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

[twinklebug]

I, for one, remain disappointed in that the "short cut" impacts the enjoyment for 2-3 years of existing owners and feel it's actually a large price we pay in that way.

Thank you for pointing this out. This construction goes far beyond normal maintenance than just scaffolding to fix the exterior or cracked pool would have on the resort. I doubt the number crunchers have taken this into account as it is simply an intangible to them.

By my account, this is the first time Disney has made large scale modifications to an existing DVC. Closest to it would be adding of more buildings to SSR as they were selling, but even then the owners were well aware that the resort was not completed. The addition of the treehouses to SSR was a large job too, but in that they were isolated off to their wooded area it was minimal owner impact.

Disney is always pushing to do things in new ways - hopefully this experiment will be a total success from the owner's point of view as well as Disney's.

 

[sleepydog25]

Yes, we are on the Wonder. I wanted to book Palo brunch, but nothing is available for me. As a first timer, I didn't know which night to try to do dinner since I thought I should try all the dining at least once ... We are on a 5-night.

Order ahead chocolate soufflé is our specialty! It's our favorite thing at the Jazz Kitchen in DTD at DL...


Hmm....

If it were me, I'd skip Pirate Night as the menu is the same at all the restaurants. Barring that, skip the night you hit your first repeat restaurant. Of course, you might not want to do either and choose to stick with the rotation they've given you which will be fun, too. Also, I would check with guest services just as soon as you board to see if anyone has cancelled the brunch as they sometimes do. Might get some Disney magic.

And I add my birthday wishes to those celebrating!!

 

[Granny]

Hi Groupies!

I've been MIA for a couple of days as my daughters (in their 20's) joined us for the back part of our trip. Seems like we've been here forever, but we are finally drawing to a close as we leave on Wednesday afternoon.

I have had a chance to talk to a few of the kiosk DVC personnel and they are finally willing to acknowledge the VWL2 project. Today we went on a tour of the Poly bungalows (open to current members from 2-4 pm every day) and the CM there said they had officially been told about VWL2 only a couple of days ago. He did acknowledge the bungalows as part of the plan as well as the room conversion. He had no knowledge of other changes such as the rumored restaurant, Community Hall, etc. Honestly, these are really the worst people to ask since they are legally prohibited from any marketing or selling activity at this point and so they can't answer a lot of questions. Certainly nothing about price or point schedules, though the guy I talked to didn't argue when I said that VWL2 pricing will start where PVB leaves off.

Scaffolding has moved from the front of WL to the South wing. Just normal maintenance at this point I would say.

We've been getting a fair amount of rain the past few days, including a deluge the opening night of F&W at Epcot. But finally after about 9:00 pm the rains let up and they opened the food kiosks. As always, great food all around and I can't say that we had anything we didn't like. Well, maybe the lobster roll in American Pavillion got some so-so reviews but all other food was heartily given two thumbs up! And we found the grapefruit beer in Germany again...always a great way to refresh and quench a thirst.

And we thoroughly enjoyed being flag family with Ranger Don this trip. What a great experience and privilege to help him hoist the Stars & Stripes and then take in the scenery from that vantage point. Just a wonderful experience.

So only a little more time to enjoy WDW this trip. Probably go to DTD tonight and see if we can get into any of the live music spots...they were completely swamped on Saturday night. We like the Raglan Road entertainment so we'll see if that is available.

 

[Corinne]

Enjoy the rest of your trip Granny!

Do you have Flag Family photos to share?

 

[Dean Marino]

I would absolutely love an extension offer for this and all of our 2042 resorts. Those who don't want it can just opt out, but those who do, would benefit greatly IMO.

Understand. Sandy and I are just too old.... in 2042? We would be hitting 90 . I'm going to be lucky to be able to change the oil in the cars - let alone go to Disney .

 

[pangyal]

Understand. Sandy and I are just too old.... in 2042? We would be hitting 90 . I'm going to be lucky to be able to change the oil in the cars - let alone go to Disney .

LOL! We all feel like that some days, regardless of age, I think .

We would love to leave some of these to our son, and an extension would be easier than shelling out for a whole new contract down the line. That being said, I totally get that this is not a catch-all solution for everyone, which is why I like it as an option but not a battering ram sort of situation.

 

[Dean Marino]

LOL! We all feel like that some days, regardless of age, I think .

We would love to leave some of these to our son, and an extension would be easier than shelling out for a whole new contract down the line. That being said, I totally get that this is not a catch-all solution for everyone, which is why I like it as an option but not a battering ram sort of situation.

We cheated . We got all three sons through college, on our nickel . No Student loans . No $80,000 per child yoke . We FREED them .

Now, having done that? We'll help 'em a bit - but we're subscribing to the "teach a man to fish" school . With their jobs? THEY can get into DVC just fine, and we want them to . The bad news? Dearest Daughter in Law REALLY wants to home at AKL..... what did I do wrong? .

 

[Granny]

Enjoy the rest of your trip Granny!

Do you have Flag Family photos to share?

Thanks, Corinne!

Yes I have a few flag family shots to share.

Starting with our fine host, Ranger Don.



And some shots from the top of the roof:

The Grand Floridian and Polynesian resorts



And a view of the Contemporary resort with Space Mountain and the Castle in the frame:

 

[Granny]

Some additional shots on the roof starting with the pool and Bay Lake



I tried to take a picture of the villas but the sun was directly in the way and it didn't come out well at all. Not sure even Photoshop will be able to save it when I get home. But here's a picture of some old guy named Granny helping Ranger Don with the flag:




It truly was an incredible experience that I will never forget!

