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

[sleepydog25]

Morning, Groupies! This from the Orlando Sentinel: Sunset Showcase, a new entertainment space, will open this year at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. The venue, constructed at the end of Sunset Boulevard near Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, will open Dec. 5 for the premiere of Club Disney, a dance-party experience with a DJ and characters. The walls will "come alive with vivid images from classic Disney animation," according to a post on the Disney Parks Blog on Monday. The space is designed to be the home to different experiences over the years. The area will include a snack station and a place to recharge electrical devices.

Well, now I'm not so bummed about the AP price increases. This new venue certainly makes it worthwhile.

 

[pangyal]

But if it's still there then maybe Uber to the Publix that is north of the MK? That is approx 6 miles away.

That's a great idea! Is Publix a grocery store only or do they carry things like sunscreen as well (sorry, we don't have that store here )?

Good point about the grill too. Uber seems like the best choice after we evaluate our options!

 

[eliza61]

Morning, Groupies! This from the Orlando Sentinel: Sunset Showcase, a new entertainment space, will open this year at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. The venue, constructed at the end of Sunset Boulevard near Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, will open Dec. 5 for the premiere of Club Disney, a dance-party experience with a DJ and characters. The walls will "come alive with vivid images from classic Disney animation," according to a post on the Disney Parks Blog on Monday. The space is designed to be the home to different experiences over the years. The area will include a snack station and a place to recharge electrical devices.

Well, now I'm not so bummed about the AP price increases. This new venue certainly makes it worthwhile.

Oy Vey sleepy, that means I'm about to rain on the parade.
Is this going to be in addition to the frozen Dance party experience they have in front of the great movie ride. when we were there in august every night before the frozen fireworks they had a DJ/dance party.

or is this meant to be a more permanent structure.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Well, now I'm not so bummed about the AP price increases. This new venue certainly makes it worthwhile.

You're bad Sleepy! Makes it an all day park, doesn't it?!

That's a great idea! Is Publix a grocery store only or do they carry things like sunscreen as well (sorry, we don't have that store here )?

It's a supermarket so bakery, meat counter, deli and all the usual sundries like sunscreen (which we've bought at Publix although not that particular one).

Oy Vey sleepy, that means I'm about to rain on the parade.
Is this going to be in addition to the frozen Dance party experience they have in front of the great movie ride. when we were there in august every night before the frozen fireworks they had a DJ/dance party.

or is this meant to be a more permanent structure.

This is in a new theatre by Rock n Rollercoaster that is going to be used for various things - they are calling it a flex theatre. The fireworks and the Frozen dance party have only been in the summer so they ended. This would be new, but not really in addition to unless they keep it and have the Frozrn celebration again next year.

 

[Granny]

I'd expect the poor little grill to either be walled off or ripped out by Dec.

I hope they find it a home where it will be better loved.

I agree that it will probably be out of bounds by December.

 

[Granny]

After 6 1/2 weeks after ROFR, finally received closing documents and I think we close Oct. 15.

Sorry I missed this post....very excited for you, but we'll hold off on the office "WH" for when you close. Good luck!

 

[Granny]

Well, now I'm not so bummed about the AP price increases. This new venue certainly makes it worthwhile.

Careful Sleepy...that much sarcasm in one post can clog your internet connection!

This is in a new theatre by Rock n Rollercoaster that is going to be used for various things - they are calling it a flex theatre. The fireworks and the Frozen dance party have only been in the summer so they ended. This would be new, but not really in addition to unless they keep it and have the Frozrn celebration again next year.

My understanding is that Frozen Singalong is in the theatre that used to house American Idol? That's the only Frozen thing we saw in DHS this last trip as Kathy indicates.

And this new theatre sounds like a very strange addition. I know that they are trying to make DHS a little more attractive to those with little kids (hence TSM) but I just don't see how this is going to add much to DHS. Maybe it will be like that building in Epcot that they use like once a year (the one between Test Track and World Showcase).

 

[twinklebug]

And this new theatre sounds like a very strange addition. I know that they are trying to make DHS a little more attractive to those with little kids (hence TSM) but I just don't see how this is going to add much to DHS. Maybe it will be like that building in Epcot that they use like once a year (the one between Test Track and World Showcase).

Oy Vey sleepy, that means I'm about to rain on the parade.
Is this going to be in addition to the frozen Dance party experience they have in front of the great movie ride. when we were there in august every night before the frozen fireworks they had a DJ/dance party.

or is this meant to be a more permanent structure.

