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

[jade1]

Has there been any artwork on this yet? Or just that overhead schematic.

 

[jade1]

No one knows for certain--as in Disney confirming anything--just which rooms in the south wing are being renovated as DVC units or if they will all be DVC suites. My thoughts are the entire south wing is being converted (WDWKOOK on one of the WL threads agrees); otherwise, there would a) be a very small number of DVC villas for the new 14th resort, and b) if they renovate just one wing, that would create a booking inequity with the north wing since they would be an older refurb. As for booking rooms in the upcoming Copper Creek resort, current classic VWL owners will only be able to reserve rooms at 7 months unless they buy points there if everything we know about home resorts and non-home resorts holds true. . .which it should. About the only thing we do know for certain is what Disney has told us. To re-use Granny's quote: "The planned project at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, when completed, will be the 14th Disney Vacation Club development and the second at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge." The particulars remain to be seen.

P.S. Okay, I have to insert here that despite my reluctance to accept the changes to my beloved VWL, my interest is definitely piqued to see just what those changes will be when all is completed and operating.

Did notice inside the lobby that was also walled off above check in, so maybe some in the lobby DVC rooms as well? Would love that, esp for XMAS decor.

 

[LynJ]

Yes, same company so similar options. When you book online there is a check box for if you need an accessible room. Once you select that and search for the room it will return availability with a drop down box to choose what type of accessibility you need. From everything I've seen all HA rooms can have the hearing option installed. And then at some resorts there is the option for hearing accessible rooms that are always set up for it. Just be aware that not all resorts have the options in all categories. Or the hearing option may only be available in a fully accessible room. We've booked accessible rooms at other resorts but not VWL so I'm not positive on the exact setup but based on my knowledge of the other 2042 resorts the hearing option is likely only in a room that has other accessible features. They've gotten slightly more diverse with the setups in the newer resorts.

Thanks! I like the newer options, because I feel bad taking a fully accessible room when all we need is hearing accessibility. Right now, we book a regular room, because kiddo is never alone in the room. She's getting older, though, so that likely will change in the future. Having spent several months in a wheelchair, it bothers me to take a room from someone who really needs it, when we really only need the smoke alarms, bed shaker, etc.

 

[horselover]

Well, we all know that once a Groupie, always a Groupie! (With or without points)

Oh we wouldn't be pointsless even if some day we sold our VWL points. We'd still have our BCV points. No plans to get rid of those.

 

[horselover]

Nice to see you again DisneyNutzy!

 

[Granny]

Has there been any artwork on this yet? Or just that overhead schematic.

Jade...I'm not completely sure what you mean by artwork? Do you mean has there been any renderings by Disney of what the new DVC resort will look like? No, there hasn't been anything like that. The only thing from Disney was a confirmation that there would be a new DVC named Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and that it would include some of the current Wilderness Lodge room conversions. I doubt we'll see any renderings for months yet until they are ready to start selling points.

 

[Corinne]

Two more sleeps!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Has there been any artwork on this yet? Or just that overhead schematic.

No, nothing. The only things seen was from plans filed with the county and then the little blurb done by Disney. If it follows other resorts there won't be anything else until they declare the project as DVC. Or not.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'm not sure about that. My impression was the rooms that face the villas were the ones being converted. Is it the entire south wing? I'm sure someone here knows.

I too believe it's the entire south wing. Or at least the majority.

 

[jade1]

Jade...I'm not completely sure what you mean by artwork? Do you mean has there been any renderings by Disney of what the new DVC resort will look like? No, there hasn't been anything like that. The only thing from Disney was a confirmation that there would be a new DVC named Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and that it would include some of the current Wilderness Lodge room conversions. I doubt we'll see any renderings for months yet until they are ready to start selling points.

Yes renderings is the word. OK. Was just curious if I had missed that.

 

[jade1]

No, nothing. The only things seen was from plans filed with the county and then the little blurb done by Disney. If it follows other resorts there won't be anything else until they declare the project as DVC. Or not.

That makes sense thanks.

 

[Muushka]

Di, watch out!! Coffee is hot(sorta like that picture Granny shared of me n T on the Beach)
Disclaimer: For any of you new folks, please disregard our silliness here(or not, and if you feel so inclined, please feel free to join in). We are usually not this risqué but understand, Granny, DiznyDi, myself, and many others here are a really tight bunch, enough so we feel we can pick on each other without repercussion or backlash. Many of us have met each other over the years at WDW and we truly are a family of sorts. So don't let our shenanigans scare you off.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled shenanigans!!

Ahhhh. The awesome circumstance when you become so familiar, so close to people that bantering can occur!
That is a good thing.

But suffice it to say, I don't see us ever calling ourselves the BRV Groupies!

Yup. No way. No how. Never gonna happen. Heck, it is still Dixie Landings to me to this day!

Jade
Great pics!!

Seeing the cabins, seeing the remaining trees has planted(get it!)an idea in my mind
I live in NC as some of y'all know. Well, NC has a lot of pine trees, VWL used to have a lot of pine trees(y'all see where this is going)
I can get some seedlings, just need some help. Bring shovels, we are going to have a party come Dec., groupie meet of a different variety.
They will never see it coming! Midnight groupie meet, Dec., a planting we will go, a planting we will go, hi-ho, a groupie-o, a planting we will go!!

