VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.0) updated 21 June 2023

[Granny]

This is a repeat post from the VWL expansion thread on DVC Mousellaneous....

DVC Mike...those graphics are phenomenal! Thanks for taking the time to make them, as well as posting them on multiple threads on this topic. Nothing lays out the impact to the current resort as well as those graphics.

I guess I can see Disney's perspective on maximizing returns on a particular property. And I do think that adding the bungalows (and the additional amenities) to WL/VWL will help elevate that resort to a similar status to other Deluxe resorts.

Makes me wonder if they'll put bungalows at AKV and get rid of the animals. After all, it seems that it's all about the bungalows these days.

 

[wildernessDad]

Enjoy your view of the EWP while it lasts.

 

[wildernessDad]

This is a repeat post from the VWL expansion thread on DVC Mousellaneous....

DVC Mike...those graphics are phenomenal! Thanks for taking the time to make them, as well as posting them on multiple threads on this topic. Nothing lays out the impact to the current resort as well as those graphics.

I guess I can see Disney's perspective on maximizing returns on a particular property. And I do think that adding the bungalows (and the additional amenities) to WL/VWL will help elevate that resort to a similar status to other Deluxe resorts.

Makes me wonder if they'll put bungalows at AKV and get rid of the animals. After all, it seems that it's all about the bungalows these days.

They are fixated on bungalows, aren't they?

 

[sleepydog25]

I'm generally not one to immediately jump to conclusions, but the decisions DVC has been making the past couple of years have not thrilled me, which leads me to believe I will not like what they're doing to WL/VWL. I specifically love the resort because of its individuality, its serenity, its intimacy. These plans shout homogeneity, loudness, crowding. For me, the Poly bungalows are an overreach, not a "plus-up." These supposed cabins at VWL are the same to me: a grab for money. Further, given the long build time at Poly, I can see the whole of WL being eyefuls of construction walls, earfuls of construction noise, and armloads of lost memories. I don't hold out much hope for this new build engendering much love from me as they will remove much of what I hold dear about WL, and in its stead, they'll build rooms that I can't afford. Sad news, indeed.

 

[digiMom]

I rented points to stay at VWL last summer and absolutely fell in love with it. I think the hidden springs pool became my favorite pool ever anywhere. I liked the feel of the pool surrounded by pine trees away from the hustle and bustle. We were thinking of going back summer 2016, and now just not sure. Scared to see either the construction or the results depending on the time frame. I can only imagine how you guys feel as owners. Even if it is nice, it will definitely be different. And more confusing with cabins at both the lodge and fort...

 

[twinklebug]

I'm generally not one to immediately jump to conclusions, but the decisions DVC has been making the past couple of years have not thrilled me, which leads me to believe I will not like what they're doing to WL/VWL. I specifically love the resort because of its individuality, its serenity, its intimacy. These plans shout homogeneity, loudness, crowding. For me, the Poly bungalows are an overreach, not a "plus-up." These supposed cabins at VWL are the same to me: a grab for money. Further, given the long build time at Poly, I can see the whole of WL being eyefuls of construction walls, earfuls of construction noise, and armloads of lost memories. I don't hold out much hope for this new build engendering much love from me as they will remove much of what I hold dear about WL, and in its stead, they'll build rooms that I can't afford. Sad news, indeed.

^ What he said ^

Up to this point I've been all for DVC, not much bad to say about it, but quite frankly I don't like change and when it's to a place I consider to already be perfect it stands to reason that the only place to go from here is down. I saw them rip the heart out of the poly's lobby, block the tranquil views with structures that just don't scream poly and tick off many of those who once adored the poly all for a few dollars. I'm scared for what they could do to WL and VWL.

RC holds so many great memories that seeing it sit there in its current state is a heart ache. My hopes were that they'd take the scum filled River country area, and fix it up into the new DVC, not change WL.

