WDWguru
aka tivogirl, keeper of the live WDW webcams at ht
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2001
- Messages
- 2,354
Our very first contract was at VWL two years ago, and we've added on three times since (at VWL and BWV) but this was our first stay at VWL, and it was fantastic! We checked in at 10 am on Monday, the 29th, and our a one-bedroom was ready! It was non-smoking, non-handicapped but on the first floor (we usually request higher floor) and the lake side, so we jumped at it. We were in 1533, which is a lockoff unit quite near the Iron Spike room. It's the very first room on the left side once you turn down the hall past the "back" door that goes to the quiet pool. Fantastic room, in great condition!
Crowds were intense, as we expected. We normally travel in May and October since we don't have kids and can avoid the crowds. We knew what we were in for and it was fun to do some things we don't take the time to do every trip. We took the Keys tour on my birthday (the 30th) and spent lots of time with the hidden Mickeys book at Epcot.
We had made our PS plans in advance, which worked well. It reminded me of all the trips I went on as a kid before the other parks opened, when two hour waits were the norm. ACK! We spent a marathon day at Epcot on NYE, going for early entry at 7 am and leaving after the midnight fireworks. Other than some delays getting out of the parking lot, it wasn't too bad.
We rented a car and drove everywhere except MK (boat was great). We went to the Boardwalk area more than a few times, taking advantage of the valet there. Every time we pulled up, we enjoyed the Zurg family's holiday lights on their balcony. (When I first saw them, I said to DH 'I bet that's the Zurg family from the DIS...they always stay in BWV standard view.' Later I confirmed it as we got a closer look and saw their Bad Shoe banner hanging in the window!)
We also took a peek at the SSR models and I must say they are nicer than we thought. The photos don't do them justice! There were flyers up at the DVC booths about the $5 off and something about a free vacation. When we asked we were told it was either-or, but not given any details. Our guide wasn't there, so we didn't get to ask further.
All in all a great trip, but not sure we'd brave the crowds like that very often. We knew what to expect, so took things in stride, but we missed some favorites this trip. If anyone has questions about VWL, NYE or anything else, post away!
Crowds were intense, as we expected. We normally travel in May and October since we don't have kids and can avoid the crowds. We knew what we were in for and it was fun to do some things we don't take the time to do every trip. We took the Keys tour on my birthday (the 30th) and spent lots of time with the hidden Mickeys book at Epcot.
We had made our PS plans in advance, which worked well. It reminded me of all the trips I went on as a kid before the other parks opened, when two hour waits were the norm. ACK! We spent a marathon day at Epcot on NYE, going for early entry at 7 am and leaving after the midnight fireworks. Other than some delays getting out of the parking lot, it wasn't too bad.
We rented a car and drove everywhere except MK (boat was great). We went to the Boardwalk area more than a few times, taking advantage of the valet there. Every time we pulled up, we enjoyed the Zurg family's holiday lights on their balcony. (When I first saw them, I said to DH 'I bet that's the Zurg family from the DIS...they always stay in BWV standard view.' Later I confirmed it as we got a closer look and saw their Bad Shoe banner hanging in the window!)
We also took a peek at the SSR models and I must say they are nicer than we thought. The photos don't do them justice! There were flyers up at the DVC booths about the $5 off and something about a free vacation. When we asked we were told it was either-or, but not given any details. Our guide wasn't there, so we didn't get to ask further.
All in all a great trip, but not sure we'd brave the crowds like that very often. We knew what to expect, so took things in stride, but we missed some favorites this trip. If anyone has questions about VWL, NYE or anything else, post away!
