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

[GEK209]

Thanks nyrebecca for the pics of the refurbished rooms. We will be returning to WL for the 5th time in about 3 weeks and this will be our first time in CL. We are super excited and we're staying in the honeymoon suite to celebrate our 16th anniversary. We absolutely LOVE WL! It is the best resort IMO. We tried GF last time. It's a beautiful resort but just didn't fit us like WL does. Plus I like the different options for transportation to MK: bus or boat or monorail if you stop at CR from the boat.

I'm so glad I read this thread. I had no idea that I should bring a gift for the CL concierges. I knew about tipping, that's normal. I'm from CA and absolutely love See's chocolate and I understand it's not available in the east coast. However we are going on a Fantasy cruise just before our stay at WL so I'm not sure how to pack/bring a box or gift basket. Any ideas?

 

[GEK209]

We are currently planning our 3rd trip to the Wilderness Lodge! Staying CL this time in a Deluxe Suite!

The Wilderness Lodge just feels like "Home" to us!

My sentiments exactly! It always feels like home to us too. We're returning to WL in about 3 weeks for the 5th time. Staying in CL this time. Can't wait!!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

My sentiments exactly! It always feels like home to us too. We're returning to WL in about 3 weeks for the 5th time. Staying in CL this time. Can't wait!!!

Hmmm...do our trips overlap??? We are staying WL CL from 7/15-7/25, and there are a couple other of us Dis'ers that are going to be there the same time too!! How exciting!

 

[GEK209]

Hmmm...do our trips overlap??? We are staying WL CL from 7/15-7/25, and there are a couple other of us Dis'ers that are going to be there the same time too!! How exciting!

Yes they do! We will be there only 4 days: 7/21 - 7/25 so we'll be there the same as you. Going on the Fantasy Eastern Caribbean cruise first from 7/14 - 7/21! Very exciting!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Yes they do! We will be there only 4 days: 7/21 - 7/25 so we'll be there the same as you. Going on the Fantasy Eastern Caribbean cruise first from 7/14 - 7/21! Very exciting!

Very cool!!! Guess we'll see you in the lounge!!!

 

[CaptainEO71]

What a great informative thread! We're anxiously awaiting the release of fall AP discounts, and we've decided to book WL! We've visited WL several times before, but never stayed there. I've lurked here for awhile & thank everyone for all the information, I've learned a ton (And by the way I don't think the first page is confusing at all like another person claimed - I think it's fabulous!)

 

[Venomhatch]

Hi! Yes, boat to MK. There is also a handy resort boat that loops around WL, FW, & CR. very handy for adrs. From CR or MK it's very easy to get to dining at GF or Poly.
Bus to the other parks.
Happy planning

Our first stay at WL we had a 4th floor room, in south wing, view of villas pool, and partial lake view. Nice relaxing view and quiet. Second stay we had an upper floor main courtyard view in north wing. I liked everything about this location and view, room was near elevator that takes you down to Roaring Forks, and pool. But hated the enclosed balcony. Had to stand up to see anything.
Our latest stay this past Jan we had a 5th? I think, floor south wing view of inner courtyard. I think this has been my fav view so far. We had a great view of the lake, and could watch The Electric Water Parade from balcony.

Thanks, for this. It may just give me something to think about. This info helps a lot.

 

[bagsmom]

but maybe you WL experts could give some input as well.

Trying to get a fun resort with lots of magic -- really want WL! We also want a kitchen of some sort.

You could answer here, or zip over to the individual question.... but -- a WL studio villa may be the best we can do, given our budget restrictions.

There will be 4 of us -- me and husband, two sons 11 and 13. I know the square footage is very small, but we will be exploring and hanging out. Resting in room during worst heat of the day -- or if raining. But I figure we could also do stuff at the main lodge -- arcade, etc.

Just wondered if any of you have stayed in the studio villa at WL. How did it "feel?" Would it be ridiculously small and claustrophobic? Or if we don't mind some "togetherness," would it be fine?

THanks so much!!!!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

but maybe you WL experts could give some input as well.

Trying to get a fun resort with lots of magic -- really want WL! We also want a kitchen of some sort.

You could answer here, or zip over to the individual question.... but -- a WL studio villa may be the best we can do, given our budget restrictions.

