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

[GarakDS9]

Been a while since an update. North wing seems done. You can hear a pin drop over here. Today, I heard muted sounds of construction above me near the lobby elevators on the fifth floor. Seems like south wing work is running full speed ahead. Checking out Saturday, experience has been wonderful, but no reason to be sad, now it is off to DCL.

WCC lunch was a lot of fun yesterday. They tortured my son. We were sitting next to another family who had a 14 year old daughter. The waitress kept trying to set them up, even forced them to exchange phone numbers. Didn't know he could turn so many shades of red.

Thank you once again for everyone's pre-trip help. It is a great thread.

 

[CaliKT]

Booked a stay this week at the WL in December! We'll be in a woods view bunk bed room from Dec 8 - 14. I can't wait! I have never been to WL, but I know my two boys (7 and 5) are gonna LOVE it! It's going to be so beautiful at Christmastime, too.

I'm a little nervous about the transportation after reading some negative things. WL vets: how has your experience been? Do you take the bus to Epcot, or do you take the boat to CR and then monorail to TTC, then on to Epcot?

 

[Mousemommy1]

2 More Sleeps and then Good Morning OFC!!!!!

 

[Bisoubird]

Has anyone rented a car from the Walt Disney World Car Car Center (operated by Alamo) while staying at WL? Just wondering how far it is and how much time I should allow for rental pick up/ drop off etc.

 

[pixiepirate]

I am so excited to be returning to the Lodge for the second time. It is definitely my favorite resort. Even when we can't stay here we always make it a point to have breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe on our last day so I can have a taste of 'home' before heading home. We will be arriving on Nov 8 for 4 nights. I have never been to WDW this late in the year. Can anyone tell me if the Christmas decorations will be up in the Lodge by then?

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

2 More Sleeps and then Good Morning OFC!!!!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

How's work going? Are you done packing yet?

 

[Mousemommy1]

How's work going? Are you done packing yet?

Work is going by....slowly...

But, we are pretty much packed...I've got to wash and pack a few things tonight, and tomorrow we have several things that we are doing so that day is shot!!! (We have a birthday party, and friends flying in from Texas who are making us their first stop for visits)...

Once I am out of work, I will be sooooo much happier!!!

 

[JulieT3]

I posted on here a few weeks ago about my dilemma over whether to keep my WL reservation for September or switch to BC per my daughter's wishes, and I was all set to book my first split stay - i believe that was Kook's helpful suggestion - when the AP rates came out. Unfortunately, there was little inventory left at BC (and none that fit my budget) with the AP rate, so a split stay is out. The great news is that I love WL, am so happy to be coming back, and have my 35% off BB rate during a time when most discounts for WL have been pretty shabby. Life is good
Now that I am completely committed, I think I will add "otter pond, 5th floor" request to our woods view bunk room. Do you think that is too specific? I have stayed in woods view rooms before, but they were always in the south wing. I want to give myself the best chance of a partial wishes view, but I really don't want an enclosed balcony. What do you think?

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Work is going by....slowly...

But, we are pretty much packed...I've got to wash and pack a few things tonight, and tomorrow we have several things that we are doing so that day is shot!!! (We have a birthday party, and friends flying in from Texas who are making us their first stop for visits)...

Once I am out of work, I will be sooooo much happier!!!

Hang in there .... you're almost at the Lodge!!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Hang in there .... you're almost at the Lodge!!!

I soooooooo can't wait!!!!!!

 

[ksuskin]

I am fairly new to DISboards, and have spent most of my time at the DISign forum. I just can't get enough of all those creative people! But...I can't just make things for our trip, I actually have to think about the logistics too! We are staying at the WL from Sep 20-26. Any recommendations about rooms? We have a 5 3/4 year old (very important detail about the age, of course!) and a 15 month old (at that time). I will also have an ECV due to a bad back and broken foot! So, we need a room where we can keep the ECV and also something where the kids can get some sleep with not too much noise . We have a standard room booked. What should I do to make sure we get the best possible room for our needs? I've tried to go through the previous hundreds of posts, but i just don't have time! Thanks so much! Also, does anyone have any babysitting service recommendation? We are going to try one night of freedom!

 

[WDWKOOK]

2 More Sleeps and then Good Morning OFC!!!!!

You probably won't be sleeping much tomorrow night

Has anyone rented a car from the Walt Disney World Car Car Center (operated by Alamo) while staying at WL? Just wondering how far it is and how much time I should allow for rental pick up/ drop off etc.

I haven't rented a car there before, but I believe the rental is across from the TTC? That's only about a 5 minute drive. It's on a one way street and it's actually very close, but once you leave WL, you have to go past the TTC/Poly and make a left past the golf course and it's not far down on the right, right before you exit the MK resort area.

I am so excited to be returning to the Lodge for the second time. It is definitely my favorite resort. Even when we can't stay here we always make it a point to have breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe on our last day so I can have a taste of 'home' before heading home. We will be arriving on Nov 8 for 4 nights. I have never been to WDW this late in the year. Can anyone tell me if the Christmas decorations will be up in the Lodge by then?

They start putting up the Christmas decorations shortly after taking down the Halloween decorations so you should see some when you're there. I hope you have a great vacation at WL!

