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

[Granny]

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[wildernessDad]

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[Granny]

Here's the latest news from the official Disney Parks Blog about our beloved resort construction:

Those who’ve visited Disney’s Wilderness Lodge recently may have noticed that the Disney Vacation Club accommodations formerly known as The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge have assumed a new name – Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This new name more accurately reflects the railroad theming of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and complements the storyline of the resort.

But that’s not all that’s changing at the resort. A sweeping re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool area will help tell the richly layered backstory of Boulder Ridge. Depicted in the artist rendering below and scheduled to open in summer 2017, Boulder Ridge Cove will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool in what appears to have been an abandoned rock quarry.



Such rejuvenating transformations were common in the Pacific Northwest following the mid-20th-century fading of the Transcontinental Railroad, as locals turned rails into trails – repurposing everything from bridges and tunnels to cranes and quarries. A nearby “Boulder Ridge Railway and Mining Co.” water tower will be among the pool area’s landmark reminders of its pioneering past, while a vintage mine cart supports the mining theme with an affectionate nod to Disney history.

Beyond the new pool space, scheduled enhancements to the resort are “chugging along” and include a brand-new bar & grill, in addition to a quick-service restaurant. Geyser Point Bar & Grill will be located in the heart of the feature pool area of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where Members and guests can grab a bite to eat as they lounge by the resort’s main pool. The rendering for this area highlights ample outdoor seating and architecture that looks right at home with that of the existing Lodge, as well as Boulder Ridge Villas.

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So that's the latest. We now officially know that the new restaurant will be called Geyser Point Bar & Grill and will be a counter service restaurant.

So Trout Pass bar will almost certainly be scrapped. Roaring Fork may be endangered as well.

I just hope those trees grow roof high in a hurry.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

KAT, your comment regarding the quarry swimming hole made me laugh out loud. Too funny. Again, I wonder why not an old sawmill or some mining operation that would better fit the northwest. Or better yet, how about a nod to the Native American population from that area which would have keeping with much of the theme at our Lodge? I'm beginning to believe the division has become just Gineering and lacking Imagin(ation). In the course of world events, this is but a mere pothole, yet it's still makes me sigh.

As for the new eatery, I'm going to be a provocateur and disagree with the current thinking. I believe Roaring Fork will survive. If we look at other deluxe resorts, I believe each has more than one QS and I see no cause for that trend to stop. Further, if we look at the issue in terms of sheer numbers, the prevailing theory is that the south wing of the main Lodge is being refurbished into DVC suites primarily due to the Lodge often being underbooked, with the assumption being that DVC suites will be more often fully reserved. That would mean more people at the Lodge complex rather than fewer or being static. It's not much of a leap, then, to assume Disney will want to continue to have enough eating options to satisfy all the guests. Moreover, if you're booked into a far end of the hallway, top three or four floors of the Lodge, I just don't know that Disney would want to force those guests to walk all the way over to the DVC area just to grab a quick bite. In essence, that would make them feel a bit like second-class citizens. So, I believe RF will survive in some form or another. In the same manner, I don't believe Territory Lounge will disappear, either, just because they'll have a new bar on the beach. I do think Trout Pass is a goner; however, my prediction is RF and TL will stay.

Beyond that, Luv and I hope that you each have a cozy, loving, and genuinely happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. Kathy, I've no doubt you can handle me. Sounds like you've had plenty of experience. Besides, Chris will be there to help.

I hope your correct Sleepy - I really like Roaring Fork! It may have minimal QS offerings compared to others but we always find something to enjoy and it does have the best treat - the Magic Bar! And it's far and away my favorite for the design and atmosphere.

I agree that Territory Lounge will likely survive. These days Disney is recognizing the margins in alcohol. And since it seems certain that AP is staying it still remains a good spot for a lounge. I'm happy for that as I also enjoy the atmosphere there too. It and the Crew's Cup Lounge over at YC are favorites.

