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

[bluecastle]

Beth: Here are a few photos of our CCV studio from January. It was a walk in shower deluxe studio, so I didn't include that area. Whatever you do, DO NOT turn off the master light switch near the front door! I was about to call housekeeping to complain about the lamps not working in our room and then I discovered that they were connected to that switch.
The room is very narrow, especially if anyone uses the sleeper sofa, but it was fine for the two of us and certainly enough for one.
The tall cabinet on the left in the kitchen pulls out and is great for storing any non-perishables.
I'd be happy to answer any questions! I second what everyone has said here. The Lodge and its villas are a very special place. No matter where else we stay, nothing comes close to the feeling we have there of being home. The music, sounds, smells, and that amazing lobby; all are a sensory treat.

 

[jimmytammy]

Hey Folks
Im a big NC State Wolfpack fan, but please dont let this slight reading this article posted on FB this AM. Its about using Green Tea, dark chocolate and muscadines to ward off the Covid. I saw the professor on a local newscast a few days ago, and he said of the 3, green tea was found most effective.

Chemical Compounds in Foods Can Inhibit a Key SARS-CoV-2 Enzyme
November 30, 2020 Mick Kulikowski

Chemical compounds in muscadine grapes effectively inhibit an important SARS-CoV-2 protease. Photo courtesy of De-Yu Xie, NC State University.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
De-Yu Xiedxie@ncsu.edu
Mick Kulikowskimjkuliko@ncsu.edu919.218.5937
Chemical compounds in foods or beverages like green tea, muscadine grapes and dark chocolate can bind to and block the function of a particular enzyme, or protease, in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to a new study by plant biologists at North Carolina State University.
Proteases are important to the health and viability of cells and viruses, says De-Yu Xie, professor of plant and microbial biology at NC State and the corresponding author of the study. If proteases are inhibited, cells cannot perform many important functions – like replication, for example.
“One of our lab’s focuses is to find nutraceuticals in food or medicinal plants that inhibit either how a virus attaches to human cells or the propagation of a virus in human cells,” Xie said.
In the study, the NC State researchers performed both computer simulations and lab studies showing how the so-called “main protease” (Mpro) in the SARS-CoV-2 virus reacted when confronted with a number of different plant chemical compounds already known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
“Mpro in SARS-CoV-2 is required for the virus to replicate and assemble itself,” Xie said. “If we can inhibit or deactivate this protease, the virus will die.”

Green tea has chemical compounds effectively blocked an important SARS-CoV-2 enzyme. Photo courtesy of De-Yu Xie, NC State University.
Computer simulations showed that the studied chemical compounds from green tea, two varieties of muscadine grapes, cacao powder and dark chocolate were able to bind to different portions of Mpro.
“Mpro has a portion that is like a ‘pocket’ that was ‘filled’ by the chemical compounds,” Xie said. “When this pocket was filled, the protease lost its important function.”
In vitro lab experiments completed by Yue Zhu, an NC State Ph.D. student in Xie’s lab, showed similar results. The chemical compounds in green tea and muscadine grapes were very successful at inhibiting Mpro’s function; chemical compounds in cacao powder and dark chocolate reduced Mpro activity by about half.
“Green tea has five tested chemical compounds that bind to different sites in the pocket on Mpro, essentially overwhelming it to inhibit its function,” Xie said. “Muscadine grapes contain these inhibitory chemicals in their skins and seeds. Plants use these compounds to protect themselves, so it is not surprising that plant leaves and skins contain these beneficial compounds.”
The paper appears in Frontiers in Plant Science. Zhu is the paper’s first author. The research was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
-kulikowski-
Note to editors: An abstract of the paper follows.
Docking characterization and in vitro inhibitory activity of flavan-3-ols and dimeric proanthocyanidins against the main protease activity of SARS-Cov-2
Authors: Yue Zhu and De-Yu Xie, NC State University
Published: Nov. 30, 2020 in Frontiers in Plant Science

 

[sleepydog25]

A few last photos from our trip. We thoroughly enjoyed getting a Disney fix even though we rode such few rides and did more walking around than anything else. Yet, we felt safer that way and did the whole "stop and smell the roses" thing--very relaxing. . .just another layer of Disney's complexity.

