Staying at VWL- Looking for any comments

[msdis]

Since we can't get into BW in Oct-Nov. this year we were thinking about VWL. I know a lot of people have not stayed there yet but for those who have how does it compare? I feel like an OKW member compairing to BWV in that I don't feel VWL is a good deal by comparison. LOL! (Higher points with NO view, not as attractive a location). Some of the BIG plus things I do see though are we get back the food court kind of experience we really do miss from the moderates, they have the refillable mug program (I assume DVC members can use it), a boat ride away from MK and the monorail (any comments about this boat- ie: busy times, rough waters, time in between stops), and the beauty and tranquility of the resort. I also LOVE the gift shop. What I wonder about is the buses esp. after the parks close, the proximity of some of the rooms at the villas to the main areas of the lodge, there was a recent comment about unfriendly staff (I hope that was an isolated incident), the check-in process, the views(any view with the upper level rooms), is there another boat with other destinations like to the contemporary or any other resorts?, and anything else that is special/ not so special about WL. Thanks! I know I asked for lots of details but I hate negative surprises.

 

[RobDoc]

You may want to post this question on the Resorts Board here at DIS also.

The bus transport at WL/VWL is similar to bus transport at all other WDW resorts. Like BWV buses, VWL shares the bus with Poly/GF for many routes. The boat is pretty consistent timewise. It is about a 10 minute trip to/from MK. The boats are pretty steady- even with rough waters. (Bay Lake and 7 seas lagoon never get that rough.)
The VWL is not a large resort- so it is not far to the main lodge area from any room. The check-in staff is not specific to VWL- so any indifferent CM's are also serving guests at WL.
My impression of the resort is that the room decor and general ambiance is beautiful. I like the small improvements which have been made in room design and the wooded atmosphere is quite relaxing. The views are consistent throughout the resort. Enjoy!

Doc
doc@wdwinfo.com

 

[bunnymkc]

Our family,DH,DS,DDIL,2DG'S & me the Disneyest one of all stayed at the VWL this past Dec in a 2 bdrm overlooking the DVC Mickey topairy sp? and I have to say we really liked it there....we had stayed at the YC for 5 days and then moved to the VWL for the rest of our stay(4 more days)...the hot tub at the quiet pool was wonderful,Roaring Forks was great, Artist Point was great,our room was really beautiful and we paid cash for it!!...we would go on the boat to MK and take the monarail to Poly, GF and eat there and we had the greatest time...the lodge area is really unbelievable at that time with the Christmas decorations up and all the CM were really friendly and the people staying there were also all in all we had the most magical time there and if we can't get the rest of our stay at BWV this coming Dec we would go to VWL for the remainder...you will love it there very laid back and peaceful but also lots of things to do...we never took a bus there as we had done everything at our stay at the YC (MGM,EPCOT & AK) so we just went to MK and the other monarail resorts....GO FOR IT...Marianne any questions feel free to ask

 

[Gail Reale]

My sister-in-law & family were at VWL over Pres.Day and we stopped in on the way home for one day. The decor is just beautiful, but I was not so impressed with some things: first of all, the hotel feel of the resort as far as 5 stories, long hallways, etc. Also, I thought they wasted a great deal of space in the second bedroom (2 queen beds). The area where the sinks and the walk- in closet are is huge, but there is nothing to do with it except put your luggage there, while the actual bathroom with the commode and tub is no bigger than at CBR/PO/DxL. I feel they could have used that particular space more wisely. We are OKW owners, and are probably spoiled by the large kitchen area at OKW because the kitchen area at VWL is very small and the refrigerator is smaller too. The pool area is great, the theming is great and the cast is great. These are just my opinions. My sister-in-law and friends had a wonderful vacation and loved the resort (except for the small kitchen!).Have a terrific time.