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

[DenLo]

Hello!

We will be at VWL during July 4th. Does anyone know when the new Boulder Ridge pool opens? Thanks!!!!!

We are here at VWL and have been told by a number of CMs that they hope to get the pool open for the 4th of July. But it will definitely be open when CCV opens on July 17 (which happens to be the 62nd anniversary of Disneyland, Anaheim).

Quick question about Bell Services. So we are driving to WL. When we get there, I had planned to use Bell Services to get the luggage from the car then have them bring it to the room. I do plan to stop in the lobby (bc, like I mentioned before, who wouldn't?), stop at the desk to ask a question about late checkout, then head to the room. Is it customary to tip twice in that situation, when they get the bags AND when the deliver? Seems like a lot, if so, but since I rarely use those services, I wouldn't really know.

Customary with hotels is to tip when they bring the luggage to the room.

It is my understanding they share the tips so we also tip on delivery to our room.

 

[sleepydog25]

Re: the tipping. Most usually, we tip only when the bags are delivered since that's the bulk of the work for them. When we unload to a baggage cart, I'm usually helping transfer the bags and normally we have just a few. There have been a couple of times when we've had a lot of stuff (such as our wedding things one time), so I tipped a few bucks then and when the things were delivered. I'd say just go with your gut.

Also, I've "opened" Page 1 to 2018 vacation dates, so if anyone has already booked for next year, say, maybe JT or other person or JT , just let me know, and I'll update you.

 

[ArielSRL]

It is my understanding they share the tips so we also tip on delivery to our room.

That's kind of what I thought, but I wasn't sure.

 

[DenLo]

It really looks like spring here at Wilderness Lodge.

 

[Granny]

Thanks for the photo, Denise. I love those flower beds at WL...I probably have 10 similar pictures from over the years from that same location.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Good to know. I was kind of wondering about that. I wonder if they pool tips.

It would be very odd if they didn't pool tips. That's how those types of positions usually do things and why tipping once works and is acceptable. Like Valet - you hand your keys over and unless you want to ask for special care in parking or to have it left up front you tip when you retrieve your car.

 

[twokats]

Also, I've "opened" Page 1 to 2018 vacation dates, so if anyone has already booked for next year, say, maybe JT or other person or JT , just let me know, and I'll update you.

OK, Sleepy, I know you are implying me on the other person and yes I have some 2018 dates, I will pm you shortly!!!!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks for the photo, Denise. I love those flower beds at WL...I probably have 10 similar pictures from over the years from that same location.

Me, too, and one of those graces my iPhone as a screen shot. The other is a latte from Starbucks resting on a post with the Atlantic ocean in the background. The shop is literally steps away. . .

 

[Corinne]

Thanks so much for the responses Jimmy and Cindy! I was leaning towards Alamo. We are planning to spend the day at Epcot so perhaps dropping off at the Dolphin will work! Thanks again!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks so much for the responses Jimmy and Cindy! I was leaning towards Alamo. We are planning to spend the day at Epcot so perhaps dropping off at the Dolphin will work! Thanks again!

Do check the pricing at the various locations though - there's usually a difference in charges between them - sometimes significant.

 

[Lakegirl]

OK, Sleepy, I know you are implying me on the other person and yes I have some 2018 dates, I will pm you shortly!!!!!

I can't wait to book our April 2018 trip, just wishing I watched airfare this April as it is our spring vacation in Mass and flights are crazy so I am not sure what dates I will want to do.

 

[jimmytammy]

Sleepy
No trips definite in 2018 yet, but the wheels are churning, I assure you, they are

 

[sleepydog25]

OK, Sleepy, I know you are implying me on the other person and yes I have some 2018 dates, I will pm you shortly!!!!!

I have no idea what you mean.

 

[horselover]

I do have a cruise already booked for 2018 but it's not Disney related. No Disney plans yet.

 

[Dizny Dad]

As to tipping . . .

I generally tip every time I interface with a staff member that is rendering service, other than cashiers and front desk personnel. I feel I was graciously blessed to be able to be on vacation, so I want to make sure others share in my blessings; with a smile, respect, and a discreet sharing of my good fortune. I'm always conscious of the fact that I am surrounded by wonderful people that may not be able to enjoy the facilities as a guest. Oh, and don't forget to tip the MouseKeeping Staff!

 

[jimmytammy]

As to tipping . . .

I generally tip every time I interface with a staff member that is rendering service, other than cashiers and front desk personnel. I feel I was graciously blessed to be able to be on vacation, so I want to make sure others share in my blessings; with a smile, respect, and a discreet sharing of my good fortune. I'm always conscious of the fact that I am surrounded by wonderful people that may not be able to enjoy the facilities as a guest. Oh, and don't forget to tip the MouseKeeping Staff!

You covered my sentiments exactly Dad! We too make sure Housekeeping is covered as well

 

[DenLo]

This is our last evening here at Wilderness Lodge. I have to admit that the activity yesterday afternoon and today took me by surprise. It appears they are putting a wide road in in front of VWL. They haven't poured the concrete beyond the pump house (in the center, 3 brown doors). But they have added, wood siding and have been adding gravel to the area all day, smoothing it out. This area it is just too wide to call it a sidewalk as two pickups could easily pass each other with room to spare. I understand that they need to transport supplies to Geyser Point Bar and Grill, but heck wouldn't a single lane road work?

Hopefully some landscaping will still be added on each side of the road. Although DH and I have been really enjoying the views of the lake from our studio (2nd to last on the 4th floor) when we look towards the left. Looking to right is nothing but trees.

BTW, the circular gray concrete pieces in the dirt are the bases for a light pole. You can see the tall light poles they have added on the walkway in front of the cabins in this photo. See tree on left, the light pole with shade is just to the right of the tree. Also you can see the they also have added low sidewalk lights for the sidewalks that lead up to the cabins front porch.

Lastly we rented a small pontoon boat yesterday and took too many photos for here. But this pic shows what the screened porch looks like on Cabin #1, which is next to Geyser Point Bar and Grill.

 

[horselover]

Thanks DenLo for the great updates! Can't say I'm happy about that road in front either.

 

[Anna114]

Re: the tipping. Most usually, we tip only when the bags are delivered since that's the bulk of the work for them. When we unload to a baggage cart, I'm usually helping transfer the bags and normally we have just a few. There have been a couple of times when we've had a lot of stuff (such as our wedding things one time), so I tipped a few bucks then and when the things were delivered. I'd say just go with your gut.

Also, I've "opened" Page 1 to 2018 vacation dates, so if anyone has already booked for next year, say, maybe JT or other person or JT , just let me know, and I'll update you.

I'm not sure if this counts yet but we will be headed home to VWL (will always be to me ) 5/7/18-5/14/18 for our 30th wedding anniversary. Haven't stayed at our home resort since 10/15. We are missing home.

 

[Anna114]

Has anyone tried the Spireside candle Wilderness Lodge? They describe the scent different as to what the employees described to me last time I was there. They said the scent was Sandalwood. Just curious.