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

[jimmytammy]

We are newer WL BR owners, and thinking of a trip next December for 3-4 nights (midweek). Is it very hard to book a studio the first week of December? i might just book a 1BR, not sure, I have enough points from 2018 to do so, but with only 2 of us, we really do not need that much space.

I mean generally speaking, of course. Do people actually walk reservations for December studios at BR? I have no real idea, I never was able to go to WDW in December, and we previously had all our points at BCV.

Hey Pat
In the past we have walked our ressies but I don't think it is necessary these days. Its more of a comfort thing to me. On another note, WL is IMO the most beautiful place to be in all of WDW around the Holidays, so I think you made a great decision on owning there. Its a tough one to get the time of year for this reason without the 11 month window. I will say, be ready to book your 1st available day if possible. We are planning to book 2 1 beds for next Dec and I will be on the phone pronto on my 11 month day!

 

[sleepydog25]

That's playing a little unfair, Sleepy!

Yeah, I know. I'm just mean some days. . .

We are newer WL BR owners, and thinking of a trip next December for 3-4 nights (midweek). Is it very hard to book a studio the first week of December? i might just book a 1BR, not sure, I have enough points from 2018 to do so, but with only 2 of us, we really do not need that much space.

I mean generally speaking, of course. Do people actually walk reservations for December studios at BR? I have no real idea, I never was able to go to WDW in December, and we previously had all our points at BCV.

First, PatMcDuck! I don't recall you posting on here before (then again, I have the memory of a gnat), and we're glad you came out to play. We think you'll find us a friendly, supportive group here, and you'll find lots of answers here. . .and we mostly agree! Second, I concur with JT that you shouldn't need to walk your reservation as long as you're on the phone/online that first day. As for the studio vs. 1BR, if you have the points, do it, especially since those are 2018 points. Be forewarned, however, that once you've stayed in a 1BR, it's tough to go back. Still, I can think of no finer place to be at Disney during the holidays than the Wilderness Lodge, and in particular, VWL (you'll find most of us have a hard time letting go and calling it the new Bolder Ridgeline name). Again, welcome to the Groupies!! (P.S. All it takes to be a Groupie is a love of the Lodge.)

 

[Granny]

We are newer WL BR owners, and thinking of a trip next December for 3-4 nights (midweek). Is it very hard to book a studio the first week of December? i might just book a 1BR, not sure, I have enough points from 2018 to do so, but with only 2 of us, we really do not need that much space.

I mean generally speaking, of course. Do people actually walk reservations for December studios at BR? I have no real idea, I never was able to go to WDW in December, and we previously had all our points at BCV.

Welcome back, Pat!

I'll echo what @jimmytammy and @sleepydog25 mentioned...I think you will be okay with making the reservation at the 11 month mark. But I would definitely do it online and not call MS so you get an hour's jump on the phone reservations. I haven't ever had to walk a reservation but then again we book 1BR villas for the two of us so it's not generally an issue.

Wishing we could join y’all these first 2 December weeks but alas - work has other plans for me - so won’t be there til 16th...hope everyone has a safe, relaxing and uncrowded stay at the World

Sorry to miss you this trip but I'm sure we'll catch up with you at some point on a future WDW trip.

 

[bobbiwoz]

They did not change the first floor, common areas of VWL....thank heavens. I keep my mind focused on that.

 

[TCRAIG]

Yeah, I know. I'm just mean some days. . .

First, PatMcDuck! I don't recall you posting on here before (then again, I have the memory of a gnat), and we're glad you came out to play. We think you'll find us a friendly, supportive group here, and you'll find lots of answers here. . .and we mostly agree! Second, I concur with JT that you shouldn't need to walk your reservation as long as you're on the phone/online that first day. As for the studio vs. 1BR, if you have the points, do it, especially since those are 2018 points. Be forewarned, however, that once you've stayed in a 1BR, it's tough to go back. Still, I can think of no finer place to be at Disney during the holidays than the Wilderness Lodge, and in particular, VWL (you'll find most of us have a hard time letting go and calling it the new Bolder Ridgeline name). Again, welcome to the Groupies!! (P.S. All it takes to be a Groupie is a love of the Lodge.)

I’ve decided that the BR part of BR/VWL doesn’t really stand for ‘Boulder Ridge’ but rather ‘Beloved Resort’ - at least in my mind

 

[DVC Jen]

I’ve decided that the BR part of BR/VWL doesn’t really stand for ‘Boulder Ridge’ but rather ‘Beloved Resort’ - at least in my mind

I love this!!!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

For those who aren't at the World right now the Disney Parks Blog will be streaming the 8:15 CP with Neal Patrick Harris tonight. They indicate you can join in starting at 8PM and streaming will start a few minutes before the show at approximately 8:10PM eastern.

