Villas @ WL vs. FW Cabins - Did I make the wrong decision?

[DisneyLovingMama]

DH, DD5, DS7 mos, and I are leaving for 5 days at WDW in a month. I originally had a FW cabin, but changed it over to a WL 1-bedroom villa. Now, I'm wondering if I made the wrong decision.

When I made the ressie, I was under the impression that each villa was a standalone unit, not attached to one another.

• How much noise can you hear between units?
• Are people in the villas used to crying kids?
• Can the kids use the quiet pool by the villa?
• Is it easy to get to the activities at FW, which is why I wanted to stya there in the first place?
• Most importantly, are the villas nice enough to warrant the extra $840?

Thanks for your help! I just checked and there are cabins available if I want to switch back.

 

[jblondie18]

You definatly won't be dissapointed at the WL. I just came back form my honeymoon and stayed there and it was amazing!! We heard absolutly no noise, and the quiet pool is just that:quiet. However, ANYONE is allowed to swim there. The reason it is quiet is b/c it is smaller than the main pool and not everyone knows its there. I don't think you would be happy at the campground b/c the property is very spread out. If you use the bus transportation to and from the parks, you will find that when you get dropped off at your hotel at the end of a long day, you have to get on yet ANOTHER shuttle to your "loop" where your cabin is located. With small children I don't think its the best option. Please let me know if you have any further questions. I hope you enjoy your stay at the Wilderness Lodge!!!

jen

 

[robinb]

Well ... it's too late now. You're outside the 5 day cancelation period, so you might as well not worry too much about it.

# How much noise can you hear between units?
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Not a whole lot, but you may hear someone through the connecting door to the Studio unit and they may hear you.

# Are people in the villas used to crying kids?

There are crying kids all around WDW. Yours will not be the only ones. That being said, remember the connecting door and keep the kids quiet if you can.

# Can the kids use the quiet pool by the villa?

Yup! My 5 year old also loves the regular pool which too. If you kids can't swim you can borrow life vests for free.

# Is it easy to get to the activities at FW, which is why I wanted to stya there in the first place?

There is a boat that goes over to the main campground area and Pioneer Hall.

# Most importantly, are the villas nice enough to warrant the extra $840?

I think so. I think you'll love the Villas at Wilderness Lodge. You will have all the hotel facilities and your transportation options will be better than at the campgrounds.

 

[DisneyLovingMama]

Thanks for the reassurances. I'm actually not leaving for another month, so could change if I wanted. I feel better with your answers and found another thread asking a similar question, so I feel much, much better now.

Thanks!

 

[Kimberle]

Go to the WL faq thread, part 5. Look at the 1st page. Lots of great info. You will love staying at the villas. They are just a short boatride away for the FW activities. Or, you can rent bikes and bike it!

 

[robinb]

Thanks for the reassurances. I'm actually not leaving for another month, so could change if I wanted.

Sorry! I was sleepy and read that you were leaving in 5 days and skipped right over the leaving in a month for 5 days. {{sheesh}}

I still think you'll like the 1 Bedroom at the VWL a lot. We're DVC members and have stayed at the VWL in a studio twice and I really liked the location. The resort is relaxing and a little "out of the way" without being totally secluded and the MK is a short boatride away.

 

[slimplaw]

In the 1 bedroom VWL, you will have a washer and dryer in your room, a jacuzzi tub and separate shower, a king bed, a living room/dining area/full kitchen. In the living room, you will have a sofa bed and you will also get a port-a-crib for your baby. I think you will be very pleased with the room at VWL.

 

[campingcorgi]

I'll be the dissenter here--for the money you could save you could stay at FW and rent a golf cart and have a spectacular time! The lodge is nice but FW is heaven!!! You would be just a short golf cart ride away from the petting zoo, several playgrounds, the pools, the Chip and Dale campfire program, two trading posts in case you need any supplies, and you could ride in your golf cart right up to the park bus stops or the boat. And don't forget--a golf cart is a wonderful way to get the little one asleep at night! We did it every night when out little one was a baby and a toddler.

