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

Bluecastle and DLI, so glad your appointments gave good answers and outcomes.

My oncologist appointment was Monday and of course the virus was a topic we discussed. She said she is a Debbie Downer and does not expect anything to be better until May of next year. Why then she did not say, but she really was down. She is usually smiling and carrying on with me, but she wasn't this time. It was an unusual appointment.

We have a cruise on the Dream that is supposed to leave November 1 this fall. If it is not cancelled we have reservations 2 nights before and 1 night after at VWL. Deciding whether or not to go ahead and purchase park tickets with the uncertainty of even if the cruise will happen is stressful to say the least.

I think I told y'all before that Kati did not get to go to work at Texas Lions Camp this year and it has been different with her being home all summer. Her big doctor deal was a visit with the dentist which is also stressful for her since she has to go under iv sedation. They worked on 9 teeth and said she was the best! Yes. . . the bill was quite high!

Hope all the groupies are doing well. As usual the Texas heat is suffocating. And the mask does not help.
Everyone stay safe and be safe.
Thank you Twokats. I hope all is well with you healthwise. I'm pretty nervous about our January trip but for now I'm just gonna count on going and gonna keep my fingers crossed that it will be ok. Glad everything went well with Kati's dentist appointment. It's supposed to be like 115 here tomorrow and 117 on Saturday. Yikes. Good thing it's a dry heat lol
 
So I see that DME has suspended the automatic bag pick up service. Guests have to retrieve their own luggage and take it to the bus. And no departure flight service from the resorts at this point.

One more reason to hold off on our next trip until some of the kinks get worked out. Hopefully by December things will be a little better, but at this point I'd say that WDW trip is 50/50 on whether we will be going. I'm looking forward to reading some information on people's park experiences starting this weekend.

I admit - I have this thing about controlling my luggage. Almost always do carry on even though my status would get me free checked luggage and ease of not dragging it around. I apparently like to drag it around. :rotfl: However I think this is a disappointing decision as many family members have used the service and it's truly helpful. I even did once and was pretty magical when my bag was in my room after coming back from getting something to eat!
 
Bluecastle and DLI, so glad your appointments gave good answers and outcomes.

My oncologist appointment was Monday and of course the virus was a topic we discussed. She said she is a Debbie Downer and does not expect anything to be better until May of next year. Why then she did not say, but she really was down. She is usually smiling and carrying on with me, but she wasn't this time. It was an unusual appointment.

We have a cruise on the Dream that is supposed to leave November 1 this fall. If it is not cancelled we have reservations 2 nights before and 1 night after at VWL. Deciding whether or not to go ahead and purchase park tickets with the uncertainty of even if the cruise will happen is stressful to say the least.

I think I told y'all before that Kati did not get to go to work at Texas Lions Camp this year and it has been different with her being home all summer. Her big doctor deal was a visit with the dentist which is also stressful for her since she has to go under iv sedation. They worked on 9 teeth and said she was the best! Yes. . . the bill was quite high!

Hope all the groupies are doing well. As usual the Texas heat is suffocating. And the mask does not help.
Everyone stay safe and be safe.
Thanks, twokats! I hope you are doing well and your health is good. My doctor was pretty determined to stay focused on her area of expertise and I could tell she didn't want to talk much about the virus. She did say that she had heard very similar stories to ours where we made the conscious decision to risk seeing our granddaughter. When she was talking about my next appointment she was saying October, but maybe November, depending on how things are then. I got the feeling that she thought we were going to be dealing with this for a long time. I am sorry your doctor was so down. I imagine with the numbers in Texas right now, it's hard to be hopeful.
I'm sorry your daughter has not had the opportunity to work at camp. I looked it up and it seems like a very caring place. I think about some of my former students and worry how they are handling all this and I know their parents must be having a tough time not getting a break. My school district is really struggling over what to do and it's causing so much stress amongst my teacher friends (including my daughter) and parents. I'm so glad I'm retired!
As for DME, we used to always drive, but on my last 2 trips we flew, but we picked up our own luggage. I did enjoy having the driver put it in the bottom of the bus and take it out for me though. (and tipped accordingly) I am hoping for everyone who has trips in the near future that Disney will go above and beyond in making you feel safe and welcome!
I thought our VA temps were bad, mid-90's, guess I can't complain!
 

