Finally.....going home to VWL!

[Granny]

Last June I was surfing some WDW sites and stumbled across a link to this board and DVC. I "lurked" for about a month, then logged on and started asking questions. I joined DVC in July.

After what has seemed like an eternity, we are leaving to make our first trip home this week. In many ways, I feel like we've already been there just by living the DVC experience from so many others here on this board.

Part of me is concerned that I have built up the DVC experience so much in my mind that no visit will live up to my expectations. But we have so much to be grateful for that I know we will have a great time.

Thanks once again for the many people on this board who helped me with the decision and who graciously spend time explaining the ins and outs of DVC!

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Hey Granny have a great trip. Please let us know how you liked the villas when you return.
As you know we joined DVC with VWL as our home this past Nov.
Im afraid though that after having such a wonderful vacation at the WL with the courtyard view of the main pool, geyser and Bay Lake where we saw the Electric Water Parade from our balcony that we may be disappointed when we stay for the first time next Oct. Please let us know how you managed to see the EWP and what you thought of the distance to the main pool.

 

[MAC3]

Have a great time Granny!
Glad to hear your going home....

 

[JonHM]

I was worried about the EXACT same thing when we went on our first DVC trip this January - that my expectations were SO high at that point that I was bound to be disappointed. Well, I am delighted to report that not only were all of my expectations met, most of them were surpassed!!!

Have a fantastic trip! We expect detailed reports when you get back... ha ha

 

[Disney On The Bayou]

I agree, your expectations will be exceeded! I have been a member since Aug of 2001. I have made three visits already and each have exceeded my expectations. The last trip was a golf outing with just the guys, it was worth every point, and will be an annual event. Also, I will be there in two weeks (June 2-8) VWL 2Bdr, see you around.

 

[yesdisneyfool]

Have a wonderful stay. We were in the Villas over the Thanksgiving Holidays 11/2001 and it was beautiful - it was very relaxing, it felt like we were the only ones there (were told the Villas was booked.)

Again, have a magical stay and welcome home.

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

Let us know how it went when you get back.

 

[Gigashadow]

Enjoy that wonderful magic feeling when you arrive Home Granny ! I cant wait till my Christmas trip Home for the first time - We had a 1 bedroom reserved, but downgraded to the studio realising that we would be out and about absorbing the resort and park Christmas decorations for our first time and the room will be used very little except for sleeping this one time.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Have a great Trip! Don't worry, Disney always has a way to EXCEED expectations!

 

[DVCLady]

Delete.

 

[Lyndarella]

We just got back from there, and it was so fabulous that we walked around with our mouths hanging open the whole time!
I wanted to join DVC and DH wanted to buy a different timeshare. We ended up doing both as a compromise, as the other was a great deal. So I wasn't sure how well he would like the VWL. Also, we live in a tourist area of northern Minnesota where most buildings are of logs (or fake logs) and we have a huge yard of pine trees. Well, he absolutely loved it! Not just the scenery, but the beach and boating, and he went on and on about the rooms, which is very unusual for him.
No matter what your expectations are, you won't be disappointed. Seeing it all around you is so different than what you can see of it in pictures. If you haven't been in the lodge, the expanse of it will amaze you.
For the person who asked about distance from the villas, it is a quick walk on a beautiful covered walk-way. My DH has difficulty walking and never mentioned the inconvenience. And about the electrical parade -- we watched it from the "look out" point over the waterfall near the lodge -- not very close, but good enough.
Enjoy!!

 

[DVC Eeyore]

Granny you are going to love it!! I visited VWL when they had ust opened it for members to see rooms before we could stay on points and thought it was awesome then. I didn't get my chance to stay until this past December--I had to wait an entire year for my 1st visit--and I had a wonderful time. I walked out to the pier where you catch the boat for MK and watched the water parade from there. It was a good view. I used my WL mug everyday for my drink in the morning and the walk was a way to wake up. Plus, it's not a long walk/run to Ft Wilderness. Have fun and let us know what you think when you get back!!

DVC Eeyore

 

[MaryJ]

As one VWL owner to another, I must say that I'll be looking forward to hearing your trip report. Our family will be there July 2-6 and I can't wait! Enjoy yourself!

 

[Doctor P]

Have a great trip!

 

[MinnieMe2]

We went home to VWL for the first time last July. I had some concerns about missing the actual lodge, feeling perhaps a bit removed from the magic. I'm happy to say that my worries were completely unfounded. We loved the villas! They are just as magical as the lodge, which is a short, pleasant walk away. We rented bikes, spent time by both pools, ate at Whispering Canyon, and heard the crickets sing. Transportation was a breeze, and the week flew by, as usual, much too quickly.

I think you'll be very happy, Granny, VWL is a beautiful place to stay.

 

[Beth]

Gosh, Granny - you've been such a great presence on this board - I would have never guessed you've not actually been "home," yet.

Have a great time!

 

[Granny]

Thank you, thank you all for such warm words of assurance and well wishes. Honestly, I thought I was just posting a "going home" thread and sharing my excitement and a little trepidation. As always, the people on this board rush to reassure and wish great trips!

It's always great to hear those who share the same feelings of anticipation about "going home". I know we will have a wonderful time.

Frankly, we know that the important thing is that we are spending quality time together as a family before the DD's (11 & 13) grow up and away from us. DVC will make the trips better, less stressful, and more frequent. That is how DVC makes sense to me (moreso than the economic reasons).

Again, thanks to all. I'll be sure to let you know about the great trip we are about to have. You guys are the best!

 

[ralphd]

Granny, here's wishing you and yours a great homecoming!

ralphd

 

[nisiemouse]

Have a great trip! Can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[dizfanz]

Granny, I know the feeling. But I'll tell you what, when I was at VWL, there was this one guard at the gate that brought it all home. He looks at your DVC ID, stands straight up and gives you a salute reminiscent of a buck-private US Marine to the POTUS and says "Welcome Home". The chills up your spine as you drive up and see the building, well, you'll find out what I mean. Have fun.