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

[sleepydog25]

In a bit of updated news, Luv was able to make a reservation at Paddlefish this morning. She had to go to their website vice the Disney one. If you go to the Disney site, even though Paddlefish shows up, it won't let you reserve anything. Going directly to the Paddlefish site, however, does allow you to set up a time via Open Table. In an odd note, if you go directly to Open Table, it re-directs you to the Paddlefish web page. Follow all that?

 

[horselover]

In a bit of updated news, Luv was able to make a reservation at Paddlefish this morning. She had to go to their website vice the Disney one. If you go to the Disney site, even though Paddlefish shows up, it won't let you reserve anything. Going directly to the Paddlefish site, however, does allow you to set up a time via Open Table. In an odd note, if you go directly to Open Table, it re-directs you to the Paddlefish web page. Follow all that?

Looking forward to her review!

I'm doing the Highway in the Sky Dine Around & Cali Grill brunch next month. Looking forward to both.

 

[sleepydog25]

Looking forward to her review!

I'm doing the Highway in the Sky Dine Around & Cali Grill brunch next month. Looking forward to both.

We'll definitely let you know how it is. Menu is intriguing enough we're opting to drop Morimoto Asia in lieu of Paddlefish. Would love to hear what you think of the brunch as it's also on our rotation this upcoming trip.

 

[DisneyDad61]

I was over at Humphreys Wilderness Lodge Facebook page and was able to view a 30-40 video taken just recently of a walk-through the fence line briefly leading to the new Geyser Point Building and the landscape is rather lush IMO for opening on the 13th. It would appear to me that it will not take long for the landscape to really blend in and make the grounds look rather impressive.
As I stated before, I am really trying to hold off any pre-conceived notions (good or bad) until this, the new pool area and later the cabins and remaining grounds are open to us. I do believe that Disney wants to get it right the first time and I remain optimistic on how this will all turn out. We are there with a 2 berm and a studio reservation from 12/1-12/12/17. Should be gorgeous by then. Have a great day everyone !!

 

[Granny]

As I stated before, I am really trying to hold off any pre-conceived notions (good or bad) until this, the new pool area and later the cabins and remaining grounds are open to us. I do believe that Disney wants to get it right the first time and I remain optimistic on how this will all turn out. We are there with a 2 berm and a studio reservation from 12/1-12/12/17. Should be gorgeous by then. Have a great day everyone !!

DDad61...I think optimism is a good thing! And I agree that when it is complete it will be a very nice looking resort. In fact, I think that the general population will find it to be a great improvement to the WL resort look and feel. Just like most people prefer the new room decor from the last refurbishment since they thought the old decor was too dark.

But on this thread we are not the general population. I think that many of us who fell in love with the cozy feel of VWL just lament that it won't have that same ambiance. So we poke fun at the new name, the new theming and the new generic villa decor. But at the end of it all, I'm sure we'll all adjust and still find the WL property to be a beautiful place.

If you're interested in meeting up with some of us grumpy VWL Groupies , it looks like you will be staying there when we will be having another Groupie meet in December. We don't have the date or time set yet, but if you look on page 1 you'll see that there are a number of us that will be at WDW at that time. We'd love to have you join us. We promise we aren't so grumpy in person!

 

[sleepydog25]

But on this thread we are not the general population. I think that many of us who fell in love with the cozy feel of VWL just lament that it won't have that same ambiance. So we poke fun at the new name, the new theming and the new generic villa decor. But at the end of it all, I'm sure we'll all adjust and still find the WL property to be a beautiful place.

Well said! And thanks, DDad61, for the lovely comments on our beloved Lodge. As Granny says, many of us on this thread have been long-time lovers of the original look and feel of VWL, from the unkempt nature trail paralleling the lake, to the mini-beach area, to the fire pit, to the plethora of trees, and even including the Lone Grill. That's the Lodgeyness with which we fell in love, and we're reluctant to accept change in part due to the unknown and, at least for us, what we know won't return that is special to our experiences there. That being said, like you, I'm sure that given a couple of years, the whole area will look much more lush than it currently does, and it will strike wonder and awe in the hearts of those just discovering the beauty of our home away from home, as well as us old-timers. I'm sure there will be areas where I think they did a wonderful job, too. Still, I will miss the trees, the natural, unvarnished beauty, and likely the complete serenity that the Lodge will lose with the additions of the cabins and new, larger pool. Things change, though, and we have to change with them.

