In support of VWL

[Granny]

It's been quite a week or so on these boards as I've watched my beloved VWL take a beating due to one or two CM's lousy attitudes. And worse, I see some people having second thoughts about buying there or making ressies for there in the future. I don't feel that everyone has had a bad experience there, but as is often the case the complaints (which are valid) tend to outshine the compliments.

So, I ask those who have stayed at the VWL to post a comment about your experience. I almost said "positive comment", but we're not sugarcoating or cheerleading here....I just think anyone reading the board the last week or so would think that VWL is a crummy place with lousy CM's.:(

I'll start off by saying that my family has stayed at WL a few times and now VWL once last month. Every trip has been awesome and the CM's have been very helpful and cheery. My favorite CM is probably the guard at the front entrance gate. If he knows that you are a DVC member, he gives you a sharp salute and says "Welcome Home" with a nice smile. I love that!:D

[DVC-Don]

We stayed in April and had a great time at VWL. It was our first stay at our DVC "home" base. We had just as good a time as our stays at BWV & OKW.

[Carl]

I'm anxious to try it, but obviously comments haven't stopped people from booking it, because there was nothing available there when I attempted to book it for December.

[Muushka]

WL is a wonderful resort. I have met some of the most enthusiastic CMs there, who truly love their jobs, and it is evident in the service they provide. There will always be one or two without the best attitude, but for me, it does not constitute avoiding the place. There are plenty of others to more than make up for it. Like 999Ghosts, for example ;) .


Granny, now that you mention it, that guard at the gate is a pretty cool guy! Gotta love that "Welcome Home" :cool:

[BraveMom3]

During my recent 2 week stay (June 2- June 16) at the VWL I only experienced the most courteous and enthusiastic of CM's. It was our first time in the villas as DVC members, but our fourth stay (I think) at the WL property, and have always received wonderful service.

As a sidenote, I was there alone with 3 KIDS:eek: , and I'm sure there were times when I was probably stressed enough that it would not have taken much to rub me the wrong way!!!

[dizneeluvr]

We bought into VWL last May and had the pleasure of staying there for a first time in January. We LOVED it!!!!!!!!!!!

A few extra special CM moments that stand out would be:

1) My DH and I were standing outside on one of the pathways with our 2 DDs staring up at the side of the main lodge trying to find one of those hidden Mickeys. A very astute CM walked by with a twinkle in his eye and gave us another clue without us saying a thing. Sure enough, we found it!

2) My daughter got an out-of-left-field stomach bug one afternoon on our second day there. My DH insisted I take our 3 yo DD to the priority ressies we had made at the Garden Grille character dinner in Epcot. I went, told the ladies that there would only be the 2 of us instead of 4. Next thing I knew the character coordinator was quizzing me as to where we were staying, how old my DD was, what her favorite character was--all the while making sure the 3 yo felt part of things. Anyway, about 2 nights later (the sickie was better by then TG) a knock at the door. Two sweet CM's were standing there with a gift bag (from the character coordinator) for the girls and tied to it were several WL balloons (which was obviously the resort's touch). Disney will NEVER cease to amaze me!!!!!!!!!!!!

3) The CM down at the surrey bike rental also comes to mind. She was very helpful and attentive with the girls!

We absolutely love our home resort (VWL)!


Laura
p.s. Granny....do you live in the St. louis area? And by chance have you eaten at the Red Robin restaurant in the "valley" sometime in the past 6 months? --Just askin'!

[KarenB]

We just stayed there last week in a wonderful studio!!! Our view was picture perfect, the guard at the gate gave us a big "Welcome Home" every time, the CMs were all friendly.......

for example.....
It was a rainy evening and our boys, 12 and 13, got a hidden Mickey list. DH and I found a cozy spot to read the paper while the kids went on an adventure to complete their list. They asked CMs to help them on some and they gave them hints or even took them and showed them where the Hidden Mickey's were!!!! The kids really liked their independence and interaction with the CMs!!!!!


