Tell me the good, bad and ugly about VWL

[arthur06]

I am thinking about adding a small VWL contract. Enough for 4-6 nights every 3 years. Would really like to go early December for Christmas and know that it is a small resort and the 11th month window is really important here!

Tell me more about the pool, close to bay lake and MK? Any help would be great!

[Buckeye Fan]

I absolutely fell in love VWL. It's my favorite "hotel" style resort. Here are some pics from our Aug trip with pics of the room, the pool, the grounds, etc.
http://s307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/simmerb/Wilderness%20Lodge/?start=all

For me, the pros:
* a stone's throw from MK
* absolutely beautiful resort (both the lodge and the grounds)
* has a quick service restaurant and a couple of other food options right at the lodge, but is also close to other things (Contemporary and FW)
* nice workout facility

Cons:
* the DVC rooms are disconnected from the main lodge
* you can't refill your refillable mugs at the pool (this was a big deal, as I'd rather have my Diet Coke than food!!! :laughing:)
* rooms don't have much of a view (they sure aren't bad, but it's not like the golf course/DTD views at OKW and SSR, or BW views!)
* costs more points to stay there than OKW, SSR and some rooms at BWV and AKV
* MFs are higher than some of the other resorts

[DVC Mike]

• Magnificently rendered theme - probably the best!
• Quiet, peaceful and romantic setting/architecture (mountain retreat)
• Smallest DVC resort at WDW
• On Bay lake – just a relaxing boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom
• Attached to a deluxe resort hotel (WL)
• Award winning restaurant (Artist Point) plus Whispering Canyon Café
• Silver Creek Springs feature pool
• Fire Rock Geyser
• Valet parking and Room service
• No community hall
• No 3-BR GV

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Beautiful resort with one of the best themes in WDW. The Holiday decorations are among the best also.

Love the resort's "sound track" and easy running paths.

We bought here for the 11 month window and visit VWL at least twice each year.

[bobbiwoz]

It has a very nice setting for the villa pool. There are springs in the pool that bubble, there's a nearby hot tub and the tall pine trees just complete a perfect picture.

Especially in December, we love to rent bikes and ride over to FW. Many of the trailers there have decorations that rival Disney's. The people are very friendly, and it's just a pleasant way to spend a few hours. We often see deer on the path between WL and FW. Once I saw a pileated woodpecker in the woods.

I've seen a bald eagle over the lake, while enjoying a cloudy day respite on a rocking chair on the porch of the lodge.

Bobbi:goodvibes

[Deb & Bill]

You don't want to buy at VWL for the views because they all are mostly tree views. We bought there because we are big Yellowstone fans (we used to live in Eastern Montana and visited Yellowstone often). WL and VWL remind us of Yellowstone. And the short boat ride to MK is also a nice plus. WL and the villas both look beautiful at Christmas time.

[kimberh]

I agree with all the above, Just want to add, even in the Hot Florida sun, it still seems to feel cool on the hot days. It must be all the trees that are giving the shade. You do not feel like you are in Florida, so if you are wanting to feel Florida, well I feel as if I am in the Pacific Northwest, which I love!

[WolfpackFan]

The Good - You are right in the middle of WDW but you'd think you are a thousand miles away.

The Bad and Ugly - Absolutely none.

[DisneyWalker44]

You don't want to buy at VWL for the views because they all are mostly tree views. You say that as if it's a bad thing! Outside of OKW-Trumbo Canal views, they are my favorite views.

[jimmytammy]

All good:goodvibes, no bad or ugly:scared1:

[Muushka]

I agree with all the above, Just want to add, even in the Hot Florida sun, it still seems to feel cool on the hot days. It must be all the trees that are giving the shade. You do not feel like you are in Florida, so if you are wanting to feel Florida, well I feel as if I am in the Pacific Northwest, which I love!

Exactly! And in the wintertime, those trees seem to help keep the cold away.
Well, the trees and the awesome fireplaces.:goodvibes

[tea pot]

You will love it
We did the same thing. We bought a small contract last Aug so that we could
book the 1st or 2nd week in Dec at the 11 month window.. If you Love Christmas and you Love Disney there is not better place to be in Dec.
Just Magical :santa:

[Inkmahm]

We own at VWL for our December trips each year. I love the place and love also not having to worry about being able to book there when I want to go there.

[twinklebug]

I'm planning out my add-on now - shoot to have it bought and done with as a Christmas gift to myself 2010. Problem is... VWL or BWV. I have almost 2 years to decide.

VWL has my heart as I grew up camping next door in Ft.W. Totally different expereince, and yet, very familiar.

Love the:
Boats to MK, CR & Ft W.;
Pier;
The quiet, cool pathways;
Isolation from the rest of the resorts;
Music piped around the resort;
Waterfall & geysers (esp. one indoors)
Ducks
BUNNIES!

Dislike:
Honestly can't think of anything. Edit... maybe the cowbells outside the Arcade (when we have a room facing it)

[arthur06]

I really want to pull the trigger and make an offer...BUT...the contract is only 25 points with an Aug UY. I really want a June UY or anything Dec to June. Also, looking at the '10 point charts with banking and borrowing, 75 still doesn't go real far. I guess if I knew the future this would be easy. But a 50 point contract with an earlier in the year UY would be better.

