Wilderness Lodge: Club Level Review with Photos

[Gipperland]

Thanks for the great review and pics, WDWKook! Great job! We stayed WL CL in August of 2011 and the service was beyond outstanding. We had a CM named Gianna that just made our trip so special in so many ways that I can't even describe them all. There was another CM named Merle that went way out of his way to help us out, including emailing me a recipe after i returned home. I have been going to WDW once or twice a year for the last 30 years and can tell you nothing can hold a candle to a stay at WL CL. Once you stay CL at WL there is no going back to a standard stay. WDWKook, your post brought back wonderful memories, thanks!

 

[Sue M]

Great TR I had heard of Ranger Stan's passing. Very sad. We were fortunate to have had him there for our first 2 stays, and took his Tour.

We did go to the Steam Train Talk in the Carolwood Room in Jan. totally by happy accident. We were walking back from our FW Segway tour, and by the Bike Rental we ran into a CM and asked him how to get to the Carolwood Room, cause we wanted to look at it, hearing so much about it on the boards.
He said we were in luck, They guy had just started his talk, which is only once a month, and walked us over We loved it. Very informative.

I'm looking forward to the new rooms. Are they replacing the AC units too? I hope so, Our first room AC unit sounded like a jet taking off

I have to admit I'm dissapointed they aren't changing the furniture, after going thru all the work of reno with everything else. The wood furniture was looking a bit worn in places. Love the headboards though, they can keep those Guess i was expecting a more thorough reno like the POR resorts, where room was gutted and EVERYTHING was replaced, incl AC units. Love the new dressers.

We got the same BB in Jan! Which we booked. Too bad we couldn't get a WL room. Think I mentioned in another post, only bunk bed rooms were avail.

Loved that jan 40% discount too- we had an AP.

Can't wait for Aug trip

 

[twinkles]

Thank you WDWKook Great pics! Glad you had an awesome time. We will be staying at the VWL in 34 days

Do you know if I could have one of the chocolate WL totem pole packages arranged to be in our room to surprise our grandsons? They would love it

 

[WDWKOOK]

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 don't know how I skipped multi-quoting you yesterday. Thank you for your kind words and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you getting a GREAT pin code for December

Nice to have you here, TLL!

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

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!

You brought up an important point which I completely omitted from my review:

Some of the 6th floor rooms and all of the 7th floor rooms, including the 4 Presidential Suite balconies, have enclosed, standing-only balconies. While this is architectually pleasing, it is disappointing for those wanting to relax on their balcony and see straight out and below them. This is what the view is like while seated on the enclosed balcony:

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...

OUCH! Better stick to the Sea Raycers then...

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.

Are you staying CL? Only the 7th floor of the South Wing might be done when you check-in. If it is, please post some photos for everyone to the WL thread!

Thanks for the great review and pics, WDWKook! Great job! We stayed WL CL in August of 2011 and the service was beyond outstanding. We had a CM named Gianna that just made our trip so special in so many ways that I can't even describe them all. There was another CM named Merle that went way out of his way to help us out, including emailing me a recipe after i returned home. I have been going to WDW once or twice a year for the last 30 years and can tell you nothing can hold a candle to a stay at WL CL. Once you stay CL at WL there is no going back to a standard stay. WDWKook, your post brought back wonderful memories, thanks!

We might have been there at the same time last year. I love your post. I don't recall Merle, but I think Gianna may have been there right before we left. You are so right about CL at WL. The manager, Randy has really set the bar high and he has the best staff. We are lucky guests, aren't we?

Great TR I had heard of Ranger Stan's passing. Very sad. We were fortunate to have had him there for our first 2 stays, and took his Tour.

We did go to the Steam Train Talk in the Carolwood Room in Jan. totally by happy accident. We were walking back from our FW Segway tour, and by the Bike Rental we ran into a CM and asked him how to get to the Carolwood Room, cause we wanted to look at it, hearing so much about it on the boards.
He said we were in luck, They guy had just started his talk, which is only once a month, and walked us over We loved it. Very informative.

I'm looking forward to the new rooms. Are they replacing the AC units too? I hope so, Our first room AC unit sounded like a jet taking off

I have to admit I'm dissapointed they aren't changing the furniture, after going thru all the work of reno with everything else. The wood furniture was looking a bit worn in places. Love the headboards though, they can keep those Guess i was expecting a more thorough reno like the POR resorts, where room was gutted and EVERYTHING was replaced, incl AC units. Love the new dressers.

