Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[WhoDatDisney]

We rented DVC points for our stay and I was just curious if DVC rooms ever get pixie-dusted? Anyone heard of or experienced that?

We were upgraded from a studio to 2br villa this past February

wonderful pixie dust

 

[grannyminnie]

That's quite a bit of pixie dust!!

 

[jolene63]

Considering switching my Pop pool view preferred to a WL standard view for July. 3 nights would cost me $250 more. Got a great deal on the Pop room through Orbitz, but the WL deal on Orbitz is really good too. Hard to pass up an opportunity to stay at a Deluxe for a good price.

We just did the same thing for our trip in July. We were doing a split stay with All Stars at the beginning and AKL at the end. Once I saw how cheap rooms were for WL, I switched. We are so much more excited now. We have always wanted to stay at WL.

 

[Amanda999]

Hello! Considering first stay at WL (have stayed at many other onsite resorts).

Questions: 1. Is it at all convenient to take the boat to either CR or FW to go to the marshmallow roast? (my kids LOVE it.)

2. Can you see the Electric Water pageant from anywhere at WL? I hear that WL's beach is closed currently due to construction - not sure if that's the only viewing place.
TIA!

 

[goopysolelady]

Hello! Considering first stay at WL (have stayed at many other onsite resorts).

Questions: 1. Is it at all convenient to take the boat to either CR or FW to go to the marshmallow roast? (my kids LOVE it.)

2. Can you see the Electric Water pageant from anywhere at WL? I hear that WL's beach is closed currently due to construction - not sure if that's the only viewing place.
TIA!

No problem at all taking the boat to CR or FW...just follow the "tags" at the boat dock. Not sure which color goes to which but easy to figure out. If this needs correction please do so but I don't see a problem with viewing the Electric Water pageant from the boat dock area. If I'm wrong future posters will correct me. The last time we viewed the water pageant was from Bay Lake Towers in 2010 and I vaguely remember arriving for the very end of it in 2009 at the WL so my memory has faded....

 

[Dave006]

... Can you see the Electric Water pageant from anywhere at WL? I hear that WL's beach is closed currently due to construction - not sure if that's the only viewing place.
TIA!

As the previous poster indicate, you can catch a great view of the EWP from the WL boat dock. If you get there early, there are a couple of benches to sit until the show starts at 9:35 PM weather permitting.

Dave

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hope you're having a magical time and we look forward, as always, to your great photos, @Wood Nymph.

We just got back from our big family trip pm Wednesday. We made a quick stop at the WL on Tuesday to check out the construction. We were at MK and took the boat to WL, my favorite thing to do. I have to apologize because we never got any pictures. It was a very busy trip and we just didn't have time to take pictures. We were meeting a friend at Disney Springs so we just looked around the WL a little and got on the DS bus.

We saw that the construction on the north side of WL consisted mostly of laying down the plumbing. Pipes were sticking out of the ground everywhere. It looked like one concrete pad was poured near the end closest to the deluxe rooms in the north wing, but couldn't tell what is was for. The construction is close to the rooms in the north wing. It looks like the first floor rooms are empty since every one of them had curtains drawn.

We saw the buildings they are constructing near the beach. They have a lot of the wood framing done so that you can see where windows and doors will be. It also has a roof now. I couldn't tell if they were building one or two new buildings on the beach side of the Trout Bar, but the building (or buildings) is/are huge. They look like they are going to take up a lot of the beach area. I'm sorry that I didn't have a chance to look through the construction fence. We didn't have time.

The interior of the south wing is gutted and you can see right through to the villas side of the resort. The main pool and splash pad were running as normal and it didn't look crowded at all. The waterfall and flowers are beautiful. We stopped in Roaring Forks at noon and we were almost the only ones there.

The lobby still has the main elevator blocked off. The floors on the south side are still blocked off around the lobby, the way we saw it in January. But now the area right in front of the honeymoon suites on yjr north side is closed off, too. Club level guests are not able to look out over the lobby now. There is a construction wall there, too. Guests on the 4th, 5th and 6th floors of the north side of the resort can look down on the lobby.

The lobby has all of its same charm. The bubbling springs were still bubbling and the little bridge is still open for kids to run back and forth over. The pin cart is there, too. Except for all the construction walls it still looks the same.

We stayed at POR on this past trip, which was a good resort for this particular family trip. But we really missed the better transportation options that the WL and the Epcot resorts have over a large resort like POR.

_________________________________________________

I just wanted to mention what a quick bus ride we had to Disney Springs from the WL. The bus was waiting as we walked up, then stopped at CR, the on to Disney Springs. It takes a new route now, since the new bus depot is open. The bus no longer goes down the road behind OKW and SSR. Instead it travels in front of DS. The bus pulled into the depot and dropped us off in a drop off lane before heading off to pick up new passengers. I thought that was a nice system since the drop off area is right by the welcome area. I think we made it to Disney Springs from its last stop at the Contemporary in about 15 minutes. It was really quick.

