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

[Flossbolna]

Great report, Flossy! Like KAT, I had my fears about the actual capacity of the eatery to start, and your comments mirror my thoughts. However, I do think once the new pool is open, and more especially, RF re-opens, the wait time should decrease. I'm still feeling apprehensive about the new pool and its effect on the overall serenity of the resort. Nothing I've seen so far assuages my concerns.

Surprisingly despite it being quite crowded, it still felt very serene to me. The waterfront is still beautiful. I think the new pool will help to spread people out more. It is certainly going to be different from before, but for example the Grand Californian pool area manages to still have a wilderness theme despite being very built up. And I am getting similar vibes from this development.

 

[Flossbolna]

My BF hates how Disney has "slaughtered" trees (his words) all over property in recent years and he is a huge WL fan, stayed there on opening night. He liked the new bar a lot. So that should tell you something.

 

[twinklebug]

My BF hates how Disney has "slaughtered" trees (his words) all over property in recent years and he is a huge WL fan, stayed there on opening night. He liked the new bar a lot. So that should tell you something.

He's not wrong using that term. I'm a treehugger, I know it and embrace the label. I'm also very practical and understand progress must be made. Disney has to watch their property investment very carefully to ensure they're keeping a good natural balance between the water tables, the structures and the native plant life. Sink holes happen all too frequently in Florida due to this imbalance, and pop up in droughts most often.

Interesting fact: Most of Florida's ponds are ancient sink holes. They're nothing new. However, they've been occurring at a more frequent rate in recent years.
Fun fact: The water area near Test Track and the old Odyssey restaurant was never intended to be there. It is the byproduct of a sink hole that developed as EPCOT was being built. Now try not to think about that when crossing those foot bridges or you may find your knees quivering.

 

[sleepydog25]

He's not wrong using that term. I'm a tree hugger, I know it and embrace the label. I'm also very practical and understand progress must be made. Disney has to watch their property investment very carefully to ensure they're keeping a good natural balance between the water tables, the structures and the native plant life. Sink holes happen all to frequently in Florida due to this imbalance, and pop up in droughts most often.

Interesting fact: Most of Florida's ponds are ancient sink holes. They're nothing new. However, they've been occurring at a more frequent rate in recent years.
Fun fact: The water area near Test Track and the old Odyssey restaurant was never intended to be there. It is the byproduct of a sink hole that developed as EPCOT was being built. Now try not to think about that when crossing those foot bridges or you may find your knees quivering.

Very fun facts and parallels the fact that Disney is a sinkhole for my money.

 

[twokats]

Hope all goes well @twokats.

twokats

Prayers heading to Him on your behalf Kathy

Wishing you all the best TwoKats.

Thinking of you Kathy!

Kathy, best wishes and thoughts headed your way.

Prayers sent Kathy.
Take some time for yourself. Find a trick that takes your mind off your troubles for a bit of time every day. Hint: chilling on this thread helps me to forget... um... I forget what it is I'm supposed to be forgetting. See, it works!

thoughts and prayers coming your way

Sending prayers Kathy

Prayers to Twokats & Corrine's cousin.

Kathy -been thinking about you all weekend - and now will add Your cousin Corinne to my prayers.

Praying for you Kathy as you prepare for your appointment with the cardiologist and undergo your stress test. (Hi to Kati )

Sending lots of good wishes to Kathy and Corrine's cousin!!

I thank all of you for the thoughts and prayers.
Twinklebug, I am trying to keep your trick in mind. I am trying to be on this thread more than usual which is hard for this time of year, but I'm working on it.
TCRAIG, thanks for the extra thoughts. I did seem a little calmer this weekend!!
DiznyDi, Kati said Hi to you also. She is counting down the time til May (me too)
Sleepy, our little school had to close for several days a few weeks ago and other schools in the county have closed for the flu.

Totally off topic, my church is having a revival this week (which is helping me also). The leader of it is Don Piper. He is the guy that wrote '90 Minutes in Heaven'. He is fantastic and his story is amazing. Just thought I would share. I know there are many out there that have it worse than me or have been through a lot more.

