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

[BlueFairy]

What size villa are you planning on? If studio the bed config is queen bed and double sleeper sofa in both CCV and BRV plus BRV has a pull down Murphy bed that will sleep a child or shorter adult.

We need a studio. Might prefer BRV. Thanks!

Photos for CCV on allears http://allears.net/acc/g-copper-creek-villas.htm

This photo gallery on allears.net is also current for BRV http://allears.net/acc/g_wlv.htm

I’ll add this link for information, stats, & photos. BRV was remodeled like 5 years ago, and of course CCV is new...

https://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/villas-at-wilderness-lodge/general-information-25349

Groupies are so helpful! I’ll take a look when I get back to my computer. Thanks!!!!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Haven't been to the Lodge in quite some time, since the remodel began. We are contemplating our first points rental. Can someone please point me to accurate bed descriptions, square footage, and possibly photos of both VWL and CCVC which are up to date? I seem to be finding old photos or incomplete information in my searching.

Thanks Groupies!

Others have given you more detailed info, but I thought it might be helpful for a general outlook since the remodeling/reimagining ended.
1) The beach area is gone replaced by Geyser Point Bar & Grill, sort of a quasi QS/TS place that's pretty to look at but has an identity crisis. Food is okay there (a couple of items are good). You'll have to wait to be seated. You can see part of the evening fireworks from there, and the music is piped in.
2) The old Hidden Springs pool is gone, replaced by a new pool that has the theming of an old rock quarry. Not a fan, and the bubbles are missing, but it is a bigger pool that has cabanas you can rent.
3) Cabins span both the north and south side of the main Lodge: 12 on the north, or dock, side and 14 on the south side extending from just past Geyser Point for about 1/5 of a mile. With their addition came the closure of the nature trail, though not the paved bike path that connects WL and FW--that's still there.
4) The south half of the main Lodge is now entirely DVC, the new Copper Creek villas (and the cabins are part of that). The rooms are a bit smaller than VWL rooms due to the constriction architects had to work with the existing spaces, but they are new. Some of it looks great (doors, floors) and some not so much (shotgun kitchen, a weird dresser).
5) And in the latest news, Artist Point is currently accepting ADRs only through Oct 28; apparently, it's going through some renovation of its own and the hot rumor is that will be a character meal. Most of us are hoping that doesn't include the evening meal since that would leave the Lodge without a Signature restaurant.
P.S. Oh, and DVC Mickey is back, along with the bison. . .the geese are still MIA.

 

[twinklebug]

Hidden Springs pool is gone, replaced by a new pool that has the theming of an old rock quarry. Not a fan, and the bubbles are missing
<snip>
P.S. Oh, and DVC Mickey is back, along with the bison. . .the geese are still MIA.

The geese were only sticking around for the bubbles.

 

[BlueFairy]

Yay for the bison. MIA geese makes me sad.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . Are there any must do’s at Saratoga? Happy weekend!

Saratoga Springs was our first Home Resort. We have always found Congress Park to be the best for solitude and a great QUIET POOL! The Grandstand next to the pool is our second favorite. Both are convenient to bus stops. Artist Palette is a great CS compared to Roaring Fork (So sorry to say), I enjoy AP so much better, with more selections. It also combines the souvenir store and food pantry all in one location. The Spa is certainly a draw, but we have never participated. The theme is more low key and doesn't hit you over the head as much as many other Disney venues. A very quiet resort. We like it alot!

 

[jimmytammy]

Wanted to post this one more time as the change has taken place, mostly changed the wording on page 1

Attn: All Groupies
SleepyDog, Kat4Disney and I made a decision over the last couple days to bring an end to the birthdays and anniversaries page. Its made a great run, and fun to celebrate folks special days. But over the past few months, we have also seen a rather significant decline in participation once a post has been made, whether others don't join in, or the recipient doesn't respond at all. Times have changed, and maybe its run its course. We will be continuing through until the end of June with the remaining Birthdays and Anniversaries.

I want to personally thank Kathy for taking on the role in the past few years. She took quite a load off me at that time and I can't thank her enough for doing so.

