WL questions -fridge/other requests

[timandlesley]

I just made a ressie for WL today (SOOO excited) and I was told refrigerators come standard but saw a few reviews where they were upset a fridge wasn't in the room. Is this something we can request on the ressie? What about the coffee maker and microwave (can those be requested before we get there too?)
I also read somewhere that you can only take the boat to MK but I'm almost 90% sure that isn't true that the bus runs there too, can anyone clarify this for me?
We have two kids and I know they have bunk beds, not sure if I want the two queens or bunk beds and don't really care either way but don't know what we'll get. Do you just find out when you check in what you have or is it pretty much a sure bet you'll get the queen beds instead of the bunk beds?
Thanks,
Lesley

 

[Ajax]

We were at the WL from 3/14 thru 3/20. Our woods-view room on the north side was equipped with a fridge, iron & board, and a cofee maker. We took both the bus & boat to the MK.

We had dined at the WL before, but never lodged there. Our room was on the ground floor with quick access to the pool & dining areas. The only complaints that I have is that the resort needs a refurb, judging from the wear on the furniture and door edges, the abysmal housekeeping, and the poor attitude of the staff at the Roaring Fork snack bar.

Regarding housekeeping, three times we were provided with decaf coffee only, twice our dirty glasses & cups were not removed & exchanged for clean ones, and on one black day we found that the beds had been made by only smoothing/tucking the blanket & bedspread, and the dirty towels replaced. And that was it! We'd returned late from Epcot, so didn't want full service at that hour of night. I called the front desk and complained, which resulted in a super job the next few days and a visit from a housekeeping supervisor.

The staff at Roaring Fork were too lazy too keep the Bunn coffee-makers up and running. Twice when I went in around 7am, both were empty, while both registers were manned by two young women who were having more fun conversing with each other than doing their job. When I pointed out that both machines needed to be reloaded and cycled, they looked at me with disdain, ambled over, and followed my suggestion. I also didn't like having our hot food from RF passed thru a 2'x2' hole after a shouted ticket number. The WL people need to visit POFQ or CS and observe a properly run food court. On the other hand, the service at Whispering Canyon & the Territory Lounge was very good.

We enjoyed our stay in general, but the obvious flaws that we found need to be remedied if the WL wants to be taken seriously as a deluxe resort.

 

[katallo]

It really disheartening to hear about this. We have stayed at the S/D for 4 years and decided to choose WL this year. We are going for Easter and honestly if it compares to Ajax's opinion, it will be the last time we choose a WDW resort.

 

[Maherae]

Hi! We were there 3/5-3/10. We enjoyed our stay at WL. We had a problem with check in that I attributed to the Travel Co. (Sorry, I did use them!). We wanted Woods View, but with all of the check in trouble, we were "Upgraded" to Courtyard. Didn't have the heart to tell them that we really wanted Woods View! We were just glad to be there! We had three rooms, one we needed with bunkbeds, and got. I requested the refrigerators at check-in and they were in our rooms! Iron, ironing board, coffee maker, coffee and hot tea were there for us. Mousekeeping did a great job for us. I really hope that Ajax wrote to tell WL the comments about their exprerience!

 

[ducklite]

Microwaves are not available for the rooms. The electrical service is not sufficient for the load they create.

They are in the process of equipping all rooms with a minifridge, however to the best of my knowledge this isn't complete, and there might not be one for you. You should request it when you make your reservation.

Anne

 

[jenjersnap]

We did not have a fridge in our room in February 2005 and it took a couple days for it to turn up. Clearly at that time they didn't have fridges for every room, but possibly they were still in the process of installing them. We hope so - we're staying again in May and need a fridge! We also had a coffeemaker. Unless you are staying at the Villas at WL, you will not have a microwave.

Other than the fridge, we had no complaints. Mousekeeping was good and the room cleaned early. The room did not seem excessively worn. Had a beautiful woods view of the castle and Wishes.

Have fun!

ETA: If a fridge is a necessity, I would request it on your ressie. Also, yes, there is a bus to MK. It used to go to the TTC but I am pretty sure it now goes directly to MK.

 

[Ajax]

Hi Katallo-
Be of stout heart! I'm firing off a letter to both the WL Manager & WDW Guest Services this weekend to address the issues that I detailed above. Perhaps they'll remedy the problem before your visit.

I may have been too harsh. The housekeeping and RF shortfalls were the only problems we encountered. The front desk and all other staff were courteous and prompt with their service. The breakfasts at Whispering Canyon were very good and the staged chaos was fun. And if your party is comprised of adults, I'd heartily reccomend the Territory Lounge for a relaxing libation at the end of a long day in the parks. Try the maple chicken wings with a Red Hook Ale. It's also hard to go wrong dining at Artist Point. You'll find that the pool and surrounding area are an exceptional place to take a mid-day break, or stretch out on the beach and doze!

The folks at the front desk were more than accomodating. Our 22 year old daughter joined us as a surprise, and the WL registered her as a 'junior' with no additional charge to us. They had a key-card waiting for her when she arrived without asking.

So overall, I'd give the WL a 7/10. They can attain a 9.5 easy if they put the boots to their staff in certain areas and refurb for normal wear & tear, which I understand is in the works.

But if anything isn't right, get on it pronto. Our initial complaint to houskeeping went unheeded, but the next call to the night manager got results.

Have a great trip!

 

[SpaceGirl]

The Roaring Fork is a snack bar...Not a Food Court, food courts are located at Moderates & Values that have no other restaurant.

