Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[kcpinwdw]

He also confirmed that all the clocks have been taken out of the guests rooms.

Why no clocks may I ask?

He also said that the club level lounge will be relocated to the Vice Presidential suite. I'm really excited about that. I would guess that it is near the working elevators.

I am happy with your attitude! I know you are only a few days away, let us know how it goes! I was a little bummed when I heard all of this because I have been looking forward to this CL stay so much. It will help to hear from someone there how it really is!

 

[dansdad]

Why no clocks may I ask?

Their research/surveys have shown 86% of respondents don't use the clock and would rather have more charging stations for electronics.

I don't like/agree with it, just answering the question.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I am happy with your attitude! I know you are only a few days away, let us know how it goes! I was a little bummed when I heard all of this because I have been looking forward to this CL stay so much. It will help to hear from someone there how it really is!

We've been looking forward to our first club level stay, too. And I was very upset when I heard that the lobby elevators were going to be out of commission. In fact, I am still upset about that. But I am excited to find out that the cl lounge will be in the VP suite. IPO sent me a picture of the VP suite and it looks gorgeous.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for the elevator info. I don't see the elevator refurbishment situation lasting all year, but it could last a while. Having the South Wing closed will help, but we'd still miss the lobby Elevators.

Here is an updated bookable category map. I can't believe how long it has been since we created it, time flies!

Thank you so much, @GrandCalifornian! I will proudly move it on over to POST 3

Just checked into club level, starting tomorrow lounge will be relocated due to construction

Thank you for checking in with us @mindy6540.

They are moving it to the Vice Presidential suite.
I received a response from IPO staff and they confirmed that beginning Jan 5th the lobby elevator (and south wing elevator) will be taken out of service until further notice. He also said that the club level lounge will be relocated to the Vice Presidential suite. I'm really excited about that. I would guess that it is near the working elevators.

He also confirmed that all the clocks have been taken out of the guests rooms.

Thank you for the confirmation. The VP Suite is located here, about mid-way down the North Wing:

The elevators are around the corner and down the end of the wing. Even though we would usually stay in the South Wing, this is the route I would always use to do laundry instead of using the mid-lodge elevators. The South Wing elevator opens right up in front of the laundry room and you avoid traipsing through the lobby with your wares

Why no clocks may I ask?

They were removed late last year from all resort rooms, but they are available by-request. Towel animals were also discontinued, but not available by-request

Their research/surveys have shown 86% of respondents don't use the clock and would rather have more charging stations for electronics.

I don't like/agree with then, just answering the question.

Thank you for the explanation and I don't agree with the decision either.


A clock in a hotel room is just a clock in a hotel room - they've always been there, and there they should remain - they are actually useful! What a false-choice argument for Disney to ask guests whether they'd rather have a clock or an outlet. Next they'll be asking about bed Vs. bathroom or drawers Vs. TV...My goodness, it's 2016, we can and should have BOTH, especially at Disney prices.

 

[kcpinwdw]

IPO sent me a picture of the VP suite and it looks gorgeous.

That is awesome! The email I got back was super generic. Today in Vermont it was 5 below zero, so basically I am just going to remember no matter what I will be happier in FL

 

[DisneyCrazy123]

I have been trying to read through the various threads on WL and the construction. I am booked mid February for 2 standard view rooms. Is there a particular location I should request to minimize the construction impact? Thanks.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Here is a picture of the Vice President's suite. I have a feeling it will look different when it is converted to the temporary club level lounge.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

They (clocks) were removed late last year from all resort rooms, but they are available by-request. Towel animals were also discontinued, but not available by-request



Thank you for the explanation and I don't agree with the decision either.


A clock in a hotel room is just a clock in a hotel room - they've always been there, and there they should remain - they are actually useful! What a false-choice argument for Disney to ask guests whether they'd rather have a clock or an outlet. Next they'll be asking about bed Vs. bathroom or drawers Vs. TV...My goodness, it's 2016, we can and should have BOTH, especially at Disney prices.

