First stay @ VWL...opinion and observation

[DonnaL]

We had a studio at VWL several years ago on the top floor.....off the elevator to the right and then left (I think that's it!) There is no atrium on the top floor, but, a closed area for castmembers and the room was on the right side of that room from the elevator. It was a corner room facing the front covered walkway and seemed bigger than most studios. What I really liked about it was the very high peaked cathedral ceiling. Wish I could remember the number of the room or at least find the room layout map of VWL.............

 

[Sammie]

Since you capitalized the word "huge" for emphasis, I just felt like chiming in since I had addressed this in this post about three years ago. Myths Busted at VWL You can tell it's old since I referenced the now extinct "free valet parking".

Granted, it was pretty much tongue in cheek, but really the parking at VWL is better than BWV, for example. On the other hand, I agree with Muushka that BCV has some great self-parking close to the BCV villas.

I do agree that taking away free valet is bothersome, but if it was going to make a HUGE difference in your stay, why didn't you go ahead and pay for it? In the scheme of a WDW vacation costs, valet parking isn't all that much if it is seen as important.

Aside from that, I agree that it's great that everyone has their own tastes and preferences in DVC resorts. And I think that overall the opinions expressed were candid and constructive. I just don't buy into the "long hallways" or "far away parking".
Thanks for sharing your thoughts though. They can certainly help others who may be deciding whether a stay at VWL is in their future.

I did not read any reference to long hallways, and as to far away parking. The parking lot itself is not that far from the villas but as the OP stated each time they used it they had to park at the very far portions of it. And some of that parking area is really far from the building.

I think the parking lot needs to be divided into resort guests with IDs; with those parking spaces being nearest the building and those out in the outer reaches left for day guests.

Another problem is CMs park in the parking lot even though they are not suppose to, as I have seen them come and go and they always get the premiere spots.

 

[Sammie]

We had a studio at VWL several years ago on the top floor.....off the elevator to the right and then left (I think that's it!) There is no atrium on the top floor, but, a closed area for castmembers and the room was on the right side of that room from the elevator. It was a corner room facing the front covered walkway and seemed bigger than most studios. What I really liked about it was the very high peaked cathedral ceiling. Wish I could remember the number of the room or at least find the room layout map of VWL.............

Merry Christmas

http://www.jeffreyandjennifer.com/wlvillas_map.pdf

 

[Granny]

I did not read any reference to long hallways, and as to far away parking. The parking lot itself is not that far from the villas but as the OP stated each time they used it they had to park at the very far portions of it. And some of that parking area is really far from the building.

I think the parking lot needs to be divided into resort guests with IDs; with those parking spaces being nearest the building and those out in the outer reaches left for day guests.

Another problem is CMs park in the parking lot even though they are not suppose to, as I have seen them come and go and they always get the premiere spots.

There was no reference to long hallways, but I didn't want to go back and delete that part from a 3 year old post.

As for some of that parking area is really far from the building, the picture I took was past the end of the parking lot.

My post was meant to be somewhat light-hearted, though I just won't ever agree that self-parking at WL/VWL is all that bad. CM's taking up the guest parking spots is bad though...I'm surprised they haven't been nailed for that by resort management.

 

[jimmytammy]

We park at the area closest to the villas which is just before reaching valet parking. Cabs have special parking in this area as well. I think some folks miss this area, not sure if you have parked here or not.

The appliance issue was addressed by a CM who is in charge of allocating funds from dues to the proper areas needed in VWL. She was putting flat screens in our room at the time and told us she was trying really hard to get the powers that be to see fit to replace the appliances at VWL. She volunteered this info, we werent inquiring or proding her for info.

We own at VWL, and know that we are partial to this resort over others. I am sorry that your stay is less than stellar and not meeting expectations.

We like VWL for its small, less crowded appeal. We dont get up early anymore and try to beat the crowds, so sleeping in in a dark room is nice. The pastel colors of BWV, BCV, SSR and OKW dont appeal to me simply because I know the room will be a bit brighter in the morning Call me silly, but the simple things in life.

I do hope your stay improves and the ambience of the Lodge will take over and make your stay a better one.

 

[thelionqueen]

Thank you all for all the thoughtful and insightful posts. I totally agree that it is different strokes for different folks, I was just posting my opinions on our trip.

I didn't mention the bedding which is also outdated and far inferior to other resorts IMHO. The thin polyester bedspread is something reminiscent of my stay at POP. The bedding at BCV was by-far the best of any resort, BLT a close second. The pillow shams were bulky and not comfortable, I assume they are for decorative purposes only?

As far as my opinion of the valet, it did make a huge difference on our trip. I did end up paying for a few days of valet when there were literally no parking spaces available that weren't on the complete opposite side of where our villa was located. I don't mean to sound like a diva, but walking for 10+ minutes, one way from my car to my villa is not acceptable. We were very close to the main lodge too, I cannot imagine being even further away. But that is my vacation style and does make a big difference to me.

Again, I appreciate all the comments, suggestions and opinions posted here whether they are in agreement with my opinions or not. There are always people who like one resort over another, and those who will disagree. I'm just stating my opinion

 

[La2kw]

The bus stop is VERY convenient though. The WL buses run like clockwork.

I was wondering why anyone would drive from the WL when you have very convenient buses and boats to anywhere (though I do hate stopping at the campground so often).

 

[DVC Mike]

I will not stay here again. The room seemed poorly planned, outdated and not showing well with age. The resort itself is beautiful, but the villas just don't strike my fancy. Please don't take this as a knock on VWL, we enjoyed our stay, I just feel that other locations have more to offer to our liking

Too bad you didn't like VWL. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

We're staying at VWL twice this year, and are looking forward to it.

 

[judeis]

Looking for a VWL room and this info was helpful- thanks