Wilderness Lodge Mess

[FidFam]

Ok, well, I guess I thought of a question.....BF booked directly thru Disney. Are they just giving everyone a $50/night credit for staying, or is it only for those that call to complain? We really don't have a complaint yet since we've not seen the real situation. We aren't very picky, and are really just happy to have some alone time, but one of the reasons we did pick WL was because it is nice and quiet.

The only thing they are offering without calling is the Water Park tickets - anything else ($50 credit, moving to another resort, etc) is only happening when you call to discuss this with Guest Services ahead of time...

 

[anniebean]

Thank you. I just found out he paid extra for courtyard view too. I think he should call to at least get us moved to a different view if possible.

 

[corvidae]

We are supposed to be at the WL 9/9-9/17 for our first trip to DW. My boys (15, 12, & 8) specifically picked it out because of the "nature" theme and the boat transportation in MK. I've been reading (ok, lurking) on DISboards for a couple of weeks now and came across this thread. I didn't realize they were doing that much refurbishment (looks kinf of like that whole courtyard area is going to be blocked off?) and panicked a bit for my boys' sake. We were at Disneyland a few years ago when they were re-doing the Disneyland Hotel pool and it was more than a bit intrusive, so I got worried the boys were going to be upset when we got there. Upset boys=upset mommy=freaking out and obsessing. Considering how much overtime I worked just to pay for this trip and how badly these kids need some non-stressed out vacation time (bad couple of years), I have to admit, I might have mentally overreacted. There could be some single parent wants everything perfect issues there. Maybe.

As absurd and minor as it sounds, there was also a little problem with the chocolates the CL housekeeper leaves on the pillows--middle son is celiac and those chocolates are processed in a facility with wheat, but I was militantly told by a CM when I called that they were going to leave them regardless because "it's just what housekeeping does." That upset Middle Son (kind of hard on a 12 year old to have a chocolate left on his pillow, then be told he can't have it every night) which upset Mommy, which may have brought up those whole freaky single parent issues again, and, between that and the construction, I was ready to jump ship.

Called up Disney, somewhat incoherently talked to the first guy and eventually managed to explain both the concerns. The poor guy nearly had a stroke when he heard about the chocolates--apparently, the previous answer I got was completely unacceptable and the guy was appalled that another CM had told me that. He transferred me to guest services and I got the same reaction about the chocolates there as well as the super nice guy giving me several options as to what we could do regarding the construction at WL. He offered several other resorts with comparable rooms (AKL, GF, Contemporary) as well as a credit back to my account. If I switched to the other hotels, it would be at a discount equal to the credit I would get if I stayed at WL.

Once Youngest Son got it through his head that the construction workers were not going to actually be in our room waking us up all night (where DO kids come up with these things??), the boys all opted to stay at WL and take the credit as extra spending money for them--which translated into another night of MNSSHP. Now, I feel like they are completely prepared for the construction, it isn't going to bother them, they still get the "nature" thing, the stupid chocolates aren't going to be left as a reminder of what Middle Son can't have, and everyone is happy.

I'm now going to strangle that stupid single parent freak out voice so we can all relax and enjoy ourselves...

 

[goofy4tink]

While the situation sucks for DVC folks, the truth is that DVC folks are owners. Owners bear the cost--in this case a major disruption--of capital improvements. That's basic real estate. Plus, Disney is a business. Disney already has a lot of money from a DVC owner. It's not surprising that cash guests, who can walk away within the cancellation policies, are treated differently. I'm not saying that I'd be happy about it either, but it is what DVC owners bought into.

Who do you think is bearing the cost of 'capitol improvements' at the Lodge? The people paying to stay there. My payment entitles me to the same amenities that you, the Lodge guest, is getting. In fact, perhaps, DVC dues pay for it, the Hidden Springs pool should be kept for just those staying in the villas. But, it isn't. Believe me......DVC owners are not the only ones paying for those rehabs! Not to mention? Our DVC dues aren't going to anything being done at VWL...we don't own there.

 

[stephgles]

Does anyone have pics of the construction areas

 

[FidFam]

Construction doesn't start until 9/03

 

[MamaBear58]

Who do you think is bearing the cost of 'capitol improvements' at the Lodge? The people paying to stay there. My payment entitles me to the same amenities that you, the Lodge guest, is getting. In fact, perhaps, DVC dues pay for it, the Hidden Springs pool should be kept for just those staying in the villas. But, it isn't. Believe me......DVC owners are not the only ones paying for those rehabs! Not to mention? Our DVC dues aren't going to anything being done at VWL...we don't own there.

Yes, but guests aren't obligated to pay for those improvements except as part of our rate, which we can reject within a cancellation period. We all pay for it any time we stay at a Disney resort...that doesn't mean we have to be there while the work is being done.

DVC owners are just that--owners--who, as you say, pay dues. That's part of being an owner. And yes, dues may technically pay for improvements where you own, but it's the ownership that entitles you to swap and stay elsewhere. Should owned units get use of a private pool? Yes, if that's what they bargained for when they bought in. But if not, so long as Disney is within the contract, it can do what it likes. I'm not saying I'd like it. I'm just saying that it is a different "guest" as far a Disney is concerned.

 

[klwdisney]

With that kind of significant savings, I'd jump on the POR Royal Room! We are trying CR this time, but POR is our favorite hotel! LOTS of activities for the kids! We traveled with a 7 year old last year who LOVED POR! They have a boat to DTD, they have Yehaww Bob, Delicious food court!, fishing hole that the kids would love, etc. etc. etc. etc. LOVE this resort!!

