Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[emyl gal]

No, it is a lockoff, at least on the 5th floor anyway.

We are staying in a 2 BR villa for the first time - have stayed at the lodge a few times. Can you tell me the difference between a dedicated 2 BR and a lock-off? Thanks!

 

[emyl gal]

Congratulations! I'm so glad that you've found the thread helpful in your planning. We're fortunate to have many helpful posters


Yes, you can take the Friendship boat to/from DHS and to/from Epcot's International Gateway area (and also to BWI, Swolphin and YC/BC). This puts you nearest UK (left) and France (right). You can also walk to/from DHS.


Yippee! Your brother and his family are going to love the Lodge.


Congratulations on booking VWL, and you're already in the Log


How about doing a split stay? We most recently did a YC-CL/WL-CL and we've also done a BWI-CL/WL-CL split. It's nice to be able to be so close to Epcot and DHS and then moving over to WL gives you the best of both worlds.


Welcome - how exciting! Your family is going to love staying at WL.


So happy for you that it's official!!


Well that is unacceptable - to the Lodgers' Log you go!





You are long overdo. You're already packing? We arrive a month from today and you've made me feel pretty guilty. I did get my list-making done though.


Thanks so much for the positive feedback and I hope you get to plan another trip to WDW soon!

 

[emyl gal]

Sorry, still trying to figure out how to cut and paste.
Does the friendship boat to/from DHS and to/from Epcot's International Gateway area accommodate a wheel chair. Can you rent a wheel chair from Hollywood studios and return it at Epcot? THX

 

[Trekkie]

We are staying in a 2 BR villa for the first time - have stayed at the lodge a few times. Can you tell me the difference between a dedicated 2 BR and a lock-off? Thanks!

Note: What I know about this topic comes from reading literature about BLT, before it opened. (When I was considering buying into DVC.) This is not firsthand information, and isn't even secondhand information about VWL.

In a normal 2-bedroom, you have a living/kitchen/dining room, a master bedroom, and a second bedroom.

In a lock-off, there's a door between the living room, and the second bedroom, which can be locked off. And the second bedroom is a studio unit.

DVC can either open the connecting door, and rent the three rooms as a 2 bedroom unit. Or close off the door, and rent one part as a 1 bedroom, and the other part as an efficiency.

This means that the "second bedroom" will have a mini kitchen and fridge, for example. It also has it's own entrance to the hallway. (So that it can be rented as a studio.)

 

[eeyore45]

You are long overdo. You're already packing? We arrive a month from today and you've made me feel pretty guilty. I did get my list-making done though.

Ok - you caught me...

I'm only thinking about packing up! (hence the avatar I picked) I think I may have enough adr's though I've cancelled and booked different ones several times already - we did score a Lunch BOG resize!


Thank you for all you do to keep this thread up to date!

 

[eeyore45]

Curious about CL

I've been reading the CL thread, and a poster just commented about CL at a different resort, the poster had to keep asking for "to go cups" and ended up buying a glass at walgreens because the glasses for the ice tea were tiny?

Any comments from those that have enjoyed CL?

ETA - I just went back and read page 1, I think it looks just fine!

and PS - - is there still a tradition of rubbing Humphry's nose?

 

[eeyore45]

I'm up late...

I was reading Dining Reviews, and I thought someone asked about King Size beds at CL?
either way thought I'd post the link to the review of her CL stay (with pictures of her room, which happened to have a King size bed, but it was a HA room)
Click>>>>
Keep Calm and Go to Disney! 10/21 - 11/4 UPDATE 2/26 OLD FAITHFUL CLUB LOUNGE PART I


(I just have to say her pictures of the food offerings that night are really good, and I've not seen anyone talk about the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes! It all looked really good!)

 

[MrsJobba1]

Hello another bizarre question- hope someone can answer- we last stayed VWL back in 2005 and dh used to go to roaring forks to get a bowl of chilli. He used to rave about how good it was- anyone know if they still have it? It would make his day if they still did lol

 

[mrsap]

Curious about CL

I've been reading the CL thread, and a poster just commented about CL at a different resort, the poster had to keep asking for "to go cups" and ended up buying a glass at walgreens because the glasses for the ice tea were tiny?

Any comments from those that have enjoyed CL?

ETA - I just went back and read page 1, I think it looks just fine!

and PS - - is there still a tradition of rubbing Humphry's nose?

Hey there! At the WL CL you do not have to ask for to go cups. There is a large drawer right below the display of juices filled with to go cups with lids. You can get them at anytime! Also, the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes were very good...I actually took one of the fresh rolls and made a little sandwich out of it!! lol Definitely recommend trying! Enjoy!

 

[boscov]

Hey everyone,
We are staying at WL for the first time ever in May. It is me, my DW, DD (8) and DD (3). We booked a Bunk Bed Courtyard view, which is perfect because my daughters sleeping in one bed is always a nightmare. I recently learned that there is a courtyard view that is NOT in the center of the resort, rather it is the courtyard between WL and VWL. My question is, does anyone know where the Bunk Bed Courtyard view rooms are located? Are they primarily viewing the pool/courtyard in the center of the resort? Are they scattered? Any thoughts? I really want to have a center view, no the VWL view. Thanks for your help!

