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

[DonMacGregor]

Haha of course!

Jeff has everything.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Unfortunately you didn’t miss a thing. Multiple issues at the resort. Magical Express was a complete mess. Only one boat running from the resort. Decorations at a minimum as well as the food selection and service. It was so very sad. The cutbacks are obvious.

While we won't be back until February, I needed a Holiday fix and watched 4KWDW's walk-through video on YouTube from last week. The decorations look identical to 2019 (the last time we visited the Lodge in December). Even the BR lobby looked exactly the same. What did you notice was missing?

Disney's Wilderness Lodge 2021 Walkthrough w/ Christmas Decorations in 4K | Walt Disney World Resort

I totally get the DME issues and limited food choices, but the decorations are all warehoused and re-used every year. It's not like they're saving money by leaving some in the box.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I totally get the DME issues and limited food choices, but the decorations are all warehoused and re-used every year. It's not like they're saving money by leaving some in the box.

They could save on the labor to put them up and take the down. Plus if there were some decorations that were in need of replacement they'd save by not replacing.

 

[DonMacGregor]

They could save on the labor to put them up and take the down. Plus if there were some decorations that were in need of replacement they'd save by not replacing.

True, but that's really getting well down into the weeds re: cost benefits. As I asked, I don't see any stark difference between this year and 2019, and I posted the video for anyone to watch and comment.

People were saying the same thing about Grand Cal, but all the decorations are up there (we are locals and go in every year to take a Christmas photo), including the gingerbread house, which has to cost an absolute fortune to make.

 

[Granny]

Unfortunately you didn’t miss a thing. Multiple issues at the resort. Magical Express was a complete mess. Only one boat running from the resort. Decorations at a minimum as well as the food selection and service. It was so very sad. The cutbacks are obvious.

Hope...I guess Magical Express was in its final days and probably not much attention to fixing any issues that may crop up there. As for the cutbacks, I keep hearing that Disney is having problems getting back to pre-pandemic staffing levels. So I can see where they might need to make some cutbacks. But then I hear that the crowds are really big, and the lines are long. So no incentive for Disney to do anything to improve customer satisfaction. Us DVCers are kind of locked in to WDW trips, so I'm sure we'll continue to visit. I'm just glad that we have had so many park visits in the past two decades. We have learned how to enjoy our WDW trips without a lot of time spent in the parks. I feel sorry for those who are relatively new to WDW.

 

[Granny]

While we won't be back until February, I needed a Holiday fix and watched 4KWDW's walk-through video on YouTube from last week. The decorations look identical to 2019 (the last time we visited the Lodge in December). Even the BR lobby looked exactly the same. What did you notice was missing?

Disney's Wilderness Lodge 2021 Walkthrough w/ Christmas Decorations in 4K | Walt Disney World Resort

I totally get the DME issues and limited food choices, but the decorations are all warehoused and re-used every year. It's not like they're saving money by leaving some in the box.

Don...looking at the video, it seems that most of the WL/VWL decorations that we are used to seeing are in place. It does seem like a little less...such as the light stanchions in the long sloping corridor leading down to Roaring Fork...all those stanchions used to have holiday decorations on them as I recall. But for the most part, it looks like it usually does.

I had heard that the parks such as EPCOT seemed to be less decorated. But that is not a new thing.

By the way, those videos are really beautiful and well done. Thanks for sharing.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

True, but that's really getting well down into the weeds re: cost benefits. As I asked, I don't see any stark difference between this year and 2019, and I posted the video for anyone to watch and comment.

People were saying the same thing about Grand Cal, but all the decorations are up there (we are locals and go in every year to take a Christmas photo), including the gingerbread house, which has to cost an absolute fortune to make.

I haven't seen so I can't comment on any of the christmas decorations but just pointing out that cutting back on them, even if they own them, will be a savings. And getting down into the weeds is exactly what Disney parks and resorts has been doing for a few years dating back to Shanghai.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Don...looking at the video, it seems that most of the WL/VWL decorations that we are used to seeing are in place. It does seem like a little less...such as the light stanchions in the long sloping corridor leading down to Roaring Fork...all those stanchions used to have holiday decorations on them as I recall. But for the most part, it looks like it usually does.