 

[danc18]

Are there umbrellas at the WL pool to keep the sun off? Or can you rent them etc? We plan to spend a lot of afternoon time at the pool and don't want to bake.

 

[pouncingpluto]

We were upgraded from a studio to 2br villa this past February

wonderful pixie dust

Not at VWL, but we once got upgraded from a 1BR to the Presidential Suite at AKL! It was amazing. I think there was something mechanical going on in one of the DVC rooms (or maybe in more than one room), and our AKL stay was only two nights before moving elsewhere on property, so I suppose we were good candidates for the upgrade. Short of problems like that, though, you don't typically see DVC stays getting upgraded.

 

[Lisa P.]

Are there umbrellas at the WL pool to keep the sun off? Or can you rent them etc? We plan to spend a lot of afternoon time at the pool and don't want to bake.

Yes, a few. They're not for rent, just first come first serve. Fortunately, the main pool area is within the courtyard, partly surrounded by the building wings as well as some good landscaping which provides additional shade. But here are a couple posted photos of the main pool area from another thread:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/wi...d-my-addiction.1717127/page-117#post-54931409
http://www.disboards.com/threads/wi...d-my-addiction.1717127/page-113#post-50142567

You can see the green and white striped umbrellas.

 

[danc18]

Perfect, thanks. Sounds like we'll find some shade.

 

[TeresaWen]

I see in the first post that Sturdy Branches will be closed July - October. That would be a game changer for me. I cannot last a week with no access to a gym so I called.

I just got off the phone with the wilderness lodge and asked about the fitness center for July. I was assured that it will be open.

If I get there and it is closed, is it likely that I can use the fitness center at another hotel?

 

[TeresaWen]

Thanks disboards for this thread. I called reservations and they confirmed that the fitness center will indeed be closed. I never would have know if not for this thread. I even asked twice when calling the hotel directly and was told both times it would not be impacted.

I switched to the yacht club. Still got a great pass holder rate. Yes more expense but I need gym access!!

 

[AngiTN]

I see in the first post that Sturdy Branches will be closed July - October. That would be a game changer for me. I cannot last a week with no access to a gym so I called.

I just got off the phone with the wilderness lodge and asked about the fitness center for July. I was assured that it will be open.

If I get there and it is closed, is it likely that I can use the fitness center at another hotel?

Thanks disboards for this thread. I called reservations and they confirmed that the fitness center will indeed be closed. I never would have know if not for this thread. I even asked twice when calling the hotel directly and was told both times it would not be impacted.

I switched to the yacht club. Still got a great pass holder rate. Yes more expense but I need gym access!!

You didn't call WL directly. All phones go to a call center, not even located in Orlando.

If you call again you'll probably get a 3rd answer.

Maybe look in to some sort of travel workout system that can get you by, like bands or tubes. And of course, there are trails for running and bikes to rent. Just may need to get creative.

 

[TeresaWen]

You didn't call WL directly. All phones go to a call center, not even located in Orlando.

If you call again you'll probably get a 3rd answer.

Maybe look in to some sort of travel workout system that can get you by, like bands or tubes. And of course, there are trails for running and bikes to rent. Just may need to get creative.

Thanks! I switched to the yacht club

 

[bjscheel]

Here now in room 5026. Yes there is construction below us but we have a great view of the castle. Loving it so far. Unfortunately I am at the resort early today as DD14 woke up with a sore throat and needed to leave Epcot early. Hopefully it gets better soon... I feel so bad for her.

 

[disneyandme]

Where is the guest laundry at WL? Is it open during construction?

 

[dansdad]

Where is the guest laundry at WL? Is it open during construction?

Check out post #15 of this thread for all the laundry details. Yes, it is open during construction.

 

[disneyandme]

Thanks

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just booked into the WL for Sept. 6 thru 10 and want to be ready for the construction impact, so I'll be keeping up with this forum. We haven't stayed at the WL in a few years but have always loved it in the past. The proximity to MK, the "affordability", that gorgeous lobby...just hoping we are not too disappointed in the look of the lodge and surroundings. We have a standard view booked but I wouldn't mind being "pixie-dusted" to a nicer view! The previous posts about SV rooms being oversold and some folks being upgraded is a fun thought!

Congratulations on booking and I'll log your dates in POST 1. The upper SV rooms now have a MKV, like @bjscheel posted below, since many of the trees have been removed and only the North Wing is open.

