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

[twinklebug]

The sole benefit I see to using the phone to open the door would be if I had my phone on me, but forgot my MagicBand in the room. Since they started using them, I have yet to do that. Of course, now that I've said it...

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I think it is something that has become industry standard with a lot of the other big hotel chains going this way. It is easy to implement as it is just a change in the software of the app to create the correct signal I think.

It is something that would appeal to convention guests and they are currently expanding their convention business (aren't they building both at the Yacht Club and Coronado Springs for that purpose). My guess is that they just picked WL as the first hotel to roll it out because it is one of the smallest hotels on property? So, if there are bugs, the least amount of people are being inconvenienced.

I believe I read somewhere that they purchased a company which then allowed them to implement this.

 

[Dean Marino]

The sole benefit I see to using the phone to open the door would be if I had my phone on me, but forgot my MagicBand in the room. Since they started using them, I have yet to do that. Of course, now that I've said it...

I have a different concern... use of a smartphone implies Bluetooth access to the room lock in addition to RFID. In close proximity to a room lock, down a hall with little traffic? I would be concerned with a brute force hack to gain room access. Not publishing any GOOGLE links - just query "Hack Bluetooth".
My dear wife and I are very vocally opting OUT of "smart phone room access".

 

[sleepydog25]

Bluntly, "we don't need no stinkin' phone room access!"

 

[Granny]

Well Groupies, my countdown indicates 1 right now. I know that the Disney portion of the trip starts in 4 days, but we are heading to San Francisco for a few days first. I'll try to keep up with the thread and post during my trip...though I'm not sure there are many photogenic things to shoot at Aulani.

 

[sleepydog25]

Well Groupies, my countdown indicates 1 right now. I know that the Disney portion of the trip starts in 4 days, but we are heading to San Francisco for a few days first. I'll try to keep up with the thread and post during my trip...though I'm not sure there are many photogenic things to shoot at Aulani.

Have a great trip, Tom, and keep us updated on your adventures. Luv and I will be in DL in June (our first trip back since '14), so pass along any tips you find worked for you! Bon Voyageee!

 

[twinklebug]

Well Groupies, my countdown indicates 1 right now. I know that the Disney portion of the trip starts in 4 days, but we are heading to San Francisco for a few days first. I'll try to keep up with the thread and post during my trip...though I'm not sure there are many photogenic things to shoot at Aulani.

I'm sure you'll find something to take a pic of, even if it's your own lovely mug
Enjoy your trip!

 

[Granny]

Have a great trip, Tom, and keep us updated on your adventures. Luv and I will be in DL in June (our first trip back since '14), so pass along any tips you find worked for you! Bon Voyageee!

Ah, nothing like a good Bugs Bunny reference to get me smiling and in the right mood for travel! Thanks, and I'll be sure to pass along any tips I come across (though we have some Groupies who are very knowledgeable about DLR and willing to share).

I'm sure you'll find something to take a pic of, even if it's you're own lovely mug
Enjoy your trip!

Thanks, Cindy. My Cindy and I are celebrating her putting up with me for 30 years on this trip. I'll be sure to share a photo or two though I'll be trying to do it through my iPad on this trip, which will be a first. Hopefully my technologically challenged self will be able to figure that one out.

 

[Corinne]

I could see them doing this while the newness creates a lot of demand for Toy Story Land. But long term I can't see Slinky Dog or Alien Swirling Saucers being more popular than RnRC. And once Star Wars Land opens up, I'm sure that any of those rides will also be Tier 1.

As long as they keep ToT in the Tier 2 definition, it all works for us.

Granny, much to my surprise, and Dana, (and our kids) I have fallen in love with ToT! I rode it a few times when it was new, and decided it wasn’t for me. A few years ago, I decided to face my fears....and I love it!

The thing is, a FP is a must now for the ride...it was always a walk on before.

 

[Corinne]

Have a wonderful trip Granny! I look forward to your photos!

