Villas at Wilderness Lodge

[chemie15]

We have decided to book a vacation in January, and have stayed at our home resort of SSR, and are staying at OKW in October 2008. I just called today and booked at the Wilderness lodge villas, I have been been there or even seen them except in the book. We want to try all of the different resorts and this one was available, so we are trying. What can anyone tell me about them. We have a 2 bedroom villa, will be traveling with DW, DS 8, DS 4, & DD 1. My parents will either be staying with us or getting there own room. Any advice recommendations or general comments about the resort would be great. Thanks.

 

[wdwnut]

Hi: I think you'll enjoy your stay. We've stayed at the WL as well as the VWL. The last time we were there was 2 years ago. We had over 20 people with us for a little family time. I had a dedicated 2 bedroom which gives you a little extra room because there is a larger closet in the second bedroom because there isn't an outside entrance. The theming is fantastic at this resort. It was really nice to have the villas connected to the hotel part of the resort. There is also a "hidden mickeys" list available at the front desk for the kids to find. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[K9pal]

We also own at SSR, but last June we took DS, his DW and their two little boys and stayed at VWL. It was the PERFECT resort, IMO! The kids were in awe the moment they saw the lobby, and there was so much to explore just at the resort! The boat ride to CR and the MK was a bit hit, too. VWL has a nice quiet pool, but it's not far to the main pool either. The main room has a pull out bed, and that's where the 2 boys wanted to stay each night - we'd get a (free to DVC members!) DVD at the VWL store each afternoon, pop it into the DVD player and set the timer when we went to bed. I think you'll love your stay here!

 

[MaryJ]

VWL is our home resort, and I think your boys will love it! Try to eat at least one meal at Whispering Canyon Cafe. They really get the kids involved there with things like stick horse races, singing songs etc. Be sure to ask for ketchup with your meal! Check the events calendar to see if they will be having duck races at the pool. This is fun for the kids too!

We will also be there in January with three boys (ages 7, 3, and 1). They belong to the family we are traveling with. Maybe we'll see you there! Enjoy our home!

 

[hrsmom]

I love the VWL! When we can afford an add-on it will be at this resort.

 

[OKW Lover]

There's good info right here on the DIS:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/villaswildlodge.htm

 

[wildernessDad]

I don't think you can go wrong with a vacation at VWL, but then, I am biased.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

We are staying there in August for the first time, but have been to WL many times. It is a beautiful resort. As many times as I've been there, I'm still in awe when I enter the main building. Seriously, it's just amazing.

As far as things to do, there are trails, a workout facility and a really nice main pool. You're also just a boat ride from the Contemporary, and there are tons of things to do there.

I'm making my "DVC rounds," and to date, I have thoroughly enjoyed every place we've stayed (OKW, BWV, SSR). Can't wait to finish and start all over again!

 

[kimberh]

Congratulations to you on getting a 2 bedroom at the smallest of all the DVC resorts at the 7 month window. It is so hard to get a 2 bedroom there. You are going to love this resort! It is my first choice. When you step into the Lobby, you will be overwhelmed. Take the boat to Magic Kingdom, It is such a nice ride.

 

[Ariel8676]

We will be staying there for the first time in August and my girls' can't wait!!!
We also got a 2 bedroom at the 7 month mark!!!!!!

 

[chemie15]

I actually had no problem with reserving a 2 bedroom. I called last Friday and they said it was available, but I was tied up for the next few days. I didn't get to call back until Monday and there were still some available. So I was very pleased. I was trying for that or a BW view at BWV, but they were missing two nights for that one.

 

[hannah's dad]

We've stayed at Wilderness Lodge twice and loved it both times. I think it is probably my favorite WDW resort, just ahead of the Poly and AKL. We've stayed in the lodge portion and in the villa (both a studio and 2 bedroom) and enjoy the resort for its location, theming, and manageable size. The pools are both nice (the smaller one is real close to the Villa and never very crowded, in our experience) and there is a beach area for the kids to play in the sand. You can also see the fireworks and the electrical water parade at night.

 

[MBELSANTI]

You are going to love VWL! They have a really nice quiet pool and hot tub that was never crowded when we were there this past Feb. They are also very close to the bus stop which was convenient when going to and from the parks. We also loved taking the boat to MK or one of the monorail resorts for dinner. We didn't get a chance to try the kids clubs, but your older 2 may want to try them out. They do have some kids activities as well. I think someone else mentioned the hidden Mickey list. There is also something that you can get from the front desk for rainy days. Oh and I almost forgot the train room at the Villas was a nice place to sit and relax.

 

[Laxmom]

We just got a 2 bedroom at VWL for our precruise stay in August. We just got our points so I was willing ot take anything!

Anyway, does anyone know how to get to DTD from there? Is there a direct bus? We have never stayed on property so I don't have a clue about the bus system. TIA.

 

[MBELSANTI]

We just got a 2 bedroom at VWL for our precruise stay in August. We just got our points so I was willing ot take anything!

Anyway, does anyone know how to get to DTD from there? Is there a direct bus? We have never stayed on property so I don't have a clue about the bus system. TIA.

HI,
Yes there is a direct bus to DTD. Make sure to allow extra travel time, because it is pretty far to go. You are going to love staying on property, especially at VWL and the adjoining WL. It is a gorgeous resort!

 

[Laxmom]

Thanks! We are so excited about staying there. We checked all the resorts and felt that was the one that interested us the most. I figured I would waitlist it. When they said it was available, I jumped on it!

We are trying to decide on renting a car or not. Thanks for the info.

 

[bellazachmom]

HI,
Yes there is a direct bus to DTD. Make sure to allow extra travel time, because it is pretty far to go. You are going to love staying on property, especially at VWL and the adjoining WL. It is a gorgeous resort!

Is this new?!?!?

We were at VWL last September and went to DTD for an appointment at BBB ... we stopped at the Poly then GF and a water park before getting to DTD!

A direct bus is a certainly a positive addition!

 

[Granny]

Is this new?!?!?

We were at VWL last September and went to DTD for an appointment at BBB ... we stopped at the Poly then GF and a water park before getting to DTD!

A direct bus is a certainly a positive addition!

That is the direct bus! It depends on the time of year but generally we haven't experienced quite that many stops on the way to DTD. Usually a resort (FW or Poly) then TL water park then DTD.

 

[bellazachmom]

That is the direct bus! It depends on the time of year but generally we haven't experienced quite that many stops on the way to DTD. Usually a resort (FW or Poly) then TL water park then DTD.

Gotcha!

I guess when I think "direct" I think no other stops, like from WL to MK. (LOVE that bus, only a 5 minute trip!)

When Disney says "direct" it means that you don't have to change buses!

Thanks for the reminder, have a magical day!

 

[tea pot]

Oh you and your family will love it
Don't forget that you're just a short boat ride to the camp ground and most nights they have a camp fire and sing along with Chip and Dale it's free your boys will love it they also can visit the barns where they keep the horses and a small petting zoo.
My favorite is early in the morning to sit on the doc with my coffee it so peaceful
enjoy