We are here at VWL.!! Any ? please ask.

[tweck]

Well the day finally arrived yesterday. After a 10 hour drive, three pit stops, one tank of gas, and two kids asking every 3 miles "Are we almost ther yet?" we finally made it home. For our first time home we are totally in awe of the place. Our kids are having a blast and our only problem was logging on to local ISP yesterday (front desk said use Kissamee as a local dial in, they were wrong, Orlando is local). Spent the day today at MGM then headed to AK for 3 hours. Boy was AK packed. All in all a full day. Gotta go..the kids wanna go swimming and I have a cold beer getting warm. Anyone got a ? or want a pic, let me know. :jester:

[erick10520]

Did you inquire about being a flag raising family (think that's what it's called)

[dvchuck]

How is the bus transportation? Are you happy with it or do you find lots of waiting time?

[Mickbee]

Glad to hear you are having a great time. We'll also be at VWL in three days fpr the first trip home!!!

:bounce:

[wdwnut]

hi: glad you're having a great time. how are the weather and crowds? my "kids" should be there now on their honeymoon. hopefully, the weather and crowds will be manageable for all of you.

[pamruth]

Great timing, because I DO have several questions:
1. Did you request non-smoking? If so, did you get it?
2. What floor and/or rooms do you recommend?
3. What is the decor like? The pictures I have seen make it look a little funky; lots of different colors and patterns.
4. I assume that cold beer was not purchased on site, so how are you keeping a stock of soda, water and beer?
5. Please post if you go to Illuminations. We are keenly interested in finding out how brutal the trip home will be from WVL. The last couple of times we were there we could just walk back over to the YC.
6. Clearly you can use your computer. Is there a daily charge or are you paying for minute-by-minute dial-up?
THANKS for replying when you have time. I hope you make many great memories with your family.

[tweck]

eric10520 - we have not asked about the flag raising family, but am considering it if I can get the kids up in time one morning.

dvchuck - no problems with the busses yet. We took one this AM for early entry into MGM. We missed the bus by 2 min and another was there in 6 minutes. Did notice a CM there (with a PDA keeping track of # of people and waits. Don't think she was "live" to transportation central, just keeping tabs. The bus to MGM (at 730) had 2 stops (Poly and GF) but only took 14 min start to finish. We took a bus at MGM to AK, 3 stops and took 15 min overall. So far so good. Did notice the drivers following a printed schedule with a watch in hand to keep track of departure time.

Pamsruth - We did ask for a NS, 2nd floor or higher, as close to pool as possible. Don't think we would like a ground floor as there may be more mosquitos on ground level. There really are no pool sides per say, but you can easily see the pool from the rooms that are not too far down the wing. The decore, well the room is of a rustic nature, alot of green and reds. I like it. Beer.. well I would buy off site for sure. A beer in the lounge was 350 I think. Never looked to see if you could buy a six pack but if the price of milk in the Mercantile store is any indication (369 a half gal) I think you should stock up before coming. Beer, water and sodas be brought from home. Not sure about illuminations but have been warned to go to the last show of the night when crowds are smaller. AS far as the computer. I have an AOL account and ther is a local Orlando dial up. Only charge is .35 to connect. I did check before using to be sure there was no added fees and was promised ther was not.

Overall...its been GREAT and the place is beautiful. Can't imagine there is a bad room. We are in a 1 BR with 2 adults and 2 kids and have plenty of room.

For those coming this week..look for us at the pool in the evening. I'll be the one with the black ball cap with the Gold P (go pirates) telling the boys to leave each other alone. Ha Ha :jester: :jester:

[teri]

Hope you enjoy that jacuzzi in the pool area - I think it is the best one of all the onsite resorts. :)

Are you having a WONDERFUL time??? :D :D :D

[wazfuz]

I spent some time at VWL in February and was told of the hidden Mickys. I forget how many there are but ask one of the employees at the front desk. I found several in the rotunda at the Villas. Look up and around. They can be anywhere.

:D

[Bill K]

How is the weather? We leave for the BWV next monday the 20th.

