Hi Groupies,
We arrived at VWL 2 days ago and are staying in a dedicated 2 bedroom. Room 5537 has a great lagoon view. I was pleasantly surprised that we not only received our request but also that our room was ready upon arrival at about 2 pm. (We usually have to wait until 3:30 to get in; actually well after 4 on the last 2 trips.) Check in was quick and seamless.
The pool is closed and looks very much the same as the pictures posted a few days ago. I read on the resorts board about complaints regarding being charged full price for the view of construction. Though, I understand their concerns, I was surprised to see the waterfall and streams running just fine - just no geyser.
We took the kids to swim in the quiet pool to start the trip then to WCC for dinner. The pool was not overly crowded just busier than usual. They had fun. Unfortunately, our dinner at WCC was disappointing, to say the least. I am a waitress in a former life but it really urks me when such poor service still gets 18% gratuity even though a cup of ice cold water is spilled in friends lap at the start and we don't see salad for a 1/2 hour or skillets for an hour after sitting. Tables around us sat after us and received food well before us. We weren't difficult - 6 skillets ordered. Really, no excuse.
We were given a discount after complaining x 2 (don't like to start any vacation out doing that, Disney or not) but to think that she was rewarded for poor service just due to size of party(8 but one was sleeping) was sad. I know serving a large party is more difficult but her service was poor. AND, we have eaten at WCC many times in past and loved it. It is sad that this is ruined for us at least for the near future.
Day 2 went fine with visits to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom - split the party up. We then pool hopped to Polynesian and kids had a wonderful time. We took the boat to Contemporary and the monorail to Poly = kids rode up front in the monorail - always a treat! The pool was wonderful and we enjoyed drinks at the pool bar. There are nice changing rooms with showers right underneath the waterfall. We then went right to MK for the evening.
Day 3 today - MGM, cooler and wetter than expected weatherwise but otherwise nice, went to Boma to eat dinner and back to VWL.
The Lodge is beautiful as usual and peaceful. Our 2 bedroom is clean and very nice with a great view. Love the Villas!!!!!!!!! So peaceful. I was able to go running this morning to Ft. Wilderness. Again, it was so peaceful and I saw 2 deer on the trail there and back.
I wish I could live here.
If anyone as questions, I will try to answer if I have time. Did I mention I love it here?