As I said, I posted the video so folks could comment. I just don't see the basis for saying "Decorations at a minimum..."

 

[DonMacGregor]

I haven't seen so I can't comment on any of the christmas decorations but just pointing out that cutting back on them, even if they own them, will be a savings. And getting down into the weeds is exactly what Disney parks and resorts has been doing for a few years dating back to Shanghai.

I'm half expecting someone to come on here complaining that the water in a drinking fountain didn't seem as cold as before, and suggesting Disney must be cutting down on refrigeration costs.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'm half expecting someone to come on here complaining that the water in a drinking fountain didn't seem as cold as before, and suggesting Disney must be cutting down on refrigeration costs.

Perhaps but unlikely. More interest in VWL discussion.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We only spent two nights at the VWL, and I/we were very happy to be there. I wrote Christmas cards listening to the music, and when we were leaving, I had to take this picture. I probably have one from every December that we stay there, but here’s this years!

 

[sleepydog25]

Lovely picture, bobbi. Will be there in a few days and give a report. We don't plan to do much park time, but I'm sure we'll enjoy the decorations, the music, the atmosphere. May all within this group be blessed with peace and fulfillment during this holiday season.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

While we won't be back until February, I needed a Holiday fix and watched 4KWDW's walk-through video on YouTube from last week. The decorations look identical to 2019 (the last time we visited the Lodge in December). Even the BR lobby looked exactly the same. What did you notice was missing?

Disney's Wilderness Lodge 2021 Walkthrough w/ Christmas Decorations in 4K | Walt Disney World Resort

I totally get the DME issues and limited food choices, but the decorations are all warehoused and re-used every year. It's not like they're saving money by leaving some in the box.

No gingerbread house like they had in2019. The table that had specialty items for sale was half the size. Poor merch offerings in the Mercantile. No pin trading board. No pins in the lobby to purchase.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So the post about less and the video led me down a rabbit hold of look at past photos and other online videos and photos too. There's less without doubt. The lodge is still beautiful though of course.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think the Photo Passes are so special. DH and I are just thrilled with many, and this one is good enough to be our Christmas Card, if we were inclined to send pictures.



I know it is the decorations that people are talking about being less, but we were very happy with our early December visit.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

No gingerbread house like they had in2019. The table that had specialty items for sale was half the size. Poor merch offerings in the Mercantile. No pin trading board. No pins in the lobby to purchase.

So you know the puzzle they have in the Disney Files - Picture this - where they have a before photo and an altered photo? It's something I always enjoyed trying to pick out. Here's my observations on Wilderness Lodge Resort Christmas decor.

You already mentioned a couple biggies - no Gingerbread cabin and specialty items table. Other paring down of the decorations included:

- no garland, wreath nor tree in Whispering Canyon. Also no garland on the railing that divides the restaurant from the lobby.
- no deer and trees above the entry way doors of the WL lobby
- Grapevine bears were not seen
- no decor around where the DVC desk was.
- no wreaths or garland visible in Territory lounge
- no swags hanging from the lights on the hallway going to Roaring Fork and just outside of Roaring Fork (those were there in 2020 though)
- no garland on the salon building
- no giant wreath at the dock
- no garland on lamp posts in the cabin areas.
- no big wreaths on the windows in the Carolwood Pacific room

Of course I often seem to miss one or two things in those altered pictures......
Still, I'd call that a lot.

Here's a link to the 2019 walk thru: Disney's Wilderness Lodge Christmas 2019 video

 

[BWV Dreamin]

So you know the puzzle they have in the Disney Files - Picture this - where they have a before photo and an altered photo? It's something I always enjoyed trying to pick out. Here's my observations on Wilderness Lodge Resort Christmas decor.