Near GP and close to where Luv and I first met


DVC Mickey is very nearly back to his original spot which would be just to the right of the picture, maybe 4 feet.



The landscaping for the cabins has filled in quite nicely. Saw no deer (though we saw several coming back from AK), but a couple of bunnies, both of which didn't move when I walked within two feet of them.


Sanaa's bread service to go, with just a little butter chicken, too


Lights AND crickets


Until another day, beloved Lodge. . .

 

[Cinderbrella1]

I love your title of the DVC walkway "Lights and Crickets", SleepyDog! We can't wait to get down there; we're so ready to relax.

 

[twinklebug]

Hey Folks
Im a big NC State Wolfpack fan, but please dont let this slight reading this article posted on FB this AM. Its about using Green Tea, dark chocolate and muscadines to ward off the Covid. I saw the professor on a local newscast a few days ago, and he said of the 3, green tea was found most effective.

Chemical Compounds in Foods Can Inhibit a Key SARS-CoV-2 Enzyme
November 30, 2020 Mick Kulikowski

Chemical compounds in muscadine grapes effectively inhibit an important SARS-CoV-2 protease. Photo courtesy of De-Yu Xie, NC State University.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
De-Yu Xiedxie@ncsu.edu
Mick Kulikowskimjkuliko@ncsu.edu919.218.5937
Chemical compounds in foods or beverages like green tea, muscadine grapes and dark chocolate can bind to and block the function of a particular enzyme, or protease, in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to a new study by plant biologists at North Carolina State University.
Proteases are important to the health and viability of cells and viruses, says De-Yu Xie, professor of plant and microbial biology at NC State and the corresponding author of the study. If proteases are inhibited, cells cannot perform many important functions – like replication, for example.
“One of our lab’s focuses is to find nutraceuticals in food or medicinal plants that inhibit either how a virus attaches to human cells or the propagation of a virus in human cells,” Xie said.
In the study, the NC State researchers performed both computer simulations and lab studies showing how the so-called “main protease” (Mpro) in the SARS-CoV-2 virus reacted when confronted with a number of different plant chemical compounds already known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
“Mpro in SARS-CoV-2 is required for the virus to replicate and assemble itself,” Xie said. “If we can inhibit or deactivate this protease, the virus will die.”

Green tea has chemical compounds effectively blocked an important SARS-CoV-2 enzyme. Photo courtesy of De-Yu Xie, NC State University.
Computer simulations showed that the studied chemical compounds from green tea, two varieties of muscadine grapes, cacao powder and dark chocolate were able to bind to different portions of Mpro.
“Mpro has a portion that is like a ‘pocket’ that was ‘filled’ by the chemical compounds,” Xie said. “When this pocket was filled, the protease lost its important function.”
In vitro lab experiments completed by Yue Zhu, an NC State Ph.D. student in Xie’s lab, showed similar results. The chemical compounds in green tea and muscadine grapes were very successful at inhibiting Mpro’s function; chemical compounds in cacao powder and dark chocolate reduced Mpro activity by about half.
“Green tea has five tested chemical compounds that bind to different sites in the pocket on Mpro, essentially overwhelming it to inhibit its function,” Xie said. “Muscadine grapes contain these inhibitory chemicals in their skins and seeds. Plants use these compounds to protect themselves, so it is not surprising that plant leaves and skins contain these beneficial compounds.”
The paper appears in Frontiers in Plant Science. Zhu is the paper’s first author. The research was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
-kulikowski-
Note to editors: An abstract of the paper follows.
Docking characterization and in vitro inhibitory activity of flavan-3-ols and dimeric proanthocyanidins against the main protease activity of SARS-Cov-2
Authors: Yue Zhu and De-Yu Xie, NC State University
Published: Nov. 30, 2020 in Frontiers in Plant Science

Love some great research. Thank you JT!

