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

[twokats]

I guess everybody has a busy weekend and is not on the computer! I have been sitting with my foot resting for most of the day.

Sleepy, on my cruise in May 2016 on the Wonder thru the Panama Canal, I just booked The Grand Californian for May 15 - 19. Looking forward to Disneyland 60th since I can't make it to WDW.

 

[sleepydog25]

I guess everybody has a busy weekend and is not on the computer! I have been sitting with my foot resting for most of the day.

Sleepy, on my cruise in May 2016 on the Wonder thru the Panama Canal, I just booked The Grand Californian for May 15 - 19. Looking forward to Disneyland 60th since I can't make it to WDW.

Kathy, you'll love GC, though it strikes me you might have stayed there before. It reminded us quite a bit of home at the Lodge (not surprisingly), which should give you that WDW feeling. . .a little. We loved the easy access to the parks, to DTD, and, ahem, Starbucks. Have a great time! I've updated you on Page 1.

 

[Lakegirl]

So I made the decision and switched from VWL April 18-23rd to the poly. That Waitlist for those last two days (24th and 25th) were not coming through while most other resorts had availability popping up on and off. I couldn't help thinking about the cm that told me it was probably due to the construction schedule. I guess we will have to wait till our 2017 trip to stay at the lodge. I am a planner and just didn't want to leave those days unsure, and didn't want to do split stay this time. 180 day mark is fast approaching !!!

 

[Granny]

So I made the decision and switched from VWL April 18-23rd to the poly.

I think you made a good call. I'm not much of a waitlist fan either (we are 0 for 3 in getting waitlist requests) so I would have done the same thing. We've never stayed at the Polynesian Resort and it is our only DVC property at WDW we haven't stayed at. I'm sure you'll enjoy it quite a bit!

 

[pmaurer74]

we closed on our WLV DVC, now just waiting a few more weeks for our points and membership number. Anyone know if there is any chance I could get in to the DVC Halloween party if I get my number in time?

 

[twokats]

Kathy, you'll love GC, though it strikes me you might have stayed there before. It reminded us quite a bit of home at the Lodge (not surprisingly), which should give you that WDW feeling. . .a little. We loved the easy access to the parks, to DTD, and, ahem, Starbucks. Have a great time! I've updated you on Page 1.

You are right Sleepy, we stayed there in Sept '13 before our last Panama Canal cruise. From our balcony we could watch the World of Color show each night. Loved it because of the Lodge feel and it's general layout. Looking forward to staying there again. I was really sweating getting it at the 7 month window, but I managed to get it.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

@twokats you just brought back one of my first DVC memories. I had been a member for only a few weeks after buying VWL resale - and the contract had come completely loaded with points. The first thing I did was to book a room at GC in order to attend a DVC presentation on the brand new under construction VGC! And, at the presentation there were quite a few DVC members who had just gotten off the Panama Canal trip. This was in 2008 and I almost think that was the first Panama Canal cruise for DCL but I'm not a cruiser so I may be completely off. It all sounded quite fun though!

Oh - and I bought VGC on that trip - 130 points for the price of 100. Those were the days.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

we closed on our WLV DVC, now just waiting a few more weeks for our points and membership number. Anyone know if there is any chance I could get in to the DVC Halloween party if I get my number in time?

I know that the early party was sold out when I booked the newly added 7PM party for us but I don't know if that sold out too however the member website still just indicates the 5PM is sold out.

 

[twokats]

@twokats you just brought back one of my first DVC memories. I had been a member for only a few weeks after buying VWL resale - and the contract had come completely loaded with points. The first thing I did was to book a room at GC in order to attend a DVC presentation on the brand new under construction VGC! And, at the presentation there were quite a few DVC members who had just gotten off the Panama Canal trip. This was in 2008 and I almost think that was the first Panama Canal cruise for DCL but I'm not a cruiser so I may be completely off. It all sounded quite fun though!

Oh - and I bought VGC on that trip - 130 points for the price of 100. Those were the days.

You may be right. I know the Panama Canal trip in 2011 on the Wonder was the 2nd Disney ship that went thru, I think the 2008 trip was the Magic, but don't quote me.
It is a great cruise, so many sea days and Disney does so many activities. The Panama Canal is a true wonder to travel. I can't believe I am getting to do this cruise a second time. I am hoping to do it again, if they keep the itinerary.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Oh sigh - did everyone see this?

From Disney:

"Soarin' will close for refurbishment beginning January 4, 2016 and shall reopen in the summer of 2016. "

Now yes, it will be very nice to have new film and a 3rd theatre but it's yet one more thing closed at the same time. If they don't get Maelstrom (Frozen world) reopened Epcot is going to be hurting more than ever.

And from Kenny the Pirate:
http://www.kennythepirate.com/2015/10/18/soarin-to-face-an-extensive-closure/

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday Berta!!!!

 

[DiznyDi]

Good Morning Groupies! We're back from a magical week in WDW with the family. The weather was beautiful with no rain our entire stay. Some might say downright hot - but I love the sun. We weren't able to make the connection with Julie Sunday, our arrival day, Epcot was a madhouse! So much so that Julie and her son headed back to the Beach Club. They decided to take a trip over to the Lodge but left before we were able to get back. Next time....
All in all, we had a wonderful time. We did experience multiple IT failures; MDE didn't work an entire day so FP kiosks were busy getting folks their information, Turtle Talk with Crush went down while we waited in line and we eventually left. Bussing on one particular day was so messed up we took a taxi. Magic Band info couldn't be retrieved, so CM's were hand writing information for charge purposes.