Now THIS is a great post! Mr Muush and I were getting a chuckle out of it and then scoping the back yard for seedlings!

That would be a big fat no. I was down the weekend of the 10th & took a ride over. Was popping in to post a pick of the Mickey topiary but I see there's a video so no need. Was super happy to see Mickey again even if he's been shifted to the left slightly but the geese & bison are nowhere to be found. The pics Jade posted are much better than anything I captured from the ground. It's difficult to get pics with it being blocked off. I will say the new "enhanced food & beverage area" is huge! An eye sore really. That & whatever the building is beside it block out most of the view of the lake. I was shocked how close some of the cabins are to the pool. Practically right on top of it. I wouldn't want to be in those cabins unless I was a big fan of noise or someone that spends all day at the pool. My overall feeling after leaving was my fears have not been allayed in any way. The Lodge I loved is gone & never coming back. I don't care how great the new pool is or what kind of new restaurant they put in it is not an improvement to me. If you want a view of the lake you better ask for a high floor because you won't be seeing anything but cabins & buildings from the lower floors. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer but it was worse than I was anticipating. I seriously doubt the addition of some pretty landscaping will do anything to change my mind. Some may love it but I'm not one of them.

Kat - it would be difficult for anyone to sneak into the south wing for updates. The elevators are still blocked off.
And on that happy note welcome to all the new groupies! I'm not usually so negative!

Thanks for all the great Aulani pictures JT! I'm not sure if you're back or not. I looked on Tammy's FB page for photos but didn't see any. If you're still away enjoy the rest of your trip.

We are having a hard time with all of the changes. Yes, we are THAT kind of Groupie also. I literally got a little ill looking at videos and pictures of the construction.

But then I read what DisneyDad61 wrote and it reminded me of a situation I was in. Paris of all places about a century ago. I was seated in a lousy seat for a dinner show. I won't go into the details but my table mates knew Muushka was not a happy camper. One kind woman very calmly told me to get over it. I don't remember exactly what she said, but whatever it was, it worked. Then everyone could enjoy the show! Sometimes I need someone to shake me a little. Thanks DD61 (mind if I call you that? Others will tell you, Muushka is always shortening people's screen names. You can call me Muush if you like.) I'm also very glad that although you are walking on 9 toes, I am glad that other than that, you are with us and you conquered Cancer!

Good morning everyone -
Yes, it's me, the new VWL groupie and lurker here for quite some time. I am reading the comments here lately and I really do get it. Most, if not all of us are HUGE fans of Walt Disney - the Man, WDW - his creation and of course, our lodge or more specifically, our home away from home.

This post is not meant to be any type of personal attack on anyone here..please remember that..........

For me, it all boils down to "perspective". Where each one of us comes from, our experiences in life, our "expectations". I know, it's changing....change is hard for most people. A lot of us (including me) don't like change, it messes with our "comfort zone". This "Home Away From Home" that has been around for us since 1994 for the Lodge and 2001 for the Villa's........trust me, I get it.......
Let me just pose a very brief challenge and perspective.......
Most, if not all of us go through turmoil(s) in our lives, to one extent or another...some very bad, terrible turmoil, some not so bad or none at all (so far). To me, this is reflected (normally) in our character and personality, to some extent, as a result of all of this.

Some, like myself, had a huge scare with life....cancer, losing a toe at the end because as my good friend said "God only wanted your toe, not the rest of you yet", losing your job, struggles with family as a result of all of this.....and more..........this is what (for better or worse) gives us perspective, each one of us, each day of our lives........here comes the "choice", right? I mean we choose to act a certain way.......

I get the ******* because of the changes coming to the lodge and villa's. Right now, I'm alive and I still have the opportunity to experience it, even with only 9 toes !! Look, it could be worse...a lot worse for all of us. I am thankful that I can still take my family, extended family and friends to the 'Happiest Place On Earth" and for that I am very grateful. Despite everything, we all still CHOOSE how we act and react. I am of the firm belief that despite the bad meal, the wait, the rain, the Brazilian's in the group ahead of me of 150, the ride going down just as I'm ready to board, our reactions, our happiness, it's our choice. I honestly am just thankful that I can still make a choice.
I choose to be optimistic about the changes. As the usual "Disney" leader in our family, a lot of the attitude, outlook and demeanor for my family kinda starts with me. I get the uncertainty of change but I refuse to let that dictate my love, my attitude, my future memories, those "moments" that you can never get back. Life really is short (a lot of us have faced it). I choose to make my wonderful investment pay back 100-fold, if not for the smiles, hugs, kisses from my Mom down to my little granddaughter.........I trust that all of us desire that, this is why we keep coming back. Ok, I'm done on my high horse......back to lurking...love you guys........................

JT, I am so enjoying your Hawaii pictures! How fun and beautiful is that????

 

[bobbiwoz]

BRV Groupies? Actually makes me sad. It was a change I never ever expected.

 

[horselover]

BRV Groupies? Actually makes me sad. It was a change I never ever expected.

