Wilderness Lodge: Club Level Review with Photos

[Kimberle]

Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing. Our last WL was August. It was cut short due to Irene.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I stayed there for several nights club level last February. The resort is SO gorgeous. They really spoil you at club level with the food and drinks. I will say however that I lucked out... I simply requested a high floor.. and it dawned us a few hours after we unpacked that we were actually on the club level while paying a 40% off rate (I think it was like $140/night or something)

On our trip the resort had bats that came out and flew around every night. My wife has a major bat phobia so we didn't spend much time in the lobby or restaurants. Hopefully that is an issue that will NOT return =).

That's a funny story about requesting a high floor. Christmas of 2010, I snagged an Expedia "mistake" that had discounted a Woods View room by 40% each night of our stay, instead of just up to Christmas. When DD and I checked-in (DH was deployed) we were upgraded to CL access. This was our first WL/CL stay and I told DH that he would love their CL and we've stayed CL there every visit since.

Thanks for the report KOOK ! We are so excited to be going back to WL in June, and WL CL in October, and seeing your report just makes us want to go NOW!

I'm so glad it makes you excited about returning. It won't be long now!

WDWKOOK, Thanks for this thread. The photos and information make the time between visits seem shorter.

Wonderful photos!! What type of camera do you have?

You're welcome, cosmos. I'm almost ashamed to say that some of the (bad) photos were taken with my iPhone and the not-as-bad photos and photos with framing were taken with a Canon Powershot G6 and a little Canon Ixy which DH bought in Tokyo. They're both only 7.1 MP and the Ixy (like an Elf) is a pocket camera, but it does have an optical viewfinder which is a rarity in the US, so that's why DH bought it for me.

Thank for all the great WL info! I can't wait to stay there on our next DW vacation in 2014.

You're welcome!

Was it noisy in the Courtyard Bunkbed room? If someone is napping in the afternoon would you hear the noise from the pool area?

I've never had a CBR - they're scattered throughout the resort. As long as your sliding glass door is closed it's tolerable. You might want to turn the ceiling fan on high, too.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

kook thanks for another great TR. I always enjoy reading about your stay. Love the pictures. I am now even more excited for my stay in October at VWL .... just wish I was going to be there for more nights.

 

[dragonfly57005]

Wow! You sure got some nice chocolates. We didn't have anything like that at CL At Poly.

 

[bowbat]

Another great review by KOOK!

WL is just such an amazing resort, and as a Floridian it's extra-great because it really feels like you're not in Florida! Your review has me so excited to go back, and especially to be able to experience their CL this time. Our favorite part of our short stay there last year was hanging out in that little seating area with a fireplace overlooking the lobby -- I imagine we'll spend a lot of time doing the same in the CL seating areas. And I can't wait to see the renovated rooms!

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Much appreciated!

 

[HubbDave]

Wow at the pics and detailed trip report.

Goodness I miss that place

 

[KBoopaloo]

We stayed CL at the Beach Club for the first time last fall and now I think I am developing a CL problem - I want to try all of the CL resorts! Your review made me move the WL CL rooms up on my list!

 

[GillieRose]

Wow great review. Wish we could afford to stay Club level. Maybe are next visit.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing. Our last WL was August. It was cut short due to Irene.

Oh, that's awful that it cut short your vacation. You might just have to go again soon. Are you going to Aulani? Have a great trip to Hawaii.

kook thanks for another great TR. I always enjoy reading about your stay. Love the pictures. I am now even more excited for my stay in October at VWL .... just wish I was going to be there for more nights.

Thanks again for pointing out the bad link on the CL thread. How can we get you at VWL for more nights? I'll bet Jeanette (pas130) knows a way!

Wow! You sure got some nice chocolates. We didn't have anything like that at CL At Poly.

Come on over to the dark side - we have great chocolate (and beer in the fridge).

Another great review by KOOK!

WL is just such an amazing resort, and as a Floridian it's extra-great because it really feels like you're not in Florida! Your review has me so excited to go back, and especially to be able to experience their CL this time. Our favorite part of our short stay there last year was hanging out in that little seating area with a fireplace overlooking the lobby -- I imagine we'll spend a lot of time doing the same in the CL seating areas. And I can't wait to see the renovated rooms!

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Much appreciated!

Aw, thanks, bowbat. You're so right about WL making FL residents feel a little like their not in FL - not a palm tree in site - well, except over on those FW trails. You'll have "your" lounge table picked-out in no time. We love the ones looking out at Bay Lake in the AM and the ones next to the lobby in the PM. When DD asks where we should sit, I tell her, "Our regular table."

Wow at the pics and detailed trip report.

Goodness I miss that place

Thanks, Dave! When are you going back? You really need to go back! They have chocolates and turn-down chocolate WL mints, too.

I forgot to mention about CL turndown in my review (they'll also do it by request for non-CL). They turn-down the bedding, take the pillows out and make them look real cute, put chocolate mints on the bed, close the curtains, empty the trash and replenish the towels. It's a great way to end the day - that, and cobbler...

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Kook!

Thank you so much for the delightful review and wonderful photos! It is the closest I will likely get to WL CL - would not like most of the offerings and the enclosed balcony would be difficult with my MS and need for a lot of light. My not being able to enjoy WL only means I can enjoy your reviews even more!

Love the view from your room - that would be perfection for me!

Considering...dare I say it...a split stay in December (3/3) so we can have at least a few ngts at the Lodge again.

