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

[Corinne]

Yeah I totally get that. I think it is to the point where maybe you go just for the ambience and just get on whatever rides you can. The cost of Genie+ is crazy. Last time we went to WDW we didn't even buy it every day. I don't think you need it for Epcot or Animal Kingdom.

Granny made a good point in that it’s easier to not do as many things as an AP holder, I also think we felt that way because we KNEW we would be back and could get on a ride when there was little to no wait. I don’t think we are ever going back to a time where wait times will be lessened. Our last few visits we have not been able to get on the most standard rides which historically had low wait times - HM, PoC, ToT, Star Tours….

Now, having just dropped a chunk of change for a 5 day park hopper, the ambience alone isn’t going to cut it. I am only going to try Genie + for 2 days, and I hope it will be a good experience.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Granny made a good point in that it’s easier to not do as many things as an AP holder, I also think we felt that way because we KNEW we would be back and could get on a ride when there was little to no wait. I don’t think we are ever going back to a time where wait times will be lessened. Our last few visits we have not been able to get on the most standard rides which historically had low wait times - HM, PoC, ToT, Star Tours….

Now, having just dropped a chunk of change for a 5 day park hopper, the ambience alone isn’t going to cut it. I am only going to try Genie + for 2 days, and I hope it will be a good experience.

I totally agree. Easier for sure if you are an AP holder who goes all the time. As someone who doesn't get there often enough we want to get all our favorites in but we still try not to stress out over what we may not be able to do.

 

[DonMacGregor]

That's interesting, back around the end of Feb. I had read 5,000, 1,000 of which were to come from open job reqs. (meaning hiring freeze.)

The thought is that jobs directly related to park and resort operation should be exempt from layoffs. These jobs are coming from ESPN, the film groups and other sources disney has scattered about. While possible that DVC itself may be targeted, that is doubtful in my mind as long as they are producing revenue.

It's going to be 4,000 positions from Disney+/DTC, ESPN, and the film divisions and an additional 3,000 job requisitions that will not be filled.

 

[rkstocke5609]

Midway through our 1st BLT stay I have a few observations. So far transportation is a definite plus for EPCOT. The walk to MK isn’t bad when you are fresh in the morning . The security screening for both these parks was really slick as they happen well away from the park gates (before you get on a monorail and in the sidewalk to MK). Pina Colava drink at the pool bar is now over $15 ? C’mon man!
EPCOT day we scored 2 virtual queues for the Guardians ride which we thought was spectacular.
MK day we scored a virtual queue for the new TRON ride which we thought was really good but because it’s so fast it’s a little short.
The night we did the Villains Lair appetizer/drink/dessert thing I had the best shrimp appetizer I’ve ever had. Simply awesome.
Have a good day groupies, that’s all for now.

 

[Corinne]

Our stay at BLT was great last June. I agree Ron, the security feature alone is a perk! Can’t wait to get back to TOTWL, but we’re not really interested in paying for the event, just want to relax with some apps and cocktails (and possibly meet a Groupie or two ) how often is the event held?

 

[rkstocke5609]

Our stay at BLT was great last June. I agree Ron, the security feature alone is a perk! Can’t wait to get back to TOTWL, but we’re not really interested in paying for the event, just want to relax with some apps and cocktails (and possibly meet a Groupie or two ) how often is the event held?

I believe it’s 3 times a week, and seems it was only like $45 or something not too bad. When you consider the cost of the drink, appetizer, & dessert. And the 4 of us were seated at the 2 couches in “the dead center” of the room as the cast member put it…. The comfort of the space and, preferred fireworks viewing area too…

 

[rkstocke5609]

Here’s one I had never seen. Yesterday we were going to the after hours Studio party. So, we’re at the bus stop like 5 minutes and the app made it clear we had just missed a bus. So , up pulls a bus that says “magical moment” instead of a destination. Driver gets out and I ask her where she’s headed and she says to me “wherever you want to go”. I thought I’d seen it all. So, the 4 of us get on the bus and we’re out of there. Now, how cool was that?

 

[Granny]

Ron…thanks for all the tips and insights. These days, every trip seems to reveal unknown changes. In your case, it looks like someone at Disney figured out that there is a real value to customers to receive a little magic.

 

[rkstocke5609]

Ron…thanks for all the tips and insights. These days, every trip seems to reveal unknown changes. In your case, it looks like someone at Disney figured out that there is a real value to customers to receive a little magic.

Granny,

Y’all are welcome. I always figure I learn so much from other Groupies that it just makes sense to share anything I learn. When we all help each other our trips should be a bit better.

