Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[MonaMN]

It is highly unlikely that any additional discount would be added for early November at this point.

 

[ariane37]

We returned from our first stay at the WL yesterday and I have to say, it is now tied with AKL as our favorite resort! I had a feeling I would fall in love with it and have been trying to get DH to try it for the last couple years but he was resistant; well, he loves it now just as much as I do! I posted a few days ago that we booked a standard room and were put in 5016 with a wonderful view of the castle, the Contemporary and Wishes; still have to figure out how to post pics which I've done before but just can't remember at the moment The resort is just so peaceful.......construction had no impact whatsoever on our stay. Yes, if we looked down from our balcony it was all mud and equipment, but the view straight out made up for it and even without that view the construction view wouldn't have dampened our enjoyment. Excellent food and service at the Territory Lounge and Roaring Forks was good, too. Even got a towel puppy and rose! I can't see our room and those with similar views staying standard view at a standard view rate unfortunately but I'm so happy we were able to stay in one and we will most definitely return to the WL in the future

 

[xlsm]

We returned from our first stay at the WL yesterday and I have to say, it is now tied with AKL as our favorite resort! I had a feeling I would fall in love with it and have been trying to get DH to try it for the last couple years but he was resistant; well, he loves it now just as much as I do! I posted a few days ago that we booked a standard room and were put in 5016 with a wonderful view of the castle, the Contemporary and Wishes; still have to figure out how to post pics which I've done before but just can't remember at the moment The resort is just so peaceful.......construction had no impact whatsoever on our stay. Yes, if we looked down from our balcony it was all mud and equipment, but the view straight out made up for it and even without that view the construction view wouldn't have dampened our enjoyment. Excellent food and service at the Territory Lounge and Roaring Forks was good, too. Even got a towel puppy and rose! I can't see our room and those with similar views staying standard view at a standard view rate unfortunately but I'm so happy we were able to stay in one and we will most definitely return to the WL in the future

Hooray!! I'm so happy you guys loved it!!

 

[Dean Marino]

I just had an email from Disney Destinations this morning with discounts for November & December - including 20% off at WL & WL Villa's -- here are the details including dates.

I must comment on all this.... all personal opinion, I'm not right, no one else is wrong....

When these Magic "deals" appear? Go to the official WDW website. LOG IN. Enter your dates.

Now - see what is actually available. I suspect that you will be surprised as to how FEW locations are "participating" in this weeks deal.

The usual suspects tend to be the Allstars, Pops, Animal Kingdom, GF Villas, and just about no one else. Primarily locations that offer "discounts" on a perpetual basis.

Now, that's GREAT if it works out for your family. But it's worth understanding - these "great discounts" are not universal. They apply to VERY LITTLE of WDW. Most Deluxes are NOT included.... just check the official WDW website for an interesting revelation of the truth .

Don't get me wrong.... I understand why WDW finds "big discounts" revolting .

Again, all personal opinion, I'm not right, no one else is wrong....

 

[DaisyDuck001]

I must comment on all this.... all personal opinion, I'm not right, no one else is wrong....

When these Magic "deals" appear? Go to the official WDW website. LOG IN. Enter your dates.

Now - see what is actually available. I suspect that you will be surprised as to how FEW locations are "participating" in this weeks deal.

The usual suspects tend to be the Allstars, Pops, Animal Kingdom, GF Villas, and just about no one else. Primarily locations that offer "discounts" on a perpetual basis.

Now, that's GREAT if it works out for your family. But it's worth understanding - these "great discounts" are not universal. They apply to VERY LITTLE of WDW. Most Deluxes are NOT included.... just check the official WDW website for an interesting revelation of the truth .

Don't get me wrong.... I understand why WDW finds "big discounts" revolting .

Again, all personal opinion, I'm not right, no one else is wrong....

I agree with you. Although in theory they state that the promotions apply to most of the resorts, in reality very few of the resorts show any availability for these discounts, including the passholder discounts, for my travel dates.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

I must comment on all this.... all personal opinion, I'm not right, no one else is wrong....

When these Magic "deals" appear? Go to the official WDW website. LOG IN. Enter your dates.

Now - see what is actually available. I suspect that you will be surprised as to how FEW locations are "participating" in this weeks deal.

The usual suspects tend to be the Allstars, Pops, Animal Kingdom, GF Villas, and just about no one else. Primarily locations that offer "discounts" on a perpetual basis.

