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

[arfisher12]

Thanks for the nice welcome ! I have checked out several youtube videos and it does look amazing ! My only fear now is the renovations that were mention on the boards? When will the renovations be complete? Can you hear any noise from the renovations or are inconvienced by them at all?

 

[GarakDS9]

In Feb we spent 2 days in DL prior to our cruise. One of our best friends from high school lives in CA and met us there. We had a great time. Just tonight DW was conversing with him in FB and she joked that he should join us for some of our WDW trip.

Guess what he took us up on the idea. It goes to show that Disney addicts will stop at nothing for a piece of the park. He is making arrangements to join us for the second half of the trip. He is now asking us about WL and deals. He'd like to stay in the same resort as us. I had to tell him that I was lucky to use an old pin code and that WL is void of discounts right now because of the renovations.

For those who haven't read my recent posts. The title of this post is mixed news because just last week we transferred our reservation from POR RR to WL. Ironically it would have been quite easy to share a resort and for him to find a discount if I had stayed in POR.

Any suggestions or ideas for my friend regarding discounts and where to stay?

 

[Little Bit]

We will be arriving at WL on Saturday It will be our first stay there so I have a few questions.

Have they changed the bottles for the shampoo and conditioner? I can never get the conditioner out of that bottle, so unless they've changed them I am going to bring my own. The last time I was at WDW was October 2010, so I was thinking maybe they are different now.

Our flight arrives at 9:10 on Saturday morning and we are taking ME to WL. I would prefer not to do early check-in since it is our first time at that resort and I will probably have lots of questions. Is there typically a long line at check in on Saturday mornings? I requested a refurbished room. I am afraid if I check in early they won't honor my request (which I know isn't guaranteed anyway).

One last question...is the bus or boat the fastest way to get to MK?

Thanks for the input!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for the nice welcome ! I have checked out several youtube videos and it does look amazing ! My only fear now is the renovations that were mention on the boards? When will the renovations be complete? Can you hear any noise from the renovations or are inconvienced by them at all?

No fears! The room rehab will be completed by the end of September. Since you are arriving in February 2013, the room rehab will have already been completed and won't negatively impact you at all

In Feb we spent 2 days in DL prior to our cruise. One of our best friends from high school lives in CA and met us there. We had a great time. Just tonight DW was conversing with him in FB and she joked that he should join us for some of our WDW trip.

Guess what he took us up on the idea. It goes to show that Disney addicts will stop at nothing for a piece of the park. He is making arrangements to join us for the second half of the trip. He is now asking us about WL and deals. He'd like to stay in the same resort as us. I had to tell him that I was lucky to use an old pin code and that WL is void of discounts right now because of the renovations.

For those who haven't read my recent posts. The title of this post is mixed news because just last week we transferred our reservation from POR RR to WL. Ironically it would have been quite easy to share a resort and for him to find a discount if I had stayed in POR.

Any suggestions or ideas for my friend regarding discounts and where to stay?

Can you book a second room with the pin code you used to book yourself? Can you book another MK area resort such as a FW Cabin, which you could boat or walk to or the CR, which is only a boat ride away or how about a VWL Studio? Or maybe you could change to a VWL two bedroom and all stay in the same villa?

We will be arriving at WL on Saturday It will be our first stay there so I have a few questions.

Have they changed the bottles for the shampoo and conditioner? I can never get the conditioner out of that bottle, so unless they've changed them I am going to bring my own. The last time I was at WDW was October 2010, so I was thinking maybe they are different now.

Our flight arrives at 9:10 on Saturday morning and we are taking ME to WL. I would prefer not to do early check-in since it is our first time at that resort and I will probably have lots of questions. Is there typically a long line at check in on Saturday mornings? I requested a refurbished room. I am afraid if I check in early they won't honor my request (which I know isn't guaranteed anyway).

One last question...is the bus or boat the fastest way to get to MK?

Thanks for the input!

Sometimes the bus is faster (it's non-stop) and it's cooler to wait for the bus than the boat, which doesn't have a covered waiting area like the bus stop does. But, in the end, it probably comes down to timing.

Your trip is coming up soon! I think you meant online check-in and not early? You can still ask questions when doing online check-in, but I think you'll be just fine not doing it. Online check-in doesn't erase your room requests. But, it will probably be easier for you to verify with the CM that you got a rehabbed room if you skip OCI. If you didn't get a rehabbed room, you can ask the check-in CM to see if one is available.

The toiletries are all new and I believe Macavity reported that the conditioner comes out of the bottle much easier now (I hated banging that old conditioner bottle to get the contents out or getting my finger stuck in it!)

Have a safe and fun vacation!

