Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[goopysolelady]

Returned about 3 hours ago after a wonderful week at WL...even got a chance to watch (until 2 AM when we could no longer keep our eyes open ) the tree go up and the unloading of all the decorations. Have LOTS of photos...will post a few over the next few days...including the Villas former pool area...the right side of the view from our room (left view of the lake was beautiful ). Workers on sections of the Lodge facing the Villas but minimal noise and disruption. We had a few issues with the shower in our room that took a couple of days to get fixed and after reporting our out of order room phone 3 days in a row, we gave up but overall another fantastic stay at the WL!

 

[mindy6540]

Looking at the photos in the FAQ of this thread, there seems to often be a peanut butter and jelly dessert out, so that would be the main concern.

That is absolutely my concern, if there is anything on the offerings that has peanuts (PB and J shooters for example) we can't take advantage of the offerings at club level. I emailed concierge, they replied with assurance they've noted this on our reservation. I guess I'm hoping someone who's experienced this will tell me that they don't serve anything with peanuts at club level. And yes, I know I can't control what others bring in.

 

[mrsap]

That is absolutely my concern, if there is anything on the offerings that has peanuts (PB and J shooters for example) we can't take advantage of the offerings at club level. I emailed concierge, they replied with assurance they've noted this on our reservation. I guess I'm hoping someone who's experienced this will tell me that they don't serve anything with peanuts at club level. And yes, I know I can't control what others bring in.

They definitely serve stuff with peanuts. For example the peanut butter and jelly shooters, trail mix, and a few of the desserts contain peanuts or could possibly contain peanuts. My son was very limited on what he could eat.

 

[mrsap]

Just checked out of WBC... On our way to check into The Lodge!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mrsap]

So beautiful!!!!

 

[Tinkerbelljean]

Nothing so far, the woods facing the Villas is where the construction is at the moment.

http://imgur.com/1Y35ctH
http://imgur.com/oWWW938

400 dollar a night view.

Thank you for your post. We booked VWL in May and were told in Aug/Sept about the construction. By then there was no place to move to. I am furious. As a DVC member/owner this is not what I signed up for. If I want construction noise I can stay home. I booked a vacation to get away from construction noise expecially after the former trip to the Poly where huge machines rumbled by our villa all day. You could feel the ground shake.

At least I can get mentally prepared to kiss my money good bye.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just back from a weekend to celebrate our 30th anniversary!

I love this resort, even though we had rather uneven service this time. Room 4096, standard view of 2 roofs, right above the gift shop area. I was hoping for a better standard room, but fully understand that it was not to be. Still it was great and it was spotlessly clean. Even though we had checked in on line, we had to check in again. We are AP holders and this was our 4th trip this year. We were starving, and went right to Roaring Fork for a snack and, of course our bands did not work to pay. Back to the front desk We were finally all set.

The elevators were fast and efficient, and our room was close to them and the stairs to the lobby. Easy. Also we got the cute free pin pack because of the construction! Another nice thing!

The next morning we had a quick bite at the Territory Lounge, and it was lovely, even more special because the CM gave us our breakfast for free and said Happy Anniversary! Score!

We had breakfast at Roaring Fork later in the weekend, and I have to say it is a tough slog there. It is just too small! There is only one soda machine, in the corner, and the cash registers are really pinned in to the other corner. It is difficult to try for a quick grab and go there. It takes time.

Boat and Bus transportation worked mostly flawless this trip, except for one very long wait back from MK after wishes. ( At least we were entertained by the wonderful EWP!)

I love the new TVs at the bus stop.
I love taking the boat from the lodge, it is so charming!

Another slight disappointment was not being able to have an extra half hour to check out on Sunday. I asked in advance and was told absolutely not!:C So we had to check out of the room really early and hold our luggage at valet, who was wonderful. We went to AK for a fast morning visit. We caught the safari, ITTBAB, EE, and did a quick run through a gift shop. We learned never to make a WCC reservation at 11:45 am for lunch, which is the first of the day because they just cannot honor it at all. They always have late breakfasters and have to completely turn over the kitchen before they can seat you for lunch. There were many others waiting too. We were not seated for our reservation until 12:40, and just had to ask the server, (who was super nice) to process our order to go. We had a 1:15 ME bus to catch, and that meant being outside by 1. That is a cautionary tale if you have ME reservations around lunchtime and want to also try for a sit down at WCC. You may be late. However, we got fabulously delicious pulled pork and turkey sandwiches to go and had them as we were sitting outside in the beautiful Florida sunshine, waiting for the ME, which of course was late! :0. We probably could have eaten in the restaurant after all!