So glad you had another wonderful stay! (now if only I could get that 35% I'd for sure book Dec! Where's the code when ya need it! )

 

[WDWKOOK]

We stayed CL at the Beach Club for the first time last fall and now I think I am developing a CL problem - I want to try all of the CL resorts! Your review made me move the WL CL rooms up on my list!

No, no, not a CL problem, a CL appreciation. I think it's great you want to try them all. That's a great way to find out which is your favorite

Wow great review. Wish we could afford to stay Club level. Maybe are next visit.

I know it costs more, but most discounts/pin codes can be applied to CL bookings and WL (and AKL) are the least expensive CLs.

Also, think about what you might save using the lounge for breakfast, snacks, appetizers (which for us is the equivalent of our lunch and we do our big meal late afternoon) and desserts. And, if you drink alcohol, what you would save with the (unlimited) cordials, wine and beer in the lounge and non-alcoholic drinks, too. You can also take back food and store drinks in your room fridge. It's also nice to know where your room will be located since CL is only on one floor (other than the Deluxe Rooms). And, if you ever have a problem, instead of calling a call center to "reach" the front desk, you can go or call directly the CL concierge.

 

[TJA]

There are some CL rooms with bunks and one queen so that each child can have their own bed (but, you'll have to sleep with DH).

I can't believe you found that two-year-old mini review I did of the Atrium Club - you're quite the detective

It took me a long time to find that review, lol. But it's worth it to me to scout out certain reviews that I know will be helpful to me.

Bunk beds would work great for the kids! The queen bed is kind of small and DH snores, so it's always a challenge for me to sleep under those circumstances. Maybe I could pack a sleeping bag for DH?

 

[HubbDave]

It took me a long time to find that review, lol. But it's worth it to me to scout out certain reviews that I know will be helpful to me.

Bunk beds would work great for the kids! The queen bed is kind of small and DH snores, so it's always a challenge for me to sleep under those circumstances. Maybe I could pack a sleeping bag for DH?

Make him sleep on the balcony?

How big are the rooms compared to standard?

 

[HubbDave]

Dave[/B]! When are you going back? You really need to go back! They have chocolates and turn-down chocolate WL mints, too.

I forgot to mention about CL turndown in my review (they'll also do it by request for non-CL). They turn-down the bedding, take the pillows out and make them look real cute, put chocolate mints on the bed, close the curtains, empty the trash and replenish the towels. It's a great way to end the day - that, and cobbler...

Hoping to return in Summer 2013. Maybe even try the CL for a few days. Boy do I have the itch now that ski season is done

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Kook!

Thank you so much for the delightful review and wonderful photos! It is the closest I will likely get to WL CL - would not like most of the offerings and the enclosed balcony would be difficult with my MS and need for a lot of light. My not being able to enjoy WL only means I can enjoy your reviews even more!

Love the view from your room - that would be perfection for me!

Considering...dare I say it...a split stay in December (3/3) so we can have at least a few ngts at the Lodge again.

So glad you had another wonderful stay! (now if only I could get that 35% I'd for sure book Dec! Where's the code when ya need it! )

I'm confused! I thought WL CL was your choice of resort (excluding your beloved Poly)????

 

[WDWKOOK]

It took me a long time to find that review, lol. But it's worth it to me to scout out certain reviews that I know will be helpful to me.

Bunk beds would work great for the kids! The queen bed is kind of small and DH snores, so it's always a challenge for me to sleep under those circumstances. Maybe I could pack a sleeping bag for DH?

And some ear plugs for you?

Make him sleep on the balcony?

How big are the rooms compared to standard?

I was thinking the exact same thing. I wonder if they're all out there at night? Instead of howling at the moon, they're snoring...

Standard CL rooms are exactly the same as non-CL rooms at all WDW Resorts.

Hoping to return in Summer 2013. Maybe even try the CL for a few days. Boy do I have the itch now that ski season is done

You can waterski on Bay Lake right next door at the CR

 

[TheLodgeLady]

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I know it costs more, but most discounts/pin codes can be applied to CL bookings and WL (and AKL) are the least expensive CLs.

Also, think about what you might save using the lounge for breakfast, snacks, appetizers (which for us is the equivalent of our lunch and we do our big meal late afternoon) and desserts. And, if you drink alcohol, what you would save with the (unlimited) cordials, wine and beer in the lounge and non-alcoholic drinks, too. You can also take back food and store drinks in your room fridge. It's also nice to know where your room will be located since CL is only on one floor (other than the Deluxe Rooms). And, if you ever have a problem, instead of calling a call center to "reach" the front desk, you can go or call directly the CL concierge.

These are all excellent points...now if we can just open those closed balconies!

I'm confused! I thought WL CL was your choice of resort (excluding your beloved Poly)????

Oh, no, not me. I've only stayed VWL - LOVE it over there!! Especially when decorated for the holidays...although I would stay in the Lodge for that Lake view!

 

[HubbDave]

You can waterski on Bay Lake right next door at the CR

They are still shredding the white stuff in Maine, NH, and VT, but I cracked a rib in March so no skiing for me until next fall/winter.

Anyway, those pics you posted might be enough to convince the wife that we spring for a few CL nights next year. Maybe do some resort changing and end up at WL...

 

[Macavity]

Thanks Wdwkook, 20 more days for me. I have requested one of the newly renovated rooms, so I am hoping they are done

If not, we are returning in October for my DD's fall break, and I'll get to see the new rooms then.

Then its back to SOG for a quick weekend trip in December.