Just back from VWL! PICS ADDED

[photobob]

My wife and I just returned from our first trip to VWL. It was our first solo trip leaving kids at home (they're 21 and 15 so I'm not sure they still qualify as kids.) This was also our first studio stay.

We arrived Sunday at 3:15 pm and were welcomed warmly by the greeters and the front desk clerk. We have visited WL before but it was just as awe inspiring this time walking in the lobby. Our room wasn't ready yet so we roamed for a short time and called back at four and the room was ready.

When the room wasn't ready I took my car to the parking lot because I really didn't want my laptop bag and my camera bag which holds the equipment I use to make a living sitting on a cart waiting outside.

I walked out to the parking to get the car and drove around to the front of the resort and had the car unloaded and the car valet parked. All went very efficiently and my bags were promptly brought to the room.

We found the room to be very clean and fresh looking. Furniture and carpeting all look very clean. The kitchenette was properly stocked and we were very impressed with our first studio experience. I like having the couch which gives you more open space than having a second queen bed. It also gives you a comfortable place to sit, I don't care for lounging on a bed. The studio was fine for the two of us but very doubtful we'd use a studio for more than two.

There were a couple of things we thought there could be improvement on and they are minor. One is the the size of the television. There is a huge entertainment center and this little 19 inch tv sitting in this huge hole. Another is the placement of the safe. The way the closet is configured it is very difficult to get to the safe as well as more than half the closet.

We found transportation to be very good. We never waited more than ten minutes coming or going for a bus. Most times we had no wait time at all. We found the boat option very nice and enjoyed an afternoon boat rode very much.

We were only there three nights and didn't eat at the resort but found everything well and above my expectations and had very positive interaction with every castmember we encountered. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, highs in the mid 80's, lows in the low 60's. Having comfortable temperatures sure makes a great trip even better. My wife and I vowed this will not be our last solo trip...

[wildernessDad]

I read every word with baited breath.

I am very glad that you had a very nice time at our beloved lodge! I am also glad that your villa was clean. The largest percentage of our dues goes to Mousekeeping, so I expect to see clean rooms.

[mickeymorse]

Thanks for the trip report. I'm glad that everything went well. Would love to see any pictures you might have taken of the resort.

[Muushka]

It sounds like you had a fabulous, peaceful vacation!:thumbsup2

[squitty]

Sounds lovely :)

[wilma-bride]

Sounds great - I will be there in 9 weeks time and can't wait :cool1:

[eliza61]

Glad you had a great time. Now since your tag name is Photobob, you know we're expecting pictures. LOL

[RLRDA]

My wife and I just returned from our first trip to VWL. It was our first solo trip leaving kids at home (they're 21 and 15 so I'm not sure they still qualify as kids.)

When I started reading your report I got pangs of envy!

I am certainly not in a hurry for our children to grow up but the thought of enjoying WDW without the kids (every now and then) is appealing. We haven't done it yet and probably won't in the forseeable future. We just can't imagine being there without them (at these ages) right now. It will be nice to get a studio for just the 2 of us (although I'm a 1BR washer/dryer junkie :) ) and save on points, too.

It sounds like you had a great time! Thanks for your report!

[Cee]

As wonderful as a trip to Disney is with the family, nothing beats enjoying all
"The World" has to offer to just the two of you. It's AWESOME. I'm so glad
you had a great time together at the beautiful Lodge. :goodvibes :love: :cloud9:

[alldiz]

thanks for the report....

So glad you enjoyed the lodge.....the place is very special....IMO:goodvibes
Kerri

[DISNEY FIX]

My wife and I just returned from our first trip to VWL. It was our first solo trip leaving kids at home (they're 21 and 15 so I'm not sure they still qualify as kids.)


Did ya ask them how the party went????;)
Glad you had a great time, we love our home too!:thumbsup2

[tksbaskets]

How much was the vallet parking? Is the 'free' parking a long way away? I'm going there in less than a month!