Just dropping in to say that we're alive and well and living in isolation. We are forgoing any Disney trips until our Sep vacation. I wonder how things will be then considering that covidiots have made Florida numbers great again.
Hi WD I just saw a story earlier talking about how people on planes aren't wearing masks or wearing them right and that worries me too. Just so frustrating that people won't cooperate.
 
Checking in, as well, and though SC's numbers are up, HHI and DHHIR, in particular, are under a mask mandate for restaurants, stores, etc. We feel safer here now than we did three weeks ago when the resort first opened. Yes, we are back in HHI for a very brief (less than 48 hours) trip. Can't beat the fresh seafood, and we've consumed 3 dozen fresh oysters so far. Though the pics will show up rotated (I'm trying to find an app that will let me fix that), I've included a few, anyway. We're on the top floor of the main building and have a great view of the small channel between DDHIR and the Shelter Cove shopping center.
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I have my fingers crossed that mid-February proves safe for travel. My husband and I celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2021 - we were married in Disney and started our honeymoon in the Wilderness Lodge. We've surprised my extended family with a family trip in February - while they are covering their own airfare and tickets, we have banked and borrowed points to allow us to book rooms for everyone for 6 nights (we took his extended family to Disney last year) at VWL/BRV. We miss our "home" and cannot wait to return.
 
I have my fingers crossed that mid-February proves safe for travel. My husband and I celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2021 - we were married in Disney and started our honeymoon in the Wilderness Lodge. We've surprised my extended family with a family trip in February - while they are covering their own airfare and tickets, we have banked and borrowed points to allow us to book rooms for everyone for 6 nights (we took his extended family to Disney last year) at VWL/BRV. We miss our "home" and cannot wait to return.
Thanks for such a heartfelt post, Lorana, and welcome to our wonderful group of, well, Groupies! We love to hear such stories. Luv and I, too, were married at Disney, specifically the Lodge, so it will always hold very special memories for us, as well. We'll be back some day.
 
Thanks for such a heartfelt post, Lorana, and welcome to our wonderful group of, well, Groupies! We love to hear such stories. Luv and I, too, were married at Disney, specifically the Lodge, so it will always hold very special memories for us, as well. We'll be back some day.
Congrats as well! How wonderful that you were married there!!
We certainly debated on having our ceremony at the WL, but hubby really loved the Wedding Pavilion and the backdrop of Cinderella's Castle. But after the reception, we went to the WL with our photographer, and did a photo shoot around the Lodge. Some of my favorite wedding photos are from then, and we stayed in the Honeymoon Suite for our first 3 nights as a married couple! We haven't actually stayed in YEARS, and I'm so excited to be going back -- and sharing a place we love with our extended family! One of my nieces HAS NEVER BEEN and I cannot wait to make this magical for her and everyone else (my nieces and nephews on my side of the family have never stayed on Disney property either; so while the rest of them have been many times, this will be there first time staying onsite).
 
Just popping in. I read but really don't comment often. The pictures of our other home resort made me speak up. Man how I miss HHI! We've moved our 37th anniversary trip 3 times now. It was supposed to be April, then May and now end of July. We're staying at our beloved VWL and can't wait. We'll drive...not ready to fly...and not sure if we'll actually do a park. Just being at VWL is the cure for the last 4 months. Watched a livestream today and it seems as if crowds are low and Disney is doing a great job keeping things sanitized and ensuring social distancing. Still not sure if we'll visit a park, though.

Hope all the Dr. appts go well! Happy for the dentist and Dr. appts that have!
 
Guys I gotta say today I have been feeling some "buyers remorse". I was watching someones vlog on the VWL and it made me wish we were staying there in January. 😭😭😭 I love BWV and how convenient it is to Epcot and HS but it just really hit me today that I wish I could have stayed at VWL this time. When we checked to buy points it wasn't available where DH was looking but still. We are gonna go and eat at Whispering Canyon and walk around and rub Humphreys nose but I wish we could be there for a couple nights at least.
 
