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

[Disney loving Iowan]

DLI
I’m glad to hear the antics are back in full force at WC
Like Granny says it’s part of the experience of eating at a WDW restaurant
When we were in WDW back in late Feb it was a disappointment when the staff at 50s were doing nothing antic wise because of Covid
I was concerned none of that would return but you have confirmed it’s back!

Not too many antics at 50's sadly but I've gone there other times in the past where it has been that way too. It also may have been that there was a kid at a table near us that was very loud and rambunctious so that may have taken away from it. I don't know why but there were so many kids like that at the parks this time. More so than I remember in the past. At the one restaurant we were at the one kid even smacked his mom.

 

[Kay7979]

I was going through our photos today and can’t resist sharing this one of our chocolate mousse at Geyser Point.

 

[Disneytrippin']

I just bought into BRV and I am elated especially that I put in my offer before resale prices went up. I passed! So, I need opinions since we have never stayed there. We are a party of 7 adults and 2 kids that will be 5 and 2. We are not going until the week after Thanksgiving 2022. I think we will have no choice but to do a 2 bedroom lockoff with the current layouts.

What I am interested in is what you all think of what the new layouts will look like? I know BRV is slated 2022 for refurbishment. I am really hoping they redesign the wasted spaces in the closets to make larger bathrooms. I would also really cross my fingers for a murphy bed instead of a fold out couch.

What are your thoughts and what would you like to see happen?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I just bought into BRV and I am elated especially that I put in my offer before resale prices went up. I passed! So, I need opinions since we have never stayed there. We are a party of 7 adults and 2 kids that will be 5 and 2. We are not going until the week after Thanksgiving 2022. I think we will have no choice but to do a 2 bedroom lockoff with the current layouts.

What I am interested in is what you all think of what the new layouts will look like? I know BRV is slated 2022 for refurbishment. I am really hoping they redesign the wasted spaces in the closets to make larger bathrooms. I would also really cross my fingers for a murphy bed instead of a fold out couch.

What are your thoughts and what would you like to see happen?

Congrats on your purchase!

Regarding the refurb do not expect any design changes of that nature. It will be things like flooring, perhaps tile, maybe cabinets and appliances and probably change out the sleeper sofa for a murphy bed/sofa style. Also the closet sizes vary and in many cases aren't terribly large. I cannot think of a DVC refurb that really changed the layout of a bath. At most they'll remove the whirlpool tub and block off the shuttered opening and put in a soaker type tub in