By human standards, this is a permanent addition. Flex theaters are quite a thing to behold, and expensive to build:

In a fully rigged system, the stage, lighting, floor, seating and tiers to all are mechanically adjustable. It's written in the wind that Disney is planning on making money off of this by renting out the park after hours (which means shortening the guests day so private companies can pay more to have the park), or else they wouldn't have invested so much into it.

Seems the things I love most about DHS are being killed off bit by bit all for 'improving' the entertainment aspect of the park. The animation academy, the osborne lights, and almost certainly the Muppet show and courtyard. Reimagining the park to suite corporations that want to rent it out certainly doesn't help.

 

[sleepydog25]

Careful Sleepy...that much sarcasm in one post can clog your internet connection!

I am shocked, shocked I tell you, that anyone would think I was being sarcastic. Oh, wait. . .I forget you guys know me.

You're bad Sleepy! Makes it an all day park, doesn't it?!

Yepper!

 

[ottawagreg]

But if it's still there then maybe Uber to the Publix that is north of the MK? That is approx 6 miles away.

Kathy,

We go there every trip, two or three times. When we check in the girls an I go there directly, and stock up. About two days later I go for stuff we need in the purple box. Once more a couple of days before trips end to make the snack food, deli meat and such come out even. It is the hot ticket from VWL. Drive time one way is not even five minutes. We used to go south by Celebration, driving out on One World Drive. Then we found the north location on a map on the inter-web. Sweet!

 

[jimmytammy]

We got to that same Publix too Greg. Recently discovered it through research. We used to go to the Winn Dixie on Apopka Vineland Rd, but the Publix is so much closer

 

[wildernessDad]

Morning, Groupies! This from the Orlando Sentinel: Sunset Showcase, a new entertainment space, will open this year at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. The venue, constructed at the end of Sunset Boulevard near Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, will open Dec. 5 for the premiere of Club Disney, a dance-party experience with a DJ and characters. The walls will "come alive with vivid images from classic Disney animation," according to a post on the Disney Parks Blog on Monday. The space is designed to be the home to different experiences over the years. The area will include a snack station and a place to recharge electrical devices.

Well, now I'm not so bummed about the AP price increases. This new venue certainly makes it worthwhile.

Well worth the price of admission, I'd say. I'm sure that the DJ will play Al Di Meola.

 

[ottawagreg]

Well worth the price of admission, I'd say. I'm sure that the DJ will play Al Di Meola.

I just searched you tube for Al Di Meola. That guy has prime time, major college skill set. WOW! So if one wished to invest in an album he has put out which one would you suggest? If the mouse brought in high class acts like that and showcased them in HS studios they would have something going on. Talk about a dinner package at Brown Derby and then walk across the street to see show, me thinks they would have peeps lining up for that. Just sayin.....

 

[wildernessDad]

I just searched you tube for Al Di Meola. That guy has prime time, major college skill set. WOW! So if one wished to invest in an album he has put out which one would you suggest? If the mouse brought in high class acts like that and showcased them in HS studios they would have something going on. Talk about a dinner package at Brown Derby and then walk across the street to see show, me thinks they would have peeps lining up for that. Just sayin.....

His career spans over 30 years. If you want to get into his early fusion days, if I had to pick one from that time, it would be 'Elegant Gypsy' although all are masterpieces IMO. One of my personal favorites is from his early 90's and that would be 'Kiss My Axe'. Hey, his new album 'Elysium' is great too. He is a guitar player of the highest caliber, truly a cut above. Check out this YouTube video.

 

[brettcw23]

Folks, seriously. I know everyone here loves VWL, but... You all way UNDERsold how awesome it is!!!
We just got back from a week at WDW and I think that VWL has supplanted AKL-KV as my favorite resort!
A little background...we were booked at the 7 month mark for a week at VWL. Within about 2 months of our stay, we had to re-book everything to accommodate a school event for our oldest daughter. So our resort stay changed to:
AKL-KV - Tue\Wed
WL - Deluxe Room w\ Club Level access - Th\Fri
VWL - Sat\Sun\Mon\Tue

The lobby at WL is AMAZING. So tremendously themed.
The transportation was way better than I expected. The boats were constantly coming\going. We had one minor snafu due to a construction barge coming across the water bridge, but that was it.
Our room a VWL was a 2 BR and was so spacious! Seriously...so MUCH room. The location was great. It was quiet and very scenic. I really enjoyed a coffee or adult beverage out on the balcony.

Great time at a wonderful resort.

