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

[MiaSRN62]

Bunches of hugs for you Mia
If you want I can send Sid & Rizzo over for a week. They've been home now for 5 weeks and soon I'm going to have to start selling blood to feed them. Some how Rizzo feels 1 lb of sausage, 6 eggs and a 64 oz of OJ is a normal everyday breakfast.

Enjoy the world. Where are you staying?

Thanks a ton Eliza !!! Sure....Sid and Rizzo can come on over ----not sure I could keep up with that eating regimine though !
We're staying at the following split up over the 2 weeks : Vistana (our offsite timeshare), AKV (wish it could be VWL but dh wanted to try out the AK !??), and Disney's Vero Beach.

 

[50 years Too!]

Thanks for the Moose dust everyone. Got our ressie for Jan 27th. My daughter will be happy.

Eliza, my 2 aren't to the teenage yrs yet so the grocery bill hasn't skyrocketted.

Gotta go and run 5 miles before the heat gets too high. Have a great day all.

Glad you got your reservation! You're a good Daddy!

5 MILES, you are also a fit Daddy!

Deb

 

[Granny]

Hi Groupies!!

Yes, we are here, at the BCV as I sit and type this on Sunday about noon.

The trip down was long and lots of heavy rain which makes for a bit tougher drive. We spent Friday night at a nearby hotel and checked into BCV yesterday morning about 9:00 a.m.. We were very happy to get the phone call telling us our room was ready at 11:30 that morning.

When I checked in, I asked the lady what section we would be in. She looked at the room number and said that we would have a great view of "the fireworks", as she termed Illuminations. Since we hadn't made a location request I was happy to think that we'd have that lovely view each night.

When we got into the room it turns out it is Room #333. And come 9:00 I went out on the balcony and absolutely no view of the fireworks..they were blocked by the end of the building. No big deal, but I wish the lady hadn't gotten me thinking about an Illuminations view.

Actually, it's kind of a crummy location for those who are interested in those things. It is right in the corner so if we look left we can almost reach out and touch hands on the balcony with the people in a villa on the other side of the corner. If we were one villa over, we would indeed have a nice view of Illuminations. And there is a path below that I found leads to maintenance area so laundry carts and other carts have a fair amount of traffic.

Still, the landscaping in the area is nice enough and we are at WDW, right?

I did find Art the Greeter and gave greetings from Corinne and told him that he is quite famous on the internet. He chuckled and said he hoped some of the comments were good ones! What a nice guy...clearly the BCV version of our own beloved Ranger Stan.

Sounds like everyone is busy with life in the real world. I hope all the trials and tribulations for everyone become small issues as quickly as possible.

So that's about it. The ladies are lazing around the quiet pool today and I ran for groceries. Heading over to Brown Derby in a while to grab a Cobb Salad.

Which reminds me...don't hesitate to make the ADR's in a timely manner. I tried to make the usual reservations that I always make when we get here (50's Prime Time, Fantasmic Dinner Package, etc) and was completely shut out unless we wanted to eat at 4:10 every day.

Have I mentioned how much I hate the Dining Plan lately?

We've decided to eat off-site more this trip than usual since reservations cannot be had. No big deal.

Hope all is going well with the Groupies...be well!!

 

[mickeymorse]

Sorry about all the rain on the drive down Granny. Too bad the illuminations view isn't there either.

MS won't even let us make ADRs for our trip til Oct. with the new system being put in place. The only ones they will take are for CRT, Victoria & Alberts and CM. I can just imagine the craziness that will ensue once the system opens up. We are just going to wait til we get there and see whats available.

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Mickeymorse ! Yeah...so glad the reservation came through !

Granny,
Glad u made it safely and got into your room early
It does seem alot of the CM's don't know their job like they used to ? I think if I were a CM at a resort, I would make sure I knew darn well if the room I was assigning them to had an Illuminations view (and not a "fireworks" view, because Illuminations is SO much more than some fireworks). So....sorry for your not-so-cool room. So what do u see when you look straight out from your balcony ?

So cool you met Art---he does sound like the WL version of Ranger Stan. As for that Cobb salad---wow---haven't had one of those in quite some time. Enjoy !!!!
PS : I also DESPISE the Dining Plan. Makes it so hard to make any plans last minute. And I'm not even talking "last" minute----sometimes even a month or two in advance I just HATE planning out my days down to the hour 6 months in advance. That is just no fun to me. So we make only a couple reservations and wing the rest. WDW used to be more fun in those regards.

 

[Corinne]

Granny~

Sorry about the CM's inaccurate room description. We usually ask for a quiet pool view.

I told ya Art was awesome! Thanks for saying hi to him for me....he probably has no idea who I am, of course when we see him each year he seems to remember us!

I absolutely HATE the dining plan. We typically go when the "free" dining is offered and now the normally quieter time has become crazy. Also, I feel it has been the reason for so many things being taken off menus. I could go on, but I shall step off the soapbox (for now)....

