Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[hstrickland]

Thank you, Nancy Drew!

You're quite welcome, oh fearless leader I'll do my best CSI work...

 

[yooperfan]

Finally called and put in my room request! I can't believe after all these months, I'm now just 19 days away! Normally, I would already have started gathering things to pack and start filling suitcases but we still need to wear most things between now and when we leave. That's probably my biggest "panic" that I will have to pack in a rush and then I'll forget something.

When you say you called, do you mean reservation center to add requests to ressie or called the resort?

 

[MrsSkellington]

Just saw this posted.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/dis...ort-the-dvc-expansion-to-begin-in-october.htm

Looks like this is the important part:

The main impact will be to the Hidden Springs leisure pool, the resort beach, the playground and the fire pit. During the closure of the leisure pool, the main feature pool will continue to be open as normal.

The nature trail, boat and bike rentals, and spa treatments will also be unavailable from October.

 

[grimley1968]

I still (tentatively) have my vacation booked at WL for this October, but I'm feeling increasingly foolish about keeping it. They just did a major pool upgrade, which was understandable and necessary. But now the resort's guests, which already has DVC units, get majorly inconvenienced just to feed the DVC. I'm not feeling that magical about this trip. Disney seems intent on driving us away forever unless we join their timeshare.

It'd be one thing if the work was necessary maintenance or upgrades on WL itself, but this is completely unnecessary.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

This is from that wdwmagic article:

Disney has started to advise guests arriving in the fall that a number of leisure and recreation ammenities will be unavailable from October 26 2015.

So it looks like most people going in October will be unaffected.

 

[MrsSkellington]

True. Just me. Kidding.

 

[BigMommaMouse]

True. Just me. Kidding.

I understand, we get there the 22 of October until the 5 of November.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Here is a summary of today's news about the DVC expansion. For a more detailed discussion, I have a WL DVC Expansion thread HERE, which I will post to later this afternoon.

~@kmorlock posted yesterday that today guests will begin being notified of the impending DVC expansion.

~@MrsSkellington posted a link to a wdwmagic.com article which provides breaking news details. Here are the highlights:

~Recreational and leisure amenities are due to be impacted/closed beginning 26 October. This does not mean that work will not begin earlier, but this seems to be a closure date for many amenities.

~ Major impact will be to the VWL pool and the beach, to include the fire pit and playground. The Teton Boat and Bike rental and nature trail that begins just behind it will also be closed. The spa treatments located within Sturdy Branches will also close. I suspect that the spa closure is due to the noise that will occur right in front of the treatment rooms in the pool area. I assume Sturdy Branches will remain open.
​

You're quite welcome, oh fearless leader I'll do my best CSI work...

Well, it looks like some of your Lodge CSI work has been done by wdwmagic.com's announcement which details some dates and closures. But, I bet you can get more out of 'em…or they'll just look at you with a blank stare and tell you you're nuts, which you aren't, of course.

Just saw this posted.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/dis...ort-the-dvc-expansion-to-begin-in-october.htm

Looks like we have another Nancy Drew. Thank you for posting the link so quickly! That's more news than I ever expected from Disney at this point - thank you, @MrsSkellington

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

So I assume if you are at the pool area, you will hear noise during the day? What about the area directly behind the pool? I'm wondering if the walkways will be closed. We still were hoping we might be able to switch back if it wasn't too bad.

 

[Wood Nymph]

You're quite welcome, oh fearless leader I'll do my best CSI work...

Well, it looks like some of your Lodge CSI work has been done by wdwmagic.com's announcement which details some dates and closures. But, I bet you can get more out of 'em…or they'll just look at you with a blank stare and tell you you're nuts, which you aren't, of course.

We still need her to report back on the work that is being done to the rooms facing the villas pool on the ground floor of the south wing. Is it finished or are they still working? I'm dying of curiosity to know whether they are only going to be working on the three rooms that an earlier report talked about, or if the whole floor will be worked on.