We got the same BB in Jan! Which we booked. Too bad we couldn't get a WL room. Think I mentioned in another post, only bunk bed rooms were avail.

Loved that jan 40% discount too- we had an AP.

Can't wait for Aug trip

I haven't heard mention of the AC being replaced. The only thing I don't like about them is that you can't set the fan to run so that you have a little white noise at night, which we like. At the CR you can do that. Did they replace the POR units with central AC/heat? WL already has central AC.

Did you like the FW Segway tour?

Thank you WDWKook Great pics! Glad you had an awesome time. We will be staying at the VWL in 34 days

Do you know if I could have one of the chocolate WL totem pole packages arranged to be in our room to surprise our grandsons? They would love it

They might be available from in-room dining, though they aren't listed in the menu. The chocolate covered strawberries aren't listed either, but can be ordered through them. Here is the number for the WL switchboard that can connect you to in-room dining:

(407) 824-3200

 

[mickeynut1]

I started reading the FAQ thread and my only concern is the sleeping arrangements. I wish the standard CL rooms had a pull-out sofa/day bed. Our kids are just old enough that neither of them sleeps if they are in a bed together, so we normally spread them out with one on the daybed and the other in the queen bed.

I know exactly what you mean as we love the WL, but not having a daybed is a factor for us. We have 2 older teens and once we tried the Poly and GF with the daybed and larger rooms, it's hard to go back to the WL without one. With that said, I am contemplating a future WL CL stay if I can convince my DSs to just go with it for one trip .

Thanks, mickeynut1. You better not read that mini Atrium Club review I posted in '10 that we were referring to above - you'll be calling the WDTC in a flash. But, you know I still LOVE the CR

Yes, I do know how you love the CR .....and I am excited to try it in December . For some reason CR CL doesn't appeal to me much from reviews/pics I've seen . I keep going back and forth about keeping my ressie there for New Years or changing to WL CL, but I think for now I'm sticking with CR. It's so hard to choose for 1 trip, so I guess I need to start taking more trips throughout the year so I can try all the resorts I want to in less time .

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)

What a great upgrade . WL CL is awesome....it was our first CL stay at any of the resorts and we loved it .

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!

One thing I love about WL CL is how the tables and chairs are out around the railing and you can sit and look down into the lobby . Alot of people don't like that as it's not a true "lounge", but that is one of the things I feel is very unique that sets the WL CL apart from all the other CL lounges, not to mention the CMs are awesome .

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.

I totally agree . I like to do CL for the convenience of having a lounge to relax in, and having snacks, drinks, etc. throughout the day is an extra perk. Plus with the WL being quite a bit cheaper than the monorail or Epcot resorts, getting WL CL with a discount can't be beat .

 

[pas130]

I am here my friend and late for the party....sorry. Ugh....want to try WL

 

[TJA]

I know exactly what you mean as we love the WL, but not having a daybed is a factor for us. We have 2 older teens and once we tried the Poly and GF with the daybed and larger rooms, it's hard to go back to the WL without one. With that said, I am contemplating a future WL CL stay if I can convince my DSs to just go with it for one trip .

Yes, I do know how you love the CR .....and I am excited to try it in December . For some reason CR CL doesn't appeal to me much from reviews/pics I've seen . I keep going back and forth about keeping my ressie there for New Years or changing to WL CL, but I think for now I'm sticking with CR. It's so hard to choose for 1 trip, so I guess I need to start taking more trips throughout the year so I can try all the resorts I want to in less time .

I wonder if the disney resorts have "cots" that we can add to the room. Probably for an extra nightly charge, but at least that would be an option. I think it's hard for a family of 4 to sleep in just 2 queens once the kids reach a certain age (regardless of DH's snoring! ). It's doable, but like you said, once we've stayed at the other resorts with a sofa bed, it's tough to go without it.

We are also booked for CR CL for September and I also considered changing to WL CL, but I think I'll keep CR and save WL for next time! The pictures of the view from CR CL look awesome. WDWKOOK probably posted them. That is one thing we really enjoyed about Poly CL -- sitting in the lounge at night eating dessert while watching Wishes.....

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am here my friend and late for the party....sorry. Ugh....want to try WL

You are fashionably late, and you have a very good excuse. Shouldn't you be sleeping after your long shift, nurse Perdue?

I wonder if the disney resorts have "cots" that we can add to the room. Probably for an extra nightly charge, but at least that would be an option. I think it's hard for a family of 4 to sleep in just 2 queens once the kids reach a certain age (regardless of DH's snoring! ). It's doable, but like you said, once we've stayed at the other resorts with a sofa bed, it's tough to go without it.

