Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[kmorlock]

Cross posted from DVC Expansion thread - FWIW...
Even though we have been moved from WL for our December trip, I am following to see how this whole situation plays out. Seems like Disney is At least being somewhat proactive this week compared to last. I still find it outrageous how inconsistent they are though. This time last week I had been given offers to move to another Deluxe or a $100 credit. Advised to think about it and discuss with family then call back next day. When I called next day, things went south quick. I was basically told nothing would be done and I re-booked WL knowing there would be construction and I would get compensation. I called back so upset thinking maybe just talked to the wrong person. After much deliberation the GS rep Patrice said they would be doing nothing for us. After more back and forth, she relented that the only thing I would get was the credit and only as a courtesy because her manager approved it. I was treated so poorly by GS and made to feel awful. I truly wanted to cancel and never spend another penny on Disney again. Later I spoke with Ella in GS at length. By Monday, we were moved but it has been an ordeal. Even with the move, I was made to feel like they were allowing me to out of their own goodness! I was advised that with moving, we would not be allowed to make any further changes either. Hmmm... And where we moved is completely NOT my first choice or even close.. It was basically the only decent choice due to Poly construction. Still, I just cannot get excited even though I keep trying to rethink all the good points and why we are there to begin with.

Again, this inconsistency is the main issue. This is not new information to them. I do not understand how or why they can't get a plan of action together addressing most general scenarios customers will have and prepare to apply fair and equitable resolutions across the board? Seriously poor planning on managements' part just as with the pool closure last year.

 

[LovemesomeDW]

So, I was thinking of doing a split stay between VWL and BWV - 4 nights at each. I was looking at a 1 Bedroom at VWL from 10/16-10/20 and there is nothing available. If I add a day (10/15-10/20) a 1 bedroom is available. Is there a 5 night minimum or something that I wasn't aware of?? I already have flights booked so can't extend it by a day.

 

[roydavid7771]

I'm sure people have asked this a million times since the expansion announcement, but we're planning on staying here 8/16-8/22. What's going to be worked on and what will be shut down while we're there?

 

[FTM22]

I'm sure people have asked this a million times since the expansion announcement, but we're planning on staying here 8/16-8/22. What's going to be worked on and what will be shut down while we're there?

If you mean 2015, the construction seems confined to ground floor rooms on the south wing (someone correct me if I am wrong please!). Nothing closed at WL until October as I understand it. Enjoy!

 

[lsg1]

We are checking in on Aug 28, and have not gotten any emails about construction.

When should we expect to get our magic bands in the mail? We customized them a few months ago right after the reservations were made.

 

[Capang]

Magic bands are mailed a few weeks before your trip. It seems like most of WL will be fine during the end if August. I think it is just the ground floor in the south wing.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

So, I was thinking of doing a split stay between VWL and BWV - 4 nights at each. I was looking at a 1 Bedroom at VWL from 10/16-10/20 and there is nothing available. If I add a day (10/15-10/20) a 1 bedroom is available. Is there a 5 night minimum or something that I wasn't aware of?? I already have flights booked so can't extend it by a day.

While I don't think there is a stated policy/rule, there have been many reports of Disney pulling shenanigans like this with the length of stay. We are currently booked from 10/17-10/24, and I have to shave a day off the front because we're staying at Universal for the first part of our vacation. Based on other reports here, I'm pretty sure Disney is going to raise a fuss and say there is "no availability" to shorten our stay, so I'm putting it off as long as possible and hoping that people bailing due to the construction will make Disney a little more flexible for us who are willing to stay at VWL.

In your case, I'd call the reservations office directly and ask what is up. Maybe they can pull some magic that isn't available to be done online.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'm sure people have asked this a million times since the expansion announcement, but we're planning on staying here 8/16-8/22. What's going to be worked on and what will be shut down while we're there?

In short, your stay won't really be impacted at all.

A reminder to everyone to please see the WL DVC Expansion thread for more details. Many details/plans are in POST 1 of that thread. Also, many have been recently posting about their experiences with Guest Services, compensation, changing resorts, etc… Lots of valuable information for those of you who might be affected by the rehab.

 

[WDWKOOK]

FYI; We got a very good magical deal and were planning on staying for the 1st time at WL Thanksgiving week. Our TA called today saying that Disney has informed them that they will also be closing down rooms at WL during construction and that they would swap their customers to a different Deluxe resort, depending on availability. We were moved from WL to GF-LV and I know of another Disser that is staying around Christmas time was offered BC/YC.

She probably meant they were "blocking" rooms/taking some out of inventory. I'm sure there's an impacted area, most likely the South Wing, where they will block rooms off from booking. There may also be VWL villas that will also be blocked from booking. Why they didn't do that with the ground floor south wing rooms during the jackhammering, etc... IDK, but at least it appears they will be doing it when the "official" DVC expansion construction begins.

Cross posted from DVC Expansion thread - FWIW...
Even though we have been moved from WL for our December trip, I am following to see how this whole situation plays out. Seems like Disney is At least being somewhat proactive this week compared to last. I still find it outrageous how inconsistent they are though. This time last week I had been given offers to move to another Deluxe or a $100 credit. Advised to think about it and discuss with family then call back next day. When I called next day, things went south quick. I was basically told nothing would be done and I re-booked WL knowing there would be construction and I would get compensation. I called back so upset thinking maybe just talked to the wrong person. After much deliberation the GS rep Patrice said they would be doing nothing for us. After more back and forth, she relented that the only thing I would get was the credit and only as a courtesy because her manager approved it. I was treated so poorly by GS and made to feel awful. I truly wanted to cancel and never spend another penny on Disney again. Later I spoke with Ella in GS at length. By Monday, we were moved but it has been an ordeal. Even with the move, I was made to feel like they were allowing me to out of their own goodness! I was advised that with moving, we would not be allowed to make any further changes either. Hmmm... And where we moved is completely NOT my first choice or even close.. It was basically the only decent choice due to Poly construction. Still, I just cannot get excited even though I keep trying to rethink all the good points and why we are there to begin with.

