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

[jimmytammy]

Thanks guys for being so supportive Love being a father and Dad, but these are the tough times that we must face as such. Looking forward to what their future holds!

 

[sleepydog25]

I will not allow a day to go by without someone posting something on this thread, so. . .

I love me some VWL!

 

[Corinne]

Thanks guys for being so supportive Love being a father and Dad, but these are the tough times that we must face as such. Looking forward to what their future holds!

You're obviously a great dad Jimmy, and you're lucky your daughter is going to be so close once she is married. Having just gone through the same thing, I have to say it is hard, sad, joyful and so darn emotional all rolled into one! I know the day will be beautiful and you will have such a wonderful time, enjoy every moment! Hugs to you and Tammy!

 

[Granny]

I will not allow a day to go by without someone posting something on this thread, so. . .

I love me some VWL!

Well, based on His Honorable Keeper of the Vacation Plans, I think you're gonna' get that wish!

September
Corinne 14-20 BWV
twokats 18-19 AKL Jambo Concierge(before cruise);postponed from April
luvvwl/Slydog 21-24 VGF
luvvwl 24-29 BC (Girls' trip)
luvvwl/Slydog 29-30 BCV

So Corinne, Kats, Sly & Luv...enjoy!!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Well, based on His Honorable Keeper of the Vacation Plans, I think you're gonna' get that wish!



So Corinne, Kats, Sly & Luv...enjoy!!!

We'll definitely enjoy our trip, but upon closer inspection, note that we won't be staying at our beloved Lodge. We chose to stay at BLT last month to be close to MK and because my daughter had never stayed there (for the record, my DD quipped "it's nice, but next time, let's stay at VWL"). This trip, we wanted to try a resort where we'd not stayed before, and we managed to get into VGF at the seven-month point. We'll let you guys know what we think after we get back.

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks Corinne for the kind sentiments.

 

[eliza61]

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.

How absolutely Beautiful JT,

Ok no crying here guys, I cry at the drop of the hat. I have a standing policy that no one cries in my presence by themselves. and believe me I am not a beautiful, Hollywood bawler like Halle Berry or Sandra bullock.

I am so honored that you shared with us, love is absolutely wonderful and there is nothing better than reading about the love and devotion of a "dad".

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hi Groupies! We're madly prepping the house for visitors arriving tonight. My cousin, my goddaughter and her boyfriend will be arriving for a week stay. I'll be taking them down to Yosemite this weekend - their first visit there and I'm excited to show it to them. And excited myself since it's been 4 years since I've been down. Thinking of National Parks always makes me think of the lodge so just thought I'd share. Yosemite's grand lodge is the Ahwahnee. I have only visited it but never stay. It does have a lot the lovely grandeur that the lodge was modeled after although I know the Ahwahnee was not the inspiration for WDW. A stay there will still remain a bucket list item since we'll be at Curry Village in a couple of cabins - ones with real walls instead of their better known tent cabins! I do enjoy camping but kind of like real beds a bit more. So I guess we're glamping this weekend!

Jimmy and Tammy - I'll be thinking of you and your family this weekend. Have a wonderful time!! And I'll add that daughters never forget and rather cherish tears of nostalgia and tears of joy shed by their dad.

 

[Corinne]

Granny-thanks for the well wishes, I'm not even close to being ready. Ahh the good ole days when I used to start packing a week before.

Jimmy- cannot wait to see pics and hear all about the wedding!

sleepy still can't believe we will just be missing each other! Have a great trip!

Eliza-I also cry at the drop of a hat!

Kathy-enjoy your visit with your family! I would love to go to Yosemite one day. My brother lived in CA for 20 years, and while we saw a lot of the state, we never made it there. Please post pics if possible!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

All I can say...you folks are tops in my book!!

 

[sleepydog25]

sleepy still can't believe we will just be missing each other! Have a great trip!

Too bad we couldn't have met. You have a great trip, as well!

Enjoy this time, JT. While a moment for teary-eyed reflections, you'll look back on this moment fondly in years to come. I know of what I speak.

 

[Nicoal13]

Hello Groupies! I've been gone way too long. We had a busy summer, traveled to Topsail Island in NC and fell in love with the island.

No WDW trips on the horizon. Actually had to bank 70 points the other day. Some best friend couple are going Dec. 2015 and I think we may go at the same time. Our kids are best friends, so it would be fun to be there at the same time. I wish we could go to escape this harsh winter that is supposed to be coming, but not sure the budget will allow. Too many home remodeling projects. But who knows, maybe a trip on short notice when winter becomes too much could happen.

I hope you are all doing well.

Jimmy - I can imagine how bittersweet you are feeling. Enjoy the moment and think of how much joy this union will bring to your family.

Eliza - thought of you this morning and hope you are doing well on this anniversary as another year has passed. Prayers for you and all those affected today.

Never forget...


Nicole

 

[tea pot]

Eliza
You are in my thoughts and prayers today.

 

[horselover]

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.

Awwwww Jimmy. I suddenly have something in my eye. Only 2 more days to go. Hang in there! Wishing you all a beautiful day on Sat. Can't wait to see the pictures.

I also received an exciting packet for you while I was in Turks & Caicos! I promised Tammy copies of daily itineraries so I'll be getting those in the mail to you beginning of next week.

Thinking of you today Eliza & all the families that lost loved ones.

 

[Granny]

Eliza
You are in my thoughts and prayers today.

Amen.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks for that link Greg!

