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

[Granny]

Kathy...great pictures...THANKS!!!





Groupies...here's a new one for me. I just this minute received a phone call from a Cast Member. To quote her as well as I remember...

"Good morning. This is [forgot name] from Disney's Wilderness Lodge. I see that you are checking into the Villas at Wilderness Lodge [yes that's what she called them] this Friday, and I wanted to be sure that you are aware of the refurbishments going on there."

I replied "It's a lot more than refurbishments, right? It's construction of the new cabins and pool?"

"Yes sir, that's correct"

I replied "I am very familiar with the construction. In fact, I requested a villa on the construction side of the resort".

"Well, you have a good chance of getting that as most people have requested to be away from the construction".​

After a little more back and forth she thanked me and hung up. I thought it was weird to get this call when we received no call last December when it was all heavy equipment in the area and major construction. I guess despite the reservation site warnings, and Member Services warnings, and emails and letters...they probably still had many upset guests who said they weren't aware of the construction and complained bitterly about it. At least that's my guess.

It was nice to get the phone call, and the CM was the perky sort we have come to love about most CM's at WDW.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Four days until our one-way trip to Orlando and WDW! . . . . . . . . . Meow, meow, meow, me . . .

Wow! What a horrendous task to move. It is a great time, though, to discover all the stuff you thought was valuable but turned out not to be. See you at TOTWL.

 

[princesslayla]

I am getting ready for online check in tomorrow...where is the thread with the room views of the villas? Thanks!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I am getting ready for online check in tomorrow...where is the thread with the room views of the villas? Thanks!

There actually isn't one for VWL - for most of it's life it's been trees.....or trees! At the moment it's construction with lake past that or......trees. You'll find some views posted here and there but nothing was done like for BLT or VGF.

Here's a link to room number maps on DVCNews - just scroll down a bit:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/villas-at-wilderness-lodge/maps-a-photos-2265

 

[princesslayla]

There actually isn't one for VWL - for most of it's life it's been trees.....or trees! At the moment it's construction with lake past that or......trees. You'll find some views posted here and there but nothing was done like for BLT or VGF.

Here's a link to room number maps on DVCNews - just scroll down a bit:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/villas-at-wilderness-lodge/maps-a-photos-2265

Thank you SO MUCH!!!!

 

[Granny]

Okay, Disney is putting the full-court press on the construction communication. Not only did I get that phone call this morning, but here's a clip from the email they sent an hour ago:

We are excited you have chosen Disney’s Wilderness Lodge as your vacation destination and look forward to sharing the magic of the Pacific Northwest [and rocks] with you!

Roaring Fork, our quick-service food and beverage location, will be closed for refurbishment. As an alternative, Territory Lounge is now offering a continental-style breakfast featuring gourmet coffees, pastries and a yogurt parfait.

Additionally, refurbishment work will continue taking place throughout the Resort. To ensure you are best able to plan your visit, we wanted to inform you of the following impacts:

While we work our magic, it is possible that you may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from your Guest room between dusk and 9:00am. Views of the surrounding wilderness will be altered and certain pathways, including the nature trail, will be unavailable. The new balance® RUNNING TRAIL will remain open for your enjoyment.

The leisure pool, Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, will be closed for enhancement along with the marina. During this time, Copper Creek Springs Pool, the feature pool, will remain open for your use. Alternative recreation activities at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Contemporary Resort will also be available to you. Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom® Park will continue to be provided, weather permitting. ​

Interesting that they listed Disney's Wilderness Lodge as our destination. And all right, I admit that the [and rocks] was my addition to the message!

 

[pharmlivin]

Got the same email today for stay June 18-23. I guess that dashes my hope of the pool being completed for our trip. It's all good anyway, we'll swim in the main pool. This is our first stay HOME for a long while. We seem to always be working around construction at WL. I am pretty tired of planning around WL construction for the last few years. I hope this is the end of it. I am ready to come HOME!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Birthday @loribell !!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Wishing @rusafee1183 a very Happy Anniversary!!!

