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

[DisneyDVCdad]

We just booked our first visit to VWL from May 6th to the 15th. We are staying in a 2 bedroom it will be me(40), wife(35),DS(5), DD(2), DS(1) and my MIL. Is their any must see or must-do's? This is the first time we are doing a 2 bedroom. Is there a difference between a dedicated and a lock -off? We are going to do the Mickey's Backyard BBQ but besides that don't have too much planned.

 

[Laxmom]

Thanks, Muushka.....i think.

As far as food on DCL, the first time wasn't so bad. Even the second time, it wasn't so bad. This last time, I was really disapointed. I wasn't sure if it was the ginger I was taking for sea sickness that effected my appetite or if it was just not that good. Sounds like it wasn't the ginger. Don't get me wrong, it was palatable.......until you try Palo. Maybe my tastes have just changed.

Did everyone see that DCL is going to Europe in 2010? Given the choice, I'd rather buy VWL points.

 

[blossomz]

OMG...between the Ellen clip from Eliza and the giraffe story..(I know exactly where that happened!)..

Thanks guys!!

Muushka what a great trip you must have had!!

 

[Muushka]

Muushka!!! Welcome back! Glad you had such a great time and thanks for the report and pictures! How did you like OKW? We stayed there 2 years ago and it's not VWL but we really liked it. Glad you liked BCV.



Oh how I used to enjoy the Philly music scene back in the 80'S!!! I sure miss those bands and my Philly sport teams!!

OKW is not my favorite place to stay, but I am grateful for it because I know that we can all fit nice and comfy there.
I love location location location.

Thanks for the great TR Muushka. I'm a big Almond Joy fan as well.

I haven't cruised yet but was also under the impression that the food was fab. Thats okay cause I know lots of great places to eat in WDW.

Thanks for the laugh Eliza. I have to show my DW that one.

Speaking of Hall & Oates, they are playing Caesars Windsor in a couple weeks. Don't have tix but we are going to see Blue Man Group end of Nov.

Granny, I don't know if you want to add to my summer trip but we booked through til Sept 4th at the Lodge. Planning on trying for VB the last 6 days though. No flames please.

Yeah, the food is very hyped up and many are disappointed. I personally like to not be expecting much and be surprised when it is great or not be that disappointed when it is not that great.

Ever hear of Lobster burgers at CC? Many years ago people were swooning over those things. One day I mentioned that I wasn't that crazy about them and many came on the thread after me and admitted that they didn't care for them either. Now they never talk about them (not sure if they still even serve them!). They were like the emperor's new clothes!

Thanks, Muushka.....i think.

As far as food on DCL, the first time wasn't so bad. Even the second time, it wasn't so bad. This last time, I was really disapointed. I wasn't sure if it was the ginger I was taking for sea sickness that effected my appetite or if it was just not that good. Sounds like it wasn't the ginger. Don't get me wrong, it was palatable.......until you try Palo. Maybe my tastes have just changed.

Did everyone see that DCL is going to Europe in 2010? Given the choice, I'd rather buy VWL points.

Oh Laxmom! I don't know if you have ever read one of my posts where I compliment someone for either a picture or a saying and I mention that I would like to steal it! Purely in jest. I actually have several of these night shots, some of the bulbous thing with turquoise water swirling around it. If you want them all I can email them to you.

We just booked our first visit to VWL from May 6th to the 15th. We are staying in a 2 bedroom it will be me(40), wife(35),DS(5), DD(2), DS(1) and my MIL. Is their any must see or must-do's? This is the first time we are doing a 2 bedroom. Is there a difference between a dedicated and a lock -off? We are going to do the Mickey's Backyard BBQ but besides that don't have too much planned.

First trip to VWL!!!! Ahhhhh, brings back great memories!
Dedicated will have 2 queen beds in the second BR and lock off will be the studio setup (queen bed and sofa with kitchenette). I need to have a 'must see' list ready in Word to paste when this question arises. My bet is that Granny has already done this and will be here soon with LOTS of suggestions!

 

[Laxmom]

Muushka, I thought you were kidding! No worries. I would love to get a tripod to help get night shots once I find one that isn't so heavy to lug thru the parks. We usually try a fence to steady the shot. Doesn't work but maybe 1 in 10. Our last trip was our first one with our D50 so they did come out better.

Looking at those DCL rates for 2010. Yikes! I have a tough time thinking of cruising when for the same money, I could buy VWL points!!!

 

[Muushka]

Good, you know me!

We have a D70 and tried to use our older tripod, but the camera was so heavy that it would not get a good night shot. Plus we like to keep it set at ISO 200, which makes it even more difficult. This new tripod is pretty bulky, but we both really enjoy those night shots, so we do it as a labor of love. Plus when we lug it (like this last trip we just took it into MK and on the ship, just that one night) we are doing it as more of a photography adventure. Makes that tripod seem much lighter!

