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

[npcougar]

Yes...just showed up on my Facebook Newsfeed too.....not good for those staying at WL/VWL during rehab. Wonder what they are doing??!!
http://www.doctordisney.com/2014/06...derness-lodge-closing-long-refurb-later-year/

No that is a different refurb. The pdf submission show a "room modification" and has nothing to do with the WL pool.

 

[twinklebug]

I suspect the room refurb permit just filed may have to do with making the new appliances fit properly. They'd need it if they're building out the walls even if by a few inches.
The timing seems about right - that permit expires 11/28 of this year. It won't take them that long to go through all the units and make a small adjustment.

 

[Andrew015]

This is somewhat bittersweet, but I had booked VWL for my honeymoon this coming October. I added on one additional night at SSR on the front end of our stay to take advantage of an airfare fire sale (VWL had no availability at the time of booking). So to summarize, it would have been 1 night at SSR, followed by 8 nights at VWL (deluxe studios). VWL is where I had proposed to my fiance last September, so needless to say, there was some special meaning behind this stay.

Long story short, as the construction dates for Silver Creek Springs pool were finally published this week, to our dismay, we learned that we would have arrived right smack-dab in the middle of the construction. We are not big "pool people", but love sitting around the courtyard for breakfast at Roaring Fork, or having a drink by the pool from Trout Pass. Not having the beautiful courtyard available was a bigger blow than not having the pool to swim in.

In any event, I decided to test the waters by calling MS to see if any other resorts were available. Initial CM's told me "nothing" at any resort was available. I asked to speak with a manager, and finally reached someone who was able to work some "magic" and got us into a lake view studio at BLT for the entire stay (no changing of rooms).

This is bittersweet, as we were really looking forward to coming "home" to VWL. I'm not sure if I made the right move, but I can't help but feel that the construction would have really hampered the "feel" of our beloved lodge. Luckily, we're only a short boat ride away and plan to visit frequently, especially for breakfast and a pit-stop or two to Territory Lounge and Trout Pass.

At first, I was not concerned about it at all (I even posted as such on the Resort boards), but the more I thought about it, the more it bothered me. I just wanted everything to be perfect for our honeymoon, and felt as if we wouldn't have gotten the best experience. I understand that the construction is necessary, but just wish we would have had more notice, especially seeing as how the permits were filed in January. I certainly understand "why" Disney doesn't announce these things sooner, as it would create panic, but they sure don't give you much time to make alternative plans.

In any event, this just solidifies the need for a 2015 stay at VWL

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So sorry that things aren't going exactly to plan for your honeymoon Andrew. It sounds like quite a few people are thinking of switching out due to the work around the pool. One thing is that Disney does normally keep the disturbance as minimal as possible but it's always the unknown that makes it difficult to determine how impacted things might be. I think you've got an excellent substitute with BLT - still on Bay Lake and just a boat ride away from WL/VWL. TOTWL lounge is a nice thing to have right at the resort and the access to the monorail and thus all the monorail resorts could be a nice addition. Sounds like you've got a good attitude about it even though disappointed and attitude is what usually makes the difference so keep it up. That and knowing you will have many more years to enjoy VWL together will make everything turn out just fine - I'm certain of it!

 

[Granny]

Andrew....first of all, congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! Sorry if you've posted it here before, but I wasn't aware that you are engaged. And what a wonderful place to honeymoon...WDW!

I totally understand your torn feelings about staying at VWL with the pool shut down. I think I would have done the same thing as DW and I also enjoy eating at the tables outside of Roaring Fork and just the general ambiance of the pool. It was bad enough with Silver Springs being shut down this last visit (in the lobby and outside). But it's hard to hide the pool renovations with a few plants.

I think, however, that you'll enjoy BLT a lot. The Bay Lake views are wonderful...much better than any at VWL. I like seeing and hearing the boats as they ply the waters of Bay Lake all day long.


And you're right...it does provide even more incentive to make that 2015 trip!!

Good luck in your planning, and nice job in landing the BLT LV room without having to move.

 

[jimmytammy]

Andrew
Its hard to tell how "bad" the construction is going to be, but WDW does a doggone good job IMO in keeping disturbances to a minimum. I am in construction, so I tend to notice things going on in this dept., and they seem to go to extra lengths to make sure the customer still feels the magic as much as possible.

With that being said, BLT is a good choice of resorts. The proximity to MK and WL, the amenities that Contemp. offers all make for a very nice place to be. We stayed there in Feb. and I was a skeptic. The modern feel of Contemp. never appealed to me like WL does, but all in all, I became a fan, I think because of the things mentioned above.

 

[MiaSRN62]

No that is a different refurb. The pdf submission show a "room modification" and has nothing to do with the WL pool.

I think I lost you? My link was in regards to the main pool renovation at WL this Fall? That was what I was mentioning. Is there something else npcougar that I am missing?

