Thoughts & ? on our stay at WLV

[Eck45]

Hey everyone, it has been a while since I have posted anything.

We stayed Oct. 27 - Nov. 1 at WLV. We had a 1-bdrm, room 1548 on the first floor of the villas. BWV is our home, so this was a new experience for us (myself, wife, son).

We love the room. Beautiful theme, love the green color and woodsy feel. Only complaint was we had no view of anything, but I really don't consider that a complaint. Room was in good shape, nothing broken or missing. We also loved the lodge, the woodwork is amazing and it gives you a camping feel.
We only ate 1 time at roaring forks, good, quick, easy food. Didn't eat anywhere else in resort, but I have ate at Artist Pt. before is anyone has questions. The pool was nice, but personally I like the BWV pool better.

We went to all the parks over our stay. Everything looked good and it was fun. Spent most of our time at MK since our son is 1. Loved seeing all the characters (Launchpad McQuack being my fav).

We also went to MNSSHP on Oct. 31st. very crowded, but fun. I was Ketchup and my wife was Mustard if anyone else was there. But I have a few questions about MK. What is the house used for next to the small world ride? It has been empty everytime I have been there. What do they use the stage for next to the Buzz ride? I have never seen anything there either. Also, timekeeper and CoP were empty, anyone know of plans for those?

Other thoughts:

With the Boardwalk being "home" we are spoiled by the location there, and being able to walk to EPCOT & MGM. WLV seemed remote and everywhere was work to get to by boat or bus. Also, the Boardwalk seems more "active" then WLV.

Don't take this the wrong way, I don't want any posts saying I am "ripping" on WLV. I think it is a wonderful resort. We just prefer the Boardwalk for us.

We ate at 3 character meals. Chef Mickey's was great as usual. Restaurantasorous was better than everyone says and we had fun there too. Gullivers at the Swan was disappointing. Service and food were fine, but there is no "magical" feel to it. It felt like I was in a hotel ballroom with tables.

I got a massage at WLV, and wife got a facial at Contemporary. We both loved the experience, and recommend both.

This is getting long, any questions I will try to answer ASAP.

Eck45

 

[Mattsmom]

With the Boardwalk being "home" we are spoiled by the location there, and being able to walk to EPCOT & MGM. WLV seemed remote and everywhere was work to get to by boat or bus. Also, the Boardwalk seems more "active" then WLV.

We own at BCV. My kids, DSs 18, 16 & 11 would like to try the VWL. I've been wondering if we would feel "out of the action". Thanks for the info.

 

[JonHM]

I should preface this by saying that we have stayed in both BWV and VWL, and loved both. But to me, personally, that feeling of solitude and isolation that you get at VWL is one of its strong points. Even though, when we went up on the roof for flag family, you could see that you were *very* close to MK and Epcot, you have the feeling of being out in the woods - it's so quiet, calm and relaxing.

As I said, I loved staying at BWV in January, but this last trip to VWL was so much more relaxing and soothing. And again, personal taste, but I really loved both pools at VWL - I didn't really get into the Luna Park pool, but maybe that's just me - I don't care for clowns...

I didn't think you were ripping WLV, it just shows the versatility and greatest strength of DVC - different strokes...

I think we're going to try to decide what kind of trip we have before we schedule it - probably spend warmer weather at BWV/BCV for more excitement and location, and cooler weather trips at VWL for the atmosphere, theming and relaxation.

 

[DVCDAVE]

The House next to its a SMALL WORLD, used to be the Skywway to Tomarrowland. I believe it closed in 1997 as it was due for rehab and deemed to expensive to bring up to current safety codes.

The stage next to Buzzlight year is still used, there is a schedule of performances at the end of Main St. that has all the performances scheduled for all of the MK.

 

[JonHM]

I'm pretty positive that both Timekeeper and Carousel of Progress are not 'empty' - they are still there, but only open 'seasonally' - during very busy times.

 

[Eck45]

I totally agree JonHM. It was peaceful, quiet, relaxing. And WLV is a wonderful resort. Some of the response comes from the fact that my son is one and we bring a stroller and have to "corrall" him on the busses or boats. We will be staying there again in the future since my father-in-law "owns" there. And it is great that you can have 2 different experiences while owning the same "timeshare" package and going to the same place.

MattsMom - Don't misunderstand my feelings about the resort. There is plenty to do there and there are a lot of kids activities that they don't have at BWV or BCV. It just doesn't have the boardwalk or other resorts connected to it. So there are fewer people. It was nice only being a 5 minute boat ride from MK. I would explore it further with your kids before you make a final decision.

Since my first trip was April 2000 I never saw the skyway so I had no idea there ever was one. Seems like a waste of space to not have something there. But I am sure there is some plan for it. Thanks for the info on CoP and timekeeper. Hopefully they will do something with those or open them more often.