Flag Family

[scduckman]

What time do they raise the flags at VWL? Do you have to wait until you check in to sign up?
Also, how much are the refillable mugs at VWL? What beverages are they good for and how long are they good for? Are they only good for that particular stay?
Thanks.imghttp://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/rmdan/dduckanim.gif[/img]

 

[fireplug]

SCDUCKMAN
There were two sizes of cups when we were there.They are good as long as you stay at the VWL. I think one is 10 and the other 8 dollars. But you can reuse them any time you go there to stay. Coffee, tea and soft drinks only.
Don't know about flags though

 

[WDWguru]

I DO know the answer to the flags as we did it a few years ago when we took my MIL and nephew. At that time you had to request it when you were actually staying there. We just went to the guest relations desk right after we checked in and they took out the sheet with the listing for each day. Luckily, there was a day open and we booked it.

I don't remember specifics but I think we had to be in the lobby to meet the ranger at 8 or 8:30 in the morning. They do a mini-tour and you spend quite a bit of time up on the roof, so the whole thing takes an hour or more. It is WELL worth it! I have a photo gallery which I can't find at the moment, but I'll try and post it later.

Just fyi, it's sort of a 'secret' thing but with the advent of the internet, more and more people know about it. It used to be that they'd just spy a family in the lobby and spring it on them, but now it's usually filled up by requests.

 

[Wislodgers]

We just had the honor of being the flag family in January. It was wonderful!! The specifics I remember are we met in the lobby at 8:15, went in elevator to the 7(?) floor it was the concierge floor, then on up to the roof. What a sight! We took some cool pictures of the lobby from the landing going to the roof access. Also there was a group size limit of 6 people. We signed up when we checked in for our 10 night stay. We were a little surprised how far out they were booked! We were able to get the morning of our last day. We were so excited to get a morning. We were given a certificate saying we were the flag family and the date on it.

There are 2 sizes of mugs, a 16 oz travel size mug and a 20 oz larger mug. Both mugs were the same price, 9.99. You could fill the mug with coffee or soda. We felt they were well worth the money and a great souvenier.

 

[Wislodgers]

Oh I forgot! When we went it only took about 20 minutes. The guide did talk as we went through the lodge areas and pointed out things of interest, but it was fairly brief and to the point. It could depend on the guide you have for how long it takes, but the front desk told us under 30 minutes and it was. Have fun and good luck!

 

[Granny]

Wislodgers....thanks for the info. We never tried for Flag Family because I figured it took place at 6:30 or 7:00 am. Way too early for us.

We'll put our name in the hat on our next trip.

 

[perdidobay]

do they still give you a small photo frame and certificates for a free breakfast from Roaring Forks? We got those when we were flag family in 1999.

 

[tripletvan]

Does BW have a flag family?

 

[Wislodgers]

No photo frame or free breakfast, We would have loved it!! We got a printed certificate with our family name and the date we were flag family. It sounds like they have streamlined the doings over the past few years. We really enjoyed it and definitely would try to do it again when we go! Also it was very foggy on the morning we did it and the guide pointed out where places were, MGM, Animal Kingdom etc and said if it was clear we could have seen it all. Maybe if it is clear out they take a little more time on the roof to look and take pictures. Good Luck!

 

[WDWguru]

I think the fact that the weather was nice when we did it contributed to the length of time it took us. But I also think they guage your interest level as well. My nephew thought it was the coolest thing EVER and asked all kinds of questions, so I think the ranger took a little extra time because of that. We certainly didn't mind! We had Ranger Darlene and she was SO nice and very knowledgable about the lodge. She was so impressed with our nephew she gave him one of the Disney Cast Member referral cards and told him when he is old enough, he should go to work there! He had a ball - as did all of us.