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

[rusafee1183]

In the meantime, grab yourself a rocking chair and sit with us and dream about our 'happy place'.

And a big, hearty welcome to rusafee1183, as well! Pull up a rocker, grab a drink, and sit a spell. All it took for most of us was one trip to VWL to know it was home.

Welcome to the groupies rusafee1183!!!!

Glad you found us and discovered what we know to be the best resort at WDW(Shhh, its our little secret)

Thanks for the WELCOME'S everyone! Seems that the Lodge's warm feeling extends to it's owners and lovers also.

Sadly, our tax return is much smaller than expected this year so the point search is on hold for a while longer. We have a cruise to Alaska in May, and I was hoping to make it work for the cruise and the points, but it looks like I will just be pulling up a rocker and dreaming for a while longer.

Come to think of it, how did folks on here come to make VWL their home? Perhaps you've all mentioned your experience before, so I apologize if this has been asked before. I'll start off to help things along.

Several years ago I went to visit my oldest daughter in Melbourne, FL. I stayed at the Holiday Inn on the beach there, and it wasn't in the best of shape. The room was in serious need of a renovation: the carpet was dirty and full of sand at the doorway; the "suite" was comprised of a small fridge and microwave behind a tacky little bar and a ratty pull-out couch to go with the small bedroom. The air-conditioning wasn't working well (it was mid-summer), and whatever they had used to clean the room was very pungent. Two nights there was torture, and I was so ready to leave for my first trip to WDW. I had secured a 1BR suite in the Villas (I was married and my youngest daughter was five), and the afternoon we arrived it was hot. We were awed by the main lobby, then when we went over to the Villas and entered our room, it was love at first sight.

The room was clean. It was cool. It was gorgeous. It was quiet. Manna, I'm telling you. It was the best advertisement for DVC possible. Though I bought SSR later, VWL was where we always stayed. Fast forward a few year, and the opportunity to purchase VWL arose, so I jumped at it. Now, I can't wait for luv and I to spend time there every year. Absolutely love it there!

I like this game!

Our 2nd trip (ever) to the World and our first full day was at Animal Kingdom, but I had booked the Dessert Party for that evening. My plan was to go back to our room (AKL) and relax and freshen up before heading to MK for Wishes. We were leaving AK and saw a bus sitting there that said AKL on the bus....not looking at the stop it was sitting in (NEWBIES, right?).

We were so excited to get the bus that quickly. Next thing I know, the bus is driving for way too long, so we figured out we were going somewhere else. That somewhere else was the Lodge and we fell in love. We walked around the lobby, then decided to go take take the boat to MK for our reservations.

I bought my add-on a few months later.

Loving reading everyones stories about everyone's first times!


And I love that someone said that they are "squatters" There are so many resorts I love, I guess I am a full time squatter myself.

 

[rusafee1183]

Disney Loving Iowan: Yes, I am a life-long Rangers fan. Grew up in NY and have never even been tempted to change my hockey allegiance.

So just who is your team? I would guess the Pens or Rangers. Don't worry I'm not one to hate on someone for who they like.

So, does this mean I am still allowed to stick around too because I am a die hard Pens fan??

(Who also doesn't hate anyone.... well, except maybe the Flyers - just a little bit )

 

[Inkmahm]

I haven't been around for awhile again but I'm back! Reading about all the stress for the employed people makes me happy that I'm still unemployed. But I know that isn't the right attitude to have and that I need to go back to looking for a job soon.

My knee is healing and I'm looking forward to WDW in March to see how much improved I am over our December trip. I'm hoping to be able to walk at least some of the time rather than having a scooter every day. I know it will be just 3 months after my last surgery so I'm trying not to expect the world.

As for our DVC ownership of VWL, I fell in love with the lodge back in 2001 when I stayed there for the first time with my parents and my niece. I took my parents back again in 2002 with my sister and another niece. At the time, I had friends trying to convince me that DVC was for me but I wanted to hear nothing about owning a timeshare so I didn't listen. It was a couple years later when I married and then stayed at the VWL with Dynaguy after buying points at BWV. We added on points at VWL immediately. Both of us loved the lodge as well as Animal Kingdom. As soon as AKV was announced, we got ready to buy points there, too!

 

[Granny]

Come to think of it, how did folks on here come to make VWL their home? Perhaps you've all mentioned your experience before, so I apologize if this has been asked before.

