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

[Granny]

Nope! I was born in 1991 and I know that's the year DVC started. My family joined in 1994.

Cool! I always admire those who bought in the first few years of DVC. Those folks (including yours) truly took the leap of faith when this was a fledgling concept. And sure they got some great perks for several years like free passes but still it was a lot of money ($50 per point!) to put down on something that wasn't completely known. And look now at the number of DVC rooms!

 

[Granny]

The lodge is all that it is hyped up to be during Christmas, and I am so happy to have made that our home resort. My wife, who had no involvement in the decision to purchase dvc, who knew it was our home base, but not what that meant, said it was her favorite so far. We did a split stay between the lodge and akv, and she preferred the lodge. She liked the coziness of the place over the hustle and bustle of akv. It made me really happy to hear her say that. I already look forward to going back next year at this time!

So glad to hear that the magic of WL/VWL at Christmas filled all your hopes. I sometimes cringe a little when we talk about the experience at WL and feel that some might feel like we're a little over the top. After all, sometimes something gets so hyped that the actual experience can never meet expectations (see Star Wars).

First trip as a DVCer? I'm sure that felt good even with the less than magical room view. And it sounds like a great tradition to start for both of you. Thanks for reporting back.

 

[DVC1991]

Cool! I always admire those who bought in the first few years of DVC. Those folks (including yours) truly took the leap of faith when this was a fledgling concept. And sure they got some great perks for several years like free passes but still it was a lot of money ($50 per point!) to put down on something that wasn't completely known. And look now at the number of DVC rooms!

I'm so happy my parents bought into it! I've been coming to wdw ever since I can remember and I love it. It's so exciting to stay at new places for us like the VWL

 

[DVC1991]

So sad my photos are too big to attach

 

[sleepydog25]

just got back from a wonderful stay at the lodge. this was our first time as dvc'ers, and first time at the lodge. we were in a first floor construction view room. Not what I requested, but my room was ready at 1:30, so that was fine as we were going to be there around 3:00. there is a fence with a woodsy looking cover draped over it to block the construction. I guess it really didn't bother me too much. Noise level while we were there was almost zero. On Friday it seemed like nobody was even working on anything. Other than wanting to walk down the nature trail, I was content. We did get our free "pardon our dust" pins. Overall, I am glad the construction did not effect our decision to stay there.
The lodge is all that it is hyped up to be during Christmas, and I am so happy to have made that our home resort. My wife, who had no involvement in the decision to purchase dvc, who knew it was our home base, but not what that meant, said it was her favorite so far. We did a split stay between the lodge and akv, and she preferred the lodge. She liked the coziness of the place over the hustle and bustle of akv. It made me really happy to hear her say that. I already look forward to going back next year at this time!

So glad to hear you had a wonderful trip and stay at the Lodge. We felt the same from our first stay--the cozy, intimate, and quiet nature of the resort welcomed us and has kept us coming back. We've enjoyed our stays at other resorts, as well, but nothing quite speaks to us like the Lodge. Our hope is that with the expansion there, the qualities that made us fall in love with it in the first place won't disappear. That we won't know for a couple of years. . .

 

[jimmytammy]

Granny
We have friends here in town who bought in very early, and I have told them how we all appreciate their willingness to step out in faith. It really did pave the way for the rest of us.
On a similar note, several years ago I met two little ladies who were sisters, I would guess in their 70s on a bus to MK. We were staying at OKW and had a few moments to talk. They told me they used to go with their 90s something dad who insisted they go from open til close, and though he had passed away, and they missed him dearly, they didnt miss the full days in the parks
They went on to tell me about their being DVCers and their Dad was the 2nd person to sign up for DVC back in the day! I thanked them as well for all of us, talk about pioneers

 

[eliza61]

Christmas Traditions around Epcot​

Ok, instead of the usual thursday morning trivia, we're traveling around the Epcot world show case to see how the countries represented there would celebrate the holidays. In the interest of full disclosure, many of the countries I have not been to so my source is the 'net. France and America I have celebrated but the rest I'm googling. Feel free to jump in, anyone who knows about the customs.

Up first to bat, France and Moroco:

Morocco is primarily a Muslim country so the majority of it's residents do not celebrate the holiday and it's not a national holiday. Seems that most of the celebrants are "ex-pats" from Belgium and France,.... which brings us to France.

While France would describe itself as a Catholic, definitely Christian nation, religion in France is very very private. It's not thought of as a source of "national" pride like here in the states. you know how we say the US was founded on "Judo/Christian" principles? the french would never describe their nation like that. In fact many of my French friends really didn't like that "#prayforparis tag that went out after the attacks. not that they didn't want prayers, they just consider it sort of bad "form" to publicly ask for them.