What to do?????:confused3

[Buckeye Fan]

I really want to pull the trigger and make an offer...BUT...the contract is only 25 points with an Aug UY. I really want a June UY or anything Dec to June. Also, looking at the '10 point charts with banking and borrowing, 75 still doesn't go real far. I guess if I knew the future this would be easy. But a 50 point contract with an earlier in the year UY would be better.

What to do?????:confused3
I hate my UY, so I'm going to have a very biased opinion. We purchased an Aug UY, and travel in Aug. It's a wonderful UY, unless you bank points. When you bank, they expire at the end of July, which means we have to travel earlier than we'd like. With that said, think through your UY carefully (as it sounds like you may be banking and/or borrowing), and it could impact your travel plans.

Also, since you are considering adding on, you're probably going to want to add on points to whatever UY you buy. You don't have to, but it sure makes it easier to manage your points and make reservations. If the same resort, you can pool your points at 8 - 11 months, and if different resorts, you can pool at 7 months. Otherwise, you're using one contract to book certain nights, and one contract to books others. If you run out of points and are just a few short, the only way to cover the rest is to transfer points, and you're only allowed one in or out of a contract per UY.

Play around with the June UY and see if it works for you. One last thought...the 25 pointers almost never stay on the market, so when you find one, you're going to have to jump. My guess is that the this contract may not be available anymore.

Wishing you the best! I know it's a tough decision, and you want to be sure when you buy. You're doing your research, and it will pay off in the end for you! :thumbsup2

[culli]

We just got back from a split stay at DWL and BCV. DWL was everything that DVCMIKE has always stated about it. He is right on with everything he says about. The thing to think about is what he describes important to you over other places. I for one thought the MK boat was cool.......but waiting for a boat is waiting for transportation. Yes I would rather take the boat then the bus but I would MUCH RATHER walk!

Awesome resort and we would put it as #4 for our requests with BCV, BWV (love resorts and EPCOT area), BLT then DWL. If I could walk from DWL to MK I would probably put it as #2. If you want peace, quiet and relaxation I do have to say DWL has all of that and just a beautiful place.

[arthur06]

Play around with the June UY and see if it works for you. One last thought...the 25 pointers almost never stay on the market, so when you find one, you're going to have to jump. My guess is that the this contract may not be available anymore.



I got an email from **** yesterday at about 5pm that there was a 25 pointer for VWL. I don't know if he works on Sunday's but I have to decide tonight if I want to do it! I figured if I don't have an email to him by 6am, I would be out of luck!

[dizfanz]

When you stay at VWL, you do not feel like you are at a heavily themed resort, you feel like you are at a Northwest resort. Sitting on the balcony listening to the piped in resort music is a favorite. Grab a coffee or a glass of wine and sit in the alcove with the fireplace above the entrance to the main lodge and people watch. Or maybe a hot cocoa and sit in a rocker in front of the big fireplace. Christmas decorations are the best on property. This resort is about relaxing. Rent a bike and ride over to FW and explore their grounds for a while. Ride the resort boat around to the CR, or Poly and GF and enjoy some cocktails and then ride the boat back. The pools are quiet and subdued. The bar is one of the better ones at a DVC resort. Artist Point is a nice restaurant. Great workout facility. As for the bad and ugly....just try to find one. And don't tell me the hallways are long...you just walked 5 miles in a theme park, I don't want to hear about 100 feet.

[Deb & Bill]

The bad? One studio doesn't have a balcony (couldn't fit it in) and one studio has a direct view of the dumpster.

[claire_ont]

We just added on to VWL without ever going there for all the reasons people mentioned. We did a small add-on so that with banking and borrowing we can have a stay in studio every third year in the Christmas season. Looking forward to my first trip.

Claire

[KAT4DISNEY]

I got an email from **** yesterday at about 5pm that there was a 25 pointer for VWL. I don't know if he works on Sunday's but I have to decide tonight if I want to do it! I figured if I don't have an email to him by 6am, I would be out of luck!

Please be aware that email goes out to lots of people - I received it as well. **** and Jaki do respond to things everyday of the week so that contract may already be gone. Hopefully it's still there if you decide to do it. However, if you feel you need more points or a different UY I would just wait - they pop up now and again and you should just be ready to offer on it right away when you see it.

Actually - I just looked at their website and it's a sale pending - hope that's you if you decided on it!

[arthur06]

Actually - I just looked at their website and it's a sale pending - hope that's you if you decided on it!

Nope, it is not me!:mad: However, I think that I need to look around some and be patient! How hard is it to book the first 2 weeks of December? I don't think that I would ever be able to actually go over Christmas.

[arthur06]

I guess getting small contracts is the way to go! That one was for sale for easily less than 24 hours!

[Deb & Bill]

Nope, it is not me!:mad: However, I think that I need to look around some and be patient! How hard is it to book the first 2 weeks of December? I don't think that I would ever be able to actually go over Christmas.

