A Quick Trip to VWL

[InstImpres]

I just returned from 3 nights at VWL and you are all right. It was terrific. It is a great blend of the other resorts, I liked that it was hotel style (as opposed to sepearate building at OKW) yet it was quiet but close to MK by boat. It is definetly soemwhere I will go back to. It was ideal for a solo trip.

I stay in a studio (room 2531) with a nice view of the quiet(ha, ha) pool and Bay Lake. I arrived at 11am and was offered room 2563 immediately. I decide with the dumpster view and being solo, I didn't want to be at the end of the hall. I was told something right near the elevator would be available later but they couldn't tell me which room. I opted to wait and called back at 2 as instructed. I made a quick visit to TL and than had high tea at the GF. Turns out my room wasn't ready until 4pm. I was very happy with the room location and view. They delivered my bags (inclkuding groceries). When I asked if they got my bag out of the refrigerator, I was told "I'm sorry, I'll be right back" As I started to unpack I realized unfortunately my bag never made it to the ref. as I was promised. so to the garbage went my groceries. I called the bell stand to let them know to please have the bell man stop looking and I got "o.k., We'll let them know". 10 minuted later the phone rang, it was my bell men explaining he couldn't find the bag. Obviously no message was given to him, he apologized profusely for the error (even though he wasn't at fault) and refused to come back for a tip de to my inconvience. I did leave it for him in an envelope at the front.

The day moved on with a quick visit to MK and than Illuminations. I also was lucky enough that there was no one in a GV at BWV. Thanks to Stephanie at the front desk, I was able to look at it for my next trip.

Monday, I did the Back Stage Magic Tour. I highly recommend it. Monday night, I had a fireworks cruise which I shared with some terrific Dis'ers. The fireworks could have been better. There was a huge cloud above the castle and it ruined a lot of the fireworks. It rained at least twice a day.

Tuesday I had 2 bad dining experiences at Boma and Biergarten. I think people need to be trained in courtesy to solo travelers. I was actually asked why I would want to eat alone I did drop by member day (in the rain) at BWV. As said previously, they gave out a pin and a lanyard after you completed a brief survey which required you to mingle with other guests. (Find someone who joined you r year, find someone who has exchanged, etc.) It was in Atlantic Dance Hall. There was a drawing for a free Pal Mickey and for something else. If you have children with you it was fun. Hola hoop contest, dot painting, stickers, etc. There was an 1 1/2 at ADH with a cash bar before the guest speaker. It was an imagineer. I did not stick around so I don't have more details. In the future, I certainly wouldn't kill myself to get there just for a free pin.

E night was 11pm-2am and lots of fun! The park was truly empty. I had only planned on staying about an hour but when I looked at my watch it was 1:50am!!

Wednesday I had a great breakfast at Whispering Canyon. I can't wait to bring my DD there and make sure she asks for ketchup I than did the Lodge tour with Stan which was great.


My only two wshes for different things at VWL would be - wish that they had placed Roaring Forks more towards the middle of the Lodge/Villas and better/more lighting from the boat dock. It is fine if you are in a group but made me a little concerned as a solo traveler.

Feel free to ask questions

Well, it's back to work so I can afford to go back to Disney

Sandy

 

[floridafam]

Sounds like you had a great trip.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Thanks for taking the time to write your great review.

 

[spiceycat]

believe me even guests staying in the WL part sometime wish that Roaring Forks was in a more central location - when it is down pouring with rain outside - you certain don't want to walk outside to get to it. Although the outside is certainly shorter - still I really love both WL/VWL - one of my favorite places - especially when we are visiting the MK.

 

[lsutigger2]

Thanks for the "solo" report. DH and I have plans on returning in Oct. 03, but he may not be able to go. If that happens and I can't find anyone else who can go with me, it may just be me and my 1 Bdrm!! I guess I can do it, and I realize that may be a topic for another thread.

Thanks again for the report.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Thanx for the report! I always like to read possitive reviews!

 

[anniet]

Thanks for the review Sandy. Glad you liked VWL.

I am sorry to hear you had a problem at Boma. We've eaten there twice and both times the servers were more than courteous, recommending certain dishes on the buffet. I would think they would try to be even nicer with a solo traveler.

 

[colleen costello]

SO glad to hear a great report from a solo traveler... I often think that when my dh and the kids are "sick" of WDW, I'll go off by myself regardless. Nothing will keep me from Mickey!

We had 4 nights at the Lodge in June and loved it. We were in #2542 and it was perfect -- no dumpster!

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by anniet

I am sorry to hear you had a problem at Boma. We've eaten there twice and both times the servers were more than courteous, recommending certain dishes on the buffet. I would think they would try to be even nicer with a solo traveler.

I think it was just sheer stupidity on the part of the hostess, the server was nice. I arrived saying my name and party of one with a 9am PS. I was than asked "how many children?"

Let's see party of 1, I would have to guess none, but I contained my rudeness and said "none, just me".

Here comes the leap in logic "so, your dining alone "
"yes"
"why would you want to do that?"
I still tried to hold my head high "I enjoy my own company" ( I was really unsure of the "right answer")

Next leap in illogic "so, you must be here on business?"
"no, pleasure"

That's when all she can think of is "oh" and thankfully we had made our way to the table

Just luck of the draw in clueless people I guess

 

[Granny]

Glad you had a great trip! I guess I'm in the minority in that I like the location of Roaring Fork. It's not particularly convenient, but to get there you have to either take a nice walk outside past the pools and the rest of the great scenery at WL, or stay under cover and walk through that awesome lobby!

I'm just glad they have a place like Roaring Fork. I wish BWV had something similar in addition to all its nice restaurants.

And there's not much you can do about a hostess like that. Obviously, she thought she was being conversational and was just so used to seeing families that she wasn't able to make the adjustment to a single traveller.

Thanks for the report!

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience as a solo traveler at Boma. I was there solo and had a bit of a strange experience too. I waited and waited for a table. Also waiting were two woman (mother and adult daughter). We were all kept waiting a long time. When we inquired as to why we were told that they didn't have many tables for one or two. Now, I am sorry, but we both had Priority Seatings so you knew we were coming. At some point you stop seating the parties of 4 to give someone else a table. Finally they seated me -- at a table for 4 after walking me right by a table for 2 that was empty.