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

[eliza61]

Hey sleepy,
Wonderful trip report. Jiko has always been on my to-do list and we've never gone, primarily because the "old guy" and the boys simply aren't adventurous eaters so it was hard to convince them, then the reports in quality sort of scared me away. I may have to put it back on the to-do list.

Same experience with MP as you. we actually enjoyed our meal but for near 300 bucks for two, it didn't inspire. Totally agree with the dress code thing, LOL but I've been accused by my kids that I'm out of date. "mom, no one dresses up for dinner" Reminds me of an incident in my church this summer. during the summer, my church relaxes the "dress" code so to speak and as with any situation you have some one who takes it a bit too far. well some time after the 4th of July, my pastor reminded folks that while yes, it is summer vacation, no, bikini tops and shorts are not acceptable in church. I can't imagine letting the boys out of the house in swim trunks to go to service.

I've never understood the need to sprinkle a conversation with let's say colorful "colloquialisms".

glad you guys had a great time.

 

[eliza61]

question for the groupies.

I've never had to waitlist a resort or change as we generally go during late August/first week in September which tends to be low dvc season but if you make a reservation at one resort than change to another do you get penalized or charged a change fee?

 

[Granny]

question for the groupies.

I've never had to waitlist a resort or change as we generally go during late August/first week in September which tends to be low dvc season but if you make a reservation at one resort than change to another do you get penalized or charged a change fee?

Eliza...fortunately no, there is no charge! There are never any charges with reservations for DVC resorts. Otherwise, I'd be in debt since I have changed next April's trip 3 times now.

 

[Granny]

I've never understood the need to sprinkle a conversation with let's say colorful "colloquialisms".

Oh, you guys just hit a major nerve of mine! I just can't believe the language that is used routinely by people of all ages, males and females, in public settings. I actually dared to comment to someone a few months ago that there were children present and maybe they wanted to tone down the language, and the guy looked at me like I had two heads and promptly went on with his loud and obscene conversation.

It's incredible how much society's norms have changed in about 20 years.


Okay...that's a lot of old guy ranting for one day. We now return you to your regularly scheduled VWL discussion, with a visual courtesy of birdsofpreydave.

 

[ottawagreg]

- Jiko. Due to various reasons, Jiko had fallen off our to-do list the past few trips. This time, we would not be denied. It was as special and inviting as we remembered, and the food was the best of the trip. Best dish of the trip? The wild boar tenderloin appetizer. Stunningly good.
- Artist Point. Back to its former glory of a decade ago? Not quite. Better than three years ago? Absolutely. The buffalo dish has now swung back to being a quality dish again. It's buffalo three ways (sausage, hash-style, and filet), and the filet was perfect. I doubt we'll see just the filet alone again (too expensive we were told), but the entire meal was good from start to finish.

- Speaking of Monsieur Paul's. It wasn't a bad meal, just uninspired. When you're doling out big bucks to eat at a signature restaurant, you expect food that impresses. While tasty, the food wasn't exceptional. My duck was cooked correctly (medium rare) but the fat in the skin wasn't rendered, thus was rubbery. Luv's scallops were perfectly cooked but small (only five of them, too) and swam in a pool of lifeless green puree composed of lettuce, corn, and a touch of cream. Both dishes came out lukewarm, as well. The ambience was also average mostly because the dress code isn't enforced there, either. I realize this is a hot-button topic for some, but when you're plunking down nearly $200 for a meal, it's disconcerting sitting next to 1) a woman in running shorts and t-shirt, 2) a man in a camo cap that he wore the entire meal, 3) men and women in ragged shorts, 4) men and women in tank tops, and 5) a man and woman sitting next to us dropping f-bombs. We were the only couple there in anything approaching dinner attire (simple dress for Luv, slacks/shirt for me). Yeah, yeah, I know MP's is in a park, and it was raining cats and dogs that night, but why have a dress code at all if you're not going to enforce even one bit of it?

Thanks very much for your input and info. We are planning our Christmas trip now. We had Monsieur Paul's on the list of ADR(s). I scratched it when I came to grips that I could golf four times for what I would drop on one meal there. That would cause anger issues and I would end up in a bar drinking Glenlivet, neat with a twist of lemon. Nothing good comes out that!

We too have missed Jiko's the last several trips, but it chose it instead Paul's. Now I know about the wild boar tenderloin. We used to get the african cheese sampler. Maybe we try both.

