Help Us Choose Our Home Resort: Calling all VWL Lovers

[HilsNPaul]

Hello! We have been mulling DVC over since our honeymoon in December. We are open to all resorts, but are currently leaning toward VWL.

We would like to hear from all VWL groupies and lovers. Why do you own VWL? If you've stayed there, what were its positives and negatives?
We would like to know the general pros and cons of VWL.

We are looking for a relaxing, magical experience. We are not interested in hustle and bustle. Could VWL be for us?

We're hoping for a lively debate!

 

[Dizny Dad]

The VWL are certainly a great and relaxing place to be in "The World". I love the Hot Tub early in the morning - so relaxing and a great way to start the day. It is a small DVC resort, but offers many nice things - great food, wonderful atmosphere, unique theme, good health facilities, and Boats to MK. We do enjoy the boats to MK (then the Monorail to Epcot) as a substitute for the bus trips.

But I must say that SSR has always felt a little more secluded for us than VWL. Both are Home resorts for DW & I. Each has its own call to our hearts.

Choosing the VWL as your home resort makes good sense. Getting in at Christmas time almost always requires the 11 month window. Getting in at SSR is easier as it is much larger.

I recommend going with the VWL first, then when addonitis strikes, using the same Use Year (to keep things straight in your mind) select points in SSR; then OKW, then BCV, then BWV, then , , , , , , oh my!

 

[DVC Mike]

We love VWL!

I think it has a magnificently rendered theme - probably the best! It offers a quiet, peaceful and romantic setting on Bay Lake, yet is just a relaxing boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom. We love Artist Point, the Silver Creek Springs feature pool, as well as the Fire Rock Geyser.

Since it's the smallest DVC resort at WDW, you need to own there if you plan on booking VWL during December.

 

[crisi]

I think its biggest pro or con is the theme - we love the theme and decor, but a lot of people do not.

The only con I can think of is that its a very bus dependant resort - you take the boat to MK, but the bus everywhere else. When bus transportation is good, that's fine, when you have one of those bad bus trips, it gets old.

I'm not fond of Roaring Forks - its too small, too busy and the food isn't very good. But that is a near universal of DVCs quick service options. It isn't like Boardwalk Bakery or the Marketplace is that much better.

 

[wildernessDad]

We love the boat ride to the MK! The resort is off the beaten path, so to speak, so it's really nice and peaceful, especially at the end of a long day.

Roaring Fork QS could definitely be better, but their handmade deli-style sandwiches are pretty good.

I personally love the theme and the theme works the best at Christmas time. It's pretty amazing to see.

Given what you have said, it seems to me like VWL is right for you.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Hello! We have been mulling DVC over since our honeymoon in December. We are open to all resorts, but are currently leaning toward VWL.

We would like to hear from all VWL groupies and lovers. Why do you own VWL? If you've stayed there, what were its positives and negatives?
We would like to know the general pros and cons of VWL.

We are looking for a relaxing, magical experience. We are not interested in hustle and bustle. Could VWL be for us?

We're hoping for a lively debate!

We own at VWL because of the proximity to MK, the small size, and the theming.

Positives are, well, where's my laundry list . The best way to sum it up is we feel really "at home" when we're there.

It's very relaxing and quiet and serene being in the trees.

But, the whole deal about DVC is that sometimes we don't feel like staying there so we're over at boardwalk or okw because they offer things that vwl doesn't.

It's ALL good. (even Saratoga )

 

[keishashadow]

all of the above & more, it's our 1st DVC...u know u always luv it best

think what i like the best is the quiet, a boat ride away from the hub-ub of the MK, the older i get; the more i need some down time every day

 

[circhead]

I own at VWL brought in in 2001. We went down for Christmas that year and were staying at the Poly - we took the tour - what the heck- fell in love. It is the most magnificent resort at Christmas. The lobby has no competition no matter what time of year you are there.

I like the peaceful, quiet surroundings - very nice after the hustle and bustle of the parks. A glass of wine and sitting by the fireplace people watching idylic. A walk on the beach or sitting on the beach to watch the Electric Water Pageant. Very romantic.

There are no cons as far as I'm concerned. I use the boat transportation to MK or to the Contemporary if I'm going to a different park. You than take the monorail to the TTC and catch a bus or the monorail to Epcot - so getting around is easy. It is the smallest of the DVC resorts, the theming is magnificent - the best Disney has done IMHO. There are lots of food options and the Villas pool is really enjoyable with the little geysers in it.

Good luck with your decision - but if you want to be able to get VWL when it's decorated for Christmas you need to own there.

