Back From VWL

[littlestar]

Got back from VWL yesterday.

Checkin - Arrived via Tiffany Towncar (great service by the way) at around 1:00 at the main lodge. Check-in girl was very nice. Got a welcome home. Our family had a studio and another one reserved one for my parents. Room wasn't ready at check-in. Our daughter checked at 3:00 and it was ready. We got Room 3562. It was the famous "dumpster/trash" view. It was the very last room at the end of the hall. At first I was disappointed when I saw the view, but it was a little bigger than my parents studio and it was a dedicated studio (I think it had an extra closet in it). I really wish they charged less points for the dumpster view, though. It's definitely not equal to the pool view rooms in my opinion. My parents ended up with a lock-off studio (4533). Their room had no balcony. This really surprised me. I thought all rooms had balconies. This was our first stay on our VWL points and I was a little disappointed in the studios we got. It didn't ruin our trip, but it was disappointing. They were in excellent shape, though. Very,very clean and in good shape.

Some friends of ours (also DVC members) decided to make a spur of the moment trip on Saturday to join us. They called Member Services on Monday and were able to get a studio at VWL. They were also offered availability at BCV. They thought they might have to change rooms mid week, but it worked out and they didn't have to. It was encouraging to see them get availability on one day's notice.

We had a good time, but next time I may have to put "no dumpster view" or "balcony" on my reservation request if using a studio at the VWL. In hindsight, I wish I would have reserved a two-bedroom at Old Key West. It would have been the same amount of points and I think my parents would have been more impressed with that than what we got. (you know, you don't want your parents to think you made a poor decision buying DVC).

 

[jimmytammy]

Did you put in any kind of requests when making ressies and if so did they hold that end of the bargain up? We are going home 1st time in Dec and when I made ressies I requested non smoking. Since that was 9mos ago I have read all the posts about the dumpsters, the studios without balconies, the handicap rooms, etc., etc.
I had a time trying to convince DW to join so I definitely want this 1st trip to be special.

 

[littlestar]

Yes. I put in requests. We got ours. On my mom and dad's they were put on the fourth floor. I asked for 2nd or 3rd floor for them and nonsmoking. So one of the requests didn't get met, but they did get nonsmoking. I didn't realize you could get a room without a balcony. I must have missed that post. Next time I'll specifically request a balcony if staying in a studio. The only way I'll stay in a studio next time is if it's just me and my husband. Our girls kept complaining about my husband's snoring. So I told them the next time we bring them, we're staying at Old Key West in a one bedroom.

I like the theming at the Wilderness Lodge. We really enjoyed the Iron Spike room. Just sitting around and relaxing was great. I love the landscaping at Old Key West and the space. All the DVC resorts have something special about them. If it's raining, you can't beat the Wilderness Lodge for that cozy feel around the fireplaces and rocking chairs. Great places to play cards or checkers.

 

[colleen costello]

I agree that it wouldn't hurt to offer the inevitable "bad view rooms" for a few less points. We checked in to BCV last July and had the dreaded "service road view." I assumed this would come with the early morning service-road sounds! We asked to be reassigned. These newer resorts are really pricey on points -- why get stuck with the dumpster or road view? If the resorts aren't completely full up I think they ought to try to leave these rooms empty.

Glad you had a good time despite this nonsense. Hope the parents realize DVC makes you a financial genius despite the occasional assignment of the dumpster-view room!