I'm afraid I'm going to snort every time I read about that pool being an abandoned rock quarry though! The themes you mentioned seem much better fits IMO. Gineering!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

 

[twokats]

Happy Thanksgiving!! to all my groupie friends. Enjoy your turkey and dressing, football games and if you go anywhere on Black Friday. . . . Be Safe!

 

[pmaurer74]

Can someone verify it the workout facility is open yet? I saw it was supposed to open in October.

 

[sleepydog25]

I hope your correct Sleepy - I really like Roaring Fork! It may have minimal QS offerings compared to others but we always find something to enjoy and it does have the best treat - the Magic Bar! And it's far and away my favorite for the design and atmosphere.

I agree that Territory Lounge will likely survive. These days Disney is recognizing the margins in alcohol. And since it seems certain that AP is staying it still remains a good spot for a lounge. I'm happy for that as I also enjoy the atmosphere there too. It and the Crew's Cup Lounge over at YC are favorites.

I'm afraid I'm going to snort every time I read about that pool being an abandoned rock quarry though! The themes you mentioned seem much better fits IMO. Gineering!

Well, that's my story and I'm sticking with it. As for our fave RF treat, it's the made-to-order Mickey waffles--steaming hot and ready to eat--that come with various toppings. Would truly miss those!

 

[Starwind]

KAT, your comment regarding the quarry swimming hole made me laugh out loud. Too funny. Again, I wonder why not an old sawmill or some mining operation that would better fit the northwest.

/QUOTE]

Ah, but with a quarry one "can" swim in the old quarry hole... At least they can resemble a huge huge pool (we'll ignore how dangerous most of them are)

With a mine... that would be swimming in the tailings pond ? Not so much fun

SW

 

[Granny]

Can someone verify it the workout facility is open yet? I saw it was supposed to open in October.

I'm not sure if it is open or not. Twokats will the next Groupie checking into VWL on 11/30 so maybe she can confirm for you?

 

[jimmytammy]

KAT
Your thoughts on it being an old quarry are spot on. I live near one, visited many times as a kid and it seemed more like a mini Grand Canyon too me, which would have been more in line with a Wilderness theme IMO than that squared look they created. Apparently the fellows who mined that quarry decided that before they abandoned it, they needed to square it up a bit before leaving that final day of work

 

[twokats]

I'm not sure if it is open or not. Twokats will the next Groupie checking into VWL on 11/30 so maybe she can confirm for you?

Will do!!!

 

[twinklebug]

Just going to put this here while I grab a cup of water...

http://www.outsideonline.com/2132016/ode-imperfect-21st-century-american-cabin

His conclusions are pretty spot on as to how I feel about VWL & FW.

 

[Granny]

Okay Groupies, I read on another board from a typically reliable source that CCV will in fact include Grand Villas as well as the studios, 1BRs and 2BRs. Apparently the cabins will be 2BR units though that confirmation seemed less sure.

No official word on any of this yet, but this person seems to have a pipeline to a pretty reliable source at Disney.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Okay Groupies, I read on another board from a typically reliable source that CCV will in fact include Grand Villas as well as the studios, 1BRs and 2BRs. Apparently the cabins will be 2BR units though that confirmation seemed less sure.

No official word on any of this yet, but this person seems to have a pipeline to a pretty reliable source at Disney.

Makes sense to me. I've previously speculated that the end of the wing will be GV's as it fits the design that DVC has done at a couple other locations - specifically VGF and Aulani. I seriously hope those cabins are not just over priced 2BR's though.

 

[horselover]

As to the Airline discussion . . . hating United, South West, Delta, Etc., , Yeah, it is so easy to do. My experiences have shown me that the US domestic carriers are indeed the worst experience one can have in the air. Now there are always exceptions, like the time I flew on a tail dragger out of San Pedro Sula, Honduras; the window frame had separated from the plane's body and the wind blew in my face while we flew about 6 feet over the water to get to an island off the coast. No problem though, the nice man beside me saw me watching him pray as we took off, he then bowed his head for a moment and reached over and touched my knee. Many thanks to him and his family for that (really). But some of the very best planes and experiences have been on foreign carriers. The domestic airlines in China have proven to be excellent in my experience, not only in new, wonderful airplanes, but in courteous service and amenities, even for the cattle car group. The European carriers also have proven to be wonderful as well. Trump was correct when he stated that our airports are like flying into third world facilities.

