Thanks for the quick reply! The difference seems to be about $800 for the week that we're there--and that's more than I can really do! But here's a follow-up question. When I go on the website, I see Standard View rooms and then I see Courtyard View or Courtyard View - Bunk Beds. Does that mean there are no standard view rooms with bunk beds? It seems the jump from courtyard to courtyard/bunk isn't that much. If there were a standard/bunk I'm guessing it wouldn't be much more than my standard/queen. But I can't seem to find that.
**EDIT - Okay, so on Touring Plans I see there are no Standard View/Bunk Bed, but there are Woods View/Bunk Bed. I understand that's not currently an option on the Disney website due to the construction. But where are those rooms now? Aren't they considered Standard View now? How would I go about possibly getting one of those -- and would it be closer to the Standard View rate than the Courtyard View rate?
A SV/Bunk is not bookable, (just like a CL bunk isn't), however, it used to be, and still should be, by-request and subject to availability. If you've booked a Standard View, you can add a "Bunk Bed" request to your reservation, but it can't be guaranteed.
I just looked at my post count and realized that is about to be 700, so I just wanted to make that post here. This thread was a great source of comfort when I hurt my back and had to postpone our trip for 2 years. It was also the place where I shared my joy when my DD got engaged on the trip I was finally able to make. (summer 2014) Some screen names come and go, but there is a core of very helpful and kind people who keep me coming back, even when I don't have a WL trip planned. Thanks to KOOK, wood nymph, and many others for always being there for people- answering questions you've read countless times and offering support to anyone who needs it.
What a thoughtful post, @bluecastle
. We're honored to have your 700th post right here on our little thread...and 700 more!
We all know how very special it feels to stay at a Disney Resort for the first time (or even multiple times), such excitement and anticipation! Being able to play even a tiny part in making someone's trip a little more informed is an honor. I could never do it (on any of my threads), without dedicated, knowledgable, kind and patient DISers who appear out of nowhere with all the right answers
so...
THANK YOU ALL!!!
Hi Everyone!
I just booked our first stay at Wilderness Lodge and I'm wondering about how bad the construction is. We will be in the main building and will definitely use the pool, so what exactly is affected? I've tried to find information about it online but Disney is very vague about what exactly is going on. They do say the pool by the Villas is closed, as well as a playground, and one of the trails. Are there other trails available? Does anyone have more information about what exactly is closed and how much it will impact a stay? We do like to spend time at the pool and eat at the resort, so I'm hoping the restaurants will all be open. Thanks!
Congratulations on booking!
@Wood Nymph pointed you in the right direction yesterday, but this might be a good time to re-post the link to the
WILDERNESS LODGE, BOULDER RIDGE VILLAS AND COPPER CREEK VILLAS AND CABINS DVC EXPANSION thread which has more specific information on the WL/VWL transformation and a dedicated discussion forum.
We are heading back in November. I'm not too worried about the construction noise. More than anything I'm looking forward to a less crowded resort.
That's the spirit! Fewer guests (at least 50% fewer at WL), mean fewer guests on the buses, boats, at the restaurants and quick serve, in the laundry room, in the hot tubs and WL pool, ME, check-in...
I never found WL to be "crowded" so to speak because of it's size and openness both indoor & out. Roaring Forks however is small but the lines move quick.
During spring break and Christmas, and I presume other major holidays during which I've not stayed, boat lines along the pier can get long; the buses, especially in the morning and evening, have long lines; the WL pool gets very crowded as well as the CL lounge and seating area, and the lines/wait times move slowly at RF. This isn't anything unique to WL, but most everything is much more crowded than in the "off-season."
What do you guys think about DVC studio availability at 7 months out? Someone posted on my TR that it's "unheard of" for there to be availability anywhere but OKW and SSR at 7 months out. My coworker I'm renting points from said she's never had problems getting what she wanted at 7 months out. She's had to waitlist but they always end up going through. She stayed at BCV this past June and that came through on a wait list.
I actually booked a 1 bedroom at VWL in Dec 2015 for June 2016 on a cash ressie but we ended up changing it to SSR, but to me that just shows there was availability.
Any experiences?
I'm not a DVC owner so I'll defer to the experts on booking with points. But, I have stayed on a cash reservation, using the Military discount, and was able to view availability both online and by calling and book more than 7 months out, I think I did this at least 9 months out.
The rules for booking with points Vs. cash are different. Cash also includes daily housekeeping and the ability to apply applicable discounts, add requests yourself and more easily make reservation changes.
DW and I will be staying at the WL Jan. 26 - 30. Our "home" resort (YC) will be going through a refurb at that time as well which is why we are taking this opportunity to stay at the Lodge. Not worried about the construction, just hoping some of those areas previously mentioned as closed or blocked off will be opened back up by then. Looking forward to that 4th and 5th floor seating area in front of a fire place in January. Thanks for all the information Kook, I'll be spending the next few months reading through it all.
Katesdad
I hope those areas are open by the time you visit,
@Katesdad and I'll add your dates to the Lodgers' Log
I was going to make the same post this evening! DD arrived last night and I asked her about it today when she called...she was like..."oh...that's right...the lobby has construction in it...I really didn't notice"! 