Great question, and I've enjoyed reading everyone's stories. Especially Eliza's, I must confess, because it was that post she quoted that introduced her to us Groupies. I remember it so well,and yes it had to be 6 or 7 years ago by now. Wow.

My story is a little involved so I'll give the short version. My family and I were making our first visit to WDW in 1998 and ended up at Wilderness Lodge almost by accident. We fell in love with it and came back in 2000 again. Like others, I wanted no part of a timeshare, but when Disney started building VWL we knew it was the place for us to buy. And the rest is history.

 

[Inkmahm]

Off topic- I was watching a Vonage commercial tonight and finally looked it up online. It seems that we could save a about $28 per month on our phone bill if we switched to vonage and we could keep our old home phone number (important to me.)

Is anyone here a vonage customer? I see there is a referral bonus of 2 months of servcie to you for referring me and one month of service to me for signing up. Any takers? I have Dynaguy checking my research now to make sure it really does make sense for us to switch.

EDIT: I found someone who uses Vonage and will refer me. Thanks, everyone!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday WildernessDad!!!!

And congrats on your team winning the Big Game!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

bagsmom
Sounds like fun(and it sounds like my logic, anything to get and extra day at WDW)

rusafee
Hang in there on getting those pts., it will happen if you stick with it

blossomz
Have fun running! Couldnt think of a better place to do it. T did the half marathon twice, its a very rewarding experience(she tells me)

Ink
You got me intrigued on Vonage. Google their reviews, it may be enlightening.

 

[rusafee1183]

Love this, and my thoughts exactly!

Luv said I forgot part of the story (though it's more of an epilogue, actually), so here goes. For Luv's first trip with me to WDW we stayed at VWL, and she was smitten. . .with me AND the Lodge . The intimacy of the WL, in general, and the Villas, in particular, was especially romantic. Further, though she is a Disney veteran with numerous trips over 20+ years, she had never stayed in a DVC suite. She loved it! Shortly after that trip, we began to look into VWL contracts and bought one a couple of years ago in late April. We wanted to do a Christmas holiday trip (I'd never been at Christmas), and though we had to go on a waitlist, it came through for us less than four months out. Serendipitous, indeed.

So, VWL possesses emotional heft to us that other resorts don't. It's part of the fabric of our relationship, so much so that we'll tie the knot there in July. And that, as Paul Harvey would say, is the rest of the story.

This is beautiful. My DH and myself came to WDW for our honeymoon, and we have been back every year since. I can't help but feel like that is why it holds such a special place in our hearts. It was where we came when we were the happiest we have ever been. And those feelings come back every time still.

Congratulations on your wedding in July! When we were just at the Lodge a few weeks ago we saw wedding photos being done in front of the waterfall, and I almost couldn't get a "Congratulations" out to the couple, because I was so teary. It was just so beautiful.

There's a moose on the loose.... if found call Eliza!
I'm sure he'll turn up for dinner. You know boys.

Hmm... my giraffe is gone too. Need to do some tracking here...
ETA - my moose is hosted over on photobucket so he's OK, but the giraffe who's MIA was hosted here on the DIS. It looks like someone moved or renamed the photo directory hosting the groupie icons. Time for me all my icons, includint the giraffe on photobucket with my moose.

ETA to the ETA - caught a new giraffe, and he brought home a zebra buddy feel free to copy the image location of my moose - I have no intention of deleting or moving him.

Can you tell me where to find the Zebra? I always have such a hard time finding the mascots. I'll add Moosie someday, but I'll wait until it's official and we own there

I can see mooses everywhere. 7th sense????

Oh yeah, try telling Mr Muush that he is not pronouncing it correctly (drives me nuts, I work with ESL students!).

ESL, like sign language?

Wait... I'm guessing maybe no since it's a pronounciation thing.

And I agree about the pronuncing of words. My DH says the word 'warm' like, w-ARM (like the body part) I make fun of him every time. I think it just causes him to say it more....

 

[Muushka]

You should feel honored to have a tag. I guess it shows that someone is reading your posts!

I know that they read this thread because one of my tags is from here.

 

[tea pot]

Happy Birthday WDad !!!

