Wilderness Lodge - AMAZING (but....)

[kaysmommie]

Glad you loved WL. I still think you should try the Poly though . Both of them are great resorts with lots of great Disney theming. I think being on the monorail with the little kids will be great for you and your DW. Even renting 2 studios sounds like alot of $$$. I also agree it's ridiculous you can't do the 1 bedroom since 2 of your kids are under 3. Your review is making me want to go back to WL for our next week long trip.

 

[boomhauer]

I'll tell you the thing that made me decide not to do Poly. Now granted, we've yet to stay there, but there are certain drawbacks.

1.Going in July, you get rain. Walking anywhere around Poly, you're outside.

2.I LOVED being able to jump on the elevator and be just seconds from the restaurants, pool, bar, laundry at WL. At Poly, you could have a good walk in front of you. With laundry - That's no fun.

3.We actually went inside one of the longhouses as Poly. We didn't see the rooms, but the hallway seemed very dated and almost musty. I know it's a petty thing, but nevertheless.

4.We LOVE the monorail, but noticed something. Some of them, still have those bars in the middle of them. We couldn't get our double stroller on without folding it up. One night, we had to wait for the 3rd monorail. The boat transpoartation to and from WL was almost as fast and we didn't have to fold the stroller.

5.I really like the Tambu Lounge at Poly, but with Ohana, trying to get a seat there at night up until about 9:00PM, is very difficult, and not all that relaxing. At Territory Lounge, even with Artist Point right there, it was always easy to get a seat and it was so relaxing and cozy in there.

 

[kaysmommie]

Then you might not like Poly afetr your visit there. We did get rained in October a few times. But we would have been rained on anyway since we were going to a park. I think the rooms are alot like WL but bigger. I never knew you couldn't fit a double stroller on those monorails with the poles . 'Ohana id always busy but I was lucky enough to find a seat in the lounge most nights.

Your so lucky going to WL for 13 nights . Friends of mine have DVC and stayed in a 1 bedroom at Saratoga. She sayed it was very spacious for her family of five and she usually stays in the 2 bedroom. Also she lives ina 5000 sqaure foot house. As long as it's not a fire hazard I would rent the 1 bedroom.

 

[boomhauer]

As long as it's not a fire hazard I would rent the 1 bedroom.

Are you saying I should tell them there's only 5 of us?

I spoke to a CM at the front desk about it, and he said that's what he would do (kind of surprised about that.) I suppose we could. How would they really find out? And it's not as if we're ripping Disney off. They don't charge anything extra for children.

 

[ConcKahuna]

I'll tell you the thing that made me decide not to do Poly. Now granted, we've yet to stay there, but there are certain drawbacks.

1.Going in July, you get rain. Walking anywhere around Poly, you're outside.

Yup, that is a problem. At least from most longhouses you can cut through other longhouses to get where you need to be with minimal outdoor time.

2.I LOVED being able to jump on the elevator and be just seconds from the restaurants, pool, bar, laundry at WL. At Poly, you could have a good walk in front of you. With laundry - That's no fun.

If you actually time it, it works out to about the same time to move from your room at the Poly to the GCH as it does to get from some of the rooms at the WL, down the elevator, and to the lobby. If you want to be close to both the restaurants and the laundry, you can always request Raratonga. That building puts you by the quiet pool and right between the GCH and Tangroa Terrace (where the laundry and bus stops are).

3.We actually went inside one of the longhouses as Poly. We didn't see the rooms, but the hallway seemed very dated and almost musty. I know it's a petty thing, but nevertheless.

When did you go through? Was it within the past 6 months or so (since they've finished the rehabs)? The hallways can be a bit dark when you first walk in from the sunshine, but that's partially because they use a lot of dark, rich colors.

4.We LOVE the monorail, but noticed something. Some of them, still have those bars in the middle of them. We couldn't get our double stroller on without folding it up. One night, we had to wait for the 3rd monorail. The boat transpoartation to and from WL was almost as fast and we didn't have to fold the stroller.

I love the boat from the WL/FW The one thing the Poly has to help "one-up" this is the fact that you can walk to the Epcot monorail and don't have to take a bus like you do from the WL. Hopefully they finish those monorails soon.

5.I really like the Tambu Lounge at Poly, but with Ohana, trying to get a seat there at night up until about 9:00PM, is very difficult, and not all that relaxing. At Territory Lounge, even with Artist Point right there, it was always easy to get a seat and it was so relaxing and cozy in there.