 

[snowmouse]

We spent 3 nights at WL pre cruise at the end of Feb. I had reserved woods view, requesting otter pond, 5th floor. I had been told this would be my best shot at a castle view. We did get this room, but on our second night. When we initially checked in on a Thursday evening, we were told they couldn't accomodate our requests until the next day. This would not have seemed so unreasonable, except that during the time I was checking in I saw 4 other families told the same thing, "here's tonights room, we'll move you in the morning." I was annoyed that this was such common practice to inconvenience what seemed to be EVERYone! We also found the first floor room in desparate need of refurbishment. Generally dirty walls, peeling wallpaper, worn linens. We were really not impressed. Our 5th floor room was much cleaner I must say. Upon return from our cruise, we had one night at AKL, wow did they put WL to shame.

 

[Ajax]

The Roaring Fork is a snack bar...Not a Food Court, food courts are located at Moderates & Values that have no other restaurant.

I beg to differ. POR & CS both have full service restaurants in addition to their food courts. So did POFQ until Bonfamilles closed.

But that's beside the point. Like I said, I believe that in a deluxe resort, responding to a shouted ticket number then reaching into a hole in the wall to retrieve your food is no way to be served.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I didn't think she ment that some Moderates didn't have other restaurants. She was trying to tell you that Roaring Fork is just a snack bar, it isn't and never has been a food court.

From Deb's website:
What are the restaurants like at Wilderness Lodge?
There are 2 full service restaurants, a lounge and 2 snack bars.

But that's beside the point. Like I said, I believe that in a deluxe resort, responding to a shouted ticket number then reaching into a hole in the wall to retrieve your food is no way to be served.

Ajax

What would a better solution to stand in line until your food was cooked, or have pre cooked items like most fast foods (food courts) and it not be hot just warmed up? I'm not sure I understand what you want, they use this same system at at the Poly and CR in their snack bars.

 

[katallo]

Hi Katallo-
Be of stout heart! I'm firing off a letter to both the WL Manager & WDW Guest Services this weekend to address the issues that I detailed above. Perhaps they'll remedy the problem before your visit.

I may have been too harsh. The housekeeping and RF shortfalls were the only problems we encountered. The front desk and all other staff were courteous and prompt with their service. The breakfasts at Whispering Canyon were very good and the staged chaos was fun. And if your party is comprised of adults, I'd heartily reccomend the Territory Lounge for a relaxing libation at the end of a long day in the parks. Try the maple chicken wings with a Red Hook Ale. It's also hard to go wrong dining at Artist Point. You'll find that the pool and surrounding area are an exceptional place to take a mid-day break, or stretch out on the beach and doze!

The folks at the front desk were more than accomodating. Our 22 year old daughter joined us as a surprise, and the WL registered her as a 'junior' with no additional charge to us. They had a key-card waiting for her when she arrived without asking.

So overall, I'd give the WL a 7/10. They can attain a 9.5 easy if they put the boots to their staff in certain areas and refurb for normal wear & tear, which I understand is in the works.

But if anything isn't right, get on it pronto. Our initial complaint to houskeeping went unheeded, but the next call to the night manager got results.

Have a great trip!

Thanks Ajax. We'll see how it goes. This is the first time I can say that when I've called the WL or CRO about requests such as fridges I get contradictory answers. One CM tells us one thing and if you call back you hear another story. I'll take your advice and contact someone if there are problems and I'll be sure to report when I get home!

 

[SuBeat]

I beg to differ. POR & CS both have full service restaurants in addition to their food courts. So did POFQ until Bonfamilles closed.

But that's beside the point. Like I said, I believe that in a deluxe resort, responding to a shouted ticket number then reaching into a hole in the wall to retrieve your food is no way to be served.

Generally, I believe full food courts are found in resorts with more limited dining options. Values have no full service restaurants, mods have one (except POFQ), and deluxes have at least two. Roaring Forks was designed for a resort of approx. 700 rooms while those at the values and mods must handle much higher numbers. The addition of guests from the Villas has probably pushed RF to its limits.

I have to ask (and I am seriously curious, not being snarky here), what is wrong with the current system at RF? I honestly don't see what the issue is with listening for your number to be called, and retrieving your order from the window at a self service snack bar. It is certainly no more distasteful than reaching into the refrigerated section for a premade sandwich or filling your own cup with soda.

 

[Ajax]

I have to ask (and I am seriously curious, not being snarky here), what is wrong with the current system at RF? I honestly don't see what the issue is with listening for your number to be called, and retrieving your order from the window at a self service snack bar. It is certainly no more distasteful than reaching into the refrigerated section for a premade sandwich or filling your own cup with soda.

No snarky-ness detected. I guess that it's just a matter of personal preference. When the POFQ food court was re-designed a few years ago, the main components were several grill/deep fryer 'stations' that were all capable of preparing anything from burgers to French toast. If the area surrounding the 'food hole' at RF were removed and replaced with a pair of those stations and an open view of the kitchen & prep area, it would please me more. It would also liven up the area so it was more of a restaurant and less of a tackle museum.
For some reason, I'd like to know what's going on back there. It just seems so impersonal to me to hear "Number 2345" called out as an order of food is quickly deposited in the hole and the cook retreats. I saw one woman who wasn't happy with her Philly Cheese Steak stick her head into the hole to voice her displeasure. To me, that wasn't cool.

 

[friend of Tigger]

We just returned from a weeks stay a WL. Everything was great. I cannot say anything bad about our entire trip except for the limo service and some rainy days. WL is great and we can hardly wait to come back.

 

[timandlesley]

Thank you friend of Tigger. I must say that when you are so excited about booking a place and then get a whole bunch of negative posts back about a beautiful resort it can be a bit disheartening. I appreciate your positive comments.

Lesley