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

[50 years Too!]

Dodie and Bobbiwoz,
How lucky you are!

Well after looking at our finances and trying to figure out if and when we can take DD out of school, we have a tentative date. We are going to try to go January of 2010. Oh so far away but at least it is a date. If we went in Dec. we planned (stupid semester finals!) to stay at VWL but we have decided since we stayed there last time to try a new resort. So I think we will do a split between AKL and BWV. It will be our first time at AKL. And DD loved the BWV. Even though we won't be staying at VWL and it's a long way off any tips are appreciated. We went in February many, many years ago but never in January. It is just hard because I just want to plan, plan, plan!!! Must control myself! If not my DH & DD may just gag me, lock me in a room far away from them and never let me go back to WDW!

My husband thinks about gagging me too when I start in on my WDW addiction.

BTW, Any groupies call for F&W events this morning? I was up at, gasp, 3:45 am PST. Took an hour of holding and talking, but got 5 out of 6 events I wanted. Can hardly wait for October to come, staying at the lodge and F& W
yippee!

Deb

 

[Muushka]

My husband thinks about gagging me too when I start in on my WDW addiction.

BTW, Any groupies call for F&W events this morning? I was up at, gasp, 3:45 am PST. Took an hour of holding and talking, but got 5 out of 6 events I wanted. Can hardly wait for October to come, staying at the lodge and F& W
yippee!

Deb

We will only be at F&W for the first day (9/26).
I asked my family if they wanted to do Epcot that day, they said no!

Tell me, what events are you going to?

 

[50 years Too!]

We will only be at F&W for the first day (9/26).
I asked my family if they wanted to do Epcot that day, they said no!

Tell me, what events are you going to?

We are attending a Kitchen Conversation with Jamie Deen, Cook Book and Bottle with Mark Olive, Party for the Senses, a Food & Wine Pairing in Japan (gotta do it to show support for my daughter in Japan, though I'm not fond of seaweed or sake), and Sweet Sunday. Didn't make the Champagne Master's Class.
We went last year and had a lot of fun.
I'm looking forward to spending a lot of down time at the lodge, riding bikes, reading, etc.
Muushka, not long until you get to go! Maybe you could convince them to go to WS and stop at a booth or two! Also, listen to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
You'll have fun wherever you end up.

Deb

 

[MiaSRN62]

Wow Deb...your plans sound awesome ! Had no idea it was that difficult to get into the F&W events ! I've gone during F&W Festival several times (5-6 ?) and never attended any of the special events. We all just love walking around the Showcase and sampling the different food, wine and beer. In fact, dh likes to call it the BEER & WINE Festival
And just relaxing at the Lodge sounds great. We did that when we stayed at AKV. I asked the kids if they wanted to do EMH at the MK one night, and they were like "nope...just want to hang out here". Those "down" times are often some of the best.

 

[tea pot]

Hi Groupies
I just love this Thread

First for the record I big shout out to all the cat lovers
I think of myself as both a cat and dog person...grew up with both,
but after we lost our Golden Pookie ( DLI you will understand) I just couldn't get
another dog. So now we are blessed with our 2 Kitty Cats.

eliza61 Boy... Rocky and Bullwinkle does that take me back!!!
I wonder what ever happen to Boris and Natasha???

Granny Thanks so much for the photo info I'll give it a try

Maria Just love the Lodge .... I agree with Wilderness Dad we had a debate at our house DH AKA "the Big Guy" wanted to add on to BCV and I at VWL so we did split the add on. We just signed on the Lodge and are waited listed for the BC. The incentives for AKL are hard to pass on.. but they are just for the first year. To us the advantage of the 11th month booking window (for December at VWL and the Flower Show at the BCV) became the incentive we wanted.

Whoo Hoo Happy Dance Count Down 19 days
AKL Savanna View Sept 14-19.. BCV 19-21

 

[tea pot]

We are attending a Kitchen Conversation with Jamie Deen, Cook Book and Bottle with Mark Olive, Party for the Senses, a Food & Wine Pairing in Japan (gotta do it to show support for my daughter in Japan, though I'm not fond of seaweed or sake), and Sweet Sunday. Didn't make the Champagne Master's Class.
We went last year and had a lot of fun.
I'm looking forward to spending a lot of down time at the lodge, riding bikes, reading, etc.
Muushka, not long until you get to go! Maybe you could convince them to go to WS and stop at a booth or two! Also, listen to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
You'll have fun wherever you end up.

Deb

I had no idea there were events like this. I just saw the dinner packages and passed. We were there last October stayed at the BW.
Like Maria... We enjoyed just walking around. Please tell us all about it when you get back.

 

[bobbiwoz]

...


Thanks Bobbi ! Wow...13 contracts !!!!! I'm jealous !!!! Do u own some at each resort ?

Bobbi and DODIE !!! Have awesome trips.....and Dodie, you will LOVE your first stay at the VWL. Just know it !!!

We own points at BWV, VWL, VB, AKV and BCV in that order of points to total 855. Many of the add ons were 25 points because that's what we could swing, so we really haven't taken advantage of many incentives. We are the DGP and very often go with DS, DDiL, and of course the 3 DGC When I look at our reservation history, more than 1/2 of our nights booked have others in studios or other villas.

DODIE, we don't get to MCO until 7 PM on the 12th, (DH does have to work on the 12th) so we can see you around! I usually have my Disb "bobbiwoz" pin on, and would love to say "hi!" On Saturday we hope to get to EMH at DS and finally get on Toy Story Mania!

