.
Brief report. We were at WDW the last two weeks of April. Thanks to all who answered our questions about what to expect. We declined the offer for an update Our traveling friends accepted and purchased a 4 day "encore" package, good for 2 years. The most significant bit of information confirmed (we saw a sign while there in January of 2020) was that the plans for a waterpark located between the resort and the Desert Willow Golf Clubhouse are proceeding. It seems crazy to us considering the water shortage in the area. It will certainly raise the noise level at the resort.
Weekends(FR-M) seemed near capacity while the balance of the weeks were less crowded. Several 100F plus days warmed the Quiet Pool.
The grounds were in excellent condition but we sensed that the residential staff was understaffed at this time.
We took a trip over to WMH to see "the wall" and look over the grounds of both the hotel and the Villas. The grounds were excellent but we did not ask to see the inside of a villa. The pool renovation was complete and looked good. About half the chairs were occupied which appeared to be true at the hotel pool also. The grounds seemed very quiet. We hope the the two companies can reach an agreement to allow access between the hotel/TS properties before we return next year.
So they claim that they will use less water than the portion of the golf course that it is replacing, so it's a net reduction in water use. I guess that tells you what a crazy amount of water a golf course requires.I'm sorry, but this is one of the nuttier ideas I have seen, to put a huge water whatever in the desert in a state that is often in a drought. There are places with natural water all over the country; why plop one in the desert with so many other options? All rhetorical questions/comments. I know many will think this is the greatest thing since sliced bread
. We have gone off the deep end imho but I get it. Surf/swim in the desert when a California coast of ocean is 2 hours away. Why not?Water Park was the term used by the sales staff last and again this year.
You're right, of course, but I don't think it's as bad as you imply. Most of the buildings will continue to have the same golf-course-and-mountains views that they have today; a couple buildings will probably "see" the wave park from the upper floors, off in the distance. Of course, you can already see some of the new development across the golf course from the parking lots, especially near building 9, but it's far enough away that it isn't a big deal, to me at least.
This is hilarious.
I own at Westin Desert Willow (for many years) and love it. Ironically I was considering a stay at Mission Hills this year, just because I’ve never tried it, but convinced myself otherwise after hearing from folks here.
That is likely the excuse. We notice though that there is no staff at the pool pretty much all day. They really only show up at closing to kick everyone out and close the pools down and reset the chairs and umbrellas. Maybe an hours work (5:30-6:30).
Wait till you get to WMH. If you're looking for a quiet pool, you won't find one. Their East Pool used to be called the Serenity Pool, but they still pumped party music to it; in fact, the speakers were right underneath the hammocks (no, I can't make this stuff up). However, one could still use the quiet pool at the hotel (called the La Paloma Pool), which happens to be the closest hotel pool to WMH, but I'm pretty sure that won't be available to you now that villa guests are no longer allowed to use hotel amenities. Have fun!
You're really selling us on WMH... The place sounds charming
I agree that the units at WDW are dark. The only natural light is from the sliding door at the far end. There's a tiny window in the kitchen, but it looks out onto the hallway, so (a) there's not much light from there anyway, and (b) the inclination is to keep those blinds drawn because it feels intrusive to have every person passing by able to peer into your unit. And the lighting isn't especially bright — I don't know why they have to be so stingy with the bulbs now that they're all LED and barely use any juice. But it's a minor quibble. I just end up leaving the lights on if we are there and using the kitchen/dining areas.