[tweck]

YES we are having a great time. Decided to head over to VB today and pool hop and visit the facility. Really nice, oh to have more points! Weather has been typical August in FL. HOT by early afternoon, followed by a brief shower around 5 or so. The pools have been closed for up to an hour each afternoon as the late afternoon showers pass through. Gotta go and get some sleep, heading to Epcot in the morning for early entry followed by e-ticket night in MK tomorrow night, should be a 18 hour day. And oh yea, the buses seem to be running smooooothly.:jester: :jester: :jester: :jester:

[BraveMom3]

Tweck--

I'm so jealous. My family loves WL and I'm on the brink of buying at VWL. Being from Biloxi, we're not too far away, and I'm very familiar with that drive!! Some questions:

1. Had you stayed at WL before buying at VWL? If so how do the accomodations compare? I'm probably going to go with a Studio when possible (until hubby joins us for his 3-4 days, and that makes 5). I've never had a problem with the rooms with myself and 3 kids, but so many people complain about the small size of the WL rooms.

2. What made you "take the plunge" (join DVC)?

3. What are the ages of your children (for reference sake, mine are 4, 5, and 9)?

4. How many points did you start with?

5. How did you like your trip over to Vero Beach?

6. Please explain "pool hopping". Is this a bonus for DVC members?

7. How long do you usually stay at WDW?

Guess that's all for now. Have a great time!!!:) :)

[BounceyOne]

We will be at VWL next tuesday :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: Thanks for the advice of not staying on ground level, at first I thought that would be the best place to stay. We are in a studio this time around, but I will make sure to ask fo something higher up.

[mgoble]

We are coming down 9/21 and I was wonder what tyoes of boats are for rent (sail, water mice etc.)?

Thanks again for your updates

[tweck]

Pamsruth - so sorry for posting about the late show at illuminations. I meant to see the last show of Fantasmic. Illuminations as you know only runs one time. So sorry. Unsure of the bus ride out but so far the bus situation has been very good.

mgoble - They rent quite a lot of stuff here on site. Pontoon boats, pedal boats, water mice (small 10hp racers), bikes, surrey bikes.. you name it. Guest services can tell you what is avail.

BraveMom3 - Search for my first post, it really explains why we bought. We took the plunge and never have had a second thought. Our two boys are 13 and 8. We bought in with the min of 150 pts but did an add on before the price increase. As far a Vero, it is a really nice facility but secluded so you don't have alot of outside attractions like staying on site here in the world. Pool hopping is a benefit members have. You are allowed to use any other resort pool during your stay as long as you have an ID and the pool is not at capacity. Best to check the front desk where your planning on going to use the pool to be sure it is not closed to non-residents due to capacity. Do a search on pool hopping and you will get alot of info on the subject. You memtioned yourself, husband and 3 kids. Please be aware that your purchase contract strictly prohibits having more people stay in a room than the occupancy limit for that room stipulates. In your case, 5 in a studio or a 1 BR (both limited to 4) is a violation of your contract. You would need a 2 BR if all 5 of you are there at once to be compliante with the agreement contract you sign. Do a search on 5 in a 1 BR and your in for some heated reading. As far as how long we stay, this trip is 7 days, last one was 4 and we are coming back in Feb (to get away from Mardi Gras) for 5 days. We often think of stealing away for a 4 day weekend but have not yet. I can not stress enough that you read the boards carefully and check out the occupany limits. I have heard that there are guides who have said the occupany is not enforced but I would be leary of believing that. At any rate.. gotta go we are off to the MK for e-ticket night..gonna be a late one.

[msdis]

We will be at VWL in a couple weeks for our first stay and was wondering about the grounds and the walking trails to fort wilderness. We will not be taking in the parks this trip, unless we cave, and are looking for things to do around the resort. What about a nice quiet spot to see MK fireworks? Any hammocks on the beach area? Thanks! Glad you are having a great time.

[BraveMom3]

Thanks for responding. Yes, I'm well aware of the occupancy thing. I never knew three children was going to complicate things so much!!:o It's quite a jump for the 5 people accomodations. I had already been advised that we could do a 2 BR lockout with him, and just use the studio portion when he leaves (I think that's how it went!) I had figured that with about 157 points we could do 3 nights of 2BR, then 3 nights of Studio. That takes care of 6 of our 14 nights. Guess I'll have to get to work on those add-ons!!

