NEW Wilderness Lodge FAQ!!

[BluOrchid2]

We'll have the privilege of staying at WL for the first time in just a couple of weeks. We have a "woods view" room, and have requested a room with bunk beds. Without reading through the zillions of pages on this topic, where I'm sure this question has been answered, what specific rooms/locations would you recommend? I think a room surrounding the lobby area would be nice, but have a feeling that those are not 'woods view' rooms. Any help/advice/suggestions are appreciated - thanks!

 

[michellemmj]

I am planning a trip to Disney in mid-September with my husband, daughter and father-in-law. We have pretty much decided to stay at the Wilderness Lodge, but not sure if we should go with a 1-bedroom villa or a Deluxe room. Any pros/cons to either?

 

[sm4987]

Well. I guess I can truly say that persistance really pays off. I had booked the Swan for my trip June 1st thru the 12th, but started realizing that all the feathers won't be good for my son's asthma. So, I called Disney back and rebooked my vacation through them. Two weeks ago when I had tried to switch to the WL, they told me the code AX..could no longer be applied to a standard view room as they were all out. Two days ago I tried again and guess what. The room was available with the discount. YEAH!!!!!! . I'm singing the lodge song. I'm not even going to tell my children that I switched. Won't they be surprised when we pull up in June!!! Now all that being said, what are some good standard room locations that have bunk beds. I really would like to pass the information on to my DH.

 

[kimmar067]

MayI suggest either room 6043 or 6047?? They both had great views (of the inner court, waterfalls, and pool) and they BOTH have bunks!! And, may I just say, what a lovely family you have!!

BTW ~ cmmam, are you back from your honeymoon???!?!?! Can't wait for your trip report....!!!

 

[cmmam]

I am back kimmar. did you miss me?

I just wrote a rather long post above. I have a few questions.

Should I copy it into here??

 

[kimmar067]

...you can set up a link or copy it here...whichever is easiest for you!

BTW ~ Congrats on your wedding!

 

[jkjones]

I am in the process of planning our first Disney trip for December '03. I am totally overwhelmed! I was leaning towards POR until I read this thread (and yes, I just finished reading the ENTIRE thread)! I now know that WL is the place for us!

I am pretty confused about where to start when making reservations. If I buy a Disney Club membership will it give me discounts to WL? And if so, would I be able to combine that discount with a Disney code if they happen to come out with one? Can I make reservations through DU without a code and then call back to apply a code if one comes out? If I call and make reservations now will I need to pay for the room in full before I get there, and does it need to paid in one lump sum?

Ok, that's all I can think of at the moment, I'm sure I'll be back with more questions in the future! I know my DH will love WL, he is NOT very thrilled about this trip because he hates crowds. I know once he sees the Lodge he'll feel differently!

Thanks in advance for any answers to my many questions! And a big thanks to those of you who have participated in this thread, it really has helped me a great deal with my trip planning!

 

[peachgirl]

If I buy a Disney Club membership will it give me discounts to WL? And if so, would I be able to combine that discount with a Disney code if they happen to come out with one?

Memberships are no longer available as they are phasing out the Disney Club at the end of this year. No matter what the discount, I've never found any that could be combined.

Can I make reservations through DU without a code and then call back to apply a code if one comes out?

While I've never used DU, it's my understanding that they will keep an eye on the codes and get any available ones that come out applied. I'm sure there are others who are more familiar with how this works. If you book yourself, you can make a reservation at any time, then if a code comes out you can call and see if there is availabilty for your resort and room choice and have the discount applied to your current reservation.

If I call and make reservations now will I need to pay for the room in full before I get there, and does it need to paid in one lump sum?

It depends on who you book with. If you make the reservations yourself, you will use either Walt Disney Travel Company or Central Reservations. Each have their own rules regarding deposits and when payment is due. I've heard that Disney is changing their reservation policies somewhat, so it's hard to know exactly what you'll be told. People have reported being told different things. The general rule is that CRO is more liberal with deposits, cancellations and payments of the balance. Neither would require you to pay the entire balance in one lump sum up front though.

As far as crowds are concerned, if you are staying before the week of Christmas, crowds are generally very light. Honestly, I wouldn't encourage a first Disney trip for the week of Christmas! The crowds are extremely heavy from about the 21st right through New Years. It really is amazing to see the difference from one day to the next. I'm sure you'll love WL. We stayed there from 12/19 - 1/01/03 and I don't think there's a better resort at Christmas, it's really beautiful!

