'd post about our upcoming trip when we reached 100 days. We will be there September 8-17th!

Thanks again for all the info, and a daily place to share our excitement.

Oh, you're very welcome and we're happy to have you posting about your upcoming trip. Sounds like a great time to go with low crowd levels. Take advantage of all those "off times" before your child starts school and make sure it's noted in your reservation that it's your child's and parent's first visit.

 

[mom2rtk]

WDWKOOK..... Thank you so much for your quick and helpful reply.

We're looking at staying 12/7-12/9. Is the rehab likely to be done by then?

I also posted on the DVC board and someone said the only location open on my dates is SSR, so that's a little disappointing. If anyone is familiar with DVC and has anything to add (like if rooms every open back up later) I'd appreciate it!

 

[WDWKOOK]

WDWKOOK..... Thank you so much for your quick and helpful reply.

We're looking at staying 12/7-12/9. Is the rehab likely to be done by then?

I also posted on the DVC board and someone said the only location open on my dates is SSR, so that's a little disappointing. If anyone is familiar with DVC and has anything to add (like if rooms every open back up later) I'd appreciate it!

You're welcome! The WL rehab is slated to be completed by the end of September 2012. Enjoy the decorations

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Just wanted to chime in on the rooms. We had friends who stayed in room 7035 (connector to the Vice Presidential Suite). They loved it, they said it was very quiet, not much foot traffic and had a great view, nice view for sunrises.

Also, if I remember correctly and they still kept the it after the renovation, the connectors to the VP and the Pres usually have upgraded room decor. I remember we stayed in the connector to the Pres (room 7121) one year and the bed spreads, etc were not the same as the other rooms. I asked and they said that they mimic the connectorsto the suites because guests who reserve the suites will most likely reserve the connector.

7035 and 7121 are usually more available as they don't give these out unless they are very full.

Is room 7121 a bunk bed room?

 

[marymac123]

Hi everybody, and thanks for a wonderful source of information. It is so nice to have all the info so nicely organized in one place.
We are making our return to WL in 100 days! We have had the trip planned for over a year, and really have been working on going back since we first stayed at WL for our honeymoon in June 2007. Now we're headed back, this time with our almost three year old and my parents too. We are so excited that we get to stay at WL again, and even though we just have standard rooms getting to be in our favorite resort will be awesome. I've been following the thread for some time, and decided that I'd post about our upcoming trip when we reached 100 days. We will be there September 8-17th!

Thanks again for all the info, and a daily place to share our excitement.

Yeah! Almost double digit dance!!!! We also had our honeymoon at WL in 2003 & took our DD(4 back then) back for our 1st family vacation. She thought it was amazing how we could go somewhere so wonderful without her, as if life started for everyone on her birthday!
We check in on your check out day

 

[tarak]

I just asked this on the tips section, but everyone here is so nice and helpful I thought I would ask you guys too! I am about to finally get a smart phone and haven't got a clue about apps and all that. My DD wants an iPhone after using a droid for a few years and my DH is looking at the Samsung Galaxy. (android) Is either one better for the WDW and Lines apps in the parks? The Galaxy would be 4G and the iPhone would be 3G. I know it is kind of silly to make this decision based on how it will work at WDW (one week out of who knows how many years having this phone!) but any input would be appreciated. I know practically nothing about this subject. (my phone is from 2005 and I have never used it to go online!)

I think my husband's phone might be even older. I have to second what WDWKOOK posted. I've never had an issue with my iPhone at WDW, other than a weird dead zone at AKL right outside the Mara. There's not that much difference, IMO, between the speed I get with 3G at work and the speed I get from our wifi connection at home. I also use a Mac book at home. When I need to replace the PC I use, I'm getting an iMac. My husband isn't so much a fan, but I have to admit I was amused the morning he spent getting some trojan off the PC while I was happily surfing away on my unaffected Mac.

I used WDW lines the last time we were at WDW. It was great, if not completely necessary, since most of the parks were pretty empty (as an example, we walked onto Soarin'). You have to pay for a subscription - I think it's $10? I don't know that I'd pay for it unless I was going to be there during high volume days.

 

[WDWKOOK]

This was in the latest AllEars Newsletter:

Copper River Salmon, the largest and most sought after of all Pacific salmon species, is now available for a limited time at Artist Point restaurant at Wilderness Lodge.

