Our First Trip Home!

[anniet]

Just got back last night from our first trip home to VWL (10 nights in a studio#4543).

We had the BEST time! The weather got chilly for a couple of days so when it was too cold to even go in the hot tub we explored the lodge looking for all the hidden Mickeys! We had some friends come up for one Saturday night and that was the one night where we REALLY were wishing we were in a one bedroom!

The cast members were awesome and we got a "Welcome Home" when we checked in as well as from the security guards at the gate each time we returned!

The room was immaculate, but on the second night I went to open the second drawer in the kitchen area and the facing of it fell off in my hand! DBF just put it back, gave it a good bang with his fist and it never came off again.

Trash and towel day we emptied the trash ourselves and housekeeping didn't come to the room until 3:45. By then all they had to do was give us the towels and take the dirty ones.

The sofa in the studio must be scotch guarded (don't ask how I know, let's just say it's a sad story involving a white russian but I bet you'd never know if you stayed in that room) and overall we were very pleased with the room itself.

I was a little disappointed however about two nights before we left. I was sitting on the balcony enjoying a glass of wine, when I looked down into the wooded/wet area below and apparently someone threw a 2 litre soda bottle and what looked like a sports bottle of water over the fence and into that area. There had been 2 balls in the swampy area too (which I had more tolerance for since I can understand how kids might be playing and an occasional ball might go over the fence) but I really wanted to scream when I saw those bottles! I pointed them out to DBF and he sarcastically remarked "Welcome Home!"

We had hoped to try Artist Point, but unfortunately never got around to it. Most nights we had been so busy during the day we ended up being to tired to deal with a waiter or waitress so we just snacked in the room.

All in all, we loved VWL and we realize that had we not purchased DVC we probably would have NEVER stayed there. We're so thankful we're members, we just wish we bought sooner....oh and I think Disney really DOES put something in the water that makes you want to add on, cuz we really have the urge now...well okay maybe not the water, but at least in those soda fountains. Perhaps THAT'S the reason for selling the refillable mugs.

By the way- The parks were empty and we walked onto every ride.. and Disney wasn't even issuing fastpasses for a lot of them!

 

[Sharper]

While I have stayed at WL a few years ago, I have not yet stayed at the villas at WL. One of my best friends, however, absolutely adores that resort and she is now buying WVL through Disney and utilizing the "new and improved" Magical Beginnings.

We might spend a couple of days there on our October trip. Somehow it seems particularly suited to an autumn visit. Glad you had such a good trip and I'm a little jealous that the parks were so empty. We've had a couple of those type trips, and a few of them where things were quite a bit more crowded. Empty is better!

 

[jimmytammy]

Glad to hear you had a magical trip home. We are WLV owners also and made our 1st trip home back in Dec.( it seems like years ago now). It is a lovely place! Its a shame someone couldnt find a trashcan, but I betcha those bottles wouldnt stay there long once a CM saw them.
We also probably would have never stayed at WL or any other DVC type resort had we not been DVC members, but thats the wonderful thing about being members, you can space out those payments(if you have too) and not be so overwhelmed when it comes time to pay for accomodations. Im glad we belong, now just to get back "home".