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

[Granny]

in general, when staying at WDW, do you typically submit room requests?

I do make room requests for almost all my trips. I used to have a detailed request for VWL, but I've found it easier and better to just ask for "the opposite of what you give @KAT4DISNEY " !

And I'm pretty sure all of the fifth floor villas are 2BR dedicated units. We make requests for every trip, regardless of resort.

Most of the 5th floor 2BRs at VWL are dedicated, but there are two that are not. Those are the two atrium "corner villas" with the unusual layouts especially for the living room/kitchen area. You can see which ones on the room map on Page 1 of this thread.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Most of the 5th floor 2BRs at VWL are dedicated, but there are two that are not. Those are the two "corner villas" with the unusual layouts especially for the living room/kitchen area. You can see which ones on the room map on Page 1 of this thread.

Yeah, I always forget there are weird layouts around the rotunda on each floor, but overall, 12 out of 14 on the 5th floor are dedicated, and even the two weird ones aren't in the worst spot (close to the elevators, and a reasonable view). Regardless, booking a dedicated 2BR at VWL gives you the best chance for a decent view. Plus, since it IS a booking category, so you won't end up in those two oddballs if you book a dedicated 2BR villa.

 

[Granny]

I’m confused, isn’t dedicated or lock off selected at the time of booking?

Corinne...I agree. I just looked at my upcoming reservation and it clearly indicates that I have a 2BR Lock-Off reserved.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I’m confused, isn’t dedicated or lock off selected at the time of booking?

Yes, that is correct Corinne. They are separate booking categories you select when booking.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I do make room requests for almost all my trips. I used to have a detailed request for VWL, but I've found it easier and better to just ask for "the opposite of what you give @KAT4DISNEY " !

That's smart Granny! Very smart!

 

[bluecastle]

Yes, that is correct Corinne. They are separate booking categories you select when booking.

Not for cash reservations. I always have to request it. You DVCers don‘t know what it’s like for us

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Not for cash reservations. I always have to request it. You DVCers don‘t know what it’s like for us

 

[ClaraOswald]

Dumb question....we've never been to Wilderness Lodge or BRV so....when we check-in, do we go to the main building or is there a check-in desk on the BRV side?

 

[bluecastle]

Dumb question....we've never been to Wilderness Lodge or BRV so....when we check-in, do we go to the main building or is there a check-in desk on the BRV side?

There are no dumb questions! The villas have a beautiful lobby, but no check-in. So, you get to walk into the stunning main lobby to check in and then it’s a short walk over to the villas.

 

[twinklebug]

There are no dumb questions! The villas have a beautiful lobby, but no check-in. So, you get to walk into the stunning main lobby to check in and then it’s a short walk over to the villas.

I hope they never change this. I love walking into the main lobby upon arrival, and not just to see it, but having a purpose of being there. This is one of the reasons I don't care for online check in, it takes away the interactive aspect of arrival.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I hope they never change this. I love walking into the main lobby upon arrival, and not just to see it, but having a purpose of being there. This is one of the reasons I don't care for online check in, it takes away the interactive aspect of arrival.

When DD and I stayed in 2021 we did a split stay and the Lodge was the 2nd resort. We went to a park for the day and did online check in. So we could have just gone right to our room when we got there. Just can't do that though. When we got off the bus we had to go through the main doors. Gotta get that amazing feeling that you get when you walk in and see that lobby for the first time.

 

[sleepydog25]

It's time for my another PSA!

If you have trips you are taking and you want to be included on Page 1, please drop me a note. I realize we may not be taking as many trips as before, plus we have new Groupies who may not be aware that all one needs to do is let me know the where and when (and any other pertinent information, such as an anniversary trip), and I'll gladly add you to the Trips list.

We now send you back to your regularly scheduled programming. . .

 

[Corinne]

It's time for my another PSA!

If you have trips you are taking and you want to be included on Page 1, please drop me a note. I realize we may not be taking as many trips as before, plus we have new Groupies who may not be aware that all one needs to do is let me know the where and when (and any other pertinent information, such as an anniversary trip), and I'll gladly add you to the Trips list.

We now send you back to your regularly scheduled programming. . .

 

[sleepydog25]

View attachment 799667

Aww, that's sweet. . .I enjoy being able to keep up with all of you vicariously since I won't get down there anytime soon.

