Question for WLV Owners

[RweTHEREyet]

What made you decide to buy in at WLV versus a resale at another resort or waiting for BCV?

 

[spiceycat]

Your kidding right?

this resort is beautiful - there is nothing at all wrong with VWL - and for getting to the MK it can't be beat.

plus have you seem this place in December - it and WL are so ..beautiful that you have to see it to believe it.

I like the design better than BWV or BCV - you are under cover the whole time you are running to a restuarant - they have a great snack bar and you get to see the electric water pagen every night - if you want.

It is also closer to the bus stop than the Lodge.

 

[littlestar]

The Wilderness Lodge is our Favorite Disney resort. We love the lobby, the pool, the quiet, etc. We like that it's close to the Magic Kingdom. It's unbelieveable at Christmas time! My husband unwinds just as soon as we pull in the drive at the WLV.

Yacht and Beach Club is a close second. Our first contract was 150 points at the Lodge and the second for 60 at the Beach Club Villas. We may add more at the Beach Club. We picked our most favorite hotels at Disney as our choice of home resorts.

 

[DisneyKidds]

We specifically bought at VWL (a resale) because the place is sooooo incredible. We also bought a resale at BWV because that place is soooo incredible. We are thinking about a BCV add on because the place is..............you know . Seriously, we love all the DVC resorts, and they each have their plusses.

We absolutely had to own at VWL because we find it to be the absolute most restful of all the Disney resorts. The Hidden Springs pool and hot tub - it doesn't get any more relaxing than that. You are right by the MK (the boat is great), yet you really feel like you are a million miles away. Add in the fact that we find VWL to be the absolute best resort at Christmas (combination or decorations, atmosphere, and music) and it was a no brainer for us. And my DW isn't even an outdoorsy or PacNW type of person - and she still loves it!!! When we are looking for a relaxing Christmas holiday getaway to WDW, there is nowhere we'd rather go than VWL.

Of course, when we are looking to be in the middle of the action and want a warm weather getaway, we love the Epcot resort area and BWV and BCV. There is much more hustle and bustle around these resorts, so you don't get the relaxation factor you do at VWL, but the pools and access to Epcot and MGM can't be beat.

God help us if we had to choose only one . We're lucky we didn't have to .

 

[crisi]

I bought a BWV resale shortly after they stopped selling VWL. If Disney had still been selling VWL, I would have bought then and there. (Resale VWL was no deal at all at the time -- and contracts were scarce).

The resort is beautiful. There is great access to the MK - which will always be "Disneyworld" to many people. Also really nice access to the CR, Poly and GF, which, along with the restaurants in WL provide for some wonderful dining options. In some ways WL is a wonderful compromise resort. The peace and quiet of OKW, the better (although not as good as) access to parks, restaurants, etc. and deluxe hotel-ness of BWV/BCVs.

 

[RoutemanDan]

Crisi said it better than I could...

Originally posted by crisi


The resort is beautiful. There is great access to the MK - which will always be "Disneyworld" to many people. Also really nice access to the CR, Poly and GF, which, along with the restaurants in WL provide for some wonderful dining options. In some ways WL is a wonderful compromise resort. The peace and quiet of OKW, the better (although not as good as) access to parks, restaurants, etc. and deluxe hotel-ness of BWV/BCVs.

We have loved the Wilderness Lodge since it opened,to buy there was a no brainer for us.
VWL and OKW are our Favorites in WDW.anxiously awaiting to see what Saratoga Springs has to offer.

 

[DVCPAT]

We did a small add on at the Wilderness Lodge. You get the best of both worlds at the WL villa's. The room location is secluded from the main lobby area so it's always very quiet, yet an easy walk to the main lobby even in the rain.

It's location is great not only to the MK, the lake is the biggest in WDW for renting boats. It's also great to hop on the boat shuttle and visit the camp grounds or the other lakefront resorts for dinner. The resort takes on a different feel at night with the lanterns around the resort walkways. I also think it's a plus being the smallest DVC resort.

 

[jimmytammy]

We bought sight unseen. First of all, we knew if it was Disney we wouldnt be dissapointed. Second, the price was fixin to go up as BCV were getting ready to go on the market.
I told my DW after getting back from 1st trip home how fortunate I felt that we bought at VWL although we are looking forward to staying at OKW, BWV and BCV someday also.
We love the peace and tranquility of the VWL. We were a little concerned about the transportation issues we had heard and read about but after being there, all that is behind us now. The remoteness of VWL turned out to be a blessing. After coming in from the parks it gives you a true time to unwind and get ready for the next day. We have gotten over the commando tours, so VWL is right up our alley!
We really didnt know about resales when we bought. If we did another add-on, would look at resale market for more VWL pts.