I hope everyone has a good week. We are having storms for a few days. Hail with these, hopefully no tornadoes.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Very fun facts and parallels the fact that Disney is a sinkhole for my money.

Yeah; part of the Disney Magic is how they make you feel you can't leave yet because there is still money in your wallet . . . . not complaining, just amazed at how easily I get in step with it when I am in The World. Take my money; take my money; take my money . . . .

 

[GrumpyBa*D]

We just returned on the 22nd. I have to say it was the most disappointing trip I've had there since being a DVC owner. I was notified that there would be construction going on but I don't believe the letter encompassed the degree of construction going on. Believe it or not the cabin construction was the least of my complaints. The cabins don't bother me too much because whenever I had a room on the lake I never was able to see it because of the thick trees. When completed, the room I was in will have a view of the lake that I personally would love. The pool construction is in full swing the surrounding boulders were poured the pool itself was all poured so I'm thinking that should be done late spring at the latest. I personally did not like or enjoy Geyser Pointe. First there is not nearly enough room for people to sit. It felt too much like a bar. When we were there it was pouring and there was nothing to prevent the rain from blowing in, also I would think the food will be ice cold when the weather is cooler not seeing anything that would really keep the area comfortable in colder weather. The food options were minimal at best. My crew are bland eaters and don't like/allergy to seafoods so it didn't leave too many options. My son got grilled chicken since it didn't even have chicken fingers and there were 3 very thin grilled chicken strips 2 baby carrots and 2 small celery sticks. I was not made away that Roaring Forks was closed until the week before my trip. Then for breakfast their offerings were minimal too. I believe 3 or 4 options and non were MICKEY WAFFLES. Territory was overwhelmed and understaffed for the breakfast hours. Transportation wise the watercraft was shared with the campgrounds and by the time it got to the lodge it was standing room only on the boat. Not something I really expect at deluxe resort. Hoping things improve quickly after the construction is complete. Just was not too happy with this trip's experience and felt that the letters should have been a lot more descriptive because I really felt blindsided by the degree/depth of the construction. oh and the right half of the lodge was also being renovated.....

 

[Dean Marino]

We just returned on the 22nd. I have to say it was the most disappointing trip I've had there since being a DVC owner. I was notified that there would be construction going on but I don't believe the letter encompassed the degree of construction going on. Believe it or not the cabin construction was the least of my complaints. The cabins don't bother me too much because whenever I had a room on the lake I never was able to see it because of the thick trees. When completed, the room I was in will have a view of the lake that I personally would love. The pool construction is in full swing the surrounding boulders were poured the pool itself was all poured so I'm thinking that should be done late spring at the latest. I personally did not like or enjoy Geyser Pointe. First there is not nearly enough room for people to sit. It felt too much like a bar. When we were there it was pouring and there was nothing to prevent the rain from blowing in, also I would think the food will be ice cold when the weather is cooler not seeing anything that would really keep the area comfortable in colder weather. The food options were minimal at best. My crew are bland eaters and don't like/allergy to seafoods so it didn't leave too many options. My son got grilled chicken since it didn't even have chicken fingers and there were 3 very thin grilled chicken strips 2 baby carrots and 2 small celery sticks. I was not made away that Roaring Forks was closed until the week before my trip. Then for breakfast their offerings were minimal too. I believe 3 or 4 options and non were MICKEY WAFFLES. Territory was overwhelmed and understaffed for the breakfast hours. Transportation wise the watercraft was shared with the campgrounds and by the time it got to the lodge it was standing room only on the boat. Not something I really expect at deluxe resort. Hoping things improve quickly after the construction is complete. Just was not too happy with this trip's experience and felt that the letters should have been a lot more descriptive because I really felt blindsided by the degree/depth of the construction. oh and the right half of the lodge was also being renovated.....

