Christmas at VWL !!

[MagikMom]

Hello all. We just booked a 1 bdrm at VWL for December 19-26th

1) We have never gone at Christmas time before
2) We've never stayed at VWL before.
3) We are very excited!

Any tips regarding VWL or going to Disney around Christmas time? What is the weather like? Any possibility of pool time? What are some of the things that we should do/see?
Thanks in Advance!!

 

[Debrn]

Hi we just booked VWL Dec. 17-20 studio and waitlisted for 20-23 (staying at akl) then 23-27 at BLT. I am looking for same info as you!!!!!!!!!

 

[TMB1203]

We have stayed at VWL numerous times, but never at Christmas.
This year, we are checking in Christmas Day. SOOOO excited!!!

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

Congrats to you. I have always heard how hard it is to book VWL at Christmas time!!

 

[Cee]

WL is one of the MOST beautiful at Christmas. You all are so LUCKY!

 

[robandkelly13]

We were there last Christmas - VWL and all of the resorts are so beautiful at Christmas! It was hot everyday except one - which was freezing. Some people ventured in the pool. However, I wore shorts, but the pool was too cold for me. The one day that was cold we needed pants, sweatshirts and a heavy coat. The rapid change in temperature made us all sick. SO, be sure to bring a variety of clothes. Have a GREAT trip!

 

[Disneypirate85]

We have been at Christmas several times always the 14th-25 window and EVERYTIME the weather fluctuates ALOT so dress/pack accordingly! The 1 positive is the washer/dryer so no need to pack alot but seriously gloves for little ones and at least a hoodie sweatshirt especially in the evening early mornings.We'll see ya there 12/20-12/24 Kidani...Shawn

 

[ccigliano]

You are going to love it. I have been at the VWL every year at Christmastime since it opened. I say Christmastime because I either go right after Thankgiving or the first two weeks of December. The weather fluctuates quite a bit and you can hit a cold snap. I once watched fireworks in 29° weather on Main Street USA. Let's just say that is when you really appreciate the WL as the fireplace can take the chill right out. The decorations are beautiful and the WL just shines at Christmas. I love to walk on the nature trail over to Fort Wilderness and check out all the decorations that the RVers put up. Do visit the Grand Floridian and check out the lifesize Gingerbread house and I also like to see the oragami decorations at AKL. Don't miss the Candlelight Processional and Christmas Around the World both at Epcot, Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at HS, and if you have kids Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at MK. I recommend a dinner package for the Candlelight Processional considering the time you are going. Have Fun!!

 

[Dizny Dad]

I can't believe DiznyDi has not yet posted on this thread!

We added on at VWL just so we could use the 11 month window for Christmas Time stays; it is wonderful.

I'll let DW do the details.

Enjoy yourself!

 

[DiznyDi]

I absolutely LOVE WL at Christmastime!

In December, we come from Ohio so have Winter clothing with us, long pants (jeans) are a must. I usually wear my heavier gore-tex coat with a hood and have those thin stretchy gloves in the pockets.

No need to bring a hat, you'll probably buy a Mickey ear Santa hat while you're there.

Yes, you can swim. But probably not every day. The hot tubs are still wonderful even if it's a little on the cool side. Dizny Dad is nuts - he goes to the hot tub when it's 50 degrees outside That's just too cold for me.

ccigliano gave you the highlights of what is available. They have also had the Harlem Gospel Choir (I think??) at Hollywood Studios in the theatre where Beauty and The Beast is performed. Do be sure to at least read up on the activities and choose what is best for your family.

Dizny Dad and I like to plan an evening meal at the various resorts and arrive early enough to enjoy the decorations and entertainment provided. Our daughter - 28 yrs. - thinks this is boring. So this maybe is an 'old folks' thing.

After a long day, the rockers in front of the fireplace in the Villas is most welcome! And, little ones can 'hide' in the inglenook! Do spend a little time with no cares in the world to enjoy the peace and tranquility the resort offers.