The pool hopping sounds great!! That would be a big seller with my kids. Is that only for DVC resorts, or does it include all WDW Resort pools?

Have a great time at E-Ride Night! Back in June my three kids and myself left the part at almost 1 a.m.!!

[JonHM]

I just wanted to point out something other than the physical logistics - the psychological factor. Once your family gets used to having the extra amenities and space that a 2 bedroom provides, it may be *very* hard to go back to a studio (psychologically). If you're going to split a trip between the two, I would definitely recommend starting in the studio and then moving up into the 2 bedroom rather than the reverse.
There are plenty of people here who love the studios, but there are also many here who say that once you've stayed in a one or two bedroom, it completely spoils the studios for you. Ask people for input on this, just wanted to point out that it *may* become an issue, might want to consider a few more points to switch between a 2 bedroom and 1 bedroom instead of between a 2 bedroom and a studio.

[tweck]

First for msdis - the grounds are really nice, lots of places to walk, nature trail and trail to the petting area at FW. There is a small beach area with chaise lounges and chairs and such adjacent to the small dock that you rent the boats and bikes from. I picked up a trail map from the rental shack and if you send me your e-mail address i will scan and send to you, but it isn't too good a copy. As far as seeing the fireworks, you sure can hear them from all the parks around 10PM but as far as seeing them, I don't know of a good vantage point, where we were staying in the villas, you could see an occational one over the roof of the lodge. Quite sure if you walked to the entrace road you could see everything but have not tried that yet. There is a water light show every night at 935 on the Lake, that is pulled by boats and stops for a 10 min show everynight.

Spent the day sleeping in late as we did e-ticket night in MK last night and didn't arrive back to the room until 2 AM. When you leave the MK that late, there is no boat service so had to take the monorail to the TTC then take a bus to the lodge. We took the "Boone" bus (every one has its own name) and the Villas was the first stop. From the time we got in line at the monorail in the MK until we opened our door was 30 min. Not bad I thought.

Decieded to pool hop today as it was recoup time. Called the front desk here at the villas, they called the BC&YC to check on Stormalong Bay for us and said "come on over", but "be sure to have your DVC ID with ya". The kids had a blast, with the slide and the whole pool layout. Gotta admit, typical Disney, grand style. Did notice quite a few aggressive birds eating from the garbage cans and a few ducks running around the tables. Never have seen so much as a sparrow around the pool here at VWL. Anyway. all in all another great day. Got plans to eat at Artist Point tonight...this is vacation after all.:jester: :jester:

[lsutigger]

Hi, thanks for the 'live' reports. They are great. Since we're from the same neck of the woods, so to speak, we're from Baton Rouge, and are driving to VWL in October. Did you stay on interstate the whole trip? Is there a better route to take? Any help will be appreciated. I'm not concerned about getting lost, but just the best way. I'm not much of a long road trip traveler. And want to know what to expect. We'll be staying in Tallahassee the first night and on to WDW the next day. We'll probably drive all the way home when we leave. We're excited about the trip, at least I am, dh doesn't say much but he's a good listener to me!

[Geyser Gazer]

tweck,
FYI, if you go out to the parking lot in front of the wl lobby and look north you can easily see the MK fireworks over the treeline.

[kda]

Or, you can take a nice boat ride to the Contemporary and go to the top floor and watch the fireworks from the two look outs. Or, eat at any of the other MK resorts and watch the fireworks from the beach at the Poly or the boat dock at the GF. Or, try to time it right so you're on the boat to the MK when the fireworks go off and watch from that boat (the captain may just stop the boat and let everyone watch). This can be a little tricky to get the right time, so you may end up riding to MK a little early and taking the same boat back, which will be during the fire works.

[vwl_ryan]

I'm sorry if you've already posted this, but where in the Villas is your room (floor, side, etc.)? We have a studio booked for October, and we are looking for recommendations on what to request. Enjoy the rest of your stay!

Thanks,
Ryan

[twinglefam]

Just some input on the rooms at VWL..... dh and I went down to purchase in March and stayed in a studio overlooking the quiet pool. Very nice view of the pool/lagoon, but I was thinking that ground floor would be great with the kids to get to and from the pool easily. Loved the room we had though. Third floor, non-smoking overlooking the pool as requested.

