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

[Disney loving Iowan]

Hoping we dont get down to this, but does anyone have any suggestions for sites to navigate too should the time arise?

I feel very good that the DIS will continue on, but JIC something does come up that forces their hand to shut down, as mentioned by a few, myself included, we should work on a backup plan now, rather than take the chance of losing our group to eternity.

I'm sure a few of us would be able to recognize others along the way, especially with tag names the same, but I would be very sad to lose our groupies to the WWW on a technicality.

I am not tech savvy with stuff like this. I will ask DD since she is better with this stuff.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hoping we dont get down to this, but does anyone have any suggestions for sites to navigate too should the time arise?

I feel very good that the DIS will continue on, but JIC something does come up that forces their hand to shut down, as mentioned by a few, myself included, we should work on a backup plan now, rather than take the chance of losing our group to eternity.

I'm sure a few of us would be able to recognize others along the way, especially with tag names the same, but I would be very sad to lose our groupies to the WWW on a technicality.

I'm fairly certain there are a few members that already spend a bit of time on another board - maybe two. I only notice if I'm on one looking for some info as otherwise I've not exactly been a fan of getting into another same old same old. I find facebook an acceptable alternative. I have no problem ignoring various stuff on it and just going to groups.

However at the moment I'd say these boards will be continuing so Groupies will be intact.

 

[sleepydog25]

I follow our Groupies and occasionally drift into other threads such as a few that deal with DHHIR. Occasionally, I skim through another thread or two that might have interest for me at the moment. All that to say, I barely know who any of these others are in question as someone earlier suggested. Providing the DIS doesn't have to shut down due to financial issues, I feel we'll be on here for quite some time. Hopefully, that's not false hope.

That aside, while I know there are other forums, I'm not familiar with hardly any of them. At one point years ago, I used to be a member of a similar site as DIS--honestly, I can't remember the name of it other than I think it ended in ...COT. I don't even know if still exists. FB would be a decent "home" as well. Like KAT, I find it to be navigable if you don't go down rabbit holes and ignore all the chaff and clutter.

So, my suggestion is that should the DIS get shut down without notice (I really don't see that happening), head over to FB, and I'll be happy to start a Groupies thread there. I'm not tech savvy, but I figureI know enough (and enough people lol) to help me start it. From there, we could always explore our alternatives unless someone can come up with a better alternative to which I am all ears.

Thoughts?

 

[bluecastle]

I also hope that the DIS continues and believe that it probably will. I am also in favor of the switch to FB if necessary because I am already comfortable there, (except for all the ad clutter, but we have that here too) Thanks sleepy for being willing to moderate a group there if needed!
I was part of a close knit XFiles group once, even met a couple of the members IRL and am still in touch with one of them. We had to change sites and that was the end of what we had. I really hope that doesn’t happen here, but the options are so different now than they were in the late 90’s. I feel hopeful!

 

[TCRAIG]

I follow our Groupies and occasionally drift into other threads such as a few that deal with DHHIR. Occasionally, I skim through another thread or two that might have interest for me at the moment. All that to say, I barely know who any of these others are in question as someone earlier suggested. Providing the DIS doesn't have to shut down due to financial issues, I feel we'll be on here for quite some time. Hopefully, that's not false hope.

That aside, while I know there are other forums, I'm not familiar with hardly any of them. At one point years ago, I used to be a member of a similar site as DIS--honestly, I can't remember the name of it other than I think it ended in ...COT. I don't even know if still exists. FB would be a decent "home" as well. Like KAT, I find it to be navigable if you don't go down rabbit holes and ignore all the chaff and clutter.

So, my suggestion is that should the DIS get shut down without notice (I really don't see that happening), head over to FB, and I'll be happy to start a Groupies thread there. I'm not tech savvy, but I figureI know enough (and enough people lol) to help me start it. From there, we could always explore our alternatives unless someone can come up with a better alternative to which I am all ears.

Thoughts?

I never had any desire to join FB - however - if it becomes the new home of the Groupies - sign me up…

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I follow our Groupies and occasionally drift into other threads such as a few that deal with DHHIR. Occasionally, I skim through another thread or two that might have interest for me at the moment. All that to say, I barely know who any of these others are in question as someone earlier suggested. Providing the DIS doesn't have to shut down due to financial issues, I feel we'll be on here for quite some time. Hopefully, that's not false hope.

That aside, while I know there are other forums, I'm not familiar with hardly any of them. At one point years ago, I used to be a member of a similar site as DIS--honestly, I can't remember the name of it other than I think it ended in ...COT. I don't even know if still exists. FB would be a decent "home" as well. Like KAT, I find it to be navigable if you don't go down rabbit holes and ignore all the chaff and clutter.

So, my suggestion is that should the DIS get shut down without notice (I really don't see that happening), head over to FB, and I'll be happy to start a Groupies thread there. I'm not tech savvy, but I figureI know enough (and enough people lol) to help me start it. From there, we could always explore our alternatives unless someone can come up with a better alternative to which I am all ears.

