need some help from the VWL lovers out there

[eliza61]

My family and I are creatures of routine, we don't handle change really well. I mean trying chocolate milk was a major cause for celebration in my household . Our home resort is the Beach club villas, we love it. Go back faithfully every year. All is happy in my universe until my youngest son uttered these words. "Mom how about we stay some place new"
gasp!!
So we are staying 11 wonderful days at the VWL, last week in August. I've read on some post that the lodge is starting to show it's age and needs an update but I wanted to get some DVC'ers opinions. Heard they have water sports, how are they? How's the pool? I know its not Stromalong bay but is it nice anyway? Just feeling a little nervous as my trip approaches.

 

[dianeschlicht]

It's a wonderful DVC resort, just like they all are.

 

[iankh]

First of all, we LOVE VWL there is a TON of stuff to do there.

Please go look at the following thread. It is the most comprehensive compilation of information about the Wilderness Lodge I have ever seen. We have been going there for YEARS and even I learned quite a bit of new things from this thread:

Wilderness Lodge FAQ

 

[abner1776]

From what I have read on these boards, every resort except SSR is showing it's age and the VWL is no exception. The lodge area and the common areas are still as wonderful as they were when they built them...yes, some of the hallways and rooms need some updating and from what I have read, some of the rooms are getting a facelift as we speak.

The pool is very nice, but it's like driving a BMW as your first car ...it's very hard to go back to even a nice Honda never mind a Kia...you will always be comparing it to the BMW. That does not mean the Honda or Kia are not fine automobiles, but your mind thinks otherwise...you need to find the good points in the Honda or Kia

Each resort have their good points and with BCV, it's definitely SAB. VWL has the easy access to MK and the beautiful lodge. If DVC ever put an SAB equivalent at VWL it would be mass histeria...everyone would want VWL.

DVC has built each resort with a different theme and with positives and negatives in an effort to appeal to a broad spectrum of people.

Will you enjoy the WL and VWL ?? I certainly did and will continue for years with my DVC membership, but even if it ends up that you prefer BCV, I don't think you will go home from VWL thinking that you "blew it."

 

[Granny]

So we are staying 11 wonderful days at the VWL, last week in August. I've read on some post that the lodge is starting to show it's age and needs an update but I wanted to get some DVC'ers opinions. Heard they have water sports, how are they? How's the pool? I know its not Stromalong bay but is it nice anyway? Just feeling a little nervous as my trip approaches.

First piece of advice....don't take every stray comment on these boards as gospel, whether they're positive or negative. They are, primarily, opinions and as such are colored by individual bias. What some people might see as rustic and great theming other people call "showing its age".

Every resort, unless it's spanking brand new, will have various degrees of wear and tear. I think Disney, in general, does an excellent job of keeping its resorts in great shape. Will there be an exception to this? Sure, but for the most part they seem willing to work with the guests to get things fixed that need fixing.

Water sports? Well, WL has great access to boating, water skiing and parasailing. Bay Lake is a very nice lake for boating, and you can take boats over to Seven Seas Lagoon and circle around there too for a wonderful view of MK, the Poly, the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian.

The main pool is nice with a small slide, but it is nothing like Stormalong Bay pool at BCV. That could be the only issue I would see if you all are strongly attached to SAB. Otherwise, VWL is a great resort that I think your family will enjoy. As abner said in the previous post, I don't think you'll have a bad time there or feel like it was a bad decision. It just might not be your family's favorite.

On the other hand, it just might!

 

[kahluacream]

Just back from VWL, and I think you'll love it! It's very peaceful and relaxing there. The transportation was wonderful. And, for an August trip, I think it will be nice because it's heavily wooded. All of that shade will be nice in the Florida heat!

Hope you have a great vacation!

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

Great thread...maybe just what I need for that push to try something new!

 

[jennybobenny]

We're in the same boat. After many many great trips to Boardwalk Villas we're trying VWL next month. It's all I can do to keep from calling Member Services to check on last minute availability at BW. Old habits die hard.
Remember the mouse and the cheese? Change is good. Change is good.