All other things here on the groupies will remain the same, and we will continue on the course of keeping it a great safe place to hang out, be yourself, and know you will always have a friend here

 

[rkstocke5609]

Others have given you more detailed info, but I thought it might be helpful for a general outlook since the remodeling/reimagining ended.
1) The beach area is gone replaced by Geyser Point Bar & Grill, sort of a quasi QS/TS place that's pretty to look at but has an identity crisis. Food is okay there (a couple of items are good). You'll have to wait to be seated. You can see part of the evening fireworks from there, and the music is piped in.
2) The old Hidden Springs pool is gone, replaced by a new pool that has the theming of an old rock quarry. Not a fan, and the bubbles are missing, but it is a bigger pool that has cabanas you can rent.
3) Cabins span both the north and south side of the main Lodge: 12 on the north, or dock, side and 14 on the south side extending from just past Geyser Point for about 1/5 of a mile. With their addition came the closure of the nature trail, though not the paved bike path that connects WL and FW--that's still there.
4) The south half of the main Lodge is now entirely DVC, the new Copper Creek villas (and the cabins are part of that). The rooms are a bit smaller than VWL rooms due to the constriction architects had to work with the existing spaces, but they are new. Some of it looks great (doors, floors) and some not so much (shotgun kitchen, a weird dresser).
5) And in the latest news, Artist Point is currently accepting ADRs only through Oct 28; apparently, it's going through some renovation of its own and the hot rumor is that will be a character meal. Most of us are hoping that doesn't include the evening meal since that would leave the Lodge without a Signature restaurant.
P.S. Oh, and DVC Mickey is back, along with the bison. . .the geese are still MIA.

Cabanas were free when we were there in March and we scored one on three occasions across 8 days. Did this change?

 

[sleepydog25]

Cabanas were free when we were there in March and we scored one on three occasions across 8 days. Did this change?

Actually, you are likely correct. When they first mentioned putting them in it was assumed they would have to be rented. Not having stayed in one, I was simply going with what I assumed. You know the rest of that story. . .

As for SSR, we liked it well enough, mostly for its proximity to DS. We were at Congress Park and it was an easy walk to DS, not to mention the water way can be fun to watch, as well. Haven't eaten at Artist Palette in some time, but I remember it being better than Roaring Fork. . .and that was before the drop in quality at RF after the refurb. Golf is quite convenient there if you're so inclined. Though it's on the other side of SSR, I could still walk it in about 7-8 minutes at a moderate pace.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Cabanas were free when we were there in March and we scored one on three occasions across 8 days. Did this change?

Actually, you are likely correct. When they first mentioned putting them in it was assumed they would have to be rented. Not having stayed in one, I was simply going with what I assumed. You know the rest of that story. . .

They were free to start out with at the quiet pool at PVB too. Then they started charging. I'd expect it to go the same route at VWL.

 

[twinklebug]

They were free to start out with at the quiet pool at PVB too. Then they started charging. I'd expect it to go the same route at VWL.

At the Poly, what happens if all the regular chairs are taken, but a cabana is open? Will the life guards permit the chairs to be pulled out or are you simply out of luck?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

At the Poly, what happens if all the regular chairs are taken, but a cabana is open? Will the life guards permit the chairs to be pulled out or are you simply out of luck?

I have no first hand knowledge but my expectation would be the chairs would stay put in the cabanas.

 

[twinklebug]

I have no first hand knowledge but my expectation would be the chairs would stay put in the cabanas.

Yeah, that's my expectation too. Only once have I found a Disney resort pool to be so crowded that there wasn't at least one chair for my family to call "home base" while we swam (Bay lake tower) and we chose to keep walking over to the main pool where there were plenty of places open. I'm sure that if the pool deck is that crowded, then the swimming experience would be akin to being in a sardine can.

 

[sleepydog25]

Well, folks, it's a Monday, and for the first time in a long time, I don't have to go to work on a Monday. My contract ended Friday for my old position, and my new one doesn't start until August. Weird feeling. Luv is in the same boat--in between jobs.

