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

[Flossbolna]

Happy Birthday princesskat!!

 

[Granny]

Happy Birthday Kati !!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday Princesskat!!!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Just reposting Jade1's picture of part of the pool to mention that I saw a good picture elsewhere of the other side of the pool and that is where the zero entry is:

It appears that you could flip this side for a mirror image of the opposite end and the section furthest to the left if you are looking at the pool from the villas is where the zero entry is. It also showed that the bottom cement is poured and curing. I'm still trying to figure out the white PVC posts all over as it seems a bit excessive to be bubbling springs. There are still there though.

 

[Granny]

Just reposting Jade1's picture of part of the pool to mention that I saw a good picture elsewhere of the other side of the pool and that is where the zero entry is:

It appears that you could flip this side for a mirror image of the opposite end and the section furthest to the left if you are looking at the pool from the villas is where the zero entry is. It also showed that the bottom cement is poured and curing. I'm still trying to figure out the white PVC posts all over as it seems a bit excessive to be bubbling springs. There are still there though.

I'm thinking that there were complaints about people swimming too fast underwater, so they put in these pipes to act as speed bumps.

Okay, maybe not.

Thanks for the confirmation of the zero entry. I just had to believe that Disney wouldn't build a large pool from scratch and not include the zero entry feature. I guess zero entry in addition to being attractive also solves the handicapped accessible issue so a double win on design.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'm thinking that there were complaints about people swimming too fast underwater, so they put in these pipes to act as speed bumps.

Okay, maybe not.

Thanks for the confirmation of the zero entry. I just had to believe that Disney wouldn't build a large pool from scratch and not include the zero entry feature. I guess zero entry in addition to being attractive also solves the handicapped accessible issue so a double win on design.

When they didn't add it to the main pool during it's large refurb it seemed pretty likely that it would be done to Hidden Springs.

 

[Starwind]

Just reposting Jade1's picture of part of the pool to mention that I saw a good picture elsewhere of the other side of the pool and that is where the zero entry is:


It appears that you could flip this side for a mirror image of the opposite end and the section furthest to the left if you are looking at the pool from the villas is where the zero entry is. It also showed that the bottom cement is poured and curing. I'm still trying to figure out the white PVC posts all over as it seems a bit excessive to be bubbling springs. There are still there though.

Could the PVC posts be part of the drain system ? Our local pool has both the surface skimmer drain as well as several small white pool-bottom drains and then a larger square pool-bottom drain.

(this is pure speculation) If it is, I wonder if having so many might be a safety feature vis a vis lots of drains = less power needed at any single one, therefore less "trap a human in the drain underwater" potential ?

Hopefully someone who actually knows something about pools can chime in

SW

 

[Lakegirl]

I bought a Yankee Candle tonight called Mountain Lodge.... had to get it.

How is it?

 

[LynJ]

Greetings from an almost-owner, everyone! After 5 Disney trips in 5 years, and two stays at the lodge in 8 months (cancelled a non-Disney cruise to celebrate our 20th anniversary at the lodge), we just passed ROFR on a resale VWL contract! We're ecstatic and happily looking forward to many more special moments there. Hubby was raised in a log home, so it truly feels like home. We can't wait to close and schedule our first DVC trip!

 

[sleepydog25]

Greetings from an almost-owner, everyone! After 5 Disney trips in 5 years, and two stays at the lodge in 8 months (cancelled a non-Disney cruise to celebrate our 20th anniversary at the lodge), we just passed ROFR on a resale VWL contract! We're ecstatic and happily looking forward to many more special moments there. Hubby was raised in a log home, so it truly feels like home. We can't wait to close and schedule our first DVC trip!

Let me be the first to congratulate you here, LynJ! You've discovered a group dedicated to a love of the Lodge, and we welcome you aboard! As you can see from the comments from Lakegirl, Starwind, Granny, KAT, JT, Flossie, and many others, we enjoy talking about the Lodge, the new construction, our favorite things at our second home, trips outside our home, successes, and even occasionally solemn news. In short, we liken ourselves to a big family, and we welcome new Groupies with open arms. We hope you'll set a spell and join in whenever you can.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Could the PVC posts be part of the drain system ? Our local pool has both the surface skimmer drain as well as several small white pool-bottom drains and then a larger square pool-bottom drain.

(this is pure speculation) If it is, I wonder if having so many might be a safety feature vis a vis lots of drains = less power needed at any single one, therefore less "trap a human in the drain underwater" potential ?

