In support of VWL

[Granny]

It's been quite a week or so on these boards as I've watched my beloved VWL take a beating due to one or two CM's lousy attitudes. And worse, I see some people having second thoughts about buying there or making ressies for there in the future. I don't feel that everyone has had a bad experience there, but as is often the case the complaints (which are valid) tend to outshine the compliments.

So, I ask those who have stayed at the VWL to post a comment about your experience. I almost said "positive comment", but we're not sugarcoating or cheerleading here....I just think anyone reading the board the last week or so would think that VWL is a crummy place with lousy CM's.

I'll start off by saying that my family has stayed at WL a few times and now VWL once last month. Every trip has been awesome and the CM's have been very helpful and cheery. My favorite CM is probably the guard at the front entrance gate. If he knows that you are a DVC member, he gives you a sharp salute and says "Welcome Home" with a nice smile. I love that!

 

[DVC-Don]

We stayed in April and had a great time at VWL. It was our first stay at our DVC "home" base. We had just as good a time as our stays at BWV & OKW.

 

[Carl]

I'm anxious to try it, but obviously comments haven't stopped people from booking it, because there was nothing available there when I attempted to book it for December.

 

[Muushka]

WL is a wonderful resort. I have met some of the most enthusiastic CMs there, who truly love their jobs, and it is evident in the service they provide. There will always be one or two without the best attitude, but for me, it does not constitute avoiding the place. There are plenty of others to more than make up for it. Like 999Ghosts, for example .


Granny, now that you mention it, that guard at the gate is a pretty cool guy! Gotta love that "Welcome Home"

 

[BraveMom3]

During my recent 2 week stay (June 2- June 16) at the VWL I only experienced the most courteous and enthusiastic of CM's. It was our first time in the villas as DVC members, but our fourth stay (I think) at the WL property, and have always received wonderful service.

As a sidenote, I was there alone with 3 KIDS , and I'm sure there were times when I was probably stressed enough that it would not have taken much to rub me the wrong way!!!

 

[dizneeluvr]

We bought into VWL last May and had the pleasure of staying there for a first time in January. We LOVED it!!!!!!!!!!!

A few extra special CM moments that stand out would be:

1) My DH and I were standing outside on one of the pathways with our 2 DDs staring up at the side of the main lodge trying to find one of those hidden Mickeys. A very astute CM walked by with a twinkle in his eye and gave us another clue without us saying a thing. Sure enough, we found it!

2) My daughter got an out-of-left-field stomach bug one afternoon on our second day there. My DH insisted I take our 3 yo DD to the priority ressies we had made at the Garden Grille character dinner in Epcot. I went, told the ladies that there would only be the 2 of us instead of 4. Next thing I knew the character coordinator was quizzing me as to where we were staying, how old my DD was, what her favorite character was--all the while making sure the 3 yo felt part of things. Anyway, about 2 nights later (the sickie was better by then TG) a knock at the door. Two sweet CM's were standing there with a gift bag (from the character coordinator) for the girls and tied to it were several WL balloons (which was obviously the resort's touch). Disney will NEVER cease to amaze me!!!!!!!!!!!!

3) The CM down at the surrey bike rental also comes to mind. She was very helpful and attentive with the girls!

We absolutely love our home resort (VWL)!


Laura
p.s. Granny....do you live in the St. louis area? And by chance have you eaten at the Red Robin restaurant in the "valley" sometime in the past 6 months? --Just askin'!

 

[KarenB]

We just stayed there last week in a wonderful studio!!! Our view was picture perfect, the guard at the gate gave us a big "Welcome Home" every time, the CMs were all friendly.......

for example.....
It was a rainy evening and our boys, 12 and 13, got a hidden Mickey list. DH and I found a cozy spot to read the paper while the kids went on an adventure to complete their list. They asked CMs to help them on some and they gave them hints or even took them and showed them where the Hidden Mickey's were!!!! The kids really liked their independence and interaction with the CMs!!!!!


We will certainly stay there again!!!!!

Karen

 

[Peter Johnson]

We stayed at VWL 5/26 - 5/29. Our 1-br was spotless, the CMs we encountered were the high quality we expect, and the visit was great fun. The only gripe we had was the 20 minute long check-in line on Sunday.

We did notice one big difference between check-in at OKW and VWL. At OKW, each check-in takes only a few minutes. All us DVCers don't need a lot of help or information. At VWL the process seemed much slower; our CM insisted on giving us all the details about VWL even after we told him we didn't need it. The management should train the CMs at check-in to ask DVC members if they need the big spiel, or just want to get their keys, sign the charge slip, and go!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hey-I just realized-we also never got a "Welcome home" from the guard. My letter of complaint is going out today. The reason I'm posting is that I really want to hear those positive comments-as I told Mr. Carter in my letter, it's such a beautiful resort it's a shame to have the memories of our negative experience there overcome the memory of the beauty. Please keep those positive comments coming-it helps!

 

[Jenn]

We stayed there in March and LOVED it. We own at BWV and my exact words were "If we hadn't already bought at BWV I would have absolutely bought here". We actually love every resort we have tried so far - Vero, BWV, OKW and VWL. We bought at BWV because that is what Disney was selling at the time. We love it there - but like to try different places too. Our next place to try - BCV!

 

[niks81]

I was expecting my stay there to just be ok....I'm more of a Boardwalk girl

However, I came away very delighted with my experience there and plan to return. We bought DVC there sight unseen but we are glad we did buy there....it is a beautiful resort. I never encountered a problem with CM's there....in fact I had more trouble at the BW than there. Of course every resort could probably improve a few things, but I would say VWL is a great choice for a resort and is currently very high on my list (sorry guys, but Boardwalk is still #1)

 

[cherylp3]

I own at boardwalk - I stayed at WLV in May. The person who checked us in was earning her ears and nice and friendly.

I made no requests and received room 1506, it was close to bus stop main hall and pool area. ( Also it was not handicapped)

The clerk at the pin cart answered my husband questions, she was very friendly and talkative. Roaring forks was crowded in the morning but afternoons were no problem.

The transportation was better than I had expected.

Overall I enjoyed staying at WLV and I would gladly stay there again.

Cheryl

 

[Synonymous]

I love, love, love VWL. We bought at BWV shortly before VWL became available, because the price was going to increase if we waited. Of our 3 DVC trips so far, we have stayed at VWL twice and have now added on 50 pts there. Nothing can match the beauty of WL, and the Villas are a perfect fit. We've never had any problems there. The only complaint I have is the food at Whispering Canyon Cafe, but Artist's Point more than makes up for it.

Our next trip we're going to try out BCV, but it is with mixed feelings. I'm afraid that we're really going to miss VWL.

 

[disneychic]

It's always a pleasure to stay at VWL. That is our first choice when making our DVC plans. We've even gotten friendly with a few CM's. One example, my DH and I checked in for our first stay at VWL at the end of September last year. While at the front desk, checking in we got into a rather long conversation with CM, Carla, telling her that both my DH and I were at the WTC on 9/11 and just talking about that experience with her.
Every time after that, when we'd see her at the desk we'd stop over and say hi. Then, this year in March we returned for another DVC vacation and she remembered us at check in. Asked how we were doing, etc. It may not sound like much, but it meant alot to us that with all the people she sees on a daily basis, she rememberd us. Everyone CM that we meet at WL seems nicer than the next. We returned to VWL in April for a week stay, and again in May for a long weekend. Each time a better experience than the last. WE LOVE VWL! It's our absolute favorite. Our home resorts are BWV and HHI but our first choice for our vacation stay is VWL!

 

[GrammieMame]

We had our first stay last March, and loved it. The area is beautiful and a welcome break from the chaos of the parks. We got a welcome home at arrival, and found everyone to be helpful and courteous.

I was amazed one day when we got our car out of valet parking and the CM noticed that we were headed for a water park. We returned about 5 hours later and when the same CM took our car to be parked, he asked "Did you enjoy your day at the water park, Mrs. McCain?". He must have taken dozens of cars that day, and I wasn't even aware that he had noticed our name. Now that's service.

 

[LodgeMan]

Well, as my name so wonderfully implies, I love the Lodge. Stayed there May 26-31. Had two minor complaints: check in and Whispering Canyon. Check in did take over 20 minutes but heck, I was checking into the Lodge for 5 days so who cares!!
We like Whispering Canyon but I was a little disappointed in their lunch selections. Small portions for large $$, even by Disney standards.But I will continue going to VWL for as long as I can. It is absolutely my favorite place in the world.

 

[SteveS]

We have traded into WLV twice. We love the atmosphere on Bay Lake. Given the opportunity I would trade my points at BWV for points at WLV in a heart beat.

 

[spiceycat]

this is one of my favorite places - the lobby is so beautiful in both VWL and WL - the CM's are generally friendly and try to be helpful - I love the quiet pool as well as the main pool, the gym is one of the best on property - now I don't like Wilderness Canyon that much I am shy and a shy person who does not like to be tease this place is a nightmare - so we generally don't eat there - l love Roaring folks and the bar at the pool is great too. I also love all the little touches in the hall ways.

I really like being able to get around the place under cover when it is raining - that is so nice - OKW nor BWV don't have this and it makes VWL really special.

the wildlife is great - now OKW has birds and bunnies - but at VWL they are so tame (yes I know they are wild animals) - but I am a big animal lover - when I see them I appreciate the deers.

 

[lodgelady]

We own at VWL and took our first trip home in April. Every CM we encountered there from the front desk to housekeeping did their job efficiently and with a smile or cheery word. Our 7 night stay was wonderful and restful. So glad we own a share in this beautiful, quality resort!!

 

[DeeP]

A lot of DVC members must like VWL because I tried at 9:30 this morning to get in there either the last 2 weeks of Nov or the first 2 weeks of Dec and it is all booked up. BWV and BCV are also all booked up, only OKW is open.