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

[MiaSRN62]

(Excuse me as I sneak in here for a second. I asked here for help a few times before our trip; which was a little over a week ago. I'm the crazy person that did a split stay at BWV/VWL/AKV (Jambo). I have to say I really enjoyed all of them, but I have to admit I really, really enjoyed VWL. Now I have to qualify that by saying we only went to MK during our stay here so didn't use the bus transportation. But wow, what a lovely place. So relaxing! Like a little sanctuary in the middle of chaos I really have no place to say anything about the proposed changes, being I'm not an owner. But I really hope they don't change the feel of the resort because that's what really stood out for me. Thanks for letting me share..)

It truly IS SANCTUARY!!!! Glad u had a nice visit and thanks for sharing!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Echoing Jimmy's sentiments, I hope all Groupies are enjoying a beautiful Labor Day.


Where did this summer go?

I am so sad to see summer drifting away as well....it is my favorite season! I have been working a lot (to earn money for our upcoming WDW and DCL vacation!!!) and I started back to school. Had the opportunity to catch Jimmy Buffet in concert in Hershey over the weekend. What a fun concert---never saw a stadium filled with such a large amount of happy people! Then headed to the Jersey shore for one last dip in the ocean there before the summer slipped away. Hope everyone had a nice Labor Day (I spent mine "laboring" away at work in the Labor & Delivery unit!!! little play on words!).

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kathy
That is cool! He always seemed like a good guy to me. I remember when he played for the Bengals, and he always came across to me as being very gracious for his abilities and still seems that way now

He certainly was pretty low key but when some obvious football fans engaged him (Green Bay jersey wearing!) he chatted. I've always thought he is pretty knowledgeable in his broadcasts. My cousin said he got a law degree in the Cinci area after his pro football career which I thought was very interesting especially considering how much you hear about the elite athletes being "helped" thru school.

It's always just a little fun to see some people in person that you otherwise just see on TV or in the movies.

 

[sleepydog25]

He certainly was pretty low key but when some obvious football fans engaged him (Green Bay jersey wearing!) he chatted. I've always thought he is pretty knowledgeable in his broadcasts. My cousin said he got a law degree in the Cinci area after his pro football career which I thought was very interesting especially considering how much you hear about the elite athletes being "helped" thru school.

It's always just a little fun to see some people in person that you otherwise just see on TV or in the movies.

I don't watch much football, but when I do, finding Cris Collinsworth calling a game is worth it as he is more insightful and precise with his commentary than nearly all the other on-air personalities. I love that he got engaged with fans sitting near him; makes me think he is more accessible, i.e., down-to-earth.

In my life, I've had to opportunity to see (and occasionally meet) quite a few well-known figures. No sightings are funnier than one that happened when I was stationed in SoCal. My girlfriend at the time and I were at LAX when she claimed to see Pat Sajak. We hunted for him only to discover it wasn't. Every time after that when we'd go to the airport (I flew a lot), I'd tease her about seeing Pat Sajak "again." About a year after the initial incidence, and I was waiting for her to pick me up curbside at the baggage terminal area when, lo and behold, I really DID see Pat Sajak! She came pulling up just as he stepped into his limo, and all she caught of him was a figure slipping into a vehicle. Naturally, she thought I was joking again, but I had walked closer to him to verify that it was him. . .and it was. She never did believe me.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

.....all she caught of him was a figure slipping into a vehicle. Naturally, she thought I was joking again, but I had walked closer to him to verify that it was him. . .and it was. She never did believe me.

That's a great one Sleepy!

 

[Granny]

Every time after that when we'd go to the airport (I flew a lot), I'd tease her about seeing Pat Sajak "again."

lo and behold, I really DID see Pat Sajak!

She never did believe me.

Sleepy, pull up a chair by the WL lobby fireplace, and let me tell you a little story about a boy who cried "WOLF!".....

 

[Corinne]

Happy Saturday Groupies! I've been promoted at work, but while the search for my replacement continues, I remain in that role as well as the new position, so it's been extra crazy! I need a vacation! Good thing I only have 8 more sleeps!

 

[sleepydog25]

Sleepy, pull up a chair by the WL lobby fireplace, and let me tell you a little story about a boy who cried "WOLF!".....

Yeah? Sounds like a fun story! How does it end?

 

[Granny]

Yeah? Sounds like a fun story! How does it end?

Pretty well for the wolf. Not so great for the boy.

