Flame suit on...I won't be going back to WL

[VAgal76]

Ok it's just my tidbit here. I loved the lobby, the boat ride to/from MK was okay during a busy season. I didn't get warm, fuzzy feelings here. Yes, I made it known to management. I stayed on CL and had switched from AKL to WL which was a mistake. DH is not one to move so we grinned and beared it. Management phoned me after we got home and said they're working on all the kinks. My room overlooked the villas (I'd requested something else, but I know it was just that - a request), it was smaller compared to AKL. I don't know if it was the furniture or what, but it was smaller. I can't explain it. The room was in need of some repair. It wasn't drastic, but wallpaper and the bathroom appeared to be most in need. Furniture and that were fine. We had a resident bug in our room, which we still laugh about today. I'm not one to complain about bugs. You can't escape those critters and it was completely harmless. He stayed in his corner and we stayed in ours - LOL! I have it on video just to chuckle about it. I'm not ready to return yet and I told management if I did return one day it wouldn't be CL unless big changes had been made. I would only stay in a regular room with a discount here and plan to spend more time at the parks. It's a great location to MK and we didn't have any problems with the buses. I loved the grounds, WCC & AP. Roaring Forks didn't bother me either as we had to stop in for snacks since the lounge wouldn't replenish the snacks during offering times, but that is a completely different story and OT. So I won't go there. I thought Roaring Forks was faster than Mara's and offered some decent food. Can't comment on pool size. We didn't have an overcrowding problem during our visit. Being one the cheapest, I think it just gets more traffic and that's the reason for wear on it. I wasn't completely satisfied with hotel CM's either - even on CL! I only had one CM that I thought did a good job, but unfortunately she only worked one day while we were there. This was June last year and things could've changed by now. I think they do a small rehab on the rooms. Nothing drastic is needed to get this place back up to par. A small pow wow with CM's appears in order, too. But, it could've been my timing and I can't say this is the norm. We left with mixed feelings. We loved the theming and restaurants, but were weren't impressed with the rooms or service. We'll just to continue to visit the restaurants until things change a bit. I wouldn't rule it out folks and don't change your plans just because of a few opinions. The rooms didn't seem totally gross to me, but we had just left from a fabulous AKL experience. DH and I both agreed that if we had done WL first then AKL we wouldn't have been so disappointed. Hindsight is 20/20 though. I think folks need to experience it themselves as we all have different tastes.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

I have always wanted to stay at WL and after finally making a split reservation between AKL and then WL we went to see a room at WL the day before we were supposed to switch resorts and were very unimpressed with the WL rooms. We went back to AKL and asked to continue to the remainder of our stay at AKL instead of switching to WL.

 

[zipDdoodah]

We have enjoyed many trips to WL, but I have to agree our last 2 trips we felt the rooms were in need of refurbishment. Our first trip to WL was in 1996, and we were stunned by the beauty and newness of the the resort as well as great service from CMs. Now the rooms are starting to show their age, and it does seem like some of the magic has disappeared from some of the staff's attitudes. Like a previous poster said, I don't think it would take too much to get the place back on par again. It's still an awesome resort for those who like the theming. I hope they plan to redo the rooms sometime soon. We will be trying some different resorts until then. I actually love the pool. I think it has a really "natural" feel to it.

 

[septbride2002]

No flames from me either!
I love to look at pictures of the Wilderness lodge lobby and to visit the resturants. But after looking at the pictures of the rooms I decided that it was not the resort for us. To much like camping, and I prefer a non-rustic look myself. Better luck next time in picking out a resort!

~Amanda

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

For those of you getting discouraged about the negative posts, be sure to visit the WL FAQ thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=658804

We were at the WL in November 2003 with a great Woods view room and a view of the MK, and we are returning in December 2005 - we love the lodge, had no complaints at all - would go back in a snap. We love the transportation, the DARK rooms - I thought that everyone knew that they were dark? The AKL rooms are dark too...

We did stay at AKL in October 2004 and that resort did WOW us in comparison to the WL, but we still love the WL....

 

[chyam]

Believe me.......I really Loved the WL for many years, I came from Wis. and have lived in FL for 23 years now and it was kinda like being home again. I just think that when it was first built it was fine, then they added the villas and only another small pool, so now you have the lodge people and the villa people all in this small area, and with only a small snack bar it sometimes is very crowded. Adding the villas also added to the transportation problem but as far as scenery the lodge is beautiful it just needs some updating and perhaps a little "magic" from the cm's. I remember one time getting an "upgrade" to conceige only to find that the courtyard view room I had booked had now become a "grand view" of the service area!! I guess I was so happy for a conceige room that I didn't consider what type of room I would end up in! Then I had the pressure cleaning deal (previous post) and then one time the water was off from 10pm til 7am so I guess I am over it for awhile!