We are also booked for CR CL for September and I also considered changing to WL CL, but I think I'll keep CR and save WL for next time! The pictures of the view from CR CL look awesome. WDWKOOK probably posted them. That is one thing we really enjoyed about Poly CL -- sitting in the lounge at night eating dessert while watching Wishes.....

I absolutely understand and appreciate the fact that it is very hard for families like yours and mickeynut1's to not have the daybed like at the Poly and CR. I even asked if they might be added to the new rooms and was told that they won't be added and that the furniture configuration would stay the same. The WL rooms are just too small to comfortably accommodate a daybed. Even POR/POFQ got rid of the trundles after replacing the double beds with queens. They don't supply cots, but I've read of some guests at other resorts who've brought their own air mattresses.

Yep, that view from the Atrium Club is gorgeous. I think it's the best view of any CL. The Poly is really nice, too with its floor to ceiling window near the beach, but because the Atrium Club is on the 12th floor, the expansive view of MK, Seven Seas Lagoon, GF and Poly is just incomparable, IMHO:


Here's a great photo looking to the right inside the lounge from http://www.contemporaryresort.net/atriumclub.html:

 

[pas130]

You are fashionably late, and you have a very good excuse. Shouldn't you be sleeping after your long shift, nurse Perdue

Yes I wish I was napping....but DH is at work soooooooooooooooooo I just got off the phone with CRO.....and guess where I am staying next month

 

[WDWKOOK]

Yes I wish I was napping....but DH is at work soooooooooooooooooo I just got off the phone with CRO.....and guess where I am staying next month

I know this may/might/probably/most likely will be a temporary change, but as fleeting as it may be, it's a GREAT change! You might even be able to be in a renovated room. The South Wing CL rooms should be completed in a few weeks. Make sure you request a South Wing renovated room and then post LOTS of photos to the WL thread. Oh, and don't change, okay?

 

[mickeynut1]

I am here my friend and late for the party....sorry. Ugh....want to try WL

The WL is awesome .

I wonder if the disney resorts have "cots" that we can add to the room. Probably for an extra nightly charge, but at least that would be an option. I think it's hard for a family of 4 to sleep in just 2 queens once the kids reach a certain age (regardless of DH's snoring! ). It's doable, but like you said, once we've stayed at the other resorts with a sofa bed, it's tough to go without it.

We are also booked for CR CL for September and I also considered changing to WL CL, but I think I'll keep CR and save WL for next time! The pictures of the view from CR CL look awesome. WDWKOOK probably posted them. That is one thing we really enjoyed about Poly CL -- sitting in the lounge at night eating dessert while watching Wishes.....

I hear ya . We started going to Disney when our DSs were 6 & 8 and things were easy back then.....now that they're 17 & (almost) 19, it's gotten quite a bit harder with sleeping arrangements . But Disney knows what they're doing because it's easy to get hooked with the larger rooms and daybeds at the other deluxe resorts. The WL is great for the price (even without a discount, IMO), but the extra space and extra bed is so nice like at the Poly, CR, and GF .

Not to hijack KOOK's thread (sorry KOOK, don't mean to ), but what is your opinion of Poly CL? We love the Poly and reading about the view from the lounge is one of the things that makes me want to try it, but I have read alot of negative reviews about the food, the CMs, etc. that every time I think I'm ready to book it, I change my mind and go with something else. But I hear the view is just amazing . Would love to hear another opinion of it.

I absolutely understand and appreciate the fact that it is very hard for families like yours and mickeynut1's to not have the daybed like at the Poly and CR. I even asked if they might be added to the new rooms and was told that they won't be added and that the furniture configuration would stay the same. The WL rooms are just too small to comfortably accommodate a daybed. Even POR/POFQ got rid of the trundles after replacing the double beds with queens. They don't supply cots, but I've read of some guests at other resorts who've brought their own air mattresses.

Yep, that view from the Atrium Club is gorgeous. I think it's the best view of any CL. The Poly is really nice, too with its floor to ceiling window near the beach, but because the Atrium Club is on the 12th floor, the expansive view of MK, Seven Seas Lagoon, GF and Poly is just incomparable, IMHO:


Here's a great photo looking to the right inside the lounge from http://www.contemporaryresort.net/atriumclub.html:

I love this pic . We are booked CR TPV in December with all nights at holiday rate . But after seeing this pic, I'm thinking maybe arrive 12/31 and stay into January and upgrade to standard room Atrium CL as it would be the same price as what I have now, with MK view Atrium CL only being about $380 more than my regular TPV with holiday rates . Plus I'm thinking I may even be able to snag a room discount for the last few nights as that will be value season . Definitely something to think about....thanks, KOOK .