In other news, though it will do no good, I have once again written a couple of people about the likely upcoming change to Artist Point. Sorry, I just can't let this one go. If the rumor turns out to be untrue, then I'll gladly eat crow. Methinks I'll not have to sample that bird, however. As before, I pointed out how having a character meal all day will reduce the restaurant to the ranks of a normal TS, albeit expensive, and thus leave WL without a Signature meal. It's not a huge jump in logic to say that would knock WL from the ranks of a deluxe resort to a high-end moderate. And I'd certainly never recommend anyone buying points at CCVC if that's the case. Okay, I'm tired. Lot of yard work the last two days, so I'm grumpy. But. I'm not wrong.

 

[twinklebug]

Well, folks, it's a Monday, and for the first time in a long time, I don't have to go to work on a Monday. My contract ended Friday for my old position, and my new one doesn't start until August. Weird feeling. Luv is in the same boat--in between jobs.

In other news, though it will do no good, I have once again written a couple of people about the likely upcoming change to Artist Point. Sorry, I just can't let this one go. If the rumor turns out to be untrue, then I'll gladly eat crow. Methinks I'll not have to sample that bird, however. As before, I pointed out how having a character meal all day will reduce the restaurant to the ranks of a normal TS, albeit expensive, and thus leave WL without a Signature meal. It's not a huge jump in logic to say that would knock WL from the ranks of a deluxe resort to a high-end moderate. And I'd certainly never recommend anyone buying points at CCVC if that's the case. Okay, I'm tired. Lot of yard work the last two days, so I'm grumpy. But. I'm not wrong.

You remind me a bit more of Zazu than Grumpy. Zazu has reasoning to back up his attitude.

Spoiler: Look to see another reason....

... Zazu also has to fight for respect, much like you may encounter come fall, LOL. (I do love teachers though) Enjoy the break!

 

[sleepydog25]

Zazu it is!

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . . then the swimming experience would be akin to being in a sardine can.

Once when working in Monterrey, Mexico, I had an unusual afternoon off. It was a typical 110°F afternoon, so I decided that a swim would be in order; it just sounded so refreshing and an energizing break from the work I was doing and the heat of the day. The pool was packed with children and family type groups; very crowded to say the least. As I scrambled across the concrete deck that was burning the crap out of my feet, I hit the water. The water was hotter than the water I use in the bathroom! Somehow I just hadn't put together that the water was going to be pretty much the same temperature as the air, if not hotter. It didn't take me more than 10 seconds to realize I was just taking a bath with 100 folks I didn't know. Out of the pool I came, raced across the griddle like concrete, looked for my towel, that had been moved for me so someone could sit down, and back to my room where it was air conditioned to a wonderfully cool 88°F. (not room A/C, just general hotel hallway cooling). I enjoyed working in Monterrey, and always found the folks to be more gracious and courteous than in most situations when traveling in the USA.

Sorry; I couldn't help myself after Twinklebug related the "Sardine Can" experience.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Here's hoping that all enjoy their July 4th Activities!

 

[DVC Jen]

We are home from a wonderful 7 night Fantasy cruise followed by 4 nights at WDW. We got home last Thursday, but this is the first chance I have had to get back to the boards. We came home to a very sick dog. Our male newfoundland got a really bad skin infection while we were away. He had to be shaved, put on antibiotics, steroids, medicated shampoo, medicated skin spray as well as wipes. This is on top of the allergy meds and immunotherapy drops he already gets every day. He was in really bad shape. He had lost nearly 20 pounds in 15 days. Today he is finally starting to get back to our big, affectionate goofy boy. Our other two dogs are fine.

The cruise was AMAZING. We had an extended veranda room all the way aft. Vibrations were so so our first night but after that not bad at all. Ship and service - fantastic as always. We had a great experience in St. Martin. We did a make your own perfume/cologne excursion through DCL. It took us to Tijon perfumery where we donned lab coats had a quick introduction/class and then were able to make our own fragrance. We had to name it and got to bring a decent sized bottle home with us. We were also given a gift bag filled with other goodies including another full size fragrance of our choice. This was our 4th DCL cruise and my all time favorite excursion. It was more on the pricey side but for what we got - totally worth it. I want to do it again!

