The VWL Groupies & Trivia Thread

[Tigger031266]

We are staying for the our first time at VWL. We love BCV and BWV. The family is disapointed we are not staying near the BW. I am so excited to stay at VWL, it is so beautiful.

Help me. Tell me the top 5 things about VWL. Things we know about is the great attrium, WCC (We love that place), the light boat parade at night.

A couple questions:
Are there any DVC rooms with views of the lake?
What rooms should I ask for?
Is there anywhere to watch fireworks?
How is artist point?

 

[Deb & Bill]

We are staying for the our first time at VWL. We love BCV and BWV. The family is disapointed we are not staying near the BW. I am so excited to stay at VWL, it is so beautiful.

Help me. Tell me the top 5 things about VWL. Things we know about is the great attrium, WCC (We love that place), the light boat parade at night.

A couple questions:
Are there any DVC rooms with views of the lake?
What rooms should I ask for?
Is there anywhere to watch fireworks?
How is artist point?

Just ask for a water view. To watch the fireworks you'll need to head out to the boat dock. We've seen them from there.

 

[jimmytammy]

A big HELLO and Good Morning to all the VWL groupies!!

 

[Muushka]

Hello and good morning to you too .

This past VWL visit was our 7th Christmas visit to "our beloved (Villas of) Wilderness Lodge". We absolutly never tire of that place. We walk in the main lobby and we are transformed into the 'groupie' phase. We are so glad that is our home. I can't imagine having to wonder if we would be able to switch over to VWL at the 7 month mark. Waaay too stressful!

We are making our plans now for next year. Got to make those reservations next month! Next year will be a different one for us. We always go to WDW either of the first 2 weeks of Dec, but next year we are doing a cruise from the 16th to the 23rd. We have decided to go to WDW after the cruise for just 2 or 3 days. We probably won't do the parks (unless we do CP), it will be so crowded.
High points, but waking up at VWL on Christmas day will be priceless!

So, any VWL groupies going to be at VWL next Christmas??? Maybe we could do a mini-meet.

 

[MaryJ]

How is artist point?

Artist Point is one of our favorite places to eat at WDW. The salmon is one of their specialties, and the portobello mushroom soup is to die for!

 

[TheBeadPirate]

This will be our 3rd Christmas at the VWL. We should be there next year also. We'll have to say hi!

Our Christmas dinner every year is Artist Point. It has great quality food and everything is really done well. Needless to say it's our favorite restaurant on property. Very relaxing, easy going pace. And the mushroom soup is to die for! And the view at dusk out the windows is wonderful.

Rick's looking forward to hearing his "theme music" walking down the wooden path. Come to think of it....so am I.

 

[iankh]

We just got and stayed the first 4 nights in BWV and the second 4 nights in VWL.

A sigh went up when we check into VWL. Home. Home. Home.

We had a great 1-bedroom unit. It was great to be back.

I just can't describe the feeling when we are at VWL. It's wonderful.

 

[Muushka]

This will be our 3rd Christmas at the VWL. We should be there next year also. We'll have to say hi!

Our Christmas dinner every year is Artist Point. It has great quality food and everything is really done well. Needless to say it's our favorite restaurant on property. Very relaxing, easy going pace. And the mushroom soup is to die for! And the view at dusk out the windows is wonderful.

Rick's looking forward to hearing his "theme music" walking down the wooden path. Come to think of it....so am I.

We will be at VWL for Christmas day next year also. First time! (we have stayed at WL for Christmas, but to people like us, it is 2 different things ).

I am wondering if the menu is different at Artist Point on Christmas day? It does not appeal for the daily menu to us.

 

[eliza61]

We're thinking of going on Christmas day next year also. Crowd levels are scaring us a little. Also since my home resort is BCV's I'll have to wait for the 7 month deadline, not to sure how much success I will have booking at that point.