 

[6IrishDisneyKids]

We love VWL! I am sure you will, too... In fact, we have stayed at SSR, BWV. VWL and OKW and - althought they are all different and have different things to offer - none of them are disappointing! You will have a wonderful time!

 

[jmurphy625]

I'm sure you'll love it....we especially like the proximity to the MK with young kids. My boys love the pool and the resturant...After three vaca's in a row at WL we're going to try some other resorts this June but we will probably be back to our "home" next time since we can book earlier than other resorts.

 

[MinnieGi]

After 3 trips to BWV in a row we broke out of our routine and tried the VWL in January. We loved it!!! It looked wonderful to us the lodge and villas. We sat in the villa commons area and liked the look and feel. It was wonderful to experience a different theme. It's nice to have VARIETY!!!!

 

[sleepydog25]

So we are staying 11 wonderful days at the VWL, last week in August. I've read on some post that the lodge is starting to show it's age and needs an update but I wanted to get some DVC'ers opinions.

Naaahhh, you'll hate it. Here's why:
1) That darn music. Just when I want to be left alone, that majestic, western-themed music is piped in over speakers throughout the grounds.
2) Hidden Springs pool. I hate having a pool just steps from the back entrance to the Villas where you can actually get in and enjoy space. Heck, the nearby hot tub is so quiet, you can actually hear the crickets and frogs around you. How relaxing can that be?
3) Artist Point. It's simply awful to have one of the top 5 WDW restaurants a mere 2-3 minute walk away from your suite. I'd much rather have to fight the crowds in the parks.
4) Transportation. Enough is enough. The Lodge already had a boat going to MK. Why did they also have to add a bus line that goes directly to MK with no switching?
5) Nature trail. When I'm on vacation, I want nothing to do with nature. I swear, every time I run along that nasty ol' nature trail or along the paved path to FW, I can't help seeing wildlife, like that time I saw a hawk w/prey in his talons a mere 10 feet away on the ground.
6) Colors/theming. Those muted reds, greens, and browns are deceptive. They actually make you enjoy sitting in your room or taking a bath in the jacuzzi tub.
And the theming? Ugh. Who enjoys searching for all the hidden Mickeys? or exploring the cavernous main lobby? or being a flag family? or watching the geyser blow every hour?
7) Cubs Den. Why do they have a place where small kids can go by themselves while mommy and daddy enjoy a nice meal together? Why do they show them movies, have games, activities, and serve dinner to and for the kids?
7) Peace and quiet. I don't understand what's so great about the relative solitude you can find at VWL. All those places to sit and read a book, enjoy a fire, sip a drink while you play checkers in the Iron Spike Room, or simply people watch. I'd much rather be elbow to elbow with folks after spending all day in a park with thousands of my closest friends.

Well, I sure hope my critique helps you avoid VWL. It's hard to imagine anyone going there and enjoying themselves, much less wanting to go back for another visit. Do yourself a favor and stay away from VWL.

 

[lenshanem]

I had read about WL and VWL showing their age recently, too BUT... we were just there in April and I saw no signs of it. I thought everything looked in great shape.

I think VWL can handle wear and tear better than BCV cause of the decor. All that white at BCV...

Yes, the pool is better at BC than at WL. But, the theming is so fabulous at WL. It really does take your breath away. I own at both BCV and VWL and my fav is VWL.

Matter of fact, we just did another small add on there!

 

[littlestar]

The main lodge rooms at the Wilderness Lodge are the ones being refurbished (and hallways) is what I heard. I think the main lodge opened in 1994. So I'm sure it was time for an update.

I thought the villas were still in good shape.

 

[dizfanz]

VWL is my favorite for just about every reason mentioned already. If you are EPCOT fans then maybe you will miss the easy walk. Also, there is something to be said about a stroll around the boardwalk at nighttime. Being at WDW for 11 days you more than likely will get some serious pool time in and that will make you miss SAB. If you are such creatures of habit, and staying 11 days, why not split your visit with VWL to begin and then switch to BCV, thus having the best of both worlds?

