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

[KAT4DISNEY]

A bit more from my trip. I headed over to MK Sunday morning and hopped on the Railroad after getting thru the gate. The train was at the station so I trotted up the stairs and cruised on just before they headed off on their trip around the Magic Kingdom. It was a short trip as I exited at the first stop in Frontierland and walked over to use my FP at Big Thunder - my favorite coaster at MK. After that I had a FP for Jungle Cruise but I also had a lunch reservation at Liberty Tree that I had made shortly before heading over and I didn't think I'd make it thru the ride before that so I took a leisurely stroll thru the shops and then went and checked in. This was my first time having lunch at this location. Originally my intent was to have the burger but I decided instead on the Corn Fritters for an App followed by the Liberty salad. The fritters came out.....and I realized I hadn't really thought about what they were! I had a couple but I really had been thinking about Corn bread. Oops!

So then I was looking for the salad.....and waiting.....and looking.....and waiting.....
I'm not certain how long I waited but eventually the waitress showed up and was surprised I hadn't received it yet and went off to find out what happened. After another 5 minutes or so my wait was over.....and no picture. Finally I wanted to try the Ooey Gooey Toffee cake I had long read about:

Definitely a yummy sweet treat! At this point I was waiting for the bill when the waitress came over and said everything was good - they were taking care of the entire bill! It was more than was necessary for whatever had happened with the salad but I appreciated it! After that I did a quick trip over to Peter Pan again for my last FP and then back to Frontierland to resume my train ride all the way around to the front of the park. From there I headed back to GF to get my car to go over to check out the CCV models before I headed over for a Safari FP I had gotten at AK.

I arrived right at 3PM and learned a member showing was just heading out however one of the desk CM's took me over to look thru on my own. I just went thru CCV as I've seen and stayed at both PVB and Aulani. (and Sleepy I agree - Aulani is spectacular and quality shines thru out!) The CCV models and my thoughts on them were not altered but I still have to say - what were they thinking with those cabinet choices?! BLT has nothing on them. And the platform beds - nice except too big - shin bruises just waiting to happen. Overall it felt tight to me - especially the 1BR living room but they did what they could with the space in what were some of the smallest Deluxe hotel rooms that Disney had and did manage to provide a good amount of storage. AND - the studio fridge had a freezer!!! I commented about it while another guide was waiting for his people to look around and he said "that was good input to hear". I know I missed that little freezer section at VGF and shared that too. I took no pictures there as there are plenty floating around and I was needing to head back to VGF to drop off the car and head to AK for a Safari FP. The quick CCV tour did confirm my decision to stick to VWL in the fall for the couple of nights we have there and not switch to CCV when the booking opened on the 26th. I'll leave CCV for a future stay.

 

[wildernessDad]

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.

Yes, we have a sedative for her. Reminds me of, "Give him a sed-a-give!"

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

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).

.

I would agree it wasn't bad at all Sleepy and I bet it's even better this week with no racers wandering around. Never felt overwhelmed and ride waits were not terrible for the most part. As for the powerade and granola bars - you most apparently are not one with the correct Darkside but do let us know how the other darkside is!

Bummer on Paddlefish! I hadn't eaten at that location in years but DH and my niece really enjoyed lunch on the Empress Lilly a few years ago while I was conferencing. Oops - too far back. Fulton's! Some people really just shouldn't be in the service industry and often wonder why they don't get requested by returning customers or better tips.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

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.

Just a quick note on this as I used to travel with my Basenji after she went all separation anxiety psychotic for me in her later years. Tranquilizers are tricky when flying and often not recommended if possible as the effects can vary when traveling by air. I did the full recommended dose on our first flight and never again after that as I spent most of the time checking to see if she was breathing as her respiration got very slow. And I had done a test run on land with her a week or two in advance in the carrier and not had the same effect. We eventually settled on 1/4 dose if anything as she adjusted well to the travel. And for dogs tranquilizers are not recommend for pushed in nose breeds such as bull dogs, pugs, pekes, etc.

