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

[Corinne]

Hi Groupies,

I am asking again (for a friend) hahahaha...
has anyone who requested an AP refund received it yet?

 

[Lakegirl]

Happy Sunday!!! Missing the Lodge today!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hi Groupies,

I am asking again (for a friend) hahahaha...
has anyone who requested an AP refund received it yet?

Yes! It took forever. But it did come in November.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Another reason to look forward to 2021. That’s when I’ll booking our December stay at VWL.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Glad to hear you feel safe there. I can say from my perspective here in HHI, that we take precautions seriously. When we were at the World a few weeks ago, we did a lot of eating in the room, mostly takeout. As for the room assignment, few (if any) of us on this thread haven't run afoul of the room assignment gods--just ask @KAT4DISNEY. My favorite, personal story is when Luv and I got married at the Lodge. You'd think actually getting married there would warrant getting our request for a high floor, lake view room. Nope: second floor, woods view. Enjoy your trip!

I had to double check a couple of times that I wasn't reading my own post!

 

[Granny]

I had to double check a couple of times that I wasn't reading my own post!

Kathy....time to bring this one out of mothballs....

 

[TCRAIG]

Another reason to look forward to 2021. That’s when I’ll booking our December stay at VWL.

Same here

 

[Corinne]

Yes! It took forever. But it did come in November.

I did a little research and read people received their refunds in October and November. I will call again today, as we have still not received them.

ETA I called and waited on hold for 28 minutes and even though the message stated it was the passholder line I was told she could not help me! The phone number she gave me was (i believe) for FL passholders. I am so frustrated

 

[candyls1]

Y'all...just got back from our first stay at Boulder Ridge, and we are in love! You were right! There is something so special about that place. We've stayed at CCV (our home resort), but we liked this a lot more. Not sure if it's that magical when it's not decorated for Christmas, but wow! It jumped up the list to one of our new favorites, and we've stayed at all the dvc except GFV.
Requested top floor facing lake, but got bottom floor facing walkway at the end of the hall (rooms 1508/1506 2 BR lockoff). We ended up loving the room location. Right next to lobby, right next to an exit door, and you could hear the Christmas music on the patios from the walkway and see the beautiful garland lit up at night. Room close enough to the lobby to have coffee there early in the morning in pj's before everyone was up (even music was off in lobby) and could refill cup with ease! Just absolutely perfect! No parks this trip (APs expired). Went over to Fort Wilderness to canoe/kayak and the boys loved it! And only $15 for both-couldn't believe it! Did a Cali Grill dinner, a Kona breakfast and toured a bungalow while at Poly, and Whispering Canyon breakfast. Had a little pool time (at the BRV pool) even though it was actually chilly while we were there. Did a day at Winter Garden farmer's market and Plant St. Market and took the boys to Mall at Millenia (have a teenager). Boys enjoyed basketball court as well. All in all, it was a lovely time and can't wait to get back to BRV. Only thing I wish was better though was the running trail. Not much room to run with the nature trail closed to Ft. Wilderness. I bet that was something special back when it was open...I'll try to add pictures as soon as I get them downloaded.

 

[candyls1]

Not sure if I'm uploading the pics right... I think some may have copied 3x. Our favorite spots were the Boulder Ridge lobby and in the couches right by the lake! Our rooms were right behind Mickey by the exit door. The scavenger hunts were fun too-ornament one all around WL and a Boulder Ridge hidden Mickey one.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Y'all...just got back from our first stay at Boulder Ridge, and we are in love! You were right! There is something so special about that place. We've stayed at CCV (our home resort), but we liked this a lot more. Not sure if it's that magical when it's not decorated for Christmas, but wow! It jumped up the list to one of our new favorites, and we've stayed at all the dvc except GFV.
Requested top floor facing lake, but got bottom floor facing walkway at the end of the hall (rooms 1508/1506 2 BR lockoff). We ended up loving the room location. Right next to lobby, right next to an exit door, and you could hear the Christmas music on the patios from the walkway and see the beautiful garland lit up at night. Room close enough to the lobby to have coffee there early in the morning in pj's before everyone was up (even music was off in lobby) and could refill cup with ease! Just absolutely perfect! No parks this trip (APs expired). Went over to Fort Wilderness to canoe/kayak and the boys loved it! And only $15 for both-couldn't believe it! Did a Cali Grill dinner, a Kona breakfast and toured a bungalow while at Poly, and Whispering Canyon breakfast. Had a little pool time (at the BRV pool) even though it was actually chilly while we were there. Did a day at Winter Garden farmer's market and Plant St. Market and took the boys to Mall at Millenia (have a teenager). Boys enjoyed basketball court as well. All in all, it was a lovely time and can't wait to get back to BRV. Only thing I wish was better though was the running trail. Not much room to run with the nature trail closed to Ft. Wilderness. I bet that was something special back when it was open...I'll try to add pictures as soon as I get them downloaded.

Thank you for the trip report and pictures! So glad you had a great time! This makes me even more excited for my April trip!

 

[Granny]

Not sure if I'm uploading the pics right... I think some may have copied 3x. Our favorite spots were the Boulder Ridge lobby and in the couches right by the lake! Our rooms were right behind Mickey by the exit door. The scavenger hunts were fun too-ornament one all around WL and a Boulder Ridge hidden Mickey one.

