Pics/Advice For VWL

[I Love DVC]

You don't read too much about VWL on these forums. I was wondering if anyone had pics (of a studio) or general advice about the resort - good/bad experiences, etc. THE SEARCH FUNCTION IS NEVER WORKING, so I am sorry if a thread has already been posted on this.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

We've only stayed there once, but had a fine time. BCV and BWV will always be our favorites, but VWL does have its good points. The decor is pretty and the lobby is very nice. But .. it has its bad points, too ..

One thing we did not like about it was the lack of places to eat. We did not like Roaring Fork (too crowded and smelly). Whoopin' Hollerin' Canyon is not our kinda place. Artist Point is very good, but only for one a trip. We ordered room service once and it was just awful! Cold .. yucky .. just plain bad!

Another thing I found lacking is the gift shop. It was always very crowded. The selection of merchandise isn't what I am used to at my favorite WDW resort gift shops .. BW and AKL.

 

[Granny]

Try this link to see a few pictures of the VWL studios. http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_wlv.htm

I couldn't disagree more with CoolDisneyCat about the eating options there. We find Roaring Fork to be a very accessible counter service place for a snack or light meal, and frankly often talk about the lack of such a place at other DVC resorts.

Whispering Canyon can be a bit rowdy, though it seems that they are taming that down somewhat. Still, it is what it is and the food is okay. Artist Point is a great restaurant, one of the best at WDW, and has a beautiful view overlooking the pool area and Bay Lake.

The VWL resort is small, and keeps with the character and theming of the main Lodge resort. It shares the amenities of the Lodge plus has a quiet pool nearby and a very nice exercise room.

If you are not familiar with WL, here's a link with just about everything you need to know. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=658804

Enjoy your trip....it's a wonderful DVC resort that I'm sure you'll love!

 

[ryanally]

We loved our stay at VWL last October. Because we had little kids, we asked for a room not too far from the elevators. The walk from the villas to the Lodge where eating/gift shop/buses can be long if you get a room at the end of the hall. The rooms were wonderful(2br). We did not request a specific view. Our balconies overlooked the walkway between the villas and the lodge. Not a waterview but we enjoyed it.
We loved Roaring Fork. Never crowded. Hot selections(burgers and other sandwiches) made to order...so piping hot. We ate there twice. Did not do WCC as that doesn't interest us.
No complaints about transportation(the little we used it). We usually drive to the parks and other resorts.
Can't wait to go back!

 

[Disneyrsh]

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[vbalacek]

We love staying at VWL.

I think the dining options are very good. We love Artist Point, and also enjoy WC. We also like that you can boat to the contemporary and easily take advantage of their dining options (CG, CS and Chef Mickeys!)

Since we have small children, we love the option of boating to MK. If someone falls asleep on a stroller at night we just roll them on (rather than having to pick up and wake like when boarding the bus). We've even taken the boat to monorail to get to epcot (which is a longer hike than the bus, but feels like a ride in itself).

We love the resort feel and the theming. The pool is nice and we've always enjoyed ourselves there (although some posters have complained it is too crowded, we've never found this to be the case.) Our last villa overlooked the trees and the lake, and it was so peaceful just sitting out on the balcony!

Overall, we think its a great resort!