Hopefully someone who actually knows something about pools can chime in

SW

That did cross my mind but it seemed like a lot of drains too! That many should reduce the pull of a single drain though. Maybe it's a combination of drains and bubbling springs? I'd also love for a pool person to weigh in on it!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Greetings from an almost-owner, everyone! After 5 Disney trips in 5 years, and two stays at the lodge in 8 months (cancelled a non-Disney cruise to celebrate our 20th anniversary at the lodge), we just passed ROFR on a resale VWL contract! We're ecstatic and happily looking forward to many more special moments there. Hubby was raised in a log home, so it truly feels like home. We can't wait to close and schedule our first DVC trip!

Congratulations LynJ!!! ROFR can be a little stressful so it's nice you have that behind you. Welcome to the Groupies!

 

[Flossbolna]

I'm thinking that there were complaints about people swimming too fast underwater, so they put in these pipes to act as speed bumps.

Greetings from an almost-owner, everyone! After 5 Disney trips in 5 years, and two stays at the lodge in 8 months (cancelled a non-Disney cruise to celebrate our 20th anniversary at the lodge), we just passed ROFR on a resale VWL contract! We're ecstatic and happily looking forward to many more special moments there. Hubby was raised in a log home, so it truly feels like home. We can't wait to close and schedule our first DVC trip!

I went through the stressful resale process with VWL two years ago - however unlike you I still have to stay there on my points (just haven't been back to WDW for such a long time...). Seems like the Lodge is the perfect fit for you!

 

[LynJ]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome everyone! We currently have a free dining bounceback booked for next Christmas, but we're hoping to be able to book a studio on points instead. Should I have a decent chance of getting one Dec17-26 if I try exactly 11 months out?

 

[pmaurer74]

How is it?

It does remind me of the Lodge but it has been almost 2 years since I stayed there... gasp! I will let you know in December. I will likely be burning it after the holidays though. I have my fall favorites going right now.

 

[pmaurer74]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome everyone! We currently have a free dining bounceback booked for next Christmas, but we're hoping to be able to book a studio on points instead. Should I have a decent chance of getting one Dec17-26 if I try exactly 11 months out?

Yes, I think you have a good chance. I got 2 2 bedroom villas at the 11 month mark for Dec. 17-22 for this year. You will only be able to book the first 7 days I believe at 11 months and then you nee to call every day to add a day. Welcome! This is a great group of people.

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome to the groupies LynJ!!!!
And congratulations on landing the VWL contract!!
You have made a wise choice

 

[LynJ]

Yes, I think you have a good chance. I got 2 2 bedroom villas at the 11 month mark for Dec. 17-22 for this year. You will only be able to book the first 7 days I believe at 11 months and then you nee to call every day to add a day. Welcome! This is a great group of people.

Thanks so much! I wasn't aware of the 7- day restriction, so I'll definitely plan to call!

 

[Flossbolna]

Thanks so much! I wasn't aware of the 7- day restriction, so I'll definitely plan to call!

You don't have to call every day. When you book on January 17 you can book up to December 24. Until January 25 nobody will be able to book your room for those days after your reservation. On January 19 you can add on the two remaining nights as this opens the 7-night window all the way up to the 26th. So, if you call anytime between January 19 and January 24 to add on the remaining two nights, you are all set. (Hope this makes sense...)

 

[Granny]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome everyone! We currently have a free dining bounceback booked for next Christmas, but we're hoping to be able to book a studio on points instead. Should I have a decent chance of getting one Dec17-26 if I try exactly 11 months out?

Lyn...WELCOME to the VWL Groupies thread. We're excited for your new purchase as we know you'll love it! As others have indicated, your chances are good but you definitely want to book the reservations early in the morning on January 17. And per my note below, I would call each day to add on the other days.

You don't have to call every day. When you book on January 17 you can book up to December 24. Until January 25 nobody will be able to book your room for those days after your reservation. On January 19 you can add on the two remaining nights as this opens the 7-night window all the way up to the 26th. So, if you call anytime between January 19 and January 24 to add on the remaining two nights, you are all set. (Hope this makes sense...)

Flossy...actually, people can book the nights of January 24 & 25 starting on January 18 & 19 respectively. Theoretically, a bunch of people could call on January 18 and book reservations through the night of December 24, plus there could be those who are adding additional nights to their reservations and block out that date. Not likely, but possible. So adding on day by day is what I would recommend to maintain the full 11 month booking advantage. I would definitely call each day to add the dates for that time of year. For my peace of mind, I would go through the hassle of contacting MS a couple of times.