Looking for the scoop on VWL

[schatterjee]

Hi!

We're thinking of trying this resort if we can get in for our next trip - 2005. But there seems like so little to read about it. I'd love to hear more about it good, bad or indifferent...

We have two little boys they'll be two and eight and MK is the favorite at this time. How do the boats really work? We used buses at BWV (our home) last May and weren't very impressed. It was really hot during our stay and it seemed like everything took forever.

Anyway, just looking for the scoop so we can pick the right place for this trip. Sooner or later we want to try them all!

Thanks!

 

[dizneeluvr]

We love VWL. It is a great resort. Quiet, peaceful, relaxing.

The villa pool is nice and quiet, yet you only have a quick walk if to the lodge pool if you are looking for more action.

Renting surrey bikes and pedaling over to the campground's petting zoo is a nice thing to do.

The electric water pageant on the lagoon each night is really special! Pop some popcorn in your microwave and then head down to the beach chairs about 15 minutes before it starts and just enjoy the quiet...and then the show. One of our favorites!

As far as transpo...we go in January, so maybe our experiences are different--but we don't find it to be an issue. The boats were running great this past trip (with boat after boat coming in for pickup at MK's closing). The buses run smoothly IMO, the only bus we seem to wait for is MGM but that's usually marathon day and everything is a little slow.

It's a great resort...

Enjoy!

Laura

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Where are Granny and Maistre Gracey when you need them? While I own at VWL, both of them are far more eloquent than I when it comes to the VWL.

We usually go there once every couple of years to be close to the MK. It is truly a vacation out of the ordinary for us because everything else we own seems to have a beach theme to it, so we enjoy this escape from time to time.

HBC

 

[Dis Hawk]

I believe the Travel Channel will be re-running a 30 minute special on WL as part of its "Great Hotels" program on June 8th at 3pm. Set your VCR or DVR.

Check the Travel Channel's web site at http://travel.discovery.com.

Good luck

 

[houseofmouse]

We just got back (in March) from VWL and it was great. My husband said when we go back we are staying there again. It is a great quiet place. It feels like a small hotel even though it has tons to do. We were lucky enough to be a flag family and I highly recommend it if you have kids. My daughter loved it. The staff there is amazing and the guests are really friendly. All in all the transportaion was a little slow, but that complaint carries over to all resorts. It was great being so close to MK. I recommend it highly.

Have a great time!!

 

[BCVOwner2002]

We were there last July. The proximity to MK is great! Renting boats on the big lake was a lot of fun. We didn't do this because my DS is 18 but I heard the campfire at Forth Wilderness is entertaining for kids. There are also lounge chairs near the lake where you can sit and watch the water pagent. Hope this helps. Annmarie

 

[riopooh]

We were there last Aug and are going again Feb 2005. We love it - its so calming and relaxing. My only complaint was the main pool - it got Very crowded, but then we were there in August & at least one part of each afternnon had a tstorm so there was limited availability. We didn't know about the other pool - we are definitely going to look for it our next trip! (Even if it Feb!)

If you are staying in the main building there are tables and chairs scattered through the floors - I would leave the family watching tv & go somewhere peaceful to read & write postcards!
Now we're DVC members - I'm looking forward to the villa!!

My DS was 9 and DD 3 for our last trip. DS loved being able to go to Roaring Forks for a refill while I browsed at the souvenir cart in the lobby - Its a big hotel but not so enormous that I was afraid he would get lost or in trouble- he loved a little independence (and I loved being just a lobby away)

Enjoy your trip where ever you end up!

 

[anniet]

There are two ferries that go between Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, The Contemporary Resort and the Magic Kingdom. I'm sorry I can't be more specific about their scheduling, but we never waited long, and it's always an enjoyable ride.

We loved going over to Fort Wilderness (you can walk or take the ferry) and just walking around for a "down day" and there's a small petting zoo over there as well.

Whispering Canyon (although we've never eaten there) was lively every night and from what I understand it is great place to eat with your family, unless you stress very strict table manners, and then it might not be for you. Roaring Forks is a great place to grab a quick bite too.

The theming is awesome, the proximity to MK is great.

Definitely sit on the beach and watch the water pageant. You can do that every night if you wish.

We are trying all the other resorts before we return "home" and so far the other two we've tried have been great, but "home" is where our hearts are.

 

[mickeys#1fan]

We've stayed in all of the DVC resorts and love them all. Each has something that makes it special. VWL is truly unique.

Except for the fact the Florida is flat, you feel transported to one of the great western national parks the moment you see the stone and canvass Wilderness Lodge archway. The entry and resort are tucked into tall pines. This is truly the most rustic setting of them all. Even though it's a stone's throw from all the MK action, VWL is the most peaceful of the resorts.

The main lodge itself is majestic, especially once you see the atrium with the stream running through it. Rooms are decorated in rich, mission-style greens, reds and browns. Some find the decor too dark, but I think it adds the idyllic charm. If that doesn't do it for you, then close your eyes for a moment and allow the strains of music from Dances with Wolves or Billy the Kid to carry you to a distant time and place. It's pure escapist bliss.

There is alot to do there. The main pool is huge, and it does get crowded, so get there early. You can rent different boats - DD and I love the watermice. There is also a Hidden Mickey hunt, which you can pick up at regisitration. During the evening take a carriage ride around the lodge and Fort Wilderness. It's a nice way to unwind and see the resort from a different view. If you get the chance, go to FW and take the hay ride. You'll watch Wishes from the other side of Bay Lake while they pipe in the music.

You can also eat! Roaring Forks is a nice little junk food cafe and great place to refill your soda mug. Whispering Canyon is a hoot! Avoid dinner - not very good. Breakfast is exellent and a tasty way to start the day. Artist Point is one of the best fine dining establishments on property. If you appreciate good food like DW and I do, then you shouldn't miss this.

Transportation is good. The boats can get you where you want to go or to another mode that gets you where you want to go fairly quickly. Nothing beats having your own car.

Everyone should stay at VWL at least once. Try to get rooms that end in 19. We stayed in 5519 last summer (1BR). They are corner rooms that have two balconies, are bigger than the other 1BR and overlook Bay Lake and the quiet pool.

 

[schatterjee]

It sounds great! I hope we can get in - I can't wait to give it a try!

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by Happy Birthday Cat
Where are Granny and Maistre Gracey when you need them? While I own at VWL, both of them are far more eloquent than I when it comes to the VWL.

Why HBC, I do believe I'm blushing.

And I think many have contributed some wonderful comments about our beloved VWL. A special nod to mickeys#1fan who wrote such lovely and insightful comments.

I'm only going to add one thing. Since you've got little ones, you should try the duck races at WL that run in the afternoon in the Silver Springs creek. They're a hoot!!

The villas follow the same general theming as the Wilderness Lodge resort that they abut. If you'd like more information on the Wilderness Lodge resort itself, there is more stuff on the resorts board that you could ever digest! Here's one of the threads:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=509975


You will have an awesome time, I'm sure. Enjoy!