 

[TCRAIG]

A few more pictures from my trip:

Epcot Flower and Garden was beautiful as always! It's long been a favorite time of mine to visit.

The day of the 10K race we once again rested for awhile after returning to VGF as the 3am wake up was awfully early after the 3:30am wake up the morning before! Although honestly those times might have been a bit easier for me as it was like getting up at midnight pacific time which I'm often still up for anyway. We eventually headed into MK for a late lunch I had reserved for us at BOG although first used our FP for 7DMT. It was my cousins first ride on it as was dining at BOG and we thoroughly enjoyed both. At BOG I had what I've always gotten there for lunch - braised pork coq au vin style - and it was as good as it's been in the past. My cousin got the Quinoa salad and said it also was very good. Being tracked by the MB's for the food delivery though was a bit....disconcerting. After that we were off to Peter Pan where I learned that was also a first for my cousin! She's visited with us before so I'm not certain how we missed it with her before but we got it checked off the to do list. After getting off PP we noticed a short line for the Carousel and figured our tired legs wanted to propel us up to the top of the horses and we chose the highest possible. lol This was my mighty steed:

Late afternoon we headed to DHS to meet up with my cousin's nephews wife and kids. They had gotten replacement FP's for Toy Story so we rode that then some of the group went on ToT before we headed off to secure a place to view the Star Wars fireworks. After those ended it was off to the buses and we experienced a major fail. 35-40 minutes and no bus as other locations saw multiple buses and there were already people waiting when we arrived at the stop. One bus did roll in with Poly/GF listed after 20 minutes or so but continued past to the CR stop which was right next to us. A few people went over and the bus driver finally claimed that his sign was stuck....I still think he went to the wrong stop. Eventually someone went to the CM that was watching a cross walk area who contacted transportation and we finally got a bus and managed to squish a little over 1/2 of the people waiting. I hope they got another bus there soon after we left. We had been hoping to get to bed fairly early as my cousin had an MDE pick up of 6:15 am the next morning - up early again! Upon arrival back at the room we found that Trash and towel service had left a little surprised for us:

Powerade and granola bars - A nice touch!

So I was awake at 5:30 am and while my cousin finished packing her last items and getting ready I sat out on the balcony and caught the multiple fireworks that came with the start of the 1/2 Marathon from the MK parking lot. It was also very easy to hear the announcer!

I waved good bye to my cousin at 6 and stayed up long enough to get a couple of photos. It wasn't the most brilliant early morning but here they are:

Amazing pictures Kathy! Thanks for posting

 

[sleepydog25]

Well, Granny, you must have hogged all the calls and emails! We got neither prior to our stay. Weird. Thanks for the pics, KAT, and I don't know if you agree, but the crowd level appears only moderate, even slow at times (such as Epcot this afternoon).

Yesterday, after spending the morning in AK as mentioned earlier, we headed back to the room and did a pool hour or so. Lots of open chairs. Not a fan of the DJ playing music as they've done at other resorts, but it wasn't terribly loud. From there, we went to Epcot to do Frozen only it was pouring, so we gave up the FP and headed to Disney Springs where we poked around a few stores (I bought some cool socks and yet another ball cap) before dining at Paddlefish. We'd been looking forward to this meal as the menu sounded eclectic and right up our alley. First, the decor was noticeably updated and lovely. Very clean and modern but not industrial or cold. It wasn't crowded at all (our ADR was for 5:45), and we asked for a window seat with a view of the water if possible. Though we walked by several open tables looking over the water, we wound up in the back room right next to the server station. We politely asked to be moved, and the server made us feel a bit shamed to ask for a change. We were seated at a two-top right against a wall with a wailing child two tables away. Sigh. Overall, the service was okay, as was the food. I tried the lobster "corn" dogs which were the best thing we ordered. I also went for the crab ceviche--mistake. I ate it, but it had a funky, canned taste to it. I should have sent it back, but I powered on. Luv ordered the octopus & bean appetizer (good but a couple bites of the octopus were chewy) and a side salad. My lobster was the star, and I'd recommend it. Everything else was "meh." The place never got busy, and there were so many open tables near the water, yet we didn't get one. Our overall impression was that it was better as Fulton's Crab House, and that we can't see the need to return anytime soon. Definitely not a must do; not even a "might consider" in the future. Not impressed at all.

