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

[Corinne]

Now, where I can appreciate DiznyDi's excitement about the day tomorrow, please do not mis-interpret my participation . . . but it is cool to have your name embroidered on your unmentionables when going to camp!

But I will say that she indeed just accompanied me to a "Man Type Outdoor Show" recently and didn't make me feel guilty. We really do enjoy being together in just about anything.

aww! Love it!!!

 

[horselover]

I RSVP'd several weeks ago, and just learned last night the hockey banquet is literally at the exact same time in Vermont! Anyway, if you're interested PM me and I can change the reservation to your name. I reserved 4 tickets. If you aren't interested, I will just cancel. I'm so disappointed, I love all things Walt!

Thanks for the information Corinne & for the offer to change the reservation to my name. Unfortunately I don't think we can do it. Perhaps Joy could use the tickets if you haven't already canceled.

Judging by the posts on FB I'll say Heather is already having a great time in the World. Have fun Heather!

Is it wrong that I just got back from a trip last weekend & I'm already counting down the days until my May trip?

FYI for those that fly during the holidays. In case you haven't heard Jetblue releases their schedule through Jan. 5 tomorrow at 12:00 EST. I'll be checking for our Dec. trip. We only fly JB or SW. I just wish SW would release close to the same schedule as JB. I like their no change or cancellation fee policy a lot better than JB's but if the fares are good we'll likely buy.

 

[Granny]

So Groupies....I guess most of you have seen the latest thread on the VWL remodel?


Who's our next Groupie heading for a stay at VWL? I think we need an updated report on this refurb.

We aren't going to agonize over the refurb, but I do hate to see threads like that one that put our VWL in a bad light.

 

[DiznyDi]

Granny, we'll be there May 4-10. If we get a re-furbed room I'll let you know and you can come take a look.

 

[ottawagreg]

We go june 25 thru july 1 (I think). I will do my best to snoop around. I'm not above walking into another unit when maid service is cleaning up after checkout and the door is wide open. We have a studio unit since we are a small family of three. I just saw your link and read through it. I find it hard to believe it is as bad as all that. I am a pretty simple guy and I don't care as much as some might though. If it does not rain, and I can play golf I count it as a good day. We keep an air mattress/pump in our owners locker and was thinking of bringing it home to free up space. Murphy bed seem convenient but I doubt the comfort. Daughter will be our judge.

All the talk about jerry rigging the studs in walls to mount cabinets, does that sound believable? Not saying anyone is a liar, but could they be mistaken? I own a small business, and have some knowledge of ROI. That sounds like it would be more costly in the long run. I realize the Mouse is cheap and pinches pennies, but that would be a short sighted business plan.

side note: Has anyone heard from Maria? She came to mind a few times thru the week. I hope all went well with the wedding. Offered a prayer for the couple and their marriage. Seems like tough times to be young and starting out in life. God bless them.

ps.. does anyone else see the toe fungus advertisement at the bottom of screen? I could do without that!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So Groupies....I guess most of you have seen the latest thread on the VWL remodel?


Who's our next Groupie heading for a stay at VWL? I think we need an updated report on this refurb.

We aren't going to agonize over the refurb, but I do hate to see threads like that one that put our VWL in a bad light.

We'll be there in mid-May. I know I commented on that thread and have more than once said I'm not loving what I'm seeing in pictures of the design so I really hope I'm pleasantly surprised. With essentially allowing 1 week per floor to do all the rehab I always was quietly concerned about detail quality and so sad to see someone post that they had observed just that - it's just got to be about as fast as Disney has ever rehabbed anything. And retrofitting can be more difficult than just building new. So I guess if I give it a thumbs up it's a turn around for one of the bigger critics.

I'll still love the lodge! (Even though I think I'll want to toss that floor rug out! )

 

[twokats]

Happy birthday to the ones I missed and so sorry I have been MIA for so long. Clients have had me snowed under and with the broken arm slowing down my typing . . . what can I say.


We had some tornado warnings a couple of days ago and one did come within 10 miles of us. Really did a lot of damage to some people that have a ranch (knew them well - went to school with them both) We lucked out and just got a little rain, still need a lot more, but we are thankful for what we got.


To everyone headed to the world, I hope you have a fantastic time.


JT, glad you found a truck that would work for y'all.

I feel your pain, JT. Due to the nasty winters here, we decided that Luv needed a 4WD/AWD (I already have a Toyota 4Runner), and even though our Accord was only three years old, we went shopping this past weekend. Someone is now driving a Honda Pilot. This act ties into the comment by eliza: we've never been one to scrimp too much on vehicles since we spend a fair amount of time in them, especially long trips to WDW. It's our Achilles heel. So, go for the gusto. Life is too short to continually deny yourself a simple (albeit slightly more expensive) pleasure.

