Back from 5 nights in a 1 bedroom at VWL

[eyeheartgoofy]

Just got back from our first trip as DVC owners. We stayed for 5 nights in a one bedroom at VWL.

I liked the size of a one bedroom! It was so nice to have the extra space - don't think I could ever go back to a studio. It was wonderful to put the kids in bed, then sit and watch TV with the husband. The kitchen and washer/dryer turned out to be a great benefit as well.

I was somewhat disappointed with the upkeep of the room though. It felt old and worn out - the furniture was starting to look beat up with various nicks and scrapes on the wood and some obvious stains on the upholstry, etc. There was a huge build up of dust on the door panels and along the baseboards of the floors - the carpet is dark colored, but the edges were WHITE from the dust and fuzz bunnies. (First thing I did was vacuum, but the vacuum doesn't have attachments, so I couldn't get the corners and baseboards.) The master bed was overdue for a new mattress - there were "people dents" on each side and a great big lump running along the middle. All of these flaws I could have overlooked if I were staying at a $39.00 per night motel on International Drive - but I wasn't, I was staying at the Villas of The Wilderness Lodge! Made me a little sad to see the neglect. Hopefully, the room is due for refurbishment and a detailed cleaning.

The pool temps were just fine. We had nice enough weather to swim two days. We tested the quiet pool, the feature pool and the kiddie pool. The feature pool was closed for a bit one day due to a "biological hazard."

DVD player was in our room - didn't test it, but it was there!

Oh, yeah! The dishes had just been washed and were still warm from the dishwasher when we got into our room !

The staff was all very friendly and helpful. Girls were given stickers at every stop, it seems. We had towel animals in our rooms upon arrival - I had forgotten that Disney does that!

Transportation was a non issue. The boat for MK seemed to run very frequently and we didn't experience much of a wait in the bus department either.

Overall, it was a nice trip. We plan to stay longer next time - maybe 7 nights- and enjoy the pools, etc. more. We are thinking about trying out a different resort. I don't know though, I love the location of VWL and it is our home.

 

[eliza61]

Glad you had a good trip. Our room in August was really nice. I didn't notice the furniture but the beds were great. I definitely agree once we went to a 1 bedroom we couldn't go back. I know the lodge just underwent a refurbishent so maybe the villas are on schedule.

 

[mbrowninc]

I will be staying at VWL 1 BR in May & wanted to ask a few questions.

How long does it take to get to MGM or AK from there? I was debating switching to home SSR (which I have not stayed in either) but there is someting about the lodge that keeps drawing me in. Being across from MK is very convenient but just not sure about getting elsewhere.

Thanks-

Melanie

 

[Slakk]

I will be staying at VWL 1 BR in May & wanted to ask a few questions.

How long does it take to get to MGM or AK from there? I was debating switching to home SSR (which I have not stayed in either) but there is someting about the lodge that keeps drawing me in. Being across from MK is very convenient but just not sure about getting elsewhere.

Thanks-

Melanie

I thought the only bad part of VWL was the buses - we waited FOREVER for AK. We heard others saying the same thing.

Epcot and MK are super easy to get to via boat/monorail - we plan to drive to AK from now on. We don't visit MGM much....

 

[littlestar]

We just got back from VWL in a 1 bedroom and studio and our rooms were great. Very clean. We had brand new mattresses. I thought all the rooms had the new mattresses now. That's strange that you didn't have the new pillow top mattress. I thought all the rooms at VWL had them now.

We talked to the manager of the villas in the lobby and she told us there might be replacement of the couches next year (depending on budget). She's a nice lady and on the ball. In talking to her, she asked us if everything in our rooms were okay and if not, she wanted to know what needed to be addressed to make it okay. I like her. Every trip to VWL we usually see her at least once walking through and looking things over at VWL.

 

[byoung]

Great to hear you had a good trip.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

We just got back from VWL in a 1 bedroom and studio and our rooms were great. Very clean. That's strange that you didn't have the new pillow top mattress.

Well, I am happy your room was very clean - would hate to think my experience was the norm b/c I was really quite disappointed and have plans to stay there again next spring.

As far as a new pillow top mattress - our mattress was soft (didn't pull back the bedding to check for a pillow top), but was definately worn on either side of the hump.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Well, I am happy your room was very clean - would hate to think my experience was the norm b/c I was really quite disappointed and have plans to stay there again next spring.

As far as a new pillow top mattress - our mattress was soft (didn't pull back the bedding to check for a pillow top), but was definately worn on either side of the hump.

Did you contact housekeeping and explain to them how dirty/dusty it was? Were they willing to rectify the problem?

 

[littlestar]

Well, I am happy your room was very clean - would hate to think my experience was the norm b/c I was really quite disappointed and have plans to stay there again next spring.

As far as a new pillow top mattress - our mattress was soft (didn't pull back the bedding to check for a pillow top), but was definately worn on either side of the hump.

I'd definitely send a letter to let DVC at VWL know about the mattress problem you had. If your room had been replaced with the new ones, it shouldn't be lumpy already. I'd let them know what room number you were in and the problem you had. In talking with the VWL manager on numerous trips we've taken, I know she would want to know about your problem to get it fixed, and the dust you mentioned. Definitely let them know.

 

[dsneygirl]

Sorry you did not feel your room was up to snuff. We were in a 2 bedroom in Dec and thought it was immaculate. We also had great luck with the busses. Obviously AK is going to take the longest since it is at the complete opposite corner of WDW property but it didn't seem any longer than needed be.

 

[Starr W.]

I'd definitely send a letter to let DVC at VWL know about the mattress problem you had. If your room had been replaced with the new ones, it shouldn't be lumpy already. I'd let them know what room number you were in and the problem you had. In talking with the VWL manager on numerous trips we've taken, I know she would want to know about your problem to get it fixed, and the dust you mentioned. Definitely let them know.

I have a pillow top mattress and it was recommended when I bought it to flip it/rotate it once a month or it will get lumpy or dippy. Maybe they make "industrial" strength ones for hotels that don't need the extra attention. Hotels usually do this type of thing by floor, so perhaps you hadn't gotten a new one.