The Wilderness Lodge and Villas FAQ (Part 7) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!

[WDWKOOK]

WDWKOOK ~ I have stayed at all levels of Disney resorts in 30 yrs and 50 stays, but by far more often at the deluxe resorts (MK resorts more than EPCOT) and the last several years I feel Disney rates have gotten outrageous. Not everyone is fortunate enough to receive a 40% code - so far the public codes this year have been in the 25 to 30% range. Besides, I think the code game is silly - Disney should price the rooms reasonably for what guests receive. Sure many hotels offer discounted rates, but these are usually available to most guests, not by an elusive pin code (I have received more than my fair share of Disney pin codes, so this is not the opinion of someone who has not been so fortunate). I am also a former AP holder of several years, but years ago a perk of the AP was indeed reduced room cost and Disney pushed AP purchase with that promise - no longer a true perk.

I would never stay in a deluxe room without a balcony, so that is not a concern for me. We've been staying at MK resorts since 1981 and only a couple of times in the old North Wing without a balcony. At Poly I will not accept a room without a balcony and at BC will not accept one without a full balcony - it is that important to me.

As for the values - I do not enjoy a value resort or for that matter a moderate. We've stayed at a value when attending MF when many in our group was there and once when I had to change resorts due to a tropical storm when my flight was cancelled. I've enjoyed stays at FQ/POR and CBR, but would not likely stay at any of those again. Also have rented points from friends a few times and stayed DVC both a studio and 1 bedrm...so I've had a gamut of resort experience and just personally believe Disney could do better.

These resorts do not even come close to a truly fine resort or hotel...back in the '80's it was closer....choice of newspaper every morning, turn down service with chocolates every evening - those days are long gone along with the outstanding Disney guest service of the '70's and '80's.

I would most likely stay home rather than stay at a value because the resort is a huge part of my vacation, not just being at WDW.

Oh, I'm with you on this. Come on over to the Resort Changer's thread where we've been discussing all this - everyone is welcome!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh, I'm with you on this. Come on over to the Resort Changer's thread where we've been discussing all this - everyone is welcome!

Oh, I've been there...

 

[ThisIsJason]

After coming on the forums today and seeing that next years prices were put out, my wife and I sat down and after what seemed like close to a hour of discussion we finally decided on WL!. When I booked it online, talk about sticker shock. Hopefully some type of PIN comes out (other than free dinning).

 

[nathanyell]

Oh, I've been there...

Yeah looks like we are taking a break after this year. Especially since the discounts seem to becoming less.

Cruise time!!! LOL!!!

Brian

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Yeah looks like we are taking a break after this year. Especially since the discounts seem to becoming less.

Cruise time!!! LOL!!!

Brian

Good for you! Have never been on a Cruise and never will - fear of heights and deep water does not make a good cruiser!

Keep us posted on your cruise plans!

( are you back in real life time now?)

 

[nathanyell]

Good for you! Have never been on a Cruise and never will - fear of heights and deep water does not make a good cruiser!

Keep us posted on your cruise plans!

( are you back in real life time now?)

Unfortunately I came right back into a conference for work and it's just letting up now.

The princess did exceptionally well. Sounds like she'll be heading back to the shore with Grandma soon.

Brian

 

[nathanyell]

After coming on the forums today and seeing that next years prices were put out, my wife and I sat down and after what seemed like close to a hour of discussion we finally decided on WL!. When I booked it online, talk about sticker shock. Hopefully some type of PIN comes out (other than free dinning).

Congrats!! WL is such an awesome Resort!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Unfortunately I came right back into a conference for work and it's just letting up now.

The princess did exceptionally well. Sounds like she'll be heading back to the shore with Grandma soon.

Brian

That's too bad about the conference.

Wow, you guys are blessed to get so much alone time having a princess infant! Grandmas are the BEST!!

 

[nathanyell]

That's too bad about the conference.

Wow, you guys are blessed to get so much alone time having a princess infant! Grandmas are the BEST!!

