NEW Wilderness Lodge FAQ!!

[livsea2]

The $30 upgrade to concierge is only available as an upsell at check-in. It is more than $100 a night more than a courtyard view to reserve ahead depending on the type of room you have it may be a little more. If you really wanty it go for it. All the concierge rooms are on the 7th floor and are great views. Have a great time!

 

[Fridye]

My only concern about upgrading to concierge, and correct me if I'm wrong, is that the 7th floor rooms have dormer (enclosed) balconies. I was afraid my young children wouldn't be able to see out. Anyone have any info on this?

 

[livsea2]

The 6th floor has the dormer balconies. There is no 7th floor on the wings where the dormer balconies are, that said my room had decorative wood slats for a railing with shapes carved out. Hard to explain but while not wide open like wrought iron, the railing came up to an adults waist and I'm sure a child could look through the cut outs without a problem. In fact I'm sure a child would think it neat!

 

[DarthGoofy]

Do any of the Concierge rooms have king beds in them?

 

[DisLUV]

I just got back from the lodge on wed.. Let me see. Most of the 7th floor rooms had enclosed balconies. We were in one of the honeymoon rooms and it had that type of balcony. Also there are king beds on the 7th floor not sure how many but there are. Also the conierge snacks were really good also. If you have any questions please PM me or post them. You are going to get a quicker response witha PM though. Anyway I am back and I wish I was still gone.....

 

[DisLUV]

Just a question... Did anyone else not find the concierge staff very helpful. There always seemed busy and didnt want to bother with me and my wife. Thank goodness that I didnt expect them to make me feel special. Just being in disney is special enough for me.

 

[JoBP117]

from WDW that I thought the same thing. We stayed at WL Dec 1st - 4th and we were disappointed with some of the concierge staff supposed to be helping us.

Here was part of my previous post:

"the two people I had helping me plan for the priority seating and such were VERY kind and responsive. However, there were several guys who were working the concierge desk at different times who weren't as helpful. I always seemed to be interrupting personal phone calls (they always seemed to be saying "I'll have to call you back later" to whomever they were speaking to and then they'd hang up) and they just didn't seem as friendly as other cast members we encountered."

Another person posted that they ended up with the same kind of treatment.

Anyway, I would still go back to WL - and probably even concierge if we could afford it.

 

[mivvers]

Hi everyone,
We just got back from our three nights at the lodge before the cruise, and it was fantastic! I only wish we had more time!

Our room was 5016, which IMO, was the best in the place! It faced the otter pond and there was a break in the trees which perfectly framed the castle...my parents were in 5022 and couldn't see the castle at all, so it seemed like this would be the one of the only rooms on that side with that view. Being able to see the fireworks at night was amazing. We like quiet, so much preferred this side to overlooking the lobby and the pool. The elevator was right there to take us down to Roaring Fork for a snack or the pool. It really was very peaceful. I never ended up faxing in a request, so I took it as some excellent pixie dust to begin our trip!

We had a rental car, but didn't end up using it to get to the parks. Transportation was excellent, don't know if it was just good timing (or more pixie dust!) on our part, but we never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a bus or boat.

All in all, it was great!

 

[Blondie]

God willing, we'll be staying at the WL beginning January 19th. Originally, our trip was the week after, and we were staying at the Swan, but the trip got bumped up a week (it's a business trip for DH) and the Swan and Dolphin are booked for an IBM convention, and I couldn't get all the dates we needed...and since we aren't ones to switch hotels mid trip....I had to book elsewhere, and I couldn't turn down the $119 rate for the WL found on mousesavers.com!!!

I've enjoyed reading this thread! I can't wait to stay at the WL, but will miss our favorite resorts; the Swan and Dolphin!

We are booked in a non-smoking standard view room with bunkbeds.

Anyone know what kind of "view" we might be getting, other than the service area and rooftops? I plan on nicely asking for a better view when we check in!

 

[minnieandmickey]

Well we finally decided on 3 nights at Pop Century(if its open) and 5 at the WL, unless of course we can get the great AP rates all of you got this year then we will do 8 nights at the WL. (Dec 13-21 2003). Can't wait , Christmas time at the lodge!!!!!

Now only if husband can get the time off since he has to bid for his vacation, keep your fingers crossed and pixie dust.

 

[plutospup]

Overall, our WL concierge experience was very good. Jack, Randall, and a few others were exceptional. They were very helpful, and put smiles on my daughters face (Isn't that why we go to Disney?) There were others who were... alright. I ask about the gingerbread house decorating that was being done in the "library" (the dining area between WC and the Pin Station). I was told to go downstairs and ask at Whispering Canyons. Hmmm. Would I go concierge again? At the $30/night upgrade...absolutely!