And...

The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness will not be performed from October 1 through December 31.
(In other words, it's closed)

 

[Mousemommy1]

This was in the latest AllEars Newsletter:

Copper River Salmon, the largest and most sought after of all Pacific salmon species, is now available for a limited time at Artist Point restaurant at Wilderness Lodge.

Hmmmmm...wonder how long it will be around? We have our anniversary dinner there on 7/21...I was going to be adventurous and perhaps try the buffalo, but now I might have to reconsider...

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

WDWKOOK..... Thank you so much for your quick and helpful reply.

We're looking at staying 12/7-12/9. Is the rehab likely to be done by then?

I also posted on the DVC board and someone said the only location open on my dates is SSR, so that's a little disappointing. If anyone is familiar with DVC and has anything to add (like if rooms every open back up later) I'd appreciate it!

Early December is a very popular time with DVC owners .... low point cost and all the holiday decorations are up. Many owners will book at the 11 month window especially at some of the more popular resorts. Nothing is impossible so a room may open up but I would have another plan in place.

 

[WDWKOOK]

It’s Copper River Salmon Season

Today marked one of the definitive signs of spring in Seattle: Boxes of Copper River salmon were pulled off Alaska Airlines planes on the Sea-Tac tarmac.

From: http://www.seattlemet.com/blogs/tripster/its-copper-river-salmon-season-may-2012/

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hmmmmm...wonder how long it will be around? We have our anniversary dinner there on 7/21...I was going to be adventurous and perhaps try the buffalo, but now I might have to reconsider...

I couldn't find an answer to how long the season runs.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

This is so interesting - thank you for posting this information. Even though 7127 is next door to the Pres. Suite, it doesn't have a connecting door like 7035 has to the Vice Pres. Suite in the North Wing. The wings on the 7th floor aren't mirror images, which I now see as I look at the room location map that Thor Construction posted.

Did your friends ever mention hearing the mechanical noises in 7035 like we've heard in 7127?

When you were in 7121, did you hear noise from guests in 7119 next door? 7121 sounds like it would be a great room since there wouldn't be any mechanical noises and the connecting door is to the Yellowstone Suite's entryway which is quiet. Did you still have a good view off to the right of Bay Lake?

They said the room was very quiet, didn't mention any noises.

I don't recall any guest noises when we stayed. Only once, we had someone who was staying in the Pres try the connecting door . I think it was one of the kids who was staying there. Tried twice and then I heard mom say to leave it alone.

If I recall, the view was very nice. You are right above the waterfall.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Is room 7121 a bunk bed room?

No, sorry.

But, room 7119 is a bunk bed. Also 7043 and 7059 are bunks. 7043 is a GREAT view room. It is right at the end of the North Wing, Courtyard.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

I couldn't find an answer to how long the season runs.

I think the season runs two to three weeks. I have an email from one of the chefs at home and can check it when I get home to make sure.

 

[Mousemommy1]

No, sorry.

But, room 7119 is a bunk bed. Also 7043 and 7059 are bunks. 7043 is a GREAT view room. It is right at the end of the North Wing, Courtyard.

I am wondering if I should request CY view vs. Woods View...I mean, the balconies are enclosed, so does it really matter? Like, if we had a CY view and the kiddos wanted to be able to watch the electrical water parade, we'd have to hold them up, right?? How high is the balcony wall?

 

[WDWKOOK]

They said the room was very quiet, didn't mention any noises.

I don't recall any guest noises when we stayed. Only once, we had someone who was staying in the Pres try the connecting door . I think it was one of the kids who was staying there. Tried twice and then I heard mom say to leave it alone.

If I recall, the view was very nice. You are right above the waterfall.

Gee, I hope it wasn't us. It wasn't August 2011 was it?

No, sorry.

But, room 7119 is a bunk bed. Also 7043 and 7059 are bunks. 7043 is a GREAT view room. It is right at the end of the North Wing, Courtyard.

May I ask how you know where the bunks are? Many people ask and I only know that they are scattered throughout the resort. Is there any rhyme or reason to their location? Do all the bunk room numbers end in multiples of 3?

7043 would be right across from the Yellowstone Suite in the North Wing so it must have a great CV. Does it have a connecting door?

Since you are so knowledgeable on all the WL rooms, do you know which rooms do not have connecting doors?