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

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Sunday groupie friends. Great picture Granny! Thanks for sharing. Question for the experts. Christmas trip is on my mind & I'm starting to realize we may have a bit of a problem with shipping our tree home. Last time we were there 2 years ago we tried to ship the tree home from WL. Concierge said the only option was FedEx I believe & it was crazy expensive. We wanted to use UPS but they said no we'd need to go to the business center at CR if we wanted to do that. Good thing we had a car. So now I'm thinking about this year & the fact Christmas falls on a Thu. I hate taking the tree down the day after Christmas plus that's a park day for us. Problem is our flight home is on Monday at noon. No way we'll have time in the morning to go to CR & deal with shipping the tree. I'm kind of thinking the business center won't be open on the weekends which leads me to my first question. Does anyone know if the business center at CR is open on Sat.? Question #2. Anyone know who WL uses for shipping these days? Is it still FedEx? I'm wondering if we did a pre-paid return shipping label from FedEx before we left home if we could just drop that at concierge the morning we leave. I'm not quite sure how to go about finding the answers to these questions but figured I'd start here. Thanks!

I'll be at a conference at CR next week Julie so can check on the Sat hours if you haven't got an answer yet. I know the the BW business center had some limited Sat hours and I suspect that CR has that or maybe even a little more extended but it's just a guess at the moment.

Sleepy - perhaps you could list me for a trip from Nov 5th to 9th at BWV and 9th to 14th at BLT? We just got snow here in Tahoe/Reno so I'm really happy I get to someplace warmer for a bit. I'm not ready for winter yet!!!

Nice picture Granny!

 

[ottawagreg]

Happy Sunday groupie friends.

Great picture Granny! Thanks for sharing.

Question for the experts. Christmas trip is on my mind & I'm starting to realize we may have a bit of a problem with shipping our tree home. Last time we were there 2 years ago we tried to ship the tree home from WL. Concierge said the only option was FedEx I believe & it was crazy expensive. We wanted to use UPS but they said no we'd need to go to the business center at CR if we wanted to do that. Good thing we had a car. So now I'm thinking about this year & the fact Christmas falls on a Thu. I hate taking the tree down the day after Christmas plus that's a park day for us. Problem is our flight home is on Monday at noon. No way we'll have time in the morning to go to CR & deal with shipping the tree. I'm kind of thinking the business center won't be open on the weekends which leads me to my first question.

Does anyone know if the business center at CR is open on Sat.?

Question #2. Anyone know who WL uses for shipping these days? Is it still FedEx? I'm wondering if we did a pre-paid return shipping label from FedEx before we left home if we could just drop that at concierge the morning we leave.

I'm not quite sure how to go about finding the answers to these questions but figured I'd start here.

Thanks!

I don't know if what I can share is exactly what you are asking but it may partially useful. The way we typically travel now is keeping a purple box and my golf glubs in storage in Orlando. As for our clothes, we ship them ground UPS scheduled to arrive one day before we do. When we arrive we ask the CM at check-in to contact bell service for owner's locker and ups package with our name and ressie number. When we are preparing to leave I place a prepaid shipping address label on the same box our clothes came in, and the owners locker picks up the rest. This allows us to navigate thru the airport hand free, save the camera bag and a back pack between three of us. We have no checked luggage either way. We have left on a Saturday and I suspect ups did not pick up our box until the following Monday based on the arrival back in Illinois. Bell service guys acted like it was no big deal to leave boxes there as delivery trucks came and went every day. I did tip them $20 coming and going for the purple box, golf clubs and ups package. I figured that was pretty cheap for the convenience.

On a side note we have purchased stuff while on vacation. We generally do not put anything but our clothes in the box as it is pre-paid and we don't want to risk being over weight. Well I am overweight, but that is a different discussion. Anyway we found a UPS franchise in Celebration in the same parking area by the Publix store. We shop for groceries there on occasion and discovered it. So souvenirs and such that we want to send home get put in packaging there and are picked up for delivery that day. Pretty slick, They have boxes, tape, peanuts and bubbles, whatever you need to ship fragile stuff or pretty much whatever you have. I don't know if that helps with the tree, nor know how big it is, but that may be an option. Also, a FedEx package prepaid should work too. Just talk to someone at bell service, and slip him a little something.

Why did they tell you no UPS? Was that someone in management you spoke with?