 

[Koh1977]

Hey everyone,
We are staying at WL for the first time ever in May. It is me, my DW, DD (8) and DD (3). We booked a Bunk Bed Courtyard view, which is perfect because my daughters sleeping in one bed is always a nightmare. I recently learned that there is a courtyard view that is NOT in the center of the resort, rather it is the courtyard between WL and VWL. My question is, does anyone know where the Bunk Bed Courtyard view rooms are located? Are they primarily viewing the pool/courtyard in the center of the resort? Are they scattered? Any thoughts? I really want to have a center view, no the VWL view. Thanks for your help!

You can always request the inner courtyard view.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Hey everyone,
We are staying at WL for the first time ever in May. It is me, my DW, DD (8) and DD (3). We booked a Bunk Bed Courtyard view, which is perfect because my daughters sleeping in one bed is always a nightmare. I recently learned that there is a courtyard view that is NOT in the center of the resort, rather it is the courtyard between WL and VWL. My question is, does anyone know where the Bunk Bed Courtyard view rooms are located? Are they primarily viewing the pool/courtyard in the center of the resort? Are they scattered? Any thoughts? I really want to have a center view, no the VWL view. Thanks for your help!

Yes, the bunk bed rooms are spread out fairly evenly, but that means more than 2/3 of the courtyard view ones will be "inner courtyard" so your chances are pretty good. I'd definitely call and add a request for inner courtyard to your reservation. Congratulations, you should have a great trip.

 

[MattRyan]

Planning a trip to the WL for the first time in December, which view should I choose: standard, woods, or courtyard? What do you all prefer? thank you.

 

[Trekkie]

Me, I used to prefer what is now called "inner courtyard". Because I like the sound of a bunch of kids having a great time in the pool. But I assume that the woods view would be quieter, and I can see people preferring that.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Planning a trip to the WL for the first time in December, which view should I choose: standard, woods, or courtyard? What do you all prefer? thank you.

For us the decision is cost based, so we go with the cheapest option and book Standard. We still get to stay at a great resort, and have been fortunate with upgraded locations. Others feel that guaranteeing the upgraded view is worth the extra cost and therefore book woods or courtyard, depending on their preference and budget.

Even within a bookable category there is some variation regarding potential noise in the room. CV rooms that are closer to the main pool may have more noise, especially in the mid afternoon. CV rooms that overlook the Villas pool are generally quieter. Woods View rooms that open to the lobby may hear noise from the WCC restaurant, but the view looking inward is very nice.

Overall though all the (non-deluxe) rooms are the same size and are in a great resort so you can't go too wrong.

 

[denisekayt]

Planning a trip to the WL for the first time in December, which view should I choose: standard, woods, or courtyard? What do you all prefer? thank you.

Our favorite is courtyard view where we're looking down over the "inner" courtyard. The pool noise doesn't bother us and I LOVE hearing the waterfall at night when going to sleep.

 

[ErinC]

We are staying in a 2 BR villa for the first time - have stayed at the lodge a few times. Can you tell me the difference between a dedicated 2 BR and a lock-off? Thanks!

The difference in the lock off is that the one bedroom and studio will both have an exterior door to the hall and the studio portion has a queen bed and sofa sleeper. In a dedicated 2 bedroom the one bed portion and studio cannot be sold separately. There is only one entrance to the hall and the studio portion(2nd bedroom) has 2 queen beds instead one the bed and sofa combo.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hello another bizarre question- hope someone can answer- we last stayed VWL back in 2005 and dh used to go to roaring forks to get a bowl of chilli. He used to rave about how good it was- anyone know if they still have it? It would make his day if they still did lol

The chili was still being served in Roaring Forks when we were there in January.

 

[WDWKOOK]

http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/chupek5/slideshow/VWL Christmas 2008

Here are the pics from room 5519/5521. This was in 2008, so obviously before the refurb. Best Christmas ever! Felt like we had pixie dust sprinkled on us getting this incredible room.

Forgive the fact that several of these pictures are in here twice. I thought they didn't upload the first time and now for the love, I cannot figure out how to delete them! Sorry

Your villa looked so cozy and festive - wonderful memories!

Just booked a Studio for our 2nd trip. First time at WL and sooooo excited! Nov. 26 - Dec. 5, so first time for Christmas stuff too!

Congratulations on booking VWL - I'll add your dates to POST 1.

Just returned home from my first stay at the Lodge. There were four of us staying in a Deluxe room with with club access. We arrived Friday morning around 10am and checked in on level 7. The room wasn't ready but we were told they would try and expedite the cleaning of it and text us when it was ready. We received a tour of OFC and grabbed a few items to eat. Our room was ready at about 4pm which was kind of annoying but oh well, it was a great room and location and was worth the wait. We had room 5169 which was on the 5th floor. The room was in great shape and exceeded my expectations. There was plenty of room and we had a great view. It's gonna be hard to stay in a regular room again.