I prefer the Barefoot Pool Bar myself. Being able to relax outside on a warm night with a cold drink while I look at the lake and castle is my idea of heaven

 

[DiznEeyore]

Are you saying I should tell them there's only 5 of us?

I spoke to a CM at the front desk about it, and he said that's what he would do (kind of surprised about that.) I suppose we could. How would they really find out? And it's not as if we're ripping Disney off. They don't charge anything extra for children.

*sigh*

There is a REASON there are only 4 allowed in a one-bedroom. It is only built for 4 (plus an infant/toddler). There is extra wear and tear on units that the owners pay for in their dues, plus it's against fire code, plus it's against the rules.

You know what? Nevermind. People that think the rules don't apply to them don't care about any of this.

 

[TJA]

Interesting points of comparison between WL and Poly. We have only stayed at WL one time and it was pre-kids, so about 5 years ago. We loved it there and I totally understand how/why you loved it too. We also have twins and a double stroller, but we've never had any issues on the monorail. Is your double stroller side-by-side? We take our side-by-side jogger and need to go in the handicap part of the monorail in order to fit. We've never had to wait for one to be available. Our timing must be really good! We also normally go to WDW during "slow" times, so that is probably a factor too. In any event, we're trying WL next April for the first time with our twins, so it was nice to read your report. If you end up not being able to get the room you want/need at WL for next trip, keep in mind that AKL is similar to WL as far as the architecture and the layout of the lobby. Also, if you want to steer away from the MK resorts, Beach Club is a great option with young kids and the entire Epcot resort area is great for all ages.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Are you saying I should tell them there's only 5 of us?

I spoke to a CM at the front desk about it, and he said that's what he would do (kind of surprised about that.) I suppose we could. How would they really find out? And it's not as if we're ripping Disney off. They don't charge anything extra for children.

 

[kaysmommie]

Are you saying I should tell them there's only 5 of us?

I spoke to a CM at the front desk about it, and he said that's what he would do (kind of surprised about that.) I suppose we could. How would they really find out? And it's not as if we're ripping Disney off. They don't charge anything extra for children.

I will never be in this situation because we have only 2 kids but if I were you I probably would and I'm always a rule follower . It's not like it's and extra adult, you have twins and they don't even require tickets yet. I guess I don't think it's a big deal to have and extra pack and play in a one bedroom that is over 700 feet when the room at Poly is 400 feet. Doesn't make sense that you can't have a another child under 3 . It's not like your pool hopping, stealing soda or money from Disney. I don't think a 16 month old is going to put wear & tear on a one bedroom.

 

[boomhauer]

*sigh*

There is a REASON there are only 4 allowed in a one-bedroom. It is only built for 4 (plus an infant/toddler). There is extra wear and tear on units that the owners pay for in their dues, plus it's against fire code, plus it's against the rules.

You know what? Nevermind. People that think the rules don't apply to them don't care about any of this.

If I didn't care, I wouldn't have spoken to a CM and a manager about it. I just didn't understand why a room over 300 square feet bigger would allow 1 less person. Why would that be against a fire code?

I don't wanna state the obvious, but in this case, it seems as though they simply want you to spend more money by staying in a 2 bedroom. 727 sq ft is a HUGE room. With 2 port-a-cribs in the bedroom, 2 adults in the bedroom, I really can't see what kind of hazard having an adult and a child sleeping on a queen size sofa could be.

Don't worry - We won't be breaking any rules or upping anyone's dues. That's why I asked.

 

[pilferk]

If I didn't care, I wouldn't have spoken to a CM and a manager about it. I just didn't understand why a room over 300 square feet bigger would allow 1 less person. Why would that be against a fire code?

I don't wanna state the obvious, but in this case, it seems as though they simply want you to spend more money by staying in a 2 bedroom. 727 sq ft is a HUGE room. With 2 port-a-cribs in the bedroom, 2 adults in the bedroom, I really can't see what kind of hazard having an adult and a child sleeping on a queen size sofa could be.

Don't worry - We won't be breaking any rules or upping anyone's dues. That's why I asked.

I don't know why the difference, but you could have hit on one, yourself. I'm just sort of thinking "outloud" on this one.

With the Poly, the buildings are seperate from the "main lodge" area. Since each builiding is seperate, and not "enclosed' with the others, there's enough fire entrances and egresses to the building to allow for the greater occupancy #.

With the WL, maybe there aren't.

Just a postulation.......