 

[DawnCt1]

We stayed in a Jr. Suite when it was only a couple of months old and I didn't like it then. I love the lobby and common areas; I can visit those and not have to stay in the small rooms, no place to put away clothes, having to live out of a suit case, long drab hallways, poor ventilation in the bathroom so that everytime the door opened the mirror steamed up. I didn't like the flourescent lights, lamps, etc. I wouldn't stay there again unless it was really, really cheap. I can't imagine how I would fee if I found a room in such disrepair. No excuse.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

No flames from me, either! Thanks for your post! I have never had a bad stay at WL, but of course I know things can happen. I recommended WL to some friends and they also were let down, then they went to POP and loved it! Go figure!

 

[HIHO...HIHO]

Now I'm really confused. We are planning a stay at WL in December. My SIL and her family are planning their frist trip to WDW with us and we thought that the WL would be a good choice. The boat to MK was one of the reasons we wanted to stay here as well as we heard it was decorated really well for Christmas. Now I'm wondering if the AKL would be a better choice. We have stayed at the AKL before and loved it and we know the rooms are newer. We live in the PNW and are used to lodge type hotels and have stayed in them while skiing. So the AKL would be new and different for my SIL and family. Any ideas would be appreciated.

We were just there, and the boat ride was quick and relaxing I thought! We never waited more than 10 minutes for the boat...and the ride itself was maybe 10-15 minutes overall! Not bad...we enjoyed the scenery...nice to escape the bustle of the crowds! It is really hard to judge where to stay as everyone has an opinion on every resort. We loved our stay at WL. but were upgraded to concierge. I admit the rooms are just a normal hotel room...nothing special. But we loved the overall atmosphere and it was ok for 4. AKL would be great too!

 

[FINFAN]

Yeah...even tho posts can be positive/negative...I will still try each resort if possible...So far, even with some yucky stuff happening, we still think on-site rocks, and even if a off-site place was the Trump Tower, we'd stay on-site. We have tried the management notification as well, and I guess just rotten luck with WL and CBR in our case(s). Keep in mind too, that we are fortunate enough to have so many reviews about the WDW resorts on these boards...if you were trying to get that kind of info on any other area it would be far less informative IMHO. So, there will always be good/bad reviews as everyones tastes are different, CM's have bad days, I would def. give ant resort you are interested in a try to form your own opinion...and what may start out rocky in the beginning may be fab by the end!

Pam

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I did not go to a manager and complain. My DH worked with another guy who used to work for WDW as an engineer. He told DH that if WDW received a complaint, someone was always held accountable for the mistake and very possibly fired. Ever since hearing that, I have not complained. I may not have enjoyed this resort, but not enough for someone to be fired.

Sounds like one of your major complaints was room size and condition.

I think it is a little too late to fire the architect .

(not a flame--a funny little joke. Okay....maybe not to funny. Ducking form a dump of water (WL does leak, ya know )

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

No flames here either! I just booked a trip to WL for late August, having never stayed there. We have been to CBR, POFQ, POP, and POLY. Last year was the poly, and while it was okay, I would never go back. The number of people at the pool in the afternoon that weren't even guests of the resort made the pool unswimmable somedays (you couldn't move without hitting someone). In fact, to date, I would not go back to any of the WDW I've been to so far (CBR had bugs, POFQ - talk about dark rooms and lame pool!, POP - motel 6 has nicer rooms although I really liked the gift shop, food court, and game room, and POLY just made me feel ripped off, can't explain it). I've stayed at Disney's Hilton Head resort and loved it, and felt WL would be the closest to that. Plus on the bus ride back last year from Hoop Dee Doo to the cheesy POLY, we stopped at the WL, and I was awestruck, and remember thinking that was where I would stay next.

Some say it takes awhile to find your Disney "home"; I guess I'm still searching. Here's hoping the WL is it!