There will be 4 of us -- me and husband, two sons 11 and 13. I know the square footage is very small, but we will be exploring and hanging out. Resting in room during worst heat of the day -- or if raining. But I figure we could also do stuff at the main lodge -- arcade, etc.

Just wondered if any of you have stayed in the studio villa at WL. How did it "feel?" Would it be ridiculously small and claustrophobic? Or if we don't mind some "togetherness," would it be fine?

THanks so much!!!!!

I think it would depend on your family. Do you usually stay in "regular" hotel rooms or in a suite? Since you can fold the couch up if you desire to me it feels a little bigger than a room with 2 beds. WL is my favorite DVC resort with BC and BWV close behind mostly for the location. I also stay in a studio ... I'm just cheap with my points but to be honest we've never had more than 3. With the ages of your sons I think they'd enjoy the walk over to FW and some of the activities there. I love the theme of the resort but then I'm a mountain girl at heart, the location can't be beat and just the overall feeling! You have 3 places to eat, a couple more at FW, MK is a boat ride away and the other MK resorts are so easy to get to. Honestly we don't spend that much time in the room except for early morning coffee on the balcony. There are so many nooks and crannies to sit in the main lobby and outside that we are usually there. Don't think this really answered your question but if you can't tell if it were me I'd give it a try.

 

[bagsmom]

Linda -- I'm a mountain girl too! And your answer was very helpful. Last trip in 2009, we stayed at CB in a pirate room. The studio villa is bigger than that was. We are trying to avoid the dining plan for budgetary reasons AND picky kids. So us looking into the bigger rooms initially was more about trying to get a kitchen.

I'm feeling like WL is the place we want to be!

Thanks!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Linda -- I'm a mountain girl too! And your answer was very helpful. Last trip in 2009, we stayed at CB in a pirate room. The studio villa is bigger than that was. We are trying to avoid the dining plan for budgetary reasons AND picky kids. So us looking into the bigger rooms initially was more about trying to get a kitchen.

I'm feeling like WL is the place we want to be!

Thanks!

It's really not much of a kitchen but has always worked for us. Consists of a mircowave, small refrigerator, toaster, plastic silverware, paper plates and bowls, glass coffee cups and glasses. I always bring some cheap plastic bowls with me .... can't stand eating my cereal out of a paper bowl. Don't forget that you can have cases of water delivered ... a real money saver. You didn't ask any of this but thought I'd throw it in for what it's worth. Have a wonderful vacation!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Checked in at 730am and we got upgraded to a 5th floor woods refurbished room!! The room is beautiful and we can see cr through the trees and some of bay lake too!! We got some major pixie dust from cm Rebecca! It truly is our home with it being our 8th stay there!!!

 

[Venomhatch]

Checked in at 730am and we got upgraded to a 5th floor woods refurbished room!! The room is beautiful and we can see cr through the trees and some of bay lake too!! We got some major pixie dust from cm Rebecca! It truly is our home with it being our 8th stay there!!!

I may have missed this but can you take some pics of the refurbed room?

 

[Mousemommy1]

I may have missed this but can you take some pics of the refurbed room?

There are pics 1-2 pages back in the thread and there is a link on page 1 of the thread for pics of the refurbished rooms.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Checked in at 730am and we got upgraded to a 5th floor woods refurbished room!! The room is beautiful and we can see cr through the trees and some of bay lake too!! We got some major pixie dust from cm Rebecca! It truly is our home with it being our 8th stay there!!!

Awesome!!! Enjoy your stay!!!

We'll be checking in, in 18 days!!!

 

[Venomhatch]

There are pics 1-2 pages back in the thread and there is a link on page 1 of the thread for pics of the refurbished rooms.

Ohh sorry i thought that was an old room, so sorry.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

All of the following pics were taken on my cell phone, and I never claimed to be a photographer...

View of wishes from the balcony of our room -

View from the balcony looking back to the door -

New carpet in room -

New red leather around boxspring area of bed -

Bed -

Club level welcome chocolate -

Towel animal that greated us -

Shower with multi-levl soap dishes -

New tiles in shower -

Sink -

New bath products -

And incase you ever wanted to know, if you move the small table from under the mirror you can fit a twin sized aero bed in the room for your soon to be 14 year old to sleep on -

Thank you so much for sharing your pics. They are great!