 

[marymac123]

Ugh!! After months of trying to change our dates and weeks of stalking WDW booking agents for a CL room to open...It figures! I hope this construction holds off for as long as possible.

 

[grimley1968]

This is from that wdwmagic article:

Disney has started to advise guests arriving in the fall that a number of leisure and recreation ammenities will be unavailable from October 26 2015.

So it looks like most people going in October will be unaffected.

That's good, for me at least, since we're out of there by 10/11. We'll see how many of the trees I'm used to seeing have been cut down by that time to make room for DVC construction, and I'll report back here as to whether they should change the name of Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness to just Lodge and Fort.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

That's good, for me at least, since we're out of there by 10/11. We'll see how many of the trees I'm used to seeing have been cut down by that time to make room for DVC construction, and I'll report back here as to whether they should change the name of Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness to just Lodge and Fort.

We're there October 18th-24th, so we'll be gone before the closures, too. Though we've always stayed at VWL, we've always gone over to the feature pool and have never set foot in the quiet pool, so that wouldn't be too big of a loss anyway. In all of our October trips, the pool has never been crowded to where we felt the need to get away to the quiet pool. I'll make it a priority to get on the trails to do some documenting as well, but I can't imagine that they'd start felling any trees until they close that trail...it seems like it would be a huge liability risk to be dropping trees when guests could be in the area.

I'll probably send in a room request to be on the "bus stop" side of the VWL rather than the pool side. We were on the bus stop side last year and didn't mind it at all. No matter where you look from VWL, it's pretty much all trees anyway. For now.

 

[michael's mom]

When you say you called, do you mean reservation center to add requests to ressie or called the resort?

I just called the reservation center. I don't know how to call the resort directly. I always thought those numbers were still directing you to an offsite location (sort of like how when you call front desk from your room it's really not front desk).

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Hello. I just found this info. Hope it helps.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will be undergoing multiple refurbishment projects through 2017. Work will begin in October, with the Hidden Springs leisure pool area, resort beach, playground, and recreation fire pit closing for renovation as early as October 26, 2015. To best assist Guests with planning their vacations, a team of Cast Members will advise Guests of the work taking place and assist with their questions. Guests will also receive a pre-arrival letter.
Take a look at the following frequently asked questions for more information about this project:
1) What are the refurbishment dates? When will work be complete?
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will be undergoing multiple refurbishment projects beginning in October 2015 and continuing through 2017.
2) How will this work impact my stay?
Throughout this project, Disney is committed to providing a great Guest experience. At certain times of day, there may be some noise and we may have alternative paths of travel throughout the resort. Construction related noise will likely take place between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to insure minimal impact to Guests.
3) Why are they removing the current Hidden Springs leisure pool?
As part of the resort enhancement project, the Hidden Springs leisure pool area will be expanded to include a larger pool and more deck space, as well as a hot tub area.
4) I like the pool the way it is now because it’s smaller and more intimate than the feature pool. Why are you changing that?
Muliple DVC Members and Guests stated that they would like to see enhanced offerings at the resort. As a result, the resort will be increasing the pool area, including a larger pool and more deck space, as well as a hot tub area.
5) How long will the Hidden Springs pool be closed? Is there another pool available?
The Hidden Springs pool will be closed for an extended period while the area is under construction. However, the Silver Creek Springs, the resort feature pool, is available and features a water slide, hot tub, and children's water play area.
6) Will the Teton Boat and Bike Rentals close? Will there be an alternative?
Teton Boat and Bike Rentals will be closed in late October while refurbishment work is completed in the area. As an alternative, bikes will be available for rent near the jogging trail. If you would like to rent a boat or enjoy some fishing, you are welcome to visit the marina at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
7) Will the beach and playground area close? Any alternatives?
Yes. The beach and playground area at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground remain available throughout this refurbishment work as an alternative.
8) Will the nature trail close?
Although the nature trails at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground are closing in early October, Guests do have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors on the paved New Balance jogging trail which connects Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with Disney’s Fort Wilderness & Campground on a 2.5 mile path.
9) What about the fire pit? Will it be closed as well?
The recreation fire pit will be closing in late October while we complete refurbishment work in the area. As an alternative, Guests are able to visit the Meadow Trading Post area of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground for Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long, which includes a nightly campfire followed by a movie under the stars.
10) Will there be a nightly movie under the stars at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge?
The recreation staff will host a nightly movie movie indoors in the Carolwood Pacific community room in the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for Guests.
11) Why are the spa treatment rooms at Sturdy Branches Health Club closed?
In order to preserve the tranquil spa experience, treatments at Sturdy Branches Health Club will be temporarily unavailable from late October through early February due to construction noise in the area. Spa treatments are available at a number of locations at the Walt Disney World Resort, including nearby at Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
12) Is watercraft transportation available during the refurbishment?
Yes. Watercraft transportation will continue to operate as normal.

