Going to VWL in 3 Weeks!! Tell me, tell me!!!

[MarylandMommy]

Hi Everyone!
We are new DVC owners from the Spring 2006 and we are taking our first trip "home" in 3 weeks. I choose VWL for our first trip (on may DVCers advice) because I have a DS7 and DS3 and we spend a lot of time in the Magic Kingdom. We are staying in a 2-bedroom and requested non-smoking. Those of you who have stayed at VWL, tell me ALL about it! Please give me some great VWL tips (special places to view fireworks, to eat, etc.) or just tell me how wonderful it is! I am so excited to go!
Thanks!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We brought our extended family to VWL this August, and that included DGC aged 1 1/2, 2 1/2 and 3 1/2, and we picked VWL for this special trip because of the easy transportation to MK, and it worked out great. All of the children loved the springs pool and the kiddie pool, and the older ones even tried the slide.

We ate a delicious breakfast at Whispering Canyon. The children are a bit shy and I did ask that our server, Uncle Dave(?) to tone things down, and he did, and he brought us special fruit platter when things were taking too long. The kids enjoyed playing with the Lincoln Logs that are there for their enjoyment. They weren't "into" running around, but I'll bet that your 7yr old at least has fun doing that.

We had 4 generations with us, and this was the first trip to VWL for many of them, for the rest, it's where we picked to go because it is our absolute favorite VWL resort. My DMom, 86, took boats one evening over to the GF because she enjoys the music in the lobby there, but she still prefers the VWL to stay at.

If you need to go to the GF, you don't have to take boats, you can ask the bus drivers, some of them will stop at the GF before going to the destination. We just asked, and were told which one to take. We were going to GF for the Princess dinner.

Bobbi

 

[MLK-RI]

I feel your excitment! We are also headed down the same time to the VWL! I asked my DS11 what he remembers enjoying from previous trips there when he was 7 and under. He said immediately "swimming with the ducks" ! There are a couple ducks (almost always) hanging out by the pool, and swimming in the pool and he thought that as just great.

The geyser, looking for fossils in the strata of the fireplace in the main lodge lobby, following the animal tracks in the sidewalks outside. Looking for the real life "wildlife", bunnies and such. Going down to the beach in the morning before others to see what tracks or drawings have "appeared" in the sand overnight. Following the water from the lobby through the courtyard and toward the lake.

This year he is so very much looking forward to the new ice cream machine in the redone Roaring Forks (so are we!)

Often one of the lifeguards will run a game time in the pool for the smaller kids, DS always enjoyed that. Whispering Canyon, looking for cormorants on the pilings at the boat dock, the boat rides themselves, the electric water pagent in the evening.

It's just a wonderful place to go, have a great time! Perhaps we'll see you

 

[ilovepooh]

Have a wonderful trip! We booked our trip for next July and can't wait!

 

[MarylandMommy]

Thanks for the info! Please keep it coming! My friends are tired of hearing about my trip!

 

[eporter66]

We have never stayed at the Villa's, but stayed at Wilderness Lodge and loved it. Take time at the resort, it is beautiful. A great pool, the whispering canyon restaurant is fun for the kids, and Artists Pointe is an amazing restaurant. A wonderfully themed resort - you will love it.

 

[jimmytammy]

We own all our pts. at VWL and love it! It is very peaceful and relaxing. The rooms are a little darker than most of the other DVC resorts but we take advantage of that. When we have had a late night in the parks we shut the blinds real tight, and the next morning our bodies are tricked into thinking its still nighttime since its darker in the room. I know thats a little odd wanting to sleep in in WDW but we know we will be returning as members, so we dont have to pack it all into one trip.

EWP will pass by the beach of WL everynight around 9:30. Mosey around at night and listen for the crickets chirping while the candle lanterns flicker. Listen for the suttle music playing in the background. Music is western themed and goes very well with the theming of the Lodge. Eat at WCC at leasat once in the evening. Go for the skillet and go hungry! Just soak in the majesty of the Lodge.

Dont miss the quite corners of the Iron Spike Room. Check out Walts train from his backyard in Calif. Sip Hot Choc. by the fireplace. Curl up with a good book.

Most of all, Enjoy.

 

[Mbg98]

We will be there in two weeks and we too will be going home for the first time and joined DVC in the Spring of 2006. We have stayed at the WL many times and love it. Take advantage using the boats spend some time enjoying Lodge and don't miss eating in the Whispering Canyon Cafe, and make sure you ask for some Ketchup.

 

[Mtnman44]

Although over-priced we really enjoyed renting the motorboat. Great memories and great views of the lodge. Being able to drive the boat right out in front of magic kingdom and just float there taking it all in was an incredible experience for me. What a magic place!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

Yeah! We love VWL! I like being so close to the MK, yet so far removed from the hustle and bustle. Great place for the little ones to kick back. Have fun!!!

 

[Psychodisney]

We stayed at VWL for the first time last week. The CMs were wonderful and friendly. The setting is beautiful-feels like you could be anywhere. The valet service(if you have a car)was awesome. Enjoyed Roaring Forks for lunch-great for the dining plan. My boys enjoyed Whisperinig Canyon. My DD is still joking about ketchup! The quiet pool setting is great-wooded-peaceful. My only complaint would be the boat service to MK-when you check in ask if the bus service to MK is back. The bus stop was apparently under construction when we were there. Have a great time.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Dont miss the quite corners of the Iron Spike Room. Check out Walts train from his backyard in Calif. Sip Hot Choc. by the fireplace. Curl up with a good book.

Couldn't agree more......we just got back from the VWL last week. Some pics I took of my dd's while relaxing in the Iron Spike room :

Have a fantastic stay ! We got to swim with a couple of ducks in the main WL pool as well