 

[Cira]

If I make it over to the WL this weekend, I will take photos and attempt to post them here. Photos, that is, of whatever "construction" or set up is there at the pool and pool area for those who have inquired.

let me get this straight...

you were offered a $50 a night discount and 1 day waterpark tickets as an option staying CRO or ability to relocate, very accommodating imo.

so sad, too bad for DVC members staying on points (me) it appearsnot very magical imo.

Congrats to those who were savvy enough to call in and negotiate. Despite being an official red-headed stepchild, I might as well expend the same effort to call member services to see if they will offer us BB tix for our stay in October.

Heck, if enough of us called in to complain of un-even treatment perhaps we'll get some pixie dust too.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

If I make it over to the WL this weekend, I will take photos and attempt to post them here. Photos, that is, of whatever "construction" or set up is there at the pool and pool area for those who have inquired.

The construction doesn't start until Sept 3rd.

 

[JeninTexas]

I called and they offered to switch me to CR. I don't know much about the Contemporary. Would this be a good switch?

 

[dpswift]

I called and they offered to switch me to CR. I don't know much about the Contemporary. Would this be a good switch?

I would think it would be a good switch. It is the closest to MK. I would guess that it would be a garden room which is not in the main tower.

Remember that WL guests are allowed to use the pool. From what I hear it can handle the extra guests, however I have heard some grumblings about it.

DD ultimately decided to stay at WL. She really wanted a bunkbed room but once she got up the nerve to call GS they were full for her dates so she took the credit insted.

 

[GasparillaGriller]

I will be staying in a Woods View room at the WL in September. When I made the reservation, the CM informed me about the construction and that the pool would be closed. When I asked whether the waterfall and stream would be running, she said that they would and that the construction would be limited to the pool area and not really affect me otherwise. Based on what I have been able to gather from this thread, it seems that the disruption to the feel of the resort could be more extensive than what the CM's comments seemed to indicate. Having said that, does anyone have a clear sense of whether any guests who were notified of the pool construction at the time of their booking are being offered the $50 per night credit or option to switch to another resort at a discount/no extra cost? Does anyone have any further information about the extent of the construction? Will the waterfall and stream be running? Thanks.

 

[SB in KY]

Me(44) DW(32) DS(8) DD(2.5) are traveling to WDW for our families first trip from 9/20-9/29. We were so excited about the WL and had a great price with dining plan (just over $4,000). As most know, the pool is scheduled to be refurbed 9/3-11/27. We received the ever-so-timely letter just days ago that catapulted us from simply securing a few more ADRs to complete logistical chaos, so I have come to the great and powerful DISboards for guidance.

I would be booking the POR and doing the happy dance on the bus back to the room every afternoon! I really love the WL but for $1100+ I would be super happy at POR. I like it there too. The pool areas are great and honestly the bus ride isn't much more hassle than the boat ride from the MK. I like the pools at the CR and the boat ride over there in the little boats is actually really fun....but I am still thinking $1100, $1100.... We stayed at VWL last year and they were rehabbing the pool by the villas and it was constant hammering and machinery all day every day right outside our balcony. Was not pleasant. You might be glad you switched.

 

[JeninTexas]

I will be staying in a Woods View room at the WL in September. When I made the reservation, the CM informed me about the construction and that the pool would be closed. When I asked whether the waterfall and stream would be running, she said that they would and that the construction would be limited to the pool area and not really affect me otherwise. Based on what I have been able to gather from this thread, it seems that the disruption to the feel of the resort could be more extensive than what the CM's comments seemed to indicate. Having said that, does anyone have a clear sense of whether any guests who were notified of the pool construction at the time of their booking are being offered the $50 per night credit or option to switch to another resort at a discount/no extra cost? Does anyone have any further information about the extent of the construction? Will the waterfall and stream be running? Thanks.

When I called yesterday to find out more information about the construction, I told the CM I had learned that the geyser and stream would also be closed. She did not deny this. I think the best source of information about the construction comes from the DISers that are there now and have reported about the stream already bring dry, etc.

 

[kastoney]

I called and they offered to switch me to CR. I don't know much about the Contemporary. Would this be a good switch?

That is likely a good deal if they offered. The told me I could move to CR for an extra $2500. Umm no thank you. We are booked in a deluxe club level and to get us anything close to comparable would be exorbanant. I was hoping I could switch without paying for an upgrade but the price difference was too great. I don't care about the pool it's the noise with a napper that concerns me.

 

[dimndgal1]

I am slightly frustrated at the credit situation -- it seems sometimes they are forthcoming and sometimes they aren't. My TA called about the credit and was told rather firmly no but now I'm wondering if it's worth emailing.

I just wish they had a flat "this is what they are doing" v. the randomness of it all!

 

[kastoney]

I am slightly frustrated at the credit situation -- it seems sometimes they are forthcoming and sometimes they aren't. My TA called about the credit and was told rather firmly no but now I'm wondering if it's worth emailing. I just wish they had a flat "this is what they are doing" v. the randomness of it all!

I want going to push the issue until I saw the word jackhammer. I sent an email and got a call within a few hours. We first looked into other options and when nothing would work for us due to cost was offered the $50 off a night without asking.

 

[JeninTexas]

They never offered me a discount at all. The first CM I talked to even denied that they were giving BB tickets to guests. I agree with the other posters that the most frustrating thing about the situation is how inconsistent Disney is in dealing with it. In the end, I am happy with the accommodation I got, but I had to make several calls to get it all straightened out.

 

[GasparillaGriller]

When I called yesterday to find out more information about the construction, I told the CM I had learned that the geyser and stream would also be closed. She did not deny this. I think the best source of information about the construction comes from the DISers that are there now and have reported about the stream already bring dry, etc.

Does anyone have any other info about the stream? I told the CM I spoke to that this was a concern of mine and she explicitly told me it would be running for my September stay. It looks like I'm going to have to call...