Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[hill6]

That was a really long wait. Hope you have a great day!

Today is a great day. DD arrives this afternoon. Dinner at BOG. The Wishes Dessert party at 9 pm ans Wishes at 10.


In response to the question about WC construction we didn't see anything going on there yesterday. The place was packed on Sunday when we arrived.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The number address is not for WL proper and there isn't a survey included with the NoC. This adds more mystery to this project. Also, there is a NoC for trailers, etc… for a "Wilderness rehab" which was issued 3/25, just prior to this NoC. That's usually the first step/NoC in a big project. Both NoCs are careful to use a different address from WL and both do not contain the word "Lodge." I don't know if any of this is relevant, but the VP/GM of WDI has been careful not to let on to exactly what is about to happen. Their permits can be cryptic/misleading when they don't want to reveal anything too soon. I believe the VP/GM of WDI only signs off on big projects.

If they truly do plan to build something big, then I hope it is in the wooded area between the villas and FW and not in the lodge itself. We've taken that walk along the shoreline and there is a great opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful lakefront location for more lodge themed rooms. It would be close to MK and easily served by boats and buses.

I think it would be crazy to build teepees over the water, so I hope that is just wild speculation. Teepees were never built over water, they were more of a "pick up and follow the herds" kind of thing, so I can't imagine why Disney would spend the extra money to do that.

 

[eeyore45]

If they truly do plan to build something big, then I hope it is in the wooded area between the villas and FW and not in the lodge itself. We've taken that walk along the shoreline and there is a great opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful lakefront location for more lodge themed rooms. It would be close to MK and easily served by boats and buses.

I think it would be crazy to build teepees over the water, so I hope that is just wild speculation. Teepees were never built over water, they were more of a "pick up and follow the herds" kind of thing, so I can't imagine why Disney would spend the extra money to do that.

Oh no, I hope not! Have you seen the Wigwam Hotel?

http://www.wigwammotel.com/index.html

 

[alhurricane]

What time do you suggest to be at the bus stop to get to rope drop at MK? 810 or so? I know it's a quick drive. I just don't want to cut it too close if there is a gap in the busses.

 

[stardam]

Today is a great day. DD arrives this afternoon. Dinner at BOG. The Wishes Dessert party at 9 pm ans Wishes at 10.


In response to the question about WC construction we didn't see anything going on there yesterday. The place was packed on Sunday when we arrived.

Please post a review of the dessert party if you get a chance. I booked it on a whim since the price is about to go up but I'm still undecided as to if the view & desserts are worth it. Have a great time!

 

[LvsTnk]

Just booked a night before our Polynesian Villas stay(July 22), one of these days I'm going to be able to book a whole trip there. Just never can get that availability.

We will be arriving late and I know I have to check out there before I check in the Polynesian the next day, but where can we swim or rather which resorts are we allowed at? I'm just not sure how that works with the Magicbands. I would really like to make the most of our time at WLV I know the kids will be sad we aren't staying there. Hoping to grab some drinks and apps at the Lounge the night before(my kids are older) and swim while we are there.

Thanks anyone with advice.

 

[waffocopter]

I will be staying at the lodge 29Oct through 08Nov this year with my mom and boyfriend! It's our first time staying on site and my boyfriend's first time at any Disney park. The place looks amazing!

 

[wmoon]

Hi Everyone

We have just booked our first wilderness lodge stay for summer 2016. 15 nights in a woods view. We were so excited and now a little concerned about the rehab rumblings having watched what the Polynesian was like. Dh and I are sorely tempted to switch now to the contemporary while there is loads of availability on our (uk) free dining offer but Ds is so excited by the theming at the wilderness lodge.
It's a big expense and we don't come that often, I just don't want to be worrying about a Polynesian type building project.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hi Everyone

We have just booked our first wilderness lodge stay for summer 2016. 15 nights in a woods view. We were so excited and now a little concerned about the rehab rumblings having watched what the Polynesian was like. Dh and I are sorely tempted to switch now to the contemporary while there is loads of availability on our (uk) free dining offer but Ds is so excited by the theming at the wilderness lodge.
It's a big expense and we don't come that often, I just don't want to be worrying about a Polynesian type building project.

The rumblings right now don't seem very definite at all. It ranges from just turning a few regular rooms into studios, which would mostly be a furniture upgrade, to actually adding some buildings. No one knows anything definite yet.

But one thing to keep in mind is that there has already been lots of rehab work done, including a beautiful pool and inner courtyard upgrade. They are currently working on the exterior of the lodge and that should be finished well before your trip, Most woods view rooms face the Magic Kingdom, so they can't add any buildings there. I can't imagine any future work impacting the gorgeous lodge itself.