 

[cdrn1]

We were there last month and had a great time. I probably won't go back because I prefer a more "tropical" feel; I really missed the palm trees. Other than that: the pool was small, but never crowded, lots of poolside chairs, hot tubs empty at times. Roaring Fork had a fair selection but was pretty fast. The boat transport was quick and efficient; we never waited more than 10-15 minutes. Busses too. Everyone we came in to contact with was friendly and warm. Housekeeping was excellent. Our room was nice. (We didn't care for the first room we were assigned and requested to be moved after two or three hours and they moved us to a GREAT room). The beaches were nice and clean and we rode bikes and pontooned. So, great stay, just not our cup of tea because we can see the woods thing at home. It's great that Disney provides such variety in theming, so that we can each find the resort that fits our needs and likes. I think that we will try the Poly next.

 

[dkrause716]

Last year we stayed at the WL and BC- 1st time for both resorts. We loved the WL and got that magical feeling right away. We were upgraded to a lovely courtyard room, very clean and in great shape. The carpet had just been shampooed and was a little damp but hey, I liked that. I am kind of a freek about hotle carpets so that made me feel much better.

We liked the Bc but just didn't get that Disney magic. The whole place just seemed kind of stuffy and snooty to us. (We have stayed at GF and didn't get that feeling from there.)

This year we decided to book two rooms because our kids are older teens now. I booked POR but DH made me switch to WL! (Twist my arm, please!!)
We are happily awaiting our next trip to WL in 31 days!

I for one am happy that Disney offers so many choices for guests who wish to stay on site. To each his own I guess.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[FirstNo]

Ok, I was afraid to come back to this post. I really hate to post things that are not positive.

Thanks for not flaming me!!

I am glad that others have felt the way my family did as well.

I did not go to a manager and complain. My DH worked with another guy who used to work for WDW as an engineer. He told DH that if WDW received a complaint, someone was always held accountable for the mistake and very possibly fired. Ever since hearing that, I have not complained. I may not have enjoyed this resort, but not enough for someone to be fired.

I have to agree with others that my take on this resort, is just one person's opinion. I only stayed in one room, but it really was not to my liking.

One other thing I liked about this resort was how short a walk it was to the boat. This being compared to CR South wing walk to the monorail.

I hope others have a better stay than we did. I have been at too many resorts now, and come to expect different things than other who have not been to other WDW resorts.

While I'm not 'flaming' you because you didn't like the resort (as previously mentioned, every one has different tastes), I am 'flaming' you because you didn't complain to the people you should have, yet you have no problem posting here about your complaints.

It's not your responsibility to decide who, if any one, will be fired from Disney. If someone (or ones) isn't doing their job, then perhaps they need to be counseled, or yes, possibly fired. People pay a LOT of money to come to Disney. This isn't about you wanting an upgrade and...wah...not getting it even though you asked nicely. This is about you paying a lot of money for a nice room and, according to your description, getting crap. It WAS your responsibility to speak up and let the appropriate people know (and show!) your displeasure. How on earth can they fix what they don't realize is wrong????

So, while you may have 'saved' someone's job, you have now condemned the next people staying in that room to the same crappy experience you had. I learned a long time ago that I have no right to complain about something if I'm not doing something to try and make it better. Keep in mind, this also works the flip side: if you encounter something great and fantasic, let management know! They need feedback on not only what needs to be fixed but what is working well (both for 'things' and the people). And, as a working person, I would WANT someone to tell me if I wasn't working up to par. No sane, competent company is going to fire someone the first time they have a complaint lodged against them (normal complaints).

If I were you, since you didn't want to speak to any one while you were there, I would sit down and write out your thoughts and email it to Disney. They have a right to know one of their guests is not a happy camper and, because of this ONE experience, won't be coming back to that resort. Give them a chance....

 

[bicker]

I am 'flaming' you because you didn't complain to the people you should have, yet you have no problem posting here about your complaints... It WAS your responsibility to speak up and let the appropriate people know (and show!) your displeasure. How on earth can they fix what they don't realize is wrong???? ... I learned a long time ago that I have no right to complain about something if I'm not doing something to try and make it better.

This is a very important point. I'm not sure I'd put it so bluntly, but yes, silence does imply assent, so if you don't raise any concerns about the service you are receiving, at the time you're receiving it, while your service provider could actually do something to address any concerns you have and thereby satisfy you, then you're tacitly communicating to your service provider that "all is well -- we're satisfied with what we're receiving."

 

[momof2inPA]

While I'm not 'flaming' you because you didn't like the resort (as previously mentioned, every one has different tastes), I am 'flaming' you because you didn't complain to the people you should have, yet you have no problem posting here about your complaints.