 

[jimmytammy]

One more sleep, then off to Brunswick GA for an overnight stay before continuing on to the Lodge Sunday.

Looking forward to catching up with some fellow groupies, most who we haven't seen in quite awhile.

Looking forward to catching up with some ol FL friends, a few of you may remember AnnieT and her DH Alan, and Kenny Barber, a former Territory Lounge CM.

Looking forward to my BIL and is family arriving. The 3 teens aren't your typical teens, they are really looking forward to it as one has never been, and 2 were to young to remember. And the youngest, she is the daredevil and will ride all the wild rides with me! She always wants to ride with Uncle Jimmy(I'm the crazy Uncle in the family, I know, I know, y'all find that hard to believe) I have pre-warned them, I will be hugging Goofy like I'm a 7 yr old, and I will have no shame in doing so

We will be tagging on a couple pit stops along the way, in Jacksonville, I'm stopping at a cemetery where a few of the Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet guys are buried. I'm not a cemetery roving kind of guy, but as I age, I keep getting a bit more sentimental and nostalgic, and paying my respects to them is my way of saying thanks for the music of my youth. One more stop OTW home, this one a bit more obscure, but a former guitarist named Randy Rhoads lost his life in 82 at a plane crash site in Leesburg FL at a mansion he was staying in overnight with his bandmates from Ozzy Osbournes band. I have always loved the guitar and guys like Randy, Eddie Van Halen and their kind always impressed me with their abilities. Its sort of a morbid thing to do, but Im close by, and the older I get, the less chance I will make it. I had tickets to see Randy purchased and less than a month before I was to see him live, he passed away. As a young teen, it always stuck with me, he died way too young and here I was just few years behind him.

One more thing, I asked specifically for rooms 2519 and 3519 as my requests. Our only stay at VWl in a 2 bed was in 2519 and we loved the quirky layout in the rotunda area. I will let you know where we truly end up!

 

[Corinne]

Safe travels Jimmy! Cannot wait to hear all about your trip, post early and often!

 

[beccasmom]

I hope they never change this. I love walking into the main lobby upon arrival, and not just to see it, but having a purpose of being there. This is one of the reasons I don't care for online check in, it takes away the interactive aspect of arrival.

I heartily agree! We love the WL lobby and it’s a real pleasure to step into it. It always takes my breath away.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

One more sleep, then off to Brunswick GA for an overnight stay before continuing on to the Lodge Sunday.

Looking forward to catching up with some fellow groupies, most who we haven't seen in quite awhile.

Looking forward to catching up with some ol FL friends, a few of you may remember AnnieT and her DH Alan, and Kenny Barber, a former Territory Lounge CM.

Looking forward to my BIL and is family arriving. The 3 teens aren't your typical teens, they are really looking forward to it as one has never been, and 2 were to young to remember. And the youngest, she is the daredevil and will ride all the wild rides with me! She always wants to ride with Uncle Jimmy(I'm the crazy Uncle in the family, I know, I know, y'all find that hard to believe) I have pre-warned them, I will be hugging Goofy like I'm a 7 yr old, and I will have no shame in doing so

We will be tagging on a couple pit stops along the way, in Jacksonville, I'm stopping at a cemetery where a few of the Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet guys are buried. I'm not a cemetery roving kind of guy, but as I age, I keep getting a bit more sentimental and nostalgic, and paying my respects to them is my way of saying thanks for the music of my youth. One more stop OTW home, this one a bit more obscure, but a former guitarist named Randy Rhoads lost his life in 82 at a plane crash site in Leesburg FL at a mansion he was staying in overnight with his bandmates from Ozzy Osbournes band. I have always loved the guitar and guys like Randy, Eddie Van Halen and their kind always impressed me with their abilities. Its sort of a morbid thing to do, but Im close by, and the older I get, the less chance I will make it. I had tickets to see Randy purchased and less than a month before I was to see him live, he passed away. As a young teen, it always stuck with me, he died way too young and here I was just few years behind him.

One more thing, I asked specifically for rooms 2519 and 3519 as my requests. Our only stay at VWl in a 2 bed was in 2519 and we loved the quirky layout in the rotunda area. I will let you know where we truly end up!

Have a great trip! Wanna see a picture of you with Goofy!

 

[jimmytammy]

It’s just as beautiful as ever
Proof the steamboat willies are back!! Never thought I would be so happy to see a boat in my life

 

[jimmytammy]