 

[DVCGirl49]

We knew from even before Wilderness Lodge itself was built that we were going to love it and wanted to stay there for a trip or two when it was finished. When down the road DVC was going to be offering Villas there, there was no question in our minds, we were going to own a (very tiny!) piece of VWL! The lobby and all the rest of the decorating/archetecture is so awsome, and have you ever looked at it from out on a WaterMouse?!?! It just appears from out of the woods as you boat on up and just takes up the view....it is AMAZING!!! And of course we love having room service, the quiet pool, and Whispering Canyon Cafe....ketchup anyone?!?!

 

[Luvdisney]

Our last trip down we stayed at the WL and toured BCV. We really liked BC, but when our guide said they had VWL available that clenched it for us. The themeing at VWL is un beatable. We love just sitting in the lobby in front of a fire and whiching the people go by. I think every time we were in the lobby I saw something new.

 

[disneyelaine]

We bought at VWL because we wanted to get "in" before a price increase in points! Really that was the only reason. We began looking at DVC when BWV was selling. We really wanted BWV, but waited too long to purchase & it sold out. I knew BCV would be coming up soon, but did not wait because of the price per point increase. Sad but true. And we wanted to finance thru Disney so we were not interested in a resale.

We have not stayed at WLV yet, (have made about 5 trips between OKW, BWV & BCV), but when we do I am sure I will find all the charming things to love about it!

 

[westjones]

We bought last year into BCV (when the points were $70 during the 'presale' period). I think we are going to like it a lot, and we have our first trip coming up in March. On the other hand, we LOVE the Fort Wilderness area, and one of the big selling points for us was that we would be able to stay at VWL too!

I am just waiting for our 7 month window to open up so I can make reservations for September there. I sure hope it isn't hard to get in there. I haven't decided if we are going to go for a studio or a 1 bedroom yet, so I might just wait and see what is available.

I told DH that I have a feeling that we are going to have a BIG problem. I think we are going to like BOTH BCVs and VWL so much that it is going to be hard to decide which to go to! (we don't like moving during our stays). Then DH said to me, "But isn't that a great problem to have!" I must admit, he had a point!

Anyway, I think both of those resorts are great, for very different reasons, and I think I will love them both!
DJ

 

[Granny]

I guess some of the regulars figured I would weigh in at some point on this thread!

What made you decide to buy in at WLV versus a resale at another resort or waiting for BCV?

For us, it was VWL that got us interested in DVC in the first place. We were already loving the WL and all its theming and beauty. When they started selling VWL, that got us thinking in terms of DVC.

Hate to say it, but if they hadn't built VWL, we probably wouldn't be members today. We would have gone on happily staying at WL, not knowing what we were missing!

I am curious as to what prompted the above question? It's almost phrased as if "why would anyone purchase at VWL if they knew BCV was coming or there were other options through resale?"

Curious question, but no lack of answers!

 

[MAC3]

We were staying with friends @BWV when we took the tour. DH was sold on buying. I was sold on the location. When we took the tour the only things availible were VWL, HH, VB.
As we vacation in WDW we chose VWL. TO be honest I was disappointed at first until DH said we can stay anywhere.

Well this Oct we had the pleasure to stay at the lodge and I must say I can wait to stay there again and see it during the Christmas season. It was absolutely breathtaking and relaxing. Needless to say, I am NO longer disappointed.

We also purchased right away so that we wouldn't be affected by price increase, we weren't aware of resales. I'm glad I didn't know!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

No, definitely not an attack of any kind. It was simply one different way of finding out what the appeal is and what everyone likes most. We will be staying there in March for a week, and I wanted to know what appealed to everyone. Since there were some other options at the time, BCV coming up, etc, I figured people must have reasons for choosing WLV. If I had simply asked the question, What do you like at WLV, I didn't think I would get many responders. Sometimes it is hard to get folks to tell all the secret things they love about one resort or another. Sometimes asking the same question in different ways gets you many more answers. Just my way of gathering information, and so far it is working, but you have blown my cover now, so we will see.

Did not mean to put anyone on the defensive, but I was curious to know what prompted some purchase decisions.

I know I purchased at OKW because points became available when they opened the new building, and I was able to take advantage of Magical Beginnings and a Cast Member discount. It was my way of getting my foot in the door of DVC, knowing I could add-on later. I bought at BCV because when we started checking out DVC we were told that that location was in the works and I have always loved staying at the Yacht and Beach Club and loved the theming there. I said I would buy whenever it became available. We jumped in just before the price increase along with a Cash Member discount.

WLV came along too soon on the heels of our OKW purchase for it to even be a consideration for us at the time. Maybe after staying there, I might have to go on a waitlist for a small add-on if they ever become available.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I wasn't a fan of staying on site. I had stayed at Port Orleans and loved it...but the rest of the Disney hotels either didn't appeal to me or I couldn't justify the appeal versus the expense (Grand Floridian, Yacht & Beach, Boardwalk). Then Disney built the Wilderness Lodge...for the first time I wanted to stay on site...but still couldn't afford it.

