***The VWL Groupies & Trivia Thread*** Chapter 2!

[DaveH]

I lurk more than anything. I think you guys do just fine with the other stuff. It seems to get back to WL/VWL by but it is like or not like the lodge. I think that stuff makes this group more friendly. I have a last minute trip starting on the 5th for the weekend. Not at our lodge but it is WDW.

 

[Island Mouse]

Island Mouse---have a fantastic stay at Ft Wilderness ---I've always wanted to stay there. But 4 days does not sound like long enough considering you are coming from so far ! And please post pics.

Thank you. 4 days is definitely too short to spend at WDW, but we are also stopping in CA for 4 days on the way back to attend a wedding. I have to save my vacation days for October, so unfortunately 4 days is all we get at WDW. But the trip will be long enough to serve its original purpose anyways.

Island Mouse....have a great, safe journey and enjoy your time with the cousins at FW. A trip to WDW to plan your wedding? Sounds very cool.

Thanks Granny!!

Groupie question? IM brings up an important point, about this thread being off topic with personal things. Does anyone think that we get too personal on this thread? I honestly thought we did a great job of being (mostly) on topic. Does anyone think we don't stay on topic enough to make others not feel welcome? I hope not!

Muushka, I don't think this thread is really off topic very much. And as others have said, it always eventually ends up back at the lodge anyways. I just mentioned it because I would hate to be the guy that drives the groupies away by posting pointless, boring drivel about getting married at WDW . I do intend to do a trip report on this short trip, but it will be over on the wedding board where it will hopefully be of some use to other couples who are planning their Disney weddings. I will post a link here as well once I get it started so all of the Groupies (and lurkers) can follow along if they are interested. But I will post Lodge related pics and other useful Groupie stuff here directly for the rest of the group.

 

[eliza61]

Groupie question? IM brings up an important point, about this thread being off topic with personal things. Does anyone think that we get too personal on this thread? I honestly thought we did a great job of being (mostly) on topic. Does anyone think we don't stay on topic enough to make others not feel welcome? I hope not!

I actually think it's the opposite (makes us more welcoming) and a pretty natural progression. We all share 2 very basic things. 1. A love of wdw and 2. A love of wilderness lodge. that lends itself to an overall comfort level and basic familarity. The personal stuff is simply the "next step" if you would in sharing other similarities. (Bad weather blues, love of travel, kids driving you crazy, lifes misfortune etc, etc) I think these things make us more welcoming due to the fact all of us can relate in some fashion, I also think it makes us more friendly. Muush, you've hung out on other threads with me. It can get downright vicious on the resort boards and we've never ever had that here. I think it's like the lodge itself, very welcoming, personal and friendly.

It can also be the usually my life is like an episode of "I Love Lucy" and my theory is if I have to go crazy might as well let my friends have a laugh.

 

[GILL-WDW]

We are just 22 days away from our 1st trip to VWL... We have stayed at the lodge twice before we became DVC members. I hope it gives us the same experience.

 

[cheer4bison]

We are just 22 days away from our 1st trip to VWL... We have stayed at the lodge twice before we became DVC members. I hope it gives us the same experience.

I think you'll find VWL just wonderful!! If you love the lodge, then VWL will feel just like "home" to you. It's nice to have all the magnificence of the lodge plus the quiet and beauty of VWL as a welcoming retreat. Please post the details of your trip when you return. We'd love to hear what you thought of your first DVC stay at VWL.

 

[cheer4bison]

I second the motion that you include many details from your upcoming wedding planning trip!! So glad that you plan to post a link to your trip report. Would love to hear what options are available for folks who wish to have a wedding or reception right there at the WL. Don't go out of your way to gather such information if it does not suit your situation, but if you happen to stumble across it, by all means share! That certainly counts as on topic!

Best wishes to you and the future Mrs. Island Mouse!

 

[Granny]

We are just 22 days away from our 1st trip to VWL... We have stayed at the lodge twice before we became DVC members. I hope it gives us the same experience.

I think VWL delivers the WL experience....and MORE! You still have access to all the public areas of WL and it is an easy, pleasant stroll to the lobby, main pool or restaurants. In fact, I often take the longer route to the boat dock through the lobby just to soak in the ambience some more! Of course, since we normally go in the summer it also provides a few more minutes of A/C...but I'd still go through that lobby given any chance!