We went to the Club level very often and it was a nice amenity to have. I'm actually really missing it right now. There was always plenty of seating and it was never crowded. The drinks were all self serve which was nice too. Turn down service only came one night but not a huge deal as we really only wanted the chocolates. We rented a movie from Club Level and had them change the time of our reservation at Artists Point so that was helpful as well.

It was too cold on Friday and rained all day Saturday so we didn't get to use the main pool or Trouts Pass.

There was some construction going on but it wasn't bothersome at all.





We dined at Artists Point and Roaring Forks. None of us were fans of either. The service at Artists was great but the food was meh. Especially for the prices. Between the four of us we had the filet, the Cornish game hen and the Salmon (x2). They do have a good drink selection, including beers.

Buses were as usual... completely unpredictable. I don't blame the resorts for that though.

The only real issue we had was the sound of the boat horns going off non stop very early every morning

I really enjoyed it here and will definitely be coming back. If anyone has any questions I can try to answer them.

Thank you for posting your Deluxe Room photos and the scaffolding. You had one of the best views at WL. We had the same problem with turn-down in 5123 - I think the Deluxe Rooms get "forgotten" sometimes. So where will you stay next time?

Sorry, still trying to figure out how to cut and paste.
Does the friendship boat to/from DHS and to/from Epcot's International Gateway area accommodate a wheel chair. Can you rent a wheel chair from Hollywood studios and return it at Epcot? THX

No cutting/pasting required - just hit REPLY to "copy" the post you want to reply to and MORE OPTIONS to preview your post. + QUOTE will let you reply to multiple posts.

Since it is completely covered, Friendships Boats are wheelchair and stroller accessible, as long as the water level is normal. Wheelchairs can't leave the park from which they came, but the LOS rental allows you to get another one at another park. You'd have to rent from an outside company to take the wheelchair all over WDW. Here is the Disney info. on wheelchair rentals:

Wheelchair Rentals
Theme Parks

• Daily: $12
• Multi-Day (Length of Stay): $10 per day

Downtown Disney Area

• Daily: $12 (with $100 refundable deposit)

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

• Complimentary (plus $315 refundable deposit), based on limited availablity

Length of Stay Rental
Pre-pay the number of days that you will require a wheelchair and save. Purchase a Length of Stay rental ticket for $10 per day when rented for multiple days. Then, upon visiting a theme park, simply show your receipt at the rental location to receive your wheelchair for the day.

Please note that Length of Stay rental tickets may not be offered during peak periods.

Requirements
Guests must be 18 years of age to rent wheelchairs. A photo ID is required. The maximum weight is 350 pounds. Wheelchairs are not designed to hold more than one person.

Reservations
Wheelchairs are available at the theme parks on a first-come, first-served basis. Wheelchairs may not be reserved and quantities are limited. Please plan to arrive early.

Guests are also invited to bring and use their own wheelchairs throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Multi-Park Wheelchair Rentals
Wheelchairs cannot be removed from the theme park in which they were rented. When visiting more than one park per day, simply return your wheelchair to receive your deposit. Then, present your rental receipt at the second theme park to secure a replacement wheelchair, if available, at no additional charge.

Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) are also available to rent throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Featured Providers
In addition to wheelchair rentals locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort, several private companies in the local area also offer wheelchair rentals, as well asECVs, strollers and other mobility product length-of-stay rentals.

• ScooterBug: (800) 726-8284
• CARE Scooter Rentals: (800) 741-2282
• Buena Vista Scooter Rentals: (866) 484-4797
• Best Price Mobility: (866) 866-3434
• Apple Scooter: (800) 701-1971

Curious about CL

I've been reading the CL thread, and a poster just commented about CL at a different resort, the poster had to keep asking for "to go cups" and ended up buying a glass at walgreens because the glasses for the ice tea were tiny?

Any comments from those that have enjoyed CL?

ETA - I just went back and read page 1, I think it looks just fine!

and PS - - is there still a tradition of rubbing Humphry's nose?

I still do it, but sometimes I'm too excited to remember to do it upon arrival.

I'm up late...

I was reading Dining Reviews, and I thought someone asked about King Size beds at CL?
either way thought I'd post the link to the review of her CL stay (with pictures of her room, which happened to have a King size bed, but it was a HA room)
Click>>>>
Keep Calm and Go to Disney! 10/21 - 11/4 UPDATE 2/26 OLD FAITHFUL CLUB LOUNGE PART I

(I just have to say her pictures of the food offerings that night are really good, and I've not seen anyone talk about the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes! It all looked really good!)

Thank you for the link to the King HA photos. They've had the Tomato Caprese for years, but I have to say that her photo has the most mozzarella I've seen on them. I could eat the entire tray, it is so tasty with the drizzled balsamic.

 

[eeyore45]

I agree WDWKOOK - I do love the fresh mozzarella and balsamic - love the tip to make a sandwich with it!