Yes I wish I was napping....but DH is at work soooooooooooooooooo I just got off the phone with CRO.....and guess where I am staying next month

You are cracking me up . You will LOVE the WL....the resort is beautiful and CL is amazing .

 

[scanne]

WDWKOOK,

I noticed that you requested a particular room #. Is this more acceptable when staying CL? In the past, I have booked courtyard views and requested inner courtyard and never got it (I know it's a request - but I don't think the "courtyard" views of the villas is so spectacular.

I would REALLY like a view of the inner courtyard on this trip.
Are there any "bear face" rooms on the CL that overlook the entire CY?

Part of me doesn't even want to request anything, but part of me would love that view...

What would you recommend?

THANKS!

 

[MickeyT]

Thanks for the review Kook. And thanks to you and your family for your service to our country!

We love staying at WL and VWL. We did a split stay in the villas during marathon week. The holiday decorations were still up during our visit and the resort was gorgeous. We have not stayed WL CL yet. We have done Poly, BC and AKL CL's. We are DVC members so when we stay on cash we always look for deals on CL. Love being pampered and Old Faithful sounds perfect.

 

[pas130]

I know this may/might/probably/most likely will be a temporary change, but as fleeting as it may be, it's a GREAT change! You might even be able to be in a renovated room. The South Wing CL rooms should be completed in a few weeks. Make sure you request a South Wing renovated room and then post LOTS of photos to the WL thread. Oh, and don't change, okay?

South Wing...got it. If I don't I will ask if I can seea new room (I'll drop your name ) This may stick....I haven't thought of a reason NOT to stay there....1st time all year And HRH approves, shelikes the chocolates....

You are cracking me up . You will LOVE the WL....the resort is beautiful and CL is amazing .

I'm a mess! But in a silly way

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm a mess! But in a silly way

I'm right there with ya . We are booked for our first CR stay in December and although I haven't officially CALLED and changed, I have made MANY changes in my head.....on a daily basis . I hope you stick with the WL and give it a try because it really is a great resort .

 

[pas130]

I'm right there with ya . We are booked for our first CR stay in December and although I haven't officially CALLED and changed, I have made MANY changes in my head.....on a daily basis . I hope you stick with the WL and give it a try because it really is a great resort .

I hope so too...I am not missing my Poly reservation, but sad for GF...Rebooked a short trip for Sept. RPC so I have that... and there is the price and the construction walls...the pool will be a big part of our days...the WL looks great to explore...DH loves resort down time, IMO he will enjoy the WL more than GF CR has popped in my head several times but the AP rate stinks...hardly a discount at all

 

[TJA]

Not to hijack KOOK's thread (sorry KOOK, don't mean to ), but what is your opinion of Poly CL? We love the Poly and reading about the view from the lounge is one of the things that makes me want to try it, but I have read alot of negative reviews about the food, the CMs, etc. that every time I think I'm ready to book it, I change my mind and go with something else. But I hear the view is just amazing . Would love to hear another opinion of it.

WDWKOOK may want to touch on this too, but I'll give you my thoughts. I only have BC CL to compare Poly CL with, so keep that in mind. As far as the positives, we thought the food offerings were great at Poly CL. The hot appetizers were different each night, along with different variations of the cold appetizers. They had their pog juice which we loved and also a jug that contained alcohol that I personally loved. The view was spectacular (can't wait to see the view at CR CL too! Great pic WDWKOOK!) Now for our negatives....we had zero interaction with the CM's. I think partly/mostly because of the setup of the 3 floors. The CM's are in desks on the 1st floor and you never walk past them, or even close enough to them to say hello and have that personal interaction. They'd never remember us if we returned because they/we never had any personal contact. Also, there are so many ways in and out of the lounge, it seems, that it makes it feel a little chaotic. There are stairs on both sides of the lounge leading to the 1st and 3rd floors, so obviously there are doors on each side, people running in and out, up and down, it just felt chaotic. These negatives to us may not necessarily be negatives to someone else. Perhaps just more a personal preference. Hope that helps!

