The VWL Groupies & Trivia Thread

[lenshanem]

Staying at VWL is very easy to pool hop to the Poly if you have a car. Super quick! We've done it several times.

 

[Granny]

I went to VWL today. Ahhhhhhhh. They were having some type of corperate meeting in the Iron Spike room. Not sure if it was Disney people or not, but kind of sad that we could not sit in there. But we were happy in the VWL lobby!

Always glad to live vicariously through other Groupies enjoying our wonderful home resort. I hope your trip continues to go very well.

As for those corporate meeting people....well, you should have just gone in there and cleared them out of the living room of our home! At a minimum I would have asked for a show of blue membership cards.

I was thinking about the Pool Hopping perk...Have any of you ever used this option, It might be my age but I never want to pack up and visit another resorts pool.

Beckie...we have done pool hopping a few times when our children were younger. We hit SAB a couple of times before they shut that option down, and have gone to the Poly and GF pools as afternoon breaks from MK. It works great...we just pack a small bag and put it in the locker at MK then grab it later and head over to one of those resorts for a dip and a cool off. Makes for a nice afternoon break, especially since we go in the summer.

 

[bpmorley]

Great minds think alike.

I was thinking about the Pool Hopping perk...Have any of you ever used this option, It might be my age but I never want to pack up and visit another resorts pool.

Beckie

We've never done any pool hopping, but it's nice to know that the option is there

 

[MiaSRN62]

Keliblue.....welcome back from your trip !

Muusha....sorry we're missing eachother ! But glad u are enjoying your vacation.

Maria...hoping for calm seas and a tail wind for your cruise!

Thanks Granny ! It rained with stiff winds most of our "sea" day today. Couldn't do much up on deck and no sun whatsover.
We're now about 9 hours from CC so we're hoping for better weather. Fingers crossed.
night all,

 

[eliza61]

Great minds think alike.

I was thinking about the Pool Hopping perk...Have any of you ever used this option, It might be my age but I never want to pack up and visit another resorts pool.

Beckie

I did it once but since my home resort is BCV's and SAB is our pool, my kids never really wanted to go any where else. I wasn't impressed the one time I did venture out mainly because we were using disney transportation and it takes so long to go from Resort to Resort, that it just wasn't worth it. Now my kids love the water parks so we definitely stay put.

 

[Tarheel Tink]

Search not working so I hope someone can give me some Sturdy Branches information. Does anyone have a link to the "menu" of services they offer? Anyone gotten a massage there and if so, how did you rate it?
Thanks!

 

[MaryJ]

DH and I have had massages there. I don't remember the cost, but we did get a DVC discount. I would say it was as good as any massage I have received on a cruise, but not as good as the one I can get from my massage therapist (who knows me) at home.

 

[Granny]

Search not working so I hope someone can give me some Sturdy Branches information. Does anyone have a link to the "menu" of services they offer? Anyone gotten a massage there and if so, how did you rate it?
Thanks!

I've never gotten a massage there, but here are the spa services at Sturdy Branches according to a web site I found.

Spa Services
Get back to a healthy nature at the Sturdy Branches Health Club. This new health center has a full complement of cardio and strength fitness equipment including machines and free weights so you can stay in shape. After your work-out, enjoy a variety of massage treatments or a soothing sauna. We are happy to assist you with your health and fitness needs. Call for reservations at (407) 938-4222, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Daily.

Swedish Relaxation Massage
25, 50 or 75 min.
Enjoy a relaxation massage of traditional long strokes and kneading techniques. This therapy increases circulation, soothes tired muscles and relaxes the body.

Deep Tissue Massage
25, 50 or 75 min.
Our therapists utilize their experience in different techniques to relax you and relieve the symptoms of built up tension in the muscle tissue. This massage uses a Deep Heat oil that penetrates into the body allowing the muscle to relax to a greater level. This is a moderate to firm massage.

