VWL Groupies...yes, we love the Lodge!!

[eliza61]

According to Disney legend, Pleasure Island is a living monument to it's purchaser "the wise fool, the mad visonary, the scoundrel, the scalawag and the seeker of enjoyment"... Merriweather Adam Pleasure, who brought the island in 1911 and disappeared 30 years later during a circumnavigation of the Antartic. Destroyed by Hurricane Connie in 1955, the island was uncovered by archaeologist in 1987. Two years later, the "new" pleasure Island opened with hopes of being "fun for all and all for fun!"

Only Disney could give an attraction a history.

 

[Nicoal13]

So when I booked OKW a few months ago, the near Hospitality House category was not available. I went online this morning and now it is.

We are 15 days away from check in. Can I call and have that switched over?

My understanding is they would have to cancel the current reservation, put the points in holding and the book the new reservation.

Can they do this without losing the original reservation just in case the new one is not available when I call?

Hope that makes sense. I've never done this before. Thanks!

 

[twinmom108]

Sharon and Kat -- so you don't like SM because it's too rough?

Is it rougher than Big Thunder? I'm doing my little survey here so I can inform my family before we get on these things. Like I said, here at home, my son thinks he is going to be very brave, but that may change when we get there.

Different subject, same idea though -- last time we went, boys were 6 and 8. We did the 3D Bug's Life show and it RUINED them for anything else. They were terrified. Even the big one cried. They just kept saying "Mom, I want to leave. Mom, I want to go now." Sad!

After that, the younger one would do NOTHING. Not the jungle cruise, not Kali, not anything that wasn't totally visible to him. Bummer.

Today I am waiting to hear from one of my dearest friends who has been battling cancer. She gets the results of a big PET scan this morning. It seems that this will determine whether or not there is hope for survival. If you can, shoot up a prayer for her! She also has a couple of little boys and she needs to stick around and raise them!

OK -- gotta wake up my crew and start the day!

Praying for your friend !

SM at DL is wonderful & the soundtrack is different too. I think it's Trans Siberian Orchestra which I adore. The track is much more smoother than at WDW. I don't understand why they're so different. I have fibromyalgia & back problems so I have to be careful of the extra jerks, but rollercoasters are my favorite pass time. I know I will have to give them all up eventually & SM at WDW is now sadly on my DNR (do not ride) list now.

 

[twokats]

bagsmom
Praying your friend gets a report based on Gods grace and mercy

Im not big on SM at WDW. I will ride it because others want too, but its a bit rough for me.

My fave in all of WDW is Splash Mt.

Woke up to 2" of snow this AM. It started last night around 6, and we drove home in it after doing payroll and paperwork at my dads office at his home. Drive wasnt bad, but this AM, lots of slick roads. Problem is the temps, plus its clear so warmth is gone. We have had a weird weather week here, been raining everyday since Mon, then snow with thunder and lightning last night

That is the tail end of the system that got us on Tuesday!!! The news anchors were really going on about the snow-thunder!! We did not have a lot of rain before it, but we really got the snow.

I agree, SM is rough. I do plan on taking DS on Big Thunder first and see how he does.

I don't plan on trying Everest with him, I think he would be terrified.

Everest is the one that my son Clay does not like. He tried it on the Dec '11 trip and after that he sat to the side somewhere and waited for us. He did not want to do it in Sept either.

Sharon and Kat -- so you don't like SM because it's too rough?

Is it rougher than Big Thunder? I'm doing my little survey here so I can inform my family before we get on these things. Like I said, here at home, my son thinks he is going to be very brave, but that may change when we get there.

Different subject, same idea though -- last time we went, boys were 6 and 8. We did the 3D Bug's Life show and it RUINED them for anything else. They were terrified. Even the big one cried. They just kept saying "Mom, I want to leave. Mom, I want to go now." Sad!

After that, the younger one would do NOTHING. Not the jungle cruise, not Kali, not anything that wasn't totally visible to him. Bummer.

