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

[ottawagreg]

I for one would like to see the Harambe night pictures!

http://s85.photobucket.com/user/ottawagreg/slideshow/Harambe Nights

I made a slideshow and the link is here. It won't take up a lot of space on the thread, and it is faster than uploading the pics. I'm concerned that I don't bore people with pictures they don't care about.

It was a really nice evening though. Probably a highlight in our trip. I have lots more of the stage show. But I think these capture the theme pretty well.

greg

 

[MaryJ]

Extra Magic Hours

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the work at the pool is finished on time. We will be at VWL Dec. 15-21.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks to all for the happy anniversary wishes! We took a quick trip to HHI to celebrate; however, we didn't stay at the DVC locale but rather across the street at the Marriott HHI Resort and Spa. We loved it! We started working this trip several months ago (and by "we" I mean mostly luv ), and though we didn't have any luck with HHI DVC, we found an exceptional rate for an oceanfront room that included a $100 spa credit. Of course, we all know that sometimes "oceanfront" can be misleading, so we had some apprehension. Further, there was that nasty tropical storm cum hurricane that was also threatening our time there. Neither worry was warranted as the 7th floor room had an amazing view (pictures to come), and Arthur just missed SC and scooted out ahead of our arrival.

We spent time at the beach, by the pool, shopping, working out, and best of all: eating fresh seafood. We dropped by the DVC property to walk around. I had stayed there 8-9 years ago and had fond memories of it, but luv had not. She loved the look of the resort, the feel of it, and how it had just enough Disney. We asked the front desk about a model, and of course, there were none. However, I had the notion that if we walked around long enough, we'd find a room being cleaned and could poke our head into it since we knew they'd been recently renovated. We struck gold. We noticed an open door to a 2BR unit with a DVC service cart parked near the steps. I knocked but no one answered, and the unit was completely clean and void of any personal effects. However, it smelled strongly of electrical-type smoke. As the unit was wide open--all doors and several windows were propped open--we walked in and looked around. I got no pics but did get some video, and if I can figure how to post it, I will. The 2BR was gorgeous! After a minute or so, we stepped away and began to leave when I saw a CM. Turns out someone had managed to turn the oven to the self-clean mode, thus the cause of the smell. Lucky us!

Our shopping netted us some new casual shoes for me, a skirt, top, and some accessories for luv, a couple of HHI DVC items (they didn't have much), and two new golf clubs for me. As for the weather, it was superb the whole time with some rain a couple of days, but that's SOP at Hilton Head. Our spa package turned into a couples massage as the front desk clerk "magically" turned our $100 spa credit into $200. We so love massages! Finally, the food was the highlight of the trip. I ate fried oysters every day (sometimes twice a day) and availed myself of the locally caught, fresh seafood at every meal save one which was our anniversary dinner at a fantastic Italian place called OMBRA Cucina Rustica at Wexford Village. Simply topnotch food all around. I even invented a new breakfast item (with some assistance from luv ): Low Country Eggs Benedict I call it. At the place we ate brunch today before skedaddling home (more on that in a moment), I asked if they could get me a side order of fried oysters to go with my eggs benedict. I slid the ham off, put on the oysters, added the Hollandaise sauce on top, liberally added cocktail sauce to it, then finished them with fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Heavenly, just heavenly. For the record, here are highlights of some of the places where we ate:
The Black Marlin: excellent food, superb outdoor eating area, views were just okay. Specialty area seemed to be island-based items such as a sushi taco that had fresh pineapple, cucumbers, and a lovely chili sauce.
Hudson's: Great locale, nice views, and achingly good food. Their daily specials change twice a day based on what their boats bring in. Can't get much better than that. She-crab bisque was otherwordly. Best I've had.
Skull Creek Boathouse: Best all-around seafood meal we had. Their conch, octopus, and ahi tuna ceviche was stunning, and their wine list had one of our favorites. It's a good local-looking joint that obviously has built a reputation since it's reportedly crowded all the time. We went on the 4th for dinner and had a two-hour wait. We somehow found a seat at the bar and just ordered there instead. Definitely worth it. This was also where I had the oysters eggs benedict.
OMBRA: All pastas are homemade, as well as the breads and desserts. Top of the line meats and seafood, so I opted for the lobster ravioli in a cream sherry sauce and luv had tagliatelli bolognese made with short rib meat--she liked it better than her own recipe! Magnificent meal, and the service was great--we were given not only a complimentary glass of Prosecco but a limoncello after dinner, as well.

The drive home was maddening as the back up to get on I-95 was a good 15 minutes, then I-95 and I-26 at times resembled parking lots. Took us two hours to get from the HHI exit to the I-26 exit, then another 2.5 hours to get from there to Charlotte. Finally, from just outside of Charlotte to home we made good time. Glad to be back, safe and sound.