I agree on the 2010 DCL prices. But they haven't released the normal (not special iteneraries) dates yet, right? We plan on going 12/10, 7 night. Beginning of Dec. When they first get released they are not that bad. As long as you go way off season! For example the cruise we just completed was $2650 including all fees (and we get $300 back from the TA).

 

[loribell]

Muushka great report.

Our fear on cruising is the food. We are pretty picky eaters and I am afraid we won't like what is offered.

 

[Muushka]

Loribell, I hope my food comments didn't discourage you from cruising! Believe me, there was plenty of great food on that cruise. I am just one who doesn't care for the food at dinner time. I'll bet you can find 5 lovers of it to replace this picky eater. My husband enjoys the dinners, and the other 4 people at our table did too!

 

[50 years Too!]

Loved the pics of the ship and castle Muushka. Thanks for sharing.

Deb

 

[loribell]

Loribell, I hope my food comments didn't discourage you from cruising! Believe me, there was plenty of great food on that cruise. I am just one who doesn't care for the food at dinner time. I'll bet you can find 5 lovers of it to replace this picky eater. My husband enjoys the dinners, and the other 4 people at our table did too!

No you didn't discourage me. My son wants to cruise more than anything. He will be 17 in two weeks so we are going to have to do it soon. I am sure we will find plenty to eat even if it is chicken strips & hot dogs.

 

[Muushka]

Don't forget the wraps! 3 different ones daily!

 

[loribell]

That will work!

 

[Granny]

First trip to VWL!!!! Ahhhhh, brings back great memories!
Dedicated will have 2 queen beds in the second BR and lock off will be the studio setup (queen bed and sofa with kitchenette). I need to have a 'must see' list ready in Word to paste when this question arises. My bet is that Granny has already done this and will be here soon with LOTS of suggestions!

I am SO predictable!!!

Ask for the list of Hidden Mickeys at Guest Services, and get hunting!

Watch Fire Rock Geyser erupt every hour on the hour.

Sit in the rocking chairs or one of the comfy chairs in the lobby and watch the world go by.

Take a good look at the fireplace, a 2-billion-year geological record of the earth with fossilized remains of prehistoric animal and plant life. Colorful rock strata layers are re-created in the proportions they occur in the Grand Canyon.

Spend some time exploring the resort, the paintings and artefacts on display.

Take the Wilderness Lodge Tour, to find out lots of interesting facts and see parts of the Lodge you might not normally think to explore.

You don't have to sit inside to eat your food from Roaring Forks Snack Bar, take it just outside where you'll find shaded tables to sit at.

Dine at Whispering Canyon Cafe for a fun mealtime, but don't whatever you do ask for the ketchup (don't say you weren't warned!).

Look out for the portrait artist in the lobby most evening.

If you're approaching the Lodge by ferryboat at night, see if you can make out the large bear's face on the Lodge building.

Check out the smaller totem pole, featuring some familiar faces, next to Wilderness Lodge Mercantile. You can buy a miniature version inside the shop!

Lots of unique souvenirs can be found in Wilderness Lodge Mercantile, especially the Pacific Northwest crafts and themed items on sale.

Check out the animal tracks in the cement outside of the Wilderness Lodge
​

DisneyDVCDad....In addition to these things, I'd say that the afternoon duck races and Electric Water Pageant are fun things for kids.

Also, you can rent surrey's or boats and relax around beautiful Bay Lake.

You and your family will have a great time at VWL. Enjoy!

 

[DisneyDVCdad]

Thanks for the info! So I'm guessing I'm going to want a dedicated 2 bedroom!

 

[Muushka]

Yes, dedicated is the way to go!

Granny, I love predictability! AKA Dependability!

 

[MaryJ]

No you didn't discourage me. My son wants to cruise more than anything. He will be 17 in two weeks so we are going to have to do it soon. I am sure we will find plenty to eat even if it is chicken strips & hot dogs.

Also, when you are in the dining room, even as an adult, you can order from the Kid's menu. When we cruised in August, our tablemate did this often. Also, if you want something changed, don't be afraid to ask. For example, say you want some brown gravy with your steak. Ask! They will likely make some for you. Or if you see that green beans are being served with one item, and the one you want to order has broccoli, they will substitute for you.

Be sure that if you have special dietary requirements, say...no gluten....to tell your head waiter. They will bend over backwards to accomodate you.

 

[loribell]

Well our only special dietary requirements are meat & potatoes. Thanks for the input. I don't think we will starve by any means.

 

[mickeymorse]

Well our only special dietary requirements are meat & potatoes. Thanks for the input. I don't think we will starve by any means.

Ah, someone just like me.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Hey Muushka! Any problems with dizziness from the cruise?

 

[Muushka]

Hey Muushka! Any problems with dizziness from the cruise?

Did I whine about that on the boards??? As a matter of fact, this is the first cruise that I have had absolutely no dizziness!
The seas were very calm, plus I used the patch the whole time (funny, I use it for after the cruise! ). Thanks for checking up on me .