On another note... those findings about sitting on an aircraft 3' or less from an infected person being safer than being 6' from them on the ground... question the sources. Don't go just by the names of DoD and Harvard. Ask WHO was paying for the research and you'll find the airline industry and airports were. (Well, of course they were! LOL) It's interesting how the results of studies tend to line up with how the ones paying for them want them to.

Bottom line: Just use the safe practices and if anyone feels uncomfortable in a situation, make other plans. Don't ignore instincts. Love ya all!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hey Folks
Im a big NC State Wolfpack fan, but please dont let this slight reading this article posted on FB this AM. Its about using Green Tea, dark chocolate and muscadines to ward off the Covid. I saw the professor on a local newscast a few days ago, and he said of the 3, green tea was found most effective.

Chemical Compounds in Foods Can Inhibit a Key SARS-CoV-2 Enzyme
November 30, 2020 Mick Kulikowski

Chemical compounds in muscadine grapes effectively inhibit an important SARS-CoV-2 protease. Photo courtesy of De-Yu Xie, NC State University.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
De-Yu Xiedxie@ncsu.edu
Mick Kulikowskimjkuliko@ncsu.edu919.218.5937
Chemical compounds in foods or beverages like green tea, muscadine grapes and dark chocolate can bind to and block the function of a particular enzyme, or protease, in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to a new study by plant biologists at North Carolina State University.
Proteases are important to the health and viability of cells and viruses, says De-Yu Xie, professor of plant and microbial biology at NC State and the corresponding author of the study. If proteases are inhibited, cells cannot perform many important functions – like replication, for example.
“One of our lab’s focuses is to find nutraceuticals in food or medicinal plants that inhibit either how a virus attaches to human cells or the propagation of a virus in human cells,” Xie said.
In the study, the NC State researchers performed both computer simulations and lab studies showing how the so-called “main protease” (Mpro) in the SARS-CoV-2 virus reacted when confronted with a number of different plant chemical compounds already known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
“Mpro in SARS-CoV-2 is required for the virus to replicate and assemble itself,” Xie said. “If we can inhibit or deactivate this protease, the virus will die.”

Green tea has chemical compounds effectively blocked an important SARS-CoV-2 enzyme. Photo courtesy of De-Yu Xie, NC State University.
Computer simulations showed that the studied chemical compounds from green tea, two varieties of muscadine grapes, cacao powder and dark chocolate were able to bind to different portions of Mpro.
“Mpro has a portion that is like a ‘pocket’ that was ‘filled’ by the chemical compounds,” Xie said. “When this pocket was filled, the protease lost its important function.”
In vitro lab experiments completed by Yue Zhu, an NC State Ph.D. student in Xie’s lab, showed similar results. The chemical compounds in green tea and muscadine grapes were very successful at inhibiting Mpro’s function; chemical compounds in cacao powder and dark chocolate reduced Mpro activity by about half.
“Green tea has five tested chemical compounds that bind to different sites in the pocket on Mpro, essentially overwhelming it to inhibit its function,” Xie said. “Muscadine grapes contain these inhibitory chemicals in their skins and seeds. Plants use these compounds to protect themselves, so it is not surprising that plant leaves and skins contain these beneficial compounds.”
The paper appears in Frontiers in Plant Science. Zhu is the paper’s first author. The research was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
-kulikowski-
Note to editors: An abstract of the paper follows.
Docking characterization and in vitro inhibitory activity of flavan-3-ols and dimeric proanthocyanidins against the main protease activity of SARS-Cov-2
Authors: Yue Zhu and De-Yu Xie, NC State University
Published: Nov. 30, 2020 in Frontiers in Plant Science

And BAM - all the green tea, dark chocolate and muscadine grapes (which I don't think I've ever seen) are sold out and won't be seen again, along with toilet paper, until February.

