Convince me on VWL vs SSR

[Good Ol Gal]

We have a ressie at SSR for Dec. We LOVE SSR, but during our stay we have family staying at the Campgrounds, and at Shades of Green.

I was thinking that staying at the VWL would be nice since it's kinda between the two. Especially since it's just a a boat ride away from the Campgrounds, where Mom and Dad will be staying.

We have looked at some pics posted of the VWL, but we were NOT impressed!! I have heard so many great things about it, so we were surprised at how the pictures looked.

Tell me... do the pictures just not do it justice? What does everyone think? Does anyone have any "nice" pictures of it?

Thanks for all the info!

 

[Alexander]

What were you not impressed with? The decor? The rooms at VWL vs. SSR aren't really any different except for the decor/theme. What pictures were you seeing? I am surprised to read your post, I haven't seen many complaints about VWL.

The actual lodge will take your breath away if you like that sort of thing. It's rustic, has a fireplace, running stream, rocking chairs, the furniture looks like it's made from trees. But if this is not your thing, and the more sophisticated style is, like SSR, then you probably won't like it.

The villas lobby is more understated, but pre-dates the lodge in theme. It has a vaulted ceiling made with logs that is beautiful to look at. Hard wood flooring and oversized rocker chairs, big pillows, wooden tree-like rockers outside on the sidewalk, fireplace.

I guess you have to decide if the "uppity" style is more your thing or the "rustic" style is more your thing. Now, I've been to SSR and I didn't feel like it was "uppity". It is said to be sophisticated, but I didn't feel like it was over done by any means. And...we are far from the sophisticated type!

 

[jarestel]

I'd stick with your current plans to stay at SSR since you're not impressed with VWL so far. Rather than switch and risk disappointment, try visiting the Lodge during your trip and have a look around. If it looks appealing, you can always stay there next time. Have a great trip!

 

[WDWJWEB1]

O.K. Good Ol Gal


Here goes....We own at Both Resorts, the VWL and at SSR

With the exception of SSR being close to DTD it does not hold a candle to the VWL (IMO) especially during X-mas

But that does not mean I dislike SSR, I like it very much, just not as much as the VWL.... at X-mas,

My DS(9) just read this post and his words were "you got that right bub VWL is much better at X-mas"

what can I say? he is his fathers son....

 

[yasuern]

For the sake convience of being closer to your relatives I would choose VWL - except for decor both are pretty much the same units. The Lodge of VWL at the holidays is GORGEOUS! the surrounding landscaping is perfect to get you in that Pacific Northwest feel - you can sit on the beach and watch the water parade - you can do a hidden mickey hunt - you are a boat ride to MK! I personally love OKW and BWV but VWL is very charming the staff is wonderful and I don't think you will be disappointed if you stay there.

did you see these photos?
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_wlv.htm

Again except for decor the units are pretty much the same.

Enjoy

Sue

 

[Disney Doll]

There is no essential size difference between the units at SSR & VWL. As others have said, the difference is the decor.

VWL is a rustic sort of feel, IMHO. The colors used in the decorating are deep...greens, cranberries, plums...along those lines. It almost evokes a woodsy cabin type feel for me, if that makes sense, but a very nice woodsy cabin. The whole aura of the resort area is very serene and relaxing. As far as amenities, it has mosrt of the same amenities as other DVCs attached to Deluxe hotels.

I have also seen SSR. It is just as nicely themed, but in a different sort of way. The furnishings are more traditional, if you will. Cherry wood, sort of almost colonial in feel.

The one thing to consider is if you have others staying at FW and SOG, then SSR is completely on the other side of WDW. VWL is more central between the 2, and may cut down on your "travel" time to meet your friends.

 

[DizneyNutz]

I've never been in one of the rooms a VWL---only the lobby area, it's not as "grand" as the Lodge, but I think it's beautiful and close enough to the lodge to take in everything there....the DH and I love WL-VWL. In my opinion, no, the pictures of VWL do not do it justice---good luck!

 

[Muushka]

Well I won't try to convince you that VWL would be a better choice, but I will tell you that if you are thinking of switching your reservation from SSR to VWL for a Dec stay, you may run into some difficulty. For some strange reason, people seem to like to stay at the Lodge during the Christmas holidays.

 

[Granny]

We have looked at some pics posted of the VWL, but we were NOT impressed!! I have heard so many great things about it, so we were surprised at how the pictures looked.

Tell me... do the pictures just not do it justice? What does everyone think? Does anyone have any "nice" pictures of it?

Thanks for all the info!

If you didn't like what you saw in the pictures of VWL, then I would definitely not stay there. VWL has a very strong "Great Northwest" theming and if you didn't like the pictures, you'll probably not like the resort.

I'm assuming you really hated what you saw in the pictures since you were "NOT impressed".

I think jarestel had very sound advice.

Muushka had a good point too.

 

[Daitcher]

We have a ressie at SSR for Dec. We LOVE SSR, but during our stay we have family staying at the Campgrounds, and at Shades of Green.

I was thinking that staying at the VWL would be nice since it's kinda between the two. Especially since it's just a a boat ride away from the Campgrounds, where Mom and Dad will be staying.

We have looked at some pics posted of the VWL, but we were NOT impressed!! I have heard so many great things about it, so we were surprised at how the pictures looked.

Tell me... do the pictures just not do it justice? What does everyone think? Does anyone have any "nice" pictures of it?

Thanks for all the info!

Let me start by saying that I don't think you'll have the option of switching. December is very busy at VWL. Try to switch if you can. VWL has it all over SSR IMHO. SSR is a condo like experience versus a more hotel like experience of VWL. SSR has VERY limited dining options and is very spread out. This matters to some others don't care. VWL has room service and all the dining and entertainment options of the WL. People seem to like the appearance of SSR. I'm not into appearances. I can tell you as a former guest of SSR (notice I said former because I won't stay there again) the appearance wasn't enough to make up for the short comings of the resort. Poor design and planning. Where are all the conveniences of a resort stay? Poolside dining? Nope,haul yourself into AP for your food. Forget something in the room? Well enjoy the ten minute walk back to your room. Looking for the boat transfer to DTD? Good luck. Have groceries and luggage? Have fun hauling them up by yourself. Any activities going on at SSR? Nope that would mean services. VWL is the clear choice for you especially when your friends will be close by.

DAVE

 

[spiceycat]

VWL is beautiful. - really, really beautiful.
however some people don't like mountain lodges.

if that you don't stay at VWL you will hate it.

You can also walk over to FW and there is a bus that goes to FW - goes by MK (or maybe TTC) first - but it does go to FW.

then you will have to transfer to get to their camping site or cabin.

 

[Good Ol Gal]

Thanks everyone! I think that I am going to go for it!! I know that it is going to be a long shot to even get the VWL for our stay (beginning of Dec), but I will be calling and putting ourselves on the waitlist.

We are not "uppity" folks, just regular joes who are new to DVC and really enjoyed the feel of SSR and the rooms. With four small kids we felt like we were living the high life..they actually all stayed in their own room every night.... all night!! YIPEE!!

My DH truly loved SSR and is a little leary of missing out on it this year. I told him that even if we're not impressed with the bedding, decor, etc, who cares! We have 48 more years to enjoy SSR and let's try to make this one easier with transportation with our families this year. Who knows if they will ever come back at the same time again.

Thanks for all the help again, and wish me luck! I am going to call on the 8th of May!