Oh my gosh....fell in LOVE with VWL!

[Sammy]

DH and I just returned from our first trip to our home resort of BCV. While there, we took a little side trip to the WL because I had always heard how beautiful it was. Well! The lobby itself just took my breath away! It was definitely one of those "gasp" moments! The towering fireplace, the huge hanging lamps, the "Great Northwoods" feel of it all. The grounds are so green and woodsy (which I love) and the area between the pool and the lodge is just beautiful with all the flowers, rocks and the stream running down. We walked over to the VWL and were impressed with it as well. I wish there had been a room with the door opened (housekeeping) so I could peek inside.

We liked the BCV, especially for the location....which is the main reason we purchased here to begin with. But the beach theming, is not necessarily our favorite. It may have to do with growing up on the coast, so that theme is really nothing "new" to us. Don't get me wrong.....I like the colors, all the cozy reading areas, and the lobby is lovely. It just didn't get a "gasp" reaction from either one of us. That being said, we do look forward to staying there again. That area just cannot be beat for activity.

I think both DH and I are thinking our next DVC ressie is going to be at the VWL! Of course, our goal is to eventually stay at EVERY resort!!!

Sammy

 

[JimFitz]

We just came back from our first trip home at VWL and it was amazing. I agree, the resort is wonderful and the boat to MK is great!

When you stay there, aim for the winter so you will see the Christmas Decorations and the fireplaces in action.

 

[RuthnPaul]

Hmm, sounds like a VWL add-on in the future for you & DH!! There's quite a few of us who have already been bitten by the VWL bug and have made it our 2nd DVC home...

 

[barb45]

We own at VWL and we kind of like the atmosphere at the Beach Club more. I guess you like something different than what you are used to - when I go south in the winter I want warm and beach like. I do like all the extra theming that they have a VWL and the music there is great. The best thing with DVC is that you can stay at all the different resorts!!

 

[spiceycat]

definitely try to book between thanksgiving and Christmas - wonderful time to go.

of course you may have to trade points to do it - but oh can this place decorate......

 

[crisi]

If you can't book a room here over the holidays, dinner at Artists Point is a great excuse to visit the lodge and see the decorations.

Its my favorite resort for themeing and decor, too. And I'm the opposite - Minnesota girl with a decent amount of Northwoods "cabin" time under my belt makes it feel very homey and vacationy to me.

 

[WDWJWEB1]

Glad you enjoyed the WL/VWL staying there is great, we just love it. My DS(9) and DD(7) truely consider it their home away from home.
For people who have never been to the VWL it's hard to explain and pictures do it no justice, I really feel that if your a member of DVC, you have to stay here at least once(especially at X-mas time)

Once again glad you enjoyed your vacation

 

[kaw1106]

Wow, now I am really excited. We are headed to the VWL for our first time. We have stayed at the BCV the past 2 trips (love the location). We sold BCV last year and just bought BWV (long story) But, I have a feeling VWL could be a possible add on for our family, from everything I have heard about it.

kathleen

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Ahhh, yes.... the "gasp" moment... No matter how many times I enter the Lodge, I still get it every time!

My favorite "gasp moment" is walking around the back of the Lodge, by Trout Pass Bar, and looking at VWL from the back entrance by the quiet pool.

And to think, there are actually members here who do not consider WL a deluxe resort...

MG

 

[newholiday]

we're on our way to VWL in just about oh Id have to say 10mins or 600seconds!
First time "home" woohoo

 

[spiceycat]

HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!

 

[Laurabearz]

We also loved VWL and are staying at the BCVs in a couple of weeks.

Like you I am not all that tickled pink with the decor at BCV, but all the other perks in that area, including SAB, is it's draw for us.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Sammy - We could relate. We took a last minute trip last month and stayed at WL. We've never even seen this resort (aside from CG at the Contemporary). Well, we fell in love with WL and can't wait to stay there again!

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by Sammy
DH and I just returned from our first trip to our home resort of BCV. While there, we took a little side trip to the WL because I had always heard how beautiful it was. Well! The lobby itself just took my breath away! It was definitely one of those "gasp" moments!

Sammy....glad that you enjoyed WL & VWL. I remember well my first trip to WDW and walking into the WL lobby. I had done no research, and had no idea at all of what to expect. "Gasp moment" is probably a good description as the four of us formed an immediate attachment to the place.

And there's nothing quite like checking in and walking down the covered walk to VWL for the first time in a trip. Past the Mickey topiary with the DVC sign, and up to the doors with the "Welcome Home" sign which part and let you enter our own little corner of a wonderful resort.

Yep, we had already swallowed the bait and were well on our way to digesting it before we even realized we had been hooked!

 

[Beca]

I LOVE reading threads like this!! I just can't wait to close, and stay there in Dec!!!

MG...What??!!! Some people on here don't think it is a deluxe resort??!!!



Beca

 

[Muushka]

Glad you loved VWl as much as we do, Sammy.

 

[jimmytammy]

We bought at WLV site unseen. I remember pulling around the corner and the front of the lodge coming into view. It was a misty moment for sure. Then we walked into the lobby. DW had to finally check-in cause my head was still looking up.

I am a builder so it takes a lot to impress me. WL and its villas definitely still impresses me. That is along with many other architectural wonders at WDW.

Cant wait to see it again in a few days!!


Glad to hear WLV impressed you. It seems to do that to a lot of people

 

[Time4disney]

We just bought into DVC at VWL and can't wait for our first trip home in November. We have stayed at WL many times and I can't wait to be able to walk through the walkway passing the Mickey topiary. We will be bringing someone with us who has never seen WL before, so it will be extra exciting for us this trip. Glad to hear you love my home resort!

 

[thelobstershanty]

"Gasp moment" is a great way to put seeing WL lobby for the first time! Very impressive lobby! We find GF and AKL to also have "gasp moment" lobbies .
We love WL at the Christmas holidays, it is holiday atmosphere through and through.

 

[MaryJ]

We own at VWLwill be checking in there at the end of this month. Last year we stayed at the BCV for the Food and Wine Festival. While the proximity to Epcot was great, DH and I missed our VWL home too much. When we decided to go back for the F&WF again this year, I asked DH where he wanted to stay, and he said "Even though it's farther, let's just go back to the lodge!"

And to the poster who said that when they go to FL in the winter, they want a beach theme, try going to FL in July like we usually do.... then those "cool northwoods" at VWL seem pretty good!