 

[twinklebug]

I think I lost you? My link was in regards to the main pool renovation at WL this Fall? That was what I was mentioning. Is there something else npcougar that I am missing?

There are two different bits of work going on this fall:

• The main pool is being refurbished
• A permit was just filed to work on the VWL rooms, which to me, means some sort of construction (expires 11/28/14)

 

[MiaSRN62]

There are two different bits of work going on this fall:

• The main pool is being refurbished
• A permit was just filed to work on the VWL rooms, which to me, means some sort of construction (expires 11/28/14)

OHhhhh....I was only aware of the pool rehab. Thanks for the explanation Twinklebug

 

[Andrew015]

Thanks to everyone (KAT, Granny, etc) for the congratulations on our upcoming wedding, and also for the encouraging responses about our decision to switch from SSR/VWL to BLT. I suppose that this is a good life lesson, especially for an upcoming marriage, that things don't always go according to plan. Mostly, it's on us (myself and my fiance`) to make the most of the curveballs that are thrown at us, and to respond in a positive fashion. If having to "accept" BLT over VWL is the most challenging hurdle of this entire wedding/honeymoon process to overcome, then I suppose we will be pretty darn lucky! Now if only all of the bridesmaids would just start to get along...

I do agree that Disney does a better job than just about anyone else in terms of limiting construction disturbances to their guests. Perhaps the disruption will be minimal, but being such a big unkown at this point, I just felt it was too big of a gamble. Also, I just can't reasoably see how they will make the pool area courtyard "inviting" while it is empty and under construction. You can't really hide the pool with a "Pardon our Dust" sign...

As for BLT, we stayed here for a handful of nights last May in a 1BR, Lakeview room on the north side of the tower. We had a gorgeous view of Bay Lake, and also a decent view of MK when looking over to the far left. Much like Jimmy mentions, I was a little skeptical about staying at BLT, too. It just felt "plain" and lacking of theme in comparison to WL, but after our first stay, I definitely understood the appeal. I think the transportation beats ANY resort, hands-down. Boats to WL/FW, walking path to MK, Monorail to EPCOT (one stop to TTC), as well as monorail access to Poly/GF... to me, it is right at the fingertips of everything that I truly enjoy the most about WDW. Also, the rooms were very pleasing, and having the ammenities of CR leaves little to be desired.

The only sadness about moving from VWL was the emotional tie of having proposed there last year, and both of us were hoping to spend our honeymoon there as well. Nevertheless, we will surely visit WL as often as possible. Who knows - maybe I'll even get down on one knee again But as mentioned, we will be sure to stay here for our next 2015 stay!

Thanks again, everyone!

 

[poggs]

We are staying in a 2 bed villa (2ad + 2ch) at VWL for 4 nights mid October during part of a 25 night split stay including a week at BCV and a week at OKV (along with time at universal and busch gardens.

Anyway, my DW is very concerned with the lack of a pool for these four nights and wants to move. The only option is Saratoga as no other DVC resort has availability.

I am reticent to move to SSR, as its well not as good, but it does have a pool. My DW has said its up to me, but if the WL quiet pool is busy and the main courtyard looks rubbish, I'm getting Banjoed.

Any advice?

 

[twinklebug]

Hi poggs

My concern with the refurbishment of the main pool is not regarding the pool itself, but rather the cascaded effect it will have on the quiet springs pool over by the villas. If there is an entire hotel's worth of folk trying to swim there, I'm sure it will be overly crowded and have all the symptoms that come from having too many people in too small of a pool location. Not for me.

It comes down to what your vacation style is. For Andrew (below) the seating area by the pool is a big part of his stay and it made sense to move over to BLT. For me, I think I'd be fine with staying at the lodge as long as I can still pool hop to a nice nearby location if the weather is hotter than hot, and providing that the waterfalls are working again (chances are they will be as those are on 3 different fountain systems. )

Pool hopping* notes for nearby pools:

• Pool hopping is still allowed over to the CR pool (not BLT's), which is an easy boat ride away.
• The poly volcano pool is down for a rework.
• The GF, I believe, is still hop-able, and is often overlooked as an option (they have a waterfall into the pool too!)
• the Fort is a boat ride and then the internal bus to get to, but the slide they built on the pool something to see. And campers are some of the nicest people I've ever met anywhere. Go say hi!

* At this point in time, I believe only DVC members and guests staying with them on points reservations are the only ones permitted to PH, This may change, check with the hotel as you check in.

 

[kbeam]

Does anyone know if Trout Pass will remain open?

 

[Andrew015]

We are staying in a 2 bed villa (2ad + 2ch) at VWL for 4 nights mid October during part of a 25 night split stay including a week at BCV and a week at OKV (along with time at universal and busch gardens.

