Bunnies and mooses and groupies, Oh my!!! The Wilderness Lodge groupies thread. 4.0

[Granny]

Hello to all of you.
I hope you had a nice Christmas.
We are now getting ready for our trip on January 7th. Not to the Lodge but our other home (AK). We are all looking forward to it. Especially my cousin who has never been. She told me she cried the other day when she saw Cinderella`s castle on TV. She never thought she would be able to take a trip like this. I am so glad that we bought our points and are able to make special memories with our family.
Hope all of you have a nice New Year`s and all the best for 2010.

Nancy

Nancy...I hope your trip to WDW is a great one! And staying at our "sister lodge" AKV should be a great time too. What a wonderful thing you are doing for your cousin. I'm sure it will make the trip even more special to experience it with her. That's one sure fire way to make sure we never get burned out on WDW. I hope the trip is everything you could wish for.


Eliza...wonderful and eloquent words as always. You do a great job as our spirit guide!

 

[tea pot]

Thanks Muush, not sure if the "old guy" would call me "poetic" when I'm yammering about him channel surfing though....

Hey Susan and Figment!!

Welcome. Susan, you get our love affair completely. The lodge is pretty special. Ever notice how we describe the other resorts by how they look but we describe the lodge by how it feels? The lodge is unique in that you either really like her or you really dislike her. While the Grand Floridian is Disney's flagship hotel, she is quiet understatement charm. The lodge is very much like the wilderness, she is bold and brassy. She's like Mae West, Babara Stanwiyck and Arethea Franklin rolled into one, You may not like 'em but no way can you ignore them.

She does have a welcoming, comfortable feeling to her and she's a pretty smart cookie because no matter what kind of vacation you need or have planned, she knows exactly how to give you what you need the moment you step through the doors.
Whether your burnt out from work or kids, excited for your first trip to the world or floating 2 feet above the ground on your honeymoon, the lodge whispers in your ear and next thing you know you're smiling.
Stay and hang out with us for a while, and no matter where else you stay, you'll find in the back of your mind, you're always planning when you can get back to the lodge.

Oh Be Still My Heart

 

[stopher1]

Today I called MS and was able to secure a 1BR to add on to the back end of our trip in 2 weeks!

Long story short - we are traveling with my folks and brother, staying in both THV and AKV. We were originally going to then have friends join us the day that my family leaves for a couple more days (they would then stay longer after we left). The friends had to cancel out due to a surgery that was long awaited and had to be scheduled before Dec. 31st or insurance would no longer cover it and so I ended up cancelling the last 2 "extra" nights of our trip...only to totally disappoint both wife & kids. Called today to see about getting nights back at Kidani (didn't want to move again), but no dice. Booked up solid. I asked if there was anything anywhere - and lo and behold... a 1 BR for those 2 nights we needed at VWL!!! So now I'm excited (bummed we have to move a 2nd time on this trip, but excited nonetheless). Now I get to make DW happy twice in the same year by getting to stay at the lodge - this time and our anniversary trip in March. (Plus I booked us a stay at the Grand Cal for May). What a fun MS call that was. Needless to say, I was quite happy when I hung up.

So we'll be at VWL on 1/19-21 and then later out to her sister VGC from 5/9-12.

 

[Muushka]

Today I called MS and was able to secure a 1BR to add on to the back end of our trip in 2 weeks!

Long story short - we are traveling with my folks and brother, staying in both THV and AKV. We were originally going to then have friends join us the day that my family leaves for a couple more days (they would then stay longer after we left). The friends had to cancel out due to a surgery that was long awaited and had to be scheduled before Dec. 31st or insurance would no longer cover it and so I ended up cancelling the last 2 "extra" nights of our trip...only to totally disappoint both wife & kids. Called today to see about getting nights back at Kidani (didn't want to move again), but no dice. Booked up solid. I asked if there was anything anywhere - and lo and behold... a 1 BR for those 2 nights we needed at VWL!!! So now I'm excited (bummed we have to move a 2nd time on this trip, but excited nonetheless). Now I get to make DW happy twice in the same year by getting to stay at the lodge - this time and our anniversary trip in March. (Plus I booked us a stay at the Grand Cal for May). What a fun MS call that was. Needless to say, I was quite happy when I hung up.

So we'll be at VWL on 1/19-21 and then later out to her sister VGC from 5/9-12.

Yay!! VWL in 2010!! I put the VWL dates (and VGC) on the trips page, but I didn't see you there for the others you mentioned, I may have missed it. Can you tell me (that is if you want to be there!).

 

[helenk]

New owner of VWL points here!!! I just booked a 1 BDR for next year Nov 29th through Dec 4th.
I am hoping that my son, daughter-in-law and grand-daughter will be able to join me for my first stay at the VWL. I've stayed at the WL before and love the holiday decorations and the laid back feeling of the lodge.

 

[stopher1]

Yay!! VWL in 2010!! I put the VWL dates (and VGC) on the trips page, but I didn't see you there for the others you mentioned, I may have missed it. Can you tell me (that is if you want to be there!).

