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

[Pirate Granny]

I am told the Sea World Christmas show is wonderful...so try to work that in (weekends only), if you go there!

[Kathymford]

And this is why I love the groupies! So much advice!! Thank you so much.

Next Dec will be our 5th trip, so we are at the point of not requiring to do everything. 15 min waits are nice if they happen, but if its long, most likely we won't wait. I mostly want to see that gorgeous lit up castle. Lol. And all the other Christmas ambiance.

[Kathymford]

Originally Posted by Pirate Granny

I am told the Sea World Christmas show is wonderful...so try to work that in (weekends only), if you go there!

Weekends only?

[KAT4DISNEY]

Originally Posted by Granny

We're pretty close to the elevator in a lock-off 2BR and the studio portion (4533) has no balcony. No big deal as we have two other balconies but if you like balconies, that studio doesn't have one (nor do any of the ones above and below it so all the XX33 studios are that way).

Oh no - 4533! Since I started reading about DVC it's been the only studio reported at VWL to not have a balcony - something about a mistake in the design. Today after your report I took a look at the maps and 4533 doesn't have studios above or below it other than the ground floor but it must have a patio. The next 2 floors have dedicated 2BR's instead of the lock off. And it looks like it isn't a villa above - or else that space makes up part of a 1BR. So I'd guess the 2BR's below don't have balconies located off one of the bedrooms.

[tea pot]

Hi Groupies

11month booking window will be here next week!

I've been trying to decide on dates.
I agree with Jimmy the first 2 weeks of Dec is our favorite
but we will only be able to stay one week but will stretch it over both weekends........
so because I don't want to miss another groupie meet
and I'm looking forward to that hayride (thanks Muush)
Do any of you know what dates you all are looking at?
I was so glad to see that conversation has already started.

Originally Posted by twokats

Kati and I thought we might change it up for 2013 and go on Dec 3 or 4 thru the 14th. I know Kati will want to go on the 3rd, so we will see!!!

Originally Posted by Kathymford

Thanks to you all for your reassurances. I'm glad to hear walking isn't necessary. I don't think I have the energy for all that!

Right now, I'm considering 12/6 to 12/12, or maybe even earlier, like 12/2 to 12/8. .

Originally Posted by jimmytammy

Kathymford
We always prefer early Dec., 1st 2 weeks are great.
.

Originally Posted by eliza61

Hey Kathy,
I plan on going some time early december (finally make a groupie meet ) my home resort is not vwl so I'm going to go with my home resort to make sure I'm there. LOL. I haven't had to try and "walk" reservations probably because my kids until recently were school age and we were locked into going late august or Jersey week.
.

eliza oh it would be so great to have you at a meet I can't wait!!!!



Kat..... just love your bunny so did you keep him ?

[Granny]

Originally Posted by KAT4DISNEY

Oh no - 4533! Since I started reading about DVC it's been the only studio reported at VWL to not have a balcony - something about a mistake in the design. Today after your report I took a look at the maps and 4533 doesn't have studios above or below it other than the ground floor but it must have a patio. The next 2 floors have dedicated 2BR's instead of the lock off. And it looks like it isn't a villa above - or else that space makes up part of a 1BR. So I'd guess the 2BR's below don't have balconies located off one of the bedrooms.

Kathy,

That makes total sense. I don't know why I assumed that the rooms above and below 4533 are also studios. If part of a dedicated 2BR then it's not that big of a deal, but if I was only getting a studio I'd prefer a balcony. So for us with a 2BR lock-off it was no big deal. Besides, most of the week it has been far too cold to spend much time out there!

[Linda67]

Originally Posted by Granny

We're pretty close to the elevator in a lock-off 2BR and the studio portion (4533) has no balcony. No big deal as we have two other balconies but if you like balconies, that studio doesn't have one (nor do any of the ones above and below it so all the XX33 studios are that way).

We haven't spent much time on the balcony as it has been a chilly trip most days. So not a big deal but at other times of the year we would like to have a balcony for the occasional relaxing place to sit.

At the end of the day, we really don't worry much about requests. We even joked that we could get the Dreaded Dumpster View this trip and we couldn't care less if we did. During our 30 years of ownership, I'm sure we'll get some less than fantastic views (already have at other resorts) but unless the room is actually not livable, we won't be requesting any room changes.

Linda67...good luck with your reservation!

To be honest as long as I am at the Lodge, I'm not really too fussed about the view
A dumpster in Disney is always gong to be nicer to look at than a dumpster in London!!
I am just so excited to be nearly at the time when I can call and make the reservation
Sounds like a lot of groupies are gong to be there early December

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday WDWRREngineer!!!!

[horselover]

Greetings groupies! We're back from 10 glorious days in the World. We were having so much fun on the day after Christmas we added an extra night to our stay. We did have to move to OKW though. I know I promised to upload pics as I went along. I always have the best intentions but just never seem to have the time. We weren't able to meet up with Granny either. We had a wonderful stay, but unfortunately not without issues at VWL. I'll give a brief synopsis with lots more pics later. I wanted to share one special picture today. It only took us 4 years of trying but at last we were able to be Flag Family! We did it on Christmas Eve morning. What a wonderful experience that was. Ranger Jack is very nice. He said to say hello to all the groupies!

Here we are on top of the world!



More to come later. I promise!

[BWV Dreamin]

Oh no I hope it wasn't room maintenance issues!

[KAT4DISNEY]

Originally Posted by tea pot

Kat..... just love your bunny so did you keep him ?

He was pretty cute but I told him he needed to go back to the rest of his bunny friends. Pretty smart guy to find a nice dry place to hang out though! However our Corgi who will spend hours hunting critters would have gone crazy if we brought him in. I shall skip telling the story of the one time DH tried it with a baby bunny.

Originally Posted by Granny

Kathy,

That makes total sense. I don't know why I assumed that the rooms above and below 4533 are also studios. If part of a dedicated 2BR then it's not that big of a deal, but if I was only getting a studio I'd prefer a balcony. So for us with a 2BR lock-off it was no big deal. Besides, most of the week it has been far too cold to spend much time out there!

I think most resorts have the same types of rooms above and below so it would make sense. But we know that VWL is unique! Cold weather would make that studio more tolerable but I know I'd be pretty disappointed otherwise. Hopefully they try and make it part of a lock off as much as possible. As you say it's not that big of deal then.

[horselover]

Originally Posted by BWV Dreamin

Oh no I hope it wasn't room maintenance issues!

Well we did have some minor maintenance issues (toilet wasn't flushing properly & needed to be fixed, shower wasn't draining). It was more reservation issues. I promise I won't leave you hanging too long!

[twokats]

Happy Birthday WDWRR_ENGINEER!
Hope it was the best.

[blossomz]

Happy Birthday WDWRR_ENGINEER!

Whew! Just in the nick of time!

[Inkmahm]

Originally Posted by blossomz

Happy Birthday WDWRR_ENGINEER!

Whew! Just in the nick of time!

Me,too. Just in the nick of time! Happy Birthday, WDWRR Engineer!