The VWL Groupies & Trivia Thread

[jimmytammy]

I was told by a longtime cast member who was there when VWL opened...that it is true that Walt often does visit the Iron Spike Room and rocks in one of the rocking chairs...We always try to catch a glimpse but were not as lucky as you!!

If I had seen him I would have liked to have struck up a conversation with him

Just makes staying at the Lodge all that more special. Of all the places Walt could hang out, he decided to rest at the Lodge, and on our end, mind you!!

 

[Granny]

If I had seen him I would have liked to have struck up a conversation with him

Just makes staying at the Lodge all that more special. Of all the places Walt could hang out, he decided to rest at the Lodge, and on our end, mind you!!

I suppose that before VWL was built he used to hang out in the grand lobby of the WL? Makes sense to me.

I guess before WL was built he just rode the MK Train like a hitch hikin' ghost.

 

[Happydinks]

Good Evening Fellow Groupies!
A little quiet on the board the past few days - although we have enjoyed catching up and reading about Walt's visit to the Lodge. We'll have to see if we can have our own "fireside chat" when we visit in December. We've just returned from Bobbi's stomping grounds in Cape May and Ocean City NJ for a four day break (why oh why must WDW be so far away! )

Earlier in the thread - people were talking about the arch as you enter WL property. Personally - it's the Bear Crossing sign that does it for us! Has anyone ever been able to figure out if you can buy a replica of the "Bear Crossing" sign? We would LOVE to have one to put into our yard!

We're interested in the Groupies opinions on this topic: Has the merchandise at the Mercantile become - ummm - less than "quality" over the passed few years? We used to buy a lot of gifts there - including one of the hand carved wood bears (our Angie) - but over the last two years all of the stuff has seemed to be of a much lesser quality and smaller selection of WL items - so we just browse and don't buy. Anyone else observe this - or is it just us??

Sixty-nine days and counting!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Wow, can't wait to share the ghost story.

Hi Happydinks! We were supposed to head to Cape May this weekend, for a wedding, but DH is under the weather and we had to cancel. Did you see any dolphins along the shore?

We haven't bought much at VWL, DH has a great DVC VWL golf type shirt, that's probably his favorite...bought around 3 years ago. He was admiring it, and the CM said to come back in about 2 hours, it was going to be marked down to 1/2 price! VWL/WL CM's are the greatest!

Bobbi

 

[Granny]

We're interested in the Groupies opinions on this topic: Has the merchandise at the Mercantile become - ummm - less than "quality" over the passed few years? We used to buy a lot of gifts there - including one of the hand carved wood bears (our Angie) - but over the last two years all of the stuff has seemed to be of a much lesser quality and smaller selection of WL items - so we just browse and don't buy. Anyone else observe this - or is it just us??

We have bought some things in the Mercantile...like some ornaments at Christmas that we really liked. Our last trip there this past July all we bought was a postcard.

I can't say that I've notice a downward trend in the quality of items offered, but I do agree that the selection seems to be getting slimmer. Or maybe we just don't like the clothing as much as some of the previous offerings. But overall, I wouldn't say we were disappointed in the offerings. After all, they're still selling the WL Lincoln Log set!

 

[blossomz]

No, I can't say that I've been unhappy with the shopping...but then again..I LOVE buying stuff at the Mercantile! I probably have at least one of everything! I do wish they'd carry a bigger selection of DVC stuff though.

By the way-just got my passporter newsletter and they are reporting the it was announced that there will be DVC villas at the Grand California resort..another sister to our lodge! The same architect will be doing the new addition.

 

[jimmytammy]

I have noticed less WL type items being sold.

Earlier today I saw a truck that had 2 stickers on the window of a bear crossing. I thought whats the chance it could be a WL sticker?

Granny, you mean all you bought was a postcard? That Lincoln Log Set is cool. We have one and when Im feeling really, really homesick, me and the kids get it out, put it together and DS gets his matchbox cars out and we pretend to drive under the arch and park. Of course you have to burn that Yankee Candle Autumn Lodge to get the full effect!

 

[ammo]

Of course you have to burn that Yankee Candle Autumn Lodge to get the full effect!

With the lobby music playing in the background ...

 

[ammo]

By the way-just got my passporter newsletter and they are reporting the it was announced that there will be DVC villas at the Grand California resort..another sister to our lodge! The same architect will be doing the new addition.

There is some tentative artwork posted in another thread and you can definitely see similarities, particularly in the use of wood. Of course, I think it is a long trip to see the sister lodge at AKL -- so I may only ever see GCV through a camera's eye.