If you do buy VWL - you will never regret it I never have. I have stayed at all the DVC resorts except AKL but I always enjoy "Going Home".

 

[HilsNPaul]

Hopefully, I have done this multiple quotes in one post thing right. I always screw it up....

I recommend going with the VWL first, then when addonitis strikes, using the same Use Year (to keep things straight in your mind) select points in SSR; then OKW, then BCV, then BWV, then , , , , , , oh my!

We know all about the addonitis. We have addonitis already and we haven't even purchased yet!

We love VWL!

I think it has a magnificently rendered theme - probably the best!

Since it's the smallest DVC resort at WDW, you need to own there if you plan on booking VWL during December.

We love the theme. It is so peaceful, and very different from other WDW resorts. Going in December is important to us! We are definitely hoping to be there for December 2010.

I think its biggest pro or con is the theme - we love the theme and decor, but a lot of people do not.

Just looking at the pictures, we thought we wouldn't be interested. But when we saw it, we loved it.

I personally love the theme and the theme works the best at Christmas time. It's pretty amazing to see.

Given what you have said, it seems to me like VWL is right for you.

Early December is our favorite time to go. Our anniversary is the 13th, so hopefully we can still make it during Adventure season.

It's very relaxing and quiet and serene being in the trees.

But, the whole deal about DVC is that sometimes we don't feel like staying there so we're over at boardwalk or okw because they offer things that vwl doesn't.

It's ALL good. (even Saratoga )

Yes, very true!

all of the above & more, it's our 1st DVC...u know u always luv it best

I like the peaceful, quiet surroundings - very nice after the hustle and bustle of the parks. A glass of wine and sitting by the fireplace people watching idylic. A walk on the beach or sitting on the beach to watch the Electric Water Pageant. Very romantic.

If you do buy VWL - you will never regret it I never have. I have stayed at all the DVC resorts except AKL but I always enjoy "Going Home".

We are really excited about DVC. We love Disney and don't really like vacationing elsewhere. When we found out disney had timeshares, we were so excited.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Tell me your favorite park is the MK and you'll have hit the trifecta for why you should own at VWL:

1. Desire to be at the most relaxing DVC resort.
2. Desire to go in early December.
3. Proximity to the MK.

The only things that draws us away from VWL on our trips (we always split stays now) is the proximity to Epcot and the Studios that BCV/BWV provide. We love being able to walk/boat to those parks for part of our trip. But that said, let me elaborate on why the VWL is so great (and yes, we own there):

It is by far the most relaxing DVC resort. The great thing is that, even though you feel a million miles away (the quietness and decor/theme achieve this) you are only a convenient boat ride from the MK, or from the Contemporary, the monorail, and all the resorts/restaurants the MK resort area provides. The fact that VWL is the smallest DVC resort also lends to it's relaxing nature. There is no more relaxing spot than the Hidden Springs hot tub/pool.

The theme and decor are wonderful (if you like the woodsy thing) and are at their best around the holidays. The resort has the best (ok, GF gives it a run) holiday decor.

As mentioned above, you are only a convenient boat ride away from the MK. We love the boats.

As for other pros....if you like to rent watercraft, Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagon are the place to do it. Biking and hiking trails to Ft. Wilderness if that is your thing. Horse drawn sleigh rides during the holidays. Roaring forks isn't terrible as quick service places go. If you haven't had a Magic Cookie Bar, get one. While the main pool isn't the largest or best of the DVC resorts, it is neat, and the kiddie pool is very large.

Cons, I haven't really found any!

PS - my second recommendation for home resort would be BCV for the combination of location (proximity to Epcot/Studios), pool (Stormalomg Bay is great) and decor (if you like a beachy theme). This is a great choice for those whose priorities are 1) to be in the middle of the action, 2) to spend lots of time at the pool (especially if you have kids) and l3) ove to go to Epcot. We own at BWV, but usually end up changing to BCV at the 7 month mark (although that has been getting harder and harder to do).

 

[circhead]

HilsnPaul - Please let us know what you decide to do.

Good luck!

 

[Beavertails Queen]

I own AKL and my sister owns VWL. It works well because in a way it is like having two home resorts.
But one of the advantages of owning VWL is that it is smaller. If you want to get into VWL at a certain time or year (say anywhere near Christmas) you will probably need your 11 month window to get a room. It is often easier to make a reservation at one of the larger resorts at 7 months. I also really like the decor, the secluded feel and the proximity to Fort Wilderness (one of my favourite places to bike).
My second suggestion would be AKL. Because I just love the feel and the animals. BCV also come highly recommended.