This morning, it was off to MK to start the day where we hit the park moments after opening but found 7DMT to already have a 65-minute wait, so we headed to Buzz where Luv slaughtered me. To be fair, she was "driving" and I was often shooting at blank walls. We also did POTC, HM, and People Mover with almost no wait at any of them (HM was less than 10--the others were walk right up). It began raining so we shopped on Main Street (another pair of socks for me) before heading back to our lovely room where we found fresh towels and emptied trash but no Powerade and granola bars. Opting to eat an early lunch, we headed over to Geyser Point, and I have to say, it was very good. We split a cheesy brisket with hand made chips (they'll bring extra for no cost), and it was tasty--the chips were crunchy and delicious. Luv had the grilled portobello salad which was huge but not a starring dish. I ordered the salmon BLT, and it was superb. The salmon wasn't overcooked and the filet was huge--the size of an entree at a topnotch restaurant. The bacon was composed of three big, thick slices, and the waffle fries it came with were fresh, thick, AND crunchy. Best waffle fries I've had, period. $12.95 for the sandwich. For Disney and given the size of the sammie, it's a great bargain as it could easily be shared by two. GP was way better than Paddlefish and much less expensive. After lunch, we spent another hour plus at the pool and had to endure a bingo game and current pop music (as opposed to yesterday's mostly 80s vibe). Just not a fan of parties at pools. From there, we cleaned up and headed to Epcot for our FPs of Mission: Space, Living in the Land, and Soarin'. Actually, we did a FP Soarin' early with one of the FPs bestowed on us by the DVC folks, and then hit it again on the way out of the park after dining at the food booths. Like the new Soarin'; don't love it. Three distinct smells during the flight: savannah grass, jasmine, and some tropical notes during the flyover of Fiji. First time, we were in row 1, middle loading zone. Perfect view. Second time, we were in the far right loading zone, row 2, and the images were warped, especially the Eiffel Tower. Whereas, I gave the old Soarin' an A, I'd give the new one only a B+. Solid but not inspiring, and also, it had too much CGI in it (nearly every tableau). Still, it ain't bad. . .just not as great as it should have been.

Tomorrow? Umm, the Dark Side. The Big U. Oops.

 

[ArielSRL]

His name is Kirk, and his hours are 7-3 with a break for lunch around noon.

Is it weekdays only, do you know?

 

[ArielSRL]

I was coming here to report the email for June guests...though I didn't actually get one, either. I did read about others receiving it, but alas, I never seem to get Disney email anymore.

 

[twokats]

Granny, I got the same phone call Friday before I left on Monday.

 

[DiznyDi]

Granny, I got the same phone call Friday before I left on Monday.

And I received the same call yesterday. I had also received an email about a month ago inviting me to Roaring Fork when I got hungry? Seems someone sent the incorrect one.

Kathy your pictures are wonderful! Many thanks for sharing.

Loving your daily report sleepy. I have no desire to eat at Paddlefish.

2 more sleeps.....

 

[Dizny Dad]

So I mentioned to DiznyDi this morning (when dressing in the dark) that there were only two (2) more sleeps . . . She confirmed my suspicions; she said "well, maybe a half". We'll see you in The World.

 

[horselover]

Okay, Disney is putting the full-court press on the construction communication. Not only did I get that phone call this morning, but here's a clip from the email they sent an hour ago:

We are excited you have chosen Disney’s Wilderness Lodge as your vacation destination and look forward to sharing the magic of the Pacific Northwest [and rocks] with you!