Duh, I didn't think about the others I'd mentioned.

So far we have:

1/11-14 THV
1/14-19 AKV
1/19-21 VWL

3/10-13 VWL

5/9-12 VGC

12/2-6 AKV? Haven't decided yet - this will be a father/daughter trip

Plus we're exploring a cruise for either 2010 or 11. Probably will wait for '11 for the Dream - at least that's where we're leaning right now. And whichever we year we don't do the cruise, we'll be out to CA and VGC for 4 or 5 nights.

 

[Muushka]

Duh, I didn't think about the others I'd mentioned.

So far we have:

1/11-14 THV
1/14-19 AKV
1/19-21 VWL

3/10-13 VWL

5/9-12 VGC

12/2-6 AKV? Haven't decided yet - this will be a father/daughter trip

Plus we're exploring a cruise for either 2010 or 11. Probably will wait for '11 for the Dream - at least that's where we're leaning right now. And whichever we year we don't do the cruise, we'll be out to CA and VGC for 4 or 5 nights.

Holy Moly, I am sorry I asked!! Some great plans are cooking!

PS let me know about Dec, I'll enter it when you make that difficult decision!
Have fun planning that cruise!

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome helenk

And IMO, you made a wise choice in where you bought your points. Dont think you will get much arguement from this bunch, cause we are all on when it comes to the Lodge!

 

[helenk]

Welcome helenk

And IMO, you made a wise choice in where you bought your points. Dont think you will get much arguement from this bunch, cause we are all on when it comes to the Lodge!

Thank you
As I was waiting to see if the contract would go through I would read parts of this thread. I specifically bought a small contract so that I can stay at the VWL every other year. Usually my Dec trips are solo, but my "kids" have not been to WDW during the holiday season in years. Once my son found out I got the contract he asked me to book during Nov/Dec so that he can enjoy all the holiday goings on.
He and I stayed at the WL in Dec of 2002, they had a group there playing Christmas Carols on the bells, it was really nice. I guess with cutbacks over the years they do not do that anymore. But we will have a great time no matter what.

 

[Muushka]

Hi helenk. Congrats on the VWL and hope to see you here when you want a dose of the Moose.

 

[Muushka]

I forgot to mention that I will be out of town from 1/1 to 1/12. I am allegedly going skiing .

My old college chum invited me to join them (and her husband and grown daughter) at North Conway, NH for a week of skiing and tubing. Another gal we graduated with is joining us with her husband and grown daughter. They each have a TS there. Nice huh?

I hope I don't fall off the mountains! Mr Muush won't be there to rescue me!

If anyone has any trips planned, can you hold them till I get back (not the trip, you can do that!) or PM me with the dates?

 

[DiznyDi]

Wow, new groupies!

SusanWasHere, figmentfan0724 and helenk
Always fun to have new groupies join our little corner of the Dis!

Be careful on those slopes Muushka! Enjoy your time getting reacquainted with old friends. Stay safe and stay warm.

Oshawa make memories with your cousin. I know all will have a grand time at the Happiest Place on Earth. Come back and let us know your thoughts on AKV. Are you staying at Jambo House or Kidani Village?

OK Groupies, thanks to the heads-up from Wilderness Dad, I got my Autumn Lodge candles..... did you? I shouldn't run out of these for a very long time.....

stopher1 looks like you have some nice trips planned. Your father/daughter trip will be very special.

tea pot, horselover, jimmytammy and twokats. I was thinking of you all today. Well, actually I was thinking of Ranger Stan and of course, then my thoughts went to our meet and all the fun we had. It was a true pleasure to become acquainted with you!

 

[Oshawa]

Nancy...I hope your trip to WDW is a great one! And staying at our "sister lodge" AKV should be a great time too. What a wonderful thing you are doing for your cousin. I'm sure it will make the trip even more special to experience it with her. That's one sure fire way to make sure we never get burned out on WDW. I hope the trip is everything you could wish for.

Thanks Granny. We are getting more excited as the days go by...only 8 more sleeps to go. We always make our trips to Disney special but this one is going to be extra special with my cousin going. We are going to treat her like a Princess.

 

[Oshawa]

Oshawa make memories with your cousin. I know all will have a grand time at the Happiest Place on Earth. Come back and let us know your thoughts on AKV. Are you staying at Jambo House or Kidani Village?

We are staying at Kidani Village. I will definitely let you know our thoughts about the Villas and the Resort. I will try and post pictures once we get back. I am not to sure how to do it but I will get DH to help me out. This will be our first DVC stay.

We are looking forward to making some special Disney memories with my cousin the Disney Newbie!! We have so much to show her. Our boys have everything planned out. It will be so nice to get away from this cold too.

And once we get back we can begin our countdown to the Lodge.

 

[tea pot]

Welcome New Groupies
helenk figmentfan SusanWasHere

We share a common Love of the Lodge

DiznyDi Just uploaded my pics of the meet... thinking of all of you guys too.

