The VWL Groupies & Trivia Thread

[blossomz]

blossomz...no need to be embarassed. It is part of the woodwork that runs around the VWL atrium. This part is over the fireplace. Here's a bad photo that I think shows where you can find it (green circle)...

OOHH!!! Now I see! Just didn't realize it was a close up!

 

[eliza61]

Any body back recently from the lodge? I'm getting reports from the resorts boards that they changed the background music. I loved the old loop (downloaded onto my computer & Ipod) so I was wondering how the new music sounds.

E.

 

[jimmytammy]

Although we wont be staying there(bummer), we will be eating breakfast at WCC next week. If no one reports back before then, I will keep my ears in tune while there, and let you know.

 

[BlueFairy]

Hi Groupies!
I have finally finished reading your thread. It's made my decision even harder, so I'm hoping you can help. We are WL fans and have never even stayed there. Eaten at AP twice, and DH is set on staying there for our next trip.
In all 69 pages, I see no references to renting points. From what I can tell, at $10-$12 per point on the DVC Rent/Trade board, that means a weeknight stay in value season in a 1BR villa costs the same to rent 5 nights as our rack-rate standard room in the main WL! Wow! What a savings. And a studio would be about 1/2 the price of our standard room.

So lots of questions -
1. Our week is Sun-Fri during the first week of December. Since this is such a popular time, do you think we will have a hard time renting points for these days? I'm hoping early in December is easier. Also, we've never rented points so I need encouragement there, too.
2. Is the bed in the studio a queen? Will I be happier with a studio than with a standard view room at WL? We don't really need the 2nd bed, since DD is 2 and can use the sofabed or a pack-n-play. So I'm wondering if the studio will give us more space. Also wondering if the studio sofa can accomodate bedrails for her.
3. DH is set on WL. I'm sold on the warmth of the villas, and also sold on the convenience to amenities being no worse than the lodge rooms. But I think we're both worried that, for our first WL stay, being in the villas would feel like we're staying with the WL's not-so-ugly stepsister. (No offense intended to the villas, I'm sure it's great. Just trying to convey our fears). The romance of staying in that great big lodge really has us hooked.
4. Is trash-n-tidy sufficient for 5 nights? I can see us needing more towels. Is there a charge? And did I read there is a laundry room at the villas? Or is it shared with the WL?

Please help. I truly am torn. Maybe points won't be available to rent and the decision will be made for me. I know that one day we will stay there. Also, DH is in Orlando now. Maybe he can drive over and see a studio and decide for me.

 

[Muushka]

Any body back recently from the lodge? I'm getting reports from the resorts boards that they changed the background music. I loved the old loop (downloaded onto my computer & Ipod) so I was wondering how the new music sounds.

E.

Changed the music at WL!!

I can do this....change is good....change is good....
Baby steps Muushka....Baby steps.....

JimmyTammy, not staying at VWL?? Are you going to be all right???

 

[eliza61]

Hi Groupies!
So lots of questions -
1. Our week is Sun-Fri during the first week of December. Since this is such a popular time, do you think we will have a hard time renting points for these days? I'm hoping early in December is easier. Also, we've never rented points so I need encouragement there, too.
2. Is the bed in the studio a queen? Will I be happier with a studio than with a standard view room at WL? We don't really need the 2nd bed, since DD is 2 and can use the sofabed or a pack-n-play. So I'm wondering if the studio will give us more space. Also wondering if the studio sofa can accomodate bedrails for her.
3. DH is set on WL. I'm sold on the warmth of the villas, and also sold on the convenience to amenities being no worse than the lodge rooms. But I think we're both worried that, for our first WL stay, being in the villas would feel like we're staying with the WL's not-so-ugly stepsister. (No offense intended to the villas, I'm sure it's great. Just trying to convey our fears). The romance of staying in that great big lodge really has us hooked.
4. Is trash-n-tidy sufficient for 5 nights? I can see us needing more towels. Is there a charge? And did I read there is a laundry room at the villas? Or is it shared with the WL?

Ok I couldn't figure out the mult quote button thingy so I'll try and give you my take on a few of your questions.
1) Not sure about how easy it is to rent during December as we have school age kids and unfortunately can't travel that time but WL tends to be a huge favorite during this time because it is so well decorated. so it may be a bit of a challenge.
3) Think of the villas as a little sister as opposed to an ugly step sister. (I definitely understand your fears) It is in a seperate building but it is equally as beautiful and stunning as it's big sister. I love the walk to the villas. It's a covered pathway, excellently landscape with soft lighting and soft music playing. Walking up to the entrance you have lovely, big rocking chairs to relax in, once through the doors you are in a gorgeous atrium (check out the bird cage). Bear (no pun intended) to your left and there is a sitting area/game area with large comfy sofas and fire places. Check out the elevator doors (when have you ever heard that before at a hotel) They are to die for! The romance is probably ratched up a notch because it is not as hetic as the main lodge. (psst. WL has a bear den club for you little one. You and Dh can get some kanoodling done on one of those couches. )
4) I generally order an extra towel set (I think a complete set was ~7.00 bucks) one my first night and this is enough for every one to have a clean towel until trash and towel day.
Last but not least. Before I became a member I rent points from a wonderful member here on the dis. It was a great experience. She explain every thing in full to me, replied back to me very promptly and I would do it again in a heart beat.
Hope this helps,
E

 

[bpmorley]

Any body back recently from the lodge? I'm getting reports from the resorts boards that they changed the background music. I loved the old loop (downloaded onto my computer & Ipod) so I was wondering how the new music sounds.