 

[WDWKOOK]

This LINK has pertinent information regarding the speculation about the future of WL. I believe it's the same link I posted last month. This is what WDW1974 posted, (edited by me for brevity,) back in March regarding the NoC for the trailers:

"I just hate being right so often. I know it will upset some of my biggest fans down under.

But I am a bit surprised how long the permit is for. I shudder to think how much this will change my favorite WDW resort (about 150 nights spent there). I do know the project includes whatever they decided to put out over the water (teepees, cabins, wagons, 76 Pintos etc.) and two new concierge lounges (one DVC, one hotel).

But I'd need to check the plans to see what else was being done ... oh, I know a MAJOR redo for Artist Point as well."


In another forum, someone mentions that they asked a CM about the ground floor/South Wing room gutting and were told that they were testing out new ADA rooms

The WL DVC conversion rumor also appears HERE along with rumor references.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Noticed a NoC filed for a "bus monitor shroud" by the contractor "Sign Producers." I assume it's the electronic signage that shows the arrival status of each bus, like GrandCalifornian posted in his POR TR.

Annual Passes are burning a hole in our pockets! We are doing Beach Club Sep/oct. I am wondering about Christmas time. Our DDs have school until just before Christmas, obviously. They are off until around January 22.

So, the question is, can a Christmas trip to WL still be fun? Or, should we take advantage of low crowds in January (avoiding marathon and MLK day)? Our DDs would be almost 14 and 11.5 at the time. They also love Christmas at home. Just trying to get some input from those who have done a Christmas trip.

Thanks!
Mary

Your kids sure go back really late - they get a month off? Rates after NYD are much lower as well as crowd levels and your kids love Christmas at home so those factors might help you decide.

Thanks for posting last year's Christmas Eve and Christmas Day schedule of events. We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge December 15-27 and are planning to stay at the resort Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The schedule is extremely helpful in helping me determine what we may want to take part in so I know when to schedule dinner ADRs and possible a holiday sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness. I realized this is not set in stone and subject to change, but is a good guideline, nonetheless. Thanks again!

You're welcome. I'll add your dates to the Lodgers' Log and happy planning of your nice, long Christmas trip.

Morning all! Very excited! Was just able to switch our FD reservation over to the WL. We check in the 11/15-11/22. Trying desperately to add the night of the 14th to our reservation but unfortunately it's not available so I'm just going to keep checking. Booked a courtyard view room. Does anyone know of any scheduled rehabs or anything during that time?

The scaffolding will still be up around the resort. No official Disney announcements have been made about any future major construction. Is any room cat. available for the 14th? They would try their best to keep you in the same room. I'll log your dates

Hi all! Currently having lunch at the LTT. The WL is great. We have a ground floor woods view room, 1004 way at the end of the north wing. The maintenance guys do walk by on the path outside our little patio area coming and going to work, but no biggie. It's not like we're walking around the room naked.
The room is clean and everything works. It's a short walk to Roaring Forks, the Lounge, and WCC, which I believe is open through Thursday since I have an ADR for a late lunch before I leave.
The crowds are not too bad today at MK. I'd guess a 4-5 right now.

Enjoy the Otter Pond...

24 days until we start our Disney vacation! Our MagicBands arrived yesterday. I'm looking forward to staying at Wilderness Lodge. When does the June activity calendar usually come out? We leave on 6/4 to start our drive down. I am hoping it is posted before then so I can plan accordingly. Thanks!

I've only seen them posted at the beginning of each month - around the first week.

Today is a great day. DD arrives this afternoon. Dinner at BOG. The Wishes Dessert party at 9 pm ans Wishes at 10.

In response to the question about WC construction we didn't see anything going on there yesterday. The place was packed on Sunday when we arrived.

Thank you for the update and have a blast with DD!

Oh no, I hope not! Have you seen the Wigwam Hotel?

http://www.wigwammotel.com/index.html

Love that. I wonder if they have a fire pit in every room?

What time do you suggest to be at the bus stop to get to rope drop at MK? 810 or so? I know it's a quick drive. I just don't want to cut it too close if there is a gap in the busses.

If RD is 0900, I'd want to get there by 0830 - 0845, so I'd say around 0800 should be perfect.

Just booked a night before our Polynesian Villas stay(July 22), one of these days I'm going to be able to book a whole trip there. Just never can get that availability.

We will be arriving late and I know I have to check out there before I check in the Polynesian the next day, but where can we swim or rather which resorts are we allowed at? I'm just not sure how that works with the Magicbands. I would really like to make the most of our time at WLV I know the kids will be sad we aren't staying there. Hoping to grab some drinks and apps at the Lounge the night before(my kids are older) and swim while we are there.

Thanks anyone with advice.

I may have misunderstood your question, but as a WL guest you can swim at the VWL pool.