Artist Point is a moral imperative. What can one say. They got me hooked on the soup! Besides we can walk from our room and be at our table in about five minutes.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks very much for your input and info. We are planning our Christmas trip now. We had Monsieur Paul's on the list of ADR(s). I scratched it when I came to grips that I could golf four times for what I would drop on one meal there. That would cause anger issues and I would end up in a bar drinking Glenlivet, neat with a twist of lemon. Nothing good comes out that!

We too have missed Jiko's the last several trips, but it chose it instead Paul's. Now I know about the wild boar tenderloin. We used to get the african cheese sampler. Maybe we try both.

Artist Point is a moral imperative. What can one say. They got me hooked on the soup! Besides we can walk from our room and be at our table in about five minutes.

Do you mind if I steal your "moral imperative" statement for AP? That's exactly how Luv and I feel. In fact, we hadn't planned to eat there this trip, but when we saw the new buffalo three ways on the menu, we opted to drop in as a walk up. We arrived about 8 and were seated within five minutes. AP holds some very dear memories for us, as does WL/VWL, so we rarely pass on dining there. Glad to know others also hold it dear.

I believe you'd love Jiko again. To be blunt, their food trumped AP's. As for MP's, we truly wanted to love it but left just merely liking it. I can't afford to eat at signatures that I only mildly like. Finally, the couple with the salty language weren't being loud or obnoxious, basically conversing in normal tones, but the seats are so darn close, you can nearly hear everything but whispered conversations.

Thanks, eliza! I figure if my comments can help anyone just a little, it's worthwhile to put the information out there.

 

[horselover]

Hey, I said it is a great resort! Don't I get partial credit for that answer?

I agree that it really is a "different strokes" kind of thing as far as resorts. We liked BCV a lot but just like other resorts better. I was afraid Sleepy, Jimmy & my comments might draw some ire from our BCV enthusiasts, but I don't think we said anything negative about the resort, just that it wasn't our cup of tea.

Clearly BCV is immensely popular as evidenced by the challenge to book there at 7 month windows. Let's all be glad that not every DVC member likes the same two or three resorts or it would be a real mess out there!

You do get credit for that Granny!

Sorry Julie, I knew I would touch a nerve Seriously, I need to give BCV and SSR both another try someday. I have only stayed at each once, and did the same at OKW, swore i would never stay there again only to fall in love with it too the point I stayed there repeatedly

So I tend to agree with Granny, good thing we dont all favor just one resort

I knew you were poking me on purpose Jimmy! No ire on my part. I totally agree on the different strokes, something for everyone statement. I'm not a fan of SSR but I know a lot of other people love it (Di & Dad!). Plenty of other resorts to choose from & if I stay at SSR I'll still enjoy WDW. I'm actually staying there next week during my conference. It wasn't my first choice (ok it might be my last choice) but it will still be fine. It was all I could get when I made the reservation back in April & even then I couldn't get all the nights I wanted. I did end up getting them all one by one. I will miss being able to walk into Epcot though. I've become very used to that IG entrance. Good thing I won't have a ton of free time or I'd really be sad.

Sly - thanks for your mini TR. I've had hit or miss meals at Jiko but it's been probably 2 years since I've gone. It's one of the places I really enjoy going to as a solo traveler. I love to sit at the cooking place & chat with the chefs. I'll have to put it on my list for May since I won't have time on trip coming up.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled VWL discussion, with a visual courtesy of birdsofpreydave.

Ahhhhhhh!!!! Thanks Granny!

 

[jimmytammy]

Sleepy
Thanks for the trip report! Tammy works with a young man who took his kids last week and he unfortunately got the brunt of rain all week as well.

Julie
I knew you wouldnt take offense at the comments. I love that about this thread, we can laugh, cry, share and get along great with each other in a unique way. Not many places to participate like that anymore, so glad we can do so here

 

[ottawagreg]

Do you mind if I steal your "moral imperative" statement for AP? That's exactly how Luv and I feel. In fact, we hadn't planned to eat there this trip, but when we saw the new buffalo three ways on the menu, we opted to drop in as a walk up. We arrived about 8 and were seated within five minutes. AP holds some very dear memories for us, as does WL/VWL, so we rarely pass on dining there. Glad to know others also hold it dear.

Sleepy,

Most certainly you can use it. I'm sure I stole it from somebody else. There's nothing new under the sun as the Good Book says.

AP is very dear to us, thus it is "imperative". We honeymooned on a Royal Caribbean ship (southeast isles) and then flew from San Juan, PR to MCO and rode in a taxi to front door of WL. That was our first trip to WDW and the lodge. We walked in to AP as well. So we try to go there whenever we are ing the World. Last trip (June) we got seated at our honeymoon table. So that was real nice. Now I'm missing going home again!

greg

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thank you for the report Sleepy! I keep forgetting Monsieur Paul's even exists. One of these days I must get to Jiko's! It's always been on my radar but never seems to materialize. Thanks also the the WL pool rehab update!!!

