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

[DetTigsGal]

Hi all... This is our first time at WL, with the construction at GF still going during T'giving we decided to make the move. Problem is I don't know what to request when it comes to a room view. At GF, it's marina view sago cay, WL I don't know We are club level and need 2 queen beds. I've been reading this thread since thinking the move was a possibility and know you will be able help

 

[WDWKOOK]

DH can't believe it! I am so excited! We arrive almost midnight the first evening. So I can picture DH & I strolling those beautiful grounds...waking up and having some breakfast in the lounge

Did I mention I am excited

Midnight to a night shift ER nurse is like noon for the rest of us, right? Is it an EMH night at MK? I can so picture you there. I'm so excited for you and DH

Hi all... This is our first time at WL, with the construction at GF still going during T'giving we decided to make the move. Problem is I don't know what to request when it comes to a room view. At GF, it's marina view sago cay, WL I don't know We are club level and need 2 queen beds. I've been reading this thread since thinking the move was a possibility and know you will be able help

to the DIS and our little thread, DetigsGal!

I understand just how you feel about all the construction and rehabbing at the GF. We were actually booked RPC for a split and I canceled after the details were announced and I saw in person in April how much the construction was already impacting the GF.

You're going to love CL at WL. While there aren't bookable CL views, there are three that you can request:

~Woods view (with partial Wishes/MK view possible)
~Inner (WL) courtyard view
~VWL courtyard view

Our favorite is an inner courtyard view. You'll overlook the courtyard, pool area, geyser and Bay Lake.

Let us know if you have more questions

 

[WDWKOOK]

My Yard Goes Disney managed to mix-up FW and WL, but we'll forgive them. There is a short video, too:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ampaign=Feed:+DisneyParks+(Disney+Parks+Blog)

 

[DO2G]

I have a room booked for the Villas next week from friends that are vacation club members. Would the WL ever let me swap and get a regular hotel room in the main lodge with no fees or penalties?

 

[WDWKOOK]

I have a room booked for the Villas next week from friends that are vacation club members. Would the WL ever let me swap and get a regular hotel room in the main lodge with no fees or penalties?

Nope, no way, sorry - DVC properties are managed separately from the resorts - they are their own entity.

 

[DO2G]

Nope, no way, sorry - DVC properties are managed separately from the resorts - they are their own entity.

Thank you for the quick response. Do I check in at the Wilderness Lodge?

 

[eacosper]

I am so excited about our trip in Sept! I recently lost my job so I haven't had anything much to do lately except read everything on the DIS! Thank goodness we already had the trip payed for or we wouldn't be going. My DH thinks I am a nut because I am telling him about everything I have been learning and am happier than Gallagher at a farmer's market about this trip. It is my first time staying at the WL but my DH's second (he was 13 at the time). Any ideas for something fun (and inexpensive) for us to do at the lodge? TIA!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thank you for the quick response. Do I check in at the Wilderness Lodge?

Yes, you check in at the main lodge. Then head over to the Villas which are only a short walk from the main lobby.

You can't use DVC points to stay at WL, only VWL.

 

[Minnie]

My Yard Goes Disney managed to mix-up FW and WL, but we'll forgive them. There is a short video, too:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ampaign=Feed:+DisneyParks+(Disney+Parks+Blog)

This was wonderful - absolutely loved that geyser wading pool add about 4 foot to that and it would be an amazing pool

This just solidified our decision to stay at the WL in Oct and we are even considering a quick weekend in Dec for the holidays

 

[burberryplaid]

Just checking in...booked our first stay at VWL for Princess Half on Sunday...can't wait to go home! This is our fourth trip to WL but first time staying in the villas! Any tips on the villas appreciated!

 

[DetTigsGal]

Thanks for the welcome and info, I will take that advice. We changed after the July 10 announcement, the closure of the courtyard pool and gasparillas did it for us. WDWKOOK, I know you move around-or should I say change- I've seen you and pas130 on a couple of other threads

 

[Minnie]

I am so excited about our trip in Sept! I recently lost my job so I haven't had anything much to do lately except read everything on the DIS! Thank goodness we already had the trip payed for or we wouldn't be going. My DH thinks I am a nut because I am telling him about everything I have been learning and am happier than Gallagher at a farmer's market about this trip. It is my first time staying at the WL but my DH's second (he was 13 at the time). Any ideas for something fun (and inexpensive) for us to do at the lodge? TIA!

The lodge tour is amazing, find hidden Mickeys, touring the lodge on your own (each floor has little nooks, artifacts, etc, see if flag family is available for views of the whole area, outdoor movies. Over at FW there are walking trails, petting zoo, fire pit with chip and dale, and outdoor movies.

Just a thought if money is tight - you could consider changing to a non-club level room for quite a savings and use that for more experiences.

 

[Minnie]

Just checking in...booked our first stay at VWL for Princess Half on Sunday...can't wait to go home! This is our fourth trip to WL but first time staying in the villas! Any tips on the villas appreciated!