P.S. I, for one, always liked the darker theming and colors in the rooms. . .just sayin'

 

[DVC Jen]

If you're interested in meeting up with some of us grumpy VWL Groupies , it looks like you will be staying there when we will be having another Groupie meet in December. We don't have the date or time set yet, but if you look on page 1 you'll see that there are a number of us that will be at WDW at that time. We'd love to have you join us. We promise we aren't so grumpy in person!

I am going to have to check this out - we will be there as well in December. Maybe our dates with be the same. (crossing fingers)

update.. woohoo we just might make it we will be there December 9-15th! Celebrating our 31st wedding anniversary

 

[horselover]

We'll definitely let you know how it is. Menu is intriguing enough we're opting to drop Morimoto Asia in lieu of Paddlefish. Would love to hear what you think of the brunch as it's also on our rotation this upcoming trip.

Will let you know for sure! I've heard very good things so I'm excited to try it. And now that I'm thinking about it I will get to see GP as well. First 2 nights I'm at BLT. Will take the boat over to check it out.

Did you all hear it looks like Rivers of Light should finally be opening very soon? No official word but from what I read CM previews are happening & it looks good. One more thing to look forward to next month.

 

[sleepydog25]

Will let you know for sure! I've heard very good things so I'm excited to try it. And now that I'm thinking about it I will get to see GP as well. First 2 nights I'm at BLT. Will take the boat over to check it out.

Did you all hear it looks like Rivers of Light should finally be opening very soon? No official word but from what I read CM previews are happening & it looks good. One more thing to look forward to next month.

We don't go til May, so maybe RoL will be open then. However, we'll just miss Pandora if they stick to the date they're saying now, 27 May. I've seen a couple of reviews and a few pics of the CG brunch, and it appears to be right up our alley. . .except the cost. Hope your thoughts on the experience will be equally good as what I've read.

 

[horselover]

Warning if you want to be surprised don't follow the link! I didn't watch. Just sharing. Sorry I I can't figure out how to remove the photo without deleting the link.

Rivers of Light preview from last night I believe.

 

[Flossbolna]

Warning if you want to be surprised don't follow the link! I didn't watch. Just sharing. Sorry I I can't figure out how to remove the photo without deleting the link.

Rivers of Light preview from last night I believe.

There is an amazing feature on this forum software, the spoiler tag. If you go to the little symbols on the top of the field you write the post in, there is one field that has a smiley, a picture, some film and then a sheet of paper. Click on that sheet of paper. You get a little menu and the second option is a little flag and it says Spoiler. Click on that and you will get a pop up window where you can enter the spoiler title. Then click ok. You will get some text into your post that reads "square brackets open" (using words here, you will see the symbol) SPOILER, then the title and the "square brackets closing" before you get another set of square brackets. The cursor will be placed in the middle of those square brackets. There you can enter any text, picture or video. And then it will look like this:

Spoiler: This is the super secret spoiler - only Groupies in good standing may look!

Anyone who wants to see what is hidden, just needs to click on that grey field and it will open up.

Hope this helps!

 

[ArielSRL]

We will be there 6/3-6/11 so AK is gonna be a madhouse as long as there are no delays on Pandora. I've got one AK day planned out of 7 park days and I'm not sure I want to allocate anymore. We may get in for that one day, do what we can, and get back out of that mess! I'm sure it will be amazing though, but I'm not interested in jam packed. Crowds in June are big enough as is.

More questions for all you helpful DISers. We are staying 8 nights, so from what I gather, it's a full cleaning on day 4 and trash and towel on day 8. I plan to purchase an extra towel set up when we check in bc there is 4 of us and I use 2 towels by myself. Anyone know where I request that? And when they do the cleanings, will they know I paid for an extra set and leave the correct amount of towels (I only pay once for the trip, right?) or do I need to leave them a note with their tip?

Thanks, in advance!

 

[Granny]

There is an amazing feature on this forum software, the spoiler tag. If you go to the little symbols on the top of the field you write the post in, there is one field that has a smiley, a picture, some film and then a sheet of paper. Click on that sheet of paper. You get a little menu and the second option is a little flag and it says Spoiler. Click on that and you will get a pop up window where you can enter the spoiler title. Then click ok. You will get some text into your post that reads "square brackets open" (using words here, you will see the symbol) SPOILER, then the title and the "square brackets closing" before you get another set of square brackets. The cursor will be placed in the middle of those square brackets. There you can enter any text, picture or video. And then it will look like this:

Spoiler: This is the super secret spoiler - only Groupies in good standing may look!