Today I am waiting to hear from one of my dearest friends who has been battling cancer. She gets the results of a big PET scan this morning. It seems that this will determine whether or not there is hope for survival. If you can, shoot up a prayer for her! She also has a couple of little boys and she needs to stick around and raise them!

OK -- gotta wake up my crew and start the day!

Prayers for your friend. My mom went through 3 of those PET scans and we were always anxious for the results to know what was going to happen next.

 

[Kathymford]

Sharon and Kat -- so you don't like SM because it's too rough?

Is it rougher than Big Thunder? I'm doing my little survey here so I can inform my family before we get on these things. Like I said, here at home, my son thinks he is going to be very brave, but that may change when we get there

SM "rough" is just the track, while Big Thunder to me is a little jerky, but the track is smooth.

 

[nanajoyx2]

I hate the refurbished Space Mountain at WDW. I rode it in August for the first and final time. I hoped the refurbishment would mean vehicles like the ones at DL. I am 66 and have no strength in my upper arms to lift myself out of the seat. But I love Thunder Mtn, Splash Mtn, and Everest because these rides are easy to enter and exit. I also found Space much more rough and jerker than it was before. I love fast rides and found DL's faster and smoother. I have never like the leg position on Space because I can't use my legs to help lift me out of the seat. But my kids and grandchildren love it, as I did when I was younger.

 

[Pinkocto]

So when I booked OKW a few months ago, the near Hospitality House category was not available. I went online this morning and now it is.

We are 15 days away from check in. Can I call and have that switched over?

My understanding is they would have to cancel the current reservation, put the points in holding and the book the new reservation.

Can they do this without losing the original reservation just in case the new one is not available when I call?

Hope that makes sense. I've never done this before. Thanks!

You're correct, they would have to cancel the current reservation and make a new one. It may be safer to call and see what they think. I wouldn't chance it myself, there are plenty of buildings close to HH that you wouldn't necessarily need to be in that category.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So when I booked OKW a few months ago, the near Hospitality House category was not available. I went online this morning and now it is.

We are 15 days away from check in. Can I call and have that switched over?

My understanding is they would have to cancel the current reservation, put the points in holding and the book the new reservation.

Can they do this without losing the original reservation just in case the new one is not available when I call?

Hope that makes sense. I've never done this before. Thanks!

I sometimes think I go where no man or woman should but I've done things like that more than once. So far no big issues (knocking on wood). I've even twice changed a reservation on the day of check in as I was driving to the resort.

The CM would cancel your existing and rebook the HH category. The points going into holding is technically what happens but really not part of the equation as long as you're dealing with MS. I wouldn't do this at the front desk from stories I've heard but if I really wanted HH I'd call MS and change.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

SM at DL is wonderful & the soundtrack is different too. I think it's Trans Siberian Orchestra which I adore. The track is much more smoother than at WDW. I don't understand why they're so different.

DL installed a new track for their SM. A couple of years ago when SM went down for the long rehab the pretty well confirmed story is that they were going to do the same and then got worried over the expense and decided to just repair the existing track instead of replacing. This one is a good case of you get what you pay for IMO. My lingering love of SM still hangs on but everytime I get off it at WDW it's leaving a longer impression that it's not so great anymore.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

bagsmom
Once a groupie, always a groupie...this statement is roughly defined as someone who joins us is an immediate part of this family, therefore you are entitled to join in any and all discussion, well wishing, etc. And if you go away for a spell and come back later, you are still a groupie. Too this day, no one has been exspelled

Boy that is a good thing or I would have been kicked out long ago! I have just been such a lurker lately!

 

[twinmom108]

DL installed a new track for their SM. A couple of years ago when SM went down for the long rehab the pretty well confirmed story is that they were going to do the same and then got worried over the expense and decided to just repair the existing track instead of replacing. This one is a good case of you get what you pay for IMO. My lingering love of SM still hangs on but everytime I get off it at WDW it's leaving a longer impression that it's not so great anymore.