We will certainly stay there again!!!!! :) :) :) :)

Karen

[Peter Johnson]

We stayed at VWL 5/26 - 5/29. Our 1-br was spotless, the CMs we encountered were the high quality we expect, and the visit was great fun. The only gripe we had was the 20 minute long check-in line on Sunday.

We did notice one big difference between check-in at OKW and VWL. At OKW, each check-in takes only a few minutes. All us DVCers don't need a lot of help or information. At VWL the process seemed much slower; our CM insisted on giving us all the details about VWL even after we told him we didn't need it. The management should train the CMs at check-in to ask DVC members if they need the big spiel, or just want to get their keys, sign the charge slip, and go! :cool:

[Simba's Mom]

Hey-I just realized-we also never got a "Welcome home" from the guard. My letter of complaint is going out today. The reason I'm posting is that I really want to hear those positive comments-as I told Mr. Carter in my letter, it's such a beautiful resort it's a shame to have the memories of our negative experience there overcome the memory of the beauty. Please keep those positive comments coming-it helps!

[Jenn]

We stayed there in March and LOVED it. We own at BWV and my exact words were "If we hadn't already bought at BWV I would have absolutely bought here". We actually love every resort we have tried so far - Vero, BWV, OKW and VWL. We bought at BWV because that is what Disney was selling at the time. We love it there - but like to try different places too. Our next place to try - BCV!

[niks81]

I was expecting my stay there to just be ok....I'm more of a Boardwalk girl ;)

However, I came away very delighted with my experience there and plan to return. We bought DVC there sight unseen but we are glad we did buy there....it is a beautiful resort. I never encountered a problem with CM's there....in fact I had more trouble at the BW than there. Of course every resort could probably improve a few things, but I would say VWL is a great choice for a resort and is currently very high on my list (sorry guys, but Boardwalk is still #1)

[cherylp3]

I own at boardwalk - I stayed at WLV in May. The person who checked us in was earning her ears and nice and friendly.

I made no requests and received room 1506, it was close to bus stop main hall and pool area. ( Also it was not handicapped)

The clerk at the pin cart answered my husband questions, she was very friendly and talkative. Roaring forks was crowded in the morning but afternoons were no problem.

The transportation was better than I had expected.

Overall I enjoyed staying at WLV and I would gladly stay there again.

Cheryl

[Synonymous]

I love, love, love VWL. We bought at BWV shortly before VWL became available, because the price was going to increase if we waited. Of our 3 DVC trips so far, we have stayed at VWL twice and have now added on 50 pts there. Nothing can match the beauty of WL, and the Villas are a perfect fit. We've never had any problems there. The only complaint I have is the food at Whispering Canyon Cafe, but Artist's Point more than makes up for it.

Our next trip we're going to try out BCV, but it is with mixed feelings. I'm afraid that we're really going to miss VWL.

[disneychic]

It's always a pleasure to stay at VWL. That is our first choice when making our DVC plans. We've even gotten friendly with a few CM's. One example, my DH and I checked in for our first stay at VWL at the end of September last year. While at the front desk, checking in we got into a rather long conversation with CM, Carla, telling her that both my DH and I were at the WTC on 9/11 and just talking about that experience with her.
Every time after that, when we'd see her at the desk we'd stop over and say hi. Then, this year in March we returned for another DVC vacation and she remembered us at check in. Asked how we were doing, etc. It may not sound like much, but it meant alot to us that with all the people she sees on a daily basis, she rememberd us. Everyone CM that we meet at WL seems nicer than the next. We returned to VWL in April for a week stay, and again in May for a long weekend. Each time a better experience than the last. WE LOVE VWL! It's our absolute favorite. Our home resorts are BWV and HHI but our first choice for our vacation stay is VWL!

[GrammieMame]

We had our first stay last March, and loved it. The area is beautiful and a welcome break from the chaos of the parks. We got a welcome home at arrival, and found everyone to be helpful and courteous.