 

[Corinne]

We have been DVC members since 2001. Our home resort is the VWL, but in all honesty, the only reason it is our home resort is because the BCV were not for sale yet. (I was a DS CM at the time and I wanted my discount!!) We had stayed at the WL twice prior to becoming members and loved it there, but our hearts have always belonged to the Y&BC and the Epcot area.

Finally, last summer we went back to the Lodge and had our first stay at the VWL. As you can see, I am now a VWL Groupie! The place is just great, and as another poster mentioned, Christmas is a busy time there so having it as your home resort is a huge plus. The theming is wonderful and it is a very peaceful place to be--especially after a long day in the parks.

 

[HilsNPaul]

Tell me your favorite park is the MK and you'll have hit the trifecta for why you should own at VWL:

1. Desire to be at the most relaxing DVC resort.
2. Desire to go in early December.
3. Proximity to the MK.


PS - my second recommendation for home resort would be BCV for the combination of location (proximity to Epcot/Studios), pool (Stormalomg Bay is great) and decor (if you like a beachy theme).

MK is our favorite resort. We were considering buying BLT direct solely for its closeness to MK. We didn't like the theming at all and it costs a lot of points! Interestingly, we are leaning toward buying a larger VWL contract (about 200 points) and 100 points at another resort down the line. We like BCV because it is close to Epcot, our other love. Paul likes BWV better, but the scary clown slide really scares me (hils) !

HilsnPaul - Please let us know what you decide to do.

Good luck!

Thank you, we will!

It is often easier to make a reservation at one of the larger resorts at 7 months.

Is the largest resort SSR? Is BCV larger than VWL. I was under the impression that BCV is fairly small, too.

W
Finally, last summer we went back to the Lodge and had our first stay at the VWL. As you can see, I am now a VWL Groupie! The place is just great, and as another poster mentioned, Christmas is a busy time there so having it as your home resort is a huge plus. The theming is wonderful and it is a very peaceful place to be--especially after a long day in the parks.

The lobby is divine, and the theming and wilderness around it seems so peaceful. We didn't see the geyser go off, but we were intrigued.

 

[bobbiwoz]

The WL's lobby is beautiful, but I think the villa's atruim area, with little nooks and crannies with fireplaces and with the sofas and the rocking chairs to sit on, make the DVC building a gem in itself. What about the elevator doors?! They are magnificent. I love the hot tub and the villa pool with the little springs. Sturdy Branches has good facilities and is very conveniently located.

The DGC have gone to the Cub's Den with me in the afternoon and watched a movie, colored masks, and played in the sandbox.

The bike ride over to Ft. Wilderness is my favorite non park activity. We've often seen deer on the way. I've seen a pileated woodpecker and a bald eagle in the area.

We've come to dinner at Artist Point and walked around the grounds in the evening (very romantic) even when we've been to Orlando for reasons other than going to WDW. It's a destination in itself.

Bobbi

 

[thumpermom]

MK is our favorite resort. We were considering buying BLT direct solely for its closeness to MK. We didn't like the theming at all and it costs a lot of points! Interestingly, we are leaning toward buying a larger VWL contract (about 200 points) and 100 points at another resort down the line. We like BCV because it is close to Epcot, our other love. Paul likes BWV better, but the scary clown slide really scares me (hils) !

We bought our first contract last year at VWL. We have been long time Wilderness Lodge lovers and KNEW when we brought, that’s where it would be. Our hearts truly are at Wilderness Lodge for all the reasons listed above.

On the flip side, we love Epcot. We love the location of BCV (stayed there once) but the theming didn’t do much for us. Don’t get me wrong – it is beautiful, but it didn’t speak to us like VWL does. And while SAB is great, it is big and crowded. . . chair after chair after chair. But, of course, it’s a great resort. We really never gave BWV much thought (and I, too, am afraid of clowns!)

Fast forward to this past February. We stayed at BWV, mainly for the proximity to DHS for ESPN the Weekend for my teenage son and his friend. Well, let me tell you we loved BWV. While BCV is closer to Epcot, the difference is negligible. Plus, it’s great to get to the studios. And that scary clown, let me say, I got over it! Quickly! So don't let the clown be too big of an influence! Long story short (or not), we just (hours ago) had an offer for a resale at BWV accepted and will shortly be waiting for ROFR from Disney. I’m so excited!

I truly feel we will have the PERFECT home resorts. VWL is still our favorite and will always be special to us, but you just can’t beat the location of the Epcot resorts. Of course, we can’t wait to try AKL, OKW, BLT . . . Well, I think you get the picture!

Best of luck with your decision. I truly don’t think you can make a bad choice.