We arrive on 12/23 and leave 12/30, the entire trip is at VWL and that is how I intend to travel. I have not ever had anyone give me any indication that UPS was a problem, or say we will do it this one time but no more. If you need or want location of the UPS store let me know and I can get the address and phone number for you.

greg

 

[horselover]

I'll be at a conference at CR next week Julie so can check on the Sat hours if you haven't got an answer yet. I know the the BW business center had some limited Sat hours and I suspect that CR has that or maybe even a little more extended but it's just a guess at the moment.

Thanks Kathy that would be great! I googled the hours but I couldn't find them. It listed all the things the business center could do but no actual hours that I could see. It did say they could ship a package on Sat. if you arranged it ahead of time but gave no instructions on how to arrange it. Perhaps you need to call the business center. I don't actually need to ship it on Sat. I'd prefer to ship it on Mon.

I don't know if what I can share is exactly what you are asking but it may partially useful. The way we typically travel now is keeping a purple box and my golf glubs in storage in Orlando. As for our clothes, we ship them ground UPS scheduled to arrive one day before we do. When we arrive we ask the CM at check-in to contact bell service for owner's locker and ups package with our name and ressie number. When we are preparing to leave I place a prepaid shipping address label on the same box our clothes came in, and the owners locker picks up the rest. This allows us to navigate thru the airport hand free, save the camera bag and a back pack between three of us. We have no checked luggage either way. We have left on a Saturday and I suspect ups did not pick up our box until the following Monday based on the arrival back in Illinois. Bell service guys acted like it was no big deal to leave boxes there as delivery trucks came and went every day. I did tip them $20 coming and going for the purple box, golf clubs and ups package. I figured that was pretty cheap for the convenience.

On a side note we have purchased stuff while on vacation. We generally do not put anything but our clothes in the box as it is pre-paid and we don't want to risk being over weight. Well I am overweight, but that is a different discussion. Anyway we found a UPS franchise in Celebration in the same parking area by the Publix store. We shop for groceries there on occasion and discovered it. So souvenirs and such that we want to send home get put in packaging there and are picked up for delivery that day. Pretty slick, They have boxes, tape, peanuts and bubbles, whatever you need to ship fragile stuff or pretty much whatever you have. I don't know if that helps with the tree, nor know how big it is, but that may be an option. Also, a FedEx package prepaid should work too. Just talk to someone at bell service, and slip him a little something.

Why did they tell you no UPS? Was that someone in management you spoke with?

We arrive on 12/23 and leave 12/30, the entire trip is at VWL and that is how I intend to travel. I have not ever had anyone give me any indication that UPS was a problem, or say we will do it this one time but no more. If you need or want location of the UPS store let me know and I can get the address and phone number for you.

greg

Thanks Greg. It was concierge that told us no. We didn't ask to speak to a manager. I know I remember them saying UPS no longer picked up at the resort. Perhaps it would have been a different story if we had had a prepaid return shipping label but we didn't. They told us our only option was FedEx for a ridiculous cost of about $60. I had shipped the package down UPS ground for $17. No way I was paying $60 to ship it back so we drove over to CR.

We do have 2 OLs but the tree won't fit in the 2nd one because our Aerobed is in there. I wish we could just leave it but that's not really an option. I'm thinking the prepaid return UPS label is looking better & better. I didn't realize you could leave things like boxes to be shipped with bell services. I thought they had to be left at the front desk. Very helpful info so thanks! I will take the address for the UPS store in Celebration just in case though. We could always take a ride over there on Sun.

 

[ottawagreg]

The UPS Store
52 Riley Rd,
Celebration, FL 34747
Ph: (321) 939-7678

yellow page listing URL:
http://www.yelp.com/map/the-ups-store-celebration

World Drive outbound to US 192 and go east. Go toward the Publix. It is in the same shopping area.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks Kathy that would be great! I googled the hours but I couldn't find them. It listed all the things the business center could do but no actual hours that I could see. It did say they could ship a package on Sat. if you arranged it ahead of time but gave no instructions on how to arrange it. Perhaps you need to call the business center. I don't actually need to ship it on Sat. I'd prefer to ship it on Mon.

Ok - I'll check to see if their open to drop it off on a Saturday. And if I get over to WL (which is very likely - gotta check out how the pool is coming and get a Magic Bar!) I'll see if I can double check that UPS can still pick up a pre-labeled package left with Bell Service.