[Granny]

Photobob....sounds like a great trip. And a cozy spot for you and DW. :love:

How much was the vallet parking? Is the 'free' parking a long way away? I'm going there in less than a month!

Valet parking at resorts with DVC is free to DVC members. Don't forget to tip!!

And from this Disney Pix photo (aerial from the Bay Lake "back side" of WL/VWL) you can see the parking lot in front of WL. WL is the green roof, VWL is the red roof.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/VWL_Granny/VWLAerial-1.jpg

[Goofyz3girls]

Sounds like you had a great time! We will be going this summer (8/24-8/31) but will have the little ones in tow. :scared1:

[DISNEY FIX]

Hey PHOTObob where are the trip pics?

[photobob]

My wife:

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6776.jpg

Me:
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6778.jpg

VWL Lobby

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6750.jpg

[photobob]

some animal kingdom photos:
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6966.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7060.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7078.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6975.jpg

[photobob]

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6831.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6810.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7117.jpg

[photobob]

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6862.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6808.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7287.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7280.jpg

[javamom]

Gorgeous pictures! Are the animals from the safari ride, or the Sunrise safari maybe?

[photobob]

From the safari ride. Thanks.

[tksbaskets]

Your pictures are just wonderful! What type of camera? What lens did you use at animal kingdom? Can you come with me in March and take pictures?

Thanks for sharing :woohoo:

[photobob]

http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/?action=view&current=IMG_7268.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7234.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7148.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7099.jpg

[photobob]

I use a canon 20d, the safari photos are shot with a Canon 70-200 f2.8 lens. I'm a professional photographer that probably doesn't hurt either!

[disneymom8589]

Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing them! We will be at VWL in July for the 1st time! :goodvibes

[photobob]

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7268.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6898.jpg

a crowd shot

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6771.jpg

my favorite from the trip

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6792.jpg

[photobob]

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7008.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7030.jpg

I'M PRETTY SURE THIS ONE'S A MALE

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_7040.jpg

[lisareniff]

Thank you!! :goodvibes .... :thanks:

[summergolf]

great pics....89 long days before we are back :(

[CRSNDSNY]

Wow...that's a great pic Granny!

photobob -- thanks for the quick report. Glad you had such a nice trip! LOVE all the pics you've posted!
Did you ever take the bus to the MK or did you stick to the boat for that?

[eliza61]

[/IMG]

my favorite from the trip

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6792.jpg


This is my favorite also. :love: This is what I want to do when I grow up!

Thanks for sharing the great pictures

[Muushka]

No wonder they call you PhotoBob! Thank you!:goodvibes

[photobob]

Wow...that's a great pic Granny!

photobob -- thanks for the quick report. Glad you had such a nice trip! LOVE all the pics you've posted!
Did you ever take the bus to the MK or did you stick to the boat for that?






We did use the bus everytime when leaving the resort and used the boat on return trips. We found both to be very quick and reliable. I think we used every form of transportation on property; bus, monorail, ferry boat, two different smaller boats from MK to WL, train and the boat from Studios to Epcot. We just love using Disney transportation, we don't move the car until we are going home, it's a big part of the reality escape for us. Sometimes we like to come up with creative ways to get somewhere. We went to AK early Tuesday morning, headed to MK for lunch at LTT, so we caught a bus to TTC and then took the ferry to MK and later in the afternoon caught a boat back to WL..

[MLK-RI]

Great pics Photobob, thanks for sharing - love the animals and the man taking a snooze - but one of my favorites was the Crowd shot.
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/photobob1961/IMG_6771.jpg

[sanilacjack]

Great pictures Bob!

I love your "Crowd" shot.

Where was the picture of the napping senior taken at?

-Kim

[photobob]

Great pictures Bob!

I love your "Crowd" shot.

Where was the picture of the napping senior taken at?

-Kim

That photo was taken in the waiting area for the movie at the France pavillion, which was fantastic BTW. I just really like the beautiful light coming in from the door. A neat picture with beautiful light =a great photo.