 

[WDWKOOK]

WOW and THANK YOU, my friend! You are the best and this should definitely help everyone plan their upcoming stays and answer so many questions.​

ETA: THIS is where TheLodgeLady found the information.​

Hello. I just found this info. Hope it helps.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will be undergoing multiple refurbishment projects through 2017. Work will begin in October, with the Hidden Springs leisure pool area, resort beach, playground, and recreation fire pit closing for renovation as early as October 26, 2015. To best assist Guests with planning their vacations, a team of Cast Members will advise Guests of the work taking place and assist with their questions. Guests will also receive a pre-arrival letter.

Take a look at the following frequently asked questions for more information about this project:
1) What are the refurbishment dates? When will work be complete?
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will be undergoing multiple refurbishment projects beginning in October 2015 and continuing through 2017.
2) How will this work impact my stay?
Throughout this project, Disney is committed to providing a great Guest experience. At certain times of day, there may be some noise and we may have alternative paths of travel throughout the resort. Construction related noise will likely take place between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to insure minimal impact to Guests.
3) Why are they removing the current Hidden Springs leisure pool?
As part of the resort enhancement project, the Hidden Springs leisure pool area will be expanded to include a larger pool and more deck space, as well as a hot tub area.
4) I like the pool the way it is now because it’s smaller and more intimate than the feature pool. Why are you changing that?
Muliple DVC Members and Guests stated that they would like to see enhanced offerings at the resort. As a result, the resort will be increasing the pool area, including a larger pool and more deck space, as well as a hot tub area.
5) How long will the Hidden Springs pool be closed? Is there another pool available?
The Hidden Springs pool will be closed for an extended period while the area is under construction. However, the Silver Creek Springs, the resort feature pool, is available and features a water slide, hot tub, and children's water play area.
6) Will the Teton Boat and Bike Rentals close? Will there be an alternative?
Teton Boat and Bike Rentals will be closed in late October while refurbishment work is completed in the area. As an alternative, bikes will be available for rent near the jogging trail. If you would like to rent a boat or enjoy some fishing, you are welcome to visit the marina at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
7) Will the beach and playground area close? Any alternatives?
Yes. The beach and playground area at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground remain available throughout this refurbishment work as an alternative.
8) Will the nature trail close?
Although the nature trails at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground are closing in early October, Guests do have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors on the paved New Balance jogging trail which connects Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with Disney’s Fort Wilderness & Campground on a 2.5 mile path.
9) What about the fire pit? Will it be closed as well?
The recreation fire pit will be closing in late October while we complete refurbishment work in the area. As an alternative, Guests are able to visit the Meadow Trading Post area of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground for Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long, which includes a nightly campfire followed by a movie under the stars.
10) Will there be a nightly movie under the stars at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge?
The recreation staff will host a nightly movie movie indoors in the Carolwood Pacific community room in the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for Guests.
11) Why are the spa treatment rooms at Sturdy Branches Health Club closed?
In order to preserve the tranquil spa experience, treatments at Sturdy Branches Health Club will be temporarily unavailable from late October through early February due to construction noise in the area. Spa treatments are available at a number of locations at the Walt Disney World Resort, including nearby at Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
12) Is watercraft transportation available during the refurbishment?
Yes. Watercraft transportation will continue to operate as normal.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I'm going to miss the Hidden Springs pool. I really liked the bubbling springs. It was my favorite pool of all the Disney resorts.

