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

[Kathy Z]

We are staying in the WL the first week of Oct and are arriving by plane/ME. My Mom is driving over to go to the parks during the day, but not spending the night. Can she park at WL under our room? Is there a charge since she isn't a guest but visiting?

When we stayed at AKL this past February we arrived by plane and then ME. We had a rental car delivered to us on our final day and asked about a parking permit when we arrived at check-in. They just gave us one good for our stay valid through the entire day of our departure day. My guess is that you can request a parking permit and allow your Mom to use it since you won't be using it yourself. Experts, please correct me if I'm mistaken or "trying to work the system". I don't intend to be suggesting anything Disney would not approve of.

 

[Cshel85]

@Mousemommy1 are you staying on CL also?

 

[Mousemommy1]

@Mousemommy1 are you staying on CL also?

Yes, indeed!

 

[GatorEye]

I always wondered about Stuckey's, but never got to stop and try a pecan roll either. Looks like I missed out on two pieces of 70's Americana.

These kids today with their Gameboy's, Nintendo DS's, and DVD players are so spoiled. We had to entertain ourselves by playing the license plate game (keeping track of how many different states we could see), and playing woodchuck & beetle.

I guess on the flip side we got to jump around in the back of the station wagon and not be strapped down in a car seat.

Ah good times...

 

[aiminator]

Does anyone else find that listening to the WL music loop on Monday's helps the day go better?

I wonder when I can safely switch to the WL Christmas loop and not be called a nut...oh wait.

Is there a place to download or purchase the WL music loop? I would love that? And Christmas music??!! I can hardly contain myself!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Is there a place to download or purchase the WL music loop? I would love that? And Christmas music??!! I can hardly contain myself!!

I have actually seen it on iTunes.

 

[GatorEye]

Is there a place to download or purchase the WL music loop? I would love that? And Christmas music??!! I can hardly contain myself!!

I don't know if I can link to outisde sites here, but simply use Google to search: Wilderness Lodge Music Loop (and/or add Christmas in there) and you will see several sites that list the playlist so you can purchase the tracks or some that let you stream the entire loop directly.

I just checked and MouseSavers has a full post with the list as well.

 

[WDWKOOK]

25 days until we leave for WL CL and I am so ready, I need a vacation badly. I hope we get bunk bed room on CL floor like we requested.

My fingers are crossed for you

Can you walk to Fort Wilderness from the WL?

Kathy already answered your question, but I just wanted to add a map for you to see the two trails in red:

Obviously, you can go beyond the red line and jog/walk on the sidewalks, too.

We are staying in the WL the first week of Oct and are arriving by plane/ME. My Mom is driving over to go to the parks during the day, but not spending the night. Can she park at WL under our room? Is there a charge since she isn't a guest but visiting?

I can't answer your question specifically. I only know that if you are not a resort guest and you have an ADR, you can get a 3-hour free parking pass. I would assume, but I'm not sure, that you can also visit someone or even just visit the resort and get a parking pass, but it may be for only 3 hours. If you are staying club level you could email the IPO and ask them or hopefully someone else will know for sure and help you.

Yes, you can. I'm sure that KOOK and the other experts on this thread will supply you with more details, maps etc. I've read here from their postings that it is a very pretty walk with chances of seeing deer, rabbits or armadillos. There are at least two options for the walk; one along a paved path or road and the other through the trees. Some have reported problems with insects when taking the path through the trees.

Thanks for the map hint. They don't spray off the concrete trails and populated areas so I've had what sound like huge bugs buzzing in my ears when I've tried to jog through the woods along Bay Lake.

Is there a place to download or purchase the WL music loop? I would love that? And Christmas music??!! I can hardly contain myself!!

Here is the link from the first page:

http://www.mousesavers.com/wlmusic.html#nodownload

 

[WDWKOOK]

I don't know if I can link to outisde sites here, but simply use Google to search: Wilderness Lodge Music Loop (and/or add Christmas in there) and you will see several sites that list the playlist so you can purchase the tracks or some that let you stream the entire loop directly.

I just checked and MouseSavers has a full post with the list as well.

If a site is banned by the DIS, you'll see ****** in place of the link. If not, you're free to post the link.

