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

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

How long have the topiaries been gone? I sure hope they come back. Spider mites or not, Disney knows how to grow plants so this shouldn't be a big problem to solve. I love the topiaries!

 

[Granny]

Countdown is at 38 days for the Big Honkin' Groupie Meet! It will be a lot of fun!

I'll try not to look like my current avatar.

 

[sleepydog25]

How long have the topiaries been gone? I sure hope they come back. Spider mites or not, Disney knows how to grow plants so this shouldn't be a big problem to solve. I love the topiaries!

Foh-evuh. . .at least it seems so. I believe bison were gone two summers ago, then Mickey disappeared Sep '15, and the swans--er, geese followed suit 10-11 months or so ago. I could be off a bit on timing, but at one point for nearly a year, they were all missing. At least DVC Mickey is back. I sure hope the others return, too.

 

[twinklebug]

Seeing the pictures of the Geese reminded me of the time the bus driver form the airport announced to the riders that we were being welcomed home by the Swans of Fort Wilderness. As I exited, I pointed out that the Swans were Geese, and that it was Wilderness Lodge, not Fort Wilderness. All I will say is that he did not appreciate the comment, and basically gave me body language indicating to take my stuff and move on. Geese . . . . . Welcome Home.

I'd rather the body language to the time our "magical express" bus driver insisted Fort Wilderness was Wilderness Lodge. When I attempted to guide him to the WL driveway around the corner he panicked, threw the bus into a very bumpy U turn over the grass median, and hightailed it back to the FW parking lot. He sat there for some time calling friends for directions until his dispatcher called him to ask if he was sitting in the FW parking lot. "No...!!! " This time he managed to make it to WL's driveway.

I'm not saying I would have done any better. Driving stress is not my thing. I don't think he lasted very long in his position though.

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So what are our dreams for the 'refurb' of the resort?

A private pool with springs. One that guests from the rooms have a hard time peering down into.
Trees. More and more trees.
Butterfly bushes to be returned.

... I just described what was there before.

 

[jimmytammy]

Where is that exactly, JT? I hear it advertised on the radio but never pay attention. Is it more than just this weekend?

At the Greensboro Coliseum. Its a huge show, like $8 to get in put you can spend half a day easy. Its just this weekend Fri-Sun

 

[sleepydog25]

At the Greensboro Coliseum. Its a huge show, like $8 to get in put you can spend half a day easy. Its just this weekend Fri-Sun

Hmmm. Maybe we will; maybe we won't. Bit early of a Christmas shopping time for us.

 

[Lakegirl]

I'd rather the body language to the time our "magical express" bus driver insisted Fort Wilderness was Wilderness Lodge. When I attempted to guide him to the WL driveway around the corner he panicked, threw the bus into a very bumpy U turn over the grass median, and hightailed it back to the FW parking lot. He sat there for some time calling friends for directions until his dispatcher called him to ask if he was sitting in the FW parking lot. "No...!!! " This time he managed to make it to WL's driveway.

I'm not saying I would have done any better. Driving stress is not my thing. I don't think he lasted very long in his position though.

-------
So what are our dreams for the 'refurb' of the resort?

A private pool with springs. One that guests from the rooms have a hard time peering down into.
Trees. More and more trees.
Butterfly bushes to be returned.

... I just described what was there before.

I am hoping for lots of trees, I am hoping for a few some sort of wilderness themed cabanas, a nice bar, music pipied in like they have at the poly, but geared towards our the ring, whatever that may now be. Also plenty of lounge chairs. I hate going down there and not being able to find lounge chairs. Oh yeah and a great hot tub. That's not asking for much is it?

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I am hoping for lots of trees, I am hoping for a few some sort of wilderness themed cabanas, a nice bar, music pipied in like they have at the poly, but geared towards our the ring, whatever that may now be. Also plenty of lounge chairs. I hate going down there and not being able to find lounge chairs. Oh yeah and a great hot tub. That's not asking for much is it?

The hot tub better not be anything like the poly one. That one is broken more than it is in working order. Lots of trees is at the top my my list too. Not sure how a wilderness cabana would look....hmmmmm

 

[wildernessDad]

Three nights at VWL 2 bedroom dedicated became available for Dec 13 - Dec 16, so I modified our Kidani vacation to stay at VWL instead. We'll still have to check out and back in as the initial 4 nights at VWL are in a lock-off 2 bedroom. But at least we'll be at our beloved lodge the whole time. And I still have the waitlist in for those 3 nights in a lock-off.

 

[wildernessDad]

Countdown is at 38 days for the Big Honkin' Groupie Meet! It will be a lot of fun!

I'll try not to look like my current avatar.

That's one grumpy bear!

 

[Granny]

Three nights at VWL 2 bedroom dedicated became available for Dec 13 - Dec 16, so I modified our Kidani vacation to stay at VWL instead. We'll still have to check out and back in as the initial 4 nights at VWL are in a lock-off 2 bedroom. But at least we'll be at our beloved lodge the whole time. And I still have the waitlist in for those 3 nights in a lock-off.

Congrats on scoring that VWL reservation to avoid changing resorts. I'm sure you'll have an awesome trip!

And pay no attention to that grumpy bear. It's just me before my morning coffee.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Birthday Flossbolna!!!
Have a great day - with lots of BD cake of course!!! ​

 

[sleepydog25]

Hope you have a great birthday, Flossie!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday Flossbolna!!!!

 

[Granny]

Happy Birthday Flossy !!!

 

[DiznyDi]

Wishing Flossie a very Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day!

 

[DiznyDi]

Countdown is at 38 days for the Big Honkin' Groupie Meet! It will be a lot of fun!

I'll try not to look like my current avatar.

Granny do we have an approximate number of potential Groupies planning to meet?

.....and I love your avatar!

 

[Granny]

Granny do we have an approximate number of potential Groupies planning to meet?

.....and I love your avatar!

Di...looks like we will have anywhere from 10 - 18 in attendance. Some have asked about the meet but haven't necessarily indicated they are coming.

 

[Flossbolna]

Happy Birthday Flossbolna!!!
Have a great day - with lots of BD cake of course!!! ​

Hope you have a great birthday, Flossie!!

Happy Birthday Flossbolna!!!!

Happy Birthday Flossy !!!

Wishing Flossie a very Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day!

Thanks everyone!! I had a wonderful birthday and just returned back to normal life after a lovely long birthday weekend away! Now the next exciting thing to happen is my trip to the USA including staying at VWL for the first time!! So excited!

 

[Lakegirl]

Shout out to all you experts....does the increase in dues seem steep to you???? It was among one of the highest increases I think. I briefly saw it while at work today..sssshhh don't tell anyone. I have to go back and try to find it but it seemed like a big increase to me.