We really need to address the country's infrastructure and common courtesy's for each other. Remember what John and Paul said (The apostles? No, the Beatles) All we need is Love.

Ok . . . I'm done now. Sorry.

I have to agree with the general service decline of many industries. But honestly, we in America have only ourselves to blame. We have made so many purchase decisions based solely on price that all the major retailers and service providers have had to focus on driving costs down. Call it the "WalMart Syndrome". We love the cheap items and cheap airfare. Would the general population pay more for goods and services if better customer service were provided? Current history shows that no, we wouldn't. Same way that we are not willing to pay more for goods made in the USA.

Businesses exist to make profits. And none of them have a policy of providing poor customer service. But we are so price driven in this country, we have left very little for them to work with. That's why it's so refreshing to travel Southwest Airlines or patronize some businesses that still show good customer service. But in general, the people of this country have voted with their wallet and the message is clear..."we don't care where it is made or how you treat me, just get it to me for a low, low price."

None of this makes the current business interaction any more fun to deal with. And obviously I have over-generalized my comments. But how many of us would choose an airline that cost $100 more per trip if they had better customer service than anyone else?

Okay, I'm off that soapbox now.

Sorry getting back to this conversation a little later. I agree with both of these comments. Speaking as someone in a customer service driven business it's everything & what sets me apart from OTAs. I don't believe the majority of large corporations know what good customer service is anymore. IMO it's small businesses that provide the level of service people want but often times aren't willing to pay extra for or go out of their way to obtain. Quick & cheap is the motto of this generation. Consumers these days do not understand the difference between price & value. Sure you just saved $50 or $100 but you're going to be a flight with multiple connections & spend 18 hours of your day traveling. Is that really worth it? And people might say they don't care about customer service only price but guess who they call when their flight is canceled & they can't get anyone on the phone at Expedia? They call me but at that point there is nothing I can do to help them. Today is small business Saturday. I'd like to encourage all of you to get out & support your local small businesses. Your friends, your neighbors, your community. If we want things to change it needs to start with us & start small. Ok now I'm off my soapbox too.

All this talk of meets and I'll be missing them all. Miss December by a coupe of days I think and will be at WDW towards the later part of April this year instead of May.

Me too. I only have plans for March & Oct. next year. I don't think they'll be a Christmas trip next year.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving with your loved ones!

 

[DVC Jen]

Uh, it's just clicking now but could they have chosen a less natural looking pool than this? All the sharp angles - so not wilderness.

The water tower doesn't look like it could be a slide - just something for ambiance.

I completely agree. I don't mind the pool area so much, but the squared off harsh lines do not look natural. I really wish they would have made it look more like a lake surrounded by boulders.

 

[sleepydog25]

I'm not sure if it is open or not. Twokats will the next Groupie checking into VWL on 11/30 so maybe she can confirm for you?

I just read on the Lodge thread over on the Resorts forums that Sturdy Branches is currently open. Hopefully, Kathy can confirm in a few days.

 

[Dean Marino]

Okay Groupies, I read on another board from a typically reliable source that CCV will in fact include Grand Villas as well as the studios, 1BRs and 2BRs. Apparently the cabins will be 2BR units though that confirmation seemed less sure.

No official word on any of this yet, but this person seems to have a pipeline to a pretty reliable source at Disney.

Having seen the construction on those cabins, up close? JUST 2BR? They really look bigger than that.... If they didn't put in lofts, they wasted a LOT of space.

Now - a little gripe? Some of those cabins are starting to get painted. The Yellow's, Pepto-Pinks, and Greys look terrible. More like the old Toon Town .

 

[horselover]

Now - a little gripe? Some of those cabins are starting to get painted. The Yellow's, Pepto-Pinks, and Greys look terrible. More like the old Toon Town .

Where did you see those pictures? I'd like to see that. Last time I was there there was no painting going on. Those are very odd color combos.