Going in Aug 2014. We have a while before our 7 mos mark but we want to figure out where we are staying if we can switch. Kids want Wlderness. We stayed there in 06 but not in villas and loved the atmosphere. We will be in a 2bd. Opinions please!
If you look at my signature, you will see that I am biased toward VWL. However, I will attempt to address your topic with some modicum of objectivity.
As you are already familiar with the Lodge from your stay back in '06, I'll mainly speak to the Villas.
First, the 2BRs are spacious and will allow plenty of room for sprawl. The master BR has a king bed,as well as a separate (and spacious) shower in addition to a jetted tub. Definitely mom's and dad's room! The second BR has two queen beds and its own bathroom with a shower/tub similar to most hotel rooms. In between the two BRs, you will find a full kitchen, utensils, pots/pans, et. al. There is a living room off that kitchen which can serve as the focal point for any meals you might cook in the room or to hang out and watch TV together (there are also TVs in each BR). All 1BRs and 2BRs have a washer/dryer combo, as well, making it easy to wash any items that you might feel the need to clean while there. I run, so before we leave, I usually wash my running shorts, shirts, and socks before packing them to head home.
For me, the theming is relaxing with its hues of dark green, red, and brown. Others find the colors too dark, and although I understand that thinking, I find them soothing and natural. Some posters have criticized the Villas pool for being too boring, but as I don't spend hours upon hours in the pool, I would disagree. In fact, my youngest daughter used to spend countless hours playing in the bubbling springs that flow up from a half dozen spots in the pool. The hot tub there isn't huge, but there is usually plenty of room. However, if a large group gets to it first, as has happened with us a couple of times, then you might have to hit the main pool hot tubs. As previously mentioned, the main pool is a short one-minute walk away toward the main Lodge, and you're perfectly welcome to use that pool, too.
I've heard few complain about the theming at the Villas as it extends the wonderful feel of the main Lodge, so what complaints there are generally tend to revolve around the color scheme or occasionally complaints about the long hallways. I don't find the hallways long at all, especially compared to other DVC resorts (AKL Kidani, for example). The color scheme I've addressed. Finally, in terms of location and views, you will certainly get a view of the trees. In fact, VWL is known for views of trees. However, you can request (and it is just that, a request) a particular area. We usually go for floors 2 through 4 with a view of pool and courtyard area. Those provide you with a glimpse of the lake through the trees. We don't care for bottom floors, nor do we like the dormer balconies on the 5th floor (they have obstructed views due to solid railings, so you have to stand to see anything). In general, plan on seeing trees.
Enjoy your stay!
