Villas at wilderness lodge...tell me everything you can...

[mickeyoverload]

So as a life long Disney addict the wilderness lodge has always been the one resort that I have always dreamed of staying in. Before buying into dvc, this would have never been a possibility. But for our first trip using our dvc this is where we are staying. As I've searched the dis reading different threads, i've noticed there really aren't that many thread about vwl... Is there a reason for this... Please tell me all of the details that you can. The good, the bad, and the ugly... Thanks in advance!

 

[BeesKnees]

Ahem. Well I own at VWL and I have stayed there a grand total of 9 days in 10 years. 2 days the first year we owned (split stay), and 7 days when family members picked it for their choice.

It is a beautiful resort and I would stay there again if I let family choose and they picked it but it is not my favorite. I would definitely stay there over staying at BLT again though.

I feel like BLT is hit over the head with Disney while VWL is its own experience. It is nice because you have easy access to all the monorail resorts so dining options are pretty good. I know this goes against the flow but I do prefer to take the boat to MK over the monorail. It is a nice experience.

I do not like the food at the whispering canyon and the ketchup bit is on the corny side. The menu at Artist Point is considerably more tame than it used to be but I thank them for allowing me to cross ostrich off my to-eat list many years ago.

 

[mickeyoverload]

Thanks for the information... I've just been wondering why it's not talked about more. But it's just so beautiful to look at . Just wondering if people think it's inconvenient, or old, just not thier preference... I'm just trying to figure out if it's a good bang for our buck, you know.

 

[bgraham34]

Staying in the Villas is like staying in a world away from Disney. Just the lobby alone is so cozy which makes you feel like you are getting ready to go out and ski or take some long trek. While the Villas maybe on the smaller size as compared to most DVC resorts you certainly can't beat the feeling of seclusion. At least IMHO. What draws me to the Villas is the ability to take the boat ride to MK. The magic of stepping off a boat and into the MK is so calm and relaxing before you enter the chaos inside the Kingdom. It is a resort that can bring magic and romance or just plain fun.

 

[BeesKnees]

Thanks for the information... I've just been wondering why it's not talked about more. But it's just so beautiful to look at . Just wondering if people think it's inconvenient, or old, just not thier preference... I'm just trying to figure out if it's a good bang for our buck, you know.

It is definitely not old and if it is inconvenient it is only slightly less than some others. Trust your instincts and go for it. The odds of you just hating it after looking at the pictures and loving what you see are slim and you will have a nice vacation. I can have a nice vacation at any of the DVC locations but there are some I like more than others.

If I didn't love OKW so much I would stay there quite often. It is tied for second in my book with BWV.

 

[briar rose 19]

So as a life long Disney addict the wilderness lodge has always been the one resort that I have always dreamed of staying in. Before buying into dvc, this would have never been a possibility. But for our first trip using our dvc this is where we are staying. As I've searched the dis reading different threads, i've noticed there really aren't that many thread about vwl... Is there a reason for this... Please tell me all of the details that you can. The good, the bad, and the ugly... Thanks in advance!

We have stayed there twice and love it. It is a totally different experience from the other resorts. For something different, rent a bike and ride over to the campgrounds. There is a ton of stuff to do there. Don't forget the electric water parade at night. And the geyser. We always took the boat to MK because it was much more pleasant. Have a great time!

 

[mickeyoverload]

Thanks you guys! We actually bought OKW and I have heard amazing things about okw, but I just think that with my ds (2) vwl would be amazing since we basically stay in mk almost the entire trip usually. Plus he LOVED the boat ride over to wl when we were there in may staying off property. Plus my dad and mom are coming with us this trip and since they have only ever stayed in value (POP) I thought this would be an awesome change for them... Thanks again for all of the thoughts! I'm really getting excited now!

 

[MDDisneyDevotee]

We've stayed in both the lodge rooms and the villas at WL many times. It's a wonderful resort (though I agree with a previous poster regarding Whispering Canyon -- not a fan). Not sure what time of year you're going, but it's extra special at the holidays when the decorations are up.

We had no issue with the transportation, but some people do complain about the amount of time it takes to get anywhere other than MK. We wouldn't hesitate to go back again.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Please stay clear of Wilderness Lodge for your own safety!