Anyhoo Christmas is a huge "family" celebration. The main celebration actually occurs before the 25th. it's a buildup to Christmas day. The big blowout usually happens on the 24th with Le Reveillon dinner and gift opening. and when I say big, I mean big. I attended one Christmas eve dinner in Paris at a friends house that was 8 hours long. lol with new dishes the entire time. You know how us Yanks complain that we blow the budget on Christmas gifts? well there the complaint is that the budget is blown on the Christmas eve dinner. lol


Next up: Japan and America

 

[jmassey1samchi]

So glad to hear you had a wonderful trip and stay at the Lodge. We felt the same from our first stay--the cozy, intimate, and quiet nature of the resort welcomed us and has kept us coming back. We've enjoyed our stays at other resorts, as well, but nothing quite speaks to us like the Lodge. Our hope is that with the expansion there, the qualities that made us fall in love with it in the first place won't disappear. That we won't know for a couple of years. . .

I have high hopes that the expansion will be successful in keeping the lodge as peaceful and serene as it is now. I like the idea of having a bit larger pool area, trust in dvc to do an overall good job with this. We will see what happens, but in the meantime, I will continue to stay there over other resorts even with the construction.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

i just noticed it's Disney night on TCM tonight. So Dear To My Heart is first up which I think is an old favorite of a few here. I've never seen it and it will have to wait again as we're going to see a new Disney classic called Star Wars.

 

[horselover]

No spoilers Kat! Going to see it Christmas day. Trying to avoid media before then.

Di & Dad - how's the trip?

4 more sleeps. The clock is dragging.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

No spoilers Kat! Going to see it Christmas day. Trying to avoid media before then.

I think you'll like it.

 

[jimmytammy]

i just noticed it's Disney night on TCM tonight. So Dear To My Heart is first up which I think is an old favorite of a few here. I've never seen it and it will have to wait again as we're going to see a new Disney classic called Star Wars.

So glad you posted this! Thank you TCM doesn't do a good job IMO of giving a heads up on these Disney shows and are a bit inconsistent in when they show them. I literally caught them to record with 2 mins til the 1st one came on.

 

[wildernessDad]

We are back from our marathon vacation and our cat is very happy about this. It was great meeting Kathy and Gordon on this trip. Thank you both for taking the time to meet with us. I have the photo to share with you. From left to right - my wife Toni, Kathy, and Gordon at Top of the World Lounge.

 

[wildernessDad]

And now for the bad news. I was able to lift my iPhone above the barrier to get a couple of pics of the construction of the "pool area" and perhaps beyond. For point of reference, we were on the 1st floor, room 1549 and these were taken just outside of our room. Here are the results. First, what they want you to see.

 

[wildernessDad]

Next, with the iPhone lifted a bit higher.

 

[wildernessDad]

Now, completely above the barrier.

 

[wildernessDad]

More...

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So glad you posted this! Thank you TCM doesn't do a good job IMO of giving a heads up on these Disney shows and are a bit inconsistent in when they show them. I literally caught them to record with 2 mins til the 1st one came on.

It's funny because just a day or two earlier I had been thinking about the Disney TCM nights and was wondering why I hadn't heard them talk about it. Then I was looking at the cable guide for something and caught the title So Dear to My Heart and a quick look at the rest of the night showed it was Disney.

We are back from our marathon vacation and our cat is very happy about this. It was great meeting Kathy and Gordon on this trip. Thank you both for taking the time to meet with us. I have the photo to share with you. From left to right - my wife Toni, Kathy, and Gordon at Top of the World Lounge.
View attachment 140425

It was wonderful to meet up with you and your family wildernessDad! We're happy that you took the time to meet with us. We hope that you had a great time on the rest of your vacation!

Those VWL pictures just make me super sad though - so far it's matching my worst fears of the project.

Actually, I just realized I'm more than sad - I'm fairly mad at what they are doing. In my head I know I just need to wait and see but my head also says there's no way this resort will remain like the one I bought in to. If anyone cares to talk me down from this thought I'd appreciate it.

 

[wildernessDad]

Those VWL pictures just make me super sad though - so far it's matching my worst fears of the project.

Actually, I just realized I'm more than sad - I'm fairly mad at what they are doing. In my head I know I just need to wait and see but my head also says there's no way this resort will remain like the one I bought in to. If anyone cares to talk me down from this thought I'd appreciate it.

I understand and share your anger. We talked about this at the TotWL. What view will guests staying in the new cabins have? Those in the Poly bungalows have great views of the Magic Kingdom and Wishes fireworks. Those staying in a Wilderness Lodge cabin will have views of passing boats and a torn-down island. Yippee.

 

[sleepydog25]

Those VWL pictures just make me super sad though - so far it's matching my worst fears of the project.

Actually, I just realized I'm more than sad - I'm fairly mad at what they are doing. In my head I know I just need to wait and see but my head also says there's no way this resort will remain like the one I bought in to. If anyone cares to talk me down from this thought I'd appreciate it.

While I feel fairly confident the area will look "nice" when finished, like you, I believe the essence of what first made me love the Lodge will be missing--I liked the quasi-remote, wilderness feel. I'm afraid what will replace that is cultured lawns, lots of sidewalks, and tamed shrubbery (and apparently lacking DVC Mickey). Sigh. You'll get no "talk me down" words from me. . .