Congrats as well! How wonderful that you were married there!!
We certainly debated on having our ceremony at the WL, but hubby really loved the Wedding Pavilion and the backdrop of Cinderella's Castle. But after the reception, we went to the WL with our photographer, and did a photo shoot around the Lodge. Some of my favorite wedding photos are from then, and we stayed in the Honeymoon Suite for our first 3 nights as a married couple! We haven't actually stayed in YEARS, and I'm so excited to be going back -- and sharing a place we love with our extended family! One of my nieces HAS NEVER BEEN and I cannot wait to make this magical for her and everyone else (my nieces and nephews on my side of the family have never stayed on Disney property either; so while the rest of them have been many times, this will be there first time staying onsite).
Ah, a photo shoot around the Lodge. We did that as well. . .the day before! We hired a separate photographer, dressed up in our wedding outfits, and spent 3-4 hours from late afternoon into early evening taking shots all over the Lodge (back when it was more like "wilderness" as you will recall). We actually started at BLT to get a few iconic shots there, then headed back to the Lodge to catch late afternoon shadows and some night pictures. Luv had pre-arranged for a cleaner to come pick up her dress and clean/press it before returning it early the next morning. Certainly, for the wedding itself, we spent another couple of hours doing shots with the Disney photographer. We briefly thought about using the wedding pavilion, but it was a small ceremony (only our kids and SOs), and our budget wasn't going to stretch that far, anyhow. pirate: I'm certain all of your extended family will love the experience.
Just popping in. I read but really don't comment often. The pictures of our other home resort made me speak up. Man how I miss HHI! We've moved our 37th anniversary trip 3 times now. It was supposed to be April, then May and now end of July. We're staying at our beloved VWL and can't wait. We'll drive...not ready to fly...and not sure if we'll actually do a park. Just being at VWL is the cure for the last 4 months. Watched a livestream today and it seems as if crowds are low and Disney is doing a great job keeping things sanitized and ensuring social distancing. Still not sure if we'll visit a park, though.

Hope all the Dr. appts go well! Happy for the dentist and Dr. appts that have!
Hey, Suz! Thanks for checking in! Yep, HHI is still magical. If we weren't planning on moving to the area in the not too distant future, I think we'd buy points here. It's such a relaxing place and feels like a second home just as VWL does. Here's one last picture to help make your day. This was taken from our balcony around 6 a.m. this morning. (Note the sailboat is STILL anchored in the middle of the channel.)
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Sleepy...I'm really enjoying the pictures you are posting. I can certainly see how Hilton Head would be an alluring spot to retire to!

One of my nieces HAS NEVER BEEN and I cannot wait to make this magical for her and everyone else (my nieces and nephews on my side of the family have never stayed on Disney property either; so while the rest of them have been many times, this will be there first time staying onsite).

Lorana...thanks for dropping by and sharing your comments. It is so exciting to plan a child's first visit to WDW. And for your family that will be experiencing onsite accommodations for the first time. And since you haven't stayed on the Wilderness Lodge campus in years, you will find the many changes to make it a whole new experience in some respects. Enjoy!

. We're staying at our beloved VWL and can't wait. We'll drive...not ready to fly...and not sure if we'll actually do a park. Just being at VWL is the cure for the last 4 months. Watched a livestream today and it seems as if crowds are low and Disney is doing a great job keeping things sanitized and ensuring social distancing. Still not sure if we'll visit a park, though.


Suzabella...anyone who includes the phrase "beloved VWL" is ALWAYS welcome to drop by and post a few comments. I hope your trip is a magical one!

Guys I gotta say today I have been feeling some "buyers remorse". I was watching someones vlog on the VWL and it made me wish we were staying there in January. 😭😭😭 I love BWV and how convenient it is to Epcot and HS but it just really hit me today that I wish I could have stayed at VWL this time. When we checked to buy points it wasn't available where DH was looking but still. We are gonna go and eat at Whispering Canyon and walk around and rub Humphreys nose but I wish we could be there for a couple nights at least.

DLI...we own at VWL and BWV, and I know what you mean. I always enjoy our BWV stays a lot, but honestly it's the location and cheap point usage in the Standard View rooms that I like the most. VWL on the other hand is a place that calms the spirit and soothes the soul. So I totally understand your feelings. I'm glad you are planning some time on the WL campus to at least give you your "VWL fix". :)
 
Lorana...thanks for dropping by and sharing your comments. It is so exciting to plan a child's first visit to WDW. And for your family that will be experiencing onsite accommodations for the first time. And since you haven't stayed on the Wilderness Lodge campus in years, you will find the many changes to make it a whole new experience in some respects. Enjoy!
Thanks!! It'll be the first time our children will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge, too, I'm ashamed to say. Hubby and I had always kept it as the place we stayed just the two of us. I'm hoping to try out Artist Point to see how I think of it now that it's a character meal. (This was our favorite restaurant on Disney property, and where we celebrated our anniversary every time we went, so I have some mixed feelings about the change, but am trying to hold off till I actually get a chance to eat there again). We own at both AKL and WL -- we just added CCV this yea, so we own at both VWL/BRV and CCV now! I'm hoping someday to find the right resale for VGC, as I'd like to own the trifect of Peter Dominick hotels as I just love their theming the most!

