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

[KAT4DISNEY]

I guess I was out of the loop too. I had thought that they were converting maybe two floors...same thing you had thought. It will be strange to think that the current VWL will be the small sibling to the new DVC if in fact they do convert the entire south wing.

As I think about it, I wonder if they'll only convert the part of the south wing that faces VWL? The other side of that wing is the upcharged Courtyard View and I wouldn't think Disney would want to give up that revenue...not to mention creating "view categories" for VWL II beyond bungalow and woods.

The thoughts on the resort board is that it will also be the courtyard views. In my head I also was thinking only the side towards VWL but I'd see how it could be less complicated to have rooms across from each other all be DVC. I'm still just a bit surprised by how large this project might be - and also more concerned than I was about how much of the common area expenses might end up being allocated to the DVC side. I'm afraid I'm a bit cynical about Disney in that aspect and that they have really found a love for getting expenses off their hotel side this way.

Anyone get their new member card yet? I received the first of 2 today. Does it have a 12/31/2021 expiration on it? If not then all of a sudden my contracts are only good for another 5 years! Oy! Why would they need to reissue member cards every 5 years? Seems like a waste of money & guess who pays for it.

No cards for us yet. I had thought they said at the member meeting that it might be new cards every year so I guess 5 is better than that anyway! I agree though that it seems to be an expense that we'll all be paying for.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

There was another post over on the resorts board from someone who is currently staying at WL. This was some of the rumored info about the project that they got from CM's today:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...estions-thread.3372315/page-158#post-54978910

"Hidden Springs pool - one of the managers told us that the new quiet pool will be 90% larger than the former pool. It will be a zero entry pool and they will put the bubbling jets back in the new pool, just like they had in the old pool. They are just waiting for the ground to settle before they begin construction on the new pool. The contractors for the pool will be different than the contractors for the cabins, which means that the work will progress on its own schedule. It won't depend on the cabin construction schedule.

...............

South wing rooms - the new rooms in the south wing will have a new interior design. They will no longer look the same as the north wing rooms. They will not be remodeling the north wing rooms. They have closed off the lobby elevators and closed off that whole section with panels to keep the dust out of the rest of the lodge. The remodeling is expected to take about eleven months........"

90% larger Hidden Springs? Not so hidden anymore I think. Doesn't that sound like it would actually become the larger pool on property? And South wing rooms getting a new interior sounds like the change for DVC.

 

[horselover]

There was another post over on the resorts board from someone who is currently staying at WL. This was some of the rumored info about the project that they got from CM's today:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...estions-thread.3372315/page-158#post-54978910

"Hidden Springs pool - one of the managers told us that the new quiet pool will be 90% larger than the former pool. It will be a zero entry pool and they will put the bubbling jets back in the new pool, just like they had in the old pool. They are just waiting for the ground to settle before they begin construction on the new pool. The contractors for the pool will be different than the contractors for the cabins, which means that the work will progress on its own schedule. It won't depend on the cabin construction schedule.

...............

South wing rooms - the new rooms in the south wing will have a new interior design. They will no longer look the same as the north wing rooms. They will not be remodeling the north wing rooms. They have closed off the lobby elevators and closed off that whole section with panels to keep the dust out of the rest of the lodge. The remodeling is expected to take about eleven months........"

90% larger Hidden Springs? Not so hidden anymore I think. Doesn't that sound like it would actually become the larger pool on property? And South wing rooms getting a new interior sounds like the change for DVC.

90% larger? Wow that sounds so peaceful & quiet. So the villas pool will now be the pool everyone wants to be at. Awesome. This project is sounding better by the minute.

Thanks for the info on the new cards. I hadn't heard that from the member meeting. That makes me feel better.

 

[Lakegirl]

We haven't gotten new cards from either of our contracts. Why in this day and age would they require cards anyway? Hello??? Secured DVC App anyone?

I mean, if they can make credit cards swipable (?) using a smart phone, I have to think that Disney could secure the info necessary to put your card there too? They can always ask for photo ID if they want to verify.