Thoughts?

Sounds good Sleepy. I actually am an Admin on a FB group (non-Disney! haha) so have some knowledge of the workings although I've never personally set up a group. I'd also be happy to do it or to assist.

 

[twinklebug]

my suggestion is that should the DIS get shut down without notice (I really don't see that happening), head over to FB, and I'll be happy to start a Groupies thread there. I'm not tech savvy, but I figureI know enough (and enough people lol) to help me start it. From there, we could always explore our alternatives unless someone can come up with a better alternative to which I am all ears.

Thoughts?

I'd love to say the Disboards will be here for our lifetimes for us, but it won't be. That's not to say it will be gone soon. It might have another decade or so in it, in which case, great! There is however a lot of noise out there on this site regarding what is to become of it, and the answers we're getting are mixed.

I think we should have a Facebook site ready just as a safe room should we ever need it. It would give us time to get the word out too. My issue with the competitive sites is that while there are many good people, there are a good handful who love to challenge and mock. That is not the tone the Groupies thread has, for which I'm thankful. We need just the right tone.

I have the DisDreamers name on Facebook and am willing to change it over to a groupies thread. It's innocent, Just haven't had time to let it grow into anything. The problem there is the name does not reflect our group.

 

[Starwind]

I'd love to say the Disboards will be here for our lifetimes for us, but it won't be. That's not to say it will be gone soon. It might have another decade or so in it, in which case, great! There is however a lot of noise out there on this site regarding what is to become of it, and the answers we're getting are mixed.

I think we should have a Facebook site ready just as a safe room should we ever need it. It would give us time to get the word out too. My issue with the competitive sites is that while there are many good people, there are a good handful who love to challenge and mock. That is not the tone the Groupies thread has, for which I'm thankful. We need just the right tone.

I have the DisDreamers name on Facebook and am willing to change it over to a groupies thread. It's innocent, Just haven't had time to let it grow into anything. The problem there is the name does not reflect our group.

There is another thread here on the Dis that I am part of that has a similar friendly community family spirit as this one does, and soon after news of everything "broke" on the Disboards a contingency private FB group was set up "just in case" the Disboards ceased to exist. It isn't being used in that nobody is having discussions in it, but is there and ready should it be needed. Certainly a concept worthy to consider I think. Just in case.

 

[MsChristy12]

Hi all - hope everyone is managing to stay cool - especially seeing how this is such a cool bunch - opinions please - I’ve got multiple ressies for December and not sure which to keep - I’ve got VWL for Dec 4-9 then BWV (BW view which I’ve never had before) Dec 9-11 and then VWL from 12-17 - trying to decide which VWL to keep, 4-9 or 12-17…I usually like to end with WL but Dec 17 for going home just seems too close to Christmas…

I'm also in favor of keeping all of them, stay the whole time!! You still got one full week until Christmas when you get home, plenty of time!

 

[MsChristy12]

@jimmytammy Wow...I'm sorry you had to go through that. It's like a sharp knife stabbed into your heart when someone you trusted betray you. It makes trusting others again very difficult. I'm glad the girls who were harm are okay, and alive. The skeletons that people hide these days....it is very scary! Thanks for sharing your story with us!

 

[MsChristy12]

I hope this board will continue as well! I am not that active in this group but it's fun to check in here and there, read about each other's trips and gather info/updates! I also have a private group of DIS friends that we share a lot of fun and laughter together daily!

I read majority of the scandal when it was first brought to light, and it is very disheartening for sure. I don't know what in the fluff he charged on the Amex!! That's just crazy! I hope those who were affected are doing okay, moving on with their lives and able to find happiness again (whatever that meaning is to them).

 

[TCRAIG]

I'm also in favor of keeping all of them, stay the whole time!! You still got one full week until Christmas when you get home, plenty of time!

I wish I could stay - but I also take care of my dad and I just can’t be gone that long…

 

[MsChristy12]

I wish I could stay - but I also take care of my dad and I just can’t be gone that long…

Ah I see. In that case, I would say keep early December, so the 4th - 11th. I have always liked traveling at the beginning of December vs. mid December. A little less busy but still get all the holiday vibes and festivities!

 

[Corinne]

I subscribe to a hardcopy of WDW Magazine, and occasionally I get an email from them regarding WDW subjects. So the last few days I got this one and wanted to share a video that a young lady put out that encompasses a lot we love about WL, VWL, CC and the cabins. Give it a watch if you have a few minutes. Its well done IMO!

Thanks for sharing Jimmy, really enjoyed it!

 

[Granny]

Well, I’m just catching up with the past few pages and saddened to see such bad news. I haven’t dug into it, but it seems pretty evident from everyone’s comments that there was some really bad stuff going on.

On a brighter note, I’m planning on a three generational trip in October with my daughters and grandkids. We haven’t done much planning the past few years as it has been just Mrs Granny and I. So I find myself getting to know the new rules, with lightning lanes, virtual queues and pay-to-ride attractions.

