VWL--First Stay Questions

[donmil723]

We just booked a short trip Feb 4-8 at VWL to celebrate DH's 50th birthday. It will just be DH and myself. We are BCV owners and really love our home resort. Since we have always thought the WL/VWL have a wonderful theme, we decided this might be a nice time to try them out. We like to spend most of our time relaxing by the pool and only going into the theme parks one or two days. Since this trip is in February, I know I can't plan on the weather being nice enough for days at the pool, although it might happen. I would appreciate any suggestions for things to do at or near the VWL if the weather is cool, which means 65 degrees or cooler.

Also, my DH gets really claustrophobic in elevators ever since getting stuck on one in our state capitol several years ago. He can handle the ones at BCV since they have mirrors in the back as long as they don't get too crowded with people. Do you know if the elevators at VWL have mirrors in them like the ones at BCV? If not, I'll probably have to request a lower floor so we can just use the stairs.

Are there any other requests you think I should make for our studio?

Thanks for your help!

Donna

 

[Bmwdsny]

I don't remember if there are mirrors in elevators at WLV, but i am leaning to that there isn't, but i suggest you call membership services and put a request for ground floor Studio room on to your reservation...Though it is not guarenteed, but most of the time, they do grant the request.

 

[ohiominnie]

Lots of stuff to do at WL if the weather isn't good for swimming. Just walking the grounds is beautiful. Of hanging in the enormous lobby with a book. Walking over to Fort Wilderness (there is a paved trail.) Renting bikes. Renting watermice or a pontoon boat. The arcade. There is a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt (see front desk for details.) Also lodge tours daily. In addition Fort Wilderness offers trail riding. Outdoor movies with a campfire. Hoop De Doo Review. And plenty of nature.

We were at WL during Hurricane Gordon and it was something like 2 days or torrential rains. We found PLENTY to do without having to go outside much.

HTH.

 

[donmil723]

I don't remember if there are mirrors in elevators at WLV, but i am leaning to that there isn't, but i suggest you call membership services and put a request for ground floor Studio room on to your reservation...Though it is not guarenteed, but most of the time, they do grant the request.

Thanks! Does anyone else remember if the back wall of the VWL elevator is a mirror like the ones at BCV?

Lots of stuff to do at WL if the weather isn't good for swimming. Just walking the grounds is beautiful. Of hanging in the enormous lobby with a book. Walking over to Fort Wilderness (there is a paved trail.) Renting bikes. Renting watermice or a pontoon boat. The arcade. There is a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt (see front desk for details.) Also lodge tours daily. In addition Fort Wilderness offers trail riding. Outdoor movies with a campfire. Hoop De Doo Review. And plenty of nature.

Thanks for the great suggestions! I think the Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt would be really fun!

Donna

 

[jade1]

Kind of fun to take the boat to CR-its like 4 minutes. That gives a few more dining options or watch Wishes-maybe even jump on the monorail for a ride or dining at GF/PLY. The Water Parade at WL is kind of fun at night-sit on the beach and watch. Fishing is fun but pricy. As suggested-explore the upper levels of the lobby and find a couch to relax. Swimming used to be incredible there in Feb with a very toasty main pool-but who knows anymore.

 

[lisareniff]

We are planning our first visit in Feb as well so I don't have any advice, but just wanted to add that there is one studio with out a balcony (the only one in DVC) and watch out for the dumpster view. I don't know the name of the studio but it might be on InstImpres list.

 

[ohiominnie]

Thanks! Does anyone else remember if the back wall of the VWL elevator is a mirror like the ones at BCV?



Thanks for the great suggestions! I think the Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt would be really fun!

Donna

No mirror in the elevator that I can remember. I believe it's all wood panelling with framed ads for the food court and artist's point.

 

[donmil723]

We are planning our first visit in Feb as well so I don't have any advice, but just wanted to add that there is one studio with out a balcony (the only one in DVC) and watch out for the dumpster view. I don't know the name of the studio but it might be on InstImpres list.

Hey, Lisa! Just talked to you on the boards about our October BCV trip and thought you, as one BCV fanatic to another, would be able to report back on VWL to me. Then DH said for his 50th birthday, he would like to go back to WDW! We couldn't get room/good airfare on his actual birthday in early Jan. so we are going in February. We've always wanted to try VWL but liked BCV's location near Epcot in Oct. for F&W Festival and Stormalong Bay on our Spring Break and May trips so this seemed like a good time to try VWL.

