Wilderness Lodge Villas in January

[chrome64]

I'm going to call Member Services tomorrow to try to book a Studio at the Wilderness Lodge for Jan. 2-9. Should I worry that they won't be any availability? What about crowds during that week? I've never been during January, is there anything special that I should keep an eye out for?

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Jana

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

We just booked a last minute trip for Jan 9-13 the only studios available are at SSR, we are on a waitlist for BCV and BWV. We went in Jan 2004 and the crowds were NON EXISTENT, for us it is a GREAT time to go.

good luck I hope VWL are available for you

 

[btrim]

I am afraid you won't be able to get a studio at VWL unless there is a last minute cancellation. We are staying there during that same time and I tried to add a night on in front of our stay and couldn't get anything except at SSR. That doesn't bother us because it is our home resort and we love it there, but we are trying the Villas for the first time and it would have been nice not to have to move. Oh well, Disney makes it very easy to move because they will take care of your luggage. We will just go to VWL early the second day and check in and then hit the parks. The marathon crowd is there during this week. Last year it wasn't bad, but I know that alot of DVC'ers run the half and full marathon.

Good Luck!

 

[manning]

The marathon is on Jan. 8

 

[chrome64]

You were all right, there was basically nothing left. The CM offered to book us in a Grand Villa since it was available for consecutive nights! She suggested that I could invite alot of friends to go with me! HA! Anyway after doing some research she came back and found that the only place with the lowest number of points and consecutive nights available was a cabin at the Wilderness Campgrounds.

I'm going to have to get 5 more points from someone else but we will be able to stay for 7 nights. Anyone have any comments on the Cabins? I'm excited to have my own little house in Disney but it is a ton of points!!

 

[btrim]

We stayed in the homes at Ft. Wilderness before we became DVC members. We enjoyed our stay. It is very quiet and does take more time to get around to the parks. You have to figure out the bus system. The cabins themselves are nice. A pull down bed in the living room (not sofabed) and a full bed and bunk beds in the bedroom. Only one bath, but the kitchen and eating area is nice. We had a grill right outside our door so we cooked out some. I would hate to spend that many points, but you will be at Disney, so enjoy.

Will be there on January 1. Can't wait!

 

[DisneyPhD]

We booked last month (around) for Jan 4 to 11th the only DVC with studio openings was SSR. (We were waiting for a AP deal to save points but gave in.) In the end I am really looking forward to staying at SSR for the 1st time. Was there any opening there during that time?

We stayed at VWL Jan 1 to 7th 2004. I can't remember when we booked, I think it was in the 11 to 8 months window and we wait listed for the 1st and got it. VWL is popular in Jan and winter months because it is so warm and cozy and the Christmas decorations are so great.

Good luck, hope you have a great trip. Our days will overlap some so I hope we both have great weather and low crowds.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I do love the FW cabins, and I would love to stay there. We stayed there in the '80's and '90's before DVC. We all liked the Chip and Dale campfire programs. You don't have to worry about noise in the halls or noisy neighbors. You get mousekeeping and fresh towelsm which we both do like. DH doesn't like the bus service, I didn't mind it, I really just did love having our very own home in Disney!

Have a great time!

Bobbi

 

[chrome64]

Thanks for all the opinions! It makes it easier to know what everyone else thinks!

However, I called back today and found that the Contemporary had openings for the first 5 days of the trip for a Garden room. For about the same number of points as the Cabin, we give up the full kitchen for being on the monorail line. For the last two days of the trip we will still be at the Cabins so I will still get to check them out! I'm excited since I will get to see two new places that I have never stayed!

I also learned today (since I didn't have enough points left for Contemporary) that it is very easy to transfer points. So, if you ever need a few extra points or have a few that you don't need, check the DISBoard for others who have or need points!

Any comments about the Contemporary? I really only wanted to stay there for the convience of the Monorail since I will be alone with 2 kids the first few days! I have already booked Chef Mickey's for the first morning!!!!

Thanks All

 

[Deb & Bill]

We stayed on points at the Contemporary last summer and really enjoyed it. We were in the South Garden Wing and they were just starting to renovate part of the building. We thought it was a great place to stay.