I posted on here a few weeks ago about my dilemma over whether to keep my WL reservation for September or switch to BC per my daughter's wishes, and I was all set to book my first split stay - i believe that was Kook's helpful suggestion - when the AP rates came out. Unfortunately, there was little inventory left at BC (and none that fit my budget) with the AP rate, so a split stay is out. The great news is that I love WL, am so happy to be coming back, and have my 35% off BB rate during a time when most discounts for WL have been pretty shabby. Life is good
Now that I am completely committed, I think I will add "otter pond, 5th floor" request to our woods view bunk room. Do you think that is too specific? I have stayed in woods view rooms before, but they were always in the south wing. I want to give myself the best chance of a partial wishes view, but I really don't want an enclosed balcony. What do you think?

I'm sorry the split didn't work out for you, but I have to say that booking WL is great news and you got a great deal, too.

Yes, a 5th floor room is the highest floor that doesn't have any solid balconies. I hope you get your request!

I am fairly new to DISboards, and have spent most of my time at the DISign forum. I just can't get enough of all those creative people! But...I can't just make things for our trip, I actually have to think about the logistics too! We are staying at the WL from Sep 20-26. Any recommendations about rooms? We have a 5 3/4 year old (very important detail about the age, of course!) and a 15 month old (at that time). I will also have an ECV due to a bad back and broken foot! So, we need a room where we can keep the ECV and also something where the kids can get some sleep with not too much noise . We have a standard room booked. What should I do to make sure we get the best possible room for our needs? I've tried to go through the previous hundreds of posts, but i just don't have time! Thanks so much! Also, does anyone have any babysitting service recommendation? We are going to try one night of freedom!

ksuskin! Nice to have you over here. I don't have any experience with babysitters, but maybe someone else can help you with that.

Make sure that it's noted in your reservation that you need a HA room and that you will have an ECV. The room assignor will see this and try to put you in a room that will best meet your mobility needs.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip and I hope your back and foot heal up soon. Feel free to post here anytime

 

[Mousemommy1]

I am fairly new to DISboards, and have spent most of my time at the DISign forum. I just can't get enough of all those creative people! But...I can't just make things for our trip, I actually have to think about the logistics too! We are staying at the WL from Sep 20-26. Any recommendations about rooms? We have a 5 3/4 year old (very important detail about the age, of course!) and a 15 month old (at that time). I will also have an ECV due to a bad back and broken foot! So, we need a room where we can keep the ECV and also something where the kids can get some sleep with not too much noise . We have a standard room booked. What should I do to make sure we get the best possible room for our needs? I've tried to go through the previous hundreds of posts, but i just don't have time! Thanks so much! Also, does anyone have any babysitting service recommendation? We are going to try one night of freedom!

We will be leaving for WL in 2 days and will be using the Cub's Den childcare center one night while we are down there. I will give a review upon my return.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We will be leaving for WL in 2 days and will be using the Cub's Den childcare center one night while we are down there. I will give a review upon my return.

One of her kids is only 15-months so that's why she has to use a babysitter. I think your kids will love the Cub's Den and I know that mom and dad will have a great time at Artist Point

 

[Saskiwi]

Hi
First up thank you to all you regulars who contribute to this thread - so much info - it is a wonderful resource for all us compulsive planners, so thank-you for your efforts!
We are a family of four from New Zealand planning our first trip to WDW. We have been to DL twice (hey, it's only a 16 hour plane trip away!) but are now planning a trip all the way to the "big Kahuna" in May 2013.
I LOVE the look of WL - the decor is fantastic and the attention to detail looks superb.
We are probably looking at bunk-bed rooms as our boys (13 and 10) kick and squirm too much to sleep together.
We are happy with woods view - would be great if we saw some wildlife, so are there any bunkbed rooms with a view of the otter pond? (Dumb foreigner question: are there otters in Florida?)

I'm sure I will have other queries but will leave it at that for now!
TIA

 

[Cshel85]

We have arrived CL WL. It is beautiful. On the beach roasting marshmallows. CL is beautiful. We have a view of the pool/courtyard. CL CM's are wonderful. We are the only family on CL tonight.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We have arrived CL WL. It is beautiful. On the beach roasting marshmallows. CL is beautiful. We have a view of the pool/courtyard. CL CM's are wonderful. We are the only family on CL tonight.

We'll be joining you shortly!!!! Enjoy!!! How is the weather???

 

[bowbat]

Hi
First up thank you to all you regulars who contribute to this thread - so much info - it is a wonderful resource for all us compulsive planners, so thank-you for your efforts!
We are a family of four from New Zealand planning our first trip to WDW. We have been to DL twice (hey, it's only a 16 hour plane trip away!) but are now planning a trip all the way to the "big Kahuna" in May 2013.
I LOVE the look of WL - the decor is fantastic and the attention to detail looks superb.
We are probably looking at bunk-bed rooms as our boys (13 and 10) kick and squirm too much to sleep together.
We are happy with woods view - would be great if we saw some wildlife, so are there any bunkbed rooms with a view of the otter pond? (Dumb foreigner question: are there otters in Florida?)

I'm sure I will have other queries but will leave it at that for now!
TIA

Yep, there are otters in Florida -- we have a little pond in our backyard (we're on the SW coast of FL) & get otters back there from time to time. Not a dumb question at all, though, as we had no idea until we moved here...and some of our neighbors didn't even believe us until they saw photos!