 

[DisneyHumbug]

AskMickey, please check your PM.

 

[pepperidge]

I just saw that a PM was sent to you! You must be back on The Wilderness Lodge D/F again! I'm so happy - the last post that I had seen from you was in about October.

I'm the one that you helped out back in September (Pepperige Farm cookies - remember?). You were so appreciated - I am certain we had the best villa in the whole place!!!!!!!!! It looks as though we are going to Disney again in late Jan/early Feb to celebrate our kids birthdays. Andrew's is 2/4/00 and Hayley's is 2/15/02. But we haven't made a reservation at the WL yet... We have a good rate of $89 per night including tax at the Port Orleans French Quarter - we've never stayed there, but I've always wanted to see how close they've made it to home. (I'm from New Orleans). But my husband is trying to change us to the VWL again - or maybe a regular room this time. It's soooooooooooooo much easier to take the boat instead of packing everything up in the car and driving or taking the bus. We'll have to see what the rates are.

Well, I just wanted you to know how happy I am that you're back here again!

Mimi

 

[ufalum]

We just returned from the WL and loved the whole experience! We had a woodsview room overlooking the otter pond (we did see the otter a couple of times) on the 5th floor. The room was very quiet and had a great view. The Roaring Forks was very convenient (especially Krispy Kreme in the morning). We have rooms booked at PO-FQ for early Feb., but called on the drive home and reserved rooms at WL (per DH's request). We decided that the WL was just too good to stay anywhere else. Compliments to the cast members there for great service and beautiful holiday decorations!!!

Happy holidays to all and to those who still have their vacations to enjoy - have a wonderful time!!

 

[mzmickey]

We just returned from 4 nights spent at the WL and all I can say is WOW !

We originally had just a woodsview smoking room booked but received an upgrade to a courtyard view room. The view took my breath away. We were on the 5th floor, right between the waterfall and the pool, room 5147. Most nights we fell asleep to the sound of the waterfall. We had the best view of the geyser and the lake. I was very impressed with the holiday decorations and the overall theme of the resort. It sure didn't feel like I was just minutes away from the MK!

The transportation was fine, never waited more than 10 minutes for a water taxi of bus. The CM's were pleasant and helpful.

The only complaint that I have is the noise from the balcony. It seems that everytime someone shut their balcony door, they had to slam it. I not only heard it, but often felt the whole room shake. Now I don't know if they were shutting it unusually hard, or if this was normal, but it sure was noticeable. Also, anytime someone moved their balcony furniture, you could hear that awful screeching noise. It seemed to be coming from right above us. Again, I don't know if this was normal, or some putting some extra effort into moving the furniture. Even though these were noticeable, it didn't ruin the experience.

We had a wonderful time and hated to leave Saturday night! We sat in the lobby and waited for our ride and enjoyed the sounds of a local bell choir. It was wonderful! I am so very glad we stayed there, but next time I've got my eye on the campgrounds, they looked so relaxing as well.

Thanks to everyone on this board for all the wonderful help. It was very much appreciated!

 

[LoveMickey]

We returned Sunday night from a 9 night stay at the Lodge.

It was beautiful and we loved it again.

We were on 5th floor smoking. DH smokes on the balcony only. And we had a beautiful view of the villas, and could see that the Hot Tub and pool was empty. Our room was right near the elevators and was convenient to get to Roaring Forks (accept when it was pouring out).

Yes we had a couple of days of pouring rain, but we made the best of it. Visited the resorts and saw the Christmas Decorations. Still like WL the best. But the chocolate village set up at the Boardwalk smelled wonderful.

I'll do a trip report soon. Any questions?

 

[peachgirl]

I can't believe it's almost time for us to leave for our trip. I just wanted to post before we left to thank everyone for all the help the past few months. I knew nothing about WL when we started and I already feel like a WL vet! A special thanks to Askmickey for all the incredibly helpful information, you've already made our trip a magical one! I just can't say enough good things about you! Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas.


One last quick question.... We have an AP rate on our room. I've purchased the ap's but they are on will call, so I won't have them when we get there. Should I try and check-in without them, or just check the luggage and go get the passes first?

 

[gibbys1]

I am getting anxious as the big day approaches. Arriving in WDW on Thursday and staying at ASM for the first night before checking into WL on Friday. I faxed my room request in today for a fourth floor, lobby view room over the front desk. Wish me luck!

 

[kimmar067]

Just popping in to say ~ Blessings to all our "Faithful Readers" and best wishes for a happy, healthy, and safe Holiday Season!!

To all of you visiting WL during these precious days, may your raindrops be few and your happy memories be abundant...

MERRY 2003!!

 

[LoveMickey]

Happy Holidays to All