Hi Everyone, Quick question. I'll be returning back in December. This will be my third time staying at WL. I've had Courtyard and Woods views rooms but was only able to get a standard room this time around. Throwing in the factor of construction right now, what would be a good request to put in for room location? I've read people saying that they've had standard rooms with a MK view. Any recommendations on what to ask for? Thanks!

I would recommend requesting a top or upper floor. Only the North Wing is open and all of these rooms face towards MK. The upper rooms, above the tree tops, should be your best views.

Hello! Considering first stay at WL (have stayed at many other onsite resorts).

Questions: 1. Is it at all convenient to take the boat to either CR or FW to go to the marshmallow roast? (my kids LOVE it.)

2. Can you see the Electric Water pageant from anywhere at WL? I hear that WL's beach is closed currently due to construction - not sure if that's the only viewing place.
TIA!

Welcome to the thread! Have you made a decision yet?

We just got back from our big family trip pm Wednesday. We made a quick stop at the WL on Tuesday to check out the construction. We were at MK and took the boat to WL, my favorite thing to do. I have to apologize because we never got any pictures. It was a very busy trip and we just didn't have time to take pictures. We were meeting a friend at Disney Springs so we just looked around the WL a little and got on the DS bus.

We saw that the construction on the north side of WL consisted mostly of laying down the plumbing. Pipes were sticking out of the ground everywhere. It looked like one concrete pad was poured near the end closest to the deluxe rooms in the north wing, but couldn't tell what is was for. The construction is close to the rooms in the north wing. It looks like the first floor rooms are empty since every one of them had curtains drawn.

We saw the buildings they are constructing near the beach. They have a lot of the wood framing done so that you can see where windows and doors will be. It also has a roof now. I couldn't tell if they were building one or two new buildings on the beach side of the Trout Bar, but the building (or buildings) is/are huge. They look like they are going to take up a lot of the beach area. I'm sorry that I didn't have a chance to look through the construction fence. We didn't have time.

The interior of the south wing is gutted and you can see right through to the villas side of the resort. The main pool and splash pad were running as normal and it didn't look crowded at all. The waterfall and flowers are beautiful. We stopped in Roaring Forks at noon and we were almost the only ones there.

The lobby still has the main elevator blocked off. The floors on the south side are still blocked off around the lobby, the way we saw it in January. But now the area right in front of the honeymoon suites on yjr north side is closed off, too. Club level guests are not able to look out over the lobby now. There is a construction wall there, too. Guests on the 4th, 5th and 6th floors of the north side of the resort can look down on the lobby.

The lobby has all of its same charm. The bubbling springs were still bubbling and the little bridge is still open for kids to run back and forth over. The pin cart is there, too. Except for all the construction walls it still looks the same.

We stayed at POR on this past trip, which was a good resort for this particular family trip. But we really missed the better transportation options that the WL and the Epcot resorts have over a large resort like POR.

_________________________________________________

I just wanted to mention what a quick bus ride we had to Disney Springs from the WL. The bus was waiting as we walked up, then stopped at CR, the on to Disney Springs. It takes a new route now, since the new bus depot is open. The bus no longer goes down the road behind OKW and SSR. Instead it travels in front of DS. The bus pulled into the depot and dropped us off in a drop off lane before heading off to pick up new passengers. I thought that was a nice system since the drop off area is right by the welcome area. I think we made it to Disney Springs from its last stop at the Contemporary in about 15 minutes. It was really quick.

Thanks @Wood Nymph for posting your observations about your recent visit to WL. No apologies needed here about not taking photos. Besides, knowing you, you'll be right back there soon

Thanks disboards for this thread. I called reservations and they confirmed that the fitness center will indeed be closed. I never would have know if not for this thread. I even asked twice when calling the hotel directly and was told both times it would not be impacted.

I switched to the yacht club. Still got a great pass holder rate. Yes more expense but I need gym access!!

@TeresaWen, I'm glad you finally found someone who admitted it! It took a long time before the official word about the expansion/rehab made it to the CMs; they're usually the last to know or the last who are allowed to say anything publicly.

Just so you know, the CR has a gym and you would have been permitted to use it. However, that's not very convenient since you have to take the Blue Flag there and back. The YC does share a small gym, Ship Shape, with the BC so it tends to get very crowded in the morning. If the gym is very important to you, which I can appreciate, BWI's Muscles and Bustles is much less crowded than Ship Shape since it only serves one resort. However, you have to be staying there to get in.

Here now in room 5026. Yes there is construction below us but we have a great view of the castle. Loving it so far. Unfortunately I am at the resort early today as DD14 woke up with a sore throat and needed to leave Epcot early. Hopefully it gets better soon... I feel so bad for her.

Thanks for your SV/MKV photo. I hope DD feels better soon, it's no fun feeling sick on vacation. Maybe some all-you-can-drink milk shakes from WCC would help?