 

[Granny]

And I'll add one more shot...this is a shot from the dock looking back at the area that has been cleared out. If you compare it to the picture that twinklebug posted, I think you can see quite a difference. Here's a link to twinklebug's pictures of the same area: http://www.disboards.com/threads/vwl-groupies-lovers-thread-special-collectors’-edition.3242976/page-204#post-54452579




Again, I think the clearing enhances the setting and feel. It will indeed be interesting to see what the next changes bring. I'll leave it to my fellow Groupies to document that in future trips as we are wrapping this one up.

 

[Granny]

I looked back at the pictures of the clearing I posted and see they are broken...I think they were too large. I've been shrinking these latest ones so hopefully this won't happen again. Here are the pictures of the cleared area by the dock.



And another

 

[sleepydog25]

The bad news? Dearest Daughter in Law REALLY wants to home at AKL..... what did I do wrong? .

Dean. I am so ashamed of you. As for the extension vs. new contract, I don't care either way. How's that for taking a position? Neither of my kids appears to have enough love of things Disney to want DVC (oh, the shame), and like Dean, luv and I will be old enough in 2042 to likely not care about any future extension. Thus, I can't imagine we'd choose to extend our contract, and I'm quite certain we won't pay anywhere near $165+ for the new contract (unless we hit the lottery). While we have loved and will continue to love our DVC, they have priced themselves out of the stratosphere for our tastes going forward.

Granny: Love the shots, and I agree that the trimmed back dock area presents a nicer view and image of the Lodge. Again, I say, however, my fear is with the new build of cabins, especially over by the current bike shop, that kinda-sorta "rough it" look and serenity will disappear. We shall see.

 

[jimmytammy]

Granny, wonderful shots! I am so glad you were able to be FF. And Ranger Don looks like he fits that outfit just fine. I think Stan would approve. One day, I am going to meet him, and look forward to it. I too like the look of seeing the Lodge better from the water.

As for the 2042 year, I will be 76 and still hope to be going strong in WDW. I have forewarned my kids they may be pushing me in a wheelchair into my 90s at the parks but I dont see me slowing up any My Dad turned 84 Sun. and he is still working(hasnt paid himself since he turned 70)so he doesnt do it for the money, he just likes to keep going. I see me doing the same.

 

[DiznyDi]

Wishing I Book He Pays and Akima a very Happy Birthday!

 

[DiznyDi]

Thanks Granny for your photos! We've had the wonderful opportunity to be Flag Family with Ranger Don on several occasions. He is always after DDad to just retire and move on down to Florida.
So very nice you had the family together. Enjoy your last few days.

 

[Dizny Dad]

As DiznyDi stated, we, too, have enjoyed being flag family with Ranger Don. I especially have enjoyed his attention, as his background is especially interesting. When we first met Ranger Don, I, in my most serious voice said, "so, what did you do in your previous life before finding your true calling as a Ranger here at the Lodge?" Ranger Don Nichols unfolded his professional experiences working with Jack Welch (GE CEO), being a member of the Board of Directors for GE. He was a little surprised that I knew who Jack Welch was and what he has done. So anytime we see Ranger Don, I always reintroduce myself and try to get him to talk a little about his pre-ranger days. He really is very private about it, so getting any stories has been like pulling teeth, but of much interest for me.

Disney sure can draw from the crowd; and you never know who you might be talking to, whether a past captain of industry, a welder from the shipyards, a mom or dad, or other life hero. I have always taken the time to talk to the CMs and share the stories. Don't miss the opportunity.

 

[Granny]

Thanks all, for the comments. And DDad, I typically get into those kind of conversations as well but with my two daughters with us there wasn't much time to talk. I was surprised to hear the Ranger Don has been at the Lodge for 17 years. I knew I had seen him around but I was surprised he had been here that long. Next time I'll definitely ask him a little about the Jack Welch days.

Gloomy and rainy this morning. Promptly at 9:30 am I heard a loud generator going and thought "uh oh, this is the beginning of the construction". As it turns out, it was just a power washer that they were washing down the quiet pool deck. Glad to hear that they are taking care of it right up to its demise.

Off to MK and then seeing my daughter off. We head out tomorrow, so we are truly winding down. It's been another great trip.

 

[eliza61]

Thanks all, for the comments. And DDad, I typically get into those kind of conversations as well but with my two daughters with us there wasn't much time to talk. I was surprised to hear the Ranger Don has been at the Lodge for 17 years. I knew I had seen him around but I was surprised he had been here that long. Next time I'll definitely ask him a little about the Jack Welch days.

Gloomy and rainy this morning. Promptly at 9:30 am I heard a loud generator going and thought "uh oh, this is the beginning of the construction". As it turns out, it was just a power washer that they were washing down the quiet pool deck. Glad to hear that they are taking care of it right up to its demise.

Off to MK and then seeing my daughter off. We head out tomorrow, so we are truly winding down. It's been another great trip.

Safe travels Granny,

 

[Granny]

Safe travels Granny,

Eliza...thank you, my friend.

We got our older daughter off on the ME bus a couple of hours ago, so now we have a lovely 24 hours to rest up for the trip home.

As for the contract extension, we too will probably pass as we will be in our 80's and I don't see us looking to re-enlist. I can see where it would be appealing to anyone who is significantly younger than us, or who wants to leave a longer legacy for the children. So I'm not opposed to an optional extension for members like pangyal who would like that option.

But I'm with Dean on this...we set the kids up coming out of college with no debt so they can certainly decide (and pay) for themselves if DVC is right for them. Fortunately they probably have a ways to go before making that decision.

 

[twokats]

Happy Birthday Akima and Happy Birthday I Book He Pays!!

Hope you both have great days.