Always knew that liking dark chocolate was a good thing.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The trip reports are so good. Kati and I hope to be going sometime in the next year, but that remains to be seen at this time.

Update on our illness!!
The kids did test positive, but are doing well. I pray that continues since my son is the one I was so concerned about. If my husband has it you can't tell and he does not want to be tested.
It has hit me the hardest since I had such a bad sinus infection for so long. I am starting to feel better and I get to come out of my quarentine Thursday. Hopefully the rest will pass easily.
Thanks for all the pixie dust and prayers. Stay safe and well.

I'm happy to hear that in general everyone is doing ok Kathy!

 

[Dug720]

Beth: Here are a few photos of our CCV studio from January. It was a walk in shower deluxe studio, so I didn't include that area. Whatever you do, DO NOT turn off the master light switch near the front door! I was about to call housekeeping to complain about the lamps not working in our room and then I discovered that they were connected to that switch.
The room is very narrow, especially if anyone uses the sleeper sofa, but it was fine for the two of us and certainly enough for one.
The tall cabinet on the left in the kitchen pulls out and is great for storing any non-perishables.
I'd be happy to answer any questions! I second what everyone has said here. The Lodge and its villas are a very special place. No matter where else we stay, nothing comes close to the feeling we have there of being home. The music, sounds, smells, and that amazing lobby; all are a sensory treat.
View attachment 543024View attachment 543025View attachment 543026View attachment 543027View attachment 543028

Awesome! Thanks!

 

[bluecastle]

As I was eating my small allotment of daily dark chocolate after dinner tonight, I was happy to know that I was helping my immune system! Thanks jimmytammy!

 

[twokats]

Thanks Kat4,
I got more breathing treatments from my doctor. Guess that will take me a while to get over, but at least the doctor is working with me.
I got my negative report today, so I can start getting back to normal (whatever that may be)
The kids come out of quarantine Sunday and then we see.
Groupies, again, please stay safe and well!

 

[sleepydog25]

Whoa!!! We are two three spots away from being on the second page of DVC RESORTS! Not on my watch!

In Disney news, I've been working mostly at the Beach House, though today I worked the Live Oak Lodge as my area. It's my least favorite, though I gotta say I like all the places I work--this one is just the bottom of that pack. Live Oak Lodge has the reception desk, Murgie's Den, and houses most of the studios. It's also the only building with an elevator, so for those of you planning to visit in the future and want/need an elevator, make note of this fact. I sanitized, cleaned, polished, vacuumed, wiped, and hauled trash like a champ today.

In other news, how are all the Groupies holding up? I propose we share what our Christmases are going to be like this year. I know many won't be with family, as usual, but since we Groupies are family, too, why not share?

I'll start. It's just Chris and me, which is not really a change. My eldest lives just five hours away, but she's in FL and the pandemic is frightful there. We'll FaceTime but not try to push the limit of what either of us is comfortable with. My youngest will come down after the first of the year--she's been voluntarily quarantining with her mom, so she'll be fine to visit. Chris' kids and grandkids are all up in NY state, so again, it's FaceTime or Zoom for them. Still, we're thankful for what we have and how we managed to wind up in a place we love.

Okay, that's it for now!
Cheers!
Patrick

 

[TCRAIG]

Great idea Sleepy - This Christmas Day - it’s just Jerry and me - with perhaps my dad who lives near us in senior independent living housing coming over for dinner. We’ll face time my mom at the nursing home hopefully and also our daughter, SIL and our grands. We’ll get to see our girls over New Years so it’ll truly be a Christmas Season!

 

[pixieprincess925]

Question for the groupies since I'm a relatively new owner.... Is there a place I can get a few worksheets printed at WL? My son may have homework he'll need to get done while we're down there....