We're going 4-2017.... every single breakfast, for eight days, has already been set up via ressie for Whispering Canyon . Plans are to LOOK at the new multi-use building (notice I did not refer to it as a Restaurant.... ).

 

[rkstocke5609]

We just returned on the 22nd. I have to say it was the most disappointing trip I've had there since being a DVC owner. I was notified that there would be construction going on but I don't believe the letter encompassed the degree of construction going on. Believe it or not the cabin construction was the least of my complaints. The cabins don't bother me too much because whenever I had a room on the lake I never was able to see it because of the thick trees. When completed, the room I was in will have a view of the lake that I personally would love. The pool construction is in full swing the surrounding boulders were poured the pool itself was all poured so I'm thinking that should be done late spring at the latest. I personally did not like or enjoy Geyser Pointe. First there is not nearly enough room for people to sit. It felt too much like a bar. When we were there it was pouring and there was nothing to prevent the rain from blowing in, also I would think the food will be ice cold when the weather is cooler not seeing anything that would really keep the area comfortable in colder weather. The food options were minimal at best. My crew are bland eaters and don't like/allergy to seafoods so it didn't leave too many options. My son got grilled chicken since it didn't even have chicken fingers and there were 3 very thin grilled chicken strips 2 baby carrots and 2 small celery sticks. I was not made away that Roaring Forks was closed until the week before my trip. Then for breakfast their offerings were minimal too. I believe 3 or 4 options and non were MICKEY WAFFLES. Territory was overwhelmed and understaffed for the breakfast hours. Transportation wise the watercraft was shared with the campgrounds and by the time it got to the lodge it was standing room only on the boat. Not something I really expect at deluxe resort. Hoping things improve quickly after the construction is complete. Just was not too happy with this trip's experience and felt that the letters should have been a lot more descriptive because I really felt blindsided by the degree/depth of the construction. oh and the right half of the lodge was also being renovated.....

I am so sorry to hear this. I am sorry you were disappointed. From the first review I have regarded Geyser Point as a unique spot, primarily a unique lakeside bar with upscale appetizers & quick service options. I can see how it would be disappointing if you were hoping for the Roaring Fork options. I've been looking at it as an additional venue, something new that I will call a Hybrid restaurant. And, after all it does have "Bar & Grill" in the name. I hope that the Roaring Fork remodel when complete will restore the Mickey Waffles & the Chili. And, I am hopeful that by March 2018 when I return to the lodge that construction will be complete and staffing needs will be appropriately addressed. One thing I really want to do at Geyser Point is enjoy the EWP from the bar with a Moscow Mule in hand.

I am shocked at your report on the boat transportation! Every time I have been there the MK transport is separate from the FW/Contemporary transport boats. Separate ongoing loops that are independent. I wonder if there were some boats down for maintenance or if there was some unusual spike in volume that caused this shift in the pattern. I would be mad if a boat came from FW and bothered stopping at all if it was full of people headed for the MK. But if it was the normal loop going FW, WL, Contemporary then I get it. Normally, on the resort loop there are 2 boats running in opposite order continually (previous order, and one going WL, FW, Contemporary).

I'm hopeful that if you return post construction you will have a much better experience.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We just returned on the 22nd. I have to say it was the most disappointing trip I've had there since being a DVC owner. I was notified that there would be construction going on but I don't believe the letter encompassed the degree of construction going on. Believe it or not the cabin construction was the least of my complaints. The cabins don't bother me too much because whenever I had a room on the lake I never was able to see it because of the thick trees. When completed, the room I was in will have a view of the lake that I personally would love. The pool construction is in full swing the surrounding boulders were poured the pool itself was all poured so I'm thinking that should be done late spring at the latest. I personally did not like or enjoy Geyser Pointe. First there is not nearly enough room for people to sit. It felt too much like a bar. When we were there it was pouring and there was nothing to prevent the rain from blowing in, also I would think the food will be ice cold when the weather is cooler not seeing anything that would really keep the area comfortable in colder weather. The food options were minimal at best. My crew are bland eaters and don't like/allergy to seafoods so it didn't leave too many options. My son got grilled chicken since it didn't even have chicken fingers and there were 3 very thin grilled chicken strips 2 baby carrots and 2 small celery sticks. I was not made away that Roaring Forks was closed until the week before my trip. Then for breakfast their offerings were minimal too. I believe 3 or 4 options and non were MICKEY WAFFLES. Territory was overwhelmed and understaffed for the breakfast hours. Transportation wise the watercraft was shared with the campgrounds and by the time it got to the lodge it was standing room only on the boat. Not something I really expect at deluxe resort. Hoping things improve quickly after the construction is complete. Just was not too happy with this trip's experience and felt that the letters should have been a lot more descriptive because I really felt blindsided by the degree/depth of the construction. oh and the right half of the lodge was also being renovated.....