I was amazed one day when we got our car out of valet parking and the CM noticed that we were headed for a water park. We returned about 5 hours later and when the same CM took our car to be parked, he asked "Did you enjoy your day at the water park, Mrs. McCain?". He must have taken dozens of cars that day, and I wasn't even aware that he had noticed our name. Now that's service.

[LodgeMan]

Well, as my name so wonderfully implies, I love the Lodge. Stayed there May 26-31. Had two minor complaints: check in and Whispering Canyon. Check in did take over 20 minutes but heck, I was checking into the Lodge for 5 days so who cares!!
We like Whispering Canyon but I was a little disappointed in their lunch selections. Small portions for large $$, even by Disney standards.But I will continue going to VWL for as long as I can. It is absolutely my favorite place in the world.

[SteveS]

We have traded into WLV twice. We love the atmosphere on Bay Lake. Given the opportunity I would trade my points at BWV for points at WLV in a heart beat.

[spiceycat]

this is one of my favorite places - the lobby is so beautiful in both VWL and WL - the CM's are generally friendly and try to be helpful - I love the quiet pool as well as the main pool, the gym is one of the best on property - now I don't like Wilderness Canyon that much I am shy and a shy person who does not like to be tease this place is a nightmare - so we generally don't eat there - l love Roaring folks and the bar at the pool is great too. I also love all the little touches in the hall ways.

I really like being able to get around the place under cover when it is raining - that is so nice - OKW nor BWV don't have this and it makes VWL really special.

the wildlife is great - now OKW has birds and bunnies - but at VWL they are so tame (yes I know they are wild animals) - but I am a big animal lover - when I see them I appreciate the deers.

[lodgelady]

We own at VWL and took our first trip home in April. Every CM we encountered there from the front desk to housekeeping did their job efficiently and with a smile or cheery word. Our 7 night stay was wonderful and restful. So glad we own a share in this beautiful, quality resort!! :)

[DeeP]

A lot of DVC members must like VWL because I tried at 9:30 this morning to get in there either the last 2 weeks of Nov or the first 2 weeks of Dec and it is all booked up. BWV and BCV are also all booked up, only OKW is open. :(

[lsutigger]

DH and I went to VWL in Oct 01 for our first DVC visit. We really enjoyed the resort. It was calming after coming in from the parks or from playing golf (yes, golf can be stressful!!). Even though our room wasn't what we had requested, we enjoyed our stay just the same. One of several happy CM stories, I stopped mousekeeping one day to ask a question about trash/towel day, and she very gracefully gave me an armload of extra towels. It was nice to have the extra sets. (We were in a studio.) Would have gladly gone back this year, but when I called for reservations and BCV was open, we chose to stay there. We probably will try them all, one of the best parts about DVC.
Thanks Granny for starting this thread!

[kda]

From the first time we stayed at WL, it became our favorite resort, and we stayed there 5 more times before finally being able to purchase DVC. After going to 3 (yes, 3) DVC presentations over a 7 year period, we decided to wait until VWL were built. Now our vacations have taken on a new flavor --- life in a 1 BR @ VWL gives a whole new meaning to luxury!

We decided we needed a few more points and gambled that they'd still be available after Christmas. When we found out our use-year suddenly sold out, we were truly bummed. Our guide called a few months later to say we could have points at BWV in our use-year, but we turned him down. I knew there were people dying for those points, but we just weren't interested. While we really enjoy spending some time in the Epcot area, VWL is home --- serene, beautiful, restful, an oasis away from the busy world. Frankly, I'm just as glad that it doesn't appeal to everyone because I don't want it to get too crowded. Can't wait to go there in early December. It seems the perfect place to be at that time of the year.

(PS. We did spend a few days in a 1 BR in OKW last month, and I'd go back there in a heartbeat, too.)