People often say this on these resort boards, but I don't get your point. Even if management had made this guest's stay more pleasant with a room change, the overall issue of WL needing a re-hab would remain. By letting the people on this board know that the conditions of the rooms are sub-par, we can all vote with our pocket books, so to say, which will send a much more powerful message to the hotel's management.

Another thing I've noticed, some people don't like to complain face to face. Either they are shy or they make the best of a less than favorable situation so as not to put a damper on their excitement about their Disney trip. IMO, this does not excuse the hotel management from responsibility. A cleaning person is in that room every day, and maintenance should be inspecting those rooms on a regular basis to replace bulbs and identify areas for repair.

There have been many posts on this thread stating that the WL rooms are in need of rehab, and since it's highly unlikely all of these posters stayed in the exact same room, this must be a hotel-wide problem that the management in undoubtedly aware of. My guess would be that they are letting the rooms go, before a big overhaul. Thanks to the OP's post, we all know of the situation, and can plan accordingly.

 

[ducklite]

Whiloe I can't say we encountered the problems you did, I certainly can understand your disappointment. For the price WDW charges for rooms, they really should be kept sparkling clean and in tip top shape.

I can understand you not wanting to complain while you were there, even if handled in the nicest manner it can still sour an experience, but please do write a letter and let them know how disappointed you were, and that while you enjoyed the resort you won't stay there again until it's been rehabbed.

Anne

 

[sunni]

When we stayed back in Jan 2001, we thoroughly enjoyed our WL experience. We booked a standard room and ended up with a view of the otter pond, the monorail and the castle. We loved the ambience of the resort and would stay there again if the rate was affordable for us. Since I've already been there I don't feel I need to go again; cost is always an issue for me. Our last visit was a DTD hotel and we were please with that location immensely, our room was large, clean and adequate, and the staff went above & beyond to please; but no ambience.

I would agree that WL isn't a place you choose for the rooms; they aren't spectacular or large, but adequate and the option of bunkbeds is a lifesaver if you have both a boy and a girl. I wouldn't pay rack rate at WL because I see the rooms as moderate, certainly not deluxe. On the other hand, a visit to the Poly left me wondering what the heck people see in it, LOL! Just not my cup o' tea (though Kona cafe was delightful!).

I would be disappointed if I went back and had a room in need of rehab, and I wouldn't stay silent. We only had 2 small issues with our room. One was a sticky bedspread from candy (which doesn't matter since we always remove them asap and ask housekeeping not to put them on during our stay). The other was that there were these almost invisible teeny ants (ghost ants?) that were around the sink. If my kids didn't wash their refillable mugs with soap, the ants came out. Not a big deal since ants are hard to deal with; I wouldn't have wanted pesticide used during my stay; mugs should be washed anyway! The apples, bananas & snacks I put in a drawer never attracted ants.

I hope no one changes ressies without giving WL a chance. It has a wonderful lodge atmosphere and you can always register a complaint if you truly aren't satisfied. And who goes to Disney and spends lots of time in the room?

 

[ckmommy]

Thank you all once again for all of your responses. As for the issue of complaining, while I could have complained, I did not (we went to WDW on a whim and were only staying 3 nights, this would have cost a lot of time in my opinion, and the hassle of moving did not really appeal to us). I more than likely will write a letter to the management at WL as some of you have mentioned. I do feel that that all of these room are in need of a re-do. That based on many people's opinions of the rooms that have responded to this thread. I have started this goal to stay at each resort at least once. WL had it's time, now time to move on to another resort.
Our biggest issue I think was the awful veiw (or lack there of) that we received. That compliant will always be associated with this room (and all the 4090's rooms). I could get past the narrowness, chipped paint and counters and even the peeling wallpaper and mold underneath--the humidity in FL and in bathrooms will do this in a very short amount of time. I do not remember what the code rate is at WL, but we paid $239 for this room each night we were there. I seem to recall the code rate being $139 for a standard view and $180 or so for courtyard view. I am pretty sure that the hotel was not full while we were there (given I called the day before to get a reservation and all views were offered to me). Maybe it was the price we paid for the room, then given an awful room was what soured us? Maybe the whole themeing was not Disney to us (I've been to the Lodge at Yellowstone, it fit there, but didn't work for me at WDW)?? I really do not know.

Please, anyone who has reservations a WL, do not cancel them because of this thread. I think some vaild points are raised, but you may fall in love with this resort. Go with positive thoughts, and if you do not like your room, don't be timid like me, ask to be switched!

Have a great day everyone!!