 

[GarakDS9]

Too funny on The South of the Border signs. The signs got us through North Carolina in an non air conditioned car sharing the back seat with my sisters. My father like to get off on Rt 301 and see all the small towns as construction was king on Rt 95. Back in the 70s we would take the car for our 2-week summer drive vacation. Gas was about 50 cents a gallon. Cigarettes were $3.50 a carton at Stuckey's in Virginia. Coconut milk and pralines were the draw for our Stuckey's stops and Horns was their competition. Hojo's and Ramada Inns were the places to stay and all had to have an outdoor pool complete with a slide. The Florida border gave us free OJ and the outdoor stands --had 5 watermelons for $1 which we ate and spit the pits on the road contests to pass the time and hydrate while on break from the highway. Disney was just the MK then circa 1972-73 and we stayed off-site. Remember the Carousel of Progress from the World's Fair in NY, and the pumpkin decoration that is in it now is part of our Halloween decorations as I took this from my parents' house. Had to put my two cents in on Stuckeys--it was always a pool experience for me as I remember those hot days in the car. Thanks for the memories

Wow are you sure we weren't on the same trip. I don't remember you there but we were probably shadowing each other. Actually I am pretty sure our first trip was in 75. Speaking of HoJo's, anyone get their corn muffin toasties? They were square flat muffins that fit in pop-up toasters.

My WL countdown is down to 15 days.

 

[Valgoof]

I am currently booked at CSR from 12/15-12/22. Started out the planning looking at AKL and WL. Then I booked CR TPV, changed to POFQ, then POP and finally CSR. Now this weekend I was thinking about WL again. Found this thread and read the whole thing! No I didn't get a lot of work done today. Today was my ADR day and I booked dinners at Ohana, 2 at WCC, CM (but will change to BOG if I can) and just talked DH into Hoop De Doo. We should stay at WL, huh? It is more money, but the location is great, resort is beautiful and we would love other transportation options besides the bus. I also like that it is under one roof versus CSR, so spread out. And of course it is perfect for Christmas!! And newly refurbed rooms!! This will be my first time staying on site which is why I can't make up my mind, I think. Not really asking your opinions, since I know what they are after 196 pages. I think I just needed to talk it out a bit with someone besides DH, who is sooo done with the planning. He says he will just be surprised when we get to the resort. By the way, I have been on A LOT of resort threads and this one is really great! Very friendly and quick with answers! Sorry for the novel. Will keep reading and hopefully tell you I switched to WL soon!!

 

[Minnie]

We booked a bounce back offer while at the YC - back to the WL (CY bunkbeds) in October

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Does anyone else find that listening to the WL music loop on Monday's helps the day go better?

I wonder when I can safely switch to the WL Christmas loop and not be called a nut...oh wait.

Oh you betcha!!!:

And what a Monday today was !

I didn't know there was WL Chritsmas music you can download!????

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am currently booked at CSR from 12/15-12/22. Started out the planning looking at AKL and WL. Then I booked CR TPV, changed to POFQ, then POP and finally CSR. Now this weekend I was thinking about WL again. Found this thread and read the whole thing! No I didn't get a lot of work done today. Today was my ADR day and I booked dinners at Ohana, 2 at WCC, CM (but will change to BOG if I can) and just talked DH into Hoop De Doo. We should stay at WL, huh? It is more money, but the location is great, resort is beautiful and we would love other transportation options besides the bus. I also like that it is under one roof versus CSR, so spread out. And of course it is perfect for Christmas!! And newly refurbed rooms!! This will be my first time staying on site which is why I can't make up my mind, I think. Not really asking your opinions, since I know what they are after 196 pages. I think I just needed to talk it out a bit with someone besides DH, who is sooo done with the planning. He says he will just be surprised when we get to the resort. By the way, I have been on A LOT of resort threads and this one is really great! Very friendly and quick with answers! Sorry for the novel. Will keep reading and hopefully tell you I switched to WL soon!!

and I think you're the perfect candidate for our little Resort Changer's thread in the Resorts forum

I've stayed at CSR and the same way AoA is considered a Value Plus, I would put CSR in the 'plus' category, too. Unlike the other Moderates, it has a health club and also offers suites and club level amenities and was the first Moderate to have queen beds. But, I'm not a fan of the Pepper Market and its surcharge and it is a convention resort so it draws many conventioneers.

HDDR is scheduled to close in October for a rehab and may not be open when you're there - can you talk DH back out of it? It certainly will still be much easier for you to get to your other MK Resort ADRs - just take the boat to the CR. I would also recommend Trail's End, which you can either walk or boat to from WL. The weather will be perfect for walking around FW and you can even take the boat back.

Would DH enjoy an archery lesson? The Archery Experience at FW is lots of fun for all ages - I highly recommend it. Horseback riding is pleasant, too, though pretty boring for the experienced rider.

Every resort has its pluses and minuses, but I think you've made a great compromise between the Moderates and other Deluxes. Let us know where you end up (or you can post to the Resort Chnager's thread, too).

We booked a bounce back offer while at the YC - back to the WL (CY bunkbeds) in October

How exciting - congratulations! I'd love to go in October - the weather must be perfect, but DD isn't off of school then. Are you attending F&W?

