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

[Granny]

So Granny.....I'm not 100% on "PONGUEZI" ? Is it Swahili for "congrats" ?

Bingo...100% correct!! At least according to the website I found.

I think AKV is a great resort, and it's a nice problem to choose among so many tempting locations.

While we here are all partial to VWL, I also think we are pretty open minded about other resorts.

With all the BLT & SSR bashing going on these boards, this thread is a nice relaxing haven from the frenetic internet world. Kind of the same way I think of VWL at WDW.

 

[blossomz]

Congrats to you Maria! Glad you're joining me at the "other" lodge! I really enjoy staying at both! In fact..I loved doing a split stay this last time. Got the best of both worlds!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks so much DODIE !!!!!

Bingo...100% correct!! At least according to the website I found.

well, let me tell ya...it wasn't an easy "google" by any means Granny ! I admire u for even finding it. Doesn't bring up many sites when you put the word in the search bar...and even the sites I found, I had to really sift through. I wasn't even 100% sure that was it when I posted ! So kudos again for finding that. Now I have to figure how how to pronounce it I think it's "pon-gwee-zee" ?

While we here are all partial to VWL, I also think we are pretty open minded about other resorts.

I think I am too Granny. I will definitely miss, Bay Lake, the geyser, the boat to the MK, the big wood archway as you drive up the path to the entrance of WL/VWL......and, the more intimate feeling of the WL/VWL. AKV is a very beautiful resort, but it's going to be very very large. I know I've said this before, but honestly my dh was hung up on the extra years (he's thinking of our kids and their kids I guess).

Thanks again !

 

[Granny]

I think I am too Granny. I will definitely miss, Bay Lake, the geyser, the boat to the MK, the big wood archway as you drive up the path to the entrance of WL/VWL......and, the more intimate feeling of the WL/VWL. AKV is a very beautiful resort, but it's going to be very very large. I know I've said this before, but honestly my dh was hung up on the extra years (he's thinking of our kids and their kids I guess).

Well, there's no need to "miss" all those things...just do what we do and plan on a lunch or other meal at WL during your trips even when staying elsewhere. That's what we do and find that it's always great to come through those main doors into that lobby. Typically, we are grabbing a meal at Roaring Fork (love those beef & blue cheese sandwiches) and sitting outside if the weather is good.

I agree that AKV will be really big, especially if you're out on the ends of the wings. But it's hard to beat the view of the animals, and as you've pointed out the cuisine is distinctive and good at the restaurants there.

We were going to book AKV for our trip next summer but I am reluctant to do so since Kidani won't be completely finished even though they are taking reservations. So probably our 2010 trip will be there.

 

[eliza61]

Well, there's no need to "miss" all those things...just do what we do and plan on a lunch or other meal at WL during your trips even when staying elsewhere. That's what we do and find that it's always great to come through those main doors into that lobby. Typically, we are grabbing a meal at Roaring Fork (love those beef & blue cheese sandwiches) and sitting outside if the weather is good.

I agree that AKV will be really big, especially if you're out on the ends of the wings. But it's hard to beat the view of the animals, and as you've pointed out the cuisine is distinctive and good at the restaurants there.

We were going to book AKV for our trip next summer but I am reluctant to do so since Kidani won't be completely finished even though they are taking reservations. So probably our 2010 trip will be there.

Exactly what we do Granny. Actually I always try to make it over there, usually on MK days and check out the merchantile. While we're not big souvineer (sp?) junkies, I always seem to find a "must-have" item there for my lab or office.

We're giving AKV's a trip next August so I guess we'll still be in the lodge building. I've never even been over to see AKL so part of me is really excited.

Hey Groupies,
has any one every done a Segway tour? I thought I read that they had one in either the WL or Ft. Wilderness? Likey, no Likey?

 

[wildernessDad]

Maria, congratulations on your add on at AKV. We love it there, but VWL is definitely number 1 with us.

 

[Granny]

Hey Groupies,
has any one every done a Segway tour? I thought I read that they had one in either the WL or Ft. Wilderness? Likey, no Likey?

Never done one, though it's "on my list".

Here's some information from Deb's site:

Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Tour
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground​

In summer 2007, a new Segway tour was introduced at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground called Wilderness Back Trail Adventures. Tour participants can take a Segway X2 Personal Transporter to view the scenery of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Wilderness Lodge.

The Adventures tours may be booked for 8:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and last two hours. Tours can consist of up to 10 people and meet at Mickey's Backyard BBQ Pavilion in Fort Wilderness. The cost is $85 per person. 15 percent discounts are currently being offered to Passholders, DVC Members and Disney Visa Cardholders.

Guests wishing to participate in the tour must be at least 16 years of age and be accompanied by an adult if under the age of 18. You must weigh between 100 and 250 pounds to ride the Segways. Expectant mothers and guests with special needs may not participate due to safety reasons. Payment in full by credit card is required at time of booking. If you need to cancel your tour, you must do so at least 48 hours prior to the start of the tour to receive a full refund. Tours can be booked by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.