 

[ottawagreg]

I'm still in the denial phase. My anger will probably percolate to the surface later in the week. I had things set up in the number of points and two UY contracts to go twice per year and stay on average eight nights per trip. If the price in points rises and I have to buy more points to maintain status quo, or stay fewer nights with the points I have, well resentment will build. Then there is the change of the look and feel of the Villas. I suppose it would selfish and ungrateful to complain about the facility once the transformation is complete. However, it won't feel like our second home as much.

Does anyone have any sense of how long the construction would last? 24 months maybe? We are booked for Christmas week this year. I assume they will be in full swing by then. We arrive on June 7 for the summer trip, and I suspect we will hear chains saws each day while we take our final swims in Hidden Springs. The anger just started to percolate!

 

[Corinne]

Jimmy-great photos!!

I am trying to digest all of the info regarding the WL....as I said to the guide at the Beach Club the other day, I feel like DVC needs to slow down. His response was quoting the number of DVC members. Obviously, they aren't going to stop anytime soon.

DH and I will be celebrating our 30th anniversary in September, and I initially thought we may return to our honeymoon spot (Aruba), but now thinking about booking a club level room at WL.

 

[sleepydog25]

Okay, I've had a night's sleep to rethink my position. . .and I still don't like it one bit. There is an outside chance DVC could do this project right, keep the lovely thematic elements that make WL special, keep the construction footprint small, and make sure they landscape well to preserve the wilderness aspect of the resort. I'd say that's about 100 to 1 odds, however. Maddeningly, we won't know anything for another couple of years if Poly is any guide. We'll be there in February so will report what we see then, though I suspect it will all be behind walls. If these plans come through, I will mourn losing the beach. It's where Luv and I first met. . .

 

[Lakegirl]

I just sent down my payment on 210 points resale at VWL. Now I'm really worried, Especially if the point structure changes. Can anyone explain that? I thought points could vary from time of year but that they could not increase our total points? I noticed somebody had said he was worried about it costing more points? Can they do that?

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . who is with me on a sit in at VWL/WL?? . . . . . anyone want to join the revolution, United We Stand, Divided We Fall!!

OK Jimmy, but DiznyDi & I want to sit under the walkway to the Villas, no more "under the bushes" at this age.

Wow - what a rush of feelings all the hub-bub about the proposed additions to out beloved Lodge; both mine and all those posting them! I can't agree more with the expressed feeling here on the thread, and I, too, want to post my feelings of disappointment in losing what I equate to the intimacy of the Lodge. If there was one place in The World you could count on feeling "at Home", it was in the lobby of the Villas - never more than a few, some sitting quietly in a corner, some walking thru, but always close, private, intimate, and welcoming. I so hope that is not lost with the addition of all those "new guys" buying in for the new excitement DVC will sell to those looking to gain a hold on additional resources and entertainment values such facilities will offer. How we love the quiet long off boat horns in the morning sitting on the balcony, the birds flying around in the trees, the quiet excitement those things offer as a new day unfolds.

I better quit now before I tear my clothes and rub dirt on my face, 'cause I could roll around the ground spewing these types of lamentations all morning. I'll just let it be said that I have a better reason to wear all of my Grumpy shirts at the Lodge from now on . . .

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . I thought points could vary from time of year but that they could not increase our total points? I noticed somebody had said he was worried about it costing more points? Can they do that?

I am no expert or authority on this subject, but just throwing in my two cents for conversation value . . for sure they must maintain the total points offered for the year, with seasonal changes as mentioned, for the contracts WE signed. But how they reform such things in the future, in conjunction with Florida real estate/time share laws is another issue. They may indeed offer new contracts with extensions, similar to Old Key West, to existing owners, but they can't force you to accept. I can't imagine having a dual point system for those of us that don't take the extension contract. So many questions, so many options for DVC to exercise. I'm sure someone on the thread can expound of this subject with a good knowledge base of what can happen.