Thanks Kathy. that explains alot. I love your wiggly backside corgi in your sig line. Looks just like my 1 y/o red & white pup. lol Would you mind sharing how I could put that in my sig line too?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks Kathy. that explains alot. I love your wiggly backside corgi in your sig line. Looks just like my 1 y/o red & white pup. lol Would you mind sharing how I could put that in my sig line too?

Oooooo - a Corgi puppy!!! You must post a picture!

Let's see if I can get the directions correct to add the wiggling corgi to your signature -

First - right click on the picture in my signature line and copy the location of the .gif file.

Second - click on the UserCP link located above to the left then click on the Edit Signature link on the left side of the page.

Third - click on the little yellow mountain looking icon above the area to post in which is the insert image icon, paste the link you copied into the box that pops up, hit OK to close the box and then when you save or preview the signature you should have the Corgi bottom wiggling at you!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Teapot :March 11-15 BLT with another good friend from home

Oh Joy ! Gonna miss ya here----spending a quickie trip to WDW with my daughter who is meeting with a Disney Wedding consultant Mar 3-6 ! Not sure if she'll choose Disney---she is also considering the FL Aquarium in Tampa. Your WDW stays schedule looks STUNNING ! WOOT !

Inkmaham: So I'm doing better at getting back to the DIS boards about once each week but still not as regular as I once was. My life still consists of knee rehab and a lot of extra sleep from the pain pills. I fall asleep at the computer, watching tv, even eating breakfast with my yogurt container in hand. (insert sleeping person icon here)

Oh Ink....please hang in there ! Feel better !!!


Nicoal...I would be a little nervous to cancel and rebook the "HH" option at OKW this close to your trip. I have done it....but not without experiencing major heart palpatations and sweaty palms !!! Good luck !!!!


Bagsmom...heartfelt PRAYERS for your friend !

I send my sympathies to those of you who have been getting snow. My one focus and goal for the winter is to survive it as warmly and SNOWLESS as possible !!!

Happy WEEKEND everyone ! I get every other weekend off and I savor the ones I'm not working

 

[Granny]

According to Disney legend, Pleasure Island is a living monument to it's purchaser "the wise fool, the mad visonary, the scoundrel, the scalawag and the seeker of enjoyment"... Merriweather Adam Pleasure, who brought the island in 1911 and disappeared 30 years later during a circumnavigation of the Antartic. Destroyed by Hurricane Connie in 1955, the island was uncovered by archaeologist in 1987. Two years later, the "new" pleasure Island opened with hopes of being "fun for all and all for fun!"

Only Disney could give an attraction a history.

Loved this clip Eliza. You're right, there are back stories to most locations at WDW. Part of the fun and detail that makes it great to return over and over. Thanks for sharing.


And, to bring us back to VWL for a bit, here's a nice view of "the bear".

 

[bagsmom]

Loved this clip Eliza. You're right, there are back stories to most locations at WDW. Part of the fun and detail that makes it great to return over and over. Thanks for sharing.


And, to bring us back to VWL for a bit, here's a nice view of "the bear".

Hey Granny -- so, is it supposed to be the face and head of a bear, with the windows as the eyes? If so, I see it! That's neat!

We are soon to be four months away from our trip!

 

[bagsmom]

OK lodge lovers! Here is a chance to give me some opinions!

Our trip is still 4+ months away, but I'm gathering all my ideas.

Our 15th anniversary will be during our trip. It will be on a Thursday, which is a morning extra magic hours day at the MK. After looking at all the information (best day, worst day) on the Unofficial Guide calendar, it looks like MK is one of the better parks. (Not the best, but during that week, the MK isn't listed as a best park at all.)

OK -- getting up way early is no problem for us. We can do our touring in the am and will go back to the lodge to relax.

The big question comes in the evening.