 

[sleepydog25]

Is it weekdays only, do you know?

I think so.

 

[sleepydog25]

Back from the U. As at the World, the crowd level was low--no more than a 15-minute wait for any ride during our time there. We arrived a bit later than we wanted--a few minutes before opening at 9, and we still had to exchange our vouchers for tix. We got into the park around 9:15 and proceeded to the new Gringott's ride--did it twice in less than 20 minutes. Took the train to Hogshead and rode Forbidden Journey with little wait. We also rode King Kong, The Mummy, Transformers, and Rip Ride Rockets. I enjoyed the rides, especially Rockets, but so many of their rides are 3D. . .and they spit at you. Luv remarked at one point, "why don't they just issue 3D glasses at the gate?" Good fun and glad we went, but you just aren't quite immersed in the experience as you are at the Mouse. Anyway, we scratched that itch (and my Butterbeer jonesing) and had a really good time with minimal waits--can't beat that. For dinner, we headed to Il Mulino and, as usual, it was superb, especially given we saved with the TIW. The only thing we hated today was the $20 parking fee at the U. We're not used to paying! Looking forward to seeing the Groupies in a couple of days!

 

[DiznyDi]

OK Groupies, after this posting, I'm packing up the computer.

Julie, we're right there with you - we leave our home at 3:45 AM for an early flight. We will, however, be at the Lodge before noon. Where is Homecomin'? I'm unfamiliar with this place.

See you soon - in the World.

 

[TCRAIG]

OK Groupies, after this posting, I'm packing up the computer.

Julie, we're right there with you - we leave our home at 3:45 AM for an early flight. We will, however, be at the Lodge before noon. Where is Homecomin'? I'm unfamiliar with this place.

See you soon - in the World.

Safe Trip!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday Loribell!!!!

Happy Anniversary rusafee1183!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Kat Loving the pictures!!

Sleepy Great trip reports, and interesting take on comparison of Paddlefish to GP. Its sad that we can spend so much and get so little at some fancy places, then you go to the lesser places and get a great experience. Looking 4wd to trying GP! As for Gringotts, well done IMO but as you say, The U definitely doesn't immerse you like the Mouse does, thus the continous draw for me

Horselover It seems our trips are of the same nature, food 1st, then lets do other things

Craig Sadly, we will not be there this time. We are scheduled for May 19-27. Tammy works for a local acct. firm and her busy time gets cranked up after the tax season with billing, etc. So between that, Mothers Day, her moms Bday, our May trips got pushed out till the end of May. Believe me, wish we could be there with all you folks, looks like the BHGM is going to be a blast. We will be there in Spirit for sure and I will be thinking of you folks!

Dad and Di Safe travels, we will miss not seeing y'all this go round

WD All our best for the move to go smoothly and becoming a Floridian goes well. I can't think of a better way to become a native than thinking, where do we eat tonight, well anywhere in WDW will work

 

[TCRAIG]

Kat Loving the pictures!!

Sleepy Great trip reports, and interesting take on comparison of Paddlefish to GP. Its sad that we can spend so much and get so little at some fancy places, then you go to the lesser places and get a great experience. Looking 4wd to trying GP!

Horselover It seems our trips are of the same nature, food 1st, then lets do other things

Craig Sadly, we will not be there this time. We are scheduled for May 19-27. Tammy works for a local acct. firm and her busy time gets cranked up after the tax season with billing, etc. So between that, Mothers Day, her moms Bday, our May trips got pushed out till the end of May. Believe me, wish we could be there with all you folks, looks like the BHGM is going to be a blast. We will be there in Spirit for sure and I will be thinking of you folks!

Dad and Di Safe travels, we will miss not seeing y'all this go round

WD All our best for the move to go smoothly and becoming a Floridian goes well. I can't think of a better way to become a native than thinking, where do we eat tonight, well anywhere in WDW will work

You'll be missed!

 

[twokats]

Happy Birthday Loribell

Happy Anniversary Rusafee1183

Hope y'all have great days!!