Sleepy congrats on your new vehicle also, I had gotten the new Camry back in 2012, but a few days before the latest broken bone issue, I had traded my 2012 Camry in for a 2014 Camry. It has enough extra bells and whistles on it so that I should be content for quite a few years, since I hope it will be my forever car (if there is such a thing).

Eliza, I also vote that you get something that suites you and pass down to the boys. That is how it works around our house with computers!

 

[jimmytammy]

Hey all!!
No avoiding here, just busy. I will eventually get a picture of Casey and truck on, having issues with phone pics uploading to photobucket, once I get that resolved, will get you some shots. Also, wanted to share a pic that Tearsa's DH Brad(our friends from Orlando, originally from Mich.)painted for me as a surprise that I received this week. It is Goofy(my fave)holding a white board with pins that Tammy and Tearsa acquired while in WDW this past trip. It is absolutely spot on Goofy all the way! I told Brad he missed his calling Next trip I am taking it back as he failed to put his John Hancock on it and I am hoping they can get their friend Goofy who some of yall may have run into in the parks to sign it as well.

 

[Kathymford]

No wonder I hadn't seen any updates for a while!! I was still following the old thread and here you are on page 21 of the "new" one!! Ha.

So, I know this is our beloved lodge thread, but my next trip is at OKW. I thought I remembered some folks here owning there too. Any experts willing to help me out?

 

[Granny]

No wonder I hadn't seen any updates for a while!! I was still following the old thread and here you are on page 21 of the "new" one!! Ha.

So, I know this is our beloved lodge thread, but my next trip is at OKW. I thought I remembered some folks here owning there too. Any experts willing to help me out?

Very glad that you found us!!

We don't own at OKW but have stayed there a couple of times. It is a beautiful resort and if you are staying in a 1BR or larger, it is significantly larger than any other DVC villa of comparable size. The tranquility and beauty of the resort are similar to VWL in that you do feel like it is a great haven to come back to after the hustle and bustle of the parks.

There is a golf course that winds throughout the resort so many of the villas have a golf course view from the very large balconies.

And OKW doesn't share buses with any other resort because there are five bus stops within the resort itself.

I'm sure you will enjoy your time there!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Anniversary DisneyFreaks!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

No wonder I hadn't seen any updates for a while!! I was still following the old thread and here you are on page 21 of the "new" one!! Ha.

So, I know this is our beloved lodge thread, but my next trip is at OKW. I thought I remembered some folks here owning there too. Any experts willing to help me out?

We dont own there either, but have stayed many times, preferring a 1 bedroom. Studios are larger than VWL, but are laid out more like a standard hotel room.
Like Granny says, agree with the peaceful surroundings or OKW, and you do forget you are at or near the parks. Community Hall has a pool table, Olivias is very good food. Not big on Goods Food To Go, but thats just me.
You will enjoy it if you like a relaxing atmosphere.
We prefer Turtle Pond area, its quiet back there, maybe 10 min walk to front area. This area and SouthPointe area 1 beds have 2 doors to bath area, which allows for privacy for those staying in Mast Bed area and those who are sleeping in front area. Just one of the quirks that appeals to us.

 

[Kathymford]

Very glad that you found us!!

We don't own at OKW but have stayed there a couple of times. It is a beautiful resort and if you are staying in a 1BR or larger, it is significantly larger than any other DVC villa of comparable size. The tranquility and beauty of the resort are similar to VWL in that you do feel like it is a great haven to come back to after the hustle and bustle of the parks.

There is a golf course that winds throughout the resort so many of the villas have a golf course view from the very large balconies.

And OKW doesn't share buses with any other resort because there are five bus stops within the resort itself.

I'm sure you will enjoy your time there!

We dont own there either, but have stayed many times, preferring a 1 bedroom. Studios are larger than VWL, but are laid out more like a standard hotel room.
Like Granny says, agree with the peaceful surroundings or OKW, and you do forget you are at or near the parks. Community Hall has a pool table, Olivias is very good food. Not big on Goods Food To Go, but thats just me.
You will enjoy it if you like a relaxing atmosphere.
We prefer Turtle Pond area, its quiet back there, maybe 10 min walk to front area. This area and SouthPointe area 1 beds have 2 doors to bath area, which allows for privacy for those staying in Mast Bed area and those who are sleeping in front area. Just one of the quirks that appeals to us.

Thanks! I'm a little nervous about staying there. Our very first visit to the world was at SSR, and it was not our favorite. Maybe I just chose room location poorly. But you really can't beat OKW point per night! Besides, we're supposed to try everywhere right?

We usually like to be close the main areas for easy access to food/drinks. If I'm understanding the resorts layout correctly, mostly everything is in HH, right? We don't really buy groceries or eat in the villa as we usually stay in a studio. For the first part of our trip we are in an HH studio and the second half in a 1 bd (not HH).

