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

[Dizny Dad]

WOW - I've missed alot! It is going to take a while to catch up.

I just returned from two weeks in Novokuznetsk, Russia in Siberia where there is no such thing as an easy internet connection, let alone flat floors or steps with equal risers. With temperatures ranging from -40F to -10F ( ), even the cold days in Orlando sounds great! Full length furs along with full fur hats and good gloves are the standard there. PETA would not do well in that environment.

Of course, in my absence, the water system failed and DiznyDi had to once again take matters into her own hands. She is such a great partner to take all of it in stride. Seems like any time I am more than a days travel away something breaks or fails to operate. And of course, as with many of you, I returned to mountains of snow. DiznyDi had to take care of that too. It does make for a good story; I escaped the mountains of snow by going to Siberia.

As my head clears and I spend more time in the office, I intend to catch up on our little part of the world here on the DISboards.

And as Shrove Tuesday turns into Ash Wednesday, may we each find that spot in our personal lives to be warm, safe, and find meaning.

 

[jimmytammy]

Woo hoo another convert! So glad to hear you enjoyed it & I couldn't agree more that VWL is good for the soul!

JT - question for you since you seem to be the driving expert. If I take exit 4 from MCO rather than exit 6 is there a grocery store nearby? Allears only gives locations for grocery stores if you're taking exit 6. 24 days & counting until BCV!! I know not the Lodge but still exciting!

Exit 3 is pretty desolate. Gaylord Hotel is about the only major thing you will see approaching WDW. Exit 6 is congested with commercialism(I guess the reason I avoid)and traffic. This exit will take you to St. Rd. 535, which will lead you into Apopka Vineland Rd. You will pass Hotel Plaza Blvd. on your left which is where several Hotels are in the DTD area. Just past this road on the right is the Crossroads shopping area. There is a grocery store in this area, cant remember if is Publix or Goodings, but it is one of the two. We avoid Crossroads because of the congestion. If you stay on Apopka Vineland, about 1/2 mile on the right is Winn-Dixie. Less congestion, easy parking makes this or fav store in the area. A stoplight is there so it makes it easy to slip back out. A Walgreens is across at this light if needed. Several restaurants are in this area if you chose to leave property.

I would say total driving distance off 417 to this area might be 2 miles. But WDW property is real close. You can shoot back onto Hotel Plaza Blvd. when through shopping. After passing hotels, turn left at light. This will put you on Buena Vista Dr. DTD will be on your right. BV Dr. will lead you directly to Beach Club.

If you have a Birnbaums WDW guide, it has a great map in the back that may help it make more sense.

Hope this helps

 

[Inkmahm]

DLI - did you get your Olympic Opening Ceremonies Hat? I guess lots of people really liked them and they sold out quickly.

They're now selling on ebay for $300-$400!

Silly me thought I'd get one if they were around $25 or $30.

Wow! $300 to $400? No, thanks.

We were in Vancouver in 2008 after our Alaska cruise and we bought official Olympic tshirts then to save until now to wear. Except it's a bit cold here now in February for the short sleeve tshirt that I bought in August so I haven't worn mine yet.

 

[Inkmahm]

Only 4 weeks from tomorrow and I'll be back at WDW! I'm really looking forward to the warmth. It was fairly cold when we were there in January and I'm feeling a sunshine deficiency at this point in winter. But we're almost to March and for me, March 1 is the hump. Once we get to March I start to feel like spring is coming, even if it isn't.

I haven't been around much as we had relatives here for 4 days over the weekend and we were playing tourists here and in Chicago. It was a nice break! Now it's back to the job hunt. I have two interviews today with headhunters so we'll see how that goes. I had a good interview last Thursday for a job that just opened up so that is also in the early stages. Part of me really would like to get the job situation settled but part of me really enjoys the time off and the extra vacations! I think my DH is ready for me to get out of the house and back to work though.

 

[Muushka]

WOW - I've missed alot! It is going to take a while to catch up.

I just returned from two weeks in Novokuznetsk, Russia in Siberia where there is no such thing as an easy internet connection, let alone flat floors or steps with equal risers. With temperatures ranging from -40F to -10F ( ), even the cold days in Orlando sounds great! Full length furs along with full fur hats and good gloves are the standard there. PETA would not do well in that environment.

Of course, in my absence, the water system failed and DiznyDi had to once again take matters into her own hands. She is such a great partner to take all of it in stride. Seems like any time I am more than a days travel away something breaks or fails to operate. And of course, as with many of you, I returned to mountains of snow. DiznyDi had to take care of that too. It does make for a good story; I escaped the mountains of snow by going to Siberia.

