Wilderness Lodge Mess

[kmorlock]

I'd be curious if anyone has cancelled due to this issue and whether or not Disney is refunding other trip-related expenses. I believe that I'd be fine with the ADRs, and we haven't purchases tickets yet except MVMCP. If we cancel because there's no availability at another MK resort in our price range, I obviously don't need those tickets. And yes, I know that it says nonrefundable, but this is Disney's change (one less pool, construction), not mine. When I booked the room and bought the tickets I thought I was staying in a balcony room at an MK resort with 2 pools and no construction! Thanks.

If you still want to pursue a modified reservation, they will work with you. I called very early on before letters were sent and expressed how much we wanted to come but hubby didn't want to be at VWL with construction and no main pool - Disney was very accommodating for us at that time. We had a BB discount at VWL. Since we needed a villa, our options were somewhat limited. BLT is almost always booked out. VGF not our taste either. We were initially offered the standard SSR, AKL or BW. After asking reservationist if they could speak to someone who could help, GS intervened and moved us to BCV at very little increase. I have heard others also being moved to BLT studios and GF. Poly was also on the table but, obviously much more construction there. We also had a one night at POFQ that could not be added to our reside earlier on. I called the letter number yesterday to re-check availability. I was elevated to GS who advised each case is being handled differently. GS amazingly combined our first night RO into the ressie at no further charge. So, money wise we came out way ahead! I am sure if they know you may be canceling, they will make a way. There are some GS who will do more than others. Don't hesitate to call back.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

seriously!?!?

I just shot off an email to guest services to see if that gets me anywhere before I spend an hour of my life sitting on the phone with them. Will update with results.

UPDATE: got a call back already! That is the disney service I have come to love! pixie dust:

It was a quick call with a very nice rep. He gave me a few options. I can get the $50/nt to stay, or move to BC, BW, CR GW, or GF TPV...still keeping the FD discount and the will also discount 50% of the price increase. Seems fair to me. I also want to note that he was able to offer me rooms that are not avail for booking online, since all that shows up online now are water views, etc, which are much more expensive. Now to decide what to do...

ETA:
I also asked about how often these refurbs end on time, early, late, etc. He said he has seen it do all three, but usually on time or couple days early.

 

[EGW113]

I just called the number from the letter to ask about my options since we have a WL CY room booked for November 16-22 with FD. I was offered a room at BLT which would increase our cost $600 (no compensation offered) or a room at a moderate without FD. When I asked about room discounts at WL the CM told me that was not true and that they were not offering any further discounts on WL rooms and not to believe what I read on the internet. I'm extremely frustrated with the way the CM acted towards me. She was in no way helpful or apologetic. Has anyone else had this experience? I was really hoping to be offered the $50/night discount as I feel like we're paying for an upgraded room and not actually getting it.

ETA: Would you all call back another day to speak with another CM? Hating that we decided to "splurge" on this room!

 

[patty57]

ETA: Would you all call back another day to speak with another CM? Hating that we decided to "splurge" on this room!

Yes, I would call back. If you get a similar answer, maybe ask if they will connect you to guest relations.

 

[kastoney]

Still no letter for me. And I am a cash guest booked thru disney. Our dates are 11/17-25. Wonder if they think they might finish up early and are waiting to send out letter to nov guests. Anyone else traveling in nov get a letter?

We are 60 days out tomorrow and I haven't heard a peep.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I just called the number from the letter to ask about my options since we have a WL CY room booked for November 16-22 with FD. I was offered a room at BLT which would increase our cost $600 (no compensation offered) or a room at a moderate without FD. When I asked about room discounts at WL the CM told me that was not true and that they were not offering any further discounts on WL rooms and not to believe what I read on the internet. I'm extremely frustrated with the way the CM acted towards me. She was in no way helpful or apologetic. Has anyone else had this experience? I was really hoping to be offered the $50/night discount as I feel like we're paying for an upgraded room and not actually getting it.

ETA: Would you all call back another day to speak with another CM? Hating that we decided to "splurge" on this room!

Was it Chantella? I was offered a discount per night, but I was initially told it would be another $700 as well to change to GF.

Call back again and ask for someone else. Tell them you will cancel.

 

[tinkerbell7749]

We will be staying in January on points and will be watching this thread closely. This happened to us at VBR and I requested a change to WL for the same point value I had used . IT was approved. Good luck to all....