 

[sleepydog25]

Pretty well for the wolf. Not so great for the boy.

Ruh-roh.

 

[DiznyDi]

Loved your celebrity sightings story sleepy! Our family has enjoyed a few of theses moments too:
When I was m-u-c-h younger, I had my picture taken with Lloyd Bridges while visiting Sea World when it was still in Ohio. Also at Sea World in Ohio but many years later, our kids were able to secure their picture and autograph of/with Greg Louganis. And our first trip to Disney as a family, somewhere around 1989, we were at Stormalong Bay swimming when DDad struck up a conversation with McLean Stevenson of M*A*S*H fame. Nice memories!

Unfortunately we're not sports people at our house. I can't appreciate Kat's sighting of Cris Collingsworth as I don't even know who this is

Corinne - you'll be in Disney before you know it! What a great way to celebrate your promotion and hard work!

JT - Thinking of you and family as you make the final countdown to the walk down the aisle. As time permits, you know we'd all love to see some pics of your DD's wedding

 

[jimmytammy]

Will do Di
Sleepy and Granny, enjoying the ribbing from afar

 

[sleepydog25]

Will do Di
Sleepy and Granny, enjoying the ribbing from afar

That's one of the things I enjoy most about the Groupies: we can tease and joke knowing it's all in good fun. I love it!

Pat Sajak was not my only sighting while stationed in CA. I once saw Bill Russell (for those not in the know, he's an NBA Hall of Famer), and I was on a game show while there with the stars being Pat Carroll (Ursula!), Stuart Pankin (HBO Not Necessarily the News), Ian Buchanan (General Hospital), and Pam Postema (Coach). Robb Weller was the host. The day I taped, one of the staffers was escorting me backstage to makeup when we bumped into Neil Patrick Harrison who was going to be a guest star in upcoming episodes. He was starring in "Doogie Howser, MD" at the time.

When I was stationed at Andrews AFB years later, one of my duties was helping run the flightline VIP lounge (Andrews AFB is home to AF-1). Over the course of my five years there, I met/greeted many politicians, presidents, heads of state, and even Hollywood types. It was a fun job.

 

[Granny]

Will do Di
Sleepy and Granny, enjoying the ribbing from afar

I agree with Sleepy...some good natured ribbing is okay because I think we do try to keep it good natured.

It's hard on the internet because there are no voice inflections, no smiles or slaps on the backs, and it is very easy for people to read things differently than that which was intended. So glad that people understood my comments to be playful.

As for celebrity sightings, I worked for a major beer company based here in St. Louis (duh, does that give it away? ) for 30 years in marketing, and so we had the opportunity to meet a lot of celebrities. Of the many celebrities, the person I treasured meeting the most was retired United States Army Lieutenant General Hal Moore. For those who do not recognize the name, you may remember the movie "We Were Soldiers" where Hal was played by Mel Gibson. Truly a remarkable man.


Other than that, I'd have to say my favorite celebrity meeting was the opportunity to shake hands and get a picture with the Hanson Brothers from "Slap Shot". 'nuff said.

 

[sleepydog25]

I agree with Sleepy...some good natured ribbing is okay because I think we do try to keep it good natured.

It's hard on the internet because there are no voice inflections, no smiles or slaps on the backs, and it is very easy for people to read things differently than that which was intended. So glad that people understood my comments to be playful.

As for celebrity sightings, I worked for a major beer company based here in St. Louis (duh, does that give it away? ) for 30 years in marketing, and so we had the opportunity to meet a lot of celebrities. Of the many celebrities, the person I treasured meeting the most was retired United States Army Lieutenant General Hal Moore. For those who do not recognize the name, you may remember the movie "We Were Soldiers" where Hal was played by Mel Gibson. Truly a remarkable man.


Other than that, I'd have to say my favorite celebrity meeting was the opportunity to shake hands and get a picture with the Hanson Brothers from "Slap Shot". 'nuff said.

Our humor leanings appear to be similar. I did know who Gen Moore was, and that reminded me that my favorite person was Sen. John Glenn when I was working the flightline at Andrews AFB. It's very common for senators and congressmen/women coming back from overseas to have their government provided planes loaded with gifts, especially around Christmas. Ostensibly, these legislators are conducting visits, having conferences, and the like which is why they get the use of the planes. When they land, they have multiple staffers running around unloading things for them, bringing vans up to the aircraft, and pulling up government cars with assigned drivers. I personally saw van loads of gifts during my time on the flightline. One late evening about a week before Christmas, Sen. Glenn arrived from overseas. He got off the plane with his wife and his daughter who doubled as a staffer. They had one car, his personal car, which I parked near the plane. They had nothing but suitcases to load in the car, and he stood in the cold, near midnight, chatting with me. He asked me about my job and my family, and we discussed the rigors of military life. We talked for a good five minutes before he drove off. . .driving his own vehicle. Now, that is someone who was a good public servant.

