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

[Corinne]

My DW and her DBF Tearsa need the shirt and the mug! They love the HM channel and watch every single one on recording while cross stitching on Sat. When Capt D and I step in from work on Sat I can tell they are watching it because Tammy gives me this look of "don't talk" with her eyes, eyes that could pierce the devil

Dad and Granny, I want in on the retirement festivities. In fact, I wanna retire too!!

That’s so funny so many of us Groupie ladies love Hallmark Channel! I have to say, I am really sad we won’t be going to WDW next month, but, I WILL be booking next December! Until then I shall live vicariously through you all!​

 

[Dizny Dad]

Wow! It is so good to hear from so many new Groupies!! And a pleasure to hear Wilderness Dad is still doing well; must be real busy getting ready for us all to show up this December at his house!

And to Granny; I promise not to show up until it is full . . . just sayin'.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Welcome back! You are in a quandary to be sure, but here's my advice for what it's worth (it and $2.50 will get you cup of cheap coffee).
a) If the crowd wants BLT, then I'd do that. Chances are they don't take as many trips as you, and it would be special.
b) Based on your comments, it doesn't appear you've actually stayed at BLT. Yes, to some, they can appear sterile looking. However, I prefer the term "clean lines" and "modern." I had reservations the first time I stayed there, but I've now been in BLT three times and enjoyed it each time. Some don't like the modern look; I don't like the new fireworks at MK; I don't like Frozen. My larger point is that it's still Disney, and you will still get that Disney vibe.
c) With that many people, you will love the extra bathroom. Trust me.
d) Convenience. MK is a walk away, as are the buses to other resorts leaving MK. The monorail is at your disposal. Some of the better shopping is at the CR. And though the BLT pool is only average, the CR pool is yours to use, too, and it's better.
e) I think you will like BLT; however, if you don't and the others do, the trip should be fun, anyway. Conversely, if they wind up not liking BLT, you can always say "I told you so."

Truly, I think you should give BLT a shot. It's now one of my top three or four resorts at Disney, and I believe you'll enjoy it.

Thank you! You are correct I have never stayed at Bay Lake (or even contemporary) and I have always wanted to give it a try. I guess this is my opportunity to bite the bullet. I think I might be able to squeeze in an arrival night stay the day before everyone gets there with just our family at VWL because I miss it too much. Luckily it will just be a boat ride away the whole trip.

 

[jimmytammy]

Hi everyone. It's been a while since I have been around this board. We just closed on our second contract (AKV this time). We are currently planning a trip with extended family in September of 2019 in a 2 bedroom. My husband and I agree we want to be near MK for convenience and my first choice would be Wilderness Lodge but my husband wants Bay Lake. My in-laws (mother and father in-law, along with sister in law and her new boyfriend and his son) haven't really voiced an opinion since we are paying with our points but they love the Bay Lake idea since they can walk to MK. The rooms themselves look fine and it will be nice having a third bathroom but the theme of the Contemporary really doesn't do it for me. We don't want to do a split stay so it's all or nothing. Should I try and do some hardcore convincing to get everyone to agree to Wilderness Lodge or give Bay Lake a try despite feeling like it's such a sterile place to spend time?

Side note, we stayed VWL last December, staying AKL this December and the Grand next December so it isn't like I have another Wilderness Lodge trip coming up but I am also only one person out of 8.

Another fan of BLT(who BTW didn't like the idea of the "modern" look). But I fell in love with the place! We have stayed there at least 3 times, and loved every trip. The proximity of MK, the amenities of great choices of restaurants, plus the monorail to other resort eats, boat ride away to WL and Trails Ends for their amenities, makes for a great central location. The extra bathroom, TOTWL, etc, etc. I went with a somewhat open mind, and am glad I did.

Give it a try, you may find you like it.

 

[Granny]

Another fan of BLT(who BTW didn't like the idea of the "modern" look). But I fell in love with the place! We have stayed there at least 3 times, and loved every trip. The proximity of MK, the amenities of great choices of restaurants, plus the monorail to other resort eats, boat ride away to WL and Trails Ends for their amenities, makes for a great central location. The extra bathroom, TOTWL, etc, etc. I went with a somewhat open mind, and am glad I did.

Give it a try, you may find you like it.

​

 

[DVC Jen]

That’s disappointing! I saw a number of them on Etsy, I am thinking of buying a mug.

You may have much better luck buying one on Etsy. As they are different venders/sellers than the one who is selling that exact same shirt/mug. Just make sure to check the sellers ratings to get a good one.

 

[wildernessDad]

Wow! It is so good to hear from so many new Groupies!! And a pleasure to hear Wilderness Dad is still doing well; must be real busy getting ready for us all to show up this December at his house!

