Decisions, decisions...

[hhender102]

Hello All,

Although I have been lurking on the site (awesome, by the way) since January, this is my first time posting. I took my family on our first WDW trip this past March. We had an absolutely fabulous time. However, due to finances, we were forced to stay off site. We really loved our hotel, but we want the experience of staying on site when we return in April 2005...11 long months to go. I have read many, many posts, and all of the information has been so helpful. Thank you!

I think I have finally narrowed the hotel choice down to WL. Yeah, step 1 done. There will be 5 of us traveling (2 adults, 3 children). I am considering requesting connecting rooms, but before I do, I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on whether it is really worth the extra $$$ for a villa. We probably would not use the kitchen too much, so there would not be the savings on the food. I am hoping to get us into the North Wing woods view. We are smokers (I know...ick), so we will probably have to stay on the 6th floor, from what I've read from other posts -- which is great. How do the views of the villas compare? It took a lot of for me to convince my DH that NO it would not be silly to go back again this soon after just going...okay, I admit it, I told him that if he woke up one morning next April and the kids and I were mysteriously gone, he would know where to find us...Of course I was kidding...or was I?

Anyway, I really need this to be a great choice, or I may never live it down. From the photographs, it does not look like I will be disappointed in my decision to stay at WL, but I want to make sure that I am going the right route as far as rooms go.

Thanks to everyone for all of the incredible information on room and building choices. That has been a lot of help.

 

[Steffy]

You will have a ball. We love the Lodge. Had room 6022 I think...Woods view.

Loved not having to leave the building for coffee. My daughter loved the laundry room.

My DGD loved the pool. She loved walking along the spring inside the lobby, going over the little bridge, walking down around the pool. We loved the hot tubs!!!

Loved rocking in front of the fireplace. Loved the smell of the place. Loved the lobby. Loved having a store right in the lobby.



Pressed pennies, pin trading cart, Roaring Forks.

The balcony with a view of the castle. The water parade at night. Sitting on the beach with a nice drink.

The boat to the MK. The boat to the Contemporary. 10 minutes from Chef Mickey's and all of the other things at the Contemporary.

The nicest CMs. Great beds. The best Mousekeeper of all of our trips was at the WL.

Love the Lodge.

 

[disneyholic family]

i think that two rooms in the WL is cheaper than a two bedroom villa there....
but i might be wrong....
i know what you're asking about which place is nicer to stay...in the lodge itself, or the connecting villas....
we'll be going there in july.....and i'm making this decision myself...
we're probably staying in a concierge room in the lodge..
i'll try to check it out for you when i'm there and i'll let you know what i think....

 

[MomCanWeGoYet?]

i love love LOVE the WL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
You will too!

 

[hhender102]

Thanks for the quick replies. Since the rates for 2005 are out, I am so tempted to make the reservations now!! Getting two rooms as opposed to a 2-br villa is cheaper by over $150 a night, so that just might be the way to go.

I have seen some complaints about the size of the rooms...What do you all think? I know the rooms are 344 sq ft, but that does not really mean too much to me not very good with visualizing sq footage. Also, does anyone know if you can request a coffee pot when you are in the regular rooms? I saw they were offered by request for the suites, but no mention of them available for the regular rooms. I need my coffee...lots a lotsa coffee.

Beth, I hope you have a fabulous time! I am so jealous 11 months is such a loooong time. I know I shouldn't complain; we were just at WDW 3 months ago, but I cried almost as much as my 4 year old when it was time to go.

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

I love the Lodge!!!! Was just there last week. It's beautiful!!! Have a great time

Allison

 

[Kimberle]

Welcome!

You will love the lodge! It's so beautiful! Thought the rooms are small, they are very well planned. You will have a good sized closed. The beds are high off the ground, so you can slide your suitcases under.

Instead of booking a villa through Disney, you might want to consider renting points. You can inquire on the DVC brd. This will save quite a bit of money.

WL also has deluxe rooms, a/k/a Junior suites that sleep 6.

You can always book a 2005 room(s) with an AAA discount (generally 10-15%) then apply a code if/when it comes out.

 

[hhender102]

Thanks for the info! Do the villas offer "good" views? Are they far from the main lodge area and the restaurants, etc?

 

[SamanthaL]

Have you thought about renting points from a member? We have and are doing it again. Our studio at the BWV is $120 a night as opposed to over $300 a night. No taxes. It has saved us a ton and we get to stay in the nicest reosrts. It does take a little extra work but I think it is worth it!

 

[Terk-1]

This is my favorite deluxe resort on property! I love the fact that it's compact, so it does not take a long time to get anywhere. The resort is wonderful and so is the staff. On my last trip, while waiting for my PS at the Whispering Canyon Cafe (which was great by the way), I sunk myself into one of the oversized leather lodge chairs and nearly fell asleep. With the music playing and the fire crackling behind me.

This is a great resort and think you'll be very happy there. I took several pictures of the lodge & my room. If you click on the link below, you can see them.

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

you might also try with a AAA discount, i dont know how much it will save.......

 

[MrsJ Henry]

My understanding is that you can request a coffee pot at any of the deluxes. No matter what kind of room you get.