just back from vwl...Random observations

[Jacksmom99]

Just returned from a 4 day stay at VWL...here are a few random thoughts.....

1) Just my luck to arrive on the hottest day in 50 years on that particular day... of course I was playing golf that day...it was as much fun as sticking your head in an oven after it was pre-heated to 400 degrees.

2) Unless you are on the pool side of the VWL the view is not exactly inspiring.

3) the rooms are, as we all know, smaller then OKW but they definetly have a charm to them unlike any other place...in a quite calm and realxed way, if you catch what i am saying.

4) when you buy those $10.95 mugs for the unlimited soda, you soon realize that you have actually paid 1 month of a health club membership, because it requires a mile walk to fill said cup.

5) best lobby of all the resorts!!!!

6) ate dinner at artist point....before i eat there again i will apply for a home equity loan...holy (expletive deleted)!!!!

7) witnessed the new character caravan that visits the resorts....nothing wrong at all with a near riot in the lobby!!!

8) once again i am amazed at the feeling of kindeness and affection i received from other DVC members and families....nothing beats it....I truly believe the only way you can understand is to spend some time with DVC members on vacation....here's to all of you, and thank you for another great vacation.....see you in august at the new Beach Club Villas.

 

[Doctor P]

LOL. Some very interesting observations! Sounds like a fun trip.

 

[perdidobay]

glad you had a good time..... I have had the same room at VWL twice ( what are the odds?) , and it was over the front door of the villas looking out toward the bus stop. And while it was not "inspiring" it was very beautiful and relaxing to me to look out on all the pine trees and landscaping that is so lush and green.
The walk to get a refill in the mug is long, but what a beautiful walk it is Can you tell I'm in love with VWL?

 

[Tony-NJ]

Great observations!!! I too like the walk in the morning since I'm usually up much earlier than Chris, I get to take my time and sit and enjoy the peacefulness. We had a view of the entrance way to the villa's, it wasn't the pool view, but it was nice. We absolutely loved Artist Point and will return. ( Yes it was expensive, but well worth it to us, probably the best meal we had on our last trip). We havn't been back to see the character caravan, LOL will make a note to miss this on our next trip. I could imagine guests running others down to see the characters

Overall it seems you had a nice time.

 

[MAC3]

Thanks for posting your thoughts. I love to read others opinions on things. Haven't had the opportunity to stay @ VWL yet. But looking forward to doing so. I agree with the DVC feeling. My sil referred to us as a "cult". I just laughed and said yeah a cult that LOVES Disney and all it has to offer for the next 40 years. Hee Hee. Funny when your not in it you don't understand it. Personally I think she's a little jealous.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

When I was at the pool when we stayed at the WL 9 nights in Oct I was speaking with a lady who was in the DVC. My thoughts were "wow, they must be rich!" In Nov we joined and I still have her conversation in my mind.
DS10 is not into the characters and while I enjoy seeing them we dont need to fight the crowds anymore.
We usually used our refillable mugs when we ate at Roaring Forks. Even from the pool it is somewhat of a walk. But a gorgeous one at that.
We had the most gorgeous view during our Oct stay. Courtyard view of the main pool, geyser and Bay Lake. I knew what to ask for because of these boards. I went to the checkin desk armed with info and had our room changed before we even checked in.

 

[Peter Johnson]

Thanks for your observations! We're staying at VWL for the first time the 26-29 of this month

 

[MAC3]

OOPS ....

First try at Quoting.

Sorry

 

[MAC3]

Originally posted by imgoingtodisney
When I was at the pool when we stayed at the WL 9 nights in Oct I was speaking with a lady who was in the DVC. My thoughts were "wow, they must be rich!"

Iimgoingtodisney; I felt the same way when friends invited us to stay at the boardwalk with them. That year we joined. I made sense financially. It's hillarious to think someone may be thinking that about me.

 

[antnee]

1) Just my luck to arrive on the hottest day in 50 years on that particular day... of course I was playing golf that day...it was as much fun as sticking your head in an oven after it was pre-heated to 400 degrees.

Hope you scored low, I can imagine the heat. But isnt it better than a GOOD DAY AT WORK???

2) Unless you are on the pool side of the VWL the view is not exactly inspiring.

Thats disappointing

3) the rooms are, as we all know, smaller then OKW but they definetly have a charm to them unlike any other place...in a quite calm and realxed way, if you catch what i am saying.