 

[GarakDS9]

I left a message for our TA today to inquire about using our pin code on another room. We'll see? Last night I found him a discounted deal through Virgin America. It includes a nonstop flight and a stay at the cabins. I'll have to share this information with him tonight.

 

[rcsilverspring]

Got my MVMCP tickets in the mail for our trip to the WL Dec 14-19. Yay!!!! Never been to either, so we're really excited.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I left a message for our TA today to inquire about using our pin code on another room. We'll see? Last night I found him a discounted deal through Virgin America. It includes a nonstop flight and a stay at the cabins. I'll have to share this information with him tonight.

Got my MVMCP tickets in the mail for our trip to the WL Dec 14-19. Yay!!!! Never been to either, so we're really excited.

You're going to be WOWed by the lobby when you walk in and see the decorations

 

[GatorEye]

Wishes Rooftop Firework viewing question... I know they aren't doing it right now because of work on the roof, but assuming they continue this, how far in advance do you know if you are selected?

We are going to be there for our anniversary in December and I'm debating between a Wishes firework cruise (expensive) vs. dinner with the family at WCC with a custom cake and rooftop wishes viewing (if I can get it). The latter would be more budget friendly. If you don't find out if you've been selected until the day of the viewing, it's going to be too late to cancel the cruise and get a refund.

I'll probably ask this again ask we get closer, just to see what the time frame is, but if anyone has done it and been selected can tell me how much notice you got, I'd appreciate it.

 

[GarakDS9]

Good news TA says pin can be used on another room. She is getting back to me with a quote.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Just wanted to confirm...CL rooms have DVD players, right?? Just thinking about rainy days...

I thought all CL rooms have DVD players but the CL thread indicates "in suites". Can someone clarify?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Wishes Rooftop Firework viewing question... I know they aren't doing it right now because of work on the roof, but assuming they continue this, how far in advance do you know if you are selected?

We are going to be there for our anniversary in December and I'm debating between a Wishes firework cruise (expensive) vs. dinner with the family at WCC with a custom cake and rooftop wishes viewing (if I can get it). The latter would be more budget friendly. If you don't find out if you've been selected until the day of the viewing, it's going to be too late to cancel the cruise and get a refund.

I'll probably ask this again ask we get closer, just to see what the time frame is, but if anyone has done it and been selected can tell me how much notice you got, I'd appreciate it.

I believe they can tell you at check-in when you ask if it's available, just like Flag Family.

Good news TA says pin can be used on another room. She is getting back to me with a quote.

I'm glad that worked out for you and your friend.

Just wanted to confirm...CL rooms have DVD players, right?? Just thinking about rainy days...

I thought all CL rooms have DVD players but the CL thread indicates "in suites". Can someone clarify?

All rooms at WL have DVD players.

 

[GatorEye]

I believe they can tell you at check-in when you ask if it's available, just like Flag Family.

Would I request that through the IPO or do I have to ask the CM directly upon check-in?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Would I request that through the IPO or do I have to ask the CM directly upon check-in?

Ask the CL CM at the CL desk up on the 7th floor when you check-in if there is a Rooftop Wishes viewing night available during your stay. You'll have to request it upon check-in since it can't be reserved in advance. I know the CL CMs will do their best to find a spot for you - good luck!

 

[TinkPirateMom]

Just wanted to confirm...CL rooms have DVD players, right?? Just thinking about rainy days...

I thought all CL rooms have DVD players but the CL thread indicates "in suites". Can someone clarify?

Thanks for asking this as I was wondering the same thing.

WDWKook, thanks for the answer!

We bought our park tickets from Undercover Tourist on Saturday. I'm getting so excited!!!

 

[lilmissdisney216]

Itching even more to get back to WL since I had to cancel my trip to WDW with my service dog in training (having surgery in July around the time of our vacation and won't be able to fly for weeks). May have to plan a trip for either this fall or next year. However, I can't choose between Art of Animation or WL....choices, choices,choices.

 

[rcsilverspring]

Why is booking flights so stressful? MAYBE because I do it so infrequently?
I just booked our flight to Disney World and the WL for December!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My daughter is driving up from Virginia and flying to Orlando with me (no non-stop flights from there?). Yay!!!! But I'm a wreck even though there was really only 1 option for us. We should arrive at almost the same time as my other daughter gets in from NY. I know it's a long way off (192 days!), but I'm excited already!!!!

 

[ClareH37]

I'm planning my first ever WL (CL) trip, and am so excited I've been reading through all the WL threads I can find, watching you-tube clips, and I'm happy I've made the right decision.

