VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.5) updated 2 February 2025

[kungaloosh22]

The concept art looks like a Four Seasons luxury hotel.

My first thought was that it looks like the Four Seasons Orlando. I wonder if they'll be positioning this as upscale luxury? If so, it's not what I expected at this location.

 

[Granny]

My first thought was that it looks like the Four Seasons Orlando. I wonder if they'll be positioning this as upscale luxury? If so, it's not what I expected at this location.

Welcome Kungaloosh! I think it will be positioned like any other DVC...home away from home. And I think it will generate its own identity and theming, similar to OKW and SSR. I see them distancing themselves from Caribbean Beach resort as much as possible from a theming standpoint. I think it will be more in line with VGF which I suppose is looked at as upscale luxury when it comes to DVC. I don't think they will market the CBR proximity at all. It sounds like they will have their own pool (not available to CBR guests) and a rooftop restaurant with great views of EPCOT and DHS fireworks. It will be fun to watch this one play out since I have no dog in the fight.

 

[kungaloosh22]

Welcome Kungaloosh! I think it will be positioned like any other DVC...home away from home. And I think it will generate its own identity and theming, similar to OKW and SSR. I see them distancing themselves from Caribbean Beach resort as much as possible from a theming standpoint. I think it will be more in line with VGF which I suppose is looked at as upscale luxury when it comes to DVC. I don't think they will market the CBR proximity at all. It sounds like they will have their own pool (not available to CBR guests) and a rooftop restaurant with great views of EPCOT and DHS fireworks. It will be fun to watch this one play out since I have no dog in the fight.

I think you're right. It just surprised me, as I was expecting this to be Caribbean themed, which to me is more playful, relaxed, and casual. But now that I think about it more, if they're concerned with people associating the new DVC with a "moderate" resort, it makes sense to distance themselves thematically and go with something that evokes a more "deluxe" vibe.

 

[Corinne]

I'm really bummed about the IG being the location of the gondola. No more "walking in the backdoor" feeling.

 

[twinklebug]

I'm really bummed about the IG being the location of the gondola. No more "walking in the backdoor" feeling.

Providing Disney doesn't rip down a ton of trees... They'll make it nice.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So...it sounds like Disney has officially announced the next DVC, the Riviera Resort, which will be built at Caribbean Beach Resort area and have access to the new gondola skyway system to carry guests to EPCOT and DHS. I know this is a Wilderness Lodge DVC thread, but I'm interested in other Groupie comments about the newest resort. Interesting that it will be the first DVC in close proximity to a moderate resort, though it appears it will not share amenities with CBR. What do you guys think?

Walking to a park is still one of the biggest draws so I'm not certain how this will go. I'm fine with Gondolas but it's still transportation, albeit that is something I'll enjoy, but it's not as easy or as quick as strolling over and entering a park in 5 minutes or so. I'm happy to see that they are getting out of the remodel of existing hotel rooms and building something new but "Riviera" doesn't have any immediate appeal for me. I'm sure we'll stay sometime but will just have to see how it's built out. I still like stronger themes and I've done the "Riviera" thing in Vegas. Yawn.

On another note I hear you @twinklebug on the Star Wars resort/experience. I love sci fi and have loved Star Wars from the start, loved Star Wars weekends, but I'm thinking I may be past the point of this being something we'll be in a hurry to do. But, I'm sure there are LOTS of Star Wars fans who will keep it busy and full. I'd honestly rather stay in the Castle and the whole princess thing has never been it for me.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Birthday @deebits !!!

 

[DiznyDi]

Good Monday Morning Groupies!

OK, I really need some help from my groupie friends. I came to the thread this morning to get caught up on all the happenings in the Groupie world. And, consequently have been struggling for the past hour trying to remove my photo bucket images so I don't get those awful 'update' in my signature line.

Here's what I've attempted so far:
I've gone into my Dis account - signature - and clicked on each image, deleted the link and then saved when I was finished, but it would appear that I was not successful.

I've gone into our photo bucket account - what a mess with all those blooming' ads - and cannot find the path to the third party hosting of my images.

Any suggestions for someone that, technologically speaking, flies by the seat of their pants?


OK, DDad came to my rescue!!! I'm naked now just like Granny

 

[Dizny Dad]

Jeese Louis Dear, That last statement make this thread sound very suspect . . . . I'll be home right away . . .

 

[Dizny Dad]

Wow, I just looked down . . . I'm naked, too!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Wow, I just looked down . . . I'm naked, too!

This thread has taken a definite turn this morning!

 

[DiznyDi]

My bad ..... Granny's not naked ... he's clean-shaven!

 

[jade1]

CC Grand Opening today. Looks great.

 

[jade1]

 

[jade1]

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

View attachment 253670

The Grand Villa?

 

[jade1]

The Grand Villa?

Studio...............ha, yea GV

 

[oswald1]

question for the experts: I have been a VWL member since 2000, but have not been there since this copper creep addition. Where is it exactly and how has it affected the most beloved resort at WDW?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Studio...............ha, yea GV

Ya sure - I've seen the studio and that ain't it!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

question for the experts: I have been a VWL member since 2000, but have not been there since this copper creep addition. Where is it exactly and how has it affected the most beloved resort at WDW?

The did a few things. First - Copper Creek is a completely separate association so it's the 7 month window for any VWL owners. They converted the WL hotel rooms in the south wing into CCV villas (studios, 1BR's, 2BR's and a handful of GV's). For new they also built Cabins all along Bay Lake shore. During this build time they tore out the best pool on property IMO (Hidden Springs) and enlarged and changed the theme but a pool is back with a few "cabanas" and zero entry and there is still a hot tub. In addition they built a new restaurant that is a type of lounge for some sit down dining (first come first served) and a second quick service location - both of which seem quite popular. They were built where the beach was. In that building there is also a new community hall which I haven't seen much of yet. There are now BBQ areas with gas grills both at the south area of VWL/Cabins and for the north Cabins and a new sport court.