They can change the name to whatever they want. It doesn't mean we have to! It took me years to get used to not saying MGM. I'm not sure I'll get used to DS instead of DTD. I draw the line at BRV! Still calling it VWL.

Speaking of DHS weren't they changing that name too? Whatever happened with that? Waiting until SW land is open maybe?

Happy Sunday groupies!

Corrine- have a great trip!

 

[sleepydog25]

They can change the name to whatever they want. It doesn't mean we have to! It took me years to get used to not saying MGM. I'm not sure I'll get used to DS instead of DTD. I draw the line at BRV! Still calling it VWL.

Speaking of DHS weren't they changing that name too? Whatever happened with that? Waiting until SW land is open maybe?

Happy Sunday groupies!

Corrine- have a great trip!

Agree, Horsey! I will never, ever seriously refer to VWL as anything but, well, VWL. I do tend to throw in the word "classic" in front of VWL to differentiate it between the new Copper Creek resort. And. If some folks wish to start a new thread possessing BRV within its title, I would wish them well. However, for me, for Luv, and for several others, the name of my home shall always be V W L. Oddly enough, I've not had any issues with DHS vice MGM nor DS vice DTD (though Luv certainly has). I, too, draw the line with my home.

 

[Granny]

Ahhhh. The awesome circumstance when you become so familiar, so close to people that bantering can occur!
That is a good thing.

Muush! So awesome to see you here!

I hope all is well in your world. It is always a pleasure having you stop by to join us on the rockers from time to time.

 

[jimmytammy]

Hey Muushka!Glad to see you around more often these days!! BRV...it will never be(not in our camp anyway)


DisneyDad61, First a big Welcome to the groupies!!!!Lurk no more
Thanks for sharing your story, you have shared with an understanding bunch of good folks who just happen to love the Lodge(passionately I must add). Many of us here have shared our good and bad times of life, without judgement nor with reprimand. This is a safe haven, we can agree to disagree at times, but in the end, we all are really close. This thread goes beyond our common thread, digs a little deeper, maybe more so than some would choose to be a part of, and thats OK. We are aware we may touch a nerve, or veer off the path. But lets be honest, we tend to repeat things about VWL/WL after the 5th/6th installment(yes, its been going for awhile, just named differently). Im not sure why I shared all this, its just what I feel right now

We have all dealt with issues of one kind or another. My story of becoming a VWL lover goes back to 1999(though I have always been a Disney fan)when my FIL passed at the age I am now, 51. He had Lou Gehrigs(ALS)and lived very shortly after being diagnosed. After his passing, his wish for us all(9 family members)was to go on a trip together. WDW made sense as we had 4 small kids in tow. So long story short, fell in love with WDW, 2 yrs later, VWL was for sell, talked DW into joining, and here we are. Through tragedy, we prevailed, and feel like we are better for it. If I could get my FIL back, would trade it all, but God needed him worse than us.
Its great to hear you have prevailed through your health issues! We all get a bit over zealous here on things that happen at the Lodge, we as humans aren't big on change, but in the end, we will still be passionate about it, changes and all. Just know you can share here, likes and dislikes, good and bad and we will still consider you a groupie, no matter what!

 

[TCRAIG]

Hey everyone... we're working on purchasing a resale contract for VWL and just wanted to say hi. The Wilderness Lodge has always been my favorite resort even though we just stayed there for the first time this past summer. It is the first Disney resort we ever visited. We had lunch on arrival day at WCC during our trip in 2008. Ever since we've made a point to stop by each trip for lunch or dinner and to just take in the beauty of the resort. We did a split stay this summer at VWL and Poly and, to my surprise, I ended up liking VWL more than Poly. Now we're buying into DVC and looking forward to many more trips 'home'.

I closed on some resale points back in March of 2016 - can't wait for my first VWL stay in Dec. of this year!!

 

[Granny]

I closed on some resale points back in March of 2016 - can't wait for my first VWL stay in Dec. of this year!!

WELCOME TCRAIG!

And congratulations on your latest DVC purchase. Your trip is coming up quickly, and we know you'll enjoy your VWL stay at the most magical time of the year. Thanks for popping in!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hello Groupies, I need some help!! It is not really urgent, but it kind of puzzles me and I think you will be able to help. We will have a one bedroom villa at VWL later this year. When I look at the floor plans that I can find online, I am totally confused about where there are doors between the different rooms and I would appreciate, if someone could tell me where to expect doors and where not.

This here is the picture from the DVC website for the floor plan:

I have identified the following "connections" between different rooms that in my opinion could mean that there is a door:

living room - master bedroom
living room - washer/dryer
living room - shower bathroom
shower bathroom - toilet room
shower bathroom - tub bathroom
master bedroom - tub bathroom

Of course there is then also a window from tub to master bedroom.

Do all these "connections" that I have listed have a door (in the floor plan, it looks they are not any between living room and master bedroom as well as between master bedroom and living room, however, the later one has a very small opening to squeeze through according to the floor plan...

Are there any additional doors I am missing?

Oh - and what is the room behind the sink in the tub bathroom? I just noticed that for the first time! Is this a closet?