As my head clears and I spend more time in the office, I intend to catch up on our little part of the world here on the DISboards.

And as Shrove Tuesday turns into Ash Wednesday, may we each find that spot in our personal lives to be warm, safe, and find meaning.

Welcome back from Siberia! I thought your betrothed was kidding when she said you were there . Glad you are home safe.

 

[eliza61]

Just wondering - Does it bother anyone else here when someone on another thread compares the Lodge to Great Wolf Lodge or am I just being overly sensitive?

In it's defense, I don't think they're attempting for the Walt Disney world comparison. We did a three dayer at the one in the Poconos. Now the Poconos is sort of known locally for it's camping, "outdoors" vacation theme I got the feeling that they were trying to market it as an upscale "camping" type vacation with a water park bonus. I mentioned the similarities to one of the desk clerks and they were quick to point out how they were "not" like Disney. Not better or worse, simply totally different.

Dizney Dad. Siberia Wow!! Let me ask you, when you go some where that cold do you get a chance to sight see? I would be so excited to be in Russia but I can't imagine even stepping out in that weather.

 

[blossomz]

Wow! Siberia!!

 

[Muushka]

If disney ruled the world this is what it would be like! http://letthemgoodtimesroll.blogspot.com

I just skimmed the first article and went down to the second. You are so right!

 

[stopher1]

Only 4 weeks from tomorrow and I'll be back at WDW! I'm really looking forward to the warmth. It was fairly cold when we were there in January and I'm feeling a sunshine deficiency at this point in winter. But we're almost to March and for me, March 1 is the hump. Once we get to March I start to feel like spring is coming, even if it isn't.

Me too - except for me it's 3 weeks from today! Wish it were more than just 3 nights, but hey, it's 3 nights away from home. I'm definitely ready to say ta ta to all this white stuff.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . .Siberia Wow!! Let me ask you, when you go some where that cold do you get a chance to sight see? I would be so excited to be in Russia but I can't imagine even stepping out in that weather.

Russia is a fascinating place as it discovers the pluses and minuses of individualism and capitalism.

With my work in Mexico, many there would ask if when it is cold in Ohio (below freezing) do we still go outside. Of Course! And the answer is the same in Siberia; life goes on. The cold (-40) did not stop the locals from going about there day.

We spent a Saturday at what they referred to as a "ranch". We rode horses, went ice skating, played hockey with them, drove snowmobiles; all sorts of outdoor winter activities. They were thrilled that Americans were there playing outdoors with them.

It indeed was cold, but we dressed for it; long underwear, layered clothing, balaclavas, etc. We did go site seeing on Sunday afternoon. We attended services at the Novokusnetsk Russian Orthodox Cathedral, visited a Cossack Outpost dating from 1610, walked through the Worker's Park, and even did a little shopping (bought a great hat for DiznyDi!). All was very much like being in any northern American city in winter with all of the signs in Russian (Cyrillic).

Russia is a fascinating place, but it just can't do for me what "doin' Disney" can do!

 

[Granny]

DDad...I'll add my "wow" to the others' comments. What an amazing experience. To me, Siberia conjures up a frozen wasteland, remote and punishing to humans. Just like Timbuktu conjures an image of "the ends of the earth". I'm glad you made it home safe and sound, and appreciate you sharing some of your experience of Russia. Thanks!

 

[wildernessDad]

Wow, Siberia! That's pretty cool!... I mean, very cold!

 

[stopher1]

We did go site seeing on Sunday afternoon. We attended services at the Novokusnetsk Russian Orthodox Cathedral, visited a Cossack Outpost dating from 1610, walked through the Worker's Park, and even did a little shopping (bought a great hat for DiznyDi!). All was very much like being in any northern American city in winter with all of the signs in Russian (Cyrillic).

Dizny Dad it sounds great, COLD but great! Glad you made it home safely. Your touring sounds incredible. Siberia definitely conjures up some images in my mind - but what you got to see sounds really quite cool. I love historical places, especially those dating back several centuries or more.

It's funny because we just watched "Fiddler on the Roof" with our kids about a week ago, and when the daughter's intended is shipped off to Siberia and then she goes to be with him - I told them all that I "know" someone in Siberia right now (even though I don't really know you, I found it quite cool to be able to tell them so, in real time! thanks to DiznyDi telling us where you were).

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

DLI - did you get your Olympic Opening Ceremonies Hat? I guess lots of people really liked them and they sold out quickly.

They're now selling on ebay for $300-$400!

Silly me thought I'd get one if they were around $25 or $30.

Wow that is crazy! I never even found them anywhere for sale in the first place.