And to Granny; I promise not to show up until it is full . . . just sayin'.

I read what you say.

 

[wildernessDad]

So, who's planning the meet-ups? I see that I may be there a bit early for some, but I'm not too far away. Actually, I'm 10 minutes from our beloved Lodge. So, don't rule me out.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Sunday Folks!!
Its a beautiful sunny, brisk day here in NC. Fall is upon us finally, and the leaves are starting to show it. I love this time of year
We went to a Holiday crafts show Friday to kick start the festive season, and yesterday Capt D and I met up with some friends from my HS days at a classic car auction. Nice just to have some days without them being work filled
I hope all the groupies are doing good and enjoying life!!

 

[DVC Jen]

With mixed feelings - I did it this morning. I changed our stay from BRV to BWV per Ian's request. He really wanted to try some place new. I think it will be nice to stay there, but can't quite shake the little bit of sadness about not being "home".

 

[iheartglaciers]

With mixed feelings - I did it this morning. I changed our stay from BRV to BWV per Ian's request. He really wanted to try some place new. I think it will be nice to stay there, but can't quite shake the little bit of sadness about not being "home".

Feeling the same way!! We were set to stay at CCV next month, but had the chance to switch to VGF. We jumped on it because we’ve never stayed there before and it’s also supposed to be nice during the holidays. But WL is home and I especially love it at Christmas.

 

[bobbiwoz]

With mixed feelings - I did it this morning. I changed our stay from BRV to BWV per Ian's request. He really wanted to try some place new. I think it will be nice to stay there, but can't quite shake the little bit of sadness about not being "home".

I hope you do enjoy your BWV stay. We sort of alternate our December stays between Wilderness Lodge area and BWV. This year we are hosting good friends at BRV....can hardly wait to show off our favorite home resort to these friends.

 

[twinklebug]

With mixed feelings - I did it this morning. I changed our stay from BRV to BWV per Ian's request. He really wanted to try some place new. I think it will be nice to stay there, but can't quite shake the little bit of sadness about not being "home".

I love both and don't think you can go wrong with the Boardwalk at any season. Did you put in a room request? I always as for a room on the green as it's quiet, but still near the boats with a view of the Beach Club's lighthouse when you look to the left. The music from below drifts up to the room too. We've made many great memories there.

 

[DiznyDi]

Good Monday morning Groupies!
Welcome to the new folks that have wandered over to our thread!

Corinne - I'm so sorry we'll miss you this year . With our scheduled plans, we'll not have a Dec trip next year. We're planning a big family November trip. Really don't think I can talk DDad into December too.

DDaughter and I have stayed at BLT and enjoyed it very much. So much in fact that I'm hopeful of securing a GV at the 7 mo window for the big Nov trip next year.

 

[DVC Jen]

I love both and don't think you can go wrong with the Boardwalk at any season. Did you put in a room request? I always as for a room on the green as it's quiet, but still near the boats with a view of the Beach Club's lighthouse when you look to the left. The music from below drifts up to the room too. We've made many great memories there.

Not yet. I am going to call this week and request a high floor. A friend who owns at BWV gave me a few room numbers so I can request to be in that area. We are hoping to be able to see some of Illuminations from our balcony. Regardless of where we end up - it is a beautiful area and beautiful resort so I am sure it will be fine.

 

[Dizny Dad]

I am still having a problem relating the acronym BRV to our Lodge. I have had to go back and reread a few posts because my brain got lost on BRV. I know over time my brain will connect to BRV when reading posts, but for right now, I will still be using VWL, just to make me feel warm & fuzzy ('cause I'm old, too).

 

[Dizny Dad]

So, who's planning the meet-ups? I see that I may be there a bit early for some, but I'm not too far away. Actually, I'm 10 minutes from our beloved Lodge. So, don't rule me out.

Not sure about any formal meets set, but do not worry - You would never be ruled out!

 

[sleepydog25]

I am still having a problem relating the acronym BRV to our Lodge. I have had to go back and reread a few posts because my brain got lost on BRV. I know over time my brain will connect to BRV when reading posts, but for right now, I will still be using VWL, just to make me feel warm & fuzzy ('cause I'm old, too).

See? You're nicer than me, Dad. I will continue to call it VWL out of spite for Disney choosing that absurd name.

 

[twinklebug]

See? You're nicer than me, Dad. I will continue to call it VWL out of spite for Disney choosing that absurd name.

Could have been worse: Bedrock Villas (or is that name reserved by Hanna Barbera?)

 

[Dizny Dad]

Could have been worse: Bedrock Villas (or is that name reserved by Hanna Barbera?)

Could have been; but we still Paris . . . . . . (Old Memories of the before time at VWL)