I read about the no balcony studio and dumpster views. I think the no balcony studio is on the 4th floor. I will have to request 3rd floor or lower since DH won't be able to use the elevator. I prefer a balcony to a patio so we compromise by requesting a 3rd floor or lower room. What do you request to avoid the dumpster view?

Kind of fun to take the boat to CR-its like 4 minutes. That gives a few more dining options or watch Wishes-maybe even jump on the monorail for a ride or dining at GF/PLY. The Water Parade at WL is kind of fun at night-sit on the beach and watch. Fishing is fun but pricy. As suggested-explore the upper levels of the lobby and find a couch to relax. Swimming used to be incredible there in Feb with a very toasty main pool-but who knows anymore.

Thanks for the suggestions. Was thinking of dining at the Concourse Steakhouse. I would love to eat at California Grill and watch Wishes but that ain't gonna happen with DH and his FEAR of elevators. That's ok though--he has to put up with my quirks too!!

Donna

Donna

 

[lisareniff]

Hey, Lisa! Just talked to you on the boards about our October BCV trip and thought you, as one BCV fanatic to another, would be able to report back on VWL to me. Then DH said for his 50th birthday, he would like to go back to WDW! We couldn't get room/good airfare on his actual birthday in early Jan. so we are going in February. We've always wanted to try VWL but liked BCV's location near Epcot in Oct. for F&W Festival and Stormalong Bay on our Spring Break and May trips so this seemed like a good time to try VWL.

I read about the no balcony studio and dumpster views. I think the no balcony studio is on the 4th floor. I will have to request 3rd floor or lower since DH won't be able to use the elevator. I prefer a balcony to a patio so we compromise by requesting a 3rd floor or lower room. What do you request to avoid the dumpster view?

Donna, If you are back before the 15th I would love to hear your review of VWL from a BCV lover's perspective! I could be wrong but think we will appreciate VWL's theme and location but it will not become a favorite. We usually go to WDW in Feb to get a break from the gray, cold and snow. I have a feeling that BCV would give us that break better then VWL.

The dumpster area is near the far end of the building on the parking lot side. Some of the studios are located there so you will need to keep an eye out at check-in. They are dedicated studios; X560 and x562. I would ask for a view toward the lake? I'm not sure since most of the views from all sides of the villa are woods!

 

[jade1]

Thanks for the suggestions. Was thinking of dining at the Concourse Steakhouse. I would love to eat at California Grill and watch Wishes but that ain't gonna happen with DH and his FEAR of elevators. That's ok though--he has to put up with my quirks too!!

Donna

Donna

There is a Wishes (or at least there used to be) viewing area at the end of the (I think third level) CR-should be just walk out from the Concourse Steak.

 

[MiaSRN62]

#4533 is the "no balcony" room. I asked as well before we checked in to VWL on Oct 4. We were on the ground floor so I never actually went in the elevator. I have been in them back in '02, but can't recall if there were mirrors or not (sorry). We love VWL (right behind OKW). If it's not too cold, you can sit out on the beach and look out on the water---so relaxing. I just did this last month while reading a book. Feb 4-8 is an iffy time weather-wise. We were in WDW Feb 10-14 in '05 and it was freezing ! Temps never got over 56-57 and nights dipped into the upper 30's. Of course, the day we had to leave (Feb 14) it was supposed to hit 70 So I'd be prepared for anything. To be honest with you, I had left high temps of 30's and snow in Philly, so even the chilly 50's felt warmer to me !
Also, I can totally understand your dh's phobia of elevators. Same thing happened to my dd when she was 11. She got stuck in the elevators at HI Maingate West on 192. She rarely, if ever, will step on an elevator now 5 years later. We had a quick stay at POP this year and we were unlucky enough to be on the 4th (top) floor. She took the stairs over the elevator every time. So I can definitely understand your dh's feeling about this.

Have a great time and happy upcoming birthday to you dh

 

[donmil723]

Donna, If you are back before the 15th I would love to hear your review of VWL from a BCV lover's perspective! I could be wrong but think we will appreciate VWL's theme and location but it will not become a favorite. We usually go to WDW in Feb to get a break from the gray, cold and snow. I have a feeling that BCV would give us that break better then VWL.