Aromatherapy Massage
25, 50 or 75 min.
This massage facilitates ultimate relaxation as the body receives therapeutic benefits from the use of our pure essential oils.
Lavender oil - excellent for deep relaxation and also serves as a soother for sunburned skin.
Birch Amica - great for sore muscle tissues and helps circulation throughout the body. Additional charges for in room service.

Health and Fitness
Personal Training available by appointment.

State of the art strength and cardiovascular equipment including treadmills and bicycles (regular and recumbent). Guest memberships on a Daily, Individual Length of Stay basis, or Family Length of Stay basis includes the use of sauna and steam rooms. Health Club usage is included with any spa service.

Not in the habit of working out? Disney's fitness attendants are always more than happy to lend a helping hand offering structured Personal Training Sessions as an added amenity. To set up an appointment please call at least 24 hours in advance. Proper workout attire is required to use the facility. Minimum age for working out is 14 years old.




The information appears to be pretty current.

A word to the wise...if you want to find something the search feature on this site is often a challenge, to put it kindly. Use Yahoo, Google or other search engine and you'll do better.

 

[Tarheel Tink]

Thanks MaryJ and Granny! That answers my questions.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

Thanks MaryJ and Granny! That answers my questions.

When you find out the prices could you post them here please?

 

[Happydinks]

Good afternoon Fellow Groupies! Only 51 days until we're home again - and we're so excited! And - we just saved $121.00 on our car rental for the 9 days- more $$ to spend in WDW!

We need some help - and would like the opinion of those who have cruised before (since we're new to it next year). Currently, we've booked the four day cruise for the end of next September, followed up with an eight day stay "at home". Based on Maria's recent cruise, and Muushka's stay this last week - weather has not seemed to be in their favor. I would like to maybe change to the 3rd week in October (the further toward the end of tropical storm season the better- and to miss FLA/GA school break during Columbus Day week). Bob thinks that it just doesn't matter (since we were in WDW a year ago last week and the weather was perfect). Does anyone else have experience with cruising during Sept/October time frame, and when do you like it the best? We'd be interested before we make the change - or not! Thanks everyone!

 

[Tarheel Tink]

When you find out the prices could you post them here please?

I will be happy to!

 

[Muushka]

Good afternoon Fellow Groupies! Only 51 days until we're home again - and we're so excited! And - we just saved $121.00 on our car rental for the 9 days- more $$ to spend in WDW!

We need some help - and would like the opinion of those who have cruised before (since we're new to it next year). Currently, we've booked the four day cruise for the end of next September, followed up with an eight day stay "at home". Based on Maria's recent cruise, and Muushka's stay this last week - weather has not seemed to be in their favor. I would like to maybe change to the 3rd week in October (the further toward the end of tropical storm season the better- and to miss FLA/GA school break during Columbus Day week). Bob thinks that it just doesn't matter (since we were in WDW a year ago last week and the weather was perfect). Does anyone else have experience with cruising during Sept/October time frame, and when do you like it the best? We'd be interested before we make the change - or not! Thanks everyone!

I, for one, think you should throw caution to the wind and join us on the 7 night double dip delight! Leaves 9/27 and visits CC twice! Seriously, after waaay over-planning our first DCL cruise for it to be perfect, weather and everything, we learned our lesson. We cruised in the middle of March and Brazil got hit by a hurricane and that weather system gave us 30 ft waves and gale force winds. In case this does not seem so strange, Brazil does not get hurricanes and that type of weather system in March is unheard of.
I know the chances of a hurricane are much greater in September, but we just figured we would take a chance. But we will get the cruise insurance! We are not that silly!

And this past week, we did have rain, but a few Decembers ago it was much much worse!

But we would probably choose later in Oct if we could get the same deal we got on this cruise, but it will cost several hundred dollars more and we want a balcony!

When you find out the prices could you post them here please?

Your wish.....At Sturdy Branches:

50 minute massage....$72

80 minute massage....$112

50 minute facial....$80

All of the DVC resorts were in the Perks booklet, if there is anyplace else you want to know about, let me know. These are the only prices listed. It doesn't look like there is a DVC discount at VWL.