 

[Muushka]

I agree about the crowd levels being scary. We are going in early Oct and will actuall 'go into' the parks then. That Dec we will only stay for 3 nights and may or may not even go into the parks. Perhaps one day for CP, but not Christmas day.

Fingers crossed for you Eliza to get into VWL!

 

[alldiz]

i love the wl....
1st fam trip in may
2nd fam trip...returned 12-4...

love it so much....i am currently negotiating
for 150pts at VWL...

anyone know.....does EVERY room at VWL have a private balcony...
thanks
kerri

 

[Muushka]

i love the wl....
1st fam trip in may
2nd fam trip...returned 12-4...

love it so much....i am currently negotiating
for 150pts at VWL...

anyone know.....does EVERY room at VWL have a private balcony...thanks
kerri

Nope. There is 1 studio that does not have a balcony. We were blessed with it for our first trip as DVC members.

Welcome to the groupies!

 

[starbox]

Woo-Hoo
3 days until our first trip to the Villias as DVC members!!!
Can't wait to write a trip report with lots of pictures!!

 

[spiceycat]

I agree about the crowd levels being scary. That Dec we will only stay for 3 nights and may or may not even go into the parks. Perhaps one day for CP, but not Christmas day.

now that is a great ideal - go to the VWL but not the parks for Christmas - I will look into in myself... thanks!!!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We're thinking of going on Christmas day next year also. Crowd levels are scaring us a little. Also since my home resort is BCV's I'll have to wait for the 7 month deadline, not to sure how much success I will have booking at that point.

Make a reservation at BCV for those days. Then at exactly 7 months, see what you can change day by day.

 

[Granny]

I agree about the crowd levels being scary. We are going in early Oct and will actuall 'go into' the parks then. That Dec we will only stay for 3 nights and may or may not even go into the parks. Perhaps one day for CP, but not Christmas day.

Don't despair about the crowds...believe me it's worth it to be here for Christmas!! I say "here" because I'm now sitting in the living room of our VWL villa, having just come in from soaking up some sun and Christmas music on our balcony.

Anybody jealous?

Yes, the crowds in the parks are crazy. Yes, the lines at the attractions are long and Fast Passes all gone for the day by early afternoon.

But if you come and plan on soaking up the atmosphere and not worrying much about the rides, it's a wonderful place for Christmas. The suggestions I received here on the boards were right on target.

Specifically, make your ADR's as soon as possible because the restaurants can fill up too. Get a Candlelight Processional dinner package. Visit the resorts, especially Grand Floridian and BWV. And enjoy the ambience.

We are now firmly in the camp that for Christmas, there's no place like HOME!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Anybody jealous?

Uhhh, YEAH !!!

I'm sitting here wishing I was there As for the crowds, I'd be happy just hanging out at the Lodge and staying away from the crowds
Have a great stay Granny

 

[Muushka]

Hi Granny! Having a good time???

Am I jealous?? You betcha .

Tell me, while at VWL at Christmas, don't you just love the room styles there even more?? Like Rudolph and Christmas trees in the shower?? Christmas trees on the backs of the chairs?? Love it!

Yes, the way it works out for next year it is best to go right at Christmas. While knowing that the parks will not be the draw, WL/VWL is the draw for us. In fact I asked my husband if he wanted to stay at a 1 BR at OKW for the lower points and he just looked at me and laughed.

So, will we see you there next Christmas??

Enjoy the rest of your stay and Happy New Year .

 

[jimmytammy]

Yes Granny, I am jealous! But we were there a few weeks ago, so we just have to wait til next year. Have a good time!

 

[ReneeQ]

Nope. There is 1 studio that does not have a balcony. We were blessed with it for our first trip as DVC members.

Can anyone tell me again which studio it is that doesn't have a balcony? Does it face the front (bus stop) or back (water)? If you get this studio, can you asked to be moved? Or will they only give it as an absolute last resort when the the resort is totally booked? It just doesn't seem right that one studio doesn't offer a balcony. I LIVE for that balcony!

Thanks!!