The dumpster area is near the far end of the building on the parking lot side. Some of the studios are located there so you will need to keep an eye out at check-in. They are dedicated studios; X560 and x562. I would ask for a view toward the lake? I'm not sure since most of the views from all sides of the villa are woods!

Lisa, We will get back late on Feb. 8th. I will let you know what we think ASAP. I think we will like VWL but not as much as our wonderful home away from home BCV! Of course, if we have some warm and weather, we will be happy!

I think I am going to request 3rd floor or lower and near the main lodge. Maybe that way I can avoid the dreaded no balcony and dumpster view rooms!

Donna

 

[donmil723]

Jade1, Thanks for the suggestion about the other viewing option at CR. We will check that out!

Maria, Thanks for the room number of the no balcony studio and birthday wishes for DH. I'm sorry your DD had a bad experience on an elevator especially when she was so young. It would be scary. I really don't mind using stairs. It makes me feel better when I eat a little more than I should! LOL! I know what you mean about Feb. temps. We went Feb., 1999 and it was 80s the first part of our stay and then a cold front came in and it was cold and windy!!! One of the reasons we like vacationing at WDW more than a beach is because you can find lots of things to do if the weather isn't as great as you would like.

Donna

 

[Psychodisney]

We are BCV owners and lovers and stayed at VWL for the firts time in a 2BR in Oct. The grounds are beautiful and all of the CMs were super. I give the nod to VWL on their quiet pool-very nice setting. Theming overall and the hidden Mickeys were wonderful. the units and the hallways seem to be wearing better than BCV-probably due to the darker colors. We enjoyed our stay but we'll be glad to return to BCV next time. You can't beat the location-more dining options-easier to get to parks-and SAB.
Have a great time!

 

[Forever a Princess]

Our recommendations for the VWL.

Make a ressie for the Artist's Point for Dinner. Our second fave restaurant on property. Jackets are required for the guys.

Make a ressie for Trails End breakfast at FW. One of the best breakfast buffets on property (no characters). Rent bikes from the WL and ride back/forth to the Trails End.

Book a fireworks cruise (if they have openings). Your boat leaves from the WL. Call WL room service before you go and order a cake/decorations.

Have a great trip!

 

[K9pal]

Actually, I don't think jackets are required for Artist's Point (unless they've changed it since we were there last). If I remember right, I just wore capris and DH wore khakis.

I'll have to look at the breakfast buffet - that sounds great!

 

[spiceycat]

use stairs at VWL can be a problem - they kept the outside doors locked - no problem getting down them - but up.

well I guess you could go into the building and try there.

the elevators are beautiful - make sure you go back them even if he won't use them.

here is the layout from instimpres
http://members.aol.com/InstImpres/wildernessmap.pdf

the shack can properly be seemed from X56, X60, X62

the first floor has the shurbs and bushes - so it shouldn't be a problem from the first floor.

 

[donmil723]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions! I really think we will like VWL!

use stairs at VWL can be a problem - they kept the outside doors locked - no problem getting down them - but up.

well I guess you could go into the building and try there.

Can you use your room key to access the stairs from outside? At BCV you can access the one stairwell by the parking lot from the outside using your room key if it is locked. The other stairwells at BCV have doors opening into the interior hallways on each floor. We've also always been able to use the stairwells at BWV. Someone please tell me that they have used the stairs at VWL!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!

Donna

 

[kimberh]

One night after EMH's, we did use our room key to open the door to get into the main entry way, I am not sure about the stairs. Their is a great WL Thread on this board. There is so much to do there on the grounds. There are walking trails, bike rentals, boat rentals. There are 2 boats for transportation purposes, one is to the Magic Kingdom and Fort Wilderness. The other is to the Contemporary. You can board the Monorail there and ride to the restaurants or Monorail parks.

If you tell the front desk that you are celebrating a 50th Birthday, they will send a card and Balloons on the day that you want. It can be a surprise, it will be on the door.

Have fun,

 

[Bmwdsny]

Yes, i have used the card to access the stairs at WVL to get in...if i remember correctly, there is a side door to the hallway and then the stairs is to the left..