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

[DaveH]

We bought VWL in May 2001. We stayed there in late Nov 2001.

 

[blossomz]

Mia-
Not sure if they were for sale when we saw them...they were under construction..so probably not. But I just remember thinking I would never be able to afford it and wishing I could! Now I'm just glad I own my piece of moose grass to call my very own!!

 

[Granny]

We bought VWL on August 16, 2001. I know it had been selling for at least a little while because we bought shortly after the price per point went up to $75. I think it was $72 per point prior to that for about a year.

Maria...if it helps your decision any I think you will have a better chance of getting the AKV bookings being a non-owner than the VWL bookings as a non-owner at the tougher times of the year. Specifically the Christmas season.

For us, the extra years isn't a big benefit. I can definitely see where they would be worth it for many people though.

 

[Muushka]

Plus Maria, don't forget that your Groupie friend will always help you out (if she can!) with that special reservation.

 

[mickeymorse]

Maria. It was because of our stay at OKW at halloween that we bought in. Realized that we love WDW too much not to enjoy it more. VWL was a sight unseen purchase. We figured if it was anywhere near what the Lodge is like, we would love it. Hope to get an OKW GV for a big family trip some day. My brother and his family have never been to WDW. If that doesn't work, I hope I have enough pts for 2 2 bdrms at VWL. Do I hear add-on? Please don't tell my DW.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Granny : Maria...if it helps your decision any I think you will have a better chance of getting the AKV bookings being a non-owner than the VWL bookings as a non-owner at the tougher times of the year. Specifically the Christmas season.

For us, the extra years isn't a big benefit. I can definitely see where they would be worth it for many people though.
__________________

Granny....I do tend to agree with you. I think the GV option at the AKV has a little something to do with my dh's final decision too. But I'm with you. The extra years would be nice for our kids....but not so much for dh and I who are mid 40's right now.

Thanks for everyone's advice and support ....everyone on this group is so terrific

 

[Granny]

Granny....I do tend to agree with you. I think the GV option at the AKV has a little something to do with my dh's final decision too. But I'm with you. The extra years would be nice for our kids....but not so much for dh and I who are mid 40's right now.

No doubt about it. Ability to book GV and Concierge would be two excellent reasons to purchase at AKV.

We've never stayed at AKL but I think I would really, really like it since I like heavy theming in my resorts. But DW has no interest in AKV at all other than she liked the model villas.

 

[MiaSRN62]

But DW has no interest in AKV at all other than she liked the model villas.

The models are nice. I'm hoping a short stay here in Aug, will give us a better "feel" for whether or not we'll be happy here. I am hesitating a bit because of the sheer size that is planned for this DVC. I prefer the more intimate feeling of the VWL.

 

[danielle782001]

I need some information about the Lodge Tour. Can anyone tell me when they do it, how long it is? That kind of thing.

Thank you

 

[blossomz]

Stan is wonderful. If I remember correctly it is about 30-45 minutes. Stan takes you all around the lobby and some other places upstairs. He shares a bit of the history of the lodge and some things that are symbolic and how some things were made. He even throws in some hidden Mickeys. We really enjoyed it. Stan is half the fun!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hi Groupies - Just booked my first trip using some of our new VWL points! But, it's to Disneyland. After going thru the resale I just needed some sort of Disney fix. Have a BD coming up and June so I checked to see if there might be any last minute things available at WDW but didn't come up with anything that quite worked so I decided to head to DL to check out the DVC member expo! This also isn't quite perfect as the member reception is full for the last 2 nights and I couldn't go earlier to hit the newly added Friday one. I'm just crossing fingers that maybe once I'm there they'll have some openings. Had to book cash for my first night so staying at PP where everything is happening. Then, moving to the West Coast sister of VWL - the GC for 2 nights. Not exactly the lodge but about as close as you can get! I also have an interest in AKL so I'm waiting to see how great the incentives are. Can you tell that I like the big lodges?