You'll have a great time whatevery you choose--both resorts are beautiful.

 

[DisneyLovingMama]

You would be just a short golf cart ride away from the petting zoo, several playgrounds, the pools, the Chip and Dale campfire program, two trading posts in case you need any supplies, and you could ride in your golf cart right up to the park bus stops or the boat.

I think I'm going to stay at VWL (DH is tired of me going back and forth), but had to ask - how do you strap the baby into a golf cart? He can't sit up yet. Do you just hold him? Can you leave the golf cart at the bus stops?

Thanks for everyone's comments. It really is helpful.

 

[Muushka]

Be very very careful when staying at VWL. It may end up costing you a bundle.

I know it cost us a bundle! (DVC)

But then again, we call it home 2 times a year! I hope you enjoy your stay!

 

[DisneyLovingMama]

Why would it cost so much? I've already paid for my hotel room stay. What else would be hidden, versus staying at other places? Thanks!

 

[Mary Anne]

I think she's referring to that you'll love it so much there that you'll want to BUY into the DVC so you'll have it for the next 50 years. There are no other hidden costs toyou for this visit.

 

[DisneyLovingMama]

I think she's referring to that you'll love it so much there that you'll want to BUY into the DVC so you'll have it for the next 50 years. There are no other hidden costs toyou for this visit.

That's funny, cause I'm already looking at the DVC FAQs and posts so I can start working on DH.

 

[Disney Doll]

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Be very very careful when staying at VWL. It may end up costing you a bundle.

I know it cost us a bundle! (DVC)

But then again, we call it home 2 times a year! I hope you enjoy your stay!

Now that's funny!!! The time we stayed at VWL for a quick fairly "cheap" weekend, we boughtinto the DVC, so that "cheap" weekend actually cost us about $12000!!!!!!!

 

[jarestel]

The 1-BR is a much nicer and roomier accomodation than a FW cabin and it's a short boat ride from WL to FW to enjoy any activities you're interested in over there. The quiet pool doesn't mean you have to be quiet, it's just not themed, quiet, as in understated. Kids use that pool all of the time, and you'll have access to the main WL pool as well. As to whether the villas are worth the extra $$$, I would say yes, but everyone needs to decide that for themselves, so I'll leave that up to you. Maybe you can post here when you return and let us know what your impressions were.

Anyway, I think you'll enjoy your stay.

Have a fun trip!

 

[Mary Anne]

You know DVC has so spoiled us we can't even stay in a regular hotel room anywhere anymore. Only suits for us and DH doesn't even like the kitchette, he wants a full kitchen LOL

Just make sure you have a credit card with enough credit to put down a $500 deposit LOL (PS, I can vouch that they take Am.Express. Hope you have a great trip.

 

[Muushka]

Now that's funny!!! The time we stayed at VWL for a quick fairly "cheap" weekend, we boughtinto the DVC, so that "cheap" weekend actually cost us about $12000!!!!!!!

See! It can be very expensive to stay at a DVC resort!

 

[slk537]

Having never stayed at FW, I can only say that I agree with those who are warning you about the cost of VWL...once you stay DVC...it is so hard to go back! We had a VERY expensive week at Old Key West in 2004 when we bought in

And last Christmastime at VWL has got us wondering how soon we can add on again...

Good luck and ENJOY!!!

 

[FFerret]

Well, our FW Cabin stay was absolutely wonderful. If you do chose to go back with the original plan and stay at the cabin then definitely op for a golfcart--we loved having one. Can't imagine being there without one--just majorly inconvinient.

If you have any cabin questions whatsoever the Camping forum here at DIS is devoted to FW and the DISers there are extremely friendly and knowledgeable.

 

[campingcorgi]

I've seen people bungee cord a carseat to the golf carts, but most people hold the little ones in their laps.