Can a member share info about WLV?

[SamanthaL]

We are considering staying at the WLV next fall but None of has stayed in the resort before. Could you share things like transpo. to the parks? I heard it is a hike to get to the bus stop(s) and water shuttle. Are there more than one bus stop at the villas? How far are the villas from the main lobby? Any hints anyone could share would be great. I am taking friends for their first ever trip to the world and I am leary about staying somewhere I am not familiar. Thanks so much!

 

[Pa@okw95]

I see you have stayed at the Poly, BC, YC and BCV before. I have stayed at the WL but not the WLV. I am a member of OKW and have been over to WLV and I can tell you that the villas are right next to the WL. The walk to the water trasportation is only a few more yards then it would be if you stayed at WL on the far side of it. The bus stop is about the same distance from WL as it is WLV at least that is the way it appeared to me. The boat is a beautiful trip to MK, the buses from what I understand are about what they are like at any DVC resort that is not the best service. My concern for you is that you have stayed at resorts that are at the center of the action or on the monorail. WLV are a little like OKW that is back from the action and more laid back.

 

[ford family]

My wife and I visited WL and VWL last October whilst home at BWV. We took the boat from MK to explore this resort and have lunch. We were very impressed with both the hotel and the DVC units. It all seemed very compact and accessible.
We planned on getting home by taking the boat back to MK and then the bus to the BWV. However, when we reached the jetty there was a boat just about to leave for the Contemporary so we jumped on that, took the monorail to Epcot and walked through to the International Gateway.

ford family

 

[niks81]

Granny will be around to answer this one for sure

VWL is a great place to stay. I wish we would have stayed longer actually. I personally did not find the boat to be that long of a hike to get to. The OP is right that it's really not much longer than for a guest at WL. In fact, I think its more of a hike to get to the boats at BWV! The boat ride is great....very pretty.

The bus stop wasn't very far away either in my opinion. I agree though that it might be a bit of a change for you after staying in places that are so near the action! I do think that the nice thing about VWL/WL is that when you arrive there after a hectic day at the parks, you feel so away from the crowds! It's really nice.

Have fun

 

[Disney-Kim]

It would really help you to go to the Resorts Boards and read the Wilderness Lodge FAQ's. It will really give you ALL the details about the resort.
We are staying there for the beginning of our stay and then moving over to the Boardwalk.
The boats to MK, the atmosphere, the lake, the water sports, the pool, the Electrical Water Pageant....these are just some of the reasons we picked to stay there.
Good luck in your decision

 

[jodifla]

We stayed in a VWL studio in January 2002, and I really enjoyed it. I don't remember anything being very far at all. We were quite close to the bus stop (I think there's only one), but always took the boat to the MK, and drove to the other parks (easier with all the accoutrements a toddler come with!) If the boat was a walk I don't really remember, because it was all just so pretty!

And the villas are right off the main lobby. there's a short covered hallway connecting the villas with the lobby.

 

[niks81]

Disney-Kim...those are the same resorts we chose for our first DVC stay in 2002. It was a great combination....you will love it

 

[SimplyMagical]

The VWL are great! The walk to the bus and boat transportation are not long at all. I think you will be very pleased!

 

[SamanthaL]

I hope "Granny" does chime in. You guys made me want to stay there. I know we are used to the action, but we have also stayed at the OKW. It is up there with one of my all time favorite resorts! The only issue I had was the bus was bit slow. My opinion only. I think it seemed slower because we were toting a 2 1/2 year old and when you want to get "home" you want it now! When the babes are older we are staying there again and may someday buy there.
Are the grounds at WLV very woodsy? It sounds like the walkways to the transpo are pretty.
Thanks you all so much for the great feedback. I knew this was the best board to come to for this info!!

 

[newholiday]

We had a 6night ressie there Oct 01. On the 6th day we added on another 3nights. When we returned home we joined DVC w/VWL as our "home"
Our 1st trip "home" is this Oct - have a 1B reserved

 

[jimmytammy]

We own at WLV and enjoy it very much. It is very laid back and relaxed which is nice after a long day in the parks. The walk to the buses is pretty short and just a few more steps and you are in the main lodge. We enjoy the main lodge but it is more peaceful in the lobby in the villas. Check out the Iron Spike room for a quite spot.
The walk to the boat is scenic. And the boat takes a few short minutes to get to MK. I would compare OKW and WLV in the way they are relaxed and laid back. We recently stayed at OKW and enjoyed it. Take in the sights at WL, especially at night. Outside the front is hard to see what it looks like but the inside and backside I think are magnificient at night.
And the others are right, Granny will be along shortly. He will praise WLV and for good reason!
Have Fun!!