 

[wildernessDad]

I'm going to venture a guess, and it's only a guess, concerning future points structure after this modification occurs. My guess is that studio, 1bedroom and 2 bedroom villas will have the same points structure, even for any equivalent newly-built villas in the main lodge. The Bungalows and any grand villas which may be built will be priced differently points wise. If they build different types of villas in the main lodge, then I think they'll price those differently points wise. I'm just guessing. This sort of thing has never been done before by DVC, so there is nothing we can go back to as a reference.

 

[tea pot]

Hello Groupies
Missing all of you and missing being on the boards
I'm trying to get back on a regular basis.
So I have just been reading the last few pages
and Oh No!!! I wish I didn't know about this new expansion !!!!!
Not The Little Spring Pool !!!
I love that pool and I can't agree with D Dad more
How can they close a pool when they are increasing occupancy
it just doesn't make sense.
Someone tell me please that these plans can change

 

[disneynutz]

Disney and other timeshare companies are very active working to change Florida timeshare laws to allow additional profit opportunity. As time goes on others are realizing that the executives at Disney are all about making money first and guest experience second. Expensive bungalows or cabins allows Disney to sell millions of dollars in points but the reality is that doing so is going to create problems because most PVB and VWL owners can't afford to stay in the bungalows or cabins. That means that the competition for the other rooms at 11 months is going to really increase.

Bill

 

[jimmytammy]

Dad, we can camp out under the walkway, it will be dry under there, no more bushes for me either

We are a passionate group for sure. I am so close right now to seeing what remains of the trees, and the glory of the Lodge every time I go along the walkway from BLT, to the Contemporary, and I feel myself tearing up the last few days. We cant fight DVC on this one, but we can sure remain vigilant in letting them know our concerns for keeping the serenity of the Lodge and Villas intact. Its the drawing card. So, moving forward, I will take time to send in a email and letter to DVC execs. and express my personal concerns. Its not too late for this, ground has not been broken.

Addressing pts. changes, like WD says, I agree, not much chance seeing a change for us current owners in our normal current status.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hello Groupies
Missing all of you and missing being on the boards
I'm trying to get back on a regular basis.
So I have just been reading the last few pages
and Oh No!!! I wish I didn't know about this new expansion !!!!!
Not The Little Spring Pool !!!
I love that pool and I can't agree with D Dad more
How can they close a pool when they are increasing occupancy
it just doesn't make sense.
Someone tell me please that these plans can change

If the current plans provided in color by DVC Mike are correct, there will still be a pool. Whether that remains like "Little Springs" remains to be seen. I appreciate all the other comments if for no other reason than commiseration purposes. I do believe after this new build, if again it goes forward as proposed, will make it difficult to get into VWL at 11 months during the already tough-to-get times, most especially the holidays. As I told Luv, I've been struggling with the sometimes incomprehensible (except in terms of money for Disney which is THE primary language spoken) decisions on the part of DVC the past couple of years, and if this plan winds up ruining my love for the Lodge and makes getting an 11-month reservation the equivalent of shooting craps in the alley, I will sell without blinking an eye. It's not a threat as my dollars or way too small to make a difference, just a statement that I can walk away, albeit sadly.

P.S. I hope I'm proven wrong.

 

[twinklebug]

If they could add a new pool in addition to hidden springs and not rip out HS and make a bigger, more commercial one I'd be a touch more content with the designs. I love that the current HS pool feels hidden. It has been decades since I was okay with parading my tukas across a pool deck before being able to hide under the waters, and hidden springs feels private, we're not on display. With the new pool configuration we will loose that simply due to its size.

I still would love to see the ground level drawings of what is in store though. Will it have a waterfall? Will it keep the bubbling aspect? (which is nice as I am positive that feature keeps the little ones out of the hot tub as they're there just for the bubbles.) In some ways I'm excited to see what they do. Like the rest of you though, I fear them messing up perfection.