We had one of the big courtyard rooms overlooking the pool. The rooms were clean and in good repair. We did have consistent hot water throughout the stay so maybe WL finally has that problem addressed and taken care of. Mickey topiary is noticeably still absent from the walkway to the Villas The resort is as gorgeous as ever! This was our sons first experience staying at the Lodge. Ranger Jack was very gracious in telling him the history and various little known facts about the Lodge and WDW in general. Scaffolding is still present but we weren't able to see what work was being done inside. There is no blatant construction going on - yet.

We did enjoy TOWL and Hallowishes. The fireworks on party night are spectacular!

It's good to be home. Have a good week!
Di

 

[DiznyDi]

Wishing BERTA a very Happy Birthday!

 

[Dizny Dad]

I opened my eyes, and sure enough, I'm back in my office. It was certainly a short trip last week to The World. I'm sure DiznyDi can fill in so much more than me about it, but it was a week spent with my grown children in a place we all love. DD and DSL were with us for the full trip. DS joined us for the last four of the six days. It has been ~10 years since our DS has been with us in The World. We had not seen him since last Thanksgiving, so it was great to have him for a few days. A great time was had by all. We were hoping to meet up with Horselover, but schedules just didn't allow for it.

The Lodge was wonderful as usual, with not a lot of construction at this time. Scaffolding was up on one side; the trees and underbrush was cleared on the lake side of the walkway to the boats, and a few other small details, but not really much to detract from the Loge we love. The DVC pool was still open, but soon to close. We will be back at The Lodge in December. It will be interesting to see the differences as construction should be in full swing by then.

We had more than the usual share of technical difficulties during our six days in the World. Our Epcot day started with a taxi ride to the park, as the system was not routing busses from the Lodge to Epcot that morning. Wouldn't you think the CM at the bus stop could call and make a request? Not so said the CM. Soarin' had a small burp and delay just as we were to load; Turtle Talk was put on hold after we waited 30 minutes; the Trains were down for the week at MK; and they ran out of Lobster Rolls at Epcot . There were a number of other small things that just seemed out of character for Disney that just seemed to keep happening.

Spent a little time with Ranger Jack. Great guy. He has blossomed into his Ranger role well and his joy of his job is really starting to show. Thanks Ranger Jack!

. . . . . . Did you ring the cow bells?

Ah, yeah . . . doesn't everyone?

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

Problem? What problem? no problem here . . .

 

[Granny]

DDad & Di...thanks for reporting in. You know we always feel better when our travelers let us know they arrived safely to their destination.

Sounds like you had a pretty good trip. And so great that your son could join you. Hopefully he enjoyed WDW too...though time spent with you two is always a treat!

Thanks for the construction (or lack thereof) update. I think it's supposed to kick in next week if I recall correctly. Great to have you back on our thread!

 

[Shawn]

Even though I have been a member of Disboards since 2005, I'm not currently very active. So when I tried to give away 9 little VWL points to some other VWL owner on the rent trade boards, my post was rejected. It seems I would have needed to have made 50 posts in the past 6 months, which I have not.

Anyway, if you are a VWL owner and could use an extra 9 points that I have banked and need to get rid of before June 2016, then send me a message.

 

[DiznyDi]

Even though I have been a member of Disboards since 2005, I'm not currently very active. So when I tried to give away 9 little VWL points to some other VWL owner on the rent trade boards, my post was rejected. It seems I would have needed to have made 50 posts in the past 6 months, which I have not.

Anyway, if you are a VWL owner and could use an extra 9 points that I have banked and need to get rid of before June 2016, then send me a message.

What a kind and generous offer! Unfortunately I can't use them but maybe someone else here can.
Pull up a chair and rest awhile. We love it when new (or old) groupies find their way to our little corner of the Dis. Welcome!

Thanks Granny for your 'Welcome Back'!

 

[sleepydog25]

What a kind and generous offer! Unfortunately I can't use them but maybe someone else here can.
Pull up a chair and rest awhile. We love it when new (or old) groupies find their way to our little corner of the Dis. Welcome!

Thanks Granny for your 'Welcome Back'!

Agree with Granny--thanks for the great offer! We can't use them, either, but perhaps someone else on here will see it and be able to take advantage. You stumbled upon a fun, warm, and inviting group here, so we hope you won't be a stranger. Cheers!

 

[ottawagreg]

Anyway, if you are a VWL owner and could use an extra 9 points that I have banked and need to get rid of before June 2016, then send me a message.

Hello kind sir, we have a trip coming June 16, and dates/resorts are up in the air. Perhaps I could take them off your hands. Couple them with mine and use them up. If I have left overs I could bank the extras. I would be willing to compensate you in some manner. My wife could make batch of chocolate fudge and send it over (wink, wink and nod). Send me a PM and maybe we can work something out. Kind regards.

 

[twokats]

Berta, I hope you have a very happy birthday.