I also was disappointed with the menu as I am currently restricted from seafood and it is very intensive with it. Disappointing to hear that there doesn't seem to be anything for dealing with bad weather at Geyser Point

I am shocked at your report on the boat transportation! Every time I have been there the MK transport is separate from the FW/Contemporary transport boats. Separate ongoing loops that are independent. I wonder if there were some boats down for maintenance or if there was some unusual spike in volume that caused this shift in the pattern. I would be mad if a boat came from FW and bothered stopping at all if it was full of people headed for the MK. But if it was the normal loop going FW, WL, Contemporary then I get it. Normally, on the resort loop there are 2 boats running in opposite order continually (previous order, and one going WL, FW, Contemporary).

I'm hopeful that if you return post construction you will have a much better experience.

There have been times we've been there that the larger launch was shared with FW. The small boats were always separate. They are still seperate from the resort launches. It's been awhile since we've run into that but I woner with half of WL being closed down if they have gone back to that for the time being.

 

[horselover]

He's not wrong using that term. I'm a treehugger, I know it and embrace the label. I'm also very practical and understand progress must be made. Disney has to watch their property investment very carefully to ensure they're keeping a good natural balance between the water tables, the structures and the native plant life. Sink holes happen all too frequently in Florida due to this imbalance, and pop up in droughts most often.

Interesting fact: Most of Florida's ponds are ancient sink holes. They're nothing new. However, they've been occurring at a more frequent rate in recent years.
Fun fact: The water area near Test Track and the old Odyssey restaurant was never intended to be there. It is the byproduct of a sink hole that developed as EPCOT was being built. Now try not to think about that when crossing those foot bridges or you may find your knees quivering.

Yeah thanks for that fun fact Twinklebug! I take that path all the time.

Not looking great for my bonus trip in May. Practically no availability at any DVC resorts. Best I can do is 2 consecutive nights at SSR & it's at the end of my dates. I might be back to looking at those bushes at VWL again. A split stay or cash stay I think at this point will be my only options. Early May used to be a slow time. I guess not anymore.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Yeah thanks for that fun fact Twinklebug! I take that path all the time.

Not looking great for my bonus trip in May. Practically no availability at any DVC resorts. Best I can do is 2 consecutive nights at SSR & it's at the end of my dates. I might be back to looking at those bushes at VWL again. A split stay or cash stay I think at this point will be my only options. Early May used to be a slow time. I guess not anymore.

I wouldn't be greatly surprised if CCV were to become a possibility for May.

 

[sleepydog25]

Yeah thanks for that fun fact Twinklebug! I take that path all the time.

Not looking great for my bonus trip in May. Practically no availability at any DVC resorts. Best I can do is 2 consecutive nights at SSR & it's at the end of my dates. I might be back to looking at those bushes at VWL again. A split stay or cash stay I think at this point will be my only options. Early May used to be a slow time. I guess not anymore.

Assume you're looking at studios only?

 

[horselover]

I wouldn't be greatly surprised if CCV were to become a possibility for May.

Maybe. I wonder if we (as VWL owners) would be able to book it though?

Assume you're looking at studios only?

That would be a correct assumption.

