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

[KAT4DISNEY]

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.

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. . .

Well, you two are no help! Although misery loves company.

 

[wildernessDad]

I'm posting the menu for Jungle Skipper Canteen. We lucked out and had lunch/dinner there the day before the official opening. The Char Siu Pork was excellent imo. There were no alcoholic beverages on the menu. They have a dessert menu item called 'Kungaloosh'. They say it's their greeting. It's a lame attempt to bring back the flavor of The Adventurers Club. They need to bring back The Adventurers Club.

 

[wildernessDad]

We went to Mickey's Pantry and bought some of the Scorpion Pepper Sea Salt and the Kahuna Garlic Salt. That Scorpion Pepper Sea Salt sure has a kick! I love it. The Kahuna Garlic Salt is excellent.

 

[wildernessDad]

Well, you two are no help! Although misery loves company.

On the good side, the main lobby is untouched. It was still nice walking into it.

 

[Corinne]

Hi Groupies just checking in and trying to catch up on you all! I went back to work on Wednesday, trying to only work part time but it's hard to get out of there. I'm still in PT and unable to drive but I'm improving so thank goodness. Hope everyone in the world is having a blast.

 

[wildernessDad]

Hi Groupies just checking in and trying to catch up on you all! I went back to work on Wednesday, trying to only work part time but it's hard to get out of there. I'm still in PT and unable to drive but I'm improving so thank goodness. Hope everyone in the world is having a blast.

Glad to hear you are improving!

 

[rkstocke5609]

1st post on Disboards. I have been monitoring this thread for at least 6 months enjoying it immensely. I love VWL, it became my home in 2014. 1st DVC trip last December to AKL Kidani, 2nd to VWL in March, & 3rd to PVB in October. Upcoming trip to VGC this March. I will say this about the construction -- I did not like using points for lake view at Poly to stare at bungalows, and I suspect I will feel the same at VWL when that is complete & will prefer to request bus side of the building...

Anyways, finally had to join so I could see those pictures.....so, hope you don't mind if I " set a spell"

Just love this spot because you all seem to feel the same about the lodge as I do. In October I even went and walked the trail to Fort Wilderness so I could say I had done it before it was littered with cabins...felt guilty that I hadn't done it in my 3 trips to the lodge prior to becoming a DVCer......

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Ron from Minneapolis

 

[Granny]

1st post on Disboards. I have been monitoring this thread for at least 6 months enjoying it immensely. I love VWL, it became my home in 2014. 1st DVC trip last December to AKL Kidani, 2nd to VWL in March, & 3rd to PVB in October. Upcoming trip to VGC this March. I will say this about the construction -- I did not like using points for lake view at Poly to stare at bungalows, and I suspect I will feel the same at VWL when that is complete & will prefer to request bus side of the building...

Anyways, finally had to join so I could see those pictures.....so, hope you don't mind if I " set a spell"

Just love this spot because you all seem to feel the same about the lodge as I do. In October I even went and walked the trail to Fort Wilderness so I could say I had done it before it was littered with cabins...felt guilty that I hadn't done it in my 3 trips to the lodge prior to becoming a DVCer......

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Ron from Minneapolis

Hi Ron! A very merry welcome to you as a fellow Lodge Lover! We'd love to have you set a spell with us.

So glad that you ventured out of "lurkdom". And I hope that the pictures don't dismay you very much. I think I am in the minority when I feel that when the construction dust settles, VWL will still be a special place though somewhat different.

It looks like you are making the DVC rounds with your reservations. We have enjoyed doing that over the years and find every DVC resort has a particular charm of its own. Certainly we prefer some over others but all have something that I can understand why owners there are very content.

So come on in, and warm yourself by the lobby fire. My guess is it's a little chillier up there in Minnesota than in most parts of the country!

 

[Granny]

I'm posting the menu for Jungle Skipper Canteen. We lucked out and had lunch/dinner there the day before the official opening. The Char Siu Pork was excellent imo. There were no alcoholic beverages on the menu. They have a dessert menu item called 'Kungaloosh'. They say it's their greeting. It's a lame attempt to bring back the flavor of The Adventurers Club. They need to bring back The Adventurers Club.

WDad....very kind of you to give us this preview look at the new canteen. I'm afraid the Adventurer's Club has gone the way of many attractions at WDW. Nice that they are at least recognizing that it once existed. Thanks for taking the time to get the menu pictures posted. Hope your trip has been a great one.

 

[jimmytammy]

Corinne So glad to see you back here and great to hear you are improving
WD Thanks for the Skipper Canteen review, looking forward to trying this

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome to the groupies rkstocke5609!!!!
We are honored that your 1st post is with us!

 

[eliza61]

1st post on Disboards. I have been monitoring this thread for at least 6 months enjoying it immensely. I love VWL, it became my home in 2014. 1st DVC trip last December to AKL Kidani, 2nd to VWL in March, & 3rd to PVB in October. Upcoming trip to VGC this March. I will say this about the construction -- I did not like using points for lake view at Poly to stare at bungalows, and I suspect I will feel the same at VWL when that is complete & will prefer to request bus side of the building...