I guess getting small contracts is the way to go! That one was for sale for easily less than 24 hours!

They go very quickly. I know when we bought a small contract several years ago, they were on the phone with us and several others at the same time. I asked the agent if I could think about it and she said it would probably be sold before I could call them back. So I took it and she got of the phone for just a moment to tell the other agents that it was sold.

First two weeks of Dec are extremely popular with members. So you need to book at 11 months out to get what you want.

[KAT4DISNEY]

Nope, it is not me!:mad: However, I think that I need to look around some and be patient! How hard is it to book the first 2 weeks of December? I don't think that I would ever be able to actually go over Christmas.

Ah - that's too bad. As was mentioned the small contracts go VERY fast. You usually need to get on the phone right away to get one. That all being said your best off to decide what UY's would work for you and what point level you would like and be ready to jump right in next time one shows up that you would like. :thumbsup2

And yes, the first two weeks of Dec is very popular. If it's VWL that you want to stay at you really want to own there to be able to take advantage of the 11 month booking window.

[jpeka65844]

The good: the music, the theming, the boat to MK (that I don't mind waiting for!), the decor, the peace, the covered walkway at night, I could go on...

The bad (and the ugly): At the end of your stay, you have to go home!

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

One person's con can be another's pro: we like looking at the trees, find it very peaceful and scenic, especially when I can see the lake through the trees. I also like that it's detached from the main lodge, don't mind the walk, and I like the feeling of being over in our special building. It's quieter and more like a vacation home to me. I've been over in the DVC part so many times without even seeing another person.

cons - not being able to walk to a park - but then I don't think it would be so peaceful and relaxing.

[circhead]

VWL is my home resort - I love it. IMO it has the most impressive lobby of any resort or hotel there. The villas are well decorated and spotless. The housekeeping staff does a magnificient job and are extremely helpful.

Also, IMHO it is the most spectacular at Christmas - I don't think any of the others are even a close second. I tried booking for early December at 10 months out and have had to waitlist 3 of the 6 nights I wanted. the other 3 are split between a studio and a 1 bdrm. The 3 nights I had to waitlist come right in the middle of my planned vacation. Saturday to Friday. I need Sunday, Monday & Tuesday, and that's 10 months out. I have a feeling that if you don't own there you will never get to stay there when it's decorated for Christmas.

Buy now if you can - I don't think you will ever regret it.

[DVC_Princess]

It's definitely my favorite resort. You will absolutely love it. The theming is so amazing that it feels like an oasis in the middle of WDW and the holiday decorations are among the best. Good luck with your decision! :yay:

[OurDogCisco]

Is it harder to book at VWL now than it was before?

I've stayed at VWL and I don't own there. We went during Christmas week. I called 7 months out exactly on the dot and had no problems getting a room for 8 nights. I own at BCV.

I have pictures that I took too when stayed there at this website:

http://travel.webshots.com/album/556864466iJOWDk

[photobob]

I stayed in a studio there in Feb of 2008 and it truly is visually stunning. I had seen photos of it for years but had never seen it in person and walking in that beautiful lobby just makes your jaw drop. There are better locations but no resort more beautiful than WL.

[Anna114]

We stayed at the Lodge in May 2006 and fell in love. You can't believe you are in central Florida. The music is amazing. We obtained the list of music from the Mercantile. It my favorite ITUNES playlist. We love the boat ride to the MK. I really can't think of anything negative from our perspective.

[SnowWitch]

When we first considered purchasing DVC in the late 90's it had been decided the WLV's would be built. We thought, after staying at the lodge several times prior to this, thats where we will buy. We love the theme, the feel, the decoratiosn at Christmas, the pool, and on and on and on. But we decided to take the tour at the BWV's and we were so sold on location. Bought that day! Since that time I had wanted to stay at the WLV's and had that chance last year.

My thoughts: All of the pluses I mentioned that we loved about the lodge.

Cons: Checkin at the Lodge/villas is as slow as I remember, we were there in low season and we checked in at 1200, we finally got into a room after 5pm. We have owned DVC since 1999 so I am well aware of checkin and check out time. They were no where near capacity. We were visibily sick and no one really cared. Magically after talking to management a room appeared at 5pm , ready.

We had booked a 1 bedroom, for myself, dh, and DD's 2 and 1. It was small. With the pull out couch pulled out you could not walk around it. If we had had the 2nd bedroom and our 2 teens with us this would have been annoying.

If we stay again it will be in the lodge on cash.

[Conan the Librarian]

If you go out the door closest to the Lodge, make sure you watch that step up. It is EVIL! The first night of our stay, It JUMPED up and tripped me on purpose! EVIL I say!

Great place to stay other wisel. Look out for Stan the Man! You'll want to take the tour of the Lodge.

I found the view out of the Fourth Floor patio to be spectaularrrrrrrrr!


http://home.comcast.net/~waccoo/panorama/fireplace1.jpg


OK it's a little big.

[Conan the Librarian]

And the lodge.

http://home.comcast.net/~waccoo/panorama/wildlodge.jpg

[Conan the Librarian]

Stupid lag!