back from 1st trip... a couple of observations

[walt gestalt]

Hi Guys,

This is not really a full fledged trip report... just a couple of thoughts on what was a wonderful time!

We stayed in a 2 bedroom at VWL. When we first walked in, I was just the tiniest bit disappointed (was also a little bit cranky because our room wasn't ready until nearly five oclock! Glad the lobby is so spectacular). Anyway, despite having seen lots of pix, the room just wasn't exactly what I was expecting. But, over the course of the week, I really grew to LOVE IT! The master bath is especially wonderful. We only used the kitchen to make coffee in the morning and, on a couple of mornings baked cinnamon rolls, but the suite really grew on me. In fact, we're scheduled to stay in AKL concierge next time, but I really want to go back to VWL!

My only criticism is that the decor in the hallways is a lot more like an "old west saloon" theme than a "pacific northwest lodge" theme. Other than that, I think it's magnificent. I had no idea the villas had such a nice lobby of their own. And I love the music playing all over the resort! It adds so much to the ambience.

I was a little worried the villas might feel a little "shunted off" from the WL, but it didn't feel that way to me. We had a pool view, fairly close in, and when out on the balcony, could see the lodge wing across the way, so we felt like we were, in fact, a part of the lodge.

One quick last note... for those of you DVC'ers holding connections vouchers:
We used ours at B&C, Mara, Tangierine cafe, and Roaring Forks. I know some people will disagree, but IMHO, B&C is the only restaurant where Q&C vouchers pay off. The waiter there was cheerful and helpful, the food was good, and yes-- we did get a kitchen sink. Great fun, great time, great value. At Mara, the food wasn't as good; there was confusion as to what we could and couldn't get; and the result was, while we saved about four dollars on the meal, we didn't care for it. Same experience at Tangierine, with cranky service on top of that. Though, we do get the idea that Tangierine could be a "hit or miss" kind of place. On a good day, it might be very good. Anyway, for what it's worth, we probably won't bother with vouchers again.

Bottom line, if you recently purchased, and haven't been "home" yet, be excited... be very excited!

 

[baileybrad]

Sorry you were disappointed initially in VWL. We own at HH and have stayed at all of the resorts but BCV. Our stay at VWL was wonderful. We like how you feel that you are a million miles from the parks when you are back at the resort. At least that is how we felt. We had an especially enjoyable trip there and it was our youngest's first trip to WDW (11 months) which made it even more fun. Headed down in early December, unfortunately, off-site (no points available) at Vistana Resort but we will still have a blast (it is a very nice resort/location). Enjoy all of your future trips.

 

[PamOKW]

hallways is a lot more like an "old west saloon" theme than a "pacific northwest lodge" theme

I haven't seen it yet, so I can't really judge. However, I think there is an intentional difference in the themes. VWL has some "story" about being along the lines of where the railroad workers would stay. That might account for the "saloon" feel you mention.

I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip, even if it took a day or so to adjust.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Personally, I like VWL much better than WL.
The VWL theme is truly steeped in history, as the railroads initially had the building rights for the hotels near the National Parks.

Here are a couple of interesting links:

The Yosemite Terminal Company
The Northern Pacific Railroad at Yellowstone

Scroll up to some of the pictures...look familiar?

 

[Doctor P]

Thanks for your report!