One other thought - would it fit in a large suitcase? On the flight down you could pack a suitcase in a suitcase and then have that to send it back home in.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Just had a question cross my mind - does anyone know when they start doing the holiday version of Illuminations? Does it start with the other holiday things like MVMCP and Osborne lights or not until after Thanksgiving? I've been down in November before but can't remember what they were doing with it.

 

[sleepydog25]

Sleepy - perhaps you could list me for a trip from Nov 5th to 9th at BWV and 9th to 14th at BLT? We just got snow here in Tahoe/Reno so I'm really happy I get to someplace warmer for a bit. I'm not ready for winter yet!!!

Done!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Done!

Thanks Sleepy!

 

[Dizny Dad]

OK; back in the ol’ saddle once again after another notch was whittled into DiznyDi’s and my pistol grip.

It was again a great rip to The World, highlighted by a wonderful visit with Tom (Granny), wife Cindy, and daughter Julie at the TOTWL. Time always seems to run faster when we get together with Disney friends; our meeting was short but long enough to refresh ourselves with each other, compare trip notes, and make plans for meeting on the next trip. DD and DSL were also with us at the TOTWL but spent time meeting with their friends while we reconnected with Granny and family. During our visit Granny arranged for a little excitement over in the Magic Kingdom with the new Mine Train ride that we could enjoy right after the fireworks. (OK; maybe it wasn’t Granny, but it should add some chuckles for him when he reads this)

Highlights of our trip this time not only included having our daughter and son-in-law along to celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary (yes Jimmy & Tammy, it happens fast), but also included a prerelease viewing of the movie Big Hero 6 at the Downtown Disney Westside theater. It is a delightful family fun movie with a predictable Disney ending.

As always, DiznyDi will fill in with lots of details I’m sure.

 

[eliza61]

another tale from the strange universe of Eliza, sid and Rizzo the rat.

So, as many of you know we're "city folk" so every morning before I go to work I have to walk "hobbes, the dog" Since it still dark early in the morning, I naturally have safety concerns that I keep in mind.

To that end, my sister suggested I get a can of "bear spray", Because we all know that when it comes to bear sightings mid town Manhattan and Center city Philadelphia is right up there with Yellowstone. LOL (Bear spray is supposedly a bit stronger than pepper spray but the supposed big advantage is that it shoots further, so you can get "Boo-Boo the bad guy before he gets close)

Anyhoo,
Take Hobbes out this morning. Put on my white parka. in my left pocket I stick my house keys, in my right pocket I stick the can of Bear spray and two plastic supermarket bags to clean up (hey, gotta be a good neighbor. LOL)

So we're walking along, he's sniffing, I'm complaining because he's smelling every blade of grass and he finally does his thing.
I stick my hand in my pocket to grab the plastic bag, forgetting the can has a push button not a trigger spray and immediately MACE my pockets and leg.

Did I mention that the coat was white and this stuff sprays bright orange!!

of course I'm gagging all the way home from the smell.


If I had two extra quarters to rub together I would be at the lodge tonight!!

Feel free to laugh now.

 

[Granny]

. During our visit Granny arranged for a little excitement over in the Magic Kingdom with the new Mine Train ride that we could enjoy right after the fireworks. (OK; maybe it wasn’t Granny, but it should add some chuckles for him when he reads this)

Okay, I've been accused of many things but Disney Attraction Arson isn't on the list! See, if we had stuck around for twenty more minutes in TOTWL we would've had a real nice view of the marshmallow roast in Fantasy Land.

Great seeing you, Dad & Di, as always.

 

[Granny]

another tale from the strange universe of Eliza, sid and Rizzo the rat.

....

So we're walking along, he's sniffing, I'm complaining because he's smelling every blade of grass and he finally does his thing.
I stick my hand in my pocket to grab the plastic bag, forgetting the can has a push button not a trigger spray and immediately MACE my pockets and leg.

Did I mention that the coat was white and this stuff sprays bright orange!!

of course I'm gagging all the way home from the smell.


If I had two extra quarters to rub together I would be at the lodge tonight!!

Feel free to laugh now.

Eliza...I have to confess that yes I did laugh out loud on this one, and had to share it with DW too.

You say this is why you need Wilderness Lodge.


And I say this is why we need you to keep hanging with us here on the Groupies thread....you not only have great stories but you tell them so darn descriptively and well!

So, I guess that pretty much totaled out that parka, huh? Bummer.