Occupancy on the DVC units is a sore subject, FYI. There's a whole thread about it in the DVC areas, and occupancy discussions are strictly prohibited in any other thread. They oftentimes get heated.

 

[DiznEeyore]

If I didn't care, I wouldn't have spoken to a CM and a manager about it. I just didn't understand why a room over 300 square feet bigger would allow 1 less person. Why would that be against a fire code?

I don't wanna state the obvious, but in this case, it seems as though they simply want you to spend more money by staying in a 2 bedroom. 727 sq ft is a HUGE room. With 2 port-a-cribs in the bedroom, 2 adults in the bedroom, I really can't see what kind of hazard having an adult and a child sleeping on a queen size sofa could be.

Don't worry - We won't be breaking any rules or upping anyone's dues. That's why I asked.

You know what? Never mind.

 

[Smile4Me]

I'm glad you liked the Wilderness so much, we're planning on making our first stay there this coming September!
I do hope something works out for you OP! Please keep us updated on your solution!

 

[LilGMom]

Welcome to the curse of the WL!! The WL ruined us forever and it doesn't really feel like 'home' when we stay somewhere else. Good luck figuring out the accommodations and if you can get in VWL you'll definately be spoiled for good!

We WL & VWL!!

 

[boomhauer]

Welcome to the curse of the WL!! The WL ruined us forever and it doesn't really feel like 'home' when we stay somewhere else. Good luck figuring out the accommodations and if you can get in VWL you'll definately be spoiled for good!

We WL & VWL!!

People told me it would happen. I didn't listen.

From the pics I've seen on allears, the 1 and 2 bedroom villas look amazing. The studios look kind of plain.

The room at the lodge was just fabulous. I wasn't sure if I liked the pics of the renovated rooms as much as the pics of the older rooms, but once we got there, wow - Just incredible.

Is it just me, or is the smell right around Territory Lounge and Artist Point just about the best scent in the world?

 

[eliza61]

Just got back from 9 nights, 1st stay at the Wilderness Lodge. I'll post a trip report later. Just had to say, we've done all the Values, Old Key West, Riverside, Caribbean Beach - Nothing comes close to this place!!!

The food, mousekeeping, theming, boat transportation, service....you name it. It was simply perfect!!!

Now, to the downside. We had booked the Polynesian for next July. Needless to say, we're changing our reservation. However, here's the rub - It's me, my wife, our 7 year old, and our twins who will be 16 months at the time, AND my sister-in-law. So, that's 6 of us. The Lodge only allows for 4 adults plus 1 child under 3, not 2 children under 3. We could do the Poly, but after staying at WL, we don't want to. A 1 bedroom in the villas is affordable, but only allows 5 total. A 2 bedroom would work, but would be too expensive. My only other option is 2 seperate rooms at the Lodge, and that's a bit expensive as well. Tough decisions to make now.

Glad you enjoyed the lodge, it's one of our favorites. How about a 1 bedroom and a studio? A lot of times the studios are connected. Would that be any cheaper.

 

[fla4fun]

From the pics I've seen on allears, the 1 and 2 bedroom villas look amazing. The studios look kind of plain.

I've stayed in both the studio and the 1BR units at VWL. The decor is very similar in both, so one is not more plain than another. It's just the difference in size. In both, you would have one bed (queen vs. king) and a sofabed. I wish they would put in the fold out chair single bed like they are going to at AKV so you could sleep 5 in a 1BR. There would be plenty of room (although you might need to move the chair to open it). I did have a fantastic balcony on my 1BR though that went all the way across the unit, instead of two smaller ones.

One thing to consider if going for two studios is that none of the studios, at least so far as any I've stayed in, connect to another studio. There are some studios next door to each other, but I didn't have a connecting door. When a studio connects, it's typically to a 1BR to create a 2BR. Just another thing to think about.

I would probably be on the lookout for a good code and book two WL rooms if I were in your position.

 

[megnsamsgracie]

Are you saying I should tell them there's only 5 of us?

I spoke to a CM at the front desk about it, and he said that's what he would do (kind of surprised about that.) I suppose we could. How would they really find out? And it's not as if we're ripping Disney off. They don't charge anything extra for children.

Deleted so not to stir the pot

 

[Swimmergirl]

I love the WL, and am headed back in April, but if I were in your shoes I would go with the Poly. With little ones in tow I would really like being on the monorail.

 

[GovieMom]

If I could buy points at $10 per point, then I'd only be looking at $5,080.