Hi,
Thinking about staying at VWL. A few questions...
1. I am looking at pictures on All Ears - are they due to be rehabbed? They just look a little on the older side (but cozy!).
2. Other than during the holidays, are they difficult to book?
3. Is there only 1 dedicated
DVC pool?
4. Are they quiet?
Thanks. Anything else you can share I would love to hear!
1. They have changed out some furniture in recent years, but I don't know of a total rehab happening anytime soon. Though it's my home resort, I will admit that it could use some sprucing up; however, it still is comfortable, well-maintained, and yes, cozy.
2. Given that VWL is one of the smallest resorts, they can be tough to book outside the 7-month point, but as you point out, especially during the Christmas holiday season. That being said, I've had good luck in the past with getting into VWL within 7 months before I owned there--waitlisting has worked well for me. Still, there is no guarantee.
3. Yes, there is only one DVC pool, Hidden Springs. It is mere one-minute walk from the main pool which, depending on your desires, may be a good or bad thing. It is almost always quieter than the main pool as it has no slide (though it does have cool bubbling "spring" in various spots in the pool) and is significantly smaller than the main pool. There is also a jacuzzi pool co-located with Hidden Springs.
4. By "they," if you mean the Villas, then yes they are quiet, at least relatively speaking. One of the best things about VWL is the fact it's small and intimate compared to most other Disney resorts. I've stayed at VWL several times over the past few years, and not once have I had a noise issue in the rooms nor the pool. The main lobby is quite noisy, but then again, it IS a lobby, and it IS an exciting place to be with all the amazing architecture, theming, indoor spring, restaurants, mercantile, and the like.
Here are just a few things I love about VWL beyond the aforementioned serenity:
a) the walking trail to FW--you take it from the bus stop and it's approx. one mile each way
b) the nature trail that starts out behind the bike/boat rental area--it, too, heads in the general direction of FW. In fact, you can hook up with the paved walking trail from the nature trail after about 1/3 of a mile.
c) the beach--great place to watch EWP and catch glimpses of Wishes (can't see the whole thing, but you can catch the higher explosions)
d) the boat to MK
e) the music and theming going hand-in-hand. . .you see lanterns flickering along the covered walkway between the main lodge and hear crickets, along with some majestic western-themed music
f) sitting on a rocker on the VWL porch while having a libation
g) Artist Point
Good luck and enjoy!