Anyone who wants to see what is hidden, just needs to click on that grey field and it will open up.

Hope this helps!

Flossy...that is so COOL!! And amazing that you know that. I've only been on these boards for 16 years so I guess I'm still a newbie.

Spoiler: Super secret picture of a bear that only Groupies will love

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Yes!

Julie - My DH grew up south of Boston so you can guess who he was going for. He's very happy but already moved on to next year and #6.

We will be there 6/3-6/11 so AK is gonna be a madhouse as long as there are no delays on Pandora. I've got one AK day planned out of 7 park days and I'm not sure I want to allocate anymore. We may get in for that one day, do what we can, and get back out of that mess! I'm sure it will be amazing though, but I'm not interested in jam packed. Crowds in June are big enough as is.

More questions for all you helpful DISers. We are staying 8 nights, so from what I gather, it's a full cleaning on day 4 and trash and towel on day 8. I plan to purchase an extra towel set up when we check in bc there is 4 of us and I use 2 towels by myself. Anyone know where I request that? And when they do the cleanings, will they know I paid for an extra set and leave the correct amount of towels (I only pay once for the trip, right?) or do I need to leave them a note with their tip?

Thanks, in advance!

The extra set would get taken and not replaced. If you want fresh new ones technically you would have to pay again - they are not a wash and replace for as long as you are there. Or - hide them and wash them yourself.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Spoiler: Never tried this before! Careful - clicking here might hurt your eyes! But click here anyway!!! Just remember I warned you!!! haha

 

[Granny]

["Never tried this before! Careful - clicking here might hurt your eyes! But click here anyway!!! Just remember I warned you!!! haha"]

Kinda' cool, isn't it?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Well said! And thanks, DDad61, for the lovely comments on our beloved Lodge. As Granny says, many of us on this thread have been long-time lovers of the original look and feel of VWL, from the unkempt nature trail paralleling the lake, to the mini-beach area, to the fire pit, to the plethora of trees, and even including the Lone Grill. That's the Lodgeyness with which we fell in love, and we're reluctant to accept change in part due to the unknown and, at least for us, what we know won't return that is special to our experiences there. That being said, like you, I'm sure that given a couple of years, the whole area will look much more lush than it currently does, and it will strike wonder and awe in the hearts of those just discovering the beauty of our home away from home, as well as us old-timers. I'm sure there will be areas where I think they did a wonderful job, too. Still, I will miss the trees, the natural, unvarnished beauty, and likely the complete serenity that the Lodge will lose with the additions of the cabins and new, larger pool. Things change, though, and we have to change with them.

P.S. I, for one, always liked the darker theming and colors in the rooms. . .just sayin'

Just to add - I bought at a resort I thought was finished - and practically perfect just as it was. Then we learned DVC was going to change it to add to their pockets at a better than building new margin and we have gotten to deal with construction for 2 years. No matter how things go it removed 2 years of the contract from my POV and what did we get for that? A larger dues increase than normal.

On the rooms - I may need to complain to DVC about making everything so bright and question when they are going to darken things up! Seems fair for all the "too dark" complaints that apparently led to the lighter colors. PVB may be the only darker theme left.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kinda' cool, isn't it?

It is!!!!

 

[Dizny Dad]

Somehow I see an awful lot of "Spoiler Alerts" being used in this thread in the coming weeks. We are all like a bunch of kids finding where mom hid the candy. . . . . . .

Spoiler: Don't Click On This

 

[horselover]

There is an amazing feature on this forum software, the spoiler tag. If you go to the little symbols on the top of the field you write the post in, there is one field that has a smiley, a picture, some film and then a sheet of paper. Click on that sheet of paper. You get a little menu and the second option is a little flag and it says Spoiler. Click on that and you will get a pop up window where you can enter the spoiler title. Then click ok. You will get some text into your post that reads "square brackets open" (using words here, you will see the symbol) SPOILER, then the title and the "square brackets closing" before you get another set of square brackets. The cursor will be placed in the middle of those square brackets. There you can enter any text, picture or video. And then it will look like this:

Spoiler: This is the super secret spoiler - only Groupies in good standing may look!

Anyone who wants to see what is hidden, just needs to click on that grey field and it will open up.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the tip! I had no idea. Think it's too late for me to change it now.