Just back VWL--Heavenly

[TAKitty]

VWL Pros[

Close to bus stop and villa pool
Great theme
Villa pool has some bubble jets on the bottom so you feel like you are at a spring
The staff was very nice and friendly
Nice quick boat ride to Contemporary
Easy to navigate because it was so well marked.
Lots of places to sit and relax
Very accommodating to changing my trash and towel day

Cons
I have had better bus service elsewhere
We thought Whispering Canyon was just ok
I wish they had another elevator


I fell in love with the VWL! I am not a nature person. We live in the country, so I get enough of the animals, trees, etc. just by walking out my back door. I, however, loved this resort.

I loved how close together everything is. I have stayed at OKW twice and everything is so spread out there. We had a one bedroom villa at WL in the perfect location, second floor. It was even ready at 11:00 a.m.!


Tips for newer members

Size: We can no longer imagined staying in one hotel room for an extended period of time with the kids again. The one bedroom was wonderful! It was so great we are getting a two bedroom for April! It is much bigger than it looks in all of the pictures I had seen and even the virtual tour on the DVC member website doesn’t do it justice. We also had plenty of room for our air mattress so that the boys didn’t all have to cram in together.

Grocery Delivery: We used Garden Grocer and loved it! Everything about the transaction was perfect. I purchased a 24 pack of water and wished I had gotten more.

Shipping Items: When we have stayed in a studio, I never needed to ship anything because it was just me and my husband. We had three kids this time so I wanted to ship down the masks and water shoes and other bulky items. I placed my name, reservation number, and check in date on the box. When I checked in they had it noted on my reservation that I had a box waiting and quickly sent it up to my room. Upon departure, my husband took the box down to concierge and they sent it back home for us. It was so easy, and I will be shipping stuff again for our Spring Break trip.

Recycle: If you are close to a recycle and trash location within the resort, use it. I am not sure if all of DVC has these rooms, but it was so nice not to fill our trash with all of the water bottles were drinking and the cardboard from some of the kids new toys.

Laundry: I could never understand why anyone would do his or her laundry on vacation. Staying in a one bedroom has changed my mind! The washer and dryer seemed fast, and we always had a little down time where I could easily put in a half load. I didn’t have to pack as many shorts for the kids and we came home with clean cloths!

Finally, it is true, once you stay in a one bedroom there is just no turning back. We are staying in a two bedroom this April and trying out SSR.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Oh my, this vacation sounds heavenly!!!

Today I packed a box full of sand/pool toys for our DGC and will mail it tomorrow. I'm glad the shipping worked so well for you.

Bobbi

 

[DVCLiz]

WooooHoooo!!!!! We leave Sunday for a four night (Monday - Thursday) stay in a 2BR at VWL, followed by two nights at the Poly (because we are out of points for the year!!) We can't wait!!!! The 1 BR is really nice, but the 2BR is divine!!!

 

[SLM]

Thanks for telling us about your great trip-another resort I hope to visit one day!

 

[Oreo Cookie]

VWL is my home resort and we absolutely love it there. I do think we have become spoiled too. We always want a 1 bedroom wherever we go for the extra room and the kitchen.

The theming at the Lodge is phenominal, but Disney does an outstanding job with all of the DVC and hotels.

Glad to hear you had a wonderful time.

 

[newholidayx2]

DS & I are going home in 11days. We'll staying 5nights at home (VWL), 3nights AKL (Th-Sun) and then 6nights at BCV (first stay there for DH who's joining DS & myself our 2nd wk)

 

[TAKitty]

DS & I are going home in 11days. We'll staying 5nights at home (VWL), 3nights AKL (Th-Sun) and then 6nights at BCV (first stay there for DH who's joining DS & myself our 2nd wk)

Have fun! I had a similiar experience. I spent 4 nights at OKW and 3 nights at AKL with my sister. My Dh and kids arrived for the VWL and YC part. Next time we will skip the YC.

 

[jdg345]

Great point on the Washer/Dryer! We used to think the same thing but now we include Detergent and Fabric Softener in our 'Care/Travel Package' ... having this in the room, especially with kids, is awesome ... The Studio sure saves a lot of points, but I've gotten quite spoiled with the 1BR's.

 

[kda]

Yep, you've figured it out. Space (and privacy) is a real luxury. And how simple it is to only have to pack a few outfits because it's so easy to do laundry. Definitely our idea of the good life. We vacation in a different way since purchasing VWL.

 

[ddhoeg]

There's no place like the lodge! Glad you had a great trip and thanks for posting.

 

[MaryPA]

Thanks for the info. Glad you liked it. We check in at VWL for the first time this Saturday. I cannot begin to tell you how excited we are!

 

[jiggerj]

Thanks for a very nice post! I enjoyed the way that you wrote it up as well-

I love my visits home to VWL!!!!

Hidden spring pool I feel is one of the best!!!

 

[jdg345]

Villa pool has some bubble jets on the bottom so you feel like you are at a spring

Which pool is this one ... ?