 

[Flossbolna]

I wouldn't be greatly surprised if CCV were to become a possibility for May.

I am currently so torn. Our October reservation is at the Boardwalk (my other contract) in a standard view studio and it is just such a great deal with the points. But I am so tempted to move the reservation to CCV... Just feels so silly to give up the great location and low points for an October trip.

 

[Flossbolna]

Maybe. I wonder if we (as VWL owners) would be able to book it though?

Wasn't it in the past that owners at the new resort got a head start with booking, but that everyone was able to book for opening week? I know of people who stayed at resorts for opening, but who did not buy points at that new resort.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Maybe. I wonder if we (as VWL owners) would be able to book it though?



That would be a correct assumption.

It'll be the same as other resorts. A short window of time that buyers only there can book and then all other DVC members will be able to book. Was Poly maybe just a week for owners then it opened up to everyone? Other locations have been 2 weeks or maybe even a little more. There isn't any restriction on the dates that can be booked though - just no further than 7 months out for non home resort.

 

[wdrl]

I wouldn't be greatly surprised if CCV were to become a possibility for May.

I would be surprised if Copper Creek is open in May. My guess is that it won't open until July or August. Of course, my track record on these guesses leaves much to be desired, so I'm not betting my Social Security check.

I've posted this before, but I'll repeat the timeline for the Polynesian:

01/07/2015 - Disney announces PVB sales will begin on January 12, 2015. Prices and point chart are not released.
01/07/2015 - Walt Disney Parks & Resorts files Master Declaration for PVB. Declares 10 Bungalows and 142 studios for the DVC inventory. There are still 10 Bungalows and 218 Studios to be declared.
01/08/2015 - Point chart and price leaked. Price is $160/point with no apparent incentives.
01/12/2015 - Sales begin for PVB to existing DVC Members. Sales to new DVC members will not begin until 2/09/2015.
01/13/2015 - Polynesian owners can begin making reservations on February 11, 2015 subject to the 11-month priority window. New DVC PVB members can book starting 2/18/2015. Owners of other DVC properties can begin booking PVB on February 25, 2015 for dates 7 months prior to arrival.

PVB opened on April 1, 2015, just under three months after Disney filed its Master Declaration. But Disney waited about five weeks before it announced the start of sales for VGF, and opened VGF five months after that. So its anyone's guess what Disney will be doing with CCV.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I would be surprised if Copper Creek is open in May. My guess is that it won't open until July or August. Of course, my track record on these guesses leaves much to be desired, so I'm not betting my Social Security check.

I've posted this before, but I'll repeat the timeline for the Polynesian:

01/07/2015 - Disney announces PVB sales will begin on January 12, 2015. Prices and point chart are not released.
01/07/2015 - Walt Disney Parks & Resorts files Master Declaration for PVB. Declares 10 Bungalows and 142 studios for the DVC inventory. There are still 10 Bungalows and 218 Studios to be declared.
01/08/2015 - Point chart and price leaked. Price is $160/point with no apparent incentives.
01/12/2015 - Sales begin for PVB to existing DVC Members. Sales to new DVC members will not begin until 2/09/2015.
01/13/2015 - Polynesian owners can begin making reservations on February 11, 2015 subject to the 11-month priority window. New DVC PVB members can book starting 2/18/2015. Owners of other DVC properties can begin booking PVB on February 25, 2015 for dates 7 months prior to arrival.

PVB opened on April 1, 2015, just under three months after Disney filed its Master Declaration. But Disney waited about five weeks before it announced the start of sales for VGF, and opened VGF five months after that. So its anyone's guess what Disney will be doing with CCV.

It used to be a nice spread of time but they seemed to shorten it up more and more although I'd hope PVB was an anomaly. It still just seemed like they forgot they needed to sell before they opened!

Yes though, it's probably a stretch for it to be open in May.

 

[horselover]

So someone on the purple board just posted this:

"Members will be able to buy starting in about a week. Public Sale date is April 5."

Said they got a call from their guide. No pricing given.