Again, thanks for all the well-wishers on our anniversary! You guys are the best.

 

[ottawagreg]

Sleepy,

I enjoyed this post. I have vacationed in Hilton Head three or four times. Golf trips with guys that I worked with. We golfed in the day and at night we would go for dinner and other stuff I can't talk about here. I have golfed at Old South, Shipyard, Hilton Head National, and Indigo Run (Nicklaus course), and maybe a few more. The restaurants are very, very good there. I recall one that was german food but cannot remember the name.

I would really like to go there again. If you rate VWL a ten, where on the scale would you place HHI resort? Does HHI DVC have access to private courses, or discount rates for others? Also, what is there to do do on WDW property there or within walking distance for the girls while I am golfing?

It will be hard to convince them to pass on VWL, but if I had to choose another destination besides the castle I think that would be it.

thanks. greg

 

[sleepydog25]

Sleepy,

I enjoyed this post. I have vacationed in Hilton Head three or four times. Golf trips with guys that I worked with. We golfed in the day and at night we would go for dinner and other stuff I can't talk about here. I have golfed at Old South, Shipyard, Hilton Head National, and Indigo Run (Nicklaus course), and maybe a few more. The restaurants are very, very good there. I recall one that was german food but cannot remember the name.

I would really like to go there again. If you rate VWL a ten, where on the scale would you place HHI resort? Does HHI DVC have access to private courses, or discount rates for others? Also, what is there to do do on WDW property there or within walking distance for the girls while I am golfing?

It will be hard to convince them to pass on VWL, but if I had to choose another destination besides the castle I think that would be it.

thanks. greg

Thanks, Greg! Glad you enjoyed the quick read. On to your questions:

1) If you rate VWL a ten, where on the scale would you place HHI resort? In terms of being immersed in Disney: 7. In terms of a vacation destination: 10. In other words, all of the Disney experience takes place right there at the resort (and its private beach house). You have friendly CMs, Disney touches everywhere (a Bambi topiary rests out front of the main building, e.g.), familiar activities (campfire and s'mores), and Mickey waffles are even available at the QS at the main resort. Beyond that, there are no parks, no Disney restaurants (aside from the QS), and very little Disney souvenirs. Thus, if your girls want Disney 24/7, then HHI isn't the place to go. However, if a light touch of Disney combined with other wonderful non-Disney aspects would appeal to them, then I highly recommend going to HHI.
2) Does HHI DVC have access to private courses, or discount rates for others? Of that, I'm uncertain. I'm sure they can suggest places to play, and I believe there are packages available for golfers who don't want to stay at a given hotel but just golf at various courses.
3) Also, what is there to do do on WDW property there or within walking distance for the girls while I am golfing? The great thing about HHI as a whole is that it can be navigated easily on bike or on foot. Disney's main resort, for example, is located roughly 1.5 miles (and reminds me of the path between FW and VWL) from its private beach house, and there is a very scenic bike path that takes you directly there. In fact, HHI has a sprawling biking/running/walking trail system that seems to encompass most of the island. The portion of the path that connects Disney's HHI resort to the beach is well-traveled since several other resorts, condos, and guest homes are nearby--in fact, you pass by many of them on the bike path which is well-populated with bikers, runners, and walkers from sun up to sun down, thus no safety issues at all. Moreover, the path goes under the main thoroughfare that separates Disney's HHI from the beach. If they don't want to bike or walk to the beach, Disney provides a free shuttle service that runs every 10-15 minutes all day long. I've never seen it crowded since most people walk or bike (or you can even drive yourself). At Disney's beach house, there is private access to the public beach, a swimming pool, a pool bar, and a QS counter. All it takes is your room key to get in. The main resort has a pool (with a slide) and a hot tub, and they can arrange activities such as kayaking, fishing, and more.

Aside from going strictly Disney, there are many activities to enjoy at HHI. I don't know if your girls enjoy shopping, but if they do, there are tons of little shops and then there is the Tanger outlet mall. It has not one but two main shopping areas. Name the retailer and they likely have a shop there: Gap, Coach, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Marshalls, ad nauseum. Seriously, you could spend two whole days just browsing the shops. We spent about three hours one afternoon and barely covered half of Tanger 2 as they call it. We never got to Tanger 1 which sits next to Tanger 2, but I don't believe they're connected. There are tours to Savannah, movie theaters, several miniature golf courses, fishing, boating, tennis, live theater (there is an arts center five minutes away, and they were doing "Pump Boys and Dinettes" while we were there). There are spa packages available if they like massages or manis/pedis. Of course, the beach itself is a huge draw, and you can rent two chairs and an umbrella from the Beach Patrol (at the beach) for $32 a day or take your own. The convenience of renting is not having to haul your stuff, plus they put it up and take it down for you. You can even reserve them ahead of time. Finally, if they enjoy eating, there is everything from fresh seafood to great pizza to gelato places. Again, many of these activities are a short bike ride or slightly longer walk away from the resort.

