VWL & buying from Disney

[vbalacek]

I've read posting from many people about how fabulous (and centrally located) BW and BCV are, how peaceful OKW is, and the pluses and minuses of SSR. Does anyone have any thoughts on VWL they'd like to share?

I've never been there, but based on its descriptions, it seems like a great place for children (I have very small ones), as well as adults. There also seems like a lot of activities even if you weren't up for a day at the park. I've been reading this board for a couple of weeks and your enthusiasm is contagious--I'd like to buy sight unseen and join in on the fun ASAP. My husband is a little more rational (especially afer I've stressed the importance of "home resort"). He suggests we should check out each one first before buying. Can anyone help with information so I can dazzle him with my knowledge, and buy the contract I have my eye on? How are the pools, kids clubs, resturants, facilities? Also, could anyone comment on traveling around from there (I read in a tour book that it is very time consuming to get to any other park other than the MK-- is that true?)

Also, they recently been postings about people buying timeshares other than SSR directly from DIsney. How does that work?

THANKS!!!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Hi, vbalacek. Quite simply, VWL is the most detailed, and meticulously themed DVC resort. Pictures do not tell the story of this magnificent resort. You truly must see it first hand to experience the grandeur and theme of VWL/WL.
You are honestly doing yourself an injustice if you don't visit and walk through the lobby of WL, and the VWL atrium.
It is by far my personal favorite, but of course we all have our own opinions.

On the other side, while most agree that it is the most highly themed resort, some members have expressed a dislike for the the resort citing that it is too dark for their taste. The dark woods, and the red and green interiors match the theme perfectly, but are not 'bright and airy' as many like.

Transportaion from VWL to MK or FW is by boat. A car or bus will be needed for other areas.

From your post it sounds as though you are aware that VWL is only available through a resale, and not directly from Disney. That is not a big deal, as many here have purchased that way.

Good luck, and keep asking questions!

MG

 

[lenshanem]

VWL - PERFECT!

 

[Pumbaa_]

Don't want to be a wet blanket, but it is not my favorite resort. I love the lobby of the WL and the theming but felt that the Villas did not meet my expectations. I am of the camp that feels the rooms are too dark. Before we stayed here, I too thought it was just perfect (had been to the lobby and pool areas)

Your husband has a great idea to see the resorts. If this is the one that you think is made for you, rent some points or stay cash in the villas and see if it is all that you want. Check out the other resorts too. Home resort is very important, especially if you travel at peak times.

The best part of DVC is that there are resorts for everyone. We are going bacl to VWL and giving it another try this October. Then 5 nights at OKW (hubby's first time there).

Good luck with your decision!!

 

[jimmytammy]

We own at WLV and love it! You probably wont find many on here that dont love their home resort though.

I agree with M Gracey that WLV is the most highly themed DVC resort. Kids as they get older and more on their own probably like BWV oR BCV for the close proximity to Epcot. But our kids are 9 and 11 and still love WLV(they better if they know what is good for them )

I dont think you can buy direct from DVC any of the resorts that sold out originally. The only way you can buy those pts direct from DVC is if you already own pts from any of those resorts. We recently did an addon at WLV direct but we already owned pts.

You can buy SSR pts direct as that resort is still for sale. If WLV is what you want, I suggest buying resale. There are about 3 reputable resalers out there. I dont have the experience of buying resale but Im sure you can ask that question and get a lot of response.

One thing I will add, WLV gets away quickly on resale market so be ready once that contract suitable for you comes along. The reason is its popularity plus it is the smallest DVC resort. Something like 130 rooms.

At any rate good luck in your decision. DVC has been great for our family. We are hoping to try them all someday.

 

[Geoff_M]

We just spent 5 nights at BCV and then 5 nights at VWL. Everyone has their own reasons for liking or not liking a resort. We loved BCV for SAB, plus the proximity to Epcot and MGM. But we also thought BCV was also huge... it lacked the "cozy" feeling of VWL. And yes, the rooms at VWL are not as "light" as BCV... but that's not a problem for us. The overall themeing of WL can't be touched by BC, and AP is probably our favorite resort restaurant.... plus we like the fact that it's a MK resort.

I'd recommend you visit the resorts before buying and pick the one that feels best to you... which ever one that is!

 

[jarestel]

Another VWL devotee here. We've stayed at all of the resorts ( except SSR ) and VWL is our favorite also. It is themed like "A LODGE", so if you like this decor, you'll love VWL. I also think the MK access by boat is ( usually ) very efficient and is a bit of an attraction in itself. We like to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride across the lake. With access to the 2 WL restaurants and the snack bar, you never have to go very far to get something to eat, unless you want to. And the Mercantile store has a great selection of merchandise and ( I think ) the friendliest CMs I've seen anywhere at WDW. Good luck with your decision, hope to see you around the Lodge soon!