 

[jimmytammy]

With the lobby music playing in the background ...

Thanks for remembering that ammo. How could I forget?

 

[eliza61]

We're interested in the Groupies opinions on this topic: Has the merchandise at the Mercantile become - ummm - less than "quality" over the passed few years? We used to buy a lot of gifts there - including one of the hand carved wood bears (our Angie) - but over the last two years all of the stuff has seemed to be of a much lesser quality and smaller selection of WL items - so we just browse and don't buy. Anyone else observe this - or is it just us??

Sixty-nine days and counting!

I enjoyed shopping in the mercantile, more so than in the shops at the end of the rides, but last August was our first stay at the lodge so I can't say if the quality has declined or not. When we went back in March, I picked up some really unique things I thought were cool.

 

[Happydinks]

Hi Happydinks! We were supposed to head to Cape May this weekend, for a wedding, but DH is under the weather and we had to cancel. Did you see any dolphins along the shore?

We actually saw a large group Monday morning - but it was from the boardwalk at Ocean City (where we were staying). Cape May was lovely - as always. It's a different beach vacation there - after having moved to Richmond 19 years ago - we've become accustomed to the Outer Banks, NC beach life.

Did anyone catch the news story about former Imagineer Randy Pausch today? Very moving, sad, uplifting all at the same time. If you google him - you'll see parts of his final speech at Carnegie Mellon - and he appears to wearing his CM pin.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Happydinks, thanks for the note about Randy Pausch, I never heard of him, and wouldn't know of his story if it weren't for you!

Here's a link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07262/818671-298.stm

Bobbi

 

[loribell]

We actually saw a large group Monday morning - but it was from the boardwalk at Ocean City (where we were staying). Cape May was lovely - as always. It's a different beach vacation there - after having moved to Richmond 19 years ago - we've become accustomed to the Outer Banks, NC beach life.

Did anyone catch the news story about former Imagineer Randy Pausch today? Very moving, sad, uplifting all at the same time. If you google him - you'll see parts of his final speech at Carnegie Mellon - and he appears to wearing his CM pin.

I have to agree with you about that story. Thanks so much for bringing it to our attention.

 

[keishashadow]

Happydinks, thanks for the note about Randy Pausch, I never heard of him, and wouldn't know of his story if it weren't for you!

Here's a link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07262/818671-298.stm

Bobbi

We 'burgers are very proud of CMU & this inspirational professor

funny comment he makes during televised goodbye lecture (that he says he made as a way to reach his sons when they are older) where he relates how his mother would introduce him...

...my son, he's a doctor...not the kind that helps people...

Medical doctor or not, he's done his bit to leave the world a better place. A very brave man, hope he passes well.

 

[Muushka]

Yes, Happydinks, I also thank you for the link to Dr. Pausch.
It was an uplifting and at the same time, sad story. My gosh, I just re-read your post and I am quoting you! Shows I agree!

I just poked around a little about Dr Pausch and found this video of his lecture. He does indeed have his CM pin on and his shirt has Sorcerer Mickey (looks like him anyway). What a wonderful speech.
http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=5788

Earlier you asked about the Mercantile. I have to agree with others that I think they have pretty nice things there. I see the stock change, but have not noticed a decline. One of these days I want to buy one of those wooden bears. We love them!

 

[MiaSRN62]

jimmytammy,
Love the Iron Spike room Walt story.........I'm going to have to hang out in that room late at night one day.

And I must say.....love the Mercantile shop. I think they got some neat items in there. I do have the wooden mickey and friends totem pole from several years ago.

Happydinks : We've just returned from Bobbi's stomping grounds in Cape May and Ocean City NJ for a four day break

We love Ocean City and especially Cape May ! We've never been lucky enough to spot dolphins at Ocean City but have in Cape May. A friend of mine from work was at Ocean City, NJ a few years ago. She and her friend were in waist deep water when a whole pod of dolphin swam around them and then out to sea. How cool would that be ?

 

[jimmytammy]

His story really puts things in perspective.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks for the links on Dr Pausch. Very moving......I've forwarded them on to my ds (20). His major is computer animation. But he's starting to show signs of lack of confidence in himself and motivation. I am hoping he might find Dr Pausch's words as inspiring as I have.

 

[Muushka]

Maria, I see you have a cruise coming up! I hope you have a wonderful time. Have you cruised DCL before?

I hope your son is inspired.