 

[minnime66]

I just called the number from the letter to ask about my options since we have a WL CY room booked for November 16-22 with FD. I was offered a room at BLT which would increase our cost $600 (no compensation offered) or a room at a moderate without FD. When I asked about room discounts at WL the CM told me that was not true and that they were not offering any further discounts on WL rooms and not to believe what I read on the internet. I'm extremely frustrated with the way the CM acted towards me. She was in no way helpful or apologetic. Has anyone else had this experience? I was really hoping to be offered the $50/night discount as I feel like we're paying for an upgraded room and not actually getting it. ETA: Would you all call back another day to speak with another CM? Hating that we decided to "splurge" on this room!

YES please call back and ask to speak to GS the number on the letter brings you to reservations and they are no help at all and can't offer discounts..

 

[sharibrat]

Wow ~ saw a picture of the stream through WL grounds today and was bummed. Read through a few pages of this thread….

So we booked WL for November of this year and then received our letter a few weeks ago. Let me add, that in order to get the free dining (which works well for us), the only remaining rooms at WL were Club Level, which cost more. This trip, in total, is costing us about 2-3K more than other years due to several factors! (Club level, one child now being considered adult, etc).

We do NOT do much on site swimming when in Disney, though the kids always ask, so I was actually hoping to set a day aside for it this year. They've always admired the slide at WL. But we spend an entire day at Discovery Cove, so swimming is not top priority at the lodge for us. So I was ok with the pool closure.

But now seeing pictures of the grounds and stream boarded up and hearing about the lobby being boarded up….I am REALLY second guessing this. Mostly because we are paying MORE than ever before, and seems getting so much less. What 'feel' is left of the lodge if all of that is closed and you can't even walk the grounds?

At the time of booking, our options for Free dining were already so limited. I think Animal Kingdom was the only other resort with availability and it seemed so far from everything. One reason we started staying at the Lodge was it's close proximity to MK (kids are 8/11).

It sounds like I'll have to make the phone call to try and get a better deal or if we decide to move. Has anybody moved successfully and kept their free dining? Any tips or advice here? Think I could request staying at lodge in regular level room (and pricing) as a 'discount' instead of club level?

Also, our letter did not say anything about water park passes. Only use of the other pools…..

Would welcome any advice or suggestions!

 

[tevisco4]

I am hoping to get some help here.

What is the email to guest services that people are emailing to talk about the Wilderness Lodge mess? I called Disney and got NO where with this pool refurb and our stay. No other resorts are available either. I thought I would shoot an email over.

Thank you!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Wow ~ saw a picture of the stream through WL grounds today and was bummed. Read through a few pages of this thread….

So we booked WL for November of this year and then received our letter a few weeks ago. Let me add, that in order to get the free dining (which works well for us), the only remaining rooms at WL were Club Level, which cost more. This trip, in total, is costing us about 2-3K more than other years due to several factors! (Club level, one child now being considered adult, etc).

We do NOT do much on site swimming when in Disney, though the kids always ask, so I was actually hoping to set a day aside for it this year. They've always admired the slide at WL. But we spend an entire day at Discovery Cove, so swimming is not top priority at the lodge for us. So I was ok with the pool closure.

But now seeing pictures of the grounds and stream boarded up and hearing about the lobby being boarded up….I am REALLY second guessing this. Mostly because we are paying MORE than ever before, and seems getting so much less. What 'feel' is left of the lodge if all of that is closed and you can't even walk the grounds?

At the time of booking, our options for Free dining were already so limited. I think Animal Kingdom was the only other resort with availability and it seemed so far from everything. One reason we started staying at the Lodge was it's close proximity to MK (kids are 8/11).

It sounds like I'll have to make the phone call to try and get a better deal or if we decide to move. Has anybody moved successfully and kept their free dining? Any tips or advice here? Think I could request staying at lodge in regular level room (and pricing) as a 'discount' instead of club level?

Also, our letter did not say anything about water park passes. Only use of the other pools…..

Would welcome any advice or suggestions!

Yes I have free dining and I can keep it if I move. GS offered me rooms that did not show up in my search online.

 

[MamaBear58]

Wow ~ saw a picture of the stream through WL grounds today and was bummed. Read through a few pages of this thread….

So we booked WL for November of this year and then received our letter a few weeks ago. Let me add, that in order to get the free dining (which works well for us), the only remaining rooms at WL were Club Level, which cost more. This trip, in total, is costing us about 2-3K more than other years due to several factors! (Club level, one child now being considered adult, etc).