Don't get me wrong the conference was great. Just hard to get back into the swing of things. LOL.

It has not happened yet. We'll see... Honestly, as much as I miss her I think it's important for her development.

 

[GoofyTraci]

Hey peeps,

Just back a couple of hours ago and boy re we tired. VWL was great. We definately liked staying there. I am so tired and need to catch up on everyones post to see how their stay was as well. We kept looking for you guys but it never happened. I did run into one disser but I didnt know her. Anyway hope everyone is doing ok. Very tired...need rest. I got sick the last four days on the trip and then got bit and had a reaction to it while there. But I will catch you guys up later.

 

[MMrules]

After coming on the forums today and seeing that next years prices were put out, my wife and I sat down and after what seemed like close to a hour of discussion we finally decided on WL!. When I booked it online, talk about sticker shock. Hopefully some type of PIN comes out (other than free dinning).

I agree. The prices of a Disney trip isn't cheap. We ended up just buying DVC after saving for it for a long time, because we are the lucky folks who never get pin codes, regardless of the tricks and suggestions on the board. Tried them all and got nothing. So now I know I have a room somewhere at DIsney, but probably can't afford the park and plane tickets to get there . I am disappointed that the park tickets just went up again despite the fact they went up last Aug....not even a year and already going up.

WL is a great resort and I loved my stay there in Feb. I actually paid cash for it (we were getting the time share during the winter) and was lucky enough to get a room discount. It still wasn't cheap but I was very pleased with my room, CM's, food etc. I went solo for a "Mommy respite" so I chose a deluxe b/c of the indoor hallways and safety being alone. Best of luck with your trip

 

[MMrules]

QUOTE=nathanyell;41462429]Yeah looks like we are taking a break after this year. Especially since the discounts seem to becoming less.

Cruise time!!! LOL!!!

Brian[/QUOTE]

I went on the Disney cruise in 2004 prior to having children and it was really fun! There were 13 of us and we were the only couple without kids so we did a lot of the adult only parts of the cruise. However, they are pretty pricey too, but the food is included so that is a savings. I haven't gone on any others, but they are on my bucket list

 

[germ539]

I emailed Disney on the refurb of WL and this is the response I got.

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort.

The Disney's Wilderness Lodge does not currently have a refurbishment
scheduled.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact
us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if
applicable on all correspondence.

Sincerely,

Christopher Doherty
WDW Online Communications

PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and
should be confirmed just prior to your visit.

 

[princeryanandevan]

Hey peeps,

Just back a couple of hours ago and boy re we tired. VWL was great. We definately liked staying there. I am so tired and need to catch up on everyones post to see how their stay was as well. We kept looking for you guys but it never happened. I did run into one disser but I didnt know her. Anyway hope everyone is doing ok. Very tired...need rest. I got sick the last four days on the trip and then got bit and had a reaction to it while there. But I will catch you guys up later.

Glad you had a great time! Do you mind if I ask what you were bit by? Hope it wasn't anything serious - or gross LOL!

 

[ThisIsJason]

Congrats!! WL is such an awesome Resort!!

Thanks! I stayed back at WL back in 1996. I was 10 at the time, and honestly, I don't remember staying. Before my wife and I went to WDW last May (2010) and we were looking at pictures my parents had I had to ask my mom if we stayed there or just visited the resort. So, I guess it will be a new experence to me!

I agree. The prices of a Disney trip isn't cheap. We ended up just buying DVC after saving for it for a long time, because we are the lucky folks who never get pin codes, regardless of the tricks and suggestions on the board. Tried them all and got nothing. So now I know I have a room somewhere at DIsney, but probably can't afford the park and plane tickets to get there . I am disappointed that the park tickets just went up again despite the fact they went up last Aug....not even a year and already going up.