We had a really nice room on the 5th floor at BRV. When we checked in we went to the grocery and stocked up. We had decided to cook most meals in our room since we were kind of over the big meals from the 7 night cruise. That first night about 11:30 we noticed the frig was NOT cooling. Ian called and was told someone would be right up to look at it. No one came so after about 45 minutes he called the main WL phone number. That worked and someone came up immediately. For some reason the frig was on an auto defrost mode and she was able to get it off that and into normal cooling. She also brought by a studio sized frig just incase. Then much to our amazement we were credited 200.00 for groceries (no need everything was still OK at that point) and also given 3 anytime fast passes for each of the 4 of us. They had some restrictions - no Pandora or Frozen but that was Ok. We used them the next day at the MK. We weren't expecting them nor asked for anything more than a working frig so that was really nice and appreciated.

We also got to try out the new pool for the first time and liked it. Ian thought it should be a bit deeper, but I thought it was perfect. Now he is 6ft 2 and I am 4ft 11 so the difference of opinion is understandable.

This was the first vacation in 2 years all 4 of us were together. Our youngest went with us this time and it was really nice having her (most of the time it was really nice - to be fair she is not used to living with us anymore and it is an adjustment for her as it is for us). It is the most/longest time frame we have spent with her since she moved out. Letting her go back to Austin last Thursday broke my heart. But she is happy and will be home again later this month.

I am dying to go on another cruise. I was kind of surprised to realize I actually enjoy the cruises more than the parks right now. Maybe if I teach myself to slow down, stop and smell the roses more when we are in the parks I would feel differently. There is a HUGE difference in the trips Ian and I take by ourselves and the ones where we have our (adult) kids with us. Or maybe it is just because we have been to the parks 4 times in 2 years and it has been 5 years since we cruised. Regardless - I really want to cruise again as soon as we can. DCL is very pricey though and with changes coming to Ian's company (a buy out) we are not sure how things will be in the future so it may be a while. DL is also on our radar - maybe for next year. We lived close to the corner of Ball Rd and Euclid in Anaheim for 3 years. That is where we were living when our oldest was born. We haven't been back to California since we moved in October of '93 so we are really considering it. Anyone have any idea how hard it would be to get a 1 bedroom at VG in June, at the 7 month window?

 

[sleepydog25]

Anyone have any idea how hard it would be to get a 1 bedroom at VG in June, at the 7 month window?

From personal experience, extremely difficult. We were just there a couple of weeks ago for five nights, and we were online at the very moment the 7-month window opened. We got one night. The next day, the second night opened up. A couple of weeks later, a GV opened up the last two nights so we splurged and took those. The middle night never opened up for any category. We waitlisted the entire time and hit the RAT often. Now, some people (including a couple on here) have had better luck, but for us, it was no bueno. The issue lies with walking reservations. About a week out, a 1BR was still available for all the nights we wanted. The next day things began disappearing a day or two at a time as a few people began walking their reservation. I suppose we could have opted to do the same. Regardless, we wound up with two nights in a 1BR, one night at DLH in a split BA room, and then two nights in a wonderful GV. Doing a double split stay was a bit laborious but the CMs were wonderful and kept our bags that third night since all we took was overnight stuff. Your results might vary, but I wouldn't count on being able to put together more than a couple of nights in a row at any given time.

 

[twokats]

I am dying to go on another cruise. I was kind of surprised to realize I actually enjoy the cruises more than the parks right now. Maybe if I teach myself to slow down, stop and smell the roses more when we are in the parks I would feel differently. There is a HUGE difference in the trips Ian and I take by ourselves and the ones where we have our (adult) kids with us. Or maybe it is just because we have been to the parks 4 times in 2 years and it has been 5 years since we cruised. Regardless - I really want to cruise again as soon as we can. DCL is very pricey though and with changes coming to Ian's company (a buy out) we are not sure how things will be in the future so it may be a while. DL is also on our radar - maybe for next year. We lived close to the corner of Ball Rd and Euclid in Anaheim for 3 years. That is where we were living when our oldest was born. We haven't been back to California since we moved in October of '93 so we are really considering it. Anyone have any idea how hard it would be to get a 1 bedroom at VG in June, at the 7 month window?

Jen, my husband is the same way. . . he loves the Disney cruises and tolerates the parks (when he even goes with us, which is usually before or after a cruise in Florida)
So that is the reason lately I schedule more cruises than I do park visits.