For us, this was a more relaxing vacation than going to WDW. When in FL, the parks are the draw, along with the immersion in all things Disney. At HHI, the beach (and its related vibe) presents itself as a way to unwind, kick back with flip-flops, and soak up rays or hit that little white ball to your heart's content. We loved it.

 

[blossomz]

Getting excited! Heading out on the wonder to Alaska! Leaving Friday!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Getting excited! Heading out on the wonder to Alaska! Leaving Friday!

Awesome blossomz! Look forward to hearing about it. Have a great trip!

 

[jimmytammy]

Getting excited! Heading out on the wonder to Alaska! Leaving Friday!

Cant wait to hear about your trip, Have Fun!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks to all for the happy anniversary wishes! We took a quick trip to HHI to celebrate; however, we didn't stay at the DVC locale but rather across the street at the Marriott HHI Resort and Spa. We loved it! We started working this trip several months ago (and by "we" I mean mostly luv ), and though we didn't have any luck with HHI DVC, we found an exceptional rate for an oceanfront room that included a $100 spa credit. Of course, we all know that sometimes "oceanfront" can be misleading, so we had some apprehension. Further, there was that nasty tropical storm cum hurricane that was also threatening our time there. Neither worry was warranted as the 7th floor room had an amazing view (pictures to come), and Arthur just missed SC and scooted out ahead of our arrival.

We spent time at the beach, by the pool, shopping, working out, and best of all: eating fresh seafood. We dropped by the DVC property to walk around. I had stayed there 8-9 years ago and had fond memories of it, but luv had not. She loved the look of the resort, the feel of it, and how it had just enough Disney. We asked the front desk about a model, and of course, there were none. However, I had the notion that if we walked around long enough, we'd find a room being cleaned and could poke our head into it since we knew they'd been recently renovated. We struck gold. We noticed an open door to a 2BR unit with a DVC service cart parked near the steps. I knocked but no one answered, and the unit was completely clean and void of any personal effects. However, it smelled strongly of electrical-type smoke. As the unit was wide open--all doors and several windows were propped open--we walked in and looked around. I got no pics but did get some video, and if I can figure how to post it, I will. The 2BR was gorgeous! After a minute or so, we stepped away and began to leave when I saw a CM. Turns out someone had managed to turn the oven to the self-clean mode, thus the cause of the smell. Lucky us!

Our shopping netted us some new casual shoes for me, a skirt, top, and some accessories for luv, a couple of HHI DVC items (they didn't have much), and two new golf clubs for me. As for the weather, it was superb the whole time with some rain a couple of days, but that's SOP at Hilton Head. Our spa package turned into a couples massage as the front desk clerk "magically" turned our $100 spa credit into $200. We so love massages! Finally, the food was the highlight of the trip. I ate fried oysters every day (sometimes twice a day) and availed myself of the locally caught, fresh seafood at every meal save one which was our anniversary dinner at a fantastic Italian place called OMBRA Cucina Rustica at Wexford Village. Simply topnotch food all around. I even invented a new breakfast item (with some assistance from luv ): Low Country Eggs Benedict I call it. At the place we ate brunch today before skedaddling home (more on that in a moment), I asked if they could get me a side order of fried oysters to go with my eggs benedict. I slid the ham off, put on the oysters, added the Hollandaise sauce on top, liberally added cocktail sauce to it, then finished them with fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Heavenly, just heavenly. For the record, here are highlights of some of the places where we ate:
The Black Marlin: excellent food, superb outdoor eating area, views were just okay. Specialty area seemed to be island-based items such as a sushi taco that had fresh pineapple, cucumbers, and a lovely chili sauce.
Hudson's: Great locale, nice views, and achingly good food. Their daily specials change twice a day based on what their boats bring in. Can't get much better than that. She-crab bisque was otherwordly. Best I've had.
Skull Creek Boathouse: Best all-around seafood meal we had. Their conch, octopus, and ahi tuna ceviche was stunning, and their wine list had one of our favorites. It's a good local-looking joint that obviously has built a reputation since it's reportedly crowded all the time. We went on the 4th for dinner and had a two-hour wait. We somehow found a seat at the bar and just ordered there instead. Definitely worth it. This was also where I had the oysters eggs benedict.
OMBRA: All pastas are homemade, as well as the breads and desserts. Top of the line meats and seafood, so I opted for the lobster ravioli in a cream sherry sauce and luv had tagliatelli bolognese made with short rib meat--she liked it better than her own recipe! Magnificent meal, and the service was great--we were given not only a complimentary glass of Prosecco but a limoncello after dinner, as well.