Jimmytammy.....you have my complete understanding and empathy on all the mixed feelings you are experiencing. Going through the process of my daughter getting married in April had me on such a crazy emotional roller coaster ride. There were times I just felt so sad....and other times I was so joyful. I still struggle today since she now lives permanently in Florida. Hang in there Jimmy & Tammy!!! You will always hold that very special place in her heart that only a father car! Wishing you all the best on the special day this Saturday!

Corinne....CONGRATS on your promotion and upcoming trip to WDW!!!!!

eliza....HUGS! You're in my thoughts!

 

[twinklebug]

Hi Groupies, today is always a solemn day in my company, and there's just no escaping it, so this year I ran toward it instead of away from it. I pulled up M's memorial site and started reading names. I pulled up the wiki and learned a lot, more than I can remember, more than I wanted to know... and terrifying info I will probably now have at least one nightmare from. I am glad I did it, and from this year forward I will make it a point to pull up a handful or two of names of folk who passed away - not just from my company, but fire fighters, flight attendants, or even those at the Marriott... doesn't matter because everyone was equally valuable in life. Ultimately, I'd like to get to know all the names but the list is long.

But it reminded me that today has become a day to be thankful for all the wonderful people we have in our lives, both those that we know, and those who we would know if we would take the time to know them. I'll venture as far as to say it's not a day of sadness, it's a day to remember all the things we really are thankful for. If you'll grant me a moment, I have a few to share:

Day started off with me picking up the fluffenutter from her spay appointment. Saw a town police officer on his way to work and no one was letting him off the highway off ramp to the 3rd lane over. If he had been in his cruiser, I'm sure crossing would have been no issue. It's not that he was a police officer that got me, but the fact that everyone had their heads so focused on just "getting there" that no one paused to let the car out and cross. He nodded his thanks to me as I waved him on. I wanted to yell for folks to slow down, wake up, everyone seems to have forgotten about others being in this world with us. Boy, I'm sounding like my grandmother here. Am I getting old or what? I am grateful that 9-11 opened our eyes to each other, even if it was for just a short period of time, it was nice to see into each others eyes.

Upon returning home a pair of deer crossed the road between our house and a small lot of wooded land, crossed back and then started playing on the basketball court. Made me think of WL ... if it had a basketball court that is. I am thankful that I have had many opportunities with my family and to share with all the groupies here vacation time. There are so many who have not had the opportunity to take time off.

Then, our little semi-feral brought her 4 week old kittens out to visit for the first time. (We now have 3 little guests and mom in our bathroom. Will get them tamed and grown up enough for adoption to good families.) I am thankful for the little critters that warm our hearts and make us realize that there is always room in our lives to help make one more happy ending. Or in this case, four more.

Thanks for the ear groupies, and thank you for always being a place on the web we can call home.

 

[eliza61]

But it reminded me that today has become a day to be thankful for all the wonderful people we have in our lives, both those that we know, and those who we would know if we would take the time to know them. I'll venture as far as to say it's not a day of sadness, it's a day to remember all the things we really are thankful for. If you'll grant me a moment, I have a few to share:



Upon returning home a pair of deer crossed the road between our house and a small lot of wooded land, crossed back and then started playing on the basketball court. Made me think of WL ... if it had a basketball court that is. I am thankful that I have had many opportunities with my family and to share with all the groupies here vacation time. There are so many who have not had the opportunity to take time off.
.

Man, you guys are determined to turn me into a puddle this week.
Wonderful observations Twinkle, thank for sharing.


As always you guys know my mantra. You've really got in backwards, I'm the one who is supremely humbled by the amazing spirit shown by my fellow country men. Like I said, remember you guys kept it together and continue to do so.

Think about it, many of us have kids who were very young in 2001, yet today they are graduating, getting married and succeeding, living wonderful lives in part to what you did 13 years ago.
Personally I couldn't come up with a better legacy to this day if I tried.

As always I am in awe.

much love
E

 

[eliza61]

CONGRATULATIONS JT!!!

I know tomorrow will probably be utter chaos so sending my well wishes and love to you and your entire family.

REMEMBER!!! We want pictures. LOL

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks folks for all the continued well wishes and prayers on behalf of our DD Kristian.

I have to share...yesterday we were setting up for the reception area, and we had brand new tablecloths that need wrinkles removed. He fiance Paul brought a new steamer, it was getting the job done but slowly, we had 20 tables, 12' in dia., and the cloths touch the floor. CaptainD and I go this aint gettin er done, so we make a run to Bed Bath and Beyond and get this super fancy steamer and proceed to help. So here we are, steaming all these cloths, 4 hours later, done!! An adventure that I never, ever wish to return too

And me being a day late, dollar short kind of guy...For those folks who were directly affected by that tragic day in 2001, my prayers continue with you. Our kids grew up with this forever etched in their lives, but stronger in their faith, belief and pride in their country and their fellow man. For that personally, I am thankful, Bin Laden and the likes of him, did not win!! We Americans, yes, we have our differences, and divisions, but go up against us, and you have opened up a hornets nest. And I share these feelings based on how I feel about you folks, many I have never met, but consider friends and family all the same. Throw us all together, we can be a powerful bunch, we stand strong, and though we are miles apart, we lift each other up, pray for each other in our time of need, and share our lives with one another.

So can I say, I love you folks, and I mean this in all sincerity. You all have been a bright spot to me in the best and worst of times. I am forever grateful for you folks