Can we all agree that although not very new, that oKW has the best rooms in DVC???

4) when you buy those $10.95 mugs for the unlimited soda, you soon realize that you have actually paid 1 month of a health club membership, because it requires a mile walk to fill said cup.

interesting, will I lose more weight if I drink Diet Soda???

5) best lobby of all the resorts!!!!

I agree

6) ate dinner at artist point....before i eat there again i will apply for a home equity loan...holy (expletive deleted)!!!!

yes but the food is so good, and were in WDW can you get that type of meal for a lower price?

7) witnessed the new character caravan that visits the resorts....nothing wrong at all with a near riot in the lobby!!!

Bring back EE!!!

8) once again i am amazed at the feeling of kindeness and affection i received from other DVC members and families....nothing beats it....I truly believe the only way you can understand is to spend some time with DVC members on vacation....here's to all of you, and thank you for another great vacation.....see you in august at the new Beach Club Villas.

this is something I hope to experience on an upcoming trip

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Can we all agree that although not very new, that oKW has the best rooms in DVC???

Actually, if we are talking room only, I think Vero Beach and Hilton Head have some of the best rooms. They are a nice size and wonderfully themed.

 

[Muushka]

Can we all agree that although not very new, that oKW has the best rooms in DVC???

In a word: NO

 

[AnnK]

"Can we all agree that although not very new, that oKW has the best rooms in DVC???"


NOT BEST, but undeniably the biggest

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm just wondering-really confused. Since you have your own refrigerator and coffee-maker, what are you using your refillable mugs to "refill"? We're making our first trip "home" to VWL in June, and I don't plan to buy the refillable mugs-can't see why anyone would need them. Please enlighten me.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Simba's Mom, I agree!. Actually, I think you can get soda as well. My wife enjoys taking that morning walk to get the coffee. Why?...I'll never figure it out. Although the Lodge is beautiful, I'll take the 15 extra minutes of sleep, and walk later!

 

[Jacksmom99]

I just want it noted that "jacksmom99" did NOT make the trip to VWL last weekend. It was DH who is usually gmboy95 on the boards, but forgot to sign in. I, Jacksmom, was sitting at home VERY pregnant (still am) and not able to make the trip. Am I a little bitter? Yes, that I missed the fun wedding at the GF, but I guess I lucked out because I missed the heat wave. For anyone who read my post last week, Yes DH did bring me home some very nice gifts. And I booked a girls weekend for my mom and me for the food and wine festival in Nov. Can't wait!!

 

[MAC3]

Atta girl!

You deserve it and your going with you mom(couldn't find a better friend in the world)!

Have a Happy & Healthy Baby,
Be sure to let us know went he/she arrives.
An easy labor.
And a great time in Disney with Mom after thats all over.

 

[wdwsos]

Originally posted by Simba's Mom
I'm just wondering-really confused. Since you have your own refrigerator and coffee-maker, what are you using your refillable mugs to "refill"? We're making our first trip "home" to VWL in June, and I don't plan to buy the refillable mugs-can't see why anyone would need them. Please enlighten me.

We stayed in a studio and didn't really stock up the little fridge with much. I also like cream in my coffee (didn't want to buy a whole carton) and my son loves hot chocolate, even in the hottest weather.

I used the mugs every time we ate at Roaring Forks (all breakfasts, some lunches to take to the quiet pool, a few late night Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches), when we sat by the pool for a few hours, and sometimes for a decaf or cup of tea on the way back to the room after the parks. I think that if you plan even a few meals at Roaring Forks, you get your money's worth with the mugs. I don't think you'll be carting beverages from your room to the restaurant.

As for my DS, a 6'2", 230 pound 14 year old drinks a *lot*.

Dotti

 

[PamOKW]

Simba's Mom -- I was thinking the same thing about the refillable mugs. No need to pay $10.95 and walk a mile -- just open the frig and take out a drink. Maybe old habits die hard and some folks still like to buy the mugs. To each their own.

 

[DoeWDW]

I think the refillable mugs are my favorite souvenirs from Disney. We have one or two from each resort we've stayed at. I use them at work - keeps me from spilling water on the computer. The kids (12 & 14 yrs old) use them at home when eating in front of the TV (to avoid spills). We also use them whenever we need a dose of Disney pixie dust to brighten a meal.

Yes, they save us a little money on drinks while we're there but that's not why I buy them! They bring back such great memories!!

Doreen in PA