Roaring Fork, our quick-service food and beverage location, will be closed for refurbishment. As an alternative, Territory Lounge is now offering a continental-style breakfast featuring gourmet coffees, pastries and a yogurt parfait.

Additionally, refurbishment work will continue taking place throughout the Resort. To ensure you are best able to plan your visit, we wanted to inform you of the following impacts:

While we work our magic, it is possible that you may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from your Guest room between dusk and 9:00am. Views of the surrounding wilderness will be altered and certain pathways, including the nature trail, will be unavailable. The new balance® RUNNING TRAIL will remain open for your enjoyment.

The leisure pool, Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, will be closed for enhancement along with the marina. During this time, Copper Creek Springs Pool, the feature pool, will remain open for your use. Alternative recreation activities at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Contemporary Resort will also be available to you. Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom® Park will continue to be provided, weather permitting. ​

Interesting that they listed Disney's Wilderness Lodge as our destination. And all right, I admit that the [and rocks] was my addition to the message!

Not just VWL but BWV too. I've received 3 separate emails telling me I might hear contruction outside. Ok I get it, thanks! No phone call though.

Sly - mmmmmmm cheesy brisket! Can't wait to have that again this weekend. If you have time try to hit up Homecomin'. Can't say enough good things about it (assuming you like comfort food). It's my new favorite Disney restaurant & now a must do for every trip. Can't wait to go there soon too! All my trips revolve around food now.

3 more sleeps for me & I'm with Di. Really more like 2 1/2 sleeps because I have a 5:45 am flight out on Sat. Hardly seems worth it to even go to bed. I'll need to leave my house at 3:30. But at least I'll have the full day right? More time for food.

 

[TCRAIG]

Not just VWL but BWV too. I've received 3 separate emails telling me I might hear contruction outside. Ok I get it, thanks! No phone call though.

Sly - mmmmmmm cheesy brisket! Can't wait to have that again this weekend. If you have time try to hit up Homecomin'. Can't say enough good things about it (assuming you like comfort food). It's my new favorite Disney restaurant & now a must do for every trip. Can't wait to go there soon too! All my trips revolve around food now.

3 more sleeps for me & I'm with Di. Really more like 2 1/2 sleeps because I have a 5:45 am flight out on Sat. Hardly seems worth it to even go to bed. I'll need to leave my house at 3:30. But at least I'll have the full day right? More time for food.

TCraig and The Hubs (Tricia and Jerry) - we're leaving tomorrow for 3 nights at Hilton Park Soleil then into BLT til the 13th. Probably won't make the Groupie get together on Friday 5th since we won't have access to TOWL plus FP+ for ROL - but will be there for Monday the 8th Groupie - providing that's the right date/place! Jim and Tammy - will y'all be there?

 

[DenLo]

Four days until our one-way trip to Orlando and WDW! We've moved in with my eldest daughter while the packers pack us today and tomorrow, and move our goods on Thursday. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, our cat hates moving in with my eldest and is stuck in a bedroom until we fly to FL. She'll be carry-on luggage and fit underneath the seat in front of us. It should be an interesting 2+ hour flight. Meow, meow, meow, me....

That reminds me of a trip to Orlando once. During the first 2 ½ hours of the flight I carried a conversation on and off with the woman next to me. But during the last 30 minutes her cat decided she had been trapped long enough. The woman held the carrier in her lap and talked to the cat until notified by the crew that we were landing.

I have to admit that I was dumbfounded. Never even thought about animals in the plane. And since I am highly allergic to cats it was probably a good thing that I didn't know. No worries that way. LOL And thankfully no asthma attacks either.

Have you consulted her vet about giving her a tranquilizer, so she won't be so freaked out? I know some owners do that for dogs, but not sure if it is possible for cats.

Good luck with the move and new job and I hope it will not be so traumatic for your kitty either.

 

[Flossbolna]

There is an article here on the DIS (on the wdwinfo side of the site) about the Wilderness Lodge. I just saw it, have not read it, but it looks interesting:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/walt-disney-world/the-history-of-disneys-wilderness-lodge-part-one/