 

[wildernessDad]

Wilderness Lodge is amazing and so are the Villas, but at Christmas time, it is simply spectacular. I anticipate that you will fall in love with it the moment you step into the lobby. As soon as we first stayed there, I thought that if we were ever to become DVC members, that we would own here. And that is exactly what happened.

The newer DVCs have more amenities, like a sleeper chair and bathroom off of the living room, and we own at AKV as well, but it cannot compare to VWL. It's home for me. My pitiful words do not do the place justice.

 

[wildernessDad]

Some things you can do.

1. Request to be the flag family upon check-in.
2. Take the tour of the lodge.
3. Get the hidden Mickey list and have at it.
4. Go down to the dock at night to check out the Electrical Water Pageant. Check with the front desk to verify the time.
5. Go on a sleigh ride. You will have to make reservations for this. (Only during the Christmas season.)

 

[LISAVWL]

We went last year for the first time during Christmastime and LOVED it! I surprised my kids with a quick 4 day weekend trip but had to stay off site. We made a day of touring the resorts before going to MVMCP and it was amazing! GF & WL were our favorites -- just beautiful! The weather fluctuated quite a bit -- shorts & tees during the day and coats/jeans & gloves at night. Bring layers!

 

[Debrn]

Hello all. We just booked a 1 bdrm at VWL for December 19-26th

1) We have never gone at Christmas time before
2) We've never stayed at VWL before.
3) We are very excited!

Any tips regarding VWL or going to Disney around Christmas time? What is the weather like? Any possibility of pool time? What are some of the things that we should do/see?
Thanks in Advance!!

We just changed our Res. to V 17-WL stuido dec 17-20 then 1 bdr 20-23, then BLT 23-27. We figured it would be easier to change rooms at VWL instead of changing over to AKL .
What part of MA are you from? Sounds like we will be packing a little bit of everything.

 

[MagikMom]

Congrats to you. I have always heard how hard it is to book VWL at Christmas time!!

I know! We were shocked!

 

[MagikMom]

We just changed our Res. to V 17-WL stuido dec 17-20 then 1 bdr 20-23, then BLT 23-27. We figured it would be easier to change rooms at VWL instead of changing over to AKL .
What part of MA are you from? Sounds like we will be packing a little bit of everything.

I'm from Framingham MA. I also noticed we're both RN's. If your hubby is a Firefighter too I'll really be shocked!

 

[Debrn]

I'm from Framingham MA. I also noticed we're both RN's. If your hubby is a Firefighter too I'll really be shocked!

No my DH is a CT Tech. I work in maternity/post partum/ nursery

 

[tgropp]

Hello all. We just booked a 1 bdrm at VWL for December 19-26th

1) We have never gone at Christmas time before
2) We've never stayed at VWL before.
3) We are very excited!

Any tips regarding VWL or going to Disney around Christmas time? What is the weather like? Any possibility of pool time? What are some of the things that we should do/see?
Thanks in Advance!!

It is so nice at the WL at Christmas time. We spent our first family Christmas Holidays there in the first year it opened in 1994. Christmas eve was so magical. They had a bar set up at the rear of the lobby and they had a brass band, victorian carollers, Santa, and lots of characters for the children. There was so much going on that we stayed in the lobby all night. We have stayed over Christmas day at the lodge 5 other times and they always have lots of entertainment on Christmas eve and also the nights leading up to Christmas day. In the afternoons the cast will sing Christmas carols in the lobby and they serve apple cider and cookies. It is just an amazing atmosphere at the lodge leading up to Christmas day. They used to hang stockings with candy on your door on Christmas morning but they stopped that about 5-6 years ago. Enjoy yourself and have fun

 

[tecodis]

I love the Wilderness Lodge at Christmas too! I've never seemed to be able to get reservations during that time there though. Now that I'm DVC owner, I decided to wait-list for a 1br at VWL for Thanksgiving. I've got OKW studio right now (had to wait-list for two nights originally but they came through) so at least I have a room.

I'm hoping for some pixie dust to blow my way!

 

[dsquarednz]

That's awesome! We are so incredibly jealous. Enjoy the very best resort at the best time of year!