Again, this inconsistency is the main issue. This is not new information to them. I do not understand how or why they can't get a plan of action together addressing most general scenarios customers will have and prepare to apply fair and equitable resolutions across the board? Seriously poor planning on managements' part just as with the pool closure last year.

Thanks for always cross-posting

So, I was thinking of doing a split stay between VWL and BWV - 4 nights at each. I was looking at a 1 Bedroom at VWL from 10/16-10/20 and there is nothing available. If I add a day (10/15-10/20) a 1 bedroom is available. Is there a 5 night minimum or something that I wasn't aware of?? I already have flights booked so can't extend it by a day.

I've seen threads about this new phenomenon, but I don't recall exactly what the new "rule" is. If you do a DIS search for it, you should find others posting about this issue - it's not just you.

 

[MrsSkellington]

KOOK, can you take me off the log please? I called Disney today to put my mind at ease. As soon as I mentioned switching resorts due to construction, they got me on the phone with Oscar from Guest Services. He was very nice and told me that as far as switching, I had a few options. The first was a Garden Wing Garden View room at CR. When I asked what else, he looked up BC and YC, but there was no availability at BC. I went with CR, since I had always wanted to stay there and I liked the idea of being so close to MK. I was able to keep my free dining, and there was no upcharge for the room.

So WL will have to wait until another time, but thank you all for being so nice and helpful. It was just easier for me to switch than keep worrying for the next 3 months. Thanks!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

KOOK, can you take me off the log please? I called Disney today to put my mind at ease. As soon as I mentioned switching resorts due to construction, they got me on the phone with Oscar from Guest Services. He was very nice and told me that as far as switching, I had a few options. The first was a Garden Wing Garden View room at CR. When I asked what else, he looked up BC and YC, but there was no availability at BC. I went with CR, since I had always wanted to stay there and I liked the idea of being so close to MK. I was able to keep my free dining, and there was no upcharge for the room.

So WL will have to wait until another time, but thank you all for being so nice and helpful. It was just easier for me to switch than keep worrying for the next 3 months. Thanks!!

I think you made a great choice with CR and you're still on Bay Lake. See you on the CR thread!

 

[Mygirls00]

Well that adds more confusion. @michael's mom received the email below and she is arriving this month - July. So what the CM told you is that those emails were only intended for those arriving in October? Wonder if they'll send out corrected emails.

Yes, that is what the CM said.. well, what all 3 said. I am hoping that they are correct. Apparently, according to one of the CM's, the Guest Experience Group maintains the scheduling and planning for the refurbishments so they would have info if there was a change. I found it funny as they didn't know about the letters at first. I will be there this coming weekend, so hopefully I can advise when I get there.

 

[WDWKOOK]

NEW TOUR!

ESCAPE TO WALT'S WILDERNESS RESORT

I can't wait to take this tour!​

 

[morrismhs]

Mygirls00 - I got the same email. I am arriving on Thursday - have a great stay!

 

[Michael Jones]

We'll be staying at the WL for the first time in August. I was curious what veterans of the lodge use for transportation to the MK to make 8 am ADRs when the park opens at 9am? Bus, boat, or boat-->monorail. With so many options I figured this was a question for the veterans. Thanks in advance!

 

[michael's mom]

Update:

I just spoke with a CM at Wilderness Lodge using the number I received from the WDTC last week. She informed me that they all received an email dated 7/16 that they would probably receive phone calls regarding an email that was sent out to guests about the upcoming refurbishments and that the information in that email to guests was inaccurate. Work will not be starting until 10/2 and my stay should not be impacted at all.

FX!

She also mentioned that they do have a special "team" assigned to assist guests with issues regarding the refurb that will have much more detailed and up to date information but I didn't get that phone number.

My plan as of now is to spend this last week frantically trying to get what we need to pack and being excited about the trip. We'll expect that we are in a room that works for us and that we'll have a great week. Knowing that they will help me should the room we are assigned not work out, I'm going to leave it at that for now.

 

[daunty]

For anyone checking in soon, here now and they have blocked off a large part of floor one in the south wing where they are working on the room conversion. We are on floor 4 and although I can see some workmen in and out of the rooms, haven't heard any noise.

 

[michael's mom]

For anyone checking in soon, here now and they have blocked off a large part of floor one in the south wing where they are working on the room conversion. We are on floor 4 and although I can see some workmen in and out of the rooms, haven't heard any noise.

Great to hear! 8 days for us

 

[Daisyfay]

For anyone checking in soon, here now and they have blocked off a large part of floor one in the south wing where they are working on the room conversion. We are on floor 4 and although I can see some workmen in and out of the rooms, haven't heard any noise.

No noise is good news! We arrive in 12 days. Wahoo!

 

[merdie]

No noise is good news! We arrive in 12 days. Wahoo!

We arrive in 12 days, too! I'm so excited and I am glad we will miss the bulk of the construction it seems