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

[Kathymford]

Hi Groupies!!

I would like to interrupt your regularly scheduled VWL broadcast to talk about me. HA. So, I am here at OKW in a GIANT 1 bedroom for just two people. LOL. And let me just say, Oh My Goodness! Is this how the other half lives in 1-bedrooms? I need more points STAT! I think it might be bigger than my condo at home...maybe not, but it definitely has less clutter! It truly is gigantic and feels like such a waste on just two people.

We are in building 32 in Turtle Pond for those of you familiar with this resort and while it's a bit further away from Hospitality House than I would like, especially when the bus dropped us off LAST last night, I can't deny that this place is gorgeous and peaceful.

I did have a question for you all though in regards to when to call and get things resolved. I noticed the refrigerator is extremely loud when the motor is running. Is that normal? Oh, and I just noticed that the recycle bin was never emptied from the previous guests. That's a boo.

In the meantime, I will sit here with my coffee on my giant balcony overlooking some sort of body of water and part of the golf course. Go ahead DBF, you sleep in a little.

Your VWL programming may continue now.

 

[DiznyDi]

OK, so we're back. What a wonderful time we had. But to echo Granny's sentiments, 'We need a vacation'! We get accustomed to traveling by ourselves and adding family members takes on a new dimension. We thoroughly enjoyed our time spent with our kids and I'd do it again in a heartbeat but...... What a great surprise to find in my delivery of accumulated mail our Magical Express info for our December stay.

Corinne - so glad some pixie dust fell on you! We'll have to arrange a meet.

so Eliza, does that stuff wash out? Or have you indeed ruined your parka? Sad.....but really funny!

I've only read the current page, but will go back and catch up later.

Some highlights of our trip:
-Our kids were so excited that they arrived a day early and were able to spend 1 day/night with us club level at AKL.

-All of my requests were met for our 2 bedroom lock-off at the Lodge. Kids were able to be Flag Family! Unfortunately our 'room ready' text was never sent. The bellman was able to get us into our room well after 9:30 PM because the Magic Bands didn't work. Quick fix at the front desk and all was good. Kids were able to stay in the lock-off portion so didn't have to move. They start their way home tomorrow

-We participated in the Sunrise Safari at Animal Kingdom with a buffet breakfast following at Pizzafari. A wonderful experience with lots of animals. Our guide informed us that this is being discontinued at the end of the year.

-We shook the hand that shook the hand of Walt Disney himself! While standing in line waiting for the Hoop De Do Revue to start, DDad struck up a conversation with the man in front of us; a 40 yr. retired Disney veteran that was pretty far up the corporate ladder

-I responded to the email immediately and secured seats for us to see the prerelease of Big Hero 6. Free popcorn and drinks. A photo op at the end and these really cool 3-D glasses! All phones and recording media were secured by Disney personnel. This made our kids just a little nervous turning in their new iphone6's

-The Halloween party was a great time, as always. The entire week's partys were sold out. I believe they sell 25000 tickets? While waiting for the parade to start, our daughter hears her name called out - sitting in front of us is one of her nurses! Small world. We ended up being on the same flight on the way home.

-The Fantasmic dinner package now has seating in the center section of the theatre - so much nicer/better than the side section where we have previously been seated

-Wonderful meeting up with Granny and Mrs Granny at TOWL! We will have to do this again some time!

-Ranger Ken assures us the WL pool will open on time. We did receive passes loaded onto our Magic Bands for Blizzard Beach at checkin but never did use them.

I think that about covers the highlights. I'll try to get a few photos posted this evening.

Enjoy your day, Groupies!

 

[jimmytammy]

Kathy
Glad you are enjoying OKW, we love the 1 beds there. I would call about the fridge. Enjoy!!

Di
Sounds like a great time was had...now do tell a little more about the man who knew Uncle Walt

 

[Corinne]

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!!

Oh my gosh!!! It may have been!!Thanks!!!

 

[Corinne]

Updated Page 1.

Wow, I didn't even have to ask! Such service! Thanks Sleepy!

Woot woot Corinne!!

I know, it's the little things, right Jimmy!!??

Di sounds like you had a great trip, I forgot you were heading back in a few weeks! Will PM you soon, we have to meet!!

 

[Lisa P.]

Crazycatlady has posted a ton more photos of our beloved Wilderness Lodge and Villas, starting with post 2305 on page 154 of the WL Photo Thread.

These new photos are actually from her trip last year, when the Lodge first put up their Christmas decorations for the season while she was there.

<huge, smiling sigh> So, so beautiful!

 

[Granny]

Crazycatlady has posted a ton more photos of our beloved Wilderness Lodge and Villas, starting with post 2305 on page 154 of the WL Photo Thread.

These new photos are actually from her trip last year, when the Lodge first put up their Christmas decorations for the season while she was there.

<huge, smiling sigh> So, so beautiful!

Lisa....thanks so much for posting and for the link. Yes, those photos are really beautiful.

Unfortunately, they remind me how poorly Disney handled the VWL rehab when I see how well the theming is carried out in the WL rooms. Carved animal bedposts, themed lighting...ah, such a shame they couldn't do that in the VWL rooms. Oh well.

 

[wildernessDad]

Any VWL Groupies going to the DVC Condo Meeting on December 11? I'm going to try to go. You can RSVP for it now on the Member's Website.

Btw only 34 days until that date, the day of the Condo Meeting and the day I step into our beloved lodge! Woo hoo!

 

[sleepydog25]

Any VWL Groupies going to the DVC Condo Meeting on December 11? I'm going to try to go. You can RSVP for it now on the Member's Website.

Btw only 34 days until that date, the day of the Condo Meeting and the day I step into our beloved lodge! Woo hoo!