 

[ottawagreg]

I found this page with pictures and comments for those who are interested. Enjoy.

greg

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51688584&postcount=2

p.s. here is another link with construction permit, plan drawings and overhead pic.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=52063726&postcount=1288

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks for sharing that info. Greg, very interesting to follow along

Granny and Sleepy, had the pleasure of meeting you both and feel like yall would make great company together

Woke early this AMThe wedding day is Sat. and all the sudden this wave of emotion is setting in on me. Knew it was coming, but trying to fight it off is not working. I wear my heart on my sleeve, much like our DD Kristian who is the intended bride. I am scared for them, happy for them and missing her already. But life goes on. Luckily for us, they wont be but about 2 miles away(family means a lot to her as she refuses to be far away, so I got that going for me). But its still hard. Sorry to dump all this on you folks on a Mon. of all days, but you folks know me about as good as anyone. I reflect back on the days when she was young, all those trips to WDW past us(yet I look forward to the future ones with her new family). What didnt help this AM, I go back to feed the cats and see a pic my DW has on her desk with all of us and Ranger Stan and his sweetie(knowing he would be here). Sorry folks, I am a sap, but its an emotional rollercoaster of a ride right now for dear ol Dad. And I get a feeling its going to be tougher as each day goes by this week. This isnt the kind of stuff I would post on FB, so thanks for letting me share here.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks for sharing that info. Greg, very interesting to follow along

Granny and Sleepy, had the pleasure of meeting you both and feel like yall would make great company together

Woke early this AMThe wedding day is Sat. and all the sudden this wave of emotion is setting in on me. Knew it was coming, but trying to fight it off is not working. I wear my heart on my sleeve, much like our DD Kristian who is the intended bride. I am scared for them, happy for them and missing her already. But life goes on. Luckily for us, they wont be but about 2 miles away(family means a lot to her as she refuses to be far away, so I got that going for me). But its still hard. Sorry to dump all this on you folks on a Mon. of all days, but you folks know me about as good as anyone. I reflect back on the days when she was young, all those trips to WDW past us(yet I look forward to the future ones with her new family). What didnt help this AM, I go back to feed the cats and see a pic my DW has on her desk with all of us and Ranger Stan and his sweetie(knowing he would be here). Sorry folks, I am a sap, but its an emotional rollercoaster of a ride right now for dear ol Dad. And I get a feeling its going to be tougher as each day goes by this week. This isnt the kind of stuff I would post on FB, so thanks for letting me share here.

Poignancy becomes a dad's constant companion during weddings. Thankfully, it will give way to happiness. Share away, JT. You're among good friends here.

 

[ottawagreg]

Woke early this AMThe wedding day is Sat. and all the sudden this wave of emotion is setting in on me. Knew it was coming, but trying to fight it off is not working. I wear my heart on my sleeve, much like our DD Kristian who is the intended bride. I am scared for them, happy for them and missing her already. But life goes on.

Sorry folks, I am a sap, but its an emotional rollercoaster of a ride right now for dear ol Dad. And I get a feeling its going to be tougher as each day goes by this week. This isnt the kind of stuff I would post on FB, so thanks for letting me share here.

I have a fifteen year old daughter getting fitted tonight for her first homecoming date. I am emotional about that. I dread what you are going through now. I thought a lot about it and I don't know how I will face it. I will offer up prayer you and your family. God bless you all this week. I hope all goes well.

 

[Granny]

Poignancy becomes a dad's constant companion during weddings.

That's a great comment, Sleepy.

I have two 20-something daughters so I know my time is coming. As it is, one of them lives 600 miles away so we miss her a lot.

...my favorite person was Sen. John Glenn...

What a coincidence. I too met with and talked to Senator Glenn many years ago halfway across the world. I won't bore everyone with the details but I totally agree that he was very down to earth and classy. I was only about 7 when he became the first man to orbit the earth...a little older when he went up in the Discovery at his age of 77...but he has always been a wonderful example of a first class American citizen.