 

[ArielSRL]

but so many of their rides are 3D

I would so love to check out HP and have my kids see SeussLand but other than that, I'm not sure what we would do there. My body is not a fan of 3D and simulator rides (Soarin' is about my limit) and my kids are still small (5 & 3). So at this point we are just putting it on hold.

Glad you guys enjoyed your mini-visit though!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

OK Groupies, after this posting, I'm packing up the computer.

Julie, we're right there with you - we leave our home at 3:45 AM for an early flight. We will, however, be at the Lodge before noon. Where is Homecomin'? I'm unfamiliar with this place.

See you soon - in the World.

Safe travels and have a great trip Di and Rich!

 

[sleepydog25]

Happy birthdays to rusafee and Loribell!

Another good day so far. We woke up early and opted to not be too lazy. We got to Epcot a good half hour before opening, and since we had missed our FP to Frozen earlier in the week, we hoofed it straight there at rope drop. They herd you to a line just off the entrance to Akershus before walking you down to the ride. Ride was cute and reasonably well done, but now that we've done it, no need to do it again anytime soon. We checked Starbucks (not open, grrrrr), so we did TT--64.9 mph! By the time we finished and walked back, S'bux was open. Yay! On a whim, checked 1900 PF for a breakfast opening and got 10:40. So, we drove to the GF, had pics taken with Mary Poppins, Pooh, and Tigger--Alice passed us by (and two other tables, as well), while the Mad Hatter was out in the hallway doing the photo op. You now enter 1900 via the hostess stand next to the Cafe, and then you exit through the old entrance. Worked fine. Wasn't terribly crowded, either. As usual, it's buffet food but generally a cut above most others. Not sure why, but the strawberry soup always calls for me. I answer.

Tonight is Tiffins where we're meeting a couple of Luv's acquaintances and then have an FP for ROL. Will let you know how that goes.

 

[momtwoboys]

Happy birthdays to rusafee and Loribell!

Another good day so far. We woke up early and opted to not be too lazy. We got to Epcot a good half hour before opening, and since we had missed our FP to Frozen earlier in the week, we hoofed it straight there at rope drop. They herd you to a line just off the entrance to Akershus before walking you down to the ride. Ride was cute and reasonably well done, but now that we've done it, no need to do it again anytime soon. We checked Starbucks (not open, grrrrr), so we did TT--64.9 mph! By the time we finished and walked back, S'bux was open. Yay! On a whim, checked 1900 PF for a breakfast opening and got 10:40. So, we drove to the GF, had pics taken with Mary Poppins, Pooh, and Tigger--Alice passed us by (and two other tables, as well), while the Mad Hatter was out in the hallway doing the photo op. You now enter 1900 via the hostess stand next to the Cafe, and then you exit through the old entrance. Worked fine. Wasn't terribly crowded, either. As usual, it's buffet food but generally a cut above most others. Not sure why, but the strawberry soup always calls for me. I answer.

Tonight is Tiffins where we're meeting a couple of Luv's acquaintances and then have an FP for ROL. Will let you know how that goes.

Love all these live updates.. stuff like this keeps me happy till the next trip.. 344 days.

 

[jimmytammy]

We are in Charlottesville VA for the weekend. Def Leppard concert tomorrow night. So we are checking out Monitcello tomorrow eating some great food(told you Julie)and just taking it easy
Sat headed back home to go with dd and dsil to se Mamma Mia. I introed dd a few yrs ago to Abba and she has been a fan ever since. I think this will be her 4th time seeing MM

 

[TCRAIG]

We are in Charlottesville VA for the weekend. Def Leppard concert tomorrow night. So we are checking out Monitcello tomorrow eating some great food(told you Julie)and just taking it easy
Sat headed back home to go with dd and dsil to se Mamma Mia. I introed dd a few yrs ago to Abba and she has been a fan ever since. I think this will be her 4th time seeing MM

Love Momma Mia! Have a great time!!