[goofyforwdw]

We own at Bw HH and Wl and after HH .WLV is our favorite. One Cm comes to mind we some how we took the wrong plug for the cell phone with us and the charge was running out. As this is how we keep in touch with our kids I was some what distressed I went to the check in area and asked if they possably had a plug that would work, well the CM said I have the same phone and have the charger in my car I will charge it now and leave it for you when I go off duty. I left it with her and went down the next morn and retrived my fully charge phone and called by kids. My husband and I spend some time at the pool bar so he can smoke a cigar and the bar people as so nice . It it bad we know them by name Hi Kendra, Stuart and Carrie.

[Janis]

Just returned from our first stay at VWL and loved every minute! All the cast members we encountered were friendly and efficient, and check in was painless. The room (2BR) was clean and everything was in working order. We plan to return many times. Hope this helps anyone who is having second thoughts!

[DisneyWorld fanatic]

We love VWL. We stayed at the Logde 3 times prior to becoming DVC members and were so thrilled when we decided to join that VWL was the resort that was available to purchase. We just stayed there for 6 days in Feb and the took the 3 day cruise......our first DVC vacation!!! It was wonderful. We love it so much that we could live there.........permanently!!!!!!
We have ressies for Jan 03......cant wait!!!!!

Jim

[Lesley]

We bought a small add on at VWL sight unseen in May of 2001, right before the increase to $75. Our only experience with the WL was at the Pooh character breakfast they used to have. But the theme appealed to us and the photos looked nice....so we did the add on.

We stayed there for the first time in Jan...2 days at the start of our trip using our new points in a 1br. We we absolutely thrilled with our room, the cm's we encountered, just everything.

We also found the valets to be particularly friendly...but the CM we had at check in was great too. We were much more impressed with VWL than with our first home resort BWV (though BWV is great too!) We'd love to have more points there...and i really wish we had enough points to stay there more often!

[Granny]

Wow....ask for a few "feel good" comments about VWL and look what happens! You guys did a great job in capturing so much of what we love about VWL.:D

Muushka...I love your comment "Why throw the baby out with the bath water?". You're right...there's always a chance that someone or something can make a trip less enjoyable, but looking at the big picture, we all thoroughly enjoy WDW and know that in total it's a great experience.:D

I always enjoy reading the CM stories....and especially on this thread since it was one or two CM's that caused so much trouble recently there. Thank you dizneeluvr, KarenB, disney chic, GrammieMame, lsutigger, and goofyforwdw for sharing your specific CM stories!:D

spiceycat....I agree completely about the wildlife viewing at VWL. DW and I spotted a deer just off the path heading over to Fort Wilderness...it never moved as we walked about 20 feet from it! And the usual Disney touches with the various animal footprints in the sidewalks at WL have always been really neat. I also appreciate you posting on this thread. I know you were saddled with a really lousy room view on a stay at VWL but it obviously didn't make you think poorly of the resort or the CM's in general. :D

kda & DisneyWorldfanatic.....my family is just like yours in that we fell in love with WL and that is why buying into VWL was such an easy decision. :D

And a few mentioned the check-in slowness and I'll have to admit that they could do a better job there. It does seem way too slow, even when they have 7 or 8 people checking folks in! But if you have to wait a long time to check in, you can't beat that lobby for a place to do it!!

Again, thanks to everyone who has posted or continues to post. I think anyone who has second thoughts about their purchase at VWL or upcoming trips should have their fears laid to rest.

You guys are the best!!:D

[POOH&PIGLET]

We have been to VWL once and absolutely loved it! :D

[Jenny0725]

We are also VWL owners. Our last stay was in December and we had a wonderful time.

Our favorite thing about DVC is the ability to stay at different themed resorts. Each DVC resort gives you a different feel.

We have stayed at HH, BW, OKW and VWL. We are looking forward to staying at VB and BC this fall.

[Goofy4Mickey]

After our first trip "home" to VWL in early June, I have nothing but good things to say. Service, from the CMs to room service to restaurant staff, was always fantastic. That goes without saying for the property itself. WL has always been one of our favorites.

Mousekeeping even threw in a surprise, extra trash & towel day with extra towels when they saw we had 2 small children. Just another one of those little touches that keeps us coming back...