How do you like the BC? Do you miss the Lodge???

 

[Muushka]

Granny! You made it!! Woohoo

So, what do you think about BCV? Well, other than the dippy CM who goofed. Do you like the over all flavor? Wife and girls, how do they like it? Parks crowded? Transportation OK? Any pills in the carpet (just seeing if you are paying attention )

Have a great time!!!

mickeymorse, I'm happy all your dates are secure .

 

[jimmytammy]

Things have been a bit hectic lately, so sorry for not checking in. I am looking forward to things slowing down so I can post something tangible.

Granny, glad you got there! And you are right, Art is BC version of our own Ranger Stan. In fact, they know each other pretty well from what Stan told me a while back. Hope you have a great time!

We got the rug, just havent rolled it out yet. Once we do, I will get a pic up soon after. DS hadnt seen it at Lowes, so he didnt know we were looking. He saw it hanging there in the store and says it looks like a WL rug

Looking forward to some settled down days so I can communicate with my cyber family

 

[Corinne]

Not yet Muushka! I am seriously stressing. Not only do I have to pack for vacation, but also to move my dd into college. I will be power-packing on Tuesday (the only day I really have off). I have off from work on Fri, Aug 1 as well, but we're throwing a "going away to college" party for my dd and her friends that day.

Oh, wow Maria! Is this your first child to go off to college?
It is nice you will have the time at WDW before you drop her off at school. Hope you are doing well, it sounds like a busy (and crazy) week! Here is some just because!

 

[Corinne]

, Art is BC version of our own Ranger Stan. In fact, they know each other pretty well from what Stan told me a while back

When we met Stan earlier this month we were telling him how much we were looking forward to meeting him, and that we would be heading over to the BC to visit Art. He went on & on about how great Art is and how he taught him everything he knows. Well, when we spoke to Art, Art gave Stan all the credit! Too funny! They are two gracious, genuinely kind men! I can only hope that my dh & I will be doing something to make us so happy when we are a little older!

 

[MaryJ]

Marla...I hope by this time that things are looking brighter for your DD. I know exactly what you are going thru. Our DD broke up with her first boyfriend after they had been together for four years! We were sure he would be our third son-in-law. Even though she was the one to initiate the break-up it didn't make it any easier. I hope that your DD gets immersed in college life soon and this will all seem like a distant memory.

Granny....add me to the list of dining plan haters! We usually only make two ADR's and just either eat counter service or take leftovers back to the villa to heat up later. I miss the good old days of eating on a whim...

 

[Granny]

Hey Groupies...back again!

I re-read my first post and wow do I sound like Mr. Grumpy! I guess I emphasized too much some of the negatives of the trip.



So let me talk about the positives. It was overcast yesterday so it never got brutal hot like July in Orlando normally does. It was very pleasant right up until the major rain came through about 7:30 p.m. and lasted for over an hour. Then it stayed on as a drizzle. No big deal, but more than the usual afternoon Florida shower. So yesterday was really a pretty good weather day all in all. And this morning appears to be another good one.

Glad u made it safely and got into your room early
It does seem alot of the CM's don't know their job like they used to ? I think if I were a CM at a resort, I would make sure I knew darn well if the room I was assigning them to had an Illuminations view (and not a "fireworks" view, because Illuminations is SO much more than some fireworks). So....sorry for your not-so-cool room. So what do u see when you look straight out from your balcony ?

I think I made a bit too much of the check-in CM and room view...the room view thing was only irksome, not an issue. We look out over some nice landscaping and trees when we look straight out of the balcony and to the right a bit.

How do you like the BC? Do you miss the Lodge???

So, what do you think about BCV? Well, other than the dippy CM who goofed. Do you like the over all flavor? Wife and girls, how do they like it? Parks crowded? Transportation OK? Any pills in the carpet (just seeing if you are paying attention )

I like BCV fine, but yes I do miss the Lodge. I can't put my finger on it, but with all of the great amenities and location of BCV, I just don't get the same feeling as I do at the Lodge...or even as I do at BWV oddly enough. My DW feels like it is very similar to BWV in decorating pastels and location.

Here's one thing...when I went out on my balcony I noticed that it was pretty peaceful. Then it struck me...they had no music at all piped across the outdoors here. I always knew I like the music of VWL but the lack of any music really drove home that point. They did have music at the quiet pool...a nice acoustic guitar playing flamenco type music. Kind of weird music choice but very relaxing.

The parks are the lowest summer crowds we've ever seen based on our two days here. Lots and lots of Brazilian tour groups, but in general the crowds are definitely down. I guess the economy and gas prices are taking their toll here. You know that attendance is down when Disney sends me an e-mail offering Caribbean Beach moderate rooms for $99 per night!

Granny, glad you got there! And you are right, Art is BC version of our own Ranger Stan. In fact, they know each other pretty well from what Stan told me a while back. Hope you have a great time!