Never had a problem with outlets or lack thereof. Clocks are actually a useful invention. Next to go will be the room telephone. Now who actually uses that?!?!!! I'm thinking some sort of code will force those to stay.

Towel animals no longer... Management to mouse keeping staff, " Do NOT bring any bit of magical touches to our guests."

Ridiculous.

Okay. Rant over.
Hi Kook!.

 

[alhurricane]

Never had a problem with outlets or lack thereof. Clocks are actually a useful invention. Next to go will be the room telephone. Now who actually uses that?!?!!! I'm thinking some sort of code will force those to stay.

Towel animals no longer... Management to mouse keeping staff, " Do NOT bring any bit of magical touches to our guests."

Ridiculous.

Okay. Rant over.
Hi Kook!.

We got several towel animals during our May visit. Maybe we had a disobedient Mousekeeper.

The removal of clocks are a head scratcher though.

 

[dansdad]

Towel animals no longer... Management to mouse keeping staff, " Do NOT bring any bit of magical touches to our guests."

Ridiculous.

Okay. Rant over.
Hi Kook!.

Not exactly like that. I have a family member that up until Dec. 23rd was a housekeeper at WDW for 14 years. The towels that were used to make the animals were towels that were going to be taken out of "service" due to fraying, looking ragged etc. That's why they were not always left for guests because there had to be some that were going to be "retired". Not only did there need to be towels available to be made, the housekeeper had to have the time to make them up. They were always meant to be something special, not expected. And as more and more guests started complaining that "they are paying $$$ for the room" or "tipping $$$ and not getting towels animals every day", they decided to stop the practice. Though there still are some housekeepers that enjoy it so much that they will still do it. But as a whole, they are not encouraged to any longer as they used to be.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Not exactly like that. I have a family member that up until Dec. 23rd was a housekeeper at WDW for 14 years. The towels that were used to make the animals were towels that were going to be taken out of "service" due to fraying, looking ragged etc. That's why they were not always left for guests because there had to be some that were going to be "retired". Not only did there need to be towels available to be made, the housekeeper had to have the time to make them up. They were always meant to be something special, not expected. And as more and more guests started complaining that "they are paying $$$ for the room" or "tipping $$$ and not getting towels animals every day", they decided to stop the practice. Though there still are some housekeepers that enjoy it so much that they will still do it. But as a whole, they are not encouraged to any longer as they used to be.

...and special and magical they were because they WERE unexpected!

As for guests "complaining" because they did not get this little touch of magic, that is another story...

Please thank your family member for their many years of mousekeeping and for the little bits of magic they sprinkled!

 

[DizzyDis]

I love this thread! I have booked a trip to WL (our first) in April and am very excited, but paying close attention to construction updates to see how much of an impact it will have for us. We were able to get the room only discount for a standard room, so a great price for a deluxe (slightly cheaper than AKL where we stayed last time and loved, but are eager to try somewhere new). It will be DH, DD4, DS1 and I, so I am paying close attention to splash pad (still open), playground (closed, not expecting open before our trip), beach (same as playground), elevator (only one open, but hopeful another could be open as we will have lots of gear and a stroller, so life would be much better if we have pretty easy access to one!) and reports of noise (have seen huge variation in reports back, somewhat concerned about DS's afternoon nap, it is an essential part of our day and a happy family!

We expect to use the balcony a lot, but are good with minimal (no) view for the price we got. DH or I will be out there with tablet/book during the little guy's nap, while the other goes adventuring with DD (around resort and boats to CR and MK, very excited!). Also, we will go out for a drink/chat in the evening after kids are in bed, but we got spoiled from having constantly perfect views of giraffes and zebras at AKL, so are not having any expectations for views this trip and being at Disney is good enough!

I was not planning on making any room requests at this time, since we are staying standard, so there isn't a ton a variability in rooms (I think?) and would rather wait to see what state construction is at and if there is a better place for us to be in order to get away from the noise.

Can you please let me know if any of my assumptions/thoughts are incorrect and if you have any advice for a WL first-timer? I still go back and forth about whether we would be better off at AKL, but am so excited to try out WL that I am willing to ignore some construction-related inconvenience in order to get to experience it!