Check out the DVC board - they have tons of info the VWL

 

[ralove4444]

Just changed my 8/5-8/12 reservations from akl to wl woods view w/bunk beds. I was wondering if there are going to be any closures due to the refurb during that time? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[WDWKOOK]

This was wonderful - absolutely loved that geyser wading pool add about 4 foot to that and it would be an amazing pool

This just solidified our decision to stay at the WL in Oct and we are even considering a quick weekend in Dec for the holidays

That was a fun video and I bet there weren't any snakes

Oooo, a trip when the decorations are up would be fabulous

Just checking in...booked our first stay at VWL for Princess Half on Sunday...can't wait to go home! This is our fourth trip to WL but first time staying in the villas! Any tips on the villas appreciated!

Hi! I highly recommend that you tour the VWL lobby and take a look at the Carolwood Pacific Room. Lots of great train memorabilia/displays! Also, Sturdy Branches Health Club is conveniently located right inside the lobby of VWL. I hope you have a great stay at VWL.

Thanks for the welcome and info, I will take that advice. We changed after the July 10 announcement, the closure of the courtyard pool and gasparillas did it for us. WDWKOOK, I know you move around-or should I say change- I've seen you and pas130 on a couple of other threads

Yes, Jeanette (pas130) and I are resort vagabonds. Actually, she is affectionately known as the queen of resort changing, I'm just one of her minions. As a WL loyalist, I have to go on record that I never change a WL reservation, well, dates can/do change and the split stay resort prior to WL has a tendency to change, but not WL

Everyone is more than welcome over on the Resort Changers' thread or you can run your ideas past us here, too - no need to limit yourself to just lurking

I am so excited about our trip in Sept! I recently lost my job so I haven't had anything much to do lately except read everything on the DIS! Thank goodness we already had the trip payed for or we wouldn't be going. My DH thinks I am a nut because I am telling him about everything I have been learning and am happier than Gallagher at a farmer's market about this trip. It is my first time staying at the WL but my DH's second (he was 13 at the time). Any ideas for something fun (and inexpensive) for us to do at the lodge? TIA!

I'm sorry about your job loss, eacosper. Minnie mentioned some great activities and I'll add taking a look at the VWL lobby and Carolwood Pacific Room to her list. There is also a nightly free marshmallow roast behind the pool and next to the movie area.

Minnie is right that if you need to save some money, but still have a great stay at WL, you could switch to a non-CL room and the difference would be refunded to you.

Just changed my 8/5-8/12 reservations from akl to wl woods view w/bunk beds. I was wondering if there are going to be any closures due to the refurb during that time? Any help would be appreciated.

Congratulations on making the Lodge switcheroo! Your trip is coming up soon! When you are there, they should be finishing the rehab of the 6th floor in the South Wing and the 5th floor should also be closed for buffering. That would be the only closure I am aware of, other than the roof which I believe is currently still closed for repairs.

 

[ralove4444]

Thx for the info. I am stunned at the amount of info and advice you provide. Still working my way thru this thread for new stuff.

 

[pas130]

Midnight to a night shift ER nurse is like noon for the rest of us, right? Is it an EMH night at MK? I can so picture you there. I'm so excited for you and DH

No EMH that night. DH was asking if we should do DTD. I think we need to just chill out, stroll, and enjoy the grounds...then rest up because MK EMH is Friday night!!!!

So true, midnight to me is like the afternoon to everyone else

Thanks for the welcome and info, I will take that advice. We changed after the July 10 announcement, the closure of the courtyard pool and gasparillas did it for us. WDWKOOK, I know you move around-or should I say change- I've seen you and pas130 on a couple of other threads

I am glad you found the WL...kook & k&a&c'smom are both so wonderful, their threads also reflect that. I am a true Grand fanatic, but the construction kills me, as much as I try to dismiss it. So GF will have to wait until 2013 for me...I am totally excited for WL CL!!! BTW, stop by the RC thread!!!!

Yes, Jeanette (pas130) and I are resort vagabonds. Actually, she is affectionately known as the queen of resort changing, I'm just one of her minions. As a WL loyalist, I have to go on record that I never change a WL reservation, well, dates can/do change and the split stay resort prior to WL has a tendency to change, but not WL

Everyone is more than welcome over on the Resort Changers' thread or you can run your ideas past us here, too - no need to limit yourself to just lurking

Kook you are one of my besties...and you give us all a run for our money with your ch-ch-changes....and I agree, all our welcome to the RC party!!!

FWIW, how many times have I announced a change to WL on this thread before one actually stuck....and our lovely Candace....

Thx for the info. I am stunned at the amount of info and advice you provide. Still working my way thru this thread for new stuff.

She IS amazing! And the pics

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Can anyone tell me the hours the busses start running to the MK and EPCOT, etc.? Also how early do the boats run to CR and MK?

 

[hbr03]

Woohooo! We're booked for the WL CV this October! Thanks to you guys, I went ahead and called Disney directly and spoke with a wonderful Mario. He was very enthusiastic about a possible room only discount that will be coming very soon (since we're staying during the FD blackout). Hoping we can get some sort of discount on the trip! ADRs so far at 1900 Park Fare, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Whispering Canyon. Next, I need to order tickets to MNSSHP. This will be a birthday celebration for our 13 and 9 years old daughters.

 

[StEpHandMiKe<3Disney]

I know that I read about the WL music but now I can't find it? Can anyone direct me to that info????