I would not hesitate to stay here again, though. It is a stunning resort. I wish we were able to stay later and see the Christmas tree, oh well maybe next time!
For all those who get to stay at this beautiful resort, enjoy!

Thank you for posting about your stay. It looks like you've gotten great use out of your APs and I hope you get to book another trip soon for 2016

I've read somewhere on the boards that some people are getting $100 a day taken off their bill because of the construction. We'll be there 12/11-19. How do I get info concerning this possible deduction?

Just in case it was missed, we have a dedicated WL DVC Expansion thread located HERE. The thread is dedicated to news about the expansion, (past) guest compensation offers, and anything else WL/VWL construction-related, such as current photos and construction progress updates.

Hello WL lovers! I'm busy planning our upcoming June 2016 stay at this resort. I booked a BB a few months ago and toyed with switching due to construction, but I think I've committed to going with WL. My DH and I spent a week here back in 2001, and we just recently celebrated DH's 40th birthday with a quick adults only trip back in August. We will be taking the kids for their first visit next year. I think they're going to love it!

We're a family of five, so I'm so thrilled that the villas offer (relatively) affordable accommodations for us. Has anyone stayed in the villas on a cash ressie? Is there mousekeeping every day? What about access to laundry facilities? We'll be staying 9 nights, and I know I can't go that long without washing clothes.

My DH and I fell in love with the Territory Lounge, in particular the Mushroom Bisque. I'm considering an AP ressie, but with three kids and us not being "foodies," I'm wondering if it's worth it? We did WCC last time and found it fun, so that will probably be an option.

Thanks for this wonderful thread!

Welcome to the thread and thank you for your kind comment. There is more info. on "Pay as you Play" for those staying on cash reservations and the VWL laundry in the VWL chapter of the thread. Let us know if you have other questions and happy planning.

TREE IS UP!!!!!

Thank you for posting all your timely photos!

Returned about 3 hours ago after a wonderful week at WL...even got a chance to watch (until 2 AM when we could no longer keep our eyes open ) the tree go up and the unloading of all the decorations. Have LOTS of photos...will post a few over the next few days...including the Villas former pool area...the right side of the view from our room (left view of the lake was beautiful ). Workers on sections of the Lodge facing the Villas but minimal noise and disruption. We had a few issues with the shower in our room that took a couple of days to get fixed and after reporting our out of order room phone 3 days in a row, we gave up but overall another fantastic stay at the WL!

Welcome home and it must have been fun watching the workers in action. Last year I know they had a pretty big audience. We have a time-lapse video of it from last year in the CHRISTMASTIME chapter of the thread.

 

[Minnie]

We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in mid January. We've been to WDW multiple times and by far the WL is our favorite and without the construction issues would be our 1st choice. However I am concerned about the construction as we would spent quite a bit of our time at the lodge normally relaxing at the quiet pool which will not be an option. So given this would you still select the WL or move to another resort - most likely YC. Thanks for any help!

 

[cinderkelly]

We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in mid January. We've been to WDW multiple times and by far the WL is our favorite and without the construction issues would be our 1st choice. However I am concerned about the construction as we would spent quite a bit of our time at the lodge normally relaxing at the quiet pool which will not be an option. So given this would you still select the WL or move to another resort - most likely YC. Thanks for any help!

If it were me I'd probably move to the YC, just because it's a special anniversary and given that you like to spend a lot of resort time at the quiet pool. My DH and I had reservations at the WL for our upcoming 10th anniversary trip in September and ultimately moved to the Poly for those reasons plus some of the things being closed down for a while like boat rental and the beach. We wanted to have everything available to us possible since it's a special occasion.

We have never stayed at the WL ( yet; I have a quick mom, son trip booked for June there) so perhaps it was a bit easier to make the switch not already having the love for it that you do. The YC looks like a beautiful resort! Good luck with your decision, I know it's a tough one! And happy anniversary!

 

[jon18uk]

If it were me I'd probably move to the YC, just because it's a special anniversary and given that you like to spend a lot of resort time at the quiet pool. My DH and I had reservations at the WL for our upcoming 10th anniversary trip in September and ultimately moved to the Poly for those reasons plus some of the things being closed down for a while like boat rental and the beach. We wanted to have everything available to us possible since it's a special occasion.