I am indeed guilty of this.....it's not the same grandeur of the our Lodge for sure. But there is a "feeling" of the WL. It's my little piece of the WL/VWL here in PA. I've stayed once. It's def a WL copycat !

Maria

I actually think I would like it. I just got defensive cause the Lodge was compared to it in a negative way. Don't be dissin the Lodge!

WOW - I've missed alot! It is going to take a while to catch up.

I just returned from two weeks in Novokuznetsk, Russia in Siberia where there is no such thing as an easy internet connection, let alone flat floors or steps with equal risers. With temperatures ranging from -40F to -10F ( ), even the cold days in Orlando sounds great! Full length furs along with full fur hats and good gloves are the standard there. PETA would not do well in that environment.

/QUOTE]
Glad you had a great trip. Boy with how much I have been complaining about the cold here, I could never live there!!!!

I haven't been around much as we had relatives here for 4 days over the weekend and we were playing tourists here and in Chicago. It was a nice break! Now it's back to the job hunt. I have two interviews today with headhunters so we'll see how that goes. I had a good interview last Thursday for a job that just opened up so that is also in the early stages. Part of me really would like to get the job situation settled but part of me really enjoys the time off and the extra vacations! I think my DH is ready for me to get out of the house and back to work though.

Good luck with the interviews!!!

In it's defense, I don't think they're attempting for the Walt Disney world comparison. We did a three dayer at the one in the Poconos. Now the Poconos is sort of known locally for it's camping, "outdoors" vacation theme I got the feeling that they were trying to market it as an upscale "camping" type vacation with a water park bonus. I mentioned the similarities to one of the desk clerks and they were quick to point out how they were "not" like Disney. Not better or worse, simply totally different.

I totally agree. I have never seen the company itself making any comparisons to anything Disney. I think people just tend to make the comparisons based on the lodge look of it. Which in itself isn't a bad thing. As long as they are knocking the Lodge!

 

[tea pot]

WOW - I've missed alot! It is going to take a while to catch up.

I just returned from two weeks in Novokuznetsk, Russia in Siberia

WOW the real SIBERIA How cool

Exit 3 is pretty desolate. Gaylord Hotel is about the only major thing you will see approaching WDW. Exit 6 is congested with commercialism(I guess the reason I avoid)and traffic. This exit will take you to St. Rd. 535, which will lead you into Apopka Vineland Rd. You will pass Hotel Plaza Blvd. on your left which is where several Hotels are in the DTD area. Just past this road on the right is the Crossroads shopping area. There is a grocery store in this area, cant remember if is Publix or Goodings, but it is one of the two. We avoid Crossroads because of the congestion. If you stay on Apopka Vineland, about 1/2 mile on the right is Winn-Dixie. Less congestion, easy parking makes this or fav store in the area. A stoplight is there so it makes it easy to slip back out. A Walgreens is across at this light if needed. Several restaurants are in this area if you chose to leave property.

I would say total driving distance off 417 to this area might be 2 miles. But WDW property is real close. You can shoot back onto Hotel Plaza Blvd. when through shopping. After passing hotels, turn left at light. This will put you on Buena Vista Dr. DTD will be on your right. BV Dr. will lead you directly to Beach Club.

If you have a Birnbaums WDW guide, it has a great map in the back that may help it make more sense.

Hope this helps

Thanks Jimmy taking notes

March 1 is the hump. Once we get to March I start to feel like spring is coming, even if it isn't. Now it's back to the job hunt. I have two interviews today with headhunters so we'll see how that goes. I had a good interview last Thursday for a job that just opened up so that is also in the early stages. Part of me really would like to get the job situation settled but part of me really enjoys the time off and the extra vacations! I think my DH is ready for me to get out of the house and back to work though.

Pixie Dust coming your way

Ditto on March 1st especially after we "spring forward" and it's not dark at 5pm

 

[stopher1]

Happy Friday Groupies! How about a few glimpses today...

 

[DiznyDi]

Thanks Stopher for posting the photos!
They're a nice pick-me-up on this cold Ohio Friday.
Wishing all Groupies a safe and warm week-end!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Thanks for the pictures Stopher! Wish I was there now!

 

[lisah0711]

Thanks Stopher for posting the photos!
They're a nice pick-me-up on this cold Ohio Friday.
Wishing all Groupies a safe and warm week-end!

Ummm, aren't you the guy who was in Siberia last Friday?

Whoops! My bad, that was your DH! You were the lady who was holding down the fort!

Thanks for the great pics, stopher1!

 

[jimmytammy]

OK Stopher, now you are just making me "homesick"

Seriously, thanks for sharing the pics