 

[ErinC]

Checking in for a few minutes. We'll be checking into Boulder Ridge ( I still hate this name) AKA "The real Wilderness Lodge Villas" in 13 days. We are both running the Springtime Surprise races. No tickets for this trip unless Disney decides to bring back AP's in the next 13 days. Are they finished with the refurb, or do I need to request a newly refurbed room? We'll be in a studio if that matters.

 

[rkstocke5609]

BLT stay update. Last day, got another virtual queue for TRON. So fun to ride new stuff. Got in Jungle Cruise, People Mover twice, & CoP before heading back to the pool to await our bus.
Shipwreck, as our flight is delayed from 8:20 tonight to 6:30 AM
tomorrow morning. Scrambled and got DVC on the phone and they found a Studio at BLT that we could have for points so we can at least nap until our 2:40 AM bus to the airport . At least we didn’t have to move to a different hotel. Sent the girls back to MK as they scored a Be our Guest last minute reservation. Meanwhile pizza on the balcony for me…
Darn snowstorm messing us up!

 

[twinklebug]

Here’s one I had never seen. Yesterday we were going to the after hours Studio party. So, we’re at the bus stop like 5 minutes and the app made it clear we had just missed a bus. So , up pulls a bus that says “magical moment” instead of a destination. Driver gets out and I ask her where she’s headed and she says to me “wherever you want to go”. I thought I’d seen it all. So, the 4 of us get on the bus and we’re out of there. Now, how cool was that?

This is the kind of customer service Disney is known for.
Glad some areas still have the people who will make it happen.

BLT stay update. Last day, got another virtual queue for TRON. So fun to ride new stuff. Got in Jungle Cruise, People Mover twice, & CoP before heading back to the pool to await our bus.
Shipwreck, as our flight is delayed from 8:20 tonight to 6:30 AM
tomorrow morning. Scrambled and got DVC on the phone and they found a Studio at BLT that we could have for points so we can at least nap until our 2:40 AM bus to the airport . At least we didn’t have to move to a different hotel. Sent the girls back to MK as they scored a Be our Guest last minute reservation. Meanwhile pizza on the balcony for me…
Darn snowstorm messing us up!

Sorry the storm is messing up your travel plans but happy to hear your girls got in just one more bit of magic. 'Tis better to be delayed at Disney than at an airport!

 

[jimmytammy]

'Tis better to be delayed at Disney than at an airport!

So true. We got delayed once at the airport for 6 hours and all I could think was I could have stayed at WDW and kept having fun

Ron, I'm glad you were able to snag a room last minute and keep the magic going a bit longer. And the bus ride, that's an awesome Pixie Dust moment!

 

[Granny]

BLT stay update. Last day, got another virtual queue for TRON. So fun to ride new stuff. Got in Jungle Cruise, People Mover twice, & CoP before heading back to the pool to await our bus.
Shipwreck, as our flight is delayed from 8:20 tonight to 6:30 AM
tomorrow morning. Scrambled and got DVC on the phone and they found a Studio at BLT that we could have for points so we can at least nap until our 2:40 AM bus to the airport . At least we didn’t have to move to a different hotel. Sent the girls back to MK as they scored a Be our Guest last minute reservation. Meanwhile pizza on the balcony for me…
Darn snowstorm messing us up!

Bummer on the mad scramble especially with such an early morning flight. But it sounds like you turned lemons into a little lemonade and squeezed some more fun out of your trip. Glad to hear that.

And you are right…the sharing of experiences and tips from Groupies over the years have greatly enhanced my enjoyment of WDW trips. Thank you for your insights and experiences from this trip.

 

[jimmytammy]

Got a game for us!
Using the alphabet(thank the Phoenicians, they invented it ), starting with A then continuing on with the next letter, name a place at WDW

A-AbracadaBar

 

[Granny]

B: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

C: Carolwood Pacific Room

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Thanks Phoenicians!!!
D-Dumbo

 

[twinklebug]

E
Emporium
(Also: Electrical Water Pageant Dock, since it's a place we need.)

 

[Suzabella]

Checking in for a few minutes. We'll be checking into Boulder Ridge ( I still hate this name) AKA "The real Wilderness Lodge Villas" in 13 days. We are both running the Springtime Surprise races. No tickets for this trip unless Disney decides to bring back AP's in the next 13 days. Are they finished with the refurb, or do I need to request a newly refurbed room? We'll be in a studio if that matters.

We were just there last week and all the storage containers were gone from the parking lot. We heard nor saw any construction workers. It appears they're done.