Now, that's GREAT if it works out for your family. But it's worth understanding - these "great discounts" are not universal. They apply to VERY LITTLE of WDW. Most Deluxes are NOT included.... just check the official WDW website for an interesting revelation of the truth .

Don't get me wrong.... I understand why WDW finds "big discounts" revolting .

Again, all personal opinion, I'm not right, no one else is wrong....

Definitely in your opinion... No magic in this deal. I'm sure that many, many people find availability by simply moving arrival & departure dates by a day or two - which is exactly what happened when I LOGGED IN to my Disney account as you suggested. Just because a deal does not fit into your travel plans - that does not make it a "non" deal.

And for what it's worth & based on traveling to WDW regularly (hence my tag line - Disney frequent flier) since 1978 and enjoying plenty of the deals sent by Disney Travel, now Disney Destinations... while you are entitled to your opinion, your opinion is not necessarily the norm... Could be because you deign not to be flexible or perhaps can not be flexible on your travel dates or category of resort.

 

[ariane37]

Hooray!! I'm so happy you guys loved it!!

We totally did! Now I understand why you guys love it so much
Hope all is well with you and the family!

 

[thewilderness3]

I need help! We're planning on Staying at the Wilderness Lodge before Christmas and are currently struggling on a check-out date. We first were thinking Christmas Eve morning so that we could be home for Santa. Then we were thinking Christmas Day. Flights are SUPER cheap, but not sure if we want to spend Christmas in an airport. Then we were thinking just celebrating Christmad Day at the Lodge and checking out early the 26th.

Does anyone have any opinions? Does the Wilderness Lodge have any special Christmasy things on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Or even the parks? We're just a family of 3 who has visited Disney and stayed at the Lodge many times but always during the summer.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

I was there a year ago and the only complaint I had was the food.

I did the QS Dining Plan (no TS reservations except for the pizza place in Italy) and wasn't happy with the QS food. The burgers, chicken nuggets, pizza, etc are just awful to me and I think hospital cafe food is better. I was thrilled with my pizza in Italy.

Fast food burgers, chicken nuggets and pizza are awful anywhere, in or outside the World, imho. We too were thrilled with the pizza in Via Napoi!!!

I need help! We're planning on Staying at the Wilderness Lodge before Christmas and are currently struggling on a check-out date. We first were thinking Christmas Eve morning so that we could be home for Santa. Then we were thinking Christmas Day. Flights are SUPER cheap, but not sure if we want to spend Christmas in an airport. Then we were thinking just celebrating Christmad Day at the Lodge and checking out early the 26th.

Does anyone have any opinions? Does the Wilderness Lodge have any special Christmasy things on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Or even the parks? We're just a family of 3 who has visited Disney and stayed at the Lodge many times but always during the summer.

Any help would be appreciated!

I would definitely shy away from traveling on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I think your Christmas trip to WDW may turn into: the year we spent Christmas at the airport..... I would fly home on Dec 26 or Dec 23 and be at one place on Christmas Eve/Day.

 

[thewilderness3]

If we leave on the 24th, it'd be on the first flight which is at 8:30 and it's only a 2 hr. flight home. We'd be back in our house before noon. BUT...I've never flown during this time of year, so I'm no expert on holiday travel. Still to crazy?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I need help! We're planning on Staying at the Wilderness Lodge before Christmas and are currently struggling on a check-out date. We first were thinking Christmas Eve morning so that we could be home for Santa. Then we were thinking Christmas Day. Flights are SUPER cheap, but not sure if we want to spend Christmas in an airport. Then we were thinking just celebrating Christmad Day at the Lodge and checking out early the 26th.

Does anyone have any opinions? Does the Wilderness Lodge have any special Christmasy things on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Or even the parks? We're just a family of 3 who has visited Disney and stayed at the Lodge many times but always during the summer.

Any help would be appreciated!

I don't think I'd want to return home the day before Christmas and attempt to prepare for some type of Christmas dinner. Of course it isn't unusual to celebrate on days surrounding - for our family Christmas Eve was the time. And I do like to travel on the actual holidays. Usually very quiet, everyone is full of good cheer and less expensive is a bonus. So I'd either travel on the 25th or the 26th although it will be be a night and day difference for the travel.

 

[thewilderness3]

I don't think I'd want to return home the day before Christmas and attempt to prepare for some type of Christmas dinner. Of course it isn't unusual to celebrate on days surrounding - for our family Christmas Eve was the time. And I do like to travel on the actual holidays. Usually very quiet, everyone is full of good cheer and less expensive is a bonus. So I'd either travel on the 25th or the 26th although it will be be a night and day difference for the travel.