 

[wdwnut61]

Thanks for the great review I really enjoyed reading your BWI review as well. The WL will always hold a special place for our family WL was the resort we stayed in on our first Disney trip as a family

 

[mickeynut1]

I hope so too...I am not missing my Poly reservation, but sad for GF...Rebooked a short trip for Sept. RPC so I have that... and there is the price and the construction walls...the pool will be a big part of our days...the WL looks great to explore...DH loves resort down time, IMO he will enjoy the WL more than GF CR has popped in my head several times but the AP rate stinks...hardly a discount at all

It's hard choosing since there are so many great choices. We love the Poly, but we also like trying different resorts......but with that said, we will be back at the Poly next summer after our cruise . I am looking forward to trying the CR. The theme/decor doesn't appeal to me at all, but I think it will be fun to try.....and who knows, I may end up loving it . I understand about RPC and the cost......but it really is an awesome place to stay and since you like SL, I think you'll love staying in the main building. I can't say enough good things about it. I think you will love WL too. It's hard to compare the GF to the WL since they are totally different, but I rank the Poly, GF, and WL right up there together. Out of all of the resorts we've tried, if I had to pick my 3 favorite, those would be my 3. All of them are unique in their own way and there are things I love about each of them .

WDWKOOK may want to touch on this too, but I'll give you my thoughts. I only have BC CL to compare Poly CL with, so keep that in mind. As far as the positives, we thought the food offerings were great at Poly CL. The hot appetizers were different each night, along with different variations of the cold appetizers. They had their pog juice which we loved and also a jug that contained alcohol that I personally loved. The view was spectacular (can't wait to see the view at CR CL too! Great pic WDWKOOK!) Now for our negatives....we had zero interaction with the CM's. I think partly/mostly because of the setup of the 3 floors. The CM's are in desks on the 1st floor and you never walk past them, or even close enough to them to say hello and have that personal interaction. They'd never remember us if we returned because they/we never had any personal contact. Also, there are so many ways in and out of the lounge, it seems, that it makes it feel a little chaotic. There are stairs on both sides of the lounge leading to the 1st and 3rd floors, so obviously there are doors on each side, people running in and out, up and down, it just felt chaotic. These negatives to us may not necessarily be negatives to someone else. Perhaps just more a personal preference. Hope that helps!

This helps alot, thank you . I can understand how the going in and out in separate areas would make it seem chaotic. I found GF SL to be very chaotic. There are 2 entrances there (one from the marina side and one from the courtyard side) and although that aspect didn't make things hectic per say, the limited space and the amount of people in there during certain times just made me not want to deal with all the people in there . I know all of the lounges have their busy times, their rude guests, etc., but in my experience, some are worse than others. I'm thinking it might be awhile before we try CL at the Poly, but I do thank you for your input as it does give me something to think about .

 

[WDWKOOK]

The WL is awesome .


Not to hijack KOOK's thread (sorry KOOK, don't mean to ), but what is your opinion of Poly CL? We love the Poly and reading about the view from the lounge is one of the things that makes me want to try it, but I have read alot of negative reviews about the food, the CMs, etc. that every time I think I'm ready to book it, I change my mind and go with something else. But I hear the view is just amazing . Would love to hear another opinion of it.

I love this pic . We are booked CR TPV in December with all nights at holiday rate . But after seeing this pic, I'm thinking maybe arrive 12/31 and stay into January and upgrade to standard room Atrium CL as it would be the same price as what I have now, with MK view Atrium CL only being about $380 more than my regular TPV with holiday rates . Plus I'm thinking I may even be able to snag a room discount for the last few nights as that will be value season . Definitely something to think about....thanks, KOOK .

You are not threadjacking AT ALL. In fact, I encourage posters to venture beyond my threads' titles. As long as it has to do with WDW - no problem with me. You know how I love talking about all WDW Resorts, so I hope that everyone, on any thread that bears my name, will feel comfortable enough to bring up other WDW Resorts and compare/contrast/complain/compliment!

BTW, do you have APs? Is there any chance you'll be able to apply a discount? hope you can get some sort of discount so you don't have to pay rack rate

WDWKOOK,

I noticed that you requested a particular room #. Is this more acceptable when staying CL? In the past, I have booked courtyard views and requested inner courtyard and never got it (I know it's a request - but I don't think the "courtyard" views of the villas is so spectacular.

I would REALLY like a view of the inner courtyard on this trip.
Are there any "bear face" rooms on the CL that overlook the entire CY?

Part of me doesn't even want to request anything, but part of me would love that view...

What would you recommend?

THANKS!