 

[Valgoof]

and I think you're the perfect candidate for our little Resort Changer's thread in the Resorts forum

I've stayed at CSR and the same way AoA is considered a Value Plus, I would put CSR in the 'plus' category, too. Unlike the other Moderates, it has a health club and also offers suites and club level amenities and was the first Moderate to have queen beds. But, I'm not a fan of the Pepper Market and its surcharge and it is a convention resort so it draws many conventioneers.

HDDR is scheduled to close in October for a rehab and may not be open when you're there - can you talk DH back out of it? It certainly will still be much easier for you to get to your other MK Resort ADRs - just take the boat to the CR. I would also recommend Trail's End, which you can either walk or boat to from WL. The weather will be perfect for walking around FW and you can even take the boat back.

Would DH enjoy an archery lesson? The Archery Experience at FW is lots of fun for all ages - I highly recommend it. Horseback riding is pleasant, too, though pretty boring for the experienced rider.

Every resort has its pluses and minuses, but I think you've made a great compromise between the Moderates and other Deluxes. Let us know where you end up (or you can post to the Resort Chnager's thread, too).

Back on page 190, you reported from somewhere that the closure was just a rumor and they changed the times for the shows and opened it back up for reservations. I booked it last night. Hoping it is open.
I should go to the resort changers thread!! I thought about it while I was reading through this one. Glad to know I am not alone. It shouldnt be this hard. So many choices!!!

 

[Valgoof]

Has anyone been in the arcade recently? I think I see Ms. Pacman in the pics on the first page. If that is true, it might just tip the scale for DH. I know that sounds ridiculous. He likes to relive his 80's childhood with those games and then I can get some pool time. Tell me there is Donkey Kong too and I will book it today.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

I am currently booked at CSR from 12/15-12/22. Started out the planning looking at AKL and WL. Then I booked CR TPV, changed to POFQ, then POP and finally CSR. Now this weekend I was thinking about WL again. Found this thread and read the whole thing! No I didn't get a lot of work done today. Today was my ADR day and I booked dinners at Ohana, 2 at WCC, CM (but will change to BOG if I can) and just talked DH into Hoop De Doo. We should stay at WL, huh? It is more money, but the location is great, resort is beautiful and we would love other transportation options besides the bus. I also like that it is under one roof versus CSR, so spread out. And of course it is perfect for Christmas!! And newly refurbed rooms!! This will be my first time staying on site which is why I can't make up my mind, I think. Not really asking your opinions, since I know what they are after 196 pages. I think I just needed to talk it out a bit with someone besides DH, who is sooo done with the planning. He says he will just be surprised when we get to the resort. By the way, I have been on A LOT of resort threads and this one is really great! Very friendly and quick with answers! Sorry for the novel. Will keep reading and hopefully tell you I switched to WL soon!!

I understand the resort changing and second guessing. I was originally booked at Poly but now I'm happy with our choice to change to WL CL. I think WL would be perfect for you. First, you are going right before Christmas and the pics of WL at Christmas time make it seem like the perfect place to be. Second, the ADR's you have scheduled would be much easoer to get to from the lodge. You can take the walking trail or boat to HDDR. It is sometimes tricky to get to/from HDDR from other resorts. For CM, you can take a boat right to CR and of course for your 2 WCC ADR's you will be right there.

Back on page 190, you reported from somewhere that the closure was just a rumor and they changed the times for the shows and opened it back up for reservations. I booked it last night. Hoping it is open.
I should go to the resort changers thread!! I thought about it while I was reading through this one. Glad to know I am not alone. It shouldnt be this hard. So many choices!!!

HDDR is open for ADR's and it does seem that the closure was just a rumor

 

[mkaccountant]

This is probably a dumb question, but we have never tried splitting a stay at different resorts and are considering it this year. Can you stay at different hotels on the same reservation? We will arrive late afternoon on a Friday and would like to stay at AoA and possibly go to Epcot and then move Saturday to WL for the rest of the trip. Is this possible w/o having to buy a separate ticket for just an evening at Epcot? If it isn't then I might just have to do w/o Epcot and head to DTD. TIA!

 

[ajj221]

So I see that a lot of people on this forum choose WL CL. We stayed at WL last November with free dining and are currently booked for this November as well with a 30% off room PIN. I was considering upgrading to CL. When I made my reservation I was quoted a price about $550 higher for a 5 night trip. We did spend money last trip on snacks / muffins in the morning, milk from the convenience store in the hotel, bottled water, etc. Would I be able to get all of these things from the lounge? Would it really save me money (probably not the whole difference) or is it more about the convenience factor. Are the rooms bigger than the normal wood view rooms?

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

We did it!!!!!!

We booked our Summer 2013 Disney Wilderness Lodge Vacation today!!!!!

Just couldn't wait another day!!!!

2013 Seasons and rates (abliet rack rates) are available!

Eight nights at Wilderness Lodge Club Level!
We requested: View of Silver Springs, North Wing, Bunk Bed Room Please!