Oshawa Have a wonderful time. Hope It's nice and warm for you.

I forgot to mention that I will be out of town from 1/1 to 1/12. I am allegedly going skiing .

My old college chum invited me to join them (and her husband and grown daughter) at North Conway, NH for a week of skiing and tubing. Another gal we graduated with is joining us with her husband and grown daughter. They each have a TS there. Nice huh?
I hope I don't fall off the mountains! Mr Muush won't be there to rescue me!

Hey Muushka
You will love New Years Eve up in the White Mountains
We spent several NY Eves slop side at Mt. Cranmore. I don't know if they still do this but at midnight the staff, ski patrol and, instructors come down the slopes with torches and then they have fireworks. The mountain at night is just beautiful. My dds just loved night skiing. I do more of manning the mittens and making the turkey soup.
If any one watched "What about Bob" I ski the way he sails.
Have a great time!

 

[Oshawa]

Oshawa Have a wonderful time. Hope It's nice and warm for you.

Thank you Tea Pot! I am sure hoping it's warm when we are there but anything is warmer than a Canadian winter right now. I am wearing shorts no matter what!!

 

[stopher1]

stopher1 looks like you have some nice trips planned. Your father/daughter trip will be very special.

Thanks DiznyDi! I'm really looking forward to it. I've taken both of my boys individually several years back, and then this year all three of us went together for our first experience with Star Wars Weekends. My daughter is now old enough to enjoy a trip like this too - so it's now her turn! I'm definitely looking into some of the things that she might enjoy to do. She'll get to "lead the way" at whichever parks we go to as my sons got to on their father/son trips, but I'm sure to have some special surprise for her as well. Just trying to make some fun memories for this kiddos and their dear old dad. My sons both still talk about their individual trips 5 years later!

 

[lisah0711]

Hello to all of you.
I hope you had a nice Christmas.
We are now getting ready for our trip on January 7th. Not to the Lodge but our other home (AK). We are all looking forward to it. Especially my cousin who has never been. She told me she cried the other day when she saw Cinderella`s castle on TV. She never thought she would be able to take a trip like this. I am so glad that we bought our points and are able to make special memories with our family.
Hope all of you have a nice New Year`s and all the best for 2010.

Nancy

Nancy, we just returned from a split stay at VWL and AKV Jambo and had a wonderful time. Hope the weather warms up for you because we had to wear long underwear and I never do at home -- we are only 80 miles south of the Canadian border.

Had a great time at VWL. We were in a dedicated 2 bedroom -- the same exact room we had for our first stay 2 years ago. The Lodge was so beautiful in it's Christmas finery and we had a great dinner at Artist's Point.

DisneyNutzy, we looked for you at the Merry Mixer but didn't see you. I didn't see one LGMH the whole trip!

 

[SusanWasHere]

Thank you all for the warm welcomes What a nice thread Hope everyone is getting ready for the New Year. Just took the tree and decorations down - took 6 hours! Tomorrow I'll be loading it all back into the attic. Stay warm everyone! It's 17 here in NJ. And enjoy the skiing trip - I am so jealous! This is my first year without a ski house in a few years - adding points instead I miss the slopes. Enjoy!!

 

[horselover]

New owner of VWL points here!!! I just booked a 1 BDR for next year Nov 29th through Dec 4th.
I am hoping that my son, daughter-in-law and grand-daughter will be able to join me for my first stay at the VWL. I've stayed at the WL before and love the holiday decorations and the laid back feeling of the lodge.

Congratulations Helenk! You've made a wonderful choice & I must say I'm extremely jealous you already have a ressie for next Christmas!

I forgot to mention that I will be out of town from 1/1 to 1/12. I am allegedly going skiing .

My old college chum invited me to join them (and her husband and grown daughter) at North Conway, NH for a week of skiing and tubing. Another gal we graduated with is joining us with her husband and grown daughter. They each have a TS there. Nice huh?

Hey Muush you'll be in our neck of the woods! Brace yourself it's really cold here right now. Not to worry if you don't want to ski all the time. There's plenty of shopping, eating, & other things to do in North Conway. I met my DH there. He was a member of one of the many ski clubs up there. One of my best GFs had been begging me to go up with her for a weekend (she met her DH there too!). Finally relented & voila I met DH! Neither my GF or myself did any skiing that weekend, but we still had a fabulous time!

Thanks DiznyDi! I'm really looking forward to it. I've taken both of my boys individually several years back, and then this year all three of us went together for our first experience with Star Wars Weekends. My daughter is now old enough to enjoy a trip like this too - so it's now her turn! I'm definitely looking into some of the things that she might enjoy to do. She'll get to "lead the way" at whichever parks we go to as my sons got to on their father/son trips, but I'm sure to have some special surprise for her as well. Just trying to make some fun memories for this kiddos and their dear old dad. My sons both still talk about their individual trips 5 years later!

I'm so glad to hear that! I've got a mother/son trip planned with DS#2 in March & hopefully another one with DS#1 in Oct. I'm really looking forward to making some special memories.