We had great luck with the bus transportation from VWL - no problems even returning from Illuminations....just got scolded when I tried to bring my 1/2 full yard on the bus with me...hey, what can I say, we were without the kids!!

Also, we haven't been home with the kids yet, but planning on a trip in Oct. to BWV one bedroom and OKW two bedroom when the parents join us. I have three kids, twins 7 and a 9yr. We were told "it's getting close but you can still get away with the one bedroom." We started with 200 pts. figuring it won't be too long before we'll have to use a two bedroom, probably next trip in 2003, but we'll see.

LOVED VWL and so glad we did this. We can't wait to go again and bring the kids, now that we're members.

Q?: How long of a drive to VB from there?

Enjoy every Disney minute....:earsgirl:

[tweck]

Hi guys, this has been great but the trip is nearing an end :( as we leave on Friday morning. Thanks to those who gave great input on the fireworks viewing.

lsutigger - the drive is all interstate. For us, Slidell to the villas was exactly 10 hours with 3 pit stops. For you I-12 to I-10 East to I-75. I-75 South and follow the signs, there are plenty. Be forewarned, the traffic around 4 Pm when we arrived on Sat was bumper to bumper around Universal and Disney. Easily added 30 min to the drive.

vwl_ryan - we're staying in room 3517. Pool is off to our right if your on the balcony. My only recommendation wouls be pool/lake side request, above ground floor. Just my preference, but on the ground floor, there appears to be no rooms with direct access to the pools without having to walk through the landscaping. Also, as the ground floor rooms have a seating area (patio) that is surrounded by landscaping, the bugs may bother you. Impossible to get any specific room by request, just give your preference and see what luck brings you.

twinglefam - The drive to VB was right at 2 hours. Not too bad considering we had never been there before. The facility is nice, the kids loved the pool.

This has truely been a great trip. Kids have never been so worn out and the resort adds alot of personal enjoyment knowing we don't have to fight the crowds to get offsite for lodging.:jester:

[BounceyOne]

I'm happy to hear you are having a wonderful trip! Thank you sooo much for all the wonderful info, it will be our turn tuesday :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Thanks again

[BraveMom3]

LSUTIGGER--

I drive from Biloxi every year, last 5 in a row. The drive is very simple, even with 3 kids!!;)
It's 580 miles to WDW from our home just off I-10. It takes us about 9-10 hours, depending on stops. Going down we usually stay in Tallahassee, also, at the Cabot Lodge (Exit 30). They have the only "Complimentary Continental Breakfast" I've ever been able to eat! It really is good, my kids even pig out!! Anyway, we try to leave there around 8 a.m. that puts us to the WL at about noon (approx. 4 hour drive). It's I-10 all the way to I-75 South (about 90 miles from Tallahassee), then about 115 miles to Florida Turnpike S.E.(Exit 65). Then the Turnpike about 45 miles to I-4 West(Exit 259). Then I-4 West to your WDW Exit. Returning home we drive straight through!!:earseek: :crazy:

Driving home, we always had a hard time finding the Exit to use off of I-4 East, but finally got it down---I-4 EAST to FLORIDA TURNPIKE (EXIT 31); bear RIGHT SR-91, to FLORIDA TURNPIKE NORTH!

Have a great trip, and be sure to pack plenty of car entertainment!!!:earsgirl:

[KimOhio]

I just wanted to say thanks for taking so much time out of your vacation to make the post I am so jealous hope you have a nice vacation and a safe trip home thanks again Kim

[OKWgolfer]

We made our ressies for WL today. We will be enjoying three wonderful kid-less nights in late September. We have been members at OKW since 92 but this is our first stay at the Lodge. Can't wait!

I like these little bouncy things so I had to include them in my post...:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[tweck]

OKWgolfer - Your gonna love it. Having been to OKW earlier, we really like the rustic deep woods feel of the lodge. Be sure to check out the gieser which erupts with much fanfare on the top of the hour. Really nice late at night. Enjoy!! Boo Hoo, going home tomorrow after a wonderful week. :jester: :jester: :jester: :jester:

[msdis]

tweck-thanks for your reply! Glad you had a fantastic stay. Wishing you a save trip home.