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

[circhead]

Good morning all. Hope everyone is well.

Happy belated Birthday to DizneyNutzy and TeaPot!

Granny as always you are a wealth of information. I appreciate your feedback. I hadn't realized it was $33.00 that is a lot for what they are offering!

I had made reservations for my daughter over Easter break - thinking it was the Diamond Horseshoe of yesteryear with the show and all - which we loved. (Giving away my age - anybody else remember it?)
Upon the discovery that it is food only I moved the reservation to the Hoop Dee Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness - she and the grandkids loved, loved, loved it!

 

[Granny]

And Granny, your bags should be packed and waiting by the door. See you soon!

Oh YEAH!!!

 

[circhead]

I have a feeling that Nancy Drew Kathy will be posting some great photos in a little while. We are heading to WDW in a couple of days and I'm sure we'll get in a WL visit at some point. So I'll try to take some pictures too, especially of that new building that is going up.

We have a December trip booked at VWL...I'm still on the fence as to whether we will change resorts or not. I'm not worried about construction noise, but I'm not sure I want my first stay at the "new WL/VWL" site to be during construction.

Granny - We also have a December trip planned for VWL Dec. 30 - Jan 4th. Taking the whole family including our newest granddaughter who will be six months at the time (she's due to arrive July 8th). Trying to decide if that is the place to be with a new baby because of the construction noise during nap times and construction dust on those new lungs. I'm torn because of the ambience of VWL especially at Christmas time - there is no place (IMO) that comes even close to evoking the feelings of peace and serenity that the lodge does for me at Christmas.

 

[sleepydog25]

Granny - We also have a December trip planned for VWL Dec. 30 - Jan 4th. Taking the whole family including our newest granddaughter who will be six months at the time (she's due to arrive July 8th). Trying to decide if that is the place to be with a new baby because of the construction noise during nap times and construction dust on those new lungs. I'm torn because of the ambience of VWL especially at Christmas time - there is no place (IMO) that comes even close to evoking the feelings of peace and serenity that the lodge does for me at Christmas.

In the room itself, the noise should be minimal, nor do I expect there to be a huge amount of dust either. I think the Lodge is still the place to be at Christmas.

 

[Granny]

Granny - We also have a December trip planned for VWL Dec. 30 - Jan 4th. Taking the whole family including our newest granddaughter who will be six months at the time (she's due to arrive July 8th). Trying to decide if that is the place to be with a new baby because of the construction noise during nap times and construction dust on those new lungs. I'm torn because of the ambience of VWL especially at Christmas time - there is no place (IMO) that comes even close to evoking the feelings of peace and serenity that the lodge does for me at Christmas.

As much as I love the Lodge, I think I would advise against it for that trip. Solely for the reason you point out...it just won't be as good of a place during the day. If you do want to stay at VWL, I would suggest that you request a room on the bus side of the resort (even numbers). I don't think the construction noise would reach that far and the view would be the classic VWL view from that side. I don't know that there will be all that much dust, especially on that side of the building.

I can't argue with your feelings about VWL at that time of the year. It really is a great resort and the Lodge and VWL will be beautifully decorated again, I'm sure. Good luck with your decision, and congratulations in advance on the latest addition to your family.

 

[jimmytammy]

circhead
I remember Diamond Horseshoe of yesteryear. We only saw it once but I remember our DS who may have been 8 at the time, being asked to join them onstage to dance with the can can girls, loved that show

 

[twinklebug]

Granny - We also have a December trip planned for VWL Dec. 30 - Jan 4th. Taking the whole family including our newest granddaughter who will be six months at the time (she's due to arrive July 8th). Trying to decide if that is the place to be with a new baby because of the construction noise during nap times and construction dust on those new lungs. I'm torn because of the ambience of VWL especially at Christmas time - there is no place (IMO) that comes even close to evoking the feelings of peace and serenity that the lodge does for me at Christmas.