Option One -- return to the MK with a little picnic. Return 2 hours before the electrical parade and go up to the second floor of the train depot. Sit on our neat sheet and have a picnic. Stay here and people watch. Watch the parade and Wishes from here.
Will the MK be stupidly crowded because it's an EMH day? Or will it even matter?

Option Two -- invest in the park hopper thingie. Tour MK in the morning, taking advantage of the EMH. Return to lodge after lunch and relax. Hop over to Epcot to see Illuminations. Could potentially make a reservation at the Rose and Crown for this and watch from the UK. Or from Mexico.

Option One has us taking the boat to and from the MK in the evening. Will this be the best way to get home after the parade and Wishes? Will the picnic from the depot be really neat and a great anniversary night with the kids?

Option Two has us driving back to Epcot and walking way across Future World to get to World showcase.

What would you guys do? My husband is a fairly low energy type and my kids are not used to staying up really late. We are also planning to get up early the next day and go to Hollywood Studios.

I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts on this! Thanks a lot!

 

[bagsmom]

Thanks to all of you for the prayers! My friend got a great report! Not exactly a miracle, but a remarkable improvement! She was previously on the "very little hope" list. Now after intense chemo, the tumors and liver lesions are almost invisible! She's not out of the woods, but this is great news! Thank you all for the help! And please keep it up!

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Option One -- return to the MK with a little picnic. Return 2 hours before the electrical parade and go up to the second floor of the train depot. Sit on our neat sheet and have a picnic. Stay here and people watch. Watch the parade and Wishes from here.
Will the MK be stupidly crowded because it's an EMH day? Or will it even matter?...Option One has us taking the boat to and from the MK in the evening. Will this be the best way to get home after the parade and Wishes? Will the picnic from the depot be really neat and a great anniversary night with the kids?...

Expect to be crowded on the train station and not having a nice little isolated picnic space. Lots of guests park up there to watch the parade and fireworks. People will ignore the boundaries of your neat sheet and walk over and around your picnic area.

Personally, I found New Fantasyland the best place to watch Wishes Fireworks last week. Right in the middle of the fireworks.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Option One -- return to the MK with a little picnic. Return 2 hours before the electrical parade and go up to the second floor of the train depot. Sit on our neat sheet and have a picnic. Stay here and people watch. Watch the parade and Wishes from here.
Will the MK be stupidly crowded because it's an EMH day? Or will it even matter?

Option Two -- invest in the park hopper thingie. Tour MK in the morning, taking advantage of the EMH. Return to lodge after lunch and relax. Hop over to Epcot to see Illuminations. Could potentially make a reservation at the Rose and Crown for this and watch from the UK. Or from Mexico.

Option One has us taking the boat to and from the MK in the evening. Will this be the best way to get home after the parade and Wishes? Will the picnic from the depot be really neat and a great anniversary night with the kids?

Option Two has us driving back to Epcot and walking way across Future World to get to World showcase.

bagsmom,
If this is going to be your only opportunity to see Wishes and MS Electric Parade, I'd go with #1. However, they were chasing guests off the train depot parade viewing area in October when we were there ? Not sure why. It was pretty crowded up there. And the boat ride going back to the VWL/WL after the parade is pretty---it was mobbed in December. We probably waiting for at least 5-6 boats before we got to ride over (so close to a 45 min wait). So my advice is to linger for at least 45 min to an hour after the fireworks before heading back. I think with EMH being at the MK park that morning, this park will be crowded. I know you said your family is not used to staying up late---but it will be a cattle call after the fireworks. Have fun.
Option #2 if you want lower crowds ?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks to all of you for the prayers! My friend got a great report! Not exactly a miracle, but a remarkable improvement! She was previously on the "very little hope" list. Now after intense chemo, the tumors and liver lesions are almost invisible! She's not out of the woods, but this is great news! Thank you all for the help! And please keep it up!

Very hopeful news !