I'm surprised they can't link it to your "My Disney experience" and linking it to our Magic Bands!

 

[Lakegirl]

Us too.... airlines booked, Restaurants booked - just 2.5 more months of stinking snow in MI . You see, we don't even TRY to fly out of here until mid-April .

I saw your trip was close to mine!!! So exciting!!

 

[twinklebug]

Anyone get their new member card yet? I received the first of 2 today. Does it have a 12/31/2021 expiration on it? If not then all of a sudden my contracts are only good for another 5 years! Oy! Why would they need to reissue member cards every 5 years? Seems like a waste of money & guess who pays for it.

It may be just a theory, but I read it's to cut down on former members using their old cards for discounts and access to members only areas (such as the new lounge.) Apparently there's enough of a problem there for them to do something about it. The systems in place still do not communicate with the DVC app well, MDE still has trouble with this as you can see when changing the dates or members on a reservation. I wouldn't expect cash registers and scanners to be able to verify the data for years to come.

 

[Lakegirl]

Anyone get their new member card yet? I received the first of 2 today. Does it have a 12/31/2021 expiration on it? If not then all of a sudden my contracts are only good for another 5 years! Oy! Why would they need to reissue member cards every 5 years? Seems like a waste of money & guess who pays for it.

No cards here in Mass yet

 

[jimmytammy]

No cards in NC either

KAT thanks for sharing the post about the discussion with the WL CM. Sounds legit and straightforward
I know with the negative vibe going round about all the construction, and I am guilty too, I still hope they allow for some concierge rooms(like VAKL has)in the South wing.

52 days til the OKW 2 nights followed by 7 nights on the Fantasy. Since we dont have park passes, we are going to spend time at DS for a change, just a boat ride away. Headed to The Wave for dinner 1st night so hope to swing by WL and check out construction

 

[Dizny Dad]

In just reading all of the posts, the following thoughts came up . . .

Granny - All IT is off-shore for Disney on a contract basis only. They provide services as requested. We need to get our on-shore people to come up with the idea; and to stop using the same software contractors as ObamaCare.

Horselover, Et Al: Let's just hope with a gorgeous new pool they don't bring over the Cruise ship DJ and ruin the "Quiet Pool" atmosphere like they do at Kidani Village pool.

 

[horselover]

It may be just a theory, but I read it's to cut down on former members using their old cards for discounts and access to members only areas (such as the new lounge.) Apparently there's enough of a problem there for them to do something about it. The systems in place still do not communicate with the DVC app well, MDE still has trouble with this as you can see when changing the dates or members on a reservation. I wouldn't expect cash registers and scanners to be able to verify the data for years to come.

That makes sense. I keep forgetting if there's a way to game the system someone will figure it out.

No cards here in Mass yet

I'm in Mass.

Horselover, Et Al: Let's just hope with a gorgeous new pool they don't bring over the Cruise ship DJ and ruin the "Quiet Pool" atmosphere like they do at Kidani Village pool.

That's one of the things I'm worried about. We never go to a main pool. We prefer the quiet of a smaller pool. One of the reasons we sold our AKV points was no quiet pool there. It is what it is at this point like it or not.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks to everyone for their wonderful birthday wishes. It was a fairly quiet affair, especially given I had to work (though a corn dog lunch and cake were produced for my benefit). Luv and I had soup (I made), and we watched a little TV. Quiet. . .which is perfect. The Groupies are wonderful for remembering and noting special times which is one of the major characteristics that makes our group so appealing. Thank you again!

As for the VWL news, I've set my mind and heart that we will not see a return to the quiet, serene, nurturing resort we once knew. Like others, the idea that the new Hidden Springs pool will be so large rather defeats the purpose. . .for my purposes, admittedly. The beach is gone. A large section of the nature trail will likely be pavement. What is put in its place will undoubtedly be pretty and functional, so we're hoping that it will be enough of both to still make VWL a place we want to visit. Regarding the south wing, when we were there just last week and stood out on the balcony at Artist Point, we could see that all the rooms facing the courtyard were dark which pre-supposes that those rooms are being renovated to DVC.