My trip is coming up fast......DVC friends of ours have put a group of us up at the THV. Never stayed there and even though it's only 2 days (for a little R&R before our cruise) I am looking forward to it. Then after our cruise we are staying at SSR because it was literally the ONLY availability we could find back in July. And what is going on Sat Nov 1st? There hasn't been any size room at any DVC since July??? We are staying at French Quarter for that one night.
And for the record Julie....I love the BCV. Only stayed there one time because it's very difficult to get a stay there at 7 mos out but we loved it. It was December so the resort was so pretty for Christmas. It was hard to leave sun and sitting by the pool on Dec 18 to return to a snow storm in Philly!!!!

 

[DiznyDi]

Thanks sleepy for your report! Unfortunately we have had 2 bad meals in a row at Jiko and have not returned. At the price, its hard to justify going back. DDad and I just do not eat like we used to. One or two appetizers and maybe a dessert to share and we're good to go. We have opted instead to go to Sanaa. Their bread service is exceptional and filling. We might augment that with an appetizer..... Artists Point was always our 'last night' meal. Even that has changed since we can get the wonderful mushroom soup in the Territory Lounge.

And yes, Julie, we do enjoy SSR! Our May reservation is there. We may try to get into one of the Epcot resorts at 7 mo. But I'm quite happy to stay at Saratoga.

Thanks Granny for your visual reminder of the place we all love so much. While I'm excited to be going at the end of the month, I do worry about the quiet pool being at over-flowing capacity.

 

[horselover]

And yes, Julie, we do enjoy SSR! Our May reservation is there. We may try to get into one of the Epcot resorts at 7 mo. But I'm quite happy to stay at Saratoga.

Just got all excited when I saw this but checked the first page & looks like I'll be missing you again. Rats!

I agree on the bread service at Saana. So delicious. We didn't love any of the other food though. We're going for lunch in Dec. & plan to get 2 order of bread service & the tomato soup. The soup is delicious too if you've never tried it.

Maria - have a great cruise! What are your dates? I have no doubt I'll be just missing you again too! Seems to be the way it always goes for us. One day! I will still be emailing you one of these days to pick your brain about a day trip to St. Augustine. We hope to make it down there in Dec.

 

[jimmytammy]

Tammy flew out today to stay with Brad and Tearsa in Clermont, with plans to walk the ToT 10K Sat at 10 PM followed by an after party that lasts til 4am I asked her how she was going to manage that, when she cant stay away 15 mins to watch a movie at night

She will be back Sun, then we drive to Savannah Wed, stay over night, then Lady and Sons for lunch before hitting the road to Cocoa to stay with Alan and AnnieT. They will be dropping us off Sat for our Fantasy cruise followed by a week at BWV. BTW, cant wait to see NightRanger again!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

And yes, Julie, we do enjoy SSR! Our May reservation is there. We may try to get into one of the Epcot resorts at 7 mo. But I'm quite happy to stay at Saratoga.

Thanks Granny for your visual reminder of the place we all love so much. While I'm excited to be going at the end of the month, I do worry about the quiet pool being at over-flowing capacity.

Diane....have you ever stayed in the THV? I must say....I am SUPER EXCITED about this. It's only 2 nights but our group is already planning dinner on the deck with drinks!

Horselover says: Maria - have a great cruise! What are your dates? I have no doubt I'll be just missing you again too! Seems to be the way it always goes for us. One day! I will still be emailing you one of these days to pick your brain about a day trip to St. Augustine. We hope to make it down there in Dec.

Hi Julie! Our cruise portion of the trip is Oct 25-Nov1. HALLOWEEN on the high seas on the Fantasy! Rob and I are dressing up as Woody and Jesse! LOL
And yes....feel free any time to ask about St Augustine. Perhaps my favorite Florida city. My daughter lived in St Augustine for a year (still works there at Anastasia State Park)....but she just moved to the town of Palm Coast last week (rent is cheaper for you two young newlyweds). Ask anything you'd like.

And thanks for the photo of the WL Granny! Sometimes we need to be kept grounded! LOL

 

[MiaSRN62]

Tammy flew out today to stay with Brad and Tearsa in Clermont, with plans to walk the ToT 10K Sat at 10 PM followed by an after party that lasts til 4am I asked her how she was going to manage that, when she cant stay away 15 mins to watch a movie at night

She will be back Sun, then we drive to Savannah Wed, stay over night, then Lady and Sons for lunch before hitting the road to Cocoa to stay with Alan and AnnieT. They will be dropping us off Sat for our Fantasy cruise followed by a week at BWV. BTW, cant wait to see NightRanger again!!