Checked in at 730am and we got upgraded to a 5th floor woods refurbished room!! The room is beautiful and we can see cr through the trees and some of bay lake too!! We got some major pixie dust from cm Rebecca! It truly is our home with it being our 8th stay there!!!

Yay! I hope the rest of your stay is just as magical

I may have missed this but can you take some pics of the refurbed room?

Refurbed room pics can be found in the quote above from nyrebecca and also here, http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2778033&page=205 All rooms at WL should be refurbed by September.

 

[bagsmom]

Thanks for the pix! We are going to (hopefully) rent points to get a studio villa. Will have a 13 y.o. who refuses to share the bed with his brother... so it is great to know tips on cramming in an air mattress!

We haven't made the res. yet for June 2013. I'm already excited beyond what is normal!!!!!! I will need a year's worth of tranquilizers!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for the welcome. Yes, I meant Woods View that have partial views of the castle/Wishes, etc. We stayed at WL in 2010 and had a great view of the Fireworks and top of the castle when we stayed on the 6th floor, room # 6024. We would be happy with the 6th floor again if the view is the same, but I am trying for the 7th floor, same side if possible.

With check-in, if we do online or do it at the resort, do CL guests have a special desk to check in like other resorts, or the same front lobby area?

Is there a relatively reasonably priced way to do a gift basket for those flying in? I can not see trying to carry that at 6AM through National here in DC, LOL.

What are the odds that a Concierge CM can help arrange for a character to "magically appear" at a park, if not previously scheduled? This will be our last trip for a couple of years while we work on buying our house, which is why we are "splurging" for CL, dining plan, etc, and I figure; since this is the latest in the year either of us can get out to the parks (due to holiday and vacation blackouts); this is my best shot to get a picture taken with Scrooge McDuck, but I am worried as I read last year they did not bring him out for pictures until 12-20, and even then only at the Contemporary, not in the parks!

All of the CL rooms, except the Deluxe rooms are on the 7th floor. All CL guests are usually met outside by a CL runner who will escort you to the 7th floor to check-in. There is no requirement that you present anything to the CMs, it's just a gesture of appreciation that some guests choose to do. I once put together a basket after arriving by just going to DTD and buying a basket of Ghirradelli chocolates. I've also purchased boxed chocolates, etc... on Main Street and in the Mercantile for some CMs who went above and beyond for us. Again, this is optional, but can be arranged after arrival by purchasing items on-property. Sorry, but CMs can't arrange character greetings.

Is there a floor plan for the 6th floor with room numbers?

Just add the prefix "6" to the following room numbers:

We had aoa booked for months and 2 days ago we had a change of heart and decided to switch to wl and we check in tomorrow!! This will be our 8th stay (all times courtyard views) and we have a standard booked. I had no idea about the refurb!! I'm not sure which to try and ask for, an up charge for courtyard or refurbed standard! Ill be there at 715am so well see what happens. I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't have done online check in now!! Thanks for all the info and pics!

I think I know how this turned out

What a great informative thread! We're anxiously awaiting the release of fall AP discounts, and we've decided to book WL! We've visited WL several times before, but never stayed there. I've lurked here for awhile & thank everyone for all the information, I've learned a ton (And by the way I don't think the first page is confusing at all like another person claimed - I think it's fabulous!)

Thank you, CaptainEO71 and to the thread! We're glad you've come out of lurkdom and keep your eye out for those Fall AP rates

Checked in at 730am and we got upgraded to a 5th floor woods refurbished room!! The room is beautiful and we can see cr through the trees and some of bay lake too!! We got some major pixie dust from cm Rebecca! It truly is our home with it being our 8th stay there!!!

Fantastic! What a great way to celebrate your 8th stay. Have tons of fun and keep us posted when you can.

 

[JennCabello]

Thank you for all of the information that has been provided here. We are staying on the CL in November and I was writing to see if anyone has a room number suggestion that I could request. We are traveling for our family's first trip with our DD5 and DD7 and would like a room with bunk beds. We would also like to request a room that is facing MK in order to watch the fireworks from our balcony in case the girls "crash" before we can stay and watch the fireworks. Any room advice would be greatly appreciated from you veterans with your wealth of knowledge. My DH and I can not wait for our surprise trip for our girls! Again, thank you for any help you can give us!