After you soak in the WL lobby/restaurant/amenities it's awesome to head to "our villas" knowing we will be in wonderful rooms. We always get a 1BR or larger so the DVC experience allows us to lounge in the villa with plenty of elbow room.

VWL is the best of both worlds. With our friends on the WL Resort board, we share the passion for WL/VWL. And with our friends on these DVC boards, we share the love of what DVC means to our vacations.

I think they summed it up nicely in the song from Tarzan..."Two Worlds...One Family".

 

[MiaSRN62]

I think they summed it up nicely in the song from Tarzan..."Two Worlds...One Family".

 

[Granny]

I got so carried away by my Tarzan analogy that I looked up the words to the song. Do these parts seem particularly appropriate for any other Groupies?

A paradise untouched by man
Within this world blessed with love
A simple life, they live in peace


Beneath the shelter of the trees
Only love can enter here
A simple life, they live in peace


Raise your head up
Lift high the load
Take strength from those that need you
Build high the walls
Build strong the beams
A new life is waiting
But danger's no stranger here


Somewhere something is calling for you
Two worlds, one family
Trust your heart
Let fate decide
To guide these lives we see​

Okay, there's no danger at VWL but other than that the words seem quite appropriate. Especially the part of how Groupies seem intent on living in peace and not joining in resort bashing threads or making snarky comments all over these boards. We enjoy our beloved VWL and are quite content if others enjoy other resorts.

We've never had the feeling that we had to justify our connection to VWL, nor try to "convert" others. We often recommend other resorts if location or other amenities are more important to a poster. We don't get angry (well maybe a little at the FW pool hoppers ) .

I think we tend to stay on topic pretty well, and our common connection goes beyond a timeshare in central Florida. I agree it's natural that we'll vent from time to time, or seek moral support, but in general its all within the confines of our common interest in this little patch of ground in the Happiest Place on Earth.

So come on out to the Trout Lodge bar, pull up a stool and join me with a nice cold adult beverage.

Later on we'll go strolling the paths of the resort looking for animal tracks on the paths.

 

[Muushka]

I hope your son's surgery is a breeze for him. And you!

Can you imagine, Island Mouse will leave home on Saturday and not arrive until Sunday!
Now that is true Disney love. And I complain about hitting the traffic in Orlando! Shame on me .

 

[Muushka]

This board has been busy in the past 12 hours! I didn't realize that there was another page after Lori's son's ruptured tendon!

I lurk more than anything. I think you guys do just fine with the other stuff. It seems to get back to WL/VWL by but it is like or not like the lodge. I think that stuff makes this group more friendly. I have a last minute trip starting on the 5th for the weekend. Not at our lodge but it is WDW.

Well that is encouraging, thanks Dave. And don't be a stranger (AKA lurker), not that there is anything wrong with that .

We are just 22 days away from our 1st trip to VWL... We have stayed at the lodge twice before we became DVC members. I hope it gives us the same experience.

First VWL visit. Be still my heart. I hope it is everything you dreamed of. And if, by chance, you have the burning desire to grab a Moosie Siggy, we would be proud to have another enlistee.

I got so carried away by my Tarzan analogy that I looked up the words to the song. Do these parts seem particularly appropriate for any other Groupies?

A paradise untouched by man
Within this world blessed with love
A simple life, they live in peace


Beneath the shelter of the trees
Only love can enter here
A simple life, they live in peace


Raise your head up
Lift high the load
Take strength from those that need you
Build high the walls
Build strong the beams
A new life is waiting
But danger's no stranger here


Somewhere something is calling for you
Two worlds, one family
Trust your heart
Let fate decide
To guide these lives we see​

Okay, there's no danger at VWL but other than that the words seem quite appropriate. Especially the part of how Groupies seem intent on living in peace and not joining in resort bashing threads or making snarky comments all over these boards. We enjoy our beloved VWL and are quite content if others enjoy other resorts.

We've never had the feeling that we had to justify our connection to VWL, nor try to "convert" others. We often recommend other resorts if location or other amenities are more important to a poster. We don't get angry (well maybe a little at the FW pool hoppers ) .

I think we tend to stay on topic pretty well, and our common connection goes beyond a timeshare in central Florida. I agree it's natural that we'll vent from time to time, or seek moral support, but in general its all within the confines of our common interest in this little patch of ground in the Happiest Place on Earth.