It can be overwhelming when you first start learning all this, but by the time your vacation arrives, you'll feel like a Disney expert! Happy planning!

 

[Ratpack]

jkjones,

Welcome to the DIS and you will love the WL.

 

[cmmam]

I am posting a thread to our HM story. Unfortunately, I had some medical issues arrise that spoiled our HM, but we have promised ourselves another trip.

Through all our trouble the staff at WL was sympathetic, helpful and supportive. We were having an absolutely lovely time at this beautiful resort. We really enjoyed the boat rides to MK, the walkways and the beautiful resort itself. I would recommend the concierge upgrade to everyone as an option to ask for at check-in. We really enjoyed having our breakfast on the concierge level overlooking the lobby. It was a great way to start our mornings.

Hopefully, everything will work out and we can go again next year. We owe ourselves another trip.

Here is the link to the long story of our trip. If anyone has any advice it would really be appreciated.

Mrs. M

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=3172579#post3172579

 

[Ratpack]

cmmam, I am so sorry to hear of your misfortune while on your HM. I would definitely write or even call WDW. they may at least give you a park hopper for the days that you missed. You may want to start with the WL folks if possible since they will have the most info on what you went through.

 

[kimmar067]

So sorry to hear about your misfortunes on your HM!! (my DH has a recurring back prob and his back decided to "go out" during our HM in Bahamas, so "ah feel yer payne....!") I would definitely (but tactfully) send correspondence to WDW, explaining the entire situation. Yes, it is true that they don't "owe" you anything, but knowing Disney like I think I do, they may be able to send you SOME kind of "complimentary something-or-other" [sending pixie dust ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ your way to help the "good vibes"!]

Other than the obvious pain that you experienced, I hope that the other aspects of your trip were enjoyable...I'm glad you decided that you will be going on a future trip to WDW.....good luck, and let us know the outcome !!

 

[cmmam]

THanks Kimmar

The time we had before my back failed me was absolutely full of all the Disney magic we could have hoped for! Lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table, Cirque, Fireworks....fun and romance all at once

We sent a nice letter that expressed our appreciation of everything they did to help us and requesting them to consider some sort of credit towards our next trip. I will take all the pixie dust we can get!

Either way, it's not their fault, so we will let the cards fall where they will, and go back another time for more Disney fun.

Thanks for all the support and well wishes! Anita

 

[goofy4tink]

I have a question about faxing in a room request for all you WL vets here. I've seen room numbers posted as great rooms to have to be able to see over to MK. I've already booked my woods view room with DU. On my ressie are the following requests: Bunk beds, non-smoking, high up as possible with a view over towards MK. Now, I really do realize that these are 'requests'. But, has anyone actually requested an actual specific room number and gotten it?? I don't want to look pushy and mess up any chances I already had by asking for a 'specific' room number. Any thoughts??

 

[kimmar067]

...I don't recall anyone actually mentioning that they requested a SPECIFIC room (w/the room number), but you could try to send askmickey a pm to get a suggestion. Remember: a request is just THAT; room number or no room number, I'm sure the CM's try to accomodate their guests as best as possible.....good luck !

 

[goofy4tink]

You know....I just can't do it. I just can't be that definitive. I'm just going to let the pixie-dust fall where it may. If I get the room of my dreams, then so be it...if not...then maybe next time. I mean, what could be so bad?? I'm at WL, with my loved ones, enjoying WDW!!!! We'll leave it at that.

 

[cmmam]

goofy4tink - We had a woods view room on the opposite side from MK and we could see the Epcot fireworks over the trees. I don't think there really is a bad view

 

[Jungle VIP]

Hi everyone... Does anyone know if there are adjoing or connecting rooms that both have bunkbeds and if so what part of the hotel are they in. We have two families booked with a woods view and the bunkbeds would be great. Thanks!

 

[kimmar067]

...I thought I remembered 999ghsts (remember her...wish she'd come back ~ even as HumphreytheBear!) posting that there were no "adjoining" rooms with both having bunks (I am assuming you want adjoining because you'd want the door between both rooms??!?!?!)

 

[goofy4tink]

This thread is just too far down the list. Bumping us back to the first page where we belong