We do NOT do much on site swimming when in Disney, though the kids always ask, so I was actually hoping to set a day aside for it this year. They've always admired the slide at WL. But we spend an entire day at Discovery Cove, so swimming is not top priority at the lodge for us. So I was ok with the pool closure.

But now seeing pictures of the grounds and stream boarded up and hearing about the lobby being boarded up….I am REALLY second guessing this. Mostly because we are paying MORE than ever before, and seems getting so much less. What 'feel' is left of the lodge if all of that is closed and you can't even walk the grounds?

At the time of booking, our options for Free dining were already so limited. I think Animal Kingdom was the only other resort with availability and it seemed so far from everything. One reason we started staying at the Lodge was it's close proximity to MK (kids are 8/11).

It sounds like I'll have to make the phone call to try and get a better deal or if we decide to move. Has anybody moved successfully and kept their free dining? Any tips or advice here? Think I could request staying at lodge in regular level room (and pricing) as a 'discount' instead of club level?

Also, our letter did not say anything about water park passes. Only use of the other pools…..

Would welcome any advice or suggestions!

I don't even have free dining, and my TA got nowhere with Disney. Honestly, if there's no movement on Disney's part, we have to cancel our entire trip. We just can't afford to stay at what we deem a comparable MK resort room, and Disney told her that there's nothing available in what it deems comparable. Unacceptable customer service, as far as I'm concerned.

 

[EGW113]

YES please call back and ask to speak to GS the number on the letter brings you to reservations and they are no help at all and can't offer discounts..

Thanks for the tip! Is there a number directly to GS or do I have to go through the number on the letter first?

 

[sharibrat]

Yes I have free dining and I can keep it if I move. GS offered me rooms that did not show up in my search online.

May I ask where you moved to? What options did they give you for resorts to move to?

 

[minnime66]

Thanks for the tip! Is there a number directly to GS or do I have to go through the number on the letter first?

I I went through that number and asked for guest services. Be persistent !! They will give you the room discount I'm sure. Let me know how you make out . Still disappointed about the pool especially for DD 7 but still think it's an overall beautiful resort.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

May I ask where you moved to? What options did they give you for resorts to move to?

My stay is 8 nights at VWL with free dining.

I called and was offered $50/nt discount to stay at VWL, BC garden view was $50 more for the whole trip, BW standard view $50 more whole trip, CR garden wing $235 more whole trip, or GF TPV was about $1000. This was based on resort avail for my dates, but not free dining avail, which was nice.

I narrowed it down to stay at VWL, BW, or CR. We decided to stay put and take the discount. We have our fingers crossed that construction might end a couple days early. If not, at least we get to do a waterpark and have an extra $400 in our pockets. I can find some fun things to do at Wdw with $400. Our total cost for the trip for 5 people, 8 nights is $4880...room, tix, dining. If I can beat it with a room only discount later I will.

 

[tigger137]

Just had to share this!

No letter from Disney but finally got a response from my TA (hotels dot com):

You do not have to worry as we were able to confirm that the other 2 pools will be open for use.

It would seem that somewhere along the line, without any of us noticing, Disney sneaked another pool in there!

 

[EGW113]

I I went through that number and asked for guest services. Be persistent !! They will give you the room discount I'm sure. Let me know how you make out . Still disappointed about the pool especially for DD 7 but still think it's an overall beautiful resort.

Just finished speaking with Ricardo from GS and he was above and beyond helpful!! We were moved to CR Garden View with FD and no price change! I was really looking forward to WL and the holiday decor but I think CR will be a great location for us as we'll be spending most of our trip at MK! Thank you all for encouraging me to be persistent!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Just had to share this!

No letter from Disney but finally got a response from my TA (hotels dot com):



It would seem that somewhere along the line, without any of us noticing, Disney sneaked another pool in there!

Haha! Maybe you will be allowed to swim in the lobby stream.

 

[tigger137]

I am hoping to get some help here.

What is the email to guest services that people are emailing to talk about the Wilderness Lodge mess? I called Disney and got NO where with this pool refurb and our stay. No other resorts are available either. I thought I would shoot an email over.

Thank you!

Having not received any letter, and my TA being as good as useless (see my other post), I contacted Disney through the website. Not that it did me much good. I clearly stated that I live in the UK so it was not practical to phone them, and I specifically requested a response by e-mail.

The response I got was to contact them by phone.

Given the length of phone calls that I've read about on the boards, I can't afford to phone them and still go on vacation!