Anyway, my DW is very concerned with the lack of a pool for these four nights and wants to move. The only option is Saratoga as no other DVC resort has availability.

I am reticent to move to SSR, as its well not as good, but it does have a pool. My DW has said its up to me, but if the WL quiet pool is busy and the main courtyard looks rubbish, I'm getting Banjoed.

Any advice?

Poggs,

Really, only you and your DW can make the call. As you can tell, I am a diehard WL junkie, and on my first stay to SSR, I was VERY skeptical as the only thing I could do was make mental comparisons to WL. In my mind, NOTHING compares to VWL! Turns out, I found SSR to be a fantastic resort. It certainly is a different feel than WL, but the themeing is very well executed and the grounds are beautiful. While I still strongly prefer VWL, I would not be at all disappointed to stay in SSR again. I am actually very relieved to know how easy SSR is to book on short notice. If you do end up switching to SSR, be sure to request a building near the Carriage House, as it is a very large and spread out resort. A simple trip to refill your mug could become quite a hike, depending on the building.

Just as an FYI... when I contacted MS yesterday, they explained to me numerous times that NO OTHER RESORTS had availability for my mid-October trip - not even SSR. This was just yesterday. I requested to speak with a manager, and pleaded my case about this trip being very special (Honeymoon), and expressed my disappointment with the lack of advanced communication notice regarding the closure, thus severely limiting my options to make any changes. The manager sympathized with my plight, as she is also planning her honeymoon (getting married in October). She asked about alternative resort preferences (I explained either BLT or VGF, as I prefer MK area), and low and behold, she was able to work some "magic", and the next thing I hear is "How about BLT Lakeview for your entire stay"!?!?!?

I called MS three times yesterday, and three different CM's told me nothing was available, and thus, nothing could be done. I then received a sympathetic manager, and very calmly explained my case and disappointment, and next thing you know - BLT was booked. I am convinced that if you have a compelling enough argument, you explain yourself in a reasonable fashion, that the managers at MS can "pull some strings" to make some magic happen that otherwise couldn't be done with the normal CM's. You may wish to call back and ask for a manager, but have your argument well thought out and ready to go. Also, remember not to "shoot the messenger" and keep a level head throughout.

 

[Firepath]

We are taking a short (5 nights) trip to celebrate our 25th anniversary the end of Sept. and booked VWL exactly 11 mos. out. DH loves to lounge by the quiet pool (which surely won't be quiet) so we too decided to switch. There was availability at Saratoga for the 5 nights when I first checked. I called DH to verify he wanted to switch and by the time I went back in to do it our first night (Friday) was gone. Now we are wait listed. We are really disappointed. If we'd known a few months back we would've had a lot more options. Andrew, so happy it worked out for your honeymoon! You'll have many anniversaries to celebrate at your "home."

 

[sleepydog25]

I ran across this story while doing some light online reading of headlines, and I thought it to be a fun, nostalgic read. The home sold in this article is Walt's old Carrollwood residence, and the piece has several old photos of the house and railroad Walt built. Very cool!

https://homes.yahoo.com/blogs/space...railroad-sells-for--74-million-225133518.html

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Anniversary DiznyDad and DiznyDi!!!!

 

[sleepydog25]

I second the congratulations!! I know it's a day early, but I will be out of town tomorrow and didn't want such a special occasion to pass unnoticed. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'll also join in an early Happy Anniversary DiznyDi and Dad!!! Have a wonderful day!

I ran across this story while doing some light online reading of headlines, and I thought it to be a fun, nostalgic read. The home sold in this article is Walt's old Carrollwood residence, and the piece has several old photos of the house and railroad Walt built. Very cool!

https://homes.yahoo.com/blogs/space...railroad-sells-for--74-million-225133518.html

haha - I thought the link took me to the wrong spot when the first thing I saw was this picture of a gigantic mansion!! I hadn't realized that the Disney home had been torn down - that's a little sad for this nostalgic lady.

Then the next thing I noted - 8 bedrooms and 17 baths! Cool - every bedroom gets 2 baths plus one to spare!

 

[Kathymford]

Hi Groupies!!

I have been quietly following allow with all the talk of the lodge, and I feel for everyone's disappointment in the pool refurb. I have realized that I have never used any of the pools while at Disney, but I do love how beautiful they are.

Some of you chimed in on my excitement/fear of staying in a 1 bd for a few nights this fall, when I usually stay in a studio. But W&D 1/2 marathon weekend prevented that. Well, I just changed my reservation again, and we are staying 5 whole nights in a 1 bd now. I am so giddy and so scared of this that I don't know what to do with myself (I'm only scared because I know how spoiled I'm going to get with so much space). Anyhow, I just wanted to share with my lodge family.

Overall, I wish we had just booked at the lodge, but alas, OKW is much cheaper points wise. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.