Speaking of AP, I sent a lengthy email to Gary Lee, the manager, and he had one of his area managers call us last night. In short, she says the menu is in flux and getting better, and she wants us to come back on our next trip (Feb for Princess Half Marathon) gratis (we told her we canx our ADR). We're torn. If we take them up on the offer, the meal will likely be good since they'll be aware of who we are and why we're there. If we don't and just attempt a "sneak-in" of sorts, we run the risk of another so-so meal AND we'll have to pay. Decisions, decisions.

P.S. A few of you have shot me PMs about upcoming trips, and you should be up-to-date. However, this is a great time to remind all the Groupies (and lurkers!) that if you'd like to have your trips listed, just PM me. Also, a big welcome to the new posters and hopefully Groupies-to-be!

 

[eliza61]

TUESDAY MORNING TRIVIA.
​

Happy Birthday to Monsieur Charles Perrault!!

Although Mr. Perrault was a French author that lived in the 1600's, he has a strong connection to Disney. He is credited with inventing the literary style of the "fairytale" and he is the author of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, along with Puss in boots and credited with the Mother goose nursey rhymes.

And if this doesn't fall under the banner of "the more things change, the more things stay the same"...
Mr. Perrault wrote most of his stories in his late 50's AFTER he was laid off from his job.

the Google website has a doodle in his honor today.

He would have been 388 years young.

 

[eliza61]

Thanks to everyone for their wonderful birthday wishes. It was a fairly quiet affair, especially given I had to work (though a corn dog lunch and cake were produced for my benefit). Luv and I had soup (I made), and we watched a little TV. Quiet. . .which is perfect. The Groupies are wonderful for remembering and noting special times which is one of the major characteristics that makes our group so appealing. Thank you again!

As for the VWL news, I've set my mind and heart that we will not see a return to the quiet, serene, nurturing resort we once knew. Like others, the idea that the new Hidden Springs pool will be so large rather defeats the purpose. . .for my purposes, admittedly. The beach is gone. A large section of the nature trail will likely be pavement. What is put in its place will undoubtedly be pretty and functional, so we're hoping that it will be enough of both to still make VWL a place we want to visit. Regarding the south wing, when we were there just last week and stood out on the balcony at Artist Point, we could see that all the rooms facing the courtyard were dark which pre-supposes that those rooms are being renovated to DVC.


P.S. A few of you have shot me PMs about upcoming trips, and you should be up-to-date. However, this is a great time to remind all the Groupies (and lurkers!) that if you'd like to have your trips listed, just PM me. Also, a big welcome to the new posters and hopefully Groupies-to-be!

I can't believe I missed your b-day. Well that just means you must celebrate it again. Glad to hear you had a great day and as a huge lover of soup, your celebration sounds wonderful.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . . Mr. Perrault wrote most of his stories in his late 50's AFTER he was laid off from his job. . . . . .

Wow. Somehow I always thought a Layoff was a more modern and politically correct event. I have always thought that in the 1600's one was just thrown out on their kiester into the muddy street along with anything belonging to them, only to be shanghaied and wake up on a ship at sea on ones knees with a scrub brush in hand. My, how I have been mis-informed!

 

[eliza61]

Wow. Somehow I always thought a Layoff was a more modern and politically correct event. I have always thought that in the 1600's one was just thrown out on their kiester into the muddy street along with anything belonging to them, only to be shanghaied and wake up on a ship at sea on ones knees with a scrub brush in hand. My, how I have been mis-informed!

Mr. Perrault was a member of the wealthy bourgeoise family. Just like today they get treated a tad bit nicer. lol, me I would have been on the SS "you're in trouble now"

 

[sleepydog25]

Wow. Somehow I always thought a Layoff was a more modern and politically correct event. I have always thought that in the 1600's one was just thrown out on their kiester into the muddy street along with anything belonging to them, only to be shanghaied and wake up on a ship at sea on ones knees with a scrub brush in hand. My, how I have been mis-informed!