I usually stay at the Epcot resorts (BWI CL) and love them, but this is trip has special meaning for me and as it's December, I wanted to stay at a truely beautifully decorated resort and WL fits that bill.

Apologies if this sounds a silly question, but as I will be 'solo' I like to feel comfortable, when I come back from the MK late in the evening, particularly after MVMCP, is it 'isolated' using the boat, i.e. walking back from the boat dock to the resort, or would it be preferable to use the bus?

Thanks

 

[WDWKOOK]

Itching even more to get back to WL since I had to cancel my trip to WDW with my service dog in training (having surgery in July around the time of our vacation and won't be able to fly for weeks). May have to plan a trip for either this fall or next year. However, I can't choose between Art of Animation or WL....choices, choices,choices.

I'm really impressed with AoA's innovative technology and theming, its food court offerings and cleverly designed rooms (two bathrooms!) - it almost doesn't seem like a Value. We've never stayed at a Value, but I would love to try AoA - very tempting for a few days as a split.

I have a solution for you - a split stay with AoA first then WL. In fact, Bennett, who used to be an amazing front desk manager at WL, is now the housekeeping manager at AoA - so I know he would approve of this

Thanks for asking this as I was wondering the same thing.

WDWKook, thanks for the answer!

We bought our park tickets from Undercover Tourist on Saturday. I'm getting so excited!!!

It's seems more real now that you have your tix purchased

Why is booking flights so stressful? MAYBE because I do it so infrequently?
I just booked our flight to Disney World and the WL for December!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My daughter is driving up from Virginia and flying to Orlando with me (no non-stop flights from there?). Yay!!!! But I'm a wreck even though there was really only 1 option for us. We should arrive at almost the same time as my other daughter gets in from NY. I know it's a long way off (192 days!), but I'm excited already!!!!

That's so sweet of your DD to drive over to PA to fly with you. Your trip sounds like it will be a wonderful family reunion

I'm planning my first ever WL (CL) trip, and am so excited I've been reading through all the WL threads I can find, watching you-tube clips, and I'm happy I've made the right decision.

I usually stay at the Epcot resorts (BWI CL) and love them, but this is trip has special meaning for me and as it's December, I wanted to stay at a truely beautifully decorated resort and WL fits that bill.

Apologies if this sounds a silly question, but as I will be 'solo' I like to feel comfortable, when I come back from the MK late in the evening, particularly after MVMCP, is it 'isolated' using the boat, i.e. walking back from the boat dock to the resort, or would it be preferable to use the bus?

Thanks

Hi, Clare. Though I've never done MVMCP, I would assume like after EMH, there will be plenty of other guests/families boating back to WL. The path from the boat dock to the WL is well lit and like a bridge with railings. Once off that, you will be on the concrete path leading from beside the pool to the entrance near Artist Point and Roaring Fork. It's only about a one to two minute walk from the boat dock and I'm sure you'll feel very comfortable.

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Itching even more to get back to WL since I had to cancel my trip to WDW with my service dog in training (having surgery in July around the time of our vacation and won't be able to fly for weeks). May have to plan a trip for either this fall or next year. However, I can't choose between Art of Animation or WL....choices, choices,choices.

First I just want to say THANK YOU for being a service dog puppy trainer! It takes a very special person to be one!

This past weekend I spoke to several cast and management regarding AoA! They all said that this resort is unbelievable! Not only is the technology amazing but the resort itself. Several of them had the opportunity to do a test stay there. It is so much more than a value resort!

One of my friends said that it is like walking into the movie itself. He said that in the Cars Section you actually feel like you are in Radiator Springs. There are 11 life sized characters.

My husband and I love staying at the Lodge, but I told him that we will need to stay at AoA just to check out the resort, eat at the food court and take photos.

Like, Kook said I wonder if you could do a split stay.

 

[kanderson89]

I'm planning my first ever WL (CL) trip, and am so excited I've been reading through all the WL threads I can find, watching you-tube clips, and I'm happy I've made the right decision.

I usually stay at the Epcot resorts (BWI CL) and love them, but this is trip has special meaning for me and as it's December, I wanted to stay at a truely beautifully decorated resort and WL fits that bill.

Apologies if this sounds a silly question, but as I will be 'solo' I like to feel comfortable, when I come back from the MK late in the evening, particularly after MVMCP, is it 'isolated' using the boat, i.e. walking back from the boat dock to the resort, or would it be preferable to use the bus?

Thanks

Hi Clare - I haven't been solo but it's just been me and my partner. We often have come home on the boat after fireworks or after it's dark and have never felt hinky at all. It's not a long walk and there are always people around - in the pool, walking back from the boat. It's quiet in a good way.