Changes at VWL / Wilderness Lodge

[DisneyFunFan]

During our recent DVC stay at Saratoga Springs we stopped by our home resort VWL. I noticed that the beach area now ends at a "wall" along the waterfront. No more walking barefoot along the shore in the water of Bay Lake. People were sitting on the "wall" with their feet dangling in the water. We noticed this from the boat coming in but didn't go to check it out so maybe I was seeing things? If not, how long has this been like that?

The other thing I saw was that the once nice DVC BBQ/picnic area behind the boat/bike rental booth is no longer there. I mean, the BBQs are still there but there are no more picnic tables around. The BBQs are just standing alone in the sand neglected and almost seeming like the natural area behind them is going to overtake them. LOL How long have the picnic tables been gone?

We had really hoped to make use of both the beach and BBQ area so this was kind of a bummer to see.

 

[Geyser Gazer]

The loss of those picnic tables would be dissapointing. We have enjoyed several cookouts there over the years.

 

[chickie56]

A DVC rep just informed me on my recent visit (mid-oct) that DVC members will be able to use their points to stay at the campground and use their RV's. Does not make my day, but she was very excited. This is a new perk in 2006. I understand the campground is very reasonable. Maybe I'll buy myself an RV!

 

[caelwind]

We were just at the WL in October and yep the wall is there. I really takes away from the beach setting.... You feel like your are in a big sandbox. . .

 

[bobbiwoz]

I wonder if there were alligator problems. What about the other resort beaches on the Seven Seas Lagoon?

Bobbi

 

[JimC]

Is the unpaved path along the lake towards FW still there?

 

[PinotFan]

Is the unpaved path along the lake towards FW still there?

Yes, there is an unpaved path leading to FW from the beach area (as of last week). It eventually led to a paved path that wound up back at the front of WL.

DW and I saw several deer on the paved path.

 

[JimC]

Yes, there is an unpaved path leading to FW from the beach area (as of last week). It eventually led to a paved path that wound up back at the front of WL.

DW and I saw several deer on the paved path.

Thanks. We love both pathways. Too bad you can't go along the lake the whole way to FW. We enjoyed walking to FW and back when we stayed there last January. My wife and I would take the paved pathway the whole way. But I would use the lake side path if I walked it myself.

 

[crazywig]

we will be having our first stay at VWL in january, i didn't know you could walk to FW! how far is it? i have toddlers (who are dawdlers) and if it's too far i'll need to take the stroller. we want to do a pony ride

 

[PinotFan]

We didn't walk all the way into FW, just to the road leading to it, so I don't know how far it is. You'll want to take the stroller. It's at least a 20 minute walk at a strolling pace.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Does the wall affect being in that area to watch the Water Pageant? I've only watched the water pageant from our CY room at WL and from CG at the Contemporary, so pardon my ignorance.

 

[sixcats]

You might want to check if they will still have the pony rides. When we stopped by the area last month the ponies weren't out for riding. Most of the animals in the petting zoo are gone also

 

[dsneygirl]

Does the wall affect being in that area to watch the Water Pageant? I've only watched the water pageant from our CY room at WL and from CG at the Contemporary, so pardon my ignorance.

It's more like a retaining wall for the shore I would say so it won't affect your view.

I think the path from VWL to FW is 1 mile.

 

[dianeschlicht]

A DVC rep just informed me on my recent visit (mid-oct) that DVC members will be able to use their points to stay at the campground and use their RV's. Does not make my day, but she was very excited. This is a new perk in 2006. I understand the campground is very reasonable. Maybe I'll buy myself an RV!

I would think that would really devalue your points! Not sure why I would want to camp on my points when I can stay in a villa.

 

[btrim]

If the points to stay at the campground made it possible for me to stay a couple of months in the winter, I might find me a small motor home.

 

[Patsy1969]

We made reservations for camping on points about 2 weeks ago. We have small travel trailer and will be staying end of Feb 21st to March 3rd. We have only camped about 3 times but are really looking forward to our stay! Patsy

 

[kingj]

Does the wall affect being in that area to watch the Water Pageant? I've only watched the water pageant from our CY room at WL and from CG at the Contemporary, so pardon my ignorance.

No, the wall does not affect your view. We were there in October and watched the water pageant from the beach area while sitting in the chairs. Great view, great atmosphere.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

No, the wall does not affect your view. We were there in October and watched the water pageant from the beach area while sitting in the chairs. Great view, great atmosphere.

Great! This is one of the things we're looking forward to. Thanks!