Anyways, finally had to join so I could see those pictures.....so, hope you don't mind if I " set a spell"

Just love this spot because you all seem to feel the same about the lodge as I do. In October I even went and walked the trail to Fort Wilderness so I could say I had done it before it was littered with cabins...felt guilty that I hadn't done it in my 3 trips to the lodge prior to becoming a DVCer......

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Ron from Minneapolis

Welcome Ron, no such thing as too many groupies. The only admission requirement is pictures of our beloved any time you get a chance.

 

[wildernessDad]

Here's some info on The Adventurers Club.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventurers_Club

 

[circhead]

Hi Ron - welcome.
I too read and enjoy the interaction amongst the active members of this thread. They make me feel so comfortable - and the knowledge they have of the Lodge and Disney World is unbelievable.

Granny I also still miss the Adventurer's club - kept hoping they would find a way to revive it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

 

[sleepydog25]

Welcome Ron, no such thing as too many groupies. The only admission requirement is pictures of our beloved any time you get a chance.

Let's not forget the $50 new member fee, payable to moi (small bills, please). Seriously, welcome aboard, Ron! The Lobby fireplace is a great place to start, especially to watch folks walk into the Lodge for the first time. I still have that look whenever I return home. The VWL lobby and adjoining rooms also have prime relaxation spots and fireplaces as you undoubtedly know by now.

As we offer all new Groupies, if you have dates you want to add our Page 1 Trip Listing just PM me, or if you have anniversaries/birthdays you want to share, let jimmytammy know. Neither is required, just a fun thing we do to recognize special days of Groupies, to help celebrate upcoming visits and cruises, and to facilitate the occasional Groupie meet (both large and small) at the World. At any rate, scooch up rocker, grab a libation, sit back, relax, and join in when you feel.

 

[wildernessDad]

It's the Adventurers Club. Don't hate me for saying.

 

[sleepydog25]

Here's some info on The Adventurers Club.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventurers_Club

I'm afraid the Adventurer's Club has gone the way of many attractions at WDW. Nice that they are at least recognizing that it once existed.

Sadly, the homogenization of experiences at Disney continues unabated. Why? Homogeneity is cheaper. Mass appeal is more lucrative than niche appeal. The bottom line dictates all.

 

[rkstocke5609]

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I had to share that I came home to a triple sized postcard of VWL. It must be from when it first opened based on size of trees surrounding the Hidden Springs pool. This solicitation says I could purchase 25 add on points for only $4,200. That's $168 / pt. Now, I didn't know they were selling the new to be determined timeshare as of yet, so this must be for the existing expiring in 2042 version.....

I find this very very strange. If it were for the new deal with the new pool, plus cabins it would show an artists rendition of how things are going to look. Why would anyone add on at that price when you could wait a bit and get a similar price with a much later expiration date???

I sure hope the new pool still has the "Springs" bubblers as my daughter loves them in the old one...

 

[Kathymford]

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I had to share that I came home to a triple sized postcard of VWL. It must be from when it first opened based on size of trees surrounding the Hidden Springs pool. This solicitation says I could purchase 25 add on points for only $4,200. That's $168 / pt. Now, I didn't know they were selling the new to be determined timeshare as of yet, so this must be for the existing expiring in 2042 version.....

I find this very very strange. If it were for the new deal with the new pool, plus cabins it would show an artists rendition of how things are going to look. Why would anyone add on at that price when you could wait a bit and get a similar price with a much later expiration date???

I sure hope the new pool still has the "Springs" bubblers as my daughter loves them in the old one...

$168!! That is nowhere near what is listed online (http://dvcnews.com/index.php/dvc-program-51703/financial-75803/pricing-a-promotions-52175) I really wish my direct points would have come through a few weeks ago like the guide told me they were. Boo.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I had to share that I came home to a triple sized postcard of VWL. It must be from when it first opened based on size of trees surrounding the Hidden Springs pool. This solicitation says I could purchase 25 add on points for only $4,200. That's $168 / pt. Now, I didn't know they were selling the new to be determined timeshare as of yet, so this must be for the existing expiring in 2042 version.....

I find this very very strange. If it were for the new deal with the new pool, plus cabins it would show an artists rendition of how things are going to look. Why would anyone add on at that price when you could wait a bit and get a similar price with a much later expiration date???

I sure hope the new pool still has the "Springs" bubblers as my daughter loves them in the old one...

Wow. Makes our direct purchase from three years ago seem like a huge bargain @ $95 pp. Crazy. And, yes, it would be for the old contract expiring in 2042. My daughter, too, grew up with the bubblers in the Hidden Springs pool, and I know she (and I) would be disappointed if they don't return in the new version even though she's a sophomore in high school and I'm. . .well. . .older. . .