I will be staying at the lodge 29Oct through 08Nov this year with my mom and boyfriend! It's our first time staying on site and my boyfriend's first time at any Disney park. The place looks amazing!

Congratulations and welcome to the thread! I'll add your dates to the Log and let us know if you have any questions.

Hi Everyone

We have just booked our first wilderness lodge stay for summer 2016. 15 nights in a woods view. We were so excited and now a little concerned about the rehab rumblings having watched what the Polynesian was like. Dh and I are sorely tempted to switch now to the contemporary while there is loads of availability on our (uk) free dining offer but Ds is so excited by the theming at the wilderness lodge.
It's a big expense and we don't come that often, I just don't want to be worrying about a Polynesian type building project.

I really can't tell you what to expect over one year for now…at either resort, but have you considered a split stay? I would have to say that if you're staying 15 nights and you don't want to worry about any possible construction near or within your resort, you might feel better booking a room at CR or at least being open to staying there instead if any rumors turn into facts.

 

[maryandtyson]

Thanks for the input on Christmas travel.

Our kids have the wonderful multi-track, year round school calendar. They go 9 weeks on, 3 weeks off. At Christmas, their track out time comes right after the holiday break, so it's closer to 5 weeks off. Same thing in July. School is closed for July 4th week, then they have track out time. It's wonderful for travel, boredom and sanity all around!

 

[LvsTnk]

I may have misunderstood your question, but as a WL guest you can swim at the VWL pool.

Well, that didn't sound right , since you are allowed to use the resort the day of checkout I wondered if the kids could swim there while I check into the Polynesian. I guess if they were at the pool before I left it wouldn't matter unless they left the pool area. I was talking about the main pool not the villa pool. I'm still not sure that makes sense so I will just wing it haha

 

[dansdad]

Well, that didn't sound right , since you are allowed to use the resort the day of checkout I wondered if the kids could swim there while I check into the Polynesian. I guess if they were at the pool before I left it wouldn't matter unless they left the pool area. I was talking about the main pool not the villa pool. I'm still not sure that makes sense so I will just wing it haha

You can use all the resort amenities, including the pool, up until Midnight of check out day. So yes, the kids could use the pool while you go check in at Poly.

 

[LvsTnk]

You can use all the resort amenities, including the pool, up until Midnight of check out day. So yes, the kids could use the pool while you go check in at Poly

Thank you!

 

[dansdad]

Thank you!

 

[waffocopter]

I have a question. How much time would be recommended from the start of Wishes to getting to WCC? I have an ADR for half an hour after Wishes starts and I'm afraid of cutting it way too close.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I have a question. How much time would be recommended from the start of Wishes to getting to WCC? I have an ADR for half an hour after Wishes starts and I'm afraid of cutting it way too close.

It all depends on your starting point. If you are anywhere else besides on the grounds of the WL, then I would say that you don't have enough time. Wishes is at least 12 minutes long, which would give you about 15 minutes to get from wherever you are to WCC.

If you are inside the MK, then I would give yourself an hour from the start of Wishes to your ADR time, just to be safe. The boat ride is about 12 minutes, the bus ride about 5 minutes, but you have to add time to get out and wait for the boat or bus.

 

[Circusgirl]

Here is the Notice of Commencement for "Wilderness Rehab Project." NoCs usually indicate work that is imminent.

Highlights of the NoC:

~The NoC does not expire until 31 AUGUST 2018.

~The attachments speak for themselves: Multiple layers of contractors, including civil engineers and a site development contractor imply that this is a very involved project and not necessarily only a "rehab" or re-purposing of existing infrastructure. This could include new buildings.

~The address is listed as "109," but WL is actually "901." The word "Lodge" is omitted from the NoC and only "Wilderness" is used. Also, there isn't a survey attached to the NoC as there usually is for work done at WL. Another permit I found filed 3/25, lists an address of "996" which seems to be located just past the guard shack and to the right, before the concrete trail to FW. This could just be a staging area since that address was listed on the NoC for the "Wilderness rehab" trailers, etc...

~The description of work is misleading. I don't think it represents the actual scope of the project as it wouldn't require the attachments nor would it take 3+ years for "light fixture and flooring rehab."

Would love everyone's theories on this and if you think this fits with the speculation about more DVC, similar to Poly.

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It certainly fits the bill for a major project. If work is imminent we hopefully won't have long to wait until more is known.

I am back to thinking I should switch my late summer reservation to the Grand while there is still availability, as construction of this magnitude is a deal breaker for me. WL is my new favorite and I am so looking forward to enjoying another trip there, but I can't cope with bulldozers on the beach. I feel like I've been dodging construction for a long time now, hope we can anticipate a time when there won't be so many major projects happening at once.

 

[rainboots]

I hope by the time room rates come out for Feb, we know more of the size and scope of this construction. I will try not to panic just yet!