Tomorrow is the 60 day mark so I’m going to try to make some dining reservations. Can anyone here tell me what time of day I can start making online reservations?

We don’t want to over-plan but I do want to make sure we can do character meals and my daughters want to enjoy Olga’s Cantina. So I want to hit the reservation site as soon as I can.

I know I don’t post here all that often, but rest assured that you all are in my prayers.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Well, I’m just catching up with the past few pages and saddened to see such bad news. I haven’t dug into it, but it seems pretty evident from everyone’s comments that there was some really bad stuff going on.

On a brighter note, I’m planning on a three generational trip in October with my daughters and grandkids. We haven’t done much planning the past few years as it has been just Mrs Granny and I. So I find myself getting to know the new rules, with lightning lanes, virtual queues and pay-to-ride attractions.

Tomorrow is the 60 day mark so I’m going to try to make some dining reservations. Can anyone here tell me what time of day I can start making online reservations?

We don’t want to over-plan but I do want to make sure we can do character meals and my daughters want to enjoy Olga’s Cantina. So I want to hit the reservation site as soon as I can.

I know I don’t post here all that often, but rest assured that you all are in my prayers.

Hi Granny!
6am eastern.
My window opens tomorrow too. I've generally been a non-6am (ie, non-3am person here on the west coast. ) but with a big group I may have to give on that one and set my alarm.

 

[Granny]

Hi Granny!
6am eastern.
My window opens tomorrow too. I've generally been a non-6am (ie, non-3am person here on the west coast. ) but with a big group I may have to give on that one and set my alarm.

Thanks so much, Kathy. Being in the Midwest, I guess that’s 5:00 am my time. I only want to make a couple of reservations but awe are a group of 8 so I’d like to nail down a couple of them. Hopefully you and I aren’t going for the same reservations! I very much appreciate the information.

 

[GGGT]

Well, I’m just catching up with the past few pages and saddened to see such bad news. I haven’t dug into it, but it seems pretty evident from everyone’s comments that there was some really bad stuff going on.

On a brighter note, I’m planning on a three generational trip in October with my daughters and grandkids. We haven’t done much planning the past few years as it has been just Mrs Granny and I. So I find myself getting to know the new rules, with lightning lanes, virtual queues and pay-to-ride attractions.

Tomorrow is the 60 day mark so I’m going to try to make some dining reservations. Can anyone here tell me what time of day I can start making online reservations?

We don’t want to over-plan but I do want to make sure we can do character meals and my daughters want to enjoy Olga’s Cantina. So I want to hit the reservation site as soon as I can.

I know I don’t post here all that often, but rest assured that you all are in my prayers.

As Kathy has pointed out, it's 6:00 a.m. EST. I usually have my laptop and MDE on my phone available. Not sure why, but it's often easier on my phone.

4 of our 7/8 annual trips are with all 12 of us and we have split into two groups of 6, but much easier when it's just the two of us.

Good luck!

 

[jimmytammy]

Well, I’m just catching up with the past few pages and saddened to see such bad news. I haven’t dug into it, but it seems pretty evident from everyone’s comments that there was some really bad stuff going on.

On a brighter note, I’m planning on a three generational trip in October with my daughters and grandkids. We haven’t done much planning the past few years as it has been just Mrs Granny and I. So I find myself getting to know the new rules, with lightning lanes, virtual queues and pay-to-ride attractions.

Tomorrow is the 60 day mark so I’m going to try to make some dining reservations. Can anyone here tell me what time of day I can start making online reservations?

We don’t want to over-plan but I do want to make sure we can do character meals and my daughters want to enjoy Olga’s Cantina. So I want to hit the reservation site as soon as I can.

I know I don’t post here all that often, but rest assured that you all are in my prayers.

Hey Granny
We made our reservations Wed and got most everything we wanted with a group of 8. Ogas doesn't seem to be as much of a hard ticket deal as it once was, Space 220 lounge on the other hand for 8 not so much these days. I would get Ogas 1st thing and be flexible on timing. 6am for sure is the time to start. Best of luck in getting all you want!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks so much, Kathy. Being in the Midwest, I guess that’s 5:00 am my time. I only want to make a couple of reservations but awe are a group of 8 so I’d like to nail down a couple of them. Hopefully you and I aren’t going for the same reservations! I very much appreciate the information.

"May the odds be ever in your favor" - oops, wrong franchise....

"May the Force be with you".

As Kathy has pointed out, it's 6:00 a.m. EST. I usually have my laptop and MDE on my phone available. Not sure why, but it's often easier on my phone.

4 of our 7/8 annual trips are with all 12 of us and we have split into two groups of 6, but much easier when it's just the two of us.

Good luck!

I've got either 9 or 10 to reserve for. Just looking at things today I've concluded that I'll have to split for most reservations. It will make for an interesting booking session!