I am both nervous and excited about staying in the 1 bd. It is just two of us, so we don't really need that much space, but it was all that was available and I did not want to risk relying on a wait list. I have been eyeing that spa tub since we joined DVC. lol

So any advice about room requests would be greatly appreciated.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks! I'm a little nervous about staying there. Our very first visit to the world was at SSR, and it was not our favorite. Maybe I just chose room location poorly. But you really can't beat OKW point per night! Besides, we're supposed to try everywhere right?

We usually like to be close the main areas for easy access to food/drinks. If I'm understanding the resorts layout correctly, mostly everything is in HH, right? We don't really buy groceries or eat in the villa as we usually stay in a studio. For the first part of our trip we are in an HH studio and the second half in a 1 bd (not HH).

I am both nervous and excited about staying in the 1 bd. It is just two of us, so we don't really need that much space, but it was all that was available and I did not want to risk relying on a wait list. I have been eyeing that spa tub since we joined DVC. lol

So any advice about room requests would be greatly appreciated.

There is also a snack shack at the Turtle Pond pool that is open seasonally during the day. They have a limited food menu - I haven't eaten there but looked at menu and it was sandwiches and burgers type items if I recall correctly.

We've had 3 short stays at OKW and really like the resort. If you really wanted to try and get the 1Br closer to HH then you could request buildings 62 or 63 although since they are only 2 of the 3 buildings there that have elevators they are apparently often set aside for those who need that. Those 2 buildings as well as 64 and 16 are as close or even closer than some of the HH category buildings. But even if you don't get that it's so easy to get back to HH from any area. Either a short walk (and they have sidewalks going all over!) or else hop on any park bus since they all make their last stop at HH before leaving the resort. Then you catch either the DTD or internal bus to get back to your area from HH.

As was mentioned the higher number buildings - 30 and up I believe - will have access to the bathroom both from the living area thru the laundry room and thru the master. All the lower numbered buildings only have access thru the master. And stairs to all the floors in most of the buildings.

It's really lovely and I'm sure you'll enjoy!

 

[Kathymford]

There is also a snack shack at the Turtle Pond pool that is open seasonally during the day. They have a limited food menu - I haven't eaten there but looked at menu and it was sandwiches and burgers type items if I recall correctly.

We've had 3 short stays at OKW and really like the resort. If you really wanted to try and get the 1Br closer to HH then you could request buildings 62 or 63 although since they are only 2 of the 3 buildings there that have elevators they are apparently often set aside for those who need that. Those 2 buildings as well as 64 and 16 are as close or even closer than some of the HH category buildings. But even if you don't get that it's so easy to get back to HH from any area. Either a short walk (and they have sidewalks going all over!) or else hop on any park bus since they all make their last stop at HH before leaving the resort. Then you catch either the DTD or internal bus to get back to your area from HH.

As was mentioned the higher number buildings - 30 and up I believe - will have access to the bathroom both from the living area thru the laundry room and thru the master. All the lower numbered buildings only have access thru the master. And stairs to all the floors in most of the buildings.

It's really lovely and I'm sure you'll enjoy!

Thanks! This is just what I needed. I'm sure we will love it and honestly I can't wait to try out a 1 bedroom!! I'm looking forward to the trip overall....as usual. haha

 

[MiaSRN62]

Just returned home yesterday from 8 days in WDW for my daughter's wedding. We had a beautiful sunny 83 degree day......it was all very magical. I am very behind with DIS and hope to get caught up soon. Snapped this photo of my daughter and new sil at the Wedding Pavilion on Thurs, April 3, 2014 (she had a noon ceremony).

Wanted to share......proud & happy mom moment!

 

[ottawagreg]

Congratulations! It looks like a beautiful day. I'm glad the weather cooperated for your daughter on her big day. I wish the very best for them. I'll bet it was a fast paced trip.

 

[Muushka]

The picture is awesome Maria, like a dream. I can't wait to see the rest!

Sorry I'm pretty quiet these days. We are starting to prepare for our Panama Canal cruise and I am obsessed with that!

 

[Muushka]

The picture is awesome Maria, like a dream. I can't wait to see the rest!

Sorry I'm pretty quiet these days. We are starting to prepare for our Panama Canal cruise and I am obsessed with that!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks! This is just what I needed. I'm sure we will love it and honestly I can't wait to try out a 1 bedroom!! I'm looking forward to the trip overall....as usual. haha

So this is your first stay in a 1BR? At OKW? I'm afraid that your future stays in studios will be in complete jeopardy!

Just returned home yesterday from 8 days in WDW for my daughter's wedding. We had a beautiful sunny 83 degree day......it was all very magical. I am very behind with DIS and hope to get caught up soon. Snapped this photo of my daughter and new sil at the Wedding Pavilion on Thurs, April 3, 2014 (she had a noon ceremony).

Wanted to share......proud & happy mom moment!

Lovely Maria! Thanks for sharing and congrats to the newlyweds!!