Need info on WLV - we have only stayed at OKW

[bluedoggy]

OKW is our home resort, and the only DVC location we've stayed at. We love it there, but were thinking of possibly trying WLV (studio).
We have our trip planned for Nov, and are in the process of closing on an add-on contract that has banked pts. we'd like to use. (if we can possibly find room available) Soooo -for those who have stayed at WLV, what can I expect. We know the studios are smaller, but that's not an issue. Just would like to know what are the best things about WLV, etc.

 

[Laxmom]

Ummm...everything! Love that resort! The pool is amazing, the lobby is amazing, the geiser is amazing....well, you get the picture. It is very well themed to the point where you don't even feel like you are in Florida. The lobby is jaw dropping and the decor is warm and inviting. We rented a couple of nights there years ago but are staying there prior to our upcoming cruise for the first time in the villas. It is our favorite resort...next to HHI, of course! You'll love it!

BTW, we leave for OKW on Sunday for the first time. Really looking forward to it!

 

[vicki_c]

VWL is very nice, but I'm sure very different from OKW (I've never stayed at OKW, but assume there are similarities with SSR, where I have stayed).

We just did a split VWL/SSR stay and they are just very different. VWL is a hotel resort -- so you have some extra things (room service, for example). They have a nice fitness center, not sure if OKW has that. I recommend Artist Point for a nice TS, and of course there's Whispering Canyon as well (not really my thing), and Roaring Forks CS, so I think more dining options than OKW.

Balconies at VWL seemed teeny tiny to me - I hear OKW's are bigger. The rooms at VWL will be smaller than OKW, definitely.

It's the whole "hotel" vs. "condo" thing. But we've always loved the Wilderness Lodge, even before DVC. I think it's beautiful - you should definitely try it once, you'll enjoy it, I'm sure.

Check the VWL lovers thread too, for more info and lots of photos.

 

[Chuck S]

If you are booking studios, remember that only OKW studios have 2 queen beds, all other resorts have a queen bed and a full sleeper sofa.

 

[Topo Bella]

We own at SSR, but wanted to try VWL. We loved it and were glad we stayed there. The lobby is magnificent and very Disney. We also liked the location ... being able to hop on a launch to MK was nice. I also loved Whispering Canyon for dinner.

I only have 2 complaints - if you can call them that. The villas and the villa building are themed in very dark colors. If you are looking for light and airy rooms, this is not the place to find them. I also did not like that the pool was not zero-entry and the kiddle pool was not connected to the main pool. So, while I was at the kiddle pool with my then 2 year old, I could not see my sons in the main pool. That was fine while my husband was at the pool with me, but when I was at the pool alone, it presented a bit of a problem.

 

[smjj]

The resort is one of the nicest Disney has. Having OKW as our home resort has spoiled us though when it comes to the room sizes. As mentioned, the balcony is tiny. We thought the room was very dark and much smaller than we are use to. Love the resort , don't care for the room sizes(studio). Give it a try , we did not spend much time in our room and this trip it was just the two of us so it was not a big deal...smjj

 

[Deb & Bill]

OKW is our home resort, and the only DVC location we've stayed at. We love it there, but were thinking of possibly trying WLV (studio).
We have our trip planned for Nov, and are in the process of closing on an add-on contract that has banked pts. we'd like to use. (if we can possibly find room available) Soooo -for those who have stayed at WLV, what can I expect. We know the studios are smaller, but that's not an issue. Just would like to know what are the best things about WLV, etc.

If you are talking about Nov 08, I don't think you are going to find anything available at VWL. It's very popular in Nov and Dec because of the holiday decorations. Add that to the fact that VWL is the smallest DVC at WDW and your chances are going down very fast.

 

[mopee3]

The lobby is magnificent and very Disney. We also liked the location ... being able to hop on a launch to MK was nice. I also loved Whispering Canyon for dinner.

I find it interesting you would call it very Disney , its a good thing. I use to live in Montana not too far from Glacier National Park and have visited/stayed in the wonderful lodges that are in that park. The lobby of WL is very much like those lodges. As I understand it, the lodge was copied from one of the Yellowstone Park lodges. In fact when we drove up to the WL last April for the first time we were amazed how much it looks like those big western lodges outside. We plan to stay with friends at WL this November for 3 days.
So..... for those who have never experienced the major western lodges, be aware you will actually get to see what a good copy of them looks like. Enjoy!! Love this banana guy!!

Monty

 

[HERSEY]

We just returned from our stay a VWL. We stayed in a studio. We really liked the studio. I love the theming there. If ever I add-on it will be at VWL.

 

[Laxmom]

We say the same thing!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I find it interesting you would call it very Disney , its a good thing. I use to live in Montana not too far from Glacier National Park and have visited/stayed in the wonderful lodges that are in that park. The lobby of WL is very much like those lodges. As I understand it, the lodge was copied from one of the Yellowstone Park lodges. In fact when we drove up to the WL last April for the first time we were amazed how much it looks like those big western lodges outside. We plan to stay with friends at WL this November for 3 days.
So..... for those who have never experienced the major western lodges, be aware you will actually get to see what a good copy of them looks like. Enjoy!! Love this banana guy!!

Monty

We bought points at VWL when it first opened because we also used to live in Montana (eastern Montana) and visited Yellowstone often.