I'm not too worried about that part. I'd be home by noon if we checked out the 24th. I'm just curious if there is any additional Disney Magic to be found at the Wilderness Lodge during those days that would sway our check out date. Decisions. Decisions.

 

[bluecastle]

KOOK- looking forward to your live TR! Safe travels and enjoy this new adventure! I hope that you experience lots of pixie dust, magic, and anything that will sweep away even the slightest negative apprehensions about some of the changes there lately. For me, the hardest part would be not having my DD with me to talk to immediately about what we're doing, so I would probably try to keep some kind of photo journal to share with her with my thoughts and experiences during the trip. However, I do think that doing whatever you want to do is going to be fun!!! Enjoy!

 

[Ndusmama]

I'm getting pre-departure panic jitters so thank you for your post - it made me smile. Flying down Monday and you should be on the lookout for a link to my LIVE TR. I think it'll be much easier for me to post to one TR rather than my three resort threads. This will be truly a trip of FIRSTS! Nervous and excited!

Have you planned yet where your anniversary dinner will be? Artist Point?

I'm going Thursday for my first visit to WL, and I'm not sure how I will make it to then.
Can I ask for a live tr on the busses? I am concerned about making an 8am Adr at ak. People have suggested taking uber but I'm not sure with one child definitely needing a car seat.
Enjoy your trip.

We returned from our first stay at the WL yesterday and I have to say, it is now tied with AKL as our favorite resort! I had a feeling I would fall in love with it and have been trying to get DH to try it for the last couple years but he was resistant; well, he loves it now just as much as I do! I posted a few days ago that we booked a standard room and were put in 5016 with a wonderful view of the castle, the Contemporary and Wishes; still have to figure out how to post pics which I've done before but just can't remember at the moment The resort is just so peaceful.......construction had no impact whatsoever on our stay. Yes, if we looked down from our balcony it was all mud and equipment, but the view straight out made up for it and even without that view the construction view wouldn't have dampened our enjoyment. Excellent food and service at the Territory Lounge and Roaring Forks was good, too. Even got a towel puppy and rose! I can't see our room and those with similar views staying standard view at a standard view rate unfortunately but I'm so happy we were able to stay in one and we will most definitely return to the WL in the future

I'm so glad you had a good time.

 

[goopysolelady]

I don't think I'd want to return home the day before Christmas and attempt to prepare for some type of Christmas dinner. Of course it isn't unusual to celebrate on days surrounding - for our family Christmas Eve was the time. And I do like to travel on the actual holidays. Usually very quiet, everyone is full of good cheer and less expensive is a bonus. So I'd either travel on the 25th or the 26th although it will be be a night and day difference for the travel.

We traveled home the day before Thanksgiving last year. Had almost a 2 hour departure delay, arriving home about 10 PM. DD HOSTED 25+ for Thanksgiving LUNCH ! Who needs sleep? It was a "girls trip" and we all have fabulous husbands who did a lot of pre-meal preparation ...one of the best trips EVER and a great Thanksgiving Day! I'd travel home on the 23rd...

 

[Cinderella624]

We just returned from an 8/24-9/2 visit we had CV room first floor which at first I was not happy with but husband LOVED! Right out the side door for the pool, boat, etc. I booked a bounce back trip for next year and chose a standard view for next time after speaking with someone staying in one. They told me of the great view of the fireworks at MK. Truthfully, construction noise was at a minimum not to mention it was kind of cool to see what was happening. Btw if anyone is interested they are also filling in the old River Country pool at Fort Wilderness.

 

[WDWKOOK]

My LIVE TR is posted HERE. Hope you'll join me! I'll be back later to multi-quote​

 

[imthemamahere]

Can anyone who's been recently/there now/going soon please let me know - I know the main pool is open through the construction, but is the splash pad open as well? Of all things, was the main reason my little guy begged us to switch to the Wilderness Lodge. It didn't occur to me to ask...

Thanks!

 

[MonaMN]

Can anyone who's been recently/there now/going soon please let me know - I know the main pool is open through the construction, but is the splash pad open as well? Of all things, was the main reason my little guy begged us to switch to the Wilderness Lodge. It didn't occur to me to ask...

Thanks!

I believe this is part of the main pool area and is unaffected by current construction.

 

[peteykirch]

In a little over 12 hours I'll be touching down at MCO and heading home to the Lodge.

Hopefully I'll get a cat nap in, before we have to get up at 3:30am to get to the airport.