Thank you all!

 

[KristiK]

I love this thread! I have booked a trip to WL (our first) in April and am very excited, but paying close attention to construction updates to see how much of an impact it will have for us. We were able to get the room only discount for a standard room, so a great price for a deluxe (slightly cheaper than AKL where we stayed last time and loved, but are eager to try somewhere new). It will be DH, DD4, DS1 and I, so I am paying close attention to splash pad (still open), playground (closed, not expecting open before our trip), beach (same as playground), elevator (only one open, but hopeful another could be open as we will have lots of gear and a stroller, so life would be much better if we have pretty easy access to one!) and reports of noise (have seen huge variation in reports back, somewhat concerned about DS's afternoon nap, it is an essential part of our day and a happy family!

We expect to use the balcony a lot, but are good with minimal (no) view for the price we got. DH or I will be out there with tablet/book during the little guy's nap, while the other goes adventuring with DD (around resort and boats to CR and MK, very excited!). Also, we will go out for a drink/chat in the evening after kids are in bed, but we got spoiled from having constantly perfect views of giraffes and zebras at AKL, so are not having any expectations for views this trip and being at Disney is good enough!

I was not planning on making any room requests at this time, since we are staying standard, so there isn't a ton a variability in rooms (I think?) and would rather wait to see what state construction is at and if there is a better place for us to be in order to get away from the noise.

Can you please let me know if any of my assumptions/thoughts are incorrect and if you have any advice for a WL first-timer? I still go back and forth about whether we would be better off at AKL, but am so excited to try out WL that I am willing to ignore some construction-related inconvenience in order to get to experience it!

Thank you all!

We had around room 6050 standard view and could see wishes fireworks above the trees at night. It was excellent!

 

[DizzyDis]

Fabulous! So maybe high levels are the way to go for standard view! And that could help with some of the construction noise too, I would think...

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Fabulous! So maybe high levels are the way to go for standard view! And that could help with some of the construction noise too, I would think...

We also request high floor with Standard View, and find it to work well. I'd also suggest going ahead and mentioning any location you might prefer, even if there aren't Standard View rooms in that location. Our favorite request is High Floor, Open to Lobby for a Standard View room. Twice this has resulted in 6th floor Woods View rooms that we just loved. Some people prefer a quieter location than the rooms that open to the lobby, but we don't mind hearing a bit of noise from WCC in the evenings and really enjoy the beautiful view while walking to/from the room. We'd also have no problem going without a room location request, since there isn't a terrible room at WL. We too have had the AKL vs WL debate and while we love visiting AKL we wind up choosing WL for its great location on Bay Lake. Welcome and happy planning!

 

[racefans44]

Hello, all. I have recently reserved the Wilderness Lodge for the first time. My daughter and I will be staying May 8 - 15, 2016. Please add us to the Lodger's Log. We were able to get a standard view room at a very good price using the Spring Discount. I usually stay and Port Orleans French Quarter, but due to the discount I thought I'd try a deluxe. I am aware of the construction, but I am going to try it anyway. Do any of you WL Veterans have any suggestions for room requests? One more question, I'm looking for the Lodgers Log and can't find it. Help? Thanks so much!

 

[dansdad]

One more question, I'm looking for the Lodgers Log and can't find it. Help? Thanks so much!

Post #1 of this thread.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I posted recent "permits" (NoCs) to the WL DVC Conversion thread today HERE.​

I have been trying to read through the various threads on WL and the construction. I am booked mid February for 2 standard view rooms. Is there a particular location I should request to minimize the construction impact? Thanks.

I would choose the North Wing which is furthest away from most of the construction.

Here is a picture of the Vice President's suite. I have a feeling it will look different when it is converted to the temporary club level lounge.

That's interesting, that dining room table was in the Pres. Suite. But during the last suite rehab in 2013, some of the Pres. Suite furniture was moved to the VP Suite, such as the bed frame.



