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

[rkstocke5609]

Further observations from DW.

All the “new” to me rides are very good. I would rank them as follows: Ratatouille, Mickey & Minnie’s runaway train, Rise of Resistance, & Smugglers Run. They’re all good, I think I gave Ratatouille the top spot because I had no expectations or preconceived notions going in and it really impressed me.

Cheat code for Smugglers Run— Single rider line, go down the hall and there is a point with a sign that directs you right or left. Thing is, naturally you would tend right, as you’re already walking that way. I noted it right away and veered to the left. Standby was 85 minutes. I rode it 4 times straight in 40 minutes using this trick.

Tried Steakhouse 71 tonight for Christmas Eve dinner and it was really good! Had something called “Ambrosia” for desert and it was spectacular (picture attached).

 

[TCRAIG]

Merry Christmas to All!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Merry Christmas Groupies!

 

[Starwind]

Merry Christmas !

 

[Corinne]

Merry Christmas Groupies!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Hey everyone! Wanted to come on here yesterday and say Merry Christmas to everyone but the page wouldn't load for me. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

 

[js]

Hi.

I just right this moment moved our week in a standard view studio at AKL Kidani to Boulder Ridge. We have never stayed at WL, CC or BR so we are excited to try something new after 13 years of owning DVC (SSR).

However, being new means I know zero about it. Im traveling with my mom. I just changed her scooter and our food. These will all be done at WL check in, correct? Seems to be from what scooter people told me.

How do I get to MK? Still a bus or is it bus and boat. If boat, can we take the scooter on the boat? Is one faster in the morning than the other?

Food? Im going to cancel our Saana ressies but are there any signature and lounge places in WL? Ill put in a dining alert for what I need.

Anyplace special I can request? I do not mind and would enjoy the walk. View is more important than being close to an elevator.

Thanks so much!

 

[RanDIZ]

Well, you can't go wrong with either AKV or WL. I own at both and love them. For WL, bus and boat are the MK options. The larger boats accommodate scooters. Bison burger at Geyser Point is one of the best burgers on property. I also love the skillets and atmosphere of Whispering Canyon. If you like BBQ, take the bus to Ft. Wilderness and try P & J's takeout. You won't be disappointed at the Lodge.

 

[js]

Well, you can't go wrong with either AKV or WL. I own at both and love them. For WL, bus and boat are the MK options. The larger boats accommodate scooters. Bison burger at Geyser Point is one of the best burgers on property. I also love the skillets and atmosphere of Whispering Canyon. If you like BBQ, take the bus to Ft. Wilderness and try P & J's takeout. You won't be disappointed at the Lodge.

Thank you. So, I shouldnt count on boat for MK RD since I wouldnt know if a large or small one would be at the dock, coorect?

 

[js]

Hi.

I have a standard studio booked for a wedk at BR starting Saturday.

Where is the area II should request.

Thank you.

 

[js]

Hi.
One more question......maybe lol

I dont mind walking and my mom will be in a scooter so it is very important for me to be at the first bus stop to get to the parks.

Im staying at BR. Is there a bus stop there, a couple of bus stops? Do they go to CC, BR and WL? I want to be on the stop that is the absolute first pick up spot. We leave on Saturday so it will be very crowded and having the scooter, I want to try to be first.

Thank you.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Hi.
One more question......maybe lol

I dont mind walking and my mom will be in a scooter so it is very important for me to be at the first bus stop to get to the parks.

Im staying at BR. Is there a bus stop there, a couple of bus stops? Do they go to CC, BR and WL? I want to be on the stop that is the absolute first pick up spot. We leave on Saturday so it will be very crowded and having the scooter, I want to try to be first.

Thank you.

It's not like OKW, SSR or CSR with multiple bus stops all spread out. One bus stop, and it's right next to BR.

 

[js]

It's not like OKW, SSR or CSR with multiple bus stops all spread out. One bus stop, and it's right next to BR.

View attachment 633761

Thank you.
So, BR has its own bus stop that they dont share with WL or CC?

 

[DonMacGregor]

Thank you.
So, BR has its own bus stop that they dont share with WL or CC?

There is one bus stop for the whole resort (see map).

 

[js]

There is one bus stop for the whole resort (see map).