 

[canwegosoon]

Naaahhh, you'll hate it. Here's why:
1) That darn music. Just when I want to be left alone, that majestic, western-themed music is piped in over speakers throughout the grounds.
2) Hidden Springs pool. I hate having a pool just steps from the back entrance to the Villas where you can actually get in and enjoy space. Heck, the nearby hot tub is so quiet, you can actually hear the crickets and frogs around you. How relaxing can that be?
3) Artist Point. It's simply awful to have one of the top 5 WDW restaurants a mere 2-3 minute walk away from your suite. I'd much rather have to fight the crowds in the parks.
4) Transportation. Enough is enough. The Lodge already had a boat going to MK. Why did they also have to add a bus line that goes directly to MK with no switching?
5) Nature trail. When I'm on vacation, I want nothing to do with nature. I swear, every time I run along that nasty ol' nature trail or along the paved path to FW, I can't help seeing wildlife, like that time I saw a hawk w/prey in his talons a mere 10 feet away on the ground.
6) Colors/theming. Those muted reds, greens, and browns are deceptive. They actually make you enjoy sitting in your room or taking a bath in the jacuzzi tub.
And the theming? Ugh. Who enjoys searching for all the hidden Mickeys? or exploring the cavernous main lobby? or being a flag family? or watching the geyser blow every hour?
7) Cubs Den. Why do they have a place where small kids can go by themselves while mommy and daddy enjoy a nice meal together? Why do they show them movies, have games, activities, and serve dinner to and for the kids?
7) Peace and quiet. I don't understand what's so great about the relative solitude you can find at VWL. All those places to sit and read a book, enjoy a fire, sip a drink while you play checkers in the Iron Spike Room, or simply people watch. I'd much rather be elbow to elbow with folks after spending all day in a park with thousands of my closest friends.

Well, I sure hope my critique helps you avoid VWL. It's hard to imagine anyone going there and enjoying themselves, much less wanting to go back for another visit. Do yourself a favor and stay away from VWL.

Sounds like you are trying to keep the place for yourself... Good idea!

 

[sleepydog25]

Sounds like you are trying to keep the place for yourself... Good idea!

Nooooooooooo. . .

 

[paults]

I agree with DIZFANZ, WHY NOT SPLIT YOUR STAY between them. Do VWL for 5/6 nts then BCV for the rest. That way if your not happy with VWL you can at least be at home for part of your trip.

First of all we stayed at all the on site DVC's and love them all for diff reasons. You should really like the VWL.

We own at BWV and just stayed at BCV May 7/12 and yes my DW really missed the BWV but all was fine at the BCV.

Hey why not try VWL for 5/6 nts then BWV for the rest, that way you'll know if you want to stay only at home (BCV) from now on.( But I don't think you will)

have fun on your trip.

 

[Cinderella]

You will enjoy it. We have split between WL and the BC before we joined DVC, and I enjoyed both experiences but my family preferred WL.

The pool is definitely more exciting for kids at the BC, but the WL pool is way more relaxing.

The Beach Club is more luxurious, but the theming there can't touch the WL.

You will love the boat ride to MK. And if you end the day in Epcot's Future World, you will be able to get a bus back to your resort, instead of having to endure that long walk.

WL definitely has a more relaxing atmosphere than the Beach Club. You can rent boats on the lake, and the cycle trail to Fort Wilderness is fun.

Plus you have good dining choices in the lodge, and you are also close to the other MK resort restaurants.

I think you will love it. You could split your time, but that would spoil your relaxation.

Three days until VWL for me!

 

[jmurphy625]

Sounds like you are trying to keep the place for yourself... Good idea!

That reminds me of when people would ask about our trip.. looking for recommendations ...or where we stayed (at Wilderness Lodge) I'd always get comments about, "oh yeah the campground"...(which we also stayed at and loved). I've stopped trying to explain and figured it's probably better to keep it hidden!!