Just back from WLV...long

[rriley25]

I'll post a more detailed report in the proper forum, but I thought I'd share a bit of our WDW trip for Christmas. We stayed one night (Friday, 12/19) at the AKL just to give it a try. I didn't think I would like it, but I was wrong. It is great. I can't wait to stay there for a few nights next summer. We moved to our 1 BR at the VWL for the rest of our trip (12/20 to 12/27). It was as beautiful as everyone described and more. I recommend that everyone try this resort at Christmas time if possible. No negative comments at all. After a hectic day at the parks, the serenity and beauty of the Villas was soothing and very welcome. Some other thumbs up include Mickey's Philharmagic...great show, the PB & J sandwich made with rainbow bread for our 3-year old daughter at the Concourse Steakhouse, the parmesean mashed potatoes at Chef Mickey's, the sleighride from the WL to FW and back again Christmas Eve, the Disney Florist Christmas tree (pricey, but worth every penny), and characters EVERYWHERE! Some we had never seen before like the penguin from Mary Poppins and Wendy from Peter Pan. It was a great week. The parks were extremely crowded, but we expected that. I wouldn't recommend first-time WDW visitors choose Christmas week. The wait times for ALL attractions would prohibit experiencing many. That was no problem for us as we have been many times. I would be glad to answer any questions and look for my TR in that forum.

 

[mwstar]

We were there as well from the 19th - 22nd. We did the sleigh
ride on Sunday the 21st. Thanks to the Dis boards I found out
about it. It was awesome! VWL is just awesome anytime, but
Christmas is the best!

 

[MJTinNH]

Sounds like a great trip and I will be looking for your report on the Trip Report Board. Thank you for posting!

 

[Muushka]

Originally posted by mwstar
We were there as well from the 19th - 22nd. We did the sleigh
ride on Sunday the 21st. Thanks to the Dis boards I found out
about it. It was awesome! VWL is just awesome anytime, but
Christmas is the best!

Aaaaahhh, we remember fondly hearing the jingling of the horses' bells. Can I ask how long the ride was and the cost?

Thanks

 

[mwstar]

It was thirty dollars for thirty minutes. We were a family of 4.
Can't beat the value of that.
Happy holidays to all.

 

[Muushka]

Thanks mwstar. Sounds like we will do it next year

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Oh yes, I would think that DVCers who enjoy VWL/WL would also enjoy AKL.

About the sleighride... I am not familiar with this, as we have only been to WDW at Christmas time (but going again in '04).
What is the route of the sleigh? Is it on the dirt path from WL to FW?

I am glad to hear you had a great week. Thanx for the report!

MG

 

[rriley25]

Originally posted by Maistre Gracey
About the sleighride... I am not familiar with this, as we have only been to WDW at Christmas time (but going again in '04).
What is the route of the sleigh? Is it on the dirt path from WL to FW?

The route used is the large path made of concrete that connects the two resorts. This is the same route commonly used by those riding surrey bikes. It was a bit cool the evening we went. I could almost feel the snowflakes landing on my face.