I can't think of a better place to be with one so young, plenty of places to sit and enjoy the atmosphere, but I'd be more inclined to head off to Kidani, where I'd have a third bathroom and rental car at my disposal directly below in the parking garage, hence avoiding the bus fiasco with a tiny baby. I know people do use the buses all the time with babies, but I cringe knowing that the child would be better off in a car seat in a quiet vehicle, and the parents would not have to fiddle with trying to get on and off the buses with strollers.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I know this is a bit of what everyone is looking for. Just getting it on before we take off.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

 

[pmaurer74]

In today's conference they said it would be large waterfront cabins. Larger than the Poly bungalows. (from Facebook)

 

[circhead]

I can't think of a better place to be with one so young, plenty of places to sit and enjoy the atmosphere, but I'd be more inclined to head off to Kidani, where I'd have a third bathroom and rental car at my disposal directly below in the parking garage, hence avoiding the bus fiasco with a tiny baby. I know people do use the buses all the time with babies, but I cringe knowing that the child would be better off in a car seat in a quiet vehicle, and the parents would not have to fiddle with trying to get on and off the buses with strollers.

The buses won't be much of a problem as we are 7 adults and 3 children including the new baby.

My husband is daydreaming about kicking the rest of us out of the resort while he and Suzy (the one on the way) grab a rocker in front of the fireplace and people watch and nap.
When I told him my concern about the construction, he told me to ask my friends on the board - he knows you will give great advice concerning my dilemma.

Thanks in advance.

 

[twinklebug]

The buses won't be much of a problem as we are 7 adults and 3 children including the new baby.

My husband is daydreaming about kicking the rest of us out of the resort while he and Suzy (the one on the way) grab a rocker in front of the fireplace and people watch and nap.
When I told him my concern about the construction, he told me to ask my friends on the board - he knows you will give great advice concerning my dilemma.

Thanks in advance.

Grandpa's offering to babysit?! Bless his soul, that seals the deal! Wherever he wants to be then. Besides, the secondary walking trail is still open for a nice quiet stroll if the weather permits.

 

[Kathymford]

Finally getting a moment to check in and see how things are with the groupies. Trip has been great and sadly I am on my last day here. My niece and I did a little racing this weekend, we both did the Dark Side 5K on Friday morning,and my niece also did the 10K on Saturday morning! We both really enjoyed it! The weather has been pretty nice, just a few sprinkles here and there, a little humidity late last week but yesterday and so far today have been absolutely beautiful. It was time for my niece to head back to work so I saw her and my sister off on the magical express this morning and have the rest of the day with no firm plans other than Hollywood Studios fireworks tonight so I think I might take a wander over to the lodge and see what's up. If I do I'll take some pictures and post them here!

We are going to do Dark Side next year! How was the weather for the races? That's one thing I am concerned about doing a race in April in FL. And next year it's a week later. Congrats on finishing by the way!

I have a question. How long does Disney allow for a 5K run? Could I walk it in an hour? Just curious as to whether people are running this or are some walking?

The 5ks are technically un-timed, so you should be fine. Plenty of people take their time in that distance doing with a lot of people stopping at most of the character stops, which can add a lot of time.

 

[Granny]

In today's conference they said it would be large waterfront cabins. Larger than the Poly bungalows. (from Facebook)

Back in May of 2015, DVCMike reported "Cabins look to be 1750-1800 square feet - larger than the bungalows at the Polynesian." So it looks like the information lines up. That is why some thought they might be three bedroom since VWL has no Grand Villas. Or maybe laid out similar to Treehouse Villas at SSR which have three bedrooms.

Hard to believe this whole thing is almost a year old already! Here's a link to a more than comprehensive look at VWL II.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/wilderness-lodge-dvc-expansion-details-thread.3410778/

 

[circhead]

Grandpa's offering to babysit?! Bless his soul, that seals the deal! Wherever he wants to be then. Besides, the secondary walking trail is still open for a nice quiet stroll if the weather permits.