With Cap'n Jack Sparrow as your boss?

eliza: Thanks! The soup was made from leftover pasta, sauce, and meat from Maggiano's. I added some beef broth, fresh garlic, herbs, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Not bad. Not bad at all. . .

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Horselover, Et Al: Let's just hope with a gorgeous new pool they don't bring over the Cruise ship DJ and ruin the "Quiet Pool" atmosphere like they do at Kidani Village pool.

Now that might be a worse nightmare for me even over losing the trees!

I've had a question forever about the loud pool bashes - aren't people more concerned these days about their childrens hearing? I'm getting old and deaf (perhaps because it wasn't such a concern when I was young ) and it even hurts my ears!

 

[ottawagreg]

Sleepy, I too missed your B-day. Regrets, and Happy Birthday to you. I got slammed at work yesterday and I did not get on the inter web machine. I am doing but a small bit better today.


I made a few notes during our trip from a weeks ago, and thought I would share them with the group for whatever they are worth.


We fly into MCO, then rent a car and drive to the world. I am blessed to get free rentals through "points" our employees earn on business trips. In any case the last two trips (06/15 and 12/15) I have received text messages from the mouse telling me that our room is ready and what the room number is. We always book online and make our room requests known, and then check in in advance. This last trip at about 2:00 p.m. the text arrived while we were still in the airport. When we arrived I dropped my wife and daughter off near the villas entrance. I dropped our carry on stuff at valet and requested that they retrieve our owner's locker box and golf clubs, and give it all to bell services group. I tipped valet and went to park the car. I then walked to the room and joined my girls. All the magic bands worked flawlessly on the room door. Bell services arrived shortly after I got into the room, five minutes or less. This was very nice and smooth way, and saved lots of time. Right after that we headed to the Publix for groceries. So for those ding the advanced check in, it is a very good experience for us. I chose texting over email.


Kathy, we had some issues with the maintenance folks too. One night late in our trip, we were walk to our room close to midnight. Nobody’s band worked. About face and back to the main lodge lobby for help. Another guest who was way too chatty for midnight was deep in conversation, so we had to wait, for at least three minutes. When it was our turn they scanned our MBs and discovered no issues. Thus it was decided that the battery in the door lock was the culprit. A cast member walked us back to the room and we gained entry. All of that was not a big deal, inconvenient but stuff happens. The supervisor wanted to give us fast passes to compensate us, (we already had our three dailies, plus three unrestricted for the construction issues), so it was not that enticing to us. How many times can a person ride the Pirate boats or go thru the Pooh Bear before it is not so much fun? She promised that maintenance would come early in the morning. By 10:30 nobody showed up, so Viki called the maint. dept. and they have no work order. At 11:00 the guy shows he does not know the battery is his problem. When they finally have it resolved the morning is lost. I felt bad about that because I could not help her much since I was golfing. I wish the nice CM spent less time on FPs we did not want or need. And more writing a work order.


I have some issues with my Annual Passes too. I better get back to work, maybe I can post that another time.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Birthday Blossomz!!!!!

 

[Granny]

The thoughts on the resort board is that it will also be the courtyard views. In my head I also was thinking only the side towards VWL but I'd see how it could be less complicated to have rooms across from each other all be DVC. I'm still just a bit surprised by how large this project might be - and also more concerned than I was about how much of the common area expenses might end up being allocated to the DVC side. I'm afraid I'm a bit cynical about Disney in that aspect and that they have really found a love for getting expenses off their hotel side this way.

Kathy...I agree and have always thought that a great appeal of DVC to Disney is to defray some of their hotel/resort costs and have someone else (us members) pick up part of that cost. Just has to make their resorts even more profitable.

As for your concern about the common area expenses moving more towards the DVC side, by logic it should have no impact on us unless those expenses are going up quite a bit. The new DVC they are building will be a separate entity (VWL II ??) from us current VWL owners so our portion of expenses shouldn't be affected. But in reality I am afraid that if there is a chance to shove some expenses our way, they will make that move. You know that they won't want dues to be real high for VWL II while they are trying to sell it. I guess we'll have to wait and see if they try to hike the dues significantly.