​

 

[bobbiwoz]

In June, I and 2 DF's did the FW Segway tour. It was wonderful! Ok...it was a bit hard for me, the oldest (61), and for Mimi, the youngest (at 30,) of our group because, well, you are standing all of the time, and the trail is not smooth. For both of us, our knees felt like they had "enough." DSis (55) didn't mind it at all!!! I also had a fall during the practice session, because for just a bit, I thought I was on a horse, and sort of tightened on the "reins" and wondered why I was going backwards and not stopping! Well, OK, they let me go with the tour, I straightened out, and it really was wonderful. We went down trails at FW which ordinarily would be off limits, and then we went on the bike path to WL area. It was neat, and I'm glad I did it, and didn't just give up after the topple!

Bobbi

 

[Tarheel Tink]

DH and I have done the Segway tour at Epcot 3 times now- can you tell we love it!

 

[mickeymorse]

Hi Granny. Just wanted to let you know I have a confirmed trip for HOME from Aug 22nd to the 29th.

 

[Granny]

Hi Granny. Just wanted to let you know I have a confirmed trip for HOME from Aug 22nd to the 29th.

You are on the list! Booked right at that 11 month mark, huh? Well done!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hey Groupies,
has any one every done a Segway tour? I thought I read that they had one in either the WL or Ft. Wilderness? Likey, no Likey?

Yep - DH and I did the Epcot one in 2005 and then the FW one last Dec. It gets a big from both of us! DH thinks we ought to do it every visit.

I remember after the Epcot tour having sore legs and feet from all the standing. During the FW I tried to remember to shift my weight around on my feet and it was so much better - no problems at all.

 

[wildernessDad]

I was just looking at the list Granny is compiling on our vacations. Thanks, Grammy!

I was just thinking, aren't we lucky to be DVC members? I think I'll go pinch myself, again, just to make sure I'm not dreaming.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Congrats Maria and Mickeymorse!

Thought everyone would enjoy this video of our mascot.
http://webmail.central.cox.net/do/r...world.com%2Ftwin-baby-moose-in-sprinkler.html

 

[blossomz]

Eliza-My oldest did the segway tour at Epcot about 3 years ago. He absolutely loved riding around Epcot on it! It was worth every penny. He wants to do the off road one next.

 

[Laxmom]

Any groupie here every stay Club Level? Thinking about it. What can you tell me?

 

[cheer4bison]

Hey Groupies,
has any one every done a Segway tour? I thought I read that they had one in either the WL or Ft. Wilderness? Likey, no Likey?

Hi Eliza! Definitely LIKEY on the segway tour. DH and I have done both the EPCOT and Ft. Wilderness segway tours. Both were fabulous, but if pressed to choose, I would take the Ft. Wilderness segway tour because of the off-road capabilities of their vehicles AND we got to drive our segways all the way from Ft. Wilderness to our beloved lodge. We drove them right through the walkways at the villas. So cool! Give it a try. You won't regret it.

Jill

 

[mickeymorse]

You are on the list! Booked right at that 11 month mark, huh? Well done!!

I think I have our trips mapped out until 2013. Unless we add-on and can go more often. Help me

I was just looking at the list Granny is compiling on our vacations. Thanks, Grammy!

I was just thinking, aren't we lucky to be DVC members? I think I'll go pinch myself, again, just to make sure I'm not dreaming.

I know, pinch me too.

Congrats Maria and Mickeymorse!

Thanks DLI. Now for the day to day call ups. Can't book any ADRs til Nov 21st. for Januarys trip. Oh well lets wing it this time. Yeah.....as if! I can hear my DW calling for an appointment for me. She thinks I need help.

Hi Eliza! Definitely LIKEY on the segway tour. DH and I have done both the EPCOT and Ft. Wilderness segway tours. Both were fabulous, but if pressed to choose, I would take the Ft. Wilderness segway tour because of the off-road capabilities of their vehicles AND we got to drive our segways all the way from Ft. Wilderness to our beloved lodge. We drove them right through the walkways at the villas. So cool! Give it a try. You won't regret it.

Jill

Great! Something else to plan for. Sounds like fun.

 

[dsquarednz]

Hellllooooooo!!!

It's been ages since I've posted or even visited this post!

We have been back for a week from our trip to Orlando, and I'm just now over the jetlag. We fell in love with our lodge all over again and decided to buy into DVC (resale of course!). We thought every 2 years would be enough for a trip, but I'm already trying to work out the finances for a trip next Sept....

Question is - how to avoid the dreaded ROFR? What is a safe offer without going too low or overpaying? It seems the prices are variable per resort/number of points/current points available etc.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[Laxmom]

There is a thread on the operations board. Here is a link;

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1960185

People post their ROFR info so you can see what is passing and how long it takes.

So, we're going to MVMCP and yesterday I found availability at WL in Club Level. It is really expensive but we are only staying 2 nights. I would really love to do this but the cost is really bothering me. If it were a regular room, no problem. So, do we do the dream of staying at WL at Christmas or go the practical route and just visit to see it, saving the dream for another time. Have never stayed Club Level at WDW before but I couldn't think of a better place to do it! Would love opinions, guys. I'm afraid my love of The Lodge is swaying me.