Ah, a photo shoot around the Lodge. We did that as well. . .the day before! We hired a separate photographer, dressed up in our wedding outfits, and spent 3-4 hours from late afternoon into early evening taking shots all over the Lodge (back when it was more like "wilderness" as you will recall).
Wonderful!! The lighting at Wilderness Lodge in the evening amidst all the "wilderness" is just beautiful. We have considered doing a Vow Renewal there, but the prices these days are just too much for us! I confess, I miss the more wilderness feeling of the lodge, and the closure of the walking trails is heartbreaking to us - we have many wonderful memories of walking that trail and just enjoying feeling like we were a world away from the world away feeling of Disney World itself!
 
Thanks!! It'll be the first time our children will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge, too, I'm ashamed to say. Hubby and I had always kept it as the place we stayed just the two of us. I'm hoping to try out Artist Point to see how I think of it now that it's a character meal. (This was our favorite restaurant on Disney property, and where we celebrated our anniversary every time we went, so I have some mixed feelings about the change, but am trying to hold off till I actually get a chance to eat there again). We own at both AKL and WL -- we just added CCV this yea, so we own at both VWL/BRV and CCV now! I'm hoping someday to find the right resale for VGC, as I'd like to own the trifect of Peter Dominick hotels as I just love their theming the most!


Wonderful!! The lighting at Wilderness Lodge in the evening amidst all the "wilderness" is just beautiful. We have considered doing a Vow Renewal there, but the prices these days are just too much for us! I confess, I miss the more wilderness feeling of the lodge, and the closure of the walking trails is heartbreaking to us - we have many wonderful memories of walking that trail and just enjoying feeling like we were a world away from the world away feeling of Disney World itself!
We, too, always counted Artist Point as our go-to restaurant. We had numerous meals there over the years, pre- and post-marriage. We had mostly marvelous meals, with the occasional less than stellar experience, but it was our special spot, almost always right by the windows to the right (we eat early so it was never a problem to get such a table). We had our wedding party dinner there, as well. Then, Disney mucked it up. I applaud you for being open-minded about trying the new character meal, but for us, it ruined the ambiance and took away the only calm, adult dining venue at the Lodge. Thus, we'll not return there.

Likewise, we mourn the extinction of the original nature trail--the one that paralleled the lake all the way down to the CM parking lot at FW (though I think that was changed when they began construction on what is now on indefinite-hold-Reflections). We had the paved bike path, at least. . .until again that was shut down for the construction at Reflections. Not being able to walk in any sort of "wilderness" was a bummer the last few visits; however, we're hopeful that at some point in the not-too-distant future there will again by a modicum of nature restored to the grand dame that is the Lodge.
 
Favorites
Ok, its time to play another edition of Whats Your Favorite?:teeth: In this game, I will ask a question, and the next poster copies the question, answers, then posts the next question, so on and so on!! We can have fun with it, learn a bit about each other, etc. No question is too
obscure, silly or serious. No answer is wrong. So here goes:

Whats your favorite place to eat at Disney Springs?
 
I just wanted to share with my Groupie friends that Mrs. Granny & I have our first grandchild...a boy born to my daughter early this morning! Mom & baby are in good health...praise God!
Congratulations! I see many, many years of sharing the mouse magic with the little one(s) ahead.
Do they have a name picked out yet?
Do YOU have a name picked out yet? Nana & Papa? Gram & Gramps? Humphrey & Minnie?
 
Favorites
Ok, its time to play another edition of Whats Your Favorite?:teeth: In this game, I will ask a question, and the next poster copies the question, answers, then posts the next question, so on and so on!! We can have fun with it, learn a bit about each other, etc. No question is too
obscure, silly or serious. No answer is wrong. So here goes:

Whats your favorite place to eat at Disney Springs?
I like this game, but since we don't eat at Disney Springs I'll pass it off to someone who does... I need to know more places to go.
 



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