 

[Granny]

I strongly encourage you to visit all the DVC resorts before buying any of them. That way, you can find the one that best strikes your family as "home".

Wilderness Lodge has consistently been rated as the favorite resort by Disney guests the past several years. It's theming is strong, and if you like the theming it is wonderful. If you don't like the "woodsy", Pacific Northwest ambience, then it just won't sit right for you.

To me, how a resort makes you feel as a family is more important than location. For others, location is the most important consideration, or the size of the rooms.

We love VWL. It is perfect for my family, and every time I enter that lobby I truly feel like I've returned "home".

There also seems like a lot of activities even if you weren't up for a day at the park.

This is a strong point for VWL as well. Bking along great trails over to Fort Wilderness. Boating on the best lake at WDW. Great kids activities like the duck races down Silver Springs creek in the afternoons. Hidden Mickey search sheets that you can get from Guest Services.

We love the parks, but if they closed them for a week, we'd still have a great vacation just staying at VWL.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Degli]

I've stayed at WL twice. Our first DVC trip will be this July at BCV. I'm a little worried that we won't be as excited because the theming won't be as special to us as WL was. We are a wilderness, out doorsy, nature loving family and coming back to this at the end of a day at the parks was sooo special. I'm sure we'll love all the resorts at DVC but I'm sure WL will always be a special place for our family.

 

[lenshanem]

Actually, I agree. I think it is wise to at least check out all the DVC resorts before you buy to decide which one you'll want if doing resale.

Although I'm pleased we own at BCV, in hindsight I probably would have bought at VWL instead if I had gone back and looked at them. It had been awhile since I had visited WL (pre DVC being built there) and BCV was still fresh in my mind. When we went back to VWL after buying I was like OPPS!

And just to show how different everyone's tastes are - I took my parents with me on the VWL trip. My Dad was in love and couldn't believe I bought at BCV instead. On the other hand, I took them over to tour BCV on a Member Day and my Mom LOVED it. She said VWL was too dark, liked the airy feel to BCV.

To make things even more complicated, we just stayed at BWV and I loved that place, too!

My favs are VWL, BWV then BCV. Oh, well!

 

[dizneeluvr]

Hi!

We're VWL owners as well. Ordinarily I'm not a "dark color" person...certainly not in my own home. But at VWL it brings a warmth and coziness to the rooms and we love it!

As far as the transportation issue, never had a problem getting anywhere except to MGM on Marathon Day (which is not a surprise). The boats to MK are great--very relaxing as the earlier poster said. The bus to everywhere else is efficient.

Good luck with your choice. And if it helps...we bought sight unseen (completely--never laid eyes on WL or VWL before purchasing). And come to think of it, we purchased our first add-on prior to seeing it too!

~Laura

 

[chris1gill]

Everyone has mentioned the villa's themselves, but not the activities... IMHO WLV's has the BEST activities & location... Even when we don't stay there, we usually wind up renting boats & bikes there! There's no better place to do it, than WL... Buy a 4 hour package for the boats/bikes, or get an unlimited length of stay (up to 7 days)... The bike path brings you over to Fort Wilderness & it is a great ride, at least my family likes it WL offers the Flag Family daily & the restaurant options are great...

We own at BW & OKW, but my DH would like a WL add on!

 

[tjkraz]

Here's another recommendation that you visit before you decide. Of course, this is coming from a guy who bought SSR sight-unseen.

A couple of other comments:

1. I know you mentioned your "very small ones" in your post. Just keep in the back of your mind that DVC isn't just for the next 4-5 years--we're talking about 40-50 years. Much as we parents might like to think otherwise, those little ones won't always be so little. I'd suggest making the decision that's best for you and your hubbie. There will certainly be opportunities to book VWL as your non-home resort if you want to give the kiddies a look. But don't pick it as your Home unless you and your spouse are in total agreement.

2. I didn't see anyone mention this as I skimmed the post, so I'll throw it out there just in case. Generally speaking, the only way to purchase VWL (or any resort OTHER than SSR) is on the resale market. If you go with a resale, you will save a few dollars, but you also need to finance yourself (cash or other personal loan.) On the other hand, DVC will finance you for up to 10 years at decent (not great) rates. If you need to use the DVC financing, SSR is probably the only option available.

Good luck.