I think what we need here is a private Groupie meet with the architechts, landscapers, designers and whomever else will have a hand in this.... have them sell us on this idea, with all the graphics, and a free 4 night stay in the cabins, when they're ready

 

[horselover]

Here is a look at the area to be developed.


http://i235.*************************************VWLPreOverlayDM.jpg


Here is the same with the plans overlaid.

http://i235.*************************************VWLOverlayDM.jpg

I'm generally not one to immediately jump to conclusions, but the decisions DVC has been making the past couple of years have not thrilled me, which leads me to believe I will not like what they're doing to WL/VWL. I specifically love the resort because of its individuality, its serenity, its intimacy. These plans shout homogeneity, loudness, crowding. For me, the Poly bungalows are an overreach, not a "plus-up." These supposed cabins at VWL are the same to me: a grab for money. Further, given the long build time at Poly, I can see the whole of WL being eyefuls of construction walls, earfuls of construction noise, and armloads of lost memories. I don't hold out much hope for this new build engendering much love from me as they will remove much of what I hold dear about WL, and in its stead, they'll build rooms that I can't afford. Sad news, indeed.

Dad, we can camp out under the walkway, it will be dry under there, no more bushes for me either

We are a passionate group for sure. I am so close right now to seeing what remains of the trees, and the glory of the Lodge every time I go along the walkway from BLT, to the Contemporary, and I feel myself tearing up the last few days. We cant fight DVC on this one, but we can sure remain vigilant in letting them know our concerns for keeping the serenity of the Lodge and Villas intact. Its the drawing card. So, moving forward, I will take time to send in a email and letter to DVC execs. and express my personal concerns. Its not too late for this, ground has not been broken.

Addressing pts. changes, like WD says, I agree, not much chance seeing a change for us current owners in our normal current status.

I'm just back from a great trip to WDW & wow did this just kill post trip happiness. I heard about this while I was down there but seeing Mike's graphic makes it so much easier to comprehend the scope of the project. I was sad thinking the nature path would be gone but this blows my mind. I am completely crushed & heart broken. I can go one better than you JT & say I actually have tears running out of my eyes looking at this. They're taking everything that makes the lodge so special, peaceful & unique & killing it to make a buck. I don't care how nice the cabins will end up being. Just look at all that beautiful land they're about to destroy! All those beautiful trees. All the habitat for so many creatures. No more beach. The best quiet pool on property gone. WL has always been the place that soothes my soul as soon as I walk in the door. This does not look very soothing. And as others have mentioned what about the demand at 11 mos? I'm betting those cabins will have similar point costs like the PVB bungalows. Not good for existing owners.

I'm going to be emailing DVC too Jimmy. I have no doubt my thoughts will fall on deaf ears but that doesn't mean I shouldn't make my concerns known. Do we know when construction is scheduled to start? I'm thinking we will not be doing Christmas at the Lodge in 2016. I'm wondering if this year's trip will be affected as well? I haven't purchased our airfare down yet. Maybe I should be reconsidering our trip now.

 

[Granny]

I think those of us who developed an emotional attachment to WL/VWL are understandably upset about these potential changes. The scope of the proposed changes would seem to eliminate the intimacy and coziness of WL and VWL. And potentially make it harder for us to book Christmas season reservations.

However...

I've decided that my "mourning period" is officially over. I gave myself a couple of days of anger and disappointment. But I just can't spend a year or two worrying about what Disney has planned for our beloved Lodge and VWL. We are looking forward to our September trip, glad more now than ever that we booked at VWL. I think we will try to book at VWL every trip until we know what is going to happen.

I know that everyone here has a good outlook on life and will keep this in perspective. Yes, it's good to vent and share feelings...after all this is the place that brought us all together. And I know that posting on this thread among friends doesn't mean that a person is blowing this out of proportion to their life. I agree with Jimmy that some communication from us might help, though my guess is that Disney will deny the entire project until they are ready to sell.

I guess I just can't get too worked up about Disney and the direction they are going. As Sleepy says, if we don't like it we can just sell. Or stay at another resort that we still like.