Candy...thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and pictures of our beloved VWL! It is a place that all of us here are content to call home (even if we don’t own points there). For us it is just as magical in non-Christmas times. Imagine the Christmas music being replaced by the soft strains of Aron Copland style western music. Even on hot summer days the villas seem cool and inviting. And the stress of the parks melts away as soon as we enter the resort. Thank you for taking the time to post your experience. And we always love pictures!!!

 

[sleepydog25]

@candyls1 Let me add my thanks for some great photos and a lovely post about how VWL touched you. I dare say all of us on this particular forum can identify in some way: those little touches of having the fireplaces to drink coffee in your PJs, the lights, the beauty--yep, we'd all agree. As Granny says, for us, it IS just as magical when not decorated for the holidays. It's the innate emotional heft of the resort--Peter Dominick struck gold with this design and vision. Glad to hear you enjoyed it as much as we all do, warts and all (high floor, lake view, indeed--lol). And let me just say one more thing. . .welcome home.

 

[bluecastle]

Not sure if I'm uploading the pics right... I think some may have copied 3x. Our favorite spots were the Boulder Ridge lobby and in the couches right by the lake! Our rooms were right behind Mickey by the exit door. The scavenger hunts were fun too-ornament one all around WL and a Boulder Ridge hidden Mickey one.View attachment 546675View attachment 546664View attachment 546664View attachment 546665View attachment 546664View attachment 546665View attachment 546666View attachment 546667View attachment 546668View attachment 546669View attachment 546670View attachment 546671

Thank you for your post and pictures! I've always wondered what it's like to stay in one of those ground floor rooms with patios on that path. You really captured what we all love about VWL!

 

[sleepydog25]

In more resort news, this time my "home" at HHI, things are bustling here as many people are staying a few days--sometimes even just one or two--in order to use their points. And with many people still not traveling, waitlists or last-minute reservations are coming through a bit more than usual. Many are new guests who discover just how wonderful HHI is. Like with candyls1's experience at the Lodge, what draws people in is the feel of the resort. Sometimes, I feel as though HHI has continued to excel at the customer service that is now sometimes lacking at our true DVC home.

For example, I recommended to one family of four that they should try the Mickey waffles at Tide Me Over because they were the best anywhere now that Roaring Fork no longer truly makes them to order. They did, and moments later they called me over and were so thrilled about the waffles that they put in a second order for them! Something as simple as a waffle can start a trip off with such a great vibe, and I fear sometimes our beloved Lodge forgets that personal touch.

Anyway, I'll close with a picture from the Beach House taken after my shift when I was completely alone. Have a safe New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!

 

[jimmytammy]

In more resort news, this time my "home" at HHI, things are bustling here as many people are staying a few days--sometimes even just one or two--in order to use their points. And with many people still not traveling, waitlists or last-minute reservations are coming through a bit more than usual. Many are new guests who discover just how wonderful HHI is. Like with candyls1's experience at the Lodge, what draws people in is the feel of the resort. Sometimes, I feel as though HHI has continued to excel at the customer service that is now sometimes lacking at our true DVC home.

For example, I recommended to one family of four that they should try the Mickey waffles at Tide Me Over because they were the best anywhere now that Roaring Fork no longer truly makes them to order. They did, and moments later they called me over and were so thrilled about the waffles that they put in a second order for them! Something as simple as a waffle can start a trip off with such a great vibe, and I fear sometimes our beloved Lodge forgets that personal touch.

Anyway, I'll close with a picture from the Beach House taken after my shift when I was completely alone. Have a safe New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!
View attachment 546923

Cant wait to see it for ourselves in early March!

 

[jimmytammy]

This is how we roll around our home at New Years
Tammy just baked Wilderness Lodge’s Molasses Crackle Cookies
And later today we will continue the celebration by fixing Nine Dragons Honet Sesame Chicken, complete with sticky white rice and asparagus, just the same as they serve it at our favorite Chinese restaurant
Happy New Years everyone. My hope and prayer for us all, good health, peace in our World and continued blessing from our Maker!

 

[bluecastle]

In more resort news, this time my "home" at HHI, things are bustling here as many people are staying a few days--sometimes even just one or two--in order to use their points. And with many people still not traveling, waitlists or last-minute reservations are coming through a bit more than usual. Many are new guests who discover just how wonderful HHI is. Like with candyls1's experience at the Lodge, what draws people in is the feel of the resort. Sometimes, I feel as though HHI has continued to excel at the customer service that is now sometimes lacking at our true DVC home.

For example, I recommended to one family of four that they should try the Mickey waffles at Tide Me Over because they were the best anywhere now that Roaring Fork no longer truly makes them to order. They did, and moments later they called me over and were so thrilled about the waffles that they put in a second order for them! Something as simple as a waffle can start a trip off with such a great vibe, and I fear sometimes our beloved Lodge forgets that personal touch.

Anyway, I'll close with a picture from the Beach House taken after my shift when I was completely alone. Have a safe New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!
View attachment 546923

Beautiful photo. I've started a cloud album for myself titled Calming or Joyful, and I think I will add it!
Love this line; it's so true!
"Something as simple as a waffle can start a trip off with such a great vibe,"

 

[bluecastle]

Happy New Year Groupies! Wishing everyone good health and moments to celebrate without fear in 2021!

 

[twinklebug]

Pic from RTV1 @ BC