Sigh. Haven't been to the World for the holidays since 2011. Won't likely get back for another year. Have extra fun for me!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Any VWL Groupies going to the DVC Condo Meeting on December 11? I'm going to try to go. You can RSVP for it now on the Member's Website. Btw only 34 days until that date, the day of the Condo Meeting and the day I step into our beloved lodge! Woo hoo!

I've signed up to go although I did that last year but then decided we were having too much fun doing other things.

 

[sleepydog25]

I've signed up to go although I did that last year but then decided we were having too much fun doing other things.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

You, too?! Heaping envy on me, I see. . . I think there'll be enough Groupies there for a quorum.

Haha - sorry about that Sleepy but yes! VWL seems like a most excellent place to be in December!

 

[DiznyDi]

JT, the gentleman DDad and I were in line with was in Disney Entertainment. The Hoop De Do Revue was 'his baby'. His name is Gene - if he offered a last name, it is no longer in my memory banks His wife, Miss Becky, was part of the cast at one time. Lovely to meet them and spend a few minutes in conversation . Their son did a great job as one of the current cast!

DDad and I have made reservations to attend the Annual Mtg. We've not been to Coronado Springs so will take this opportunity to explore the resort and grounds.

Looks like quite a few of us will be at the Lodge in early Dec. Anyone up for a meet? TOWL, Carolwood Pacific Room, Territory Lounge?

Kathymford, glad you're enjoying OKW! We enjoy Saratoga Springs for its expanse and quietness, too. Seeing the boats on the canal and looking out over the golf course is very relaxing.

Enjoy your week-end, Groupies!

 

[horselover]

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

Woo Hoo!

Hi Groupies!!

I would like to interrupt your regularly scheduled VWL broadcast to talk about me. HA. So, I am here at OKW in a GIANT 1 bedroom for just two people. LOL. And let me just say, Oh My Goodness! Is this how the other half lives in 1-bedrooms? I need more points STAT! I think it might be bigger than my condo at home...maybe not, but it definitely has less clutter! It truly is gigantic and feels like such a waste on just two people.

We are in building 32 in Turtle Pond for those of you familiar with this resort and while it's a bit further away from Hospitality House than I would like, especially when the bus dropped us off LAST last night, I can't deny that this place is gorgeous and peaceful.

I did have a question for you all though in regards to when to call and get things resolved. I noticed the refrigerator is extremely loud when the motor is running. Is that normal? Oh, and I just noticed that the recycle bin was never emptied from the previous guests. That's a boo.

In the meantime, I will sit here with my coffee on my giant balcony overlooking some sort of body of water and part of the golf course. Go ahead DBF, you sleep in a little.

Your VWL programming may continue now.

LOVE the 1 BRs at OKW! I wish all the 1 BRs looked like that. When I was down in Oct. I had breakfast at Olivias one morning & took a walk around the grounds. Called DH & said we really need to stay here again soon! I have no idea when that will be since every trip seems to either be BCV for F&W or VWL for Christmas but it is a great resort.

Hopefully your frig issues have been resolved. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

-Ranger Ken assures us the WL pool will open on time. We did receive passes loaded onto our Magic Bands for Blizzard Beach at checkin but never did use them.

Welcome back Di & Dad! Your trip does sound like it was lots of fun. I know I'm in the minority here but I would be thrilled if the pool was still not ready by Christmas & we got BB passes. If the weather is warm enough we hit a water park on Christmas day. Free passes would be awesome. We never use the main pool anyway. I know it's not going to happen but I would be fine with that.

Sigh. Haven't been to the World for the holidays since 2011. Won't likely get back for another year. Have extra fun for me!

Maybe we'll see you in 2015! No one ever seems to be there when we are though. Stupid school schedule!

Speaking of Christmas trips I'm already thinking about 2015 (yes there's something wrong with me!) & realize we don't have enough points. Those Christmas trips are a point killer. I don't suppose anyone here has 2015 points they don't need & want to transfer? I'm looking for around 125. If by chance anyone does send me a PM.

And in other trip news just booked our F&W trip for next year this morning. Feel free to add to the vacation calendar Sly! Oct. 8-13 at BCV.

Enjoy the weekend groupies!

 

[sleepydog25]

Speaking of Christmas trips I'm already thinking about 2015 (yes there's something wrong with me!) & realize we don't have enough points. Those Christmas trips are a point killer. I don't suppose anyone here has 2015 points they don't need & want to transfer? I'm looking for around 125. If by chance anyone does send me a PM.

And in other trip news just booked our F&W trip for next year this morning. Feel free to add to the vacation calendar Sly! Oct. 8-13 at BCV.

Enjoy the weekend groupies!

Updated! Nothing wrong with thinking about a Christmas 2015 trip--we've been doing it for months!

 

[horselover]

Updated! Nothing wrong with thinking about a Christmas 2015 trip--we've been doing it for months!

Thanks! Good news too. I found someone to transfer me some 2015 VWL points so I'm all set for next year. It's a disease!

Corrine - I noticed we overlap a day in May & we're both at BCV! A meet this time for sure. Missing Di & Dad yet again by a few days.

 

[DiznyDi]

Julie, we may - and thats a very B-I-G may, get to see you in October. Our kids have decided they want to go again next year and have decided on early Oct. Definite date TBA. So, just maybe this will work out. We'll have to wait and see. So glad you got your needed points!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday MaryJ & twinmom108!!!!

 

[DiznyDi]

Some pictures from our trip:

Epcot Food and Wine Festival


Magic Kingdom


Pumpkin Carving by Lodge CM's


Pool renovation at the Lodge


And just like that, overnight the Christmas decorations came out!

 

[twokats]

Happy Birthday MaryJ & twinmom108!!!!

Hope it is a good one.