WL is a great resort and I loved my stay there in Feb. I actually paid cash for it (we were getting the time share during the winter) and was lucky enough to get a room discount. It still wasn't cheap but I was very pleased with my room, CM's, food etc. I went solo for a "Mommy respite" so I chose a deluxe b/c of the indoor hallways and safety being alone. Best of luck with your trip

This trip will be the deciding factor if we buy into DVC. I understand that prices have to go up (even with the economy the way it is still). Just when I saw that $6k come up (10 day pack hopper, Deluxe Dining, no airfare yet though), it was just kinda....ouch. If a PIN doesn't come, it doesn't, I'll still pay. Its Disney. Thanks!

 

[GatorMama]

We are booked up for a Standard room in July. Originally we requested two queen beds as we thought it was likely that two more adults would be joining us, but they are definitely NOT joining us. Is there a little more space in a room with a King size bed? DS will probably sleep in a PnP so we need a smidge more floor space for that. Or should I even bother changing the preference on our reservation?

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hey peeps,

Just back a couple of hours ago and boy re we tired. VWL was great. We definately liked staying there. I am so tired and need to catch up on everyones post to see how their stay was as well. We kept looking for you guys but it never happened. I did run into one disser but I didnt know her. Anyway hope everyone is doing ok. Very tired...need rest. I got sick the last four days on the trip and then got bit and had a reaction to it while there. But I will catch you guys up later.

back! I was just thinking about you the other day - hope you get some rest and feel better ...then come back and tell us all about your trip..with pics too?

I emailed Disney on the refurb of WL and this is the response I got.

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort.

The Disney's Wilderness Lodge does not currently have a refurbishment
scheduled.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact
us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if
applicable on all correspondence.

Sincerely,

Christopher Doherty
WDW Online Communications

PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and
should be confirmed just prior to your visit.

This is such a typical offical Disney response - they will not confirm anything even if the paper for work permits has been filed. If anyone knows how to do a search for the permits, it is public. The one and only definite way to know about a refurb is when it has started at the resort!

Thanks for trying!

 

[K9pal]

We'll be at VWL next year for a Grand Gathering, and I hoped we could rent a pontoon boat for the family one afternoon. Just read that the max is 10 people on a pontoon. We'll have 6 adults and 6 kids ranging from 12 down to two 4 yr olds. Is this a very strict limit, or will we be able to rent one pontoon for all of us? Thanks!

 

[MMrules]

This trip will be the deciding factor if we buy into DVC. I understand that prices have to go up (even with the economy the way it is still). Just when I saw that $6k come up (10 day pack hopper, Deluxe Dining, no airfare yet though), it was just kinda....ouch. If a PIN doesn't come, it doesn't, I'll still pay. Its Disney. Thanks![/QUOTE]

I know that I do want to vacation at WDW in the future (and my boys are only 4 and 6) so I foresee that DVC Is a good option to ensure that we can go. We were debating buying a condo or DVC and I hope we did the right thing. WE are too young to retire but New England winters are killing me....so I was hoping to relocate to FL at some point. Just be vigilant about checking air fares (we just cancelled and rebooked the same flight for our July trip and saved over $400 due to price changes) and resort prices. I hope you get some deal b/c anything helps. This will be our first DVC trip so I am looking forward to finally being able to go

 

[WDWKOOK]

I emailed Disney on the refurb of WL and this is the response I got.

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort.

The Disney's Wilderness Lodge does not currently have a refurbishment
scheduled.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact
us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if
applicable on all correspondence.

Sincerely,

Christopher Doherty
WDW Online Communications

PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and
should be confirmed just prior to your visit.

Minnie&Nana is right that the response you received doesn't really mean much. I did a quick search for permit filings and didn't notice anything for the WL except some roofing work. But, unless structural changes are taking place (and with a room rehab. I doubt there would be any), no permits would need to be filed.

Usually the first sign of an impending rehab. is some guests might get notification that they're being bumped to other resorts well before WDW actually announces it. Some Disney-related sites do post weekly rehab. updates for parks and resorts, but none have mentioned WL - yet