 

[Granny]

Packing up tonight, getting ready to check out of BWV in the morning and head on the long drive home. This has been a 12 night stay and with our two daughters tag-teaming us we have only been alone for two of the nights including tonight. We learned one thing...it's easier if everyone is here at the same time because we ended up doing "everything" two times this trip, once for each daughter.

Now we need a vacation!

It's been a very nice trip. In addition to mini-meets with Jimmy/Tammy and DiznyDad/DiznyDi we have enjoyed some great weather and our first visit to F&W Festival.

I hope all Groupies who are heading down soon have safe journeys and magical vacations!

 

[horselover]

The UPS Store
52 Riley Rd,
Celebration, FL 34747
Ph: (321) 939-7678

yellow page listing URL:
http://www.yelp.com/map/the-ups-store-celebration

World Drive outbound to US 192 and go east. Go toward the Publix. It is in the same shopping area.

Thank you!

Ok - I'll check to see if their open to drop it off on a Saturday. And if I get over to WL (which is very likely - gotta check out how the pool is coming and get a Magic Bar!) I'll see if I can double check that UPS can still pick up a pre-labeled package left with Bell Service.

One other thought - would it fit in a large suitcase? On the flight down you could pack a suitcase in a suitcase and then have that to send it back home in.

Thanks Kathy. It likely would fit in a suitcase but that would mean bringing a third suitcase plus at least one carry on we fill with food. That may be a little too much to deal with at the airport plus worrying it all will fit in the trunk of our car. It's an option to keep on the table though.

another tale from the strange universe of Eliza, sid and Rizzo the rat.

So, as many of you know we're "city folk" so every morning before I go to work I have to walk "hobbes, the dog" Since it still dark early in the morning, I naturally have safety concerns that I keep in mind.

To that end, my sister suggested I get a can of "bear spray", Because we all know that when it comes to bear sightings mid town Manhattan and Center city Philadelphia is right up there with Yellowstone. LOL (Bear spray is supposedly a bit stronger than pepper spray but the supposed big advantage is that it shoots further, so you can get "Boo-Boo the bad guy before he gets close)

Anyhoo,
Take Hobbes out this morning. Put on my white parka. in my left pocket I stick my house keys, in my right pocket I stick the can of Bear spray and two plastic supermarket bags to clean up (hey, gotta be a good neighbor. LOL)

So we're walking along, he's sniffing, I'm complaining because he's smelling every blade of grass and he finally does his thing.
I stick my hand in my pocket to grab the plastic bag, forgetting the can has a push button not a trigger spray and immediately MACE my pockets and leg.

Did I mention that the coat was white and this stuff sprays bright orange!!

of course I'm gagging all the way home from the smell.


If I had two extra quarters to rub together I would be at the lodge tonight!!

Feel free to laugh now.

I admit just like Granny I also did . Your life certainly is an adventure!

 

[jimmytammy]

Dad
Thanks for calling out Granny on the Mine Train incident...its all starting to make sense now. Granny, I understand the ride is a bit too short for such a long line, but setting it ablaze, c'mon now, really

Eliza
That is way too funny Thats an un-bearable load to have to bear Word of advice, dont take that stuff into Country Bear Jamboree, Big Al won't take too kind too it!! And I would hate to see you bearly make it out of there!!
(Ok Bear jokes over with now)

 

[Dizny Dad]

Granny – now that you are in the suspect “data base”, with just about anything that happens at The World Jimmy and I may suspect that you have some type of involvement. You can always send Jimmy and I a PM to let us know ahead of time; that way one of us will know.

(Good to see you both, too!)

 

[Corinne]

Granny, Di & Dad sounds like you all had great vacations! I've been busy with the new job and I've barely thought about our December trip (I know that sounds crazy but it's true!)

Anyway, I came home tonight and our waitlist came thru for Friday night so we have all 5 nights at VWL

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Granny, Di & Dad sounds like you all had great vacations! I've been busy with the new job and I've barely thought about our December trip (I know that sounds crazy but it's true!)

Anyway, I came home tonight and our waitlist came thru for Friday night so we have all 5 nights at VWL

Congrats Corinne! We were hoping my nephew and his wife could make it in Dec but can't so I let a studio go that included the 5th a little earlier today. Perhaps you got that one!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Granny, Di & Dad sounds like you all had great vacations! I've been busy with the new job and I've barely thought about our December trip (I know that sounds crazy but it's true!)

Anyway, I came home tonight and our waitlist came thru for Friday night so we have all 5 nights at VWL

Updated Page 1.

 

[jimmytammy]

Woot woot Corinne!!