[mickeymorse]

Thanks for sharing the pics. I too loved the crowd shot at Epcot. How did you manage getting through the crowd?:lmao:

[wildernessDad]

And from this Disney Pix photo (aerial from the Bay Lake "back side" of WL/VWL) you can see the parking lot in front of WL. WL is the green roof, VWL is the red roof.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/VWL_Granny/VWLAerial-1.jpg

That's a good looking back side if I do say so myself! :thumbsup2

[IMDORY]

Awesome pictures! Thanks for sharing.:)

[bobbiwoz]

So, there really is a lioness up there!

Thank you for the pictures!

Bobbi:goodvibes

[disney-super-mom]

LOVED the photos! Very beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing them. http://bestsmileys.com/camera/1.gif

[VrBchJ]

Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful photos. Mine sure never come out like this. Must be 'cause you're a pro!

[photobob]

Thanks for the compliments, I send more in about 108 days..

[kimberh]

PhotoBob...you have made me home sick!:goodvibes We don't move our car either once we arrive. It helps make the trip become magical to me. It's part of the experience for us. :thumbsup2 Great photo's, we arrive in May.

[justloveit]

Thanks so much for some wonderful pictures. I am so homesick......

[wildernessDad]

From the safari ride. Thanks.

Geez! That ride is jerky! How'd you get those pictures so sharp?

[SleepyatDVC]

LOVE your pictures!! :love: Thanks for sharing.

[photobob]

Geez! That ride is jerky! How'd you get those pictures so sharp?

I shoot a high shutter speed which helps greatly in freezing action and keep the jerky ride from affecting sharpness. I'd have to check but I was probably shooting 1/500th to 1/1000th of second shutter speed...

[DVCKennyD]

I shoot a high shutter speed which helps greatly in freezing action and keep the jerky ride from affecting sharpness. I'd have to check but I was probably shooting 1/500th to 1/1000th of second shutter speed...

You can shoot at those shutter speeds when using "fast" glass like yours:thumbsup2... Nice shots! Just curious, was that shot of the female lion really shot at 200mm?

KennyD (Amateur Photographer)

[dbprimeaux]

The photos are awesome! My DH bought me an Olympus SLR E-410 for Christmas, and I love it. I just wish I knew how to use to it's best ability. I posted a few pics on the picture thread.

[photobob]

You can shoot at those shutter speeds when using "fast" glass like yours:thumbsup2... Nice shots! Just curious, was that shot of the female lion really shot at 200mm?

KennyD (Amateur Photographer)


I did shoot the lion with a 200mm but I cropped significantly in photoshop. BTW my 20d has a 1.6 crop factor meaning it increases the focal length of the lens by 1.6 making the 200 actually 320.

[DVCKennyD]

I did shoot the lion with a 200mm but I cropped significantly in photoshop. BTW my 20d has a 1.6 crop factor meaning it increases the focal length of the lens by 1.6 making the 200 actually 320.

Hello,

Well that explains it!! I am still in the "stone ages" when it comes to my photography and I didn't even consider the effect of the digital sensor and it's multiplier... Guess it's time to abandon my trusty 35mm Nikon N70 and join the digital revolution:)! Lets see... DVC add on or new D300 and lenses:lmao:

KennyD

[photobob]

Hello,

Well that explains it!! I am still in the "stone ages" when it comes to my photography and I didn't even consider the effect of the digital sensor and it's multiplier... Guess it's time to abandon my trusty 35mm Nikon N70 and join the digital revolution:)! Lets see... DVC add on or new D300 and lenses:lmao:

KennyD


Kenny, the multiplying of the focal length is great when shooting telephoto, but not so great when shooting wideangle lenses. That's the reason ultra wide lenses are being heavily produced now. You have to have an 18 mm lens or lower to get a decent wideangle. BTW most Nikons have a 1.5 factor on their lenses. Nikon and Canon both make full frame sensors which makes you get exactly what the focal length on the lens is, but they are on their more expensive professional camera bodies.

[DLBDS]

Oh, photobob, I wish I had your talent for photography. I've always wanted to take a class.