So come on out to the Trout Lodge bar, pull up a stool and join me with a nice cold adult beverage.

Later on we'll go strolling the paths of the resort looking for animal tracks on the paths.

Granny. I think I have a tear in my eye. That is beautiful.
Sniff sniff........

 

[Muushka]

Granny, my imagination just took an great ride. I was thinking 'what if Disney did add danger to VWL'??

At night, when you walk around, you see 2 green lit up eyes off in the woods. And the low rumble of tiger growls.

You walk from VWL to WL for your morning coffee, when all of a sudden a T-Rex jumps out at you from behind the Welcome Home Mickey Mouse topiary!

You get in the beautiful elevators at VWL. The doors close and the Twilight Zone music starts playing and the elevator plunges 5 floors!

When you check in, they have the Haunted Mansion type person at the desk.

The valet attendant is the guy from Ferris Bueller's Day off!

Now, the music from Psycho..... Shower anyone??

 

[mickeymorse]

Groupie question? IM brings up an important point, about this thread being off topic with personal things. Does anyone think that we get too personal on this thread? I honestly thought we did a great job of being (mostly) on topic. Does anyone think we don't stay on topic enough to make others not feel welcome? I hope not!

Muushka. It's a tough question about being OT. I think alot of the regulars really get to know eachother and sharing personal plans/experiences is just natural. I feel we're all pretty good about addressing questions and sharing TR's about the WL/VWL.

Muushka..I don't know..I think it makes our little VWL group feel a little closer and I kind of like having these virtual friendships and knowing about all of my buddies! Isn't that part of why the Lodge is so cherished by all of us? I think anyone that comes along and finds us is always given a big welcome and they seem to stick around! So I say..that's what makes us groupies!

Besides..we always come back around to conversation about our Lodge!

I know that I can stray from the Lodge talk a little but I don't have any stories of my own to offer YET! Only 238 more days until I get to create my own.

So sorry to hear about the cancellations Loribell and ransom. Hope all works out for you both.

IM. Sounds like a wonderful short trip. Enjoy and please share

 

[Muushka]

I hope everyone knows that I don't think we get too personal!

It is just that cruise meet thread that got me to thinking and hoping that we are not putting any newcomers off with our personal talk! For example, when I said my friend left I wanted to say that we have been good friends for the past 34 years! And that her daughter calls me Auntie Barbara and considers me her aunt and she is my niece!

But I didn't want to bore everyone with those details!!!

I guess as long as the letters VWL are in the post, I am good.

 

[mickeymorse]

Muushka. That was quite the ride. Loved it.

Granny. That was quite the analogy.Hope you don't mind if I have an iced tea instead.

 

[perdidobay]

Hi all!

Just posting to show off my sig...hope you like it. I've got to make them a little bigger. Can I use the groupie moose too?

 

[mickeymorse]

A GREAT BIG WELCOME from us groupies. I see you already brought your chairs to sit awhile. Please feel free to grab a moosie siggie and join in the fun.

 

[Muushka]

I know that I can stray from the Lodge talk a little but I don't have any stories of my own to offer YET! Only 238 more days until I get to create my own.

Make something up! That's what we do!!

 

[perdidobay]

Thanks! Now just how do I grab that moose...by the antlers or by the tail?

Really, I've got to see if this dummy can figure it out!

 

[ransom]

Thanks Ransom, When you get to the world I'll have to have a virtual martini with you

Sounds great. The first round's on me. (Don't worry, I have plenty of virtual dollars).

Oh no!
Say it isn't so. I'm sorry but I guess waiting will make it even more special when you do get to go.

Deb

Yup! Instead of going back after 20 years, we'll be going back after 22...hopefully. I just want to ride the Matterhorn one more time, and see the original Pirates and Tiki Room one more time.

But maybe they'll have some or all of the DCA update done by the time we get there, too. Then DW can experience the flying saucer ride for the first time since she was there as a little girl.

Oh, I know how disappointed you must be to have to cancel this. Sorry to hear about it, but it sounds like you've got your priorities right and your November trip is in the countdown mode now!

Priorities?

1) Keep family healthy, happy, and safe.
2) Everything else.

Only problem is, the "happy" part requires regular doses of Disney. So we're watching Disney videos every Saturday and Sunday night, just to keep the DTs from starting.

Thank you for the kind words. It's great to be a groupie!