We've also booked for a 10th Anniversary celebration and are staying at the Wilderness Lodge next September. We did try to switch to the Poly, but even with the discount Disney were offering it felt expensive for us. Instead we now have a credit of $100 per night (so $1400 total) and been upgraded to courtyard view. So yes we will miss out on the beach at WL, but the extra credit will pay for drinks over at the Poly while we enjoy their beach one evening with a firework view

 

[cinderkelly]

We've also booked for a 10th Anniversary celebration and are staying at the Wilderness Lodge next September. We did try to switch to the Poly, but even with the discount Disney were offering it felt expensive for us. Instead we now have a credit of $100 per night (so $1400 total) and been upgraded to courtyard view. So yes we will miss out on the beach at WL, but the extra credit will pay for drinks over at the Poly while we enjoy their beach one evening with a firework view

You're right, the Poly is expensive! we are hoping for a discount to come out later to help offset some of the cost, but if not it's ok. That is a pretty sweet deal with the $100/ night credit! There are times I wish we would have taken the deal and stayed put but staying at a monorail resort has always been a dream for me and luckily DH agreed! Enjoy your WL stay! I'm sure it will be wonderful cheers !

 

[Pepper pots]

We just received an e- mail today from Disney UK advising us that Wilderness Lodge have been notified that we have accepted their $100 per day credit to spend on Disney property..$1400 is a massive spending boost for us, especially as my wife will be celebrating a big birthday next year, and has her eye on a Dooney & Bourke handbag..

 

[jon18uk]

You're right, the Poly is expensive! we are hoping for a discount to come out later to help offset some of the cost, but if not it's ok. That is a pretty sweet deal with the $100/ night credit! There are times I wish we would have taken the deal and stayed put but staying at a monorail resort has always been a dream for me and luckily DH agreed! Enjoy your WL stay! I'm sure it will be wonderful cheers !

Hope you have a great Anniversary trip too.
I am still wondering if we should spend the extra, as like you it would be a dream come true to be in a monorail resort (although Contemporary Tower would be even better!), But for the 14 night trip is was around £700 ($1000) more even with the discount to switch for the 14 nights. Once they offered us the upgrade to courtyard as well as the credit we decided to stay. But I am still wondering if we could have got the amount we pay lower so Poly is £500. But then we wouldn't have got credit...

 

[goopysolelady]

Photobucket has not been cooperating but I FINALLY have pictures available of the "transformation". Pardon the blur on a couple...the shots looked clear to my tired eyes that night :

 

[alliecat523]

Gorgeous! Can't wait to see it in 11 days!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I love the picture of the tee pee ornaments sitting in the box. Thanks for posting the pictures.

 

[goopysolelady]

I love the picture of the tee pee ornaments sitting in the box. Thanks for posting the pictures.

That's one of my favorites too...and the huge ornaments in the box! Quite a site to see!

 

[JulieODC]

We just made plans for another WDW trip - feb 28-march 5 - and a stay at WL! We're doing a split stay at Poly, Swan or Dolphin, and then ending at our favorite, WL. It's our first time checking out the Flower and Garden festival at Epcot.

We're renting DVC points, which is a first for us. Any tips on that front? I'm sure we'll have some sort of construction view, but with 2 little ones, we are early risers!

 

[jh91]

We just made plans for another WDW trip - feb 28-march 5 - and a stay at WL! We're doing a split stay at Poly, Swan or Dolphin, and then ending at our favorite, WL. It's our first time checking out the Flower and Garden festival at Epcot.

We're renting DVC points, which is a first for us. Any tips on that front? I'm sure we'll have some sort of construction view, but with 2 little ones, we are early risers!

We have rented points the last two years to stay at VWL and have had zero problems with renting points. The first year we used the popular online company(not sure if i can say the name here) and it worked good, and this year we rented directly from an owner i found on the Rent/Trade board here and it also worked perfectly and saved money by cutting out the middle man. We will probably continue to rent points for future stays because we like the extra space of the villas and save a ton of money with renting points. good luck.

 

[jdrasin]

We just made plans for another WDW trip - feb 28-march 5 - and a stay at WL! We're doing a split stay at Poly, Swan or Dolphin, and then ending at our favorite, WL. It's our first time checking out the Flower and Garden festival at Epcot.

We're renting DVC points, which is a first for us. Any tips on that front? I'm sure we'll have some sort of construction view, but with 2 little ones, we are early risers!

This will be our first visit and we rented points. I'll let you know how it goes.

Joseph Drasin