 

[Corinne]

I watched the CP live stream....it’s the closest I’m going to get until this time next year. It does not ever disappoint.

To all the Groupies headed down soon, please don’t forget to post early and often! I will be living vicariously through you! This will actually be the longest span we’ve had between trips in many years. We normally have at least two trips a year, sometimes 3, but with the wedding in September, we aren’t planning on going until next December!

 

[Lakegirl]

Wishing everyone who is heading to our favorite place trips filled with Magic. Please don't forget to post often so all of us at home can fell like we are right there with you!!

 

[Dizny Dad]

1 1/2 sleeps to go. The 1/2 probably wont happen, as we need to leave home at 3AM to make our morning flight to Orlando.

And posting while in The World . . . . . we'll try, but you know how it goes sometimes; the magic takes over and all things that we would do while home are abandoned, mostly.

Looking forward to seeing some of our friends in The World.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Our first time with a view of the lake since the cabins were built.

 

[DVC Jen]

Our first time with a view of the lake since the cabins were built.

View attachment 368533

Oh my gosh... I am having withdrawals. It is going to be hard to wait an entire year to be back at BRV - Beloved Resort Villas.

I know I will enjoy BWV in June - but nothing and I mean NOTHING compares to our lodge.

 

[PatMcDuck]

Hello, yes thanks for the welcome. We originally bought OKW in 1995 and squeaked in with the free passes until 2000. That was cool indeed. Then sold and bought in at BCV, because the kids loved it there so much when it opened (lost no $$ on the deal). Then late last year we decided to sell the BCV and buy in at WL BR, haha, we are nuts. But the BCV sold much higher than the WL BR resale, so again, we lost no $$, and got a contract loaded with all 2017, 2018 points. We actually came out AHEAD. (and weirdly I bought 25 direct points just before we sold the BCV, and a week before they raised the rule to 75 direct for perks). So here we now sit with 200 resale points and 25 direct, unfortunately different use years but I will work with that.

We have a trip in January to use up those 200 2017 points, 1BR. And another in April/May to use some of the 2018 points (a Copper Creek studio popped up when I went to book a studio at 5 months out). I go to WDW and DL fairly often, I am a CM in a TDS.

 

[Corinne]

And so the whispering drum beat began this weekend . . . . now only four more sleeptwo for one of us!) . . . . then comes the anxious drive to the A/P; then the "Terminal" ordeal (stand here, don't stand there, open that bag, papers please, do not enter), hopefully avoiding the three big possible curses (Cancelled, Postponed, Delayed); a joyful ME ride, and then the fun and relaxation begins as we enter the Lodge to check in and hopefully get an odd numbered room (best for boat horns in the morning!).

Lol, DDad....not sure I’ve ever really experienced a joyful ME ride, but, it is free.

 

[bobbiwoz]

At VWL, CM Kirk was so helpful! It is Tinkerbell Thursday. He arranged for an additional FP TO Soarin or Test Track plus the Illuminations viewing FP!

Never knew about Tinkerbell Thursday!

 

[Granny]

At VWL, CM Kirk was so helpful! It is Tinkerbell Thursday. He arranged for an additional FP TO Soarin or Test Track plus the Illuminations viewing FP!

Never knew about Tinkerbell Thursday!

That's very cool! What does Kirk do at VWL? He's not the guy who occasionally sits at the desk in the VWL lobby, is he? In any event, glad to hear you got a little bit of the magic already. Did you mention to Kirk that we consider such serendipitous events to be generated by Moose Dust?

We head out tomorrow for WDW...though not nearly as early as DDad and Disney Di! I wonder if tomorrow is Flynn Rider Friday?

 

[disneynutz]

Kirk is a concierge CM who built his own station in the BRV lobby with surplus Disney furniture. His hours are 7:00 - 3:30 5 or 6 days per week. He loves to help with planning, reservations, and making magic and he is a big reason why we love to stay at WL. He greets his guests by name and watching him interact with the young guests is magical. If you appreciate his service please email wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com so we can keep him around.

Bill

 

[bobbiwoz]

That's very cool! What does Kirk do at VWL? He's not the guy who occasionally sits at the desk in the VWL lobby, is he? In any event, glad to hear you got a little bit of the magic already. Did you mention to Kirk that we consider such serendipitous events to be generated by Moose Dust?

We head out tomorrow for WDW...though not nearly as early as DDad and Disney Di! I wonder if tomorrow is Flynn Rider Friday?

Yes he is!!!
After he took our group picture, I asked a friend to take ours with Kirk. Can I post his picture here?

 

[Granny]

Yes he is!!!
After he took our group picture, I asked a friend to take ours with Kirk. Can I post his picture here?

Absolutely...this is the VWL Groupie thread after all!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Here we are, Kirk with us! In front of our VWL tree!