Jimmytammy! So cool about the ToT 10K!!!! My friend and I are planning on running the 5K on Castaway Cay on Oct 31! <gulp>
And JT....our WDW trips overlap a bit. We're in WDW Oct 23-25 (board the Fantasy on the 25th). Any chance you are doing the MNSSHP on Oct 24??

 

[IBLarsen]

Hi, I'm not a regular DVC person, but have rented points for VWL in the past. We LOVE that place! We are planning another trip for March and before I look at renting points again, I was considering if we wanted to do VWL again. While, like I said, we love it, the only thing I didn't love was the bed situation in the studio. We would do that again this time. Of course, you have a bed plus a pull out. the issue was that the pullout bed was so squeaky, it kept everyone awake all night. For this reason alone, I'm hesitant. For you regulars who stay here often, is this a norm, or was this just a case of bad luck that is likely a one off?
My other option is to do OKW, simply for the fact of having two real beds.

 

[twinklebug]

Hi, I'm not a regular DVC person, but have rented points for VWL in the past. We LOVE that place! We are planning another trip for March and before I look at renting points again, I was considering if we wanted to do VWL again. While, like I said, we love it, the only thing I didn't love was the bed situation in the studio. We would do that again this time. Of course, you have a bed plus a pull out. the issue was that the pullout bed was so squeaky, it kept everyone awake all night. For this reason alone, I'm hesitant. For you regulars who stay here often, is this a norm, or was this just a case of bad luck that is likely a one off?
My other option is to do OKW, simply for the fact of having two real beds.

Hi IBL!

VWL has all new sleeper sofas as well as a new murphy bed added to the rooms. You should have no problems with the sofa. I had my 17yo sleeping on the murphy just this past summer, which he claimed was more comfortable than the sofa. You have multiple options.

Thinking into the past, I can recall a squeaky bed on one of our trips, but certainly not all. And I'm not sure if it was at VWL... I'm leaning toward it having been at AKV - Jambo.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks sleepy for your report! Unfortunately we have had 2 bad meals in a row at Jiko and have not returned. At the price, its hard to justify going back. DDad and I just do not eat like we used to. One or two appetizers and maybe a dessert to share and we're good to go. We have opted instead to go to Sanaa. Their bread service is exceptional and filling. We might augment that with an appetizer..... Artists Point was always our 'last night' meal. Even that has changed since we can get the wonderful mushroom soup in the Territory Lounge.

And yes, Julie, we do enjoy SSR! Our May reservation is there. We may try to get into one of the Epcot resorts at 7 mo. But I'm quite happy to stay at Saratoga.

Thanks Granny for your visual reminder of the place we all love so much. While I'm excited to be going at the end of the month, I do worry about the quiet pool being at over-flowing capacity.

Can't say as I blame you about not returning to Jiko. If I have a bad experience, I'm not likely to return soon and sometimes not at all. For example, I've had three meals at WCC and none has been good, so I won't go back. Monsieur Paul's we've visited only once, but it was lackluster and low on fine dining ambience, so we'll not go back anytime soon. As for Sanaa, we love it there! We like it almost as much as Jiko, and it's certainly less expensive.

Welcome, IBL! I've no experience with squeaking beds at VWL, so I'm inclined to believe it was a one-off. Certainly, as twinks said, with the new beds one would hope you wouldn't have that issue.

 

[horselover]

Who's been Home recently? Has something changed with the boat to MK? Is the red flag boat no longer running direct routes to MK? I'm having a little disagreement with someone who stayed at the Lodge in Aug. He said the only boat service was a triangle route between MK, FW, & WL. He insists there was no other boat & "he knows what boat he was on". Maybe I'm wrong & something has changed due to the pool refurb? Does anyone know?

 

[sleepydog25]

:debwalk:

Who's been Home recently? Has something changed with the boat to MK? Is the red flag boat no longer running direct routes to MK? I'm having a little disagreement with someone who stayed at the Lodge in Aug. He said the only boat service was a triangle route between MK, FW, & WL. He insists there was no other boat & "he knows what boat he was on". Maybe I'm wrong & something has changed due to the pool refurb? Does anyone know?

We went there about two weeks ago and went directly to WL from MK on one leg. Can't say that your friend was wrong when he rode, but it was working normally while we were there.