 

[Muushka]

Well, Groupies, we are home. And I must say, we had one heck of a good time. OK, I'll admit it. We booked ASMu for 7 nights for the free dining and in the middle we escaped over to SSR for 4 days. There, that is off my chest.

We planned our dinners at 6 months out and did not change one time or one place. They were all perfect. That never happens for us. While it did rain a bit, we were so lucky with it's timing. When we arrived at MNSSHP we had a 4 PM dinner at LTT. While we ate, there was a down pour. When we finished eating, the rain stopped and most of the crowds were gone! How cool is that? When we hung at VWL late one afternoon waiting to drive over to Kona Cafe, it was raining quite hard. When it was time to leave and go out in it, it had stopped. Magic!

With my husband's recovering Achilles injury, we had to limit walking. At ASMu, they gave us a room close to the food court and elevator and parking lot. And at SSR, same thing. It was great.

When we did Epcot on Sunday, it was very breezy and not too hot. That all changed the next day or so, so we were glad we went in when we did.

When we left VWL, we saw a deer very close to the road. Priceless!

We got to see Ranger Stan! What a dear man he is. He is looking at January for retirement, if his wife "sweetie" will let him retire!

We really enjoyed the meal plan but at the same time we look forward to not doing it. So much less planning and stress getting to dinner!

I finally got to taste ice wine at the F&W festival. Glad I got that out of my system. So sweet I could have saved it for my waffles!

And my neighbor once again took great care of my 2 cats. These are not normal cats. One gets insulin shots and the other one is feral. I love my neighbor! And once again we had no problem with travel. I am always amazed that we make that trip so often and do it with such ease. We are so grateful for that!

All in all a great trip. But being able to report the trivial stuff here was the best. Thanks for listening!

 

[Granny]

Muushka...great to hear that you had such a magical trip! Amazing how we can still get excited about the little stuff, including weather, after so many trips. Very happy to hear that all your ADRs and plans worked out perfectly!

And thanks for the update on the great Ranger Stan. Sounds like we won't be able to extend our best wishes in person before he goes. Still, it's great to hear that he's doing well and looking forward to a well earned retirement.

Can you imagine him in his retirement coming back and visiting WDW as a tourist and staying at WL? Think he could give some young whipper-snapper of a guide a rough time and hard questions as he goes on the WL resort tour?

 

[Muushka]

Thanks Granny, as always.

Yes, can you imagine ranger Stan and the young-guns at WL! I can see him lining them up for inspection! And the drills! The trivia exams!!! Poor guys. They wouldn't stand a chance!

 

[goofydad99]

I have been lurking on this thread. We loved the resort.

The weather was the biggest damper on the vacation. I saw more rain this time around than we did during their "rainy season."

We got to meet Ranger Stan as well.

 

[Muushka]

I have been lurking on this thread. We loved the resort.

The weather was the biggest damper on the vacation. I saw more rain this time around than we did during their "rainy season."

We got to meet Ranger Stan as well.

a Closet Groupie!! My favorite kind! Grab a Moose and stay with us a spell.

Yes, we did have quite a bit of rain. Looks like our paths may have crossed!

 

[keliblue]

Welcome back Muushka Glad you had a Fab time

 

[Happydinks]

I, for one, think you should throw caution to the wind and join us on the 7 night double dip delight! Leaves 9/27 and visits CC twice!

If this wasn't to be my first "trial" cruise (will I like it or not) - we'd go for it (Bob's been on the QE2 so he's a no brainer for liking a cruise or not!) - although, hurricanes in Brazil and they never have them, and you were there at the time........hmmmmmm

Glad you had a good trip in spite of the weather - and that your four legged "kids" were well cared for! We have built in sitters for our Abby - DMIL and DB live in the same neighborhood. She did have to go to doggy camp last year as her sitters were all with us in WDW - and she loved it!