WL Villas Questions

[sherry8253]

My DH and I are trying to decide where to stay during our Nov/Dec trip. The WL Villas are showing up on the AP best rate website. How do the rooms compare with the WL? I assume since we are not renting points, we would have housekeeping service daily? Am I right? Since it is just the two of us, if we decide to go with WL Villas, we will get a studio. You cannot reserve a specific view. What can I expect? Thanks in advance for any info you can share with me.

 

[DebbieB]

The studios are 1 queen bed, 1 double sleeper sofa with a kitchenette vs 2 queens at WL (or 1 queen, 1 bunkbed). Most of the views are woods, some face the quiet pool or front of the resort. You would get daily housekeeping. See descriptions and pictures here:

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_wlv.htm
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_wlv.htm

 

[slk537]

The VWL are wonderful. Spacious compared to the resort rooms, the decor is very rustic...pine, pinecones, deep reds and greens and such. We absolutely love them. And there is no resort that does Christmas decor better...!

A studio will also get you a kitchenette, which is a huge convenience. And the Villas also tend to be a bit quieter than the lodge seems to be.

Either way, at WL you'll be very happy!

 

[sleepydog25]

Haven't stayed in a studio at VWL, but I can tell you that the Villas are wonderfully quiet. As I often say, after a full day of rubbing elbows with thousands of your best friends in the theme parks, it's so relaxing to come back to VWL and kick back, relax by Hidden Springs pool (the quiet pool) and spa, or take a walk down the nature trail. Naturally, all the amenities of WL are available to you (we love Artist Point), and despite what some may say, the walk from the front door of the Villas to the main WL lobby is all of 45 seconds. Enjoy your stay!

 

[spiceycat]

the villa are closer to the bus stop but further from the boat (MK).

they are wonderful!!!

now you can't get the courtyard view like you can with WL.

most of VWL are woods view.

 

[kda]

Because the studio has a Q bed and a sofa, it seems roomier than the WL rooms. We were very comfortable there, and loved having a sofa. The fridge, coffee pot, and microwave are great (paper plates and utensils provided + regular mugs, and I think they will bring a toaster if requested). Yes, daily housekeeping if booking through CRO.

Can't you request a view if you call CRO at a later date and ask that it be added to your reservation? One side of the building faces the bus stop area, but not all rooms overlook it directly. The other side of the building faces the lake and some rooms directly overlook the pool. We request water view, middle floor. Many of the waterview rooms are looking through trees to see some of the lake, but it's a very nice view. The top floor has enclosed balconies, similar to WL, and some rooms are on the ground floor, with a patio area.

We've been there in early December and it really put us in the holiday spirit. You can usually appreciate the fireplace during that time of the year.

 

[Samsma]

We just got back from VWL a one bedroom. We had a wonderful location room 2523 right over the entrance to Sturdy Branches. This overlooked the quiet pool toward the lake, but you couldn't really see the lake. We just requested quiet pool view, close to elevators and got exactly that. It was great. There is a covered walkway to the lodge in case of rain also. We were very happy with our room, and the lobby of the Villas is also beautiful though not as dramatic as the Lodge. The quiet pool was not crowded and the spa was very nice in the early morning and evening. Those jets are great on your tired feet!

 

[DW mouser]

I thought only DVD owners got the villas!!! You can rent them from Disney and not a DVD member?? Do they have washers and dryers? Are any of them big enough for a family of 5?

 

[Samsma]

Hi! You can rent points from a DVC member, or you can book thru CRO is available. I rented points because I really wanted VWL and it is the smallest of the DVC resorts, so to be sure, I rented from someone who actually owns there.

For a family of 5 I believe you would have to go with a 2 bedroom unless you have a baby under 3 for the port-a-crib. The one bedroom we had - had one king bed, and one queen sleeper sofa. DS12 slept on sofa bed, and we took blow up bed for DD6- they won't sleep together - no way- no how! The one and two bedroom have a stackable w/d in a closet and the studios have free access to laundry area I believe. It is a great resort. Very quiet, yet right next to WL with all its activities. Wonderful place!

 

[DW mouser]

Thanks for the reply!! We have stayed at WL but the villas were just being built then I believe.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Most of the rooms at Wilderness Lodge are approximately 340 sq.ft.
The Studio Villas are 356 square feet, so you do have more room.

Standard room @ WL:

Studio @ WLV:

 

[Samsma]

Are the refrigerators in the studios bigger than those in the regular rooms now? What is the kitchenette layout? Do they have a microwave?

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Are the refrigerators in the studios bigger than those in the regular rooms now? What is the kitchenette layout? Do they have a microwave?

While the size seems to be apx the same, the refrigerators in the Studios hold more. The kitchenette is located across from the bathroom vanity, in the diagram I post above the area is green. There is a sink with cabinet space underneath and the refrigerator is next to it. The microwave is placed on a shelf built-in to the overhead cabinets.

Photo from Deb's Website.