 

[tea pot]

Happy Belated Birthday DLI





Sorry I missed it
Hope it was Magical

 

[DiznyDi]

Happy Birthday Wilderness Dad!

Hope you're enjoying your day in a most special way!

 

[DiznyDi]

JT - read through the thread and see you've had a difficult week. Know that there are those that care about you and for you. We're here for you - so vent away. I hope this week will be better for you.

blossom - Good luck on the race! Let us know how you do. Just to participate would be exciting!

WELCOME rusafee1183! Always a pleasure to welcome a new Groupie to our little corner of the Dis! So nice to have you join us!

Can't help you Ink about Vonage. Know absolutely nothing about the company. Hope Dynaguy finds some good and useful information for you.

And keliblue so nice to see you again! Your trips sound fabulous. Mums the word about your 'secret' trip. Give our greetings to Mark.

Aulani is a mere 12 days away. While I'm overwhelmed that we'll be going, just a little apprehensive about the construction going on. DDad brought the suitcases out today.....

 

[sleepydog25]

This is beautiful. My DH and myself came to WDW for our honeymoon, and we have been back every year since. I can't help but feel like that is why it holds such a special place in our hearts. It was where we came when we were the happiest we have ever been. And those feelings come back every time still.

Congratulations on your wedding in July! When we were just at the Lodge a few weeks ago we saw wedding photos being done in front of the waterfall, and I almost couldn't get a "Congratulations" out to the couple, because I was so teary. It was just so beautiful.

Thanks! We'll actually get married at the Lodge (4th floor outdoor terrace), then we'll honeymoon on the Dream (our second cruise on that ship). No doubt, we'll have pics taken in front of the waterfall, as well as many other areas around the Lodge and at other resorts.

Sorry to hear about the points, but they'll come. As for the cruise to Alaska, I lived there for four years (Anchorage area) and loved it. Though I hated to leave, there's no way I could afford to go back and live there now. Have a great cruise!

 

[Granny]

well, Groupies, I'm switching jobs and in between the jobs DW & I are sneaking in a quick trip to WDW. We're staying at AKV-Jambo (Standard View)...a first for us as we have only stayed at AKV-Kidani before. Looking forward to it, and to some down time. Jimmy....thanks for posting my upcoming trip on page 1.

Inkmahm...let us know how that Vonage thing works out. We were thinking of doing away with our land line telephone since we mostly get solicitation calls on it these days. But I don't think I'm ready to go 100% cellular so any way to cut down costs is welcome.

 

[Muushka]

well, Groupies, I'm switching jobs and in between the jobs DW & I are sneaking in a quick trip to WDW. We're staying at AKV-Jambo (Standard View)...a first for us as we have only stayed at AKV-Kidani before. Looking forward to it, and to some down time. Jimmy....thanks for posting my upcoming trip on page 1.

Inkmahm...let us know how that Vonage thing works out. We were thinking of doing away with our land line telephone since we mostly get solicitation calls on it these days. But I don't think I'm ready to go 100% cellular so any way to cut down costs is welcome.

I'm so happy you are squeezing in a trip before your new job. Best wishes!

 

[Granny]

I'm so happy you are squeezing in a trip before your new job. Best wishes!

Thanks, Barb. We are looking forward to it, and we have an annual pass burning a hole in our pocket!

We'll be sure to drop by WL at least once or twice as we typically have a lunch at Roaring Fork. I'm assuming that March 2-7 is spring break season since the only rooms available were SSR and AKV. We are used to going to WDW during crowded times so we know how to enjoy it without a lot of park time.

And continued prayers for all Groupies, their loved ones and anyone who is needing our prayers that we might not be aware of. You are such a kind and supportive bunch!

 

[MiaSRN62]

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks, Barb. We are looking forward to it, and we have an annual pass burning a hole in our pocket!

We'll be sure to drop by WL at least once or twice as we typically have a lunch at Roaring Fork. I'm assuming that March 2-7 is spring break season since the only rooms available were SSR and AKV. We are used to going to WDW during crowded times so we know how to enjoy it without a lot of park time.

And continued prayers for all Groupies, their loved ones and anyone who is needing our prayers that we might not be aware of. You are such a kind and supportive bunch!

Hey Granny
We have been to WDW a few times in March, 1st week is not too bad for crowds.

 

[blossomz]

It's Wilderness Dad's birthday! Time to celebrate! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!