Edited: As for your question about the buses, they dont seem that bad to me. DD is slow but hey I think thats the case at all resorts. MGM and AK are pretty much the same as OKW. You have the choice of TTC bus if Epcot doesnt come as quick as you want. We actually waited the longest ever for bus to MK at OKW, at least 40 mins. Then we had to wait around 40 mins for a bus from Epcot to OKW. WL got a bad rap a couple yrs ago about transportation but it seems better now.
Oh and WL and especially WLV is surrounded by trees. Very woodsy

 

[SamanthaL]

jimmytammy- thank you so much. It sounds like Wl has faster transpo than OKW. I am just trying to make my friend's first trip the best and the WLV sounds like a great place for them. I am letting them decide but I need the stats to present to them!
Oh BTW Granny is a guy? Sorry Granny!

 

[lsutigger2]

We also love the VWL, that's why I reserved a 1 bdrm for our trip in Oct. this week !!!!!



One of the things we enjoy is Artist Point! A very good place to eat, expensive, but great for a special meal. If you decide to stay there, enjoy the Electrical Water Pagent one night down on the beach area. It is fun!

It is very quiet and peaceful. Keep your eyes open. There is lots of "wildlife" out and about.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by SamanthaL
I hope "Granny" does chime in.

Sheesh....I saw everyone standing there holding up their lit Bic lighters and I felt compelled to make an appearance!! How flattering !

Somehow, people around here seemed to have guessed that I like VWL a bit.

Though there are others, including those on this thread, who are just as eloquent and ardent lovers.

It's just that I have the pic!

Are the grounds at WLV very woodsy? It sounds like the walkways to the transpo are pretty.

You know it's coming, don't you? The infamous WL/VWL photograph!!

<img src= "http://www.disneypix.com/2000ft/Roll3/Roll03_006.jpg" width=450>

WL is the green roof, and VWL is the red roof. As you can see, VWL is indeed "very woodsy"! And yes, the walkways throughout the resort are very pretty. Great landscaping, and the cement sidewalks have animal tracks imprinted in them to further the theming.

At this point, I really should point out that this picture is lifted from DisneyPix.com, a wonderful web site just chock full of photos around WDW. And the site owner has a very nice aerial view of many different areas...I recommend it to anyone who wants to see some nice pictures of WDW through the years.

Others have done a wonderful job at describing the beauty and relaxation of this resort. For us, it's a great fit. For others, it might not work at all...certainly the theming is strong so if you don't like that, it would be a long trip!

We've been happy with the bus service from VWL, with the possible exception of the bus to DAK. It seemed like a long trip (other end of WDW) and stopped at Fort Wilderness and Blizzard Beach. But the busses to other locations seemed very good, and of course the boat to MK is a lovely excursion.

Oh BTW Granny is a guy? Sorry Granny!

No need to apologize. My signature and avatar indicate that you're not the first to make that assumption!!

 

[SamanthaL]

WOW THE Ganny! I have been waiting for you!
You guys sure sell the resort. I have sent links to my friend so she could check out the property but I will check out that website you mentioned too Granny. That is one great pic!
I guess all my questions have been answered except is Roaring Forks a Cafeteria style place? Other than that thanks for all the info! I always love the DVC boards. I hope to be a member of the "club" one day!

 

[newholiday]

yes - its a small cafeteria type

 

[Granny]

We'd love to welcome you as a member of the club too! And I guess word of mouth from satisfied customers is always the most powerful advertising and selling tool that any product can have.

Yes, Roaring Forks is a cafeteria style eatery. You can order hot food from a CM in the kitchen, and they'll call you when it's ready. Or you can go through the line and pick muffins, cold sandwiches, fruit, and other food and just check out. On the other side of the kitchen is a sit down area with condiments. This is also where the window for the food orders is, and you can wait for prepared food there.

Most of the hot food would be burgers, hot dogs, french fries, pizza, chicken nuggets, etc.

It's not the greatest food in the world, but for whatever reason my kids just love it. And we're able to find food that we can live with too! They've got some nice tortilla wrap sandwiches that are pretty good!

 

[SamanthaL]

I wish I had more questions. I hope in a few years we have the major work down on the house and we can buy a re-sale. Maybe we will come into some money!
I would be happy to be an owner at any of the villas!
Thanks so much for inviting me ask my questions and getting such a friendly reception. You guy and Grannies are great!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by SamanthaL
WOW THE Ganny! I have been waiting for you!

Ahhh yes...... "The Granny"
Just for the benefit of new DISers, when "The Granny" is invited to join a thread, we must immediately get into our finest ceremonial garb in order to show due respect.

All kidding aside, Granny is one of VWL's best advocates, and a very knowledgeable DISer...

MG

 

[SamanthaL]

MG - I was wearing my prom dress as I typed!