 

[sleepydog25]

Question for the groupies since I'm a relatively new owner.... Is there a place I can get a few worksheets printed at WL? My son may have homework he'll need to get done while we're down there....

, Pixie! We're glad you stopped by our band of Groupies, and we hope you'll make it a habit! Pertaining to your question, the answer is "yes." Take what you need to the front desk and ask them if they would make the copies. You should have no issues as front desk personnel are trained to do that sort of thing for guests. Again, welcome!

 

[sleepydog25]

Great idea Sleepy - This Christmas Day - it’s just Jerry and me - with perhaps my dad who lives near us in senior independent living housing coming over for dinner. We’ll face time my mom at the nursing home hopefully and also our daughter, SIL and our grands. We’ll get to see our girls over New Years so it’ll truly be a Christmas Season!

It's a different sort of holiday season for us all, but I'm convinced if we keep alive the warmest memories of seasons past, we can still make this one special, too. Hopefully, in years to come, we'll all be able to say we had a blessed Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Omisoka, Boxing Day, et. al. in this time of covid.

 

[jimmytammy]

Sleepy, wonderful idea!
Our usual thing is we have my MIL over along with our DD and her family for breakfast. My MIL has been quarantining pretty much since March so I sadly dont think she will be here. Later, we will watch what used to be the Disney Christmas Parade(not sure what it will be this year)and drink hot cocoa. In the eve, my folks will come over and we will have a meal and exchange gifts then.
You are right Sleepy, reflecting upon the past Christmases, and looking forward to more and better ones ahead will be on tap for us. We all have to make the most of whats in front of us.
I pray for all of us better days ahead. The New Year I hope and pray brings us a fresh start, and many brighter days to come.

 

[candyls1]

Hi again! First timer staying in a 2 BR lock off at the Villas. Going to make room request today, but not sure if I should ask for 5th floor facing lake or 1st floor for ease of use. Just myself, husband, and two older children. No one has mobility issues. No parks this time. Like to go out and run, play basketball, swim, Geyser Point, etc. Any suggestions for great room area/floor for us?

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

We live in AZ pretty far from the rest of our family so it is usually just me DH and DD. Gonna be a different Christmas this year though because DH goes into the hospital on the 22nd for major surgery and will be in for 2 weeks. He has decided to wait till he gets home to open his presents. DD and I both have off Christmas eve which is rare for people working retail. We are gonna do a Rankin/Bass marathon that day and get some take out from Olive Garden. Then we will go look at Christmas lights in the evening. We will still open our presents on Christmas day but it will be sad not having DH there with us but we are gonna try to face time. I think we will stay up till midnight on New Years eve just to make sure 2020 actually leaves.

 

[twinklebug]

No Christmas plans here. Setting up the tree today as the house was looking sad without one. Been a tough year.

Just for fun: I think Santa would need a few more to make the team, but then... cats... they probably ran off or are sitting on the back of the sleigh.
I'm loving Rudolph.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi again! First timer staying in a 2 BR lock off at the Villas. Going to make room request today, but not sure if I should ask for 5th floor facing lake or 1st floor for ease of use. Just myself, husband, and two older children. No one has mobility issues. No parks this time. Like to go out and run, play basketball, swim, Geyser Point, etc. Any suggestions for great room area/floor for us?

(again?), @candyls1! So glad you stopped by! I don't believe there are any dedicated 2BRs on the bottom floor at VWL. Thus, you have floors 2-5 from which to choose. My answer about which floor to choose depends on one question for you: do you prefer a more spacious feel (due to the cathedral ceiling) but a dormer-style balcony or an open-style balcony with ample room but normal ceilings. Personally, I'd go for the 5th floor. That being said, of course, room requests are just that--requests. As long as you get the 3rd floor or higher, I think you'll love it. The 2nd floor is also good, but I prefer a little higher. We do love bottom floors, too, but again, there aren't any dedicated 2BRs there. Hopefully, all that makes sense. Best of luck in your getting your room!