For my husband getting one on one time with his newest granddaughter without having to fight the ladies for it will be heaven. He wants to give the parents some time to relax and do things without having to worry about Suzy.
He doesn't mind changing diapers if he has to.
When the other two were little he always rocked them to sleep. He takes them to the playground every weekend, it's his time with his grandchildren having fun and bonding.
He's not much of a person for crowds which is why he's volunteered to stay at the resort and watch Suzy while the rest of us go to the parks.

Rereading my response before posting it reminds me of just how lucky a lady I am with the man I married.

 

[jimmytammy]

Maybe the bungalows will be open air so we wont be completely blocking off the wonderful view of the lake

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have a question. How long does Disney allow for a 5K run? Could I walk it in an hour? Just curious as to whether people are running this or are some walking?

According to the run disney website they want a 16 minute/mile pace but as mentioned the 5K is not timed and there were lots of families with younger children doing the event. We weren't paying close attention but there did not seem to be a sweep, or at least not at a 16 min/mile pace. When my sister and I went down on the Boardwalk on Sat to see my niece in the 10K we did see the sweep for that race but they also timed that event. The 5K was really congested and we ended up walking the vast majority of it anyway. So, from what I saw I think it would be no issue for you WD! It was fun and I recommend it!!

I have a feeling that Nancy Drew Kathy will be posting some great photos in a little while. We are heading to WDW in a couple of days and I'm sure we'll get in a WL visit at some point. So I'll try to take some pictures too, especially of that new building that is going up.

Too funny Granny!!!! I was a poor detective though I'm afraid. I just made it over for a few minutes before heading to the airport (picked up a sandwich and the ever yummy Magic Bar). They continue work on the new roof which is a brand new composite shingle replacing the old. In looking at this picture I took in 2011, although I didn't notice at the time, I think it may have been a few years over due! At this time they are only done with the short section nearest the main lodge and are working in the atrium area now.

Since I did not have a room on the lake view side, and not enough time to really run around and see if I could peak thru the fence, I only got the pictures I posted above. That building is in the old beach area - seemingly in the area that was marked to get the new "restaurant". I'm still rather puzzled and only had that one view but first impression is that it can't be much more than a small pool food service location ala what they did at the Poly Oasis pool. But my view was not great so we need more detective work. What did continue to shock me though is how easy it is to see the lake. So many trees gone. I hope all the optimism being shared here of tree replacement comes to fruition. It's more of a lake lodge than wilderness lodge at this point.

Kathy, That went too fast, lol. I am waiting for photos please! I am in serious WDW withdrawal, as we normally would be a few weeks away from our May trip, but we aren't going until September.

Boy Kathy, your trip certainly came and went in a hurry. And Granny, your bags should be packed and waiting by the door. See you soon!

I can't believe how fast this trip flew by!!! Lots of fun but wow - it seems like no time at all and snap, I'm in MN to work. And this weather is not like Orlando!!!

 

[Granny]

Kathy, I think you did a great job under hurried circumstances! I'll see if I can add anything when we stop by at some point.

Okay Groupies...we head for the airport in about 9 hours. Somewhere in there will be one more sleep.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kathy, I think you did a great job under hurried circumstances! I'll see if I can add anything when we stop by at some point.

Okay Groupies...we head for the airport in about 9 hours. Somewhere in there will be one more sleep.

Have a great trip Granny!!

I have a theory that if I were to stay at VWL during the construction and requested lakeview I'd finally get it. So I'm not going anywhere near it!

This was our view this trip.

This is what it looked like the night we arrived!

Luckily this was the worst of the rain we were to see during the trip although there were a few showers that we ran into most every day.

Good luck on hunting down the Bison, Geese and DVC Mickey! They were still MIA and their areas landscaped as if they never existed so go get 'em!

Lakegirl and Dean Marino - safe travels and wishing you wonderful trips!

 

[Shawn]

Our wait list came through, and we are now booked for 2 weeks at VWL over Christmas and New Years.

Dec 19th - January 1.

This will be our first time in a studio, we'll be tight, but will manage. Staying in the studio allowed us to stay for 2 weeks rather than 1.

So excited. It will be 3 years since our list Disney trip by the time Christmas gets here!

Shawn in Oregon