You already mentioned a couple biggies - no Gingerbread cabin and specialty items table. Other paring down of the decorations included:

- no garland, wreath nor tree in Whispering Canyon. Also no garland on the railing that divides the restaurant from the lobby.
- no deer and trees above the entry way doors of the WL lobby
- Grapevine bears were not seen
- no decor around where the DVC desk was.
- no wreaths or garland visible in Territory lounge
- no swags hanging from the lights on the hallway going to Roaring Fork and just outside of Roaring Fork (those were there in 2020 though)
- no garland on the salon building
- no giant wreath at the dock
- no garland on lamp posts in the cabin areas.
- no big wreaths on the windows in the Carolwood Pacific room

Of course I often seem to miss one or two things in those altered pictures......
Still, I'd call that a lot.

Here's a link to the 2019 walk thru: Disney's Wilderness Lodge Christmas 2019 video

Awesome find Kat. Some of those things I just couldn’t put my finger on, it just “felt” sparse. Now I know why!! Thanks for the link!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Wow, you folks have been busy on here! This is by far the best place on the internet to hang out, be accepted, and not be judged. These days, work keeps me away far too long and I hope with a long Christmas break, I can hang out here for a bit.

I cant weigh in on the decorations but I dont doubt that with all the cutbacks, the decorations may be more sparse this year, simply based on man power alone. Disney is in the midst of hiring back several thousand employees so that has to mean something has to be missing that we are accustomed too.

I know for our small company, supplies are really scarce...waiting on flooring since Aug for a 2 month normal renovation, waiting on storm doors, waiting on trusses that used to to take 2 weeks, now 4 months, etc. as the list goes on. Why? Lack of labor =lack of supplies. Not going to get political here, not the place for it, but the current environment lends itself to cutbacks, with Disney being no exception.

I pray for better days for us all.

 

[twinklebug]

I was in Disney in March, June and October of 2021 as I worked on my mom's unfortunately waterlogged house. Each visit brought back a little more life to the parks and resorts. That last visit in October was parks and resorts only and let me tell you... it was much needed magic.

We're still in 2021. To put it in perspective: we didn't even have any Covid vaccines available to us at the start of this year. It has been a long, hard haul for us all. Like with any personal injury, society takes time to come back but we are returning to normal... it takes time and patience. I realize it's just so hard when what we were accustomed to was a fully operational Disney.

I appreciate how positive this thread has remained throughout all this time. I knew whenever I was feeling down I needed to look no further than the Groupies for friendship and an upbeat outlook. THANK YOU!

Looking forward to a very happy, very active 2022 and hoping everyone and every place can return to what we knew soon.

 

[ErinC]

Wish I had time to personally make a trip to judge decor for myself this time of year! Not in the cards this year for sure! We have reservations for Fort Wilderness the 1st part of November next year, so we might get to see them then. Last spring we bought a 5th wheel travel trailer (you know those things you said you would never do?). I hope to possibly overlap the Wine and Dine run with our reservations. I booked 2 weeks with the intention of cutting off some of the days after we find out which weekend the race is, unless of course I can convince DH to actually let us stay for 2 weeks!

We have 2 of our 3 girls home for Christmas. The flight to get DD #2 home last Wednesday was crazy. Just after I typed I was going to head to the airport to pick her up, she texted and said they were emergency landing her plane in Memphis instead of Atlanta because of landing gear issues. Long story short, instead of getting home at 11:20 a.m. she didn't make it to Pensacola until 10:30 p.m. that evening. Still glad we got her home before some of the nasty weather this weekend in the midwest though.

I know for our small company, supplies are really scarce...waiting on flooring since Aug for a 2 month normal renovation, waiting on storm doors, waiting on trusses that used to to take 2 weeks, now 4, etc. as the list goes on. Why? Lack of labor =lack of supplies. Not going to get political here, not the place for it, but the current environment lends itself to cutbacks, with Disney being no exception.

Jimmy I can tell you that in the automotive repair business, getting parts is a nightmare as well. My husband said the other day if he heard the words "supply chain issues" one more time that day he was going to lose it! Keeping employees is a battle as well in this industry. Hope things improve for us all soon.

Did anyone else see the news today that Iger may be returning as CEO? I'm not sure if that would help things return to "normal" or not. Hoping 2022 keeps heading upwards.