We just returned today from a fantastic short trip to Disney's Wilderness Lodge. This was my first time at the WL and I was so impressed. The theming was amazing and I fell in love with the overall atmosphere of this resort. In fact it's a new favorite. Past stays have been at CR, Poly, GF, CSR, and the Swan & Dolphin. If the rooms were a little nicer it might even beat out GF, my current all-time favorite, and I would say it's a tie with the Poly. I still need to stay over at the YC and perhaps that will be next? I can tell already I will love that resort as I'm a nautical person. Back to WL, I loved the grounds. It was hard to believe you were in Florida, as it felt like the Pacific Northwest. The moss trees were my favorite, and they really added to the rustic feel of WL (although perhaps not typical in the Pacific NW?).
Everyone could not have been nicer, and this was without question the least busy I have ever seen WDW. I loved it! No crowds, no waits for restaurants, no advance dining reservations necessary, and the CM's were the most friendly I have seen them. They were all so happy that the holiday rush is over, they were more relaxed and actually had time to chat with you. It was very refreshing.
Ok. Now for the icing on the cake. We booked online direct through WDTC just six days before departure. We got a great deal, but only booked the "standard" view which I knew was the parking lot, roof tops, or service area. Not very appealing. We checked in online. We also didn't arrive until about 8:30pm as we drove up late from Miami. After reading these boards many have mentioned that all the good rooms are taken the later you check in, and some have mentioned that online check-in also limits you. Nothing could have been further from the truth in our case. We went to the online check-in area and the CM was very talkative and provided us with our packet. She saw me using the Foursquare application on my iPhone and we started chatting about it. I finally got around to asking her if our room was any good? She looked it up and didn't say anything, which told me right away it wasn't a great room. She started playing around in the computer and next thing we knew she upgraded us to Courtyard View, sixth floor, the very end room overlooking the pool, grounds, Bay Lake, the Contemporary, and we could even see the fireworks! It was amazing! So it just goes to show you it pays to ask and it also pays to be nice and friendly with the CM's. FYI our room was 6165. I highly recommend it, but be prepared for a walk as it's the last room in the corridor.
One thing I have come to realize are the rooms themselves at Disney are not that great (except maybe the Grand Floridian). I mean compared a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton which Disney's Deluxe Resorts are comparably priced, they are a bit of a let down. As much as I loved the WL, the room was just ok. The toilet and bath tub area really need to be redone, and perhaps the beds and walls could be spruced up too. The carpet seemed pretty new and there was a flat panel TV. There was some cute theming in the room, but it was pretty basic. Did this disappoint me? No, because I know I am paying for the location, the Disney service, the convenience, and the wonderful theming of the resort itself.
Attached is a link to some pictures and I've also placed a few previews on this thread. Unfortunately I forgot my camera so they are all taken with the iPhone which is not the best quality. Hope you enjoy!
http://gallery.mac.com/ekroller#100722
Ernie
.
. I think I may try to get an AP rate somewhere else.
. I made the sad decision to swith to AKL - which actually makes my teen daughter quite happy since this was her first choice all along. I'm still grieving WL - the boat, the lake, the theme, etc. Hopefully I'll be able to book a trip here in the future - maybe a trip with DH 
Although we're a little sad about the hot tubs and the geyser, we are still super-excited about our trip! We've been to Yellowstone, and I have to say that the pictures make it look like Disney has done an excellent job replicating some of the natural elements of a National Park. Did the online check-in, and it looks like we're still at Courtyard View (that's what we booked). We didn't request anything other than a king bed, so we'll see where we end up. I will definitely report back to this thread about our trip and hopefully post a few pics!