E.

We've only stayed there once and loved that music. Where did you DL it from? Now I'm going to have to go back just to hear the new stuff

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Thanks for all the info here, I am so looking forward to our stay at the end of August It will be DDBaby's first trip!
As we will be staying as "resort guests"......it will hopefully be the last time....hopefully we will return as DVC Members
Just looking for the right contract...we are in no hurry.....
You guys are great!

 

[keliblue]

Thanks for all the info here, I am so looking forward to our stay at the end of August It will be DDBaby's first trip!
As we will be staying as "resort guests"......it will hopefully be the last time....hopefully we will return as DVC Members
Just looking for the right contract...we are in no hurry.....
You guys are great!

Hoping all your DVC dreams come true

 

[blossomz]

Changed the music at WL!!

I can do this....change is good....change is good....
Baby steps Muushka....Baby steps.....


I don't know if I can take it!!! We will be there July 5...if no one else reports until then...I'll let everyone know!! Oh ma gosh!!!

 

[Muushka]

I don't know if I can take it!!! We will be there July 5...if no one else reports until then...I'll let everyone know!! Oh ma gosh!!!

So, I am not the only one, eh?? Yes, please let us know.

 

[Granny]

Changed the music at WL!!

Muushka...you took the scream right out of my throat!!


jimmytammy....here's what we want you to do. If they've changed the music at WL, grab Ranger Stan and demand to see the highest ranking person there. We all know they won't go against Stan!!

 

[Granny]

So lots of questions -
1. Our week is Sun-Fri during the first week of December. Since this is such a popular time, do you think we will have a hard time renting points for these days? I'm hoping early in December is easier. Also, we've never rented points so I need encouragement there, too.

eliza did a great job answering your questions, and I'll toss in a few comments.

If you are talking about this coming December, you are probably already too late. VWL books up very quickly for December vacations at the 11 month window in January. It is a very small DVC resort, so it is a challenge to book there if someone isn't an owner there. So it could very well be a moot point. Sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news.

2. Is the bed in the studio a queen? Will I be happier with a studio than with a standard view room at WL? We don't really need the 2nd bed, since DD is 2 and can use the sofabed or a pack-n-play. So I'm wondering if the studio will give us more space. Also wondering if the studio sofa can accomodate bedrails for her.

The studio will give you more space especially if you don't unfold the sleeper sofa during the day. It will accommodate bed rails if you choose to go that way or you can use the pack n play. In addition to the fridge, toaster and microwave it is just easier to be in the room with the sofa. In a regular resort room your only option is to sit on the beds to watch television, for instance.

3. DH is set on WL. I'm sold on the warmth of the villas, and also sold on the convenience to amenities being no worse than the lodge rooms. But I think we're both worried that, for our first WL stay, being in the villas would feel like we're staying with the WL's not-so-ugly stepsister. (No offense intended to the villas, I'm sure it's great. Just trying to convey our fears). The romance of staying in that great big lodge really has us hooked.

Your DH sounds like a wise man.

The theming and details that make WL so great have been carried over to VWL, and in no way do you feel like you are "leaving" the wonderful feeling that WL conveys. What you might feel like after enjoying a meal or time at the main pool is "Now we get to head over to our great accommodations".

4. Is trash-n-tidy sufficient for 5 nights? I can see us needing more towels. Is there a charge? And did I read there is a laundry room at the villas? Or is it shared with the WL?

Trash & Towels works well for us, but I have to admit we don't use the studios. There is a laundry room on the first floor of the villas that is free of charge to VWL guests. It is not shared with WL guests but I can't swear that they won't try to come over and use the free laundry. (grrrrrr)

Please help. I truly am torn. Maybe points won't be available to rent and the decision will be made for me. I know that one day we will stay there. Also, DH is in Orlando now. Maybe he can drive over and see a studio and decide for me.

I think that's a great idea. Tell him to avoid the DVC desk in the lobby though or he might come home with more than impressions of a great resort!

 

[Muushka]

Muushka...you took the scream right out of my throat!!


jimmytammy....here's what we want you to do. If they've changed the music at WL, grab Ranger Stan and demand to see the highest ranking person there. We all know they won't go against Stan!!

Ouch, Granny. That sounds painful .