Art was really a treasure to talk to. And I did mention Ranger Stan and Art just smiled and told me how great a guy Ranger Stan is. Seems Art has been at BCV for 14 years. I can't recall exactly when WL was built but I'm pretty sure Stan has been there the whole time.


Thanks to all you Groupies for the kind comments and wishes for a good trip. Right now my ladies are down at the quiet pool soaking up some sun. I'll head down there in a bit to go find some shade to read a book. Then at some point we'll come in and shower and head to MK or AK for the afternoon.

I do love our DVC...it does take the "commando touring" out of our vacations and lets us relax!

Have a great day, my friends. ::

 

[50 years Too!]

Have another great day today Granny.
Thanks for taking time out to report to all of us.

I just read about the Cobb Salad, I swear I can taste it!
Need to go eat breakfast.

Deb

 

[cheer4bison]

Yeah Granny!

So glad that you made it to Disney, that the weather is more merciful than normal in July , and that you are obviously having a successful (and hopefully, free) internet connection. Thanks so much for sharing your adventure. We'll be following along with much anticipation of your next report.

Do you have plans to head over the our beloved lodge in the next few days?

Have a super-duper Disney day!

Jill

 

[draw]

Glad your having fun Granny. I don't know what size unit you are in but are the pull out beds the new ones or does anyone know when they may arrive at WLV?

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Hope you're right Deb.....the stress is coming more from my dd. Not only is she being hit in the face with the realty of moving to FL (1,000 miles from home), but her boyfriend and she broke up 10 days ago. It's a nasty combination. He was her first bf and she's taking it hard. She feels like everything is changing too fast. I can barely utter the word "Florida" without her getting upset. So I'm trying to deal with my emotions as well as my daughter's. I am hoping once we're there it will be better. It's almost like staying here in our town, all she is thinking about is losing her bf and soon all her friends and life as she knows it here. I could go on....but won't bore you all.
Hoping some disney magic helps to relieve some stress and that some quality family time with all of us together at the same time will help as well.

Thanks for the words of encouragement Deb.........

Maria here are some hugs for you and your DD

Thanks for the Moose dust everyone. Got our ressie for Jan 27th. My daughter will be happy.
QUOTE]
Glad you got your ressie!! Next trip I will have to try to get one for there.

Glad your having fun Granny. I don't know what size unit you are in but are the pull out beds the new ones or does anyone know when they may arrive at WLV?

When we were there in June they had the new ones. It was nice and comfy compared to the old one that they have at VWL.

Granny thanks for letting us know how your trip is going. Is Art the very outgoing and friendly man who greets you when you enter the main lobby?

 

[Muushka]

Glad your having fun Granny. I don't know what size unit you are in but are the pull out beds the new ones or does anyone know when they may arrive at WLV?

Hi Draw

 

[blossomz]

Hi all!
Granny thanks for filling us in. Glad you arrived safely. I absolutely agree with you about the different feel at BCV. I liked it well enough too..but it just is missing that Lodge feeling! No music, no smells! Gosh..we are spoiled! I too enjoyed meeting Art. Looking forward to your next check in!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Oh, wow Maria! Is this your first child to go off to college?
It is nice you will have the time at WDW before you drop her off at school. Hope you are doing well, it sounds like a busy (and crazy) week! Here is some just because!

Hi Corinne,
Nope...this is my second. But my son was first and honestly it was whole different experience. And I can totally say from personal experience now, that it's alot different with girls. My ds went to an in-state school but as far away from Philly as one can possibly get (Erie). It was a 6 hour drive one way. So even though he stayed in the same state, he never came home for weekends---only normal school breaks.
But Britt is going really far.....and she's much more emotional than my ds ever was. Thanks for the pixie dust though !!!!! Thanks Disney Lovin Iowan and MaryJ too

I re-read my first post and wow do I sound like Mr. Grumpy! I guess I emphasized too much some of the negatives of the trip.

No ! Not at all....we all know ya love it in WDW.....however, not all moments are the most magical. I think your post was very well balanced with the positive and slightly negative Granny. We could never see you as "grumpy".

The parks are the lowest summer crowds we've ever seen based on our two days here. Lots and lots of Brazilian tour groups, but in general the crowds are definitely down. I guess the economy and gas prices are taking their toll here. You know that attendance is down when Disney sends me an e-mail offering Caribbean Beach moderate rooms for $99 per night!

Wow....hopefully it stays this way Granny ! I'm packing this week !

 

[jimmytammy]

Granny,
Im with you on BCV. Its a nice place and unfortunately, it was too cold for us to enjoy Stormalong Bay. I think for me, that is the biggest draw for BC. But WL holds something special that none of the other resorts have.

And you are correct, Ranger Stan has been at WL since opening day. He was a bus driver(wearer of the purple pants) as we like to refer to them. He drove mostly around FW to the outposts, for about 20 years, I think He told us he watched the WL go up and the job became available. The rest is Lodge history.