Bobbi

 

[50 years Too!]

Just looked at the list of upcoming trips.
Lots of you leaving in the next week!
Wondering how IslandMouse is doing with the upcoming wedding?
Would love to have a report from him.

Deb

 

[Muushka]

You're scaring me Deb. For some reason, this morning while making my coffee, I thought about Island Mouse.

I wish he would report in! I love to hear about wedding plans.

 

[Granny]

It's the extra years on the contract that has got him sold on AKV.

Maria...tough decision, but here are a couple of things to consider.

First off, it sounds like your family has made an emotional connection with AKV. That's a HUGE point in its favor.

Not downplaying their enjoyment of VWL, but AKV is obviously a place they can be very happy at.

AKV has Standard View (saves points) and Concierge (very few) that may be challenging to book at certain times of year without owning there. I know that SV at BWV is really tough to book as a non-owner, but not sure if Std V at AKV will have the same pull. If you think you will primarily want to stay in Savanna View at AKV, that might give VWL the edge since it is generally a little tougher to book than AKV Savanna View.

I don't think you can make a bad decision, and you've already had a good deal of success getting VWL at 7 months. I think the extra years on the contract and incentives are appropriate to help tip the scales.

Unless, of course, you want to stay at VWL a lot during the holidays during the next few decades. That would probably be the only reason to really tip the scales to VWL.

And of course, you are always welcome as a Groupie no matter how many resorts you love and enjoy. We are okay with resort-polygamy. Since AKV is a sister resort to VWL, it might be considered a bit incestuous though!

 

[jimmytammy]

Dont listen to Granny ...he will get you in trouble! Go for the VWL pts I say.

Just kiddin with ya Granny

 

[MiaSRN62]

AKV has Standard View (saves points) and Concierge (very few) that may be challenging to book at certain times of year without owning there. I know that SV at BWV is really tough to book as a non-owner, but not sure if Std V at AKV will have the same pull. If you think you will primarily want to stay in Savanna View at AKV, that might give VWL the edge since it is generally a little tougher to book than AKV Savanna View.

I don't think you can make a bad decision, and you've already had a good deal of success getting VWL at 7 months. I think the extra years on the contract and incentives are appropriate to help tip the scales.

Granny....very good points and I appreciate your input. I called our guide today but got his voicemail. Will have a list of questions for him. I don't want to bore u all with my questions because this is a VWL thread. And I don't want to infringe on that.
But big positives towards VWL in our eyes are :
1) awesome lobby ( I like it a tad better than AKL)
2) Bay Lake (love water ! Miss that at AKL)
3) boat to MK
4) use of points during winter holidays (honestly, Dec is the only time we haven't been able to get VWL....I've been able to get it at F&W though)

AKV :
1)extra years on contract
2)current incentives (a bonus really, I know it's nothing long term)
3)savannah views
4)value room options if need to conserve points or use for family/friends
5)GV (maybe one day ? Who knows)
6)Five can sleep in a one bedroom

So far...this is what we're struggling with.......

 

[MiaSRN62]

Dont listen to Granny ...he will get you in trouble! Go for the VWL pts I say.

JT !!!
Spoken like a true VWL Groupie !!!! You do this group proud JT !!!

 

[Granny]

Dont listen to Granny ...he will get you in trouble! Go for the VWL pts I say.

I agree with Maria....well said!!

Just kiddin with ya Granny

No you weren't.

 

[jimmytammy]

I agree with Maria....well said!!




No you weren't.

I'm gonna have to have Ranger Stan look into your background mister. It seems you may be a secret agent for other DVC resorts What is this World coming too!!

 

[DiznyDi]

Who said wedding?

Our daughter recently became engaged and is planning to be married Oct. 24, 2009. And yes, she and her husband will be honeymooning at VWL! Of course she's using my points, so it'll be December (2009) until dear husband and I get to enjoy our VWL points.

Our soon-to-be son-in-law proposed via a billboard. As soon as I can figure out how to post a picture, I will.

Di

 

[Granny]

Who said wedding?

Our daughter recently became engaged and is planning to be married Oct. 24, 2009. And yes, she and her husband will be honeymooning at VWL!

Di...that is very cool! What a great honeymoon destination.

Of course she's using my points, so it'll be December (2009) until dear husband and I get to enjoy our VWL points.

You know, I love my daughters dearly. Not sure I'd be ready to make the supreme sacrifice of giving up a VWL vacation for them though.

You are good parents. Hope she appreciates what you're giving up.

 

[Muushka]

Who said wedding?

Our daughter recently became engaged and is planning to be married Oct. 24, 2009. And yes, she and her husband will be honeymooning at VWL! Of course she's using my points, so it'll be December (2009) until dear husband and I get to enjoy our VWL points.

Our soon-to-be son-in-law proposed via a billboard. As soon as I can figure out how to post a picture, I will.

Di

Pictures!! We want pictures!!

 

[WDWJWEB2]

Hey everyone! Sorry i havent posted in a while. we moved hotels from VWL to the POLY concierge on sunday, and i couldnt get an internet connection there for some reason. but anyways i got back home around 12:30 am last night and i was really tired! anyways my b-day was on the 25th and it was great. we all had a lot of fun but were home now anyways i guess its time to get back to normal life now. oh and btw ill try and get some pics ( and maybe a quick video link ) up on the DIS asap. bye!

 

[Muushka]

Welcome back WDWJWEB2!. We wondered what happened to you!
And we look forward to your pictures and tidbits.