Should we try VWL, after 11 yrs of being a member, never stayed there?

[DonnaL]

I might be a bit biased because our initial purchase of points was at VWL...we actually had a choice between VWL (only a few thousand points left when we purchased our initial 150 in December 2001) or BCV, which was in the final stages of building at that time. We toured VWL and we were sold....the feeling is just so relaxing both in the Villas and at WL as a whole. Even during the early days of our ownership when our trips were still park commando style...the sense of relaxation we felt upon return to VWL was amazing. We don't stay at our first home resort on every trip....our next favorite is probably AKL/Kidani and then SSR and we have stayed at every DVC resort on site at WDW, in addition to VB and VGC...haven't made it to HHI yet and really have no desire to get to Aulani... staying at VGF in January. DH is retiring the end of this year and since I'm off work the entire month of January every year and all summer I'm quite sure we'll be squeezing some more visits in every year.

 

[Geomom]

Do you remember your room #? We'll be in a studio and this location sounds great. I know you're not supposed to request a certain room, but just curious. Thanks.

Room #3510
I tend to do the 'passive' requests by just checking 2 boxes on the online checkin form, since I don't really care what I get. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't...just like all room requests. For VWL, I believe I checked 'near elevator' and 'high floor.'

I think the odd numbers in that number range would have had the 'quieter' view of facing the back towards the woods/lake. I think there were 4 floors here.

If you treat this part of your vacation as the 'relaxing' part, I think you'll enjoy it more. It's a nice quiet getaway after spending a day at the crowded parks!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I have to say that WLV is my least favorite resort of all of DVC. It is very dark, and we tend to be beach people. Never bright enough around the vanity to do hair and makeup, and I am not a prissy person, just couldn't see. Small bathroom, sitting on the commode, my arm rested on the side of the tub. View was a wall of trees. Guess I should have said that our stay was in a studio. I didn't care for the furnishings or fabrics, just not my cup of tea.

Now, I love driving up to the Lodge and entering the Lodge lobby and the dining options there, just not the DVC villas.

That being said, you should try it once and form your own opinions. You may love it there, but you won't know until you try it.

 

[bbluvsdis]

We are in the same boat as you. I love BCV! It is so bright and airy and we love the beach theme. We are trying VWL for the first time in November doing a split stay in a studio before going to BCV. I am hoping since it is the holiday season we will enjoy the Christmas decorations. I think I will not like the dark decor but everyone raves so much about it we thought we would give it a try. The only ones left for us will be AKV (have no desire to stay there) and GF. I'll let you know what we think of it.

 

[lisaviolet]

We've been to Whispering Canyon twice, loved the main lobby but didn't like how dark the villas were. My DH really wants to try it for our first two nights. We're so used to the pool at the BC, will we not like the pool here? Any tips would be great, what do you like about it in general?

Jillpie,

I hate dark. I love light and airy villas. So even though I loved the place, I bought elsewhere. I can't do dark.

However, it can not be underestimated how the entire resort simply envelopes you. It's serene and very peaceful. Well laid out. And you absolutely feel taken away.

The proximity to Fort Wilderness (walking trail and boat), The Contemporary and then relatively easy access to the other monorail resorts makes for a great vacation.

You could do a non-park stay there, with all listed above, and have a wonderful time. But again passing on by the MK might not be fun.

Also, I've been on both sides. And even though the front isn't as lovely, I found it allowed for more light to come into the room. As long as one doesn't get one of the dormer balconies. I'm a balcony and natural light snob.

 

[papertraveller]

We are BLT owners, and VWL is our second favourite resort. Yes, it's dark. But that also helps create an intimate, cozy ambience that is calming and restful. We love the grandeur of the lobby, our teen daughter still talks about the Wilderness Salad at Roaring Fork, and we love eating our way through the appetizer menu in the bar.

Its main downside is the transportation -- you can't walk anywhere other than Fort Wilderness. It's a boat or a bus.

 

[eastatlantaguys]

We are staying there, our home resort, for the first time in 30 days!! Woohoo! We have visited there many times so I hope I am not disappointed! One thing we have done many times is walked or biked between Wilderness Lodge and the campground. It is amazing! Every time we see all kinds of wildlife. I definitely recommend you at least walk over to the campground one day and check out everything.