That's interesting that you being this up, scanne because this is the first time I've ever requested a room number. In fact, I generally discourage people from doing this because the room assignor won't know why you've requested the room if it's not available.

Since it's a unique room, one of only two, I took a chance requesting it. Since it's CL, the concierges can assign/re-assign rooms. If that room hadn't been assigned to us, I could have easily then asked (politely) for a room w/o a connecting door and inner CV or even a WV would have been great for us.

That particular room is one of only two rooms that face Bay Lake/geyser directly. It's not actually a bear face room because the windows to the lounge are actually above the "bear face" rooms. There are no "bear face" CL rooms. There is a CL room that would be a bear face room since it's to the immediate right of the CL lounge window (from the outside), but that is actually the CL manager's office. "Our" room is the very top, furthest left room in this photo:

Thanks for the review Kook. And thanks to you and your family for your service to our country!

We love staying at WL and VWL. We did a split stay in the villas during marathon week. The holiday decorations were still up during our visit and the resort was gorgeous. We have not stayed WL CL yet. We have done Poly, BC and AKL CL's. We are DVC members so when we stay on cash we always look for deals on CL. Love being pampered and Old Faithful sounds perfect.

That's so sweet of you, MickeyT

We never book without a discount either. We've been so lucky to have the 40% off for several years now and we love TIW. I hope you can get a great discount so you can someday try WL/CL

I hope so too...I am not missing my Poly reservation, but sad for GF...Rebooked a short trip for Sept. RPC so I have that... and there is the price and the construction walls...the pool will be a big part of our days...the WL looks great to explore...DH loves resort down time, IMO he will enjoy the WL more than GF CR has popped in my head several times but the AP rate stinks...hardly a discount at all

I know your home is at the GF/CL and you'll be there for your secret trip soon! CR pops into my head, too. I think about the great Tower room/BLV and dining and that walkway to the MK. But, then I remind myself that a Tower BLV NON-CL room is the same price as a WL/CL room and I dislike their claustrophobic gym, the outdoor jogging can't compare with FW, and if we're at WL, it's so easy to boat over to eat at the CR. There, I'm over it.

WDWKOOK may want to touch on this too, but I'll give you my thoughts. I only have BC CL to compare Poly CL with, so keep that in mind. As far as the positives, we thought the food offerings were great at Poly CL. The hot appetizers were different each night, along with different variations of the cold appetizers. They had their pog juice which we loved and also a jug that contained alcohol that I personally loved. The view was spectacular (can't wait to see the view at CR CL too! Great pic WDWKOOK!) Now for our negatives....we had zero interaction with the CM's. I think partly/mostly because of the setup of the 3 floors. The CM's are in desks on the 1st floor and you never walk past them, or even close enough to them to say hello and have that personal interaction. They'd never remember us if we returned because they/we never had any personal contact. Also, there are so many ways in and out of the lounge, it seems, that it makes it feel a little chaotic. There are stairs on both sides of the lounge leading to the 1st and 3rd floors, so obviously there are doors on each side, people running in and out, up and down, it just felt chaotic. These negatives to us may not necessarily be negatives to someone else. Perhaps just more a personal preference. Hope that helps!

Great points! I think you're so right that CM interaction (good, bad or non-existant) can make a big difference in your CL or non-CL experience.

I remember the first time we stayed CL at WL over Christmas 2010, DD and I were upgraded to CL access, but we stayed on the 5th floor. We never had turn-down and I don't recall talking to any CL CMs. We were kind of anonymous being that we were staying on a different floor of WL and we weren't probably even on the CL list since we were a check-in upgrade

I've also read that at the Poly, you have to ask for beer as they don't leave it out in a fridge and you get a lot of guests in swimsuits/bare feet because it's so close to the VP, but I've never stayed CL there. We tried to visit the KKC last summer. We were staying at WL and we asked in the GCH if we could have a tour of the KKC. Instead of calling the KKC or having a CM take us over, like they so kindly did for us at BWI, they told us that we could knock on the door of the KKC and see if a CM would let us in to see the lounge. What an underwhelming level of service! Between that lack of customer service and some pretty awful reviews I've read over the years, and we had a bad last non-CL stay there, we won't be trying it.

Thanks for the great review I really enjoyed reading your BWI review as well. The WL will always hold a special place for our family WL was the resort we stayed in on our first Disney trip as a family

Thank you and what a nice memory! It was our first Deluxe Resort. I remember DH saw an ad in Architectural Digest back when it first opened and he showed it to me and said that was where he dreamed of staying. He still loves it.