Although the nature trails at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground are closing in early October, Guests do have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors on the paved New Balance jogging trail which connects Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with Disney’s Fort Wilderness & Campground on a 2.5 mile path.

I wonder if they are referring to the paved path that begins near the bus stop and ends by the horse stables.

ETA: They don't mention construction of the little cabins. Maybe that isn't going to begin until after this current work if finished - I hope.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We still need her to report back on the work that is being done to the rooms facing the villas pool on the ground floor of the south wing. Is it finished or are they still working? I'm dying of curiosity to know whether they are only going to be working on the three rooms that an earlier report talked about, or if the whole floor will be worked on.

Don't worry, Heather's on the job as I type

I wonder if they are referring to the paved path that begins near the bus stop and ends by the horse stables.

ETA: They don't mention construction of the little cabins. Maybe that isn't going to begin until after this current work if finished - I hope.

The cabins are the DVC component that can't be announced until much closer to the DVC-points sales date. There are different restrictions on that which I'm not versed on but, someone (@Dean Marino, I believe) covered this on the DVC Expansion thread.

Yes, that's the paved path:

 

[Daddy10]

We still need her to report back on the work that is being done to the rooms facing the villas pool on the ground floor of the south wing. Is it finished or are they still working? I'm dying of curiosity to know whether they are only going to be working on the three rooms that an earlier report talked about, or if the whole floor will be worked on.

First post from a long time follower. Just returned from the lodge after a long and relaxing trip at the lodge. 4th trip in four years. These are some observations from our trip.

* The rooms on the ground floor facing the villas were totally blocked out. I did my best, but could not see a thing. It appeared that work was still going on.
* The scaffolding is not a problem at all. You can only see a very small amount of it if you are really looking for it. My wife never noticed it until I pointed it out after about a week. You could hear some occasional grinding every once in awhile if you were at the pool.
* Buses and boats were very efficient most of the time. The bus to Epcot was frustrating to say the least. Many people woke up early for the extra hour only to wait at the bus stop. We got to the bus stop for 7:20 and did not get into the park until 8:50. It seemed like we made many more stops at Fort Wilderness compared to other years. No problems at all returning from Epcot.
* The pool was my biggest area of frustration. The new splash pad is great. The pool area seems to have fewer chairs. The new patio area around the pool is darker and obviously much hotter. You really need shoes when you are walking around. Many guests were splashing water from the pool onto the deck for the kids during the pool party. The hosts had a jug of water they were using to help cool it off. It looks great, but I heard many guests complaining about it.
* Getting to the hot tubs is confusing. You can go through the splash pad or around by the Trout Pass Bar. Most people ended up confused or just climbed over the rocks. There is no easy way to get to them from the pool.
* Pool hopping is a real big problem. In years past lifeguards checked bands and gave you an additional band to wear around the 4th of July. I witnessed many people being removed in other years. You could not get a chair unless you went down right when the pool opened. I watched families getting off the bus from Fort Wilderness with huge coolers and wheeling them down to the pool. I overheard people in the pool talking about how they would like to stay there some day. Another group of 8 lovely people were in the hot tub. The woman told me she had not stayed at the lodge in 10 years. I assumed she was in the villas. I asked her how they were. She said that she was not staying there. Her husband looked like he was going to kill her. I asked the front desk why they were not checking bands this year. The girl was aware that pool hopping is a problem and did not know why bands were not being checked this year. She said she was going to speak to someone about it.

* Overall this was another excellent trip to the lodge. All of the staff are outstanding. The lodge is beautiful and relaxing. I would return again without hesitation. We have visited many other resorts, but we always end up staying at the lodge.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'm going to miss the Hidden Springs pool. I really liked the bubbling springs. It was my favorite pool of all the Disney resorts.
.

Mine too!

And there's already a hot tub there, it's not like they are adding a new one.