 

[Granny]

We are in Charlottesville VA for the weekend. Def Leppard concert tomorrow night. So we are checking out Monitcello tomorrow eating some great food(told you Julie)and just taking it easy
Sat headed back home to go with dd and dsil to se Mamma Mia. I introed dd a few yrs ago to Abba and she has been a fan ever since. I think this will be her 4th time seeing MM

Enjoy your weekend in my old stompin' grounds...I went to school there. Go Cavs!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have just a few more photos and couple hours left of the trip so I better finish!

After going to see the CCV models at SSR I had a busy plan for the next 6 hours - AKV, Epcot and my last viewing of Wishes at MK! This gave me a reason to test out the Express bus service they are doing park to park. So I took my car back to VGF and I have to share what my rental wasn't - it wasn't the normal white Chevy Cruz or Black Hyundai. Nope - it was easy to find in the parking lot!.

On to the Express bus service. It's a far better deal if you get it for the week or whatever the longest length is but we'll have a longer stay in Oct so I thought I'd see how it went before we thought about using it for multiple people....ie, was it worth it. I left with mixed thoughts though - they really don't have their ducks in a row yet even though it's been operating for a few months now. Still, it got me around to what I wanted to do.

First, the resort bus to AK where I did a quick ride on Everest and then my Safari FP although the standby line was not long at all. It was late afternoon on a hot day so I wasn't certain how the animal viewing would be but it was a good ride!

\

One of 3 young giraffe we had to wait to cross the road:

The Rhinos were enjoying a "bath"!:

I needed a real camera for the rest though - the Cheetahs were all in view, the male Lion, the Warthogs, the Zebras, an Ostrich etc but my phone pictures were not good of them however here are a couple:

From there I headed over to the Express bus stop at AK which is in the Tusker House/Daiwa Bar area. The CM was having issues with the system which became the theme for this service. She then offered to let them know at Epcot to do my payment there so that I wouldn't miss the bus - very nice! As it turned out I actually could have just done the test for free because when I arrived at Epcot the CM's there knew nothing about it. Then they couldn't take my payment either - problems with the system. They said I'd have to go up to GS which I said I could do but a CM wanted to walk me up - and I learned the reason she did that was to get them to provide me with 3 FP's for the inconvenience. Again, nice and no, I don't normally get the things I got on this day! I had what I figured was just enough time to ride Soarin which I hadn't done yet this trip before I needed to head to the America Gardens theatre for the reason I was there - to see The Orchestra - former members of ELO. I got pulled up to the ride about to go into Soarin so it was next to no wait. That meant I had time to get a few items from the food booths (Canada for the Tenderloin and France for the Onion tart and La Vie en Rose frozen slush) before I found a great seat and waited for the show which I really enjoyed.

After they finished I had another couple of items (Potato pancake with apple sauce - not a favorite - and a warm cheese strudel with berries - which was a favorite! - and picked up a Bubble Tea in Japan) before heading back to the Express bus to MK:

Good night Epcot!

The Express bus drops off back in the old theater area by Buzz Lightyear so I had to head in for a quick ride before I caught up with my cousin's son and family for Wishes. I maxed out my gun so moved over to the second one. Pictures are a must in our family to prove scores when you ride alone! I got a couple of "that's sick" comments back when I sent the picture off.

The Tea Cups looked very pretty so I stopped for a picture:

I found my relatives and we chatted while waiting for the fireworks. They were visiting with friends who had a son celebrating a birthday and were able to get a last minute BOG reservation for 9:15 and they got paged just a minute or two after the fireworks started. Luckily they had a couple more days left on their trip and were able to see Wishes again before they left but this was my last farewell to a show I've enjoyed many times thru the years:

At this point MK was open for another 45 minutes but I had an awful 6 am flight so I headed towards the front of the park - walking past the castle having one of the projection shows:

Made it back to VGF, finished packing all the rest that I could and headed to bed before my 4th early morning wake up alarm! Whew! I needed to get home so I could get some sleep!