Yes, jimmytammy, you have your assignment.
Take no prisoners.
Good luck with your mission.
We will expect a full report when you return.
Godspeed.


Sincerely, The Groupies

oh, I just can't keep a straight face. Neither can The Moose

 

[TheBeadPirate]

eliza did a great job answering your questions, and I'll toss in a few comments.

If you are talking about this coming December, you are probably already too late. VWL books up very quickly for December vacations at the 11 month window in January. It is a very small DVC resort, so it is a challenge to book there if someone isn't an owner there. So it could very well be a moot point. Sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news.

I booked a 1bdrm at VWL for December because there were no studios available for the time we wanted to go. We're waitlisted. Good luck though!

 

[BlueFairy]

eliza did a great job answering your questions, and I'll toss in a few comments.

If you are talking about this coming December, you are probably already too late. VWL books up very quickly for December vacations at the 11 month window in January. It is a very small DVC resort, so it is a challenge to book there if someone isn't an owner there. So it could very well be a moot point. Sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news.


The studio will give you more space especially if you don't unfold the sleeper sofa during the day. It will accommodate bed rails if you choose to go that way or you can use the pack n play. In addition to the fridge, toaster and microwave it is just easier to be in the room with the sofa. In a regular resort room your only option is to sit on the beds to watch television, for instance.


Your DH sounds like a wise man.

The theming and details that make WL so great have been carried over to VWL, and in no way do you feel like you are "leaving" the wonderful feeling that WL conveys. What you might feel like after enjoying a meal or time at the main pool is "Now we get to head over to our great accommodations".

Trash & Towels works well for us, but I have to admit we don't use the studios. There is a laundry room on the first floor of the villas that is free of charge to VWL guests. It is not shared with WL guests but I can't swear that they won't try to come over and use the free laundry. (grrrrrr)

I think that's a great idea. Tell him to avoid the DVC desk in the lobby though or he might come home with more than impressions of a great resort!

Thanks Granny and Eliza. Those pointed answers really help me feel like we can make an informed decision.

Eliza, I love your description of the villas entrance. Best I've seen yet. That sounds wonderful! Unfortunately DD is too young for Cub's Den.

Granny, just so I'm clear, I do see availability on disneyworld.com for our dates in a studio. $1715 for 5 nights. Does DVC pull from this or a separate pool of rooms? I can see how Disney would find it profitable to hold back a certain number for traditional reservations since it is more expensive that way. We unfortunately can't afford the upgrade unless it's with points.

Free laundry, too! Wow. That's a nice perk. If internet access was free - DH would be sold!

And where is that DVC desk? Perhaps I can "accidentally" give DH directions to stop there. I've been paving the way for a DVC conversation since our honeymoon. But DD is 2 and needs college tuition. And we're working on having a second. I think a purchase will have to wait. Too bad, because when they are young is when I think we could get the most use of the membership.

Also, to whomever posted the villas room number map (a pdf), I think the file is broken. I can't get it to load.

 

[BlueFairy]

I booked a 1bdrm at VWL for December because there were no studios available for the time we wanted to go. We're waitlisted. Good luck though!

Funny, 1 BR doesn't show up as an option for us, but studio does. This is on disneyworld.com for 12/2-12/7.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

Funny, 1 BR doesn't show up as an option for us, but studio does. This is on disneyworld.com for 12/2-12/7.

We're going later in the month. But, the cash reservations are pulled from a different group than the DVC points. As the time gets closer they may free up the unbooked cash rooms and make them available for points.

 

[Granny]

Granny, just so I'm clear, I do see availability on disneyworld.com for our dates in a studio. $1715 for 5 nights. Does DVC pull from this or a separate pool of rooms? I can see how Disney would find it profitable to hold back a certain number for traditional reservations since it is more expensive that way. We unfortunately can't afford the upgrade unless it's with points.

As TBP mentioned, Disney owns a small percentage of each DVC resort for cash reservations. It is not unusual for the membership accommodations to be fully booked yet Disney still has cash reservations available. This is also how they use points that DVC members trade out for other resorts or cruise bookings.

And where is that DVC desk? Perhaps I can "accidentally" give DH directions to stop there. I've been paving the way for a DVC conversation since our honeymoon. But DD is 2 and needs college tuition. And we're working on having a second. I think a purchase will have to wait. Too bad, because when they are young is when I think we could get the most use of the membership.

The DVC desk is in the far back area of the lobby, just near the area where the long ramp takes you down to Roaring Fork and the pool access. However, even if he stopped by there the rep would be selling only SSR and AKV. Older sold-out resorts like VWL are available for purchase through the resale market or direct from Disney but only through the assigned Guide (salesperson).

 

[MaryJ]

Also, to whomever posted the villas room number map (a pdf), I think the file is broken. I can't get it to load.

I think that was me, so I'll give it another try:

http://members.aol.com/InstImpres/wildernessmap.pdf