 

[ottawagreg]

Folks, seriously. I know everyone here loves VWL, but... You all way UNDERsold how awesome it is!!!
We just got back from a week at WDW and I think that VWL has supplanted AKL-KV as my favorite resort!
A little background...we were booked at the 7 month mark for a week at VWL. Within about 2 months of our stay, we had to re-book everything to accommodate a school event for our oldest daughter. So our resort stay changed to:
AKL-KV - Tue\Wed
WL - Deluxe Room w\ Club Level access - Th\Fri
VWL - Sat\Sun\Mon\Tue

The lobby at WL is AMAZING. So tremendously themed.
The transportation was way better than I expected. The boats were constantly coming\going. We had one minor snafu due to a construction barge coming across the water bridge, but that was it.
Our room a VWL was a 2 BR and was so spacious! Seriously...so MUCH room. The location was great. It was quiet and very scenic. I really enjoyed a coffee or adult beverage out on the balcony.

Great time at a wonderful resort.

We don't under sell the awesomeness. It is impossible to convey in mere words how great it is. It has to be experienced first hand, one soul at a time. So you are enthralled and you want to back. Don'tcha? Welcome to the groupies. I think sleepy or granny tells you to pull up a rocker. Plus you owe somebody cash. Did you ring the cow bells?

 

[jimmytammy]

Brett, I am glad you enjoyed VWL so much! As Greg says, its hard to get across just how much we all adore the Lodge, and for every descriptive word thats been shared over the years on the various Groupies forums. But to discover it for yourself, thats the best way to fall in love with it Obviously, you are preaching to the choir here

WD, I thought I was the only person in the world who knew who Al Di Meola was Eddie Van Halen has admitted in interviews that Di Meola was a huge influence on him. Another under the radar guitarist I like is Stanley Jordan. Saw him once at a local college, the power went out so he lost his amp for a few minutes. He got the whole crowd so silent you could hear a pin drop, then proceeded to play his electric guitar, no amp, and it was amazing, no effects needed.

 

[sleepydog25]

We don't under sell the awesomeness. It is impossible to convey in mere words how great it is. It has to be experienced first hand, one soul at a time. So you are enthralled and you want to back. Don'tcha? Welcome to the groupies. I think sleepy or granny tells you to pull up a rocker. Plus you owe somebody cash. Did you ring the cow bells?

That would be me. $50. Small bills okay. Yes, Brett, you've discovered why the Groupies love the Lodge (our catch-all name for all things WL & VWL) so much: serenity, beauty, theming, and the feeling you're actually getting away from the crowds in the parks. (It is for all these things that we hope the new construction won't mess up what we all love.) I think I can speak for all of us and say that we're happy you've found a new second home and found your way to the Groupies a while back. Now that you've experienced the place, we hope you continue to join us in our ongoing discussions about a variety of things from music, to movies, to life's events, and of course, the Lodge.

 

[ottawagreg]

His career spans over 30 years. If you want to get into his early fusion days, if I had to pick one from that time, it would be 'Elegant Gypsy' although all are masterpieces IMO. One of my personal favorites is from his early 90's and that would be 'Kiss My Axe'. Hey, his new album 'Elysium' is great too. He is a guitar player of the highest caliber, truly a cut above. Check out this YouTube video.

WDad, that link is an hour long and I have not had the time to view it yet. But I will, for sure. I watched enough to know I need to find more of his stuff. I also see that he is in Chicago soon, October 26 & 27. I won't be able to go but I will look for him next time he comes around, now that I know he tours. Have you had the privilege of seeing him live? I have seen EC (clapton) twice and it was stupendous! From the video and the theaters he is playing in Chi town, it appears that he plays smaller venues. Which is nice. I will go to iTunes and and snoop around. Thanks for the info and sharing that video. Once again I see that membership has it's perks, membership in the groupies that is.

My DD is going to the World next March with the high school band. They get to play some movie pieces in the WDW studios and make some kind of recording or sound track. Then perform live in DTD. So naturally mom and dad are making the trek to be there to see the performance. We rented three nights at OKW from another DVC member, and I am borrowing points for one night. We need/want to stay at a MK resort. I really wanted to try different resort, a monorail resort since it is just us adults. But unfortunately it would suck too points from my account. I will have just enough points left for the Christmas trip in 2016. So we will returning home (VWL) again for one night. Which is a blessing. I will be available for another sneak attack on the construction site. I am feeling a bit like the compulsive behavior is returning. December-March-June/July-December in just over twelve months. Is there a twelve step program for Disney? Hello I'm Greg and I'm a mouseaholic.

 

[jimmytammy]

Is there a twelve step program for Disney? Hello I'm Greg and I'm a mouseaholic.

Greg, we are here for ya buddy, lean on us(we all understand, we all have the same problem)