Staying at Villas versus the main lodge at WL

[becanya]

Do you guys feel like when you stay at the Villas that you are "special" or "off the beaten path?" I guess one of my concerns about doing DVC is that the villas seem away from the action and not quite as fun. But I've heard others say that they loved the Villas because the common area is cozy and a lot of people hang out and play games, etc. I guess I just don't want to loose some of the magic of staying at the Lodge...because we really really love that place! The rooms look just as nice (we would stay in a studio), but I guess I'm a little sad to think that we won't be staying in the main lodge section. Any opinions?

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I think the idea behind the DVC resorts if for them to be a bit more like home and less like a hotel. This means more quiet and some nice public areas. The WL villas are a stones throw from the main building, so if you are looking to spend time in the main area that isn't an issue.

 

[Lynne M]

The villas building is a couple minutes walk from the main building, down a short covered walkway. It's no different than walking from one of the guest buildings to the main building at GF, or Poly. In fact, it's probably a shorter walk.

 

[slappy magoo]

Do you guys feel like when you stay at the Villas that you are "special" or "off the beaten path?" I guess one of my concerns about doing DVC is that the villas seem away from the action and not quite as fun. But I've heard others say that they loved the Villas because the common area is cozy and a lot of people hang out and play games, etc. I guess I just don't want to loose some of the magic of staying at the Lodge...because we really really love that place! The rooms look just as nice (we would stay in a studio), but I guess I'm a little sad to think that we won't be staying in the main lodge section. Any opinions?

It's not that far. Not a hop/skip/jump, but nothing that will require a shuttle bus either. We stayed about as far down one of the ends of the villa as you could possibly get, and if it ever took more than 5 minutes to get to, say, the main lobby or main pool or food court, it was only because we kept forgetting things in our room and would have to walk all the way back the long corridor (To be fair, we were on the final leg of our honeymoon, and thought a little more privacy would be appropriate, wink wink nudge nudge, so we asked to be remote).

There are other resorts with Villa wings where you may be farther from the main building, especially, the Animal Kingdom Villas, and if you're staying in the Treehouse section of Saratoga Springs (Treehouse Villas DO specify you'll probably want to use the bus system to get to the main building - buses that go to DTD stop at the main building beforehand, and to return to the treehouses, any theme park bus goes to the treehouses first to pick up and if necessary drop off). But Wilderness Lodge Villas are a piece of cake.

 

[becanya]

Well? I'll relate our experience...

We're Ap's - weve stayed at WL twice per year for the last 5 years. Just ONCE, we took a special offer for a room at the Villas.

It was OK - but it was not as well maintained, clean, or updated as the main lodge. The view of a set of dumpsters was less than perfect. We missed our Mouskeeper (Livis).

- BUT we got a great deal. If another GREAT DEAL were offered? We might do it again. But not unless the DVC offerings are at least 25% lower than the main building.

Were they clean and well-maintained when you go there? Was is the lack of constant mousekeeping that made it less well-maintained?

 

[worldfanatic]

The Villas are very well maintained.
I love the location. The walkway heading over from the main lodge and bus stop is amazing at night (flickering lanterns in full effect).
The smaller pool behind the Villas is much, much less crowded than the main pool. And is surrounded by mature trees.
As well, the Villas bottom floor lobby and seating areas are some of the most charming spots in all of WDW (and generally very uncrowded).

However, as Trosky said, do your best to avoid the dumpster view at the end of the Villas building looking away from Bay Lake.
Otherwise, the balcony views are extremely tree filled and relaxing.
And IMO, superior to the main lodge.:animwink:

 

[Mrs.PhD]

We are DVC members (and own at VWL, but almost never stay there.)

Compared to the main lodge, the views are not the same. They are mostly woods views, a little bit of the pool and some of the bus stop (and the dreaded dumpster view.

The rooms are most likely better (especially if you get a 1 or 2 bedroom.)

The VWL is just one building, a long, long, long hallway. If you are at the end it if it seems to go on forever.

I don't feel like you lose the magic or are 2nd class guests. Maybe you are extra special because you can use a 2nd pool, that the main resort guests can't.

 

[worldfanatic]

Maybe you are extra special because you can use a 2nd pool, that the main resort guests can't.

Actually, the main resort guests are welcome to use the 2nd pool whenever they want.

The nice thing for Villa guests is............very few do!:sohappy::animwink:

 

[Mrs.PhD]

Actually, the main resort guests are welcome to use the 2nd pool whenever they want.

The nice thing for Villa guests is............very few do!:sohappy::animwink:

Oh, back when we bought at VWL there was a big stink about how the DVC people could use the main pool, but the WL resort guests were not to use the Villa pool. We have not stayed there since 2004, so it might of changed, but back when it just opened it was policy. I am guessing because it was new and they didn't want it overwhelmed. Once they figured out that wasn't a problem they did away with that. :shrug:

 

[Daddio]

The Villas are very well maintained.
I love the location. The walkway heading over from the main lodge and bus stop is amazing at night (flickering lanterns in full effect).
The smaller pool behind the Villas is much, much less crowded than the main pool. And is surrounded by mature trees.
As well, the Villas bottom floor lobby and seating areas are some of the most charming spots in all of WDW (and generally very uncrowded).

However, as Trosky said, do your best to avoid the dumpster view at the end of the Villas building looking away from Bay Lake.
Otherwise, the balcony views are extremely tree filled and relaxing.
And IMO, superior to the main lodge.:animwink:

This is exactly whatI would have said. To the OP, do yourself a favor and stay in the VIllas. You won't regret it at all.

David

 

[flavious27]

Do you guys feel like when you stay at the Villas that you are "special" or "off the beaten path?" I guess one of my concerns about doing DVC is that the villas seem away from the action and not quite as fun. But I've heard others say that they loved the Villas because the common area is cozy and a lot of people hang out and play games, etc. I guess I just don't want to loose some of the magic of staying at the Lodge...because we really really love that place! The rooms look just as nice (we would stay in a studio), but I guess I'm a little sad to think that we won't be staying in the main lodge section. Any opinions?

The villa's common area looks coozier, more like a ski lodge you might stay at. But the lobby at WL just can not be beat, it is gorgeous. I say pick what feels better and what one gives you more bang for your buck.