[SEC]

I have only stayed at my home resort once, last October and it was a great experience! We have previously stayed at WL and love the theming of both the Lodge and the Villas as well as the boat transportation and atmosphere! We are counting down the days until we go "home" again!

[ralphd]

Check the clock folks! We don't have very long until 'Homecoming'.


ralphd:D :D :D :D

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by Simba's Mom
Hey-I just realized-we also never got a "Welcome home" from the guard.

Out of 5 DVC trips (3 OKW, 2 BWV), we only got a "welcome home" from the guard once - last month at OKW.

I have a friend who is a die hard OKW member, she hated Boardwalk because of the "tiny rooms", she stayed at VWL earlier this week for 3 nights and loved it (1 bedroom). Her 17 year old son said he liked it better than OKW. They were already fans of Wilderness Lodge.

When I joined at BWV, it was being bashed right and left on these boards, I think the "new place" always gets criticism at first until they get things running smoothly.

[Paul in CT]

We are owners at OKW, but stayed at a 1 BR last August and had a GREAT time! We did three nights there and three at BWV and two at VB. We enjoyed the boat rides to the MK for a change and my son and daughter thought the workout room was excellent. I'll take their word on that one. :)

We will be back there again. I hoping to go there in December some time to see the fantastic decorations!

[Pointdisney]

Since my wife and I became DVC members in late 1999 we've only stayed at the WLV despite the fact that our 'home' resort is BWV. We love the Lodge; it's quiet surroundings, terrific theming, and the over all experience. A truly great place to enjoy the 'magic'!:D

[dizfanz]

Granny, great idea. Each DVC resort has its own charm, and the VWL are no exception. As you mentioned, the guard is the best. I have mentioned this on the boards before. He had to have been a US Marine. Nothing beats the feeling when you walk into the main lodge. Awesome!!! No matter how many times I've seen it, it still gets me. I love the bike trail that goes to Fort Wilderness, a great activity. Sturdy branches is the best fitness facility in my opinion. Artists point is one of my favorite restaurants. It is really quiet. And my favorite activity, is grabbing a beer from the snack shop and a newspaper and going to that nook that is on the 2nd or 3rd floor in the main lodge that has the fireplace and the couches. Very comfy and hidden away. VWL rocks and nobody's bad experience will ever stop me from going back!!! How's that Granny?

[Gigashadow]

All I can say is out of all the trips to WDW and stays with Disneys Resorts, We had a few "Problems" during some of our stays - But NEVER once did any of them not get corrected or addressed ASAP by the staff or management. 2 times we were very well compensated for any "inconveinence" during our stay. Also, we never had to "Battle" with anyone to correct anything. So I am still 100% Happy with my $30,000 timeshare purchase at the VWL and still look foward to enjoying any of my stays at the DVC Resort Collection that keeps growing.

I feel sorry for the people posting their "horror" reports but can only wonder how/why they didn't recieve the same treatment my family is accostom to.

:smooth:

[MaryJ]

I'll start off by saying that my family has stayed at WL a few times and now VWL once last month. Every trip has been awesome and the CM's have been very helpful and cheery. My favorite CM is probably the guard at the front entrance gate. If he knows that you are a DVC member, he gives you a sharp salute and says "Welcome Home" with a nice smile. I love that! We just returned from two weeks at WDW. The first was at VWL and the second at BWV. We got a Welcome Home from the CM at the front desk (I think her name was Marsha) and from the guard at the gate. Not a single Welcome Home when we moved to the BWVs. VWL is our home resort, but we switched resorts primarily because we thought our kids would enjoy the activities around BWV more, but the general consensus was that they liked the themeing and atmosphere at VWL better.

Our room was on the fifth floor and yes, there were vaulted ceilings, but they didn't interfere in any way. Also, it was previously reported in another thread that you could not see out of the balcony when seated in a fifth floor room. This was not true in our case. I looked at other balconies that faced Bay Lake as ours did and could not see any that would have this problem.

We're glad that VWL is our home!! Looking forward to many more stays there!:bounce: