Is it my imagination or is there a sudden VWL buzz?

[iankh]

I've been following these boards for a while, and it seems that VWL infrequently comes up in discussion. Maybe because it's the smallest resort with the fewest owner.

So, is it my imagination that I'm starting to see more postings about VWL? Buying at VWL. Trip reports. Trying to book VWL?

Have the VWL people come out of the woods?

 

[winniedapooh]

I agree I seem to be hearing more about VWL. I bought a resale there and have stayed there twice and have been totally disgusted both times. We will be trying OKW or BCV next time. I think they are ready for an update over there, but that is just my opinion.

 

[littlestar]

The main lodge rooms look they need refurbishing (hallways wallpaper, etc.). And I've heard Disney is getting ready to refurbish the lodge rooms.

But every time we've stayed in the Villas at Wilderness Lodge our rooms have been pretty nice. Although, I think I did hear the villas are getting new mattresses this year. I think Old Key West got new mattresses last year.

 

[Sammie]

I think it has to do with the seasons. VWL is very popular at Christmas and this time of year. Warm, cozy place to stay when it's chilly outside. Or as chilly as central Florida can be.

During the summer months BCV gets all the buzz.

The Lodge is up for rehab this year, not sure if that includes the villas or not but will ask around.

 

[smmast]

We stayed there earlier this month and i can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable DVC stays we have ever had. The front desk was wonderful at checkin , very accomodating and friendly(got the "welcome home" and everything). Definitely a good place for a nice and relaxed vacation.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We stayed at VWL this past December, a small group, 3 studios and for both sets of guests it was their first stay there. It was a huge hit. No VWL complaints here, from the check in CM, to the cleanliness of the rooms and the ammenities of the villas, we had a great time and look forward to the family vacation there in August. The lobby in the villa has its own special charm for Christmas. We added on 25 more VWL points during that stay.

Bobbi

 

[dis-happy]

I haven't been on these boards forever, but from what I've seen, most if not all the resorts are cyclical in their popularity/buzz here at the DIS. And then you see a corresponding run on certain resale contracts for awhile. JMO

 

[LisaS]

I agree I seem to be hearing more about VWL. I bought a resale there and have stayed there twice and have been totally disgusted both times. We will be trying OKW or BCV next time. I think they are ready for an update over there, but that is just my opinion.

Hi Michelle,
I'm just curious what the problem was on your two trips. I just stayed there for the first time (in a studio) and we liked it so much we are thinking of adding on there. Before I do, I would like to know what you experienced, if you don't mind sharing or pointing me in the general direction of any other post you may have already made about it. Thanks!

 

[Rainman]

My family stayed at VWL in late Oct. We really enjoyed it. Front desk was great. Room was fine. The atmosphere was wonderful. We really enjoyed the Whispering Canyon Cafe. Boat and bus transportation worked fine. Overall great place to stay. Very relaxing. We plan on staying again but want to enjoy some of the other DVC resorts before coming back .

 

[Megangel31]

We're leaving this Sunday for our first stay ever at VWL as I've used my points for other resorts instead. I am so excited...

 

[Doctor P]

I think a lot of the buzz has to do with the time of the year. People just getting back from Christmas trips and people making reservations for this Christmas. VWL is particularly popular and beautiful at Christmas time.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I have seen a lot of VWL requests, too. But it seems like the R/T Board is booming right now. With the addition of the dining plan, renting is going out the roof. So many people wanting reservations and they don't know anything about the process at all.

 

[DVCAmy]

We just stayed there for our anniversary in mid January. It was our 1st trip staying at VWL. We loved the theming, the staff was great, all in all it's Disney so it's totally wonderful but we definitely hated our room. We stayed in a studio 3546 I believe which is a handicap access room, I hated having no real counter space in the bathroom, the bed was very uncomfortable and the fridge made horrible noises at night. We called the fornt desk and there were no rooms to change to so we made do and had a great time. If I had had my kids with me It would've been harder to just be ok with it. SO all in all I hated my room but would definitely try it again sometime. We have loved BCV, SSR too so we may try some of the others before we go back here.

Amy

 

[Daitcher]

I think it is your imagination. There are very few posts on here about VWL. I had to really hunt to get info. for an upcoming stay there. Small resort so it gets less people staying there, thus less people posting about it. I will say it is more popular in the winter.

DAVE

 

[ralphd]

We want to keep VWL a secret from the non-VWL members!!!

 

[keishashadow]

We were "Wow'ed" our 1st trip home...of course, we were used to the AS's @ WDW.

Think the themeing is unique, makes you forget you're in FL, let alone a boat ride away from the MK.

A very good thing @ the end of a long day.

Such a nice restful resort, just hope we can keep up @ the fast-paced BWVs.

 

[PinkTink63]

Think the themeing is unique, makes you forget you're in FL, let alone a boat ride away from the MK.


I don't want to forget I'm in Florida. That's why I go there!
It is probably my least favorite Resort, because it is just like home for me!
Stephanie

 

[iankh]

I don't think my original question was whether one loves or hates VWL. It was the sudden jump in postings about VWL.

(Or is it my imagination that I asked a completely different question????)

It seemed to me that postings regarding VWL were very scarce and was wondering why the sudden jump. Could it be that the 11 month window is here and people are thinking about their December bookings?

 

[LisaS]

I don't think my original question was whether one loves or hates VWL. It was the sudden jump in postings about VWL.

I'm sure these boards have always had a certain percentage of new DVC members joining in here but I'm guessing that between the F&F promotion and lots of DVC marketing in general, there may be even more new/potential DVC members than usual posting here lately. I'm one of those newbies myself and we all want to know: which resort should I buy? How hard is it to get into XYZ resort at 7 months?

One of the things that I remember reading early on is how desireable it is to stay at VWL during December. Whenever someone asks "why would I want to own points at more than one resort", one of the examples usually given is "you might want to own some points at VWL so you can book at the 11-month window for December". After reading so many times how desireable it is to stay at VWL, I decided to go check it out for myself and see if I might want to add on points there. DH and I ended up spending our first night as DVC members at VWL!

So perhaps it's just a lot of us newbies asking about how hard it is to book VWL at the 7-month window, booking our first stay there and asking for suggestions on what to do while we're there, and then reporting in during or after our stay about how much we enjoyed it.

 

[jade1]

I don't think my original question was whether one loves or hates VWL. It was the sudden jump in postings about VWL.

(Or is it my imagination that I asked a completely different question????)

It seemed to me that postings regarding VWL were very scarce and was wondering why the sudden jump. Could it be that the 11 month window is here and people are thinking about their December bookings?

Just book XMAS week!