 

[loribell]

We bought VWL on August 16, 2001. I know it had been selling for at least a little while because we bought shortly after the price per point went up to $75. I think it was $72 per point prior to that for about a year.

Maria...if it helps your decision any I think you will have a better chance of getting the AKV bookings being a non-owner than the VWL bookings as a non-owner at the tougher times of the year. Specifically the Christmas season.

For us, the extra years isn't a big benefit. I can definitely see where they would be worth it for many people though.

Small world, we bought on August 17, 2001! And we were there at the same time for Christmas 06. It seems that we were there at the same time at least once before that too. This summer we are going to be at WDW at the same time again. Are you following me or am I following you?

 

[Muushka]

Hi Groupies - Just booked my first trip using some of our new VWL points! But, it's to Disneyland. After going thru the resale I just needed some sort of Disney fix. Have a BD coming up and June so I checked to see if there might be any last minute things available at WDW but didn't come up with anything that quite worked so I decided to head to DL to check out the DVC member expo! This also isn't quite perfect as the member reception is full for the last 2 nights and I couldn't go earlier to hit the newly added Friday one. I'm just crossing fingers that maybe once I'm there they'll have some openings. Had to book cash for my first night so staying at PP where everything is happening. Then, moving to the West Coast sister of VWL - the GC for 2 nights. Not exactly the lodge but about as close as you can get! I also have an interest in AKL so I'm waiting to see how great the incentives are. Can you tell that I like the big lodges?

Oohh, will you post pictures of GC??? I really want to stay there! Have a great trip!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Oohh, will you post pictures of GC??? I really want to stay there! Have a great trip!

Will do! I just got a new camera - I was inspired by so many pictures on the DIS boards - so I plan on giving it a good workout!

 

[wildernessDad]

First day back off of vacation. I need another vacation.

Loved AKV. Glad we added on there. Concierge was a GREAT deal imo.

Loved the BWV as well. Had a great studio with a boardwalk view.

DW and I played a little game. On the count of 3, we told each other which of the two, VWL or AKV we liked best. The answer in unison was 'Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.'

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Wilderness Dad glad you enjoyed your trip!
Can't believe we are next in 8 days!

 

[Granny]

Small world, we bought on August 17, 2001! And we were there at the same time for Christmas 06. It seems that we were there at the same time at least once before that too. This summer we are going to be at WDW at the same time again. Are you following me or am I following you?

Sounds like "mutual stalking" to me!!

If it helps your stalking planning any, we'll probably be at AKV next year in early July. I'm hoping that Kidani will be fully operational at that time.

WDad....look forward to hearing more about your trip. What's your favorite part of Concierge? Being a non-AKV owner, it's probably a moot question but we've never stayed Concierge so I like to hear how people take advantage of it.

 

[Granny]

Can't believe we are next in 8 days!

DL Iowan...looks like you have officially moved to the #1 slot on the Groupie WDW trip list! Woo hoo!!

 

[mamagg]

Hi guys, I'm new! We are renting DVC pts from a friend but can only score AK for Nov '08. We are contemplating waitlisting for VWL for MK proximity reasons and it sounds like a fabulous resort from your perspectives! Have any of you ever gotten in after waitlisting? Those who have stayed at AK, should we stick with it or go for VWL with a 3 year old and 8 week old in a stroller...thought the boat would be easiest. We stayed at AK last year and loved it b/c the buses don't stop at other places and are really efficient, but VWL must be even faster. Will my child forget about the animals when he sees VWL? We appreciate your advice. Thanks!

 

[blossomz]

Hi! Welcome...

We all truly love VWL here as you can tell..but our sister resort is AKL. I have stayed in both resorts. I think it really is your personal preference. The buses are easy from AKL. Yes, you would be closer to MK from VWL. Both have many pluses to offer. I would say if you really want to give up your AKL reservation, then waitlist for VWL. If you are reluctant, you may want to hang on to it. Sorry, this doesn't really sound like much help after reading it!

Better yet..maybe you should consider joining DVC!!