The drive home was maddening as the back up to get on I-95 was a good 15 minutes, then I-95 and I-26 at times resembled parking lots. Took us two hours to get from the HHI exit to the I-26 exit, then another 2.5 hours to get from there to Charlotte. Finally, from just outside of Charlotte to home we made good time. Glad to be back, safe and sound.

Again, thanks for all the well-wishers on our anniversary! You guys are the best.

We have yet to make a stay at HH, but sounds like a really cool place. May have to make a trip soon

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday brobrosmom!!!!

 

[DiznyDi]

sleepy thanks for sharing your anniversary trip with us! Sounds like you had a wonderful time! We've not ever been to HH either, but it's on the 'bucket' list.

Get those bags packed blossom! Friday will be here before you know it! What a fabulous trip. Take lots of pictures and tell us all about it!

Wishing brobrosmom a very Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day!

 

[eliza61]

Happy birthday brobrosmom!! hope your day will be magical.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Getting excited! Heading out on the wonder to Alaska! Leaving Friday!

Whooo hooo! Have fun blossomz....we demand tons of pics!!!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Happy Anniversary Sleepy & Luv......
Sorry this is late. I was in WDW and St Augustine visiting my daughter June 27 to July 4. Came home and had 10 hrs between when we got home and when I had to be in work. Plus school.....I am behind. But sounds like you had a lovely anniversary trip to HH. We have stayed at the DVC HH for only 2 nights as a stopover to driving our daughter to FSU and move-in in 2010. Love the area!!!! We ate at the Sea Trawler which I understand is now re-opened as Sunset Bay and not as good. We ate dinner and watched dolphin in the windows overlooking the bay. Great food (then). Also ate at the Salty Dog. The massages sounded heavenly! Glad it was a nice trip for you both!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Happy birthday brobrosmom!! hope your day will be magical.

Yes...I second that! Happy birthday brobrosmom!!!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Happy Anniversary Sleepy & Luv......
Sorry this is late. I was in WDW and St Augustine visiting my daughter June 27 to July 4. Came home and had 10 hrs between when we got home and when I had to be in work. Plus school.....I am behind. But sounds like you had a lovely anniversary trip to HH. We have stayed at the DVC HH for only 2 nights as a stopover to driving our daughter to FSU and move-in in 2010. Love the area!!!! We ate at the Sea Trawler which I understand is now re-opened as Sunset Bay and not as good. We ate dinner and watched dolphin in the windows overlooking the bay. Great food (then). Also ate at the Salty Dog. The massages sounded heavenly! Glad it was a nice trip for you both!

Such a cute picture! Thank you! (And again, thanks to the other well-wishers, too!) We did ample research on spots to eat--it's a kind of therapy for luv --and we enjoyed every one. Our problem was choosing among them! We chose our eateries mostly off their menu, then location, then reviews since the latter is so subjective. We're already planning our next trip down and have considered buying a few points there for an every other year trip. The points won't likely happen, but we're keeping our options open.

 

[ottawagreg]

Thanks, Greg! Glad you enjoyed the quick read. On to your questions:......

Sleepy, Thank you very much for taking the time to write such a detailed response. I shared it with my wife and she found it very informative. We are planning a Christmas trip to the lodge this year, and going to Orlando in summer to maximize our annual passes. Christmas 2015 maybe worthwhile for us. Downtown Savannah is very inviting. We like the history of early Americana it would be a quiet and relaxing getaway. I gold in almost any weather, so that is not a big deal. Thanks for being so kind.

greg

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Birthday brobrosmom!

 

[twinklebug]

Hi Groupies, Just (literally) got back in from a nice visit to VWL. Had the most amazing thunderstorm this afternoon as we prepared to leave. I adore T-Storms, but this one was hitting too close around the lodge over and over and over again. Think I jumped and left my skin back in Florida.

Quick news I noticed: the falls are still under renovation and will be for some time it looks like, but I'd rather see them down and done right than a rush job that needs updating in 6 months.

There are new bathroom faucets (in the studios, and probably the 1 bedroom units also.) Not going to say much more than this, but I'm pretty sure you all will love them. We did.

Once I catch up with home life I'll post a few quick shots I grabbed on the phone (sorry, was too hot to lug out the camera) It's good to be home.

 

[jimmytammy]

extra big...
Happy Birthday lisah0711!!!!