Oh my! Thanks. I looked at map but didnt think it cld be correct that one bus stop for all three resorts. Dang. I better get there early each day.

Thanks.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Oh my! Thanks. I looked at map but didnt think it cld be correct that one bus stop for all three resorts. Dang. I better get there early each day.

Thanks.

It's not really "3" resorts. BR and CCV are part of Wilderness Lodge, like VGF isn't really separate from GF, and PVB isn't separate from PVR. In fact, before they converted the rooms, CCV WAS Wilderness Lodge hotel rooms (and they also built the cabins too of course). Grand Floridian and Poly both only have one bus stop too, although they both obviously are served by the Monorail.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi.

I just right this moment moved our week in a standard view studio at AKL Kidani to Boulder Ridge. We have never stayed at WL, CC or BR so we are excited to try something new after 13 years of owning DVC (SSR).

However, being new means I know zero about it. Im traveling with my mom. I just changed her scooter and our food. These will all be done at WL check in, correct? Seems to be from what scooter people told me.

How do I get to MK? Still a bus or is it bus and boat. If boat, can we take the scooter on the boat? Is one faster in the morning than the other?

Food? Im going to cancel our Saana ressies but are there any signature and lounge places in WL? Ill put in a dining alert for what I need.

Anyplace special I can request? I do not mind and would enjoy the walk. View is more important than being close to an elevator.

Thanks so much!

WL is an excellent resort, and BRV (I'll always call it VWL) is among the quietest of DVC properties. If you want view, then request high floor, lake view or high floor, pool view. Either of these would--if honored--give you a nice view of Bay Lake.

Food: Hmmm...sadly, no signature restaurants there any more. Territory Lounge is a fine location; however, it is now the de facto waiting area for families heading to Storybook Dining at the former signature Artist Point. Whispering Canyon Cafe is an all-you-care-to-eat BBQ joint--it's fine but not particularly notable. Roaring Fork QS is sub-par for a deluxe resort. Finally, Geyser Point is an above average QS/bar with a solid menu and great location on the water.

Boat service to MK is good, and at least every other boat is a larger one capable of handling ECVs. I definitely recommend taking the boat at least once. As for the bus stop, as mentioned, there is only one, but it sits right between the main WL lodge building and BRV. It has very easy access from either location. Enjoy!

 

[DonMacGregor]

Thank you. So, I shouldnt count on boat for MK RD since I wouldnt know if a large or small one would be at the dock, coorect?

Forgot to respond to this earlier. As said above, there are both large and small boats running to MK at peak times in the morning and evening in constant rotation. You may have to wait a few minutes for the next boat to arrive. The launch to the Contemporary is usually a small boat (from memory), but I'm not sure those are running again yet. I think I read somewhere that they weren't.

 

[js]

It's not really "3" resorts. BR and CCV are part of Wilderness Lodge, like VGF isn't really separate from GF, and PVB isn't separate from PVR. In fact, before they converted the rooms, CCV WAS Wilderness Lodge hotel rooms (and they also built the cabins too of course). Grand Floridian and Poly both only have one bus stop too, although they both obviously are served by the Monorail.

Very helpful. Thanks so much! And bonus to me bus stop is by BR. Thank you!

 

[js]

WL is an excellent resort, and BRV (I'll always call it VWL) is among the quietest of DVC properties. If you want view, then request high floor, lake view or high floor, pool view. Either of these would--if honored--give you a nice view of Bay Lake.

Food: Hmmm...sadly, no signature restaurants there any more. Territory Lounge is a fine location; however, it is now the de facto waiting area for families heading to Storybook Dining at the former signature Artist Point. Whispering Canyon Cafe is an all-you-care-to-eat BBQ joint--it's fine but not particularly notable. Roaring Fork QS is sub-par for a deluxe resort. Finally, Geyser Point is an above average QS/bar with a solid menu and great location on the water.

Boat service to MK is good, and at least every other boat is a larger one capable of handling ECVs. I definitely recommend taking the boat at least once. As for the bus stop, as mentioned, there is only one, but it sits right between the main WL lodge building and BRV. It has very easy access from either location. Enjoy!

Thank you. I see boat service to Contemporary too. Is that correct. Ill request high floor. Is Territory Lounge open for drinks and apps?

Is Geyser Point an outside bar?

Thanks.