POST 2013 REHAB PRES. SUITE DINING TABLE:

Never had a problem with outlets or lack thereof. Clocks are actually a useful invention. Next to go will be the room telephone. Now who actually uses that?!?!!! I'm thinking some sort of code will force those to stay.

Towel animals no longer... Management to mouse keeping staff, " Do NOT bring any bit of magical touches to our guests."

Ridiculous.

Okay. Rant over.
Hi Kook!.

And you thought your rant was over? My rants can go on indefinitely. Would you rather have... Vs. ??? Next they'll remove the TVs and replace the clocks with hour glasses or sun dials and tell us we can just watch NetFlix on our phones since we all have them.

We got several towel animals during our May visit. Maybe we had a disobedient Mousekeeper.

The removal of clocks are a head scratcher though.

I certainly hope he/she was reported to the TAP (Towel Animal Police) for this transgression

I love this thread! I have booked a trip to WL (our first) in April and am very excited, but paying close attention to construction updates to see how much of an impact it will have for us. We were able to get the room only discount for a standard room, so a great price for a deluxe (slightly cheaper than AKL where we stayed last time and loved, but are eager to try somewhere new). It will be DH, DD4, DS1 and I, so I am paying close attention to splash pad (still open), playground (closed, not expecting open before our trip), beach (same as playground), elevator (only one open, but hopeful another could be open as we will have lots of gear and a stroller, so life would be much better if we have pretty easy access to one!) and reports of noise (have seen huge variation in reports back, somewhat concerned about DS's afternoon nap, it is an essential part of our day and a happy family!

We expect to use the balcony a lot, but are good with minimal (no) view for the price we got. DH or I will be out there with tablet/book during the little guy's nap, while the other goes adventuring with DD (around resort and boats to CR and MK, very excited!). Also, we will go out for a drink/chat in the evening after kids are in bed, but we got spoiled from having constantly perfect views of giraffes and zebras at AKL, so are not having any expectations for views this trip and being at Disney is good enough!

I was not planning on making any room requests at this time, since we are staying standard, so there isn't a ton a variability in rooms (I think?) and would rather wait to see what state construction is at and if there is a better place for us to be in order to get away from the noise.

Can you please let me know if any of my assumptions/thoughts are incorrect and if you have any advice for a WL first-timer? I still go back and forth about whether we would be better off at AKL, but am so excited to try out WL that I am willing to ignore some construction-related inconvenience in order to get to experience it!

Thank you all!

Welcome to the WL/VWL thread!

The playground is no more. Touring Plans posted some photos of it unceremoniously tossed onto the beach by Teton Boat and Bike Rental.

I don't foresee the mid-Lodge elevators being open for quite a while, but your trip isn't until April, so it's certainly possible, but probably unlikely.

I'm reluctant to recommend WL/VWL to first-timers until all the construction is done. Many amenities are closed and the resort isn't at its finest. If you've stayed there before, then I think it's easier to overlook missing amenities and construction or if you know exactly what to expect ahead of time. But to be honest, you or your kids might prefer AKL over WL this year. However, one thing that hasn't changed are the transportation options at WL/VWL are much better than AKL.

Hello, all. I have recently reserved the Wilderness Lodge for the first time. My daughter and I will be staying May 8 - 15, 2016. Please add us to the Lodger's Log. We were able to get a standard view room at a very good price using the Spring Discount. I usually stay and Port Orleans French Quarter, but due to the discount I thought I'd try a deluxe. I am aware of the construction, but I am going to try it anyway. Do any of you WL Veterans have any suggestions for room requests? One more question, I'm looking for the Lodgers Log and can't find it. Help? Thanks so much!

Welcome to the thread! @dansdad has already pointed you in the direction of the LL. All of the thread chapters are hyperlinked there, too. The North Wing is furthest from the majority of the construction.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Speaking of the Lodger's Log, we'd like to be on it too. Our trip is September 10-19th, 2016. We can't wait to get back to the Lodge.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Speaking of the Lodger's Log, we'd like to be on it too. Our trip is September 10-19th, 2016. We can't wait to get back to the Lodge.

Consider it done! Umm, something, err, someONE, is missing from your signature block