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

[twinklebug]

I think it’s quite possibly true. Other conversations with WDW boat captains have indicated they’re required to have training and licenses beyond what an attractions CM would need, because the boats are free-floating vessels.

Very true. Those positions require all kinds of safety and security drills in addition to the normal Disney employee training.

Tangent: Can you imagine the training the rescue team must need to operate the boats to pull stranded skyliner passengers off over at hourglass lake? Yikes. I'm wondering if this team used to be a part of the fire department before that was taken from Disney, or if the Fire Department owns that equipment.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Our bylaws state that anyone who loves the Lodge is automatically granted Groupie status. Ergo, you are a Groupie, ergo, you are eligible! Seriously, anyone who stays at the Lodge (and by Lodge, I mean the whole of it including DVC and non-DVC) is welcome to drop me a note, and I'll add them to the trip list on Page 1.

Nice! We'll be at BRV January 20th-26th. Our first ever DVC stay. And our first stay at WL. We did visit once, over 10 years ago, just to wander around and it looked great. Didn't think we'd ever get to stay there so I'm pretty excited!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Great pictures JT! Thank you for sharing. I'm still expecting the one with Goofy though lol

 

[sleepydog25]

Nice! We'll be at BRV January 20th-26th. Our first ever DVC stay. And our first stay at WL. We did visit once, over 10 years ago, just to wander around and it looked great. Didn't think we'd ever get to stay there so I'm pretty excited!

You've now been added to Page 1. Enjoy your upcoming trip!

 

[jimmytammy]

Got a few shots in HS
Later we met up w Kenny a former TL CM

 

[GGGT]

Got a few shots in HS
Later we met up w Kenny a former TL CM View attachment 800671View attachment 800672View attachment 800673View attachment 800674View attachment 800675View attachment 800676View attachment 800677

Great pictures! I love to hear everyone's reactions/gasps when they step out to see the Storm Troopers in ROR during their first time.

 

[Corinne]

Loving all your pics Jimmy! keep ‘em comin’!! the room looks fantastic!

 

[Pens Fan]

Couple pics from our steamboat Willie ride to the fort and contemporary. We went to get one of those yummy burgers from Steakhouse 71

I'm curious - do the boats go to the Fort first or the Contemporary? We plan on using these in December and I'm wondering how much time we should allow to get to our reservation at Top of the World Lounge.

Thanks!

 

[Corinne]

@jimmytammy does your room have more than one balcony? I have stayed in a handful of dedicated 2BR’s but never at VWL.

 

[jimmytammy]

I'm curious - do the boats go to the Fort first or the Contemporary? We plan on using these in December and I'm wondering how much time we should allow to get to our reservation at Top of the World Lounge.

Thanks!

Hey Pens Fan
We went to FW 1st and it seemed the loop would stay that way
When we returned from CR we stopped at WL 1st then the same boat continued on to FW
I would allow maybe 20 extra minutes to be safe

 

[jimmytammy]

@jimmytammy does your room have more than one balcony? I have stayed in a handful of dedicated 2BR’s but never at VWL.

Hey Corinne
We only have one balcony but I could have sworn we had 2 when stayed in 2519 but that was in 02 or 03 and my memory may not serve me well

 

[jimmytammy]

Ate at the Plaza and today it was really good
Awesome pot roast

 

[jimmytammy]

Sad for me splash Mt was my all time favorite
But Walt said it would be ever changing

 

[jimmytammy]

2nd balcony up
Is our 2 bedroom

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Ate at the Plaza and today it was really good
Awesome pot roast View attachment 800910View attachment 800909View attachment 800911

For some reason I have never eaten there. I think we may try it next trip. Hopefully it's as good as the Disneyland version.

 

[ClaraOswald]

These pics are getting me so hyped up for our trip. Only 101 days to go!

 

[Granny]

Jimmy...so glad to hear that you scored your requested villa. I guess we'll scratch that off our request list for our check-in on Friday!

For those unfamiliar with these awesome villas, the stone exterior with the balcony is the living room area. The two areas on each side of that with the brown siding are the two bedrooms. The living room area is huge with a full table and chairs. This is made possible by the small galley style kitchen. We've been fortunate to get these twice without requesting them and they are a pleasant change from the usual 1BR or 2BR set up.

 

[gmi3804]

For those unfamiliar with these awesome villas, the stone exterior with the balcony is the living room area. The two areas on each side of that with the brown siding are the two bedrooms. The living room area is huge with a full table and chairs. This is made possible by the small galley style kitchen. We've been fortunate to get these twice without requesting them and they are a pleasant change from the usual 1BR or 2BR set up.

Shhh! Don't tell anyone!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We've been fortunate to get these twice without requesting them

So that's the secret?

 

[Corinne]

Shhh! Don't tell anyone!

TOOOOOO LATE!