Those of us that love it, dream about the experience, and keep adding on there, are warning you . . . .addonitus lurks behind every bush and tree there. Save yourself!!!

 

[MDDisneyDevotee]

Please stay clear of Wilderness Lodge for your own safety!

Those of us that love it, dream about the experience, and keep adding on there, are warning you . . . .addonitus lurks behind every bush and tree there. Save yourself!!!

This is oh so true. I don't have the cash at the moment, but when I do I'll be over at the tss looking for a resale for sure.

 

[robert@dvcstore]

I agree that the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is the most relaxing of all DVC resorts. Just walking down the covered walkway into the Villas relaxes you.

I was staying at the Lodge when I purchased my DVC membership in '94 and it is a special place for us.

Enjoy your stay.

Robert

 

[tgropp]

I have been going there since 1994. This will be my 10'th stay there. The place is absolutely beautiful. It seems that you are miles away from Disney....until you hear the train whistle from the MK. Then you realize that you are also in the middle of the magic.

 

[wildernessDad]

Wilderness Lodge is a great place designed by truly a great American architect.

 

[gkrykewy]

Wilderness Lodge is a great place designed by truly a great American architect.

Same designers as AKL and GC if I recall correctly! All three beautiful.

 

[jamie&Greg]

I LOVE VWL!! THis is where we own and always stay here for a week right after Thanksgiving (I think the cooler months are the best here!!). It is just so realaxing but yet very close to the MK! I think it hasn't got as much hype since AKL and BLT opened, but I will ALWAYS LOVE IT!! You will love it too!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We stayed in the lodge last year (family gathering). It was marvelous. I did use the exercise facility in the DVC section and it was great. This was our second stay at the resort and we just love it. Not much else I can say than that. Marvelous!

 

[Ellester]

Our last trip (Feb. 2009) was at VWL and we really enjoyed it. The kids and the adults liked the theming. The kids liked the pool, especially the ducks swimming in it! I loved sitting by the kiddie pool and watching the geyser go off. The quiet, DVC pool was nice too. It has bubbling little fountains in it so it was more interesting to the kids than just a plain quiet pool. We were in a 2br, a very, very, very long walk down the hall! We were on the top floor, so we didn't get to enjoy the atrium once we got off the elevator but I enjoyed our view of the trees from our balcony. Our last night, we were able to watch the Electrical Water Pagent from the beach. That was really special. We all enjoyed Roaring Fork. Less impressed with WCC, but that may have been a function of the lateness of the hour when we ate there. The boat to MK was perfect with kids. We always had the bigger launch, so we didn't even have to fold the stroller, just rolled it on which was such an nice luxury. We didn't think the bus rides to the other parks were too bad. We did stop at either Ft. Wilderness or GF either on the way to or from DHS and Epcot, but it didn't add too much time. We will be back at SSR for our next trip, but I wouldn't hesitate to stay at VWL again. Not to plug my own trip report, but I do have bunches of pictures of various parts of the Lodge in it if you are interested. I'm sure your whole family will love it!

 

[cbnsoul]

We actually just got back from a long weekend cash stay at WL. To say we loved it is an understatement. I'd always wanted to stay there and am so glad we did. It is so nice to be able to get away from all the craziness knowing you can hop on the boat and be back in the center of all the action in 10 minutes. We are new DVC owners at BLT but will definitely add on at some point and, unless BCV just blows me away, we'll add on at VWL.

 

[quentina]

It's stunning. You walk in and go WOW. I really can't think of a bad thing to say as far as appearance and things to do. Depending on location, it can be a hike to your room however; not anywhere near as bad as the BWV.

You will be thrilled with your choice.

PS, I may be the only one who loves Whispering Canyon....but I do....we love it!!! We have 2 ADR's booked there for next month, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast.

 

[hlyntunstl]

I stayed at WL regularly pre-DVC but have found it's tougher to get there for my preferred seasons. Since DVC, I've been there twice and still love it just as much. One suggestion, request a room close to the main entrance. That long hallway is PAINFUL after a full day at the parks!!

FWIW, I also love Whispering Canyon Cafe...especially for breakfast.