 

[ArielSRL]

Awesome. Just the type of reply I was looking for. We check in Saturday June 2, so I plan on making my room request phone call about 1-2 weeks before and hope for the best. The enclosed balcony is kind a bummer as both my kids and my wife and I like to sit on the balcony and look out over the territory. Kids, while they eat breakfast, Mom while she watches the surroundings, and Dad while he sips his bourbon ;-) So I think I will request upper floors as opposed to highest floor.

Awesome guys thanks much. I'll give a report once we get back on how things are at our Lodge. For eight years we stayed at the Lodge every time we went to WDW, sometimes multiple times a year, and we haven't stayed at our beloved Lodge since May 2016. We are beyond ready to be back home again.

We are checking in the 3rd! Cya there! I will be requesting lake side, floor 3 or 4.

 

[ArielSRL]

I was very surprised by the call. I figured I might get an email reply with stock lines like "thanks for your feedback" and "your thoughts are important to us." I got the live equivalent of those, to be sure, but again, I can't help but believe the "no longer recommending Disney" statement pinged some algorithm they have set up to filter comments. Outside of talking to a manager re: service or food issues, this is the furthest any comment I've made/emailed has gotten to my knowledge. I'll let you know if Iger calls me personally. . .

FYI: I sent an email to Prez George and I received a call back as well.

 

[ArielSRL]

Received my new Dooley &Burke DVC pocketbook yesterday and I absolutely love it. Much bigger than the brown leather one. I have a mug with all the DVC logos on them and have found almost all on the pocketbook except the Lodge. The only thing that I can find is a pine tree so I'm guessing that's it. Anybody else get one?

I got the tote! And with 20% off it was a very nice price!

 

[ArielSRL]

Hi Lakegirl,

I have the DVC crossbody bag...I have a Dooney obsession, Disney and otherwise...actually I have an obsession with all handbags, but I digress.....

Anyway, I’m embarrassed to admit I haven’t even looked at it that closely, (have not used it yet); but your post prompted me to do so. I think the pine trees, horse shoes and possibly the bear paws reflect the Lodge?

I used to be a Coach girl but now I have 3 Disney Dooneys and a Disney Harvey.

I haven’t even taken mine out of the plastic yet! I just bought the 45th one and I need to decide which one I want to switch to. I am currently carrying my Sketch Tote.

 

[ArielSRL]

Well, I am planning for a cocktail at Geyser Point after departing the Magical Express tomorrow- anyone have a suggestion ? The drink menu looks so good. I am thinking the Black Cherry Mule, but that Huckleberry Punch looks inviting too....anybody have a favorite?

I’m late to answer but I love the Cascadia Sangria.

 

[ArielSRL]

View attachment 312279 View attachment 312280

Quick, odd, question. Did you know the person playing basketball? I only ask bc a Dis friend was there and her son likes to hit up the basketball court when they stay. I was wondering if it might be him.

 

[Lakegirl]

Countdown to our two bedroom is 10 days but in one hour it will be 9.....sooo excited

 

[Corinne]

I used to be a Coach girl but now I have 3 Disney Dooneys and a Disney Harvey.

I haven’t even taken mine out of the plastic yet! I just bought the 45th one and I need to decide which one I want to switch to. I am currently carrying my Sketch Tote.

I love my sketch tote, it was my first, I am carrying the black and red tote now I don’t remember the name. I was eyeing the Peter Pan crossbody in December but refrained.

 

[jimmytammy]

I read a rumor (just a rumor) that once Toy Story Land opens at DHS that the rides in that land - Slinky Dog, Toy Story Mania and the Alien Swirling Saucers will be the Tier 1 attractions there and all others will be Tier 2 including RnR. Works for us!

I hope this is true myself! I can see us still opting for either Slinky Dog or TSM though Alien Swirling may become something we interject every so often. But knowing all this is coming is exciting, because I will now have a reason on a week long trip to visit HS twice. And Star Wars around the bend don't hurt either

 

[jimmytammy]

Granny
Im a few days late, but hope you and Cindy have a wonderful trip! Safe travels and enjoy Looking forward to pics if time(and technology)allow