Then friends actually stayed at WL and THEN during our group trip next year bought Disney. I thought it was an incredibly illogical move...I argued it didn't make sense for a small family...the existing timeshare would let them bring up to 12 people for virtually nothing. Thinking it through further my conclusion was that DVC made the most financial sense for a single person or a couple...and then I said hey wait a minute (bear in mind this argument took the better part of a year)...I'm a single person, I'm planning on going to Disney to stay on site...the price of DVC is going up from the $65 or $68 they paid to $75...resales are around $65 to $68. Why not apply my trip money to the deposit and buy (and still take the trip)? ...And...wow it suddenly made sense. The combination of $72 per point without Magical Beginnings...using my vacation money...buying wilderness lodge which is almost perfect (except for the Richard Petty Driving experience) made it all come together.

Would I buy now? No. $84 a point without magical beginnings, the ability to get discounted accomodations...cheap(er) VWL resales...all that doesn't add up at the moment .

Of all the resorts at Disney...to me WL has the most unique feel...probably because it gives the illusion of being non-tropical whereas the others emphasize the tropical feel. I can (and have) spend a non-park vacation there without feeling deprived at all. The quiet, the boats, the trails the bikes...just wonderful.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by RweTHEREyet
No, definitely not an attack of any kind. It was simply one different way of finding out what the appeal is and what everyone likes most......

.........Sometimes asking the same question in different ways gets you many more answers. Just my way of gathering information, and so far it is working, but you have blown my cover now, so we will see.

RweTHEREyet....thanks for satisfying my curiosity!

It just seemed a strange way to phrase the question.

One of my favorite threads was initiated last year after several "home resort war" threads...it asked each DVCer to say something they like about any resort that they didn't own points at. It was really a wonderful thread!

BTW....evening on the beach, sitting with an adult beverage and watching EWP go by.....oh, baby! Heaven!

 

[spiceycat]

You should has so in the beginning - this is a wonderful resort - it has little rooms off the main entrance - like WL - but all of the VWL are on the first floor - WL are on the fourth, fifth and sixth - it is cute - this is one of the DVC resorts that I can fully enjoy without going to the parks.

Yes I love WL long before VWL was built - and I still do - this is the best of both works for me - I get to stay at my favorite resort and spend less points - great!!!!

things to do - make sure you check the activities list on the back of your map when you check in - WL always has some neat stuff to do - try one night to see the Electric Water Pagen from the beach - it is old and very American - but I still like it

do you like to walk - WL/VWL/FW are all connected with paths - this is one of the best places in WDW to walk or jog.

the exercise room (gym, health club, or whatever you want to call it) is one of the best on property.

do you like birds? if you do take the time to feed the birds at WL/VWL - they are so use to people that most of the time the wild birds will come take food our of your hand - just don't try to tease them you will be biten. these are not tame - they just realize that people probably won't hurt them at WDW.

take some time to walk around this resort - look for the little things - it has a bunch of hidden Mickeys - bell services use to have a clue sheet for your search.

It the little things that really make a WDW resort special and I don't think that any WDW resort does it better than VWL/WL.

look for the wildflowers - VWL has a bunch of them blooming at all times of the year.

don't rush around this place - take your time - suddenly running to the parks is not so important.

 

[zillow]

I like trees!

No, actually we bought there because it was the only thing (on property) that Disney was selling at the time. I'm so glad because if not, I probably wouldn't have thought to stay there and I absolutely love it there. The tree comment is only half serious. The one thing that bothers me about pictures of the BCV is how wide open it is. No place to hide from the sun and it just looks very exposed to me. I do look forward to trying BCV and OKW in the future. I think that BWV would be a little too busy for me. On my last trip to WLV, I sat on my balcony while my daughter napped and watched some human families enjoy the quiet pool. I then looked down and saw a deer family emerge from the woods to scout out the property - it was great! Though I get deer in my backyard at home, I'm too busy shooing them away from my tulips to enjoy them. I agree with Crisi too, the Magic Kingdom area is "Disneyworld" to me. With 2 young children, you can't beat the proximity to MK or the Fort Wilderness petting zoo and campfire.

 

[zillow]

I like trees!

No, actually we bought there because it was the only thing (on property) that Disney was selling at the time. I'm so glad because if not, I probably wouldn't have thought to stay there and I absolutely love it there. The tree comment is only half serious. The one thing that bothers me about pictures of the BCV is how wide open it is. No place to hide from the sun and it just looks very exposed to me. I do look forward to trying BCV and OKW in the future. I think that BWV would be a little too busy for me. On my last trip to WLV, I sat on my balcony while my daughter napped and watched some human families enjoy the quiet pool. I then looked down and saw a deer family emerge from the woods to scout out the property - it was great! Though I get deer in my backyard at home, I'm too busy shooing them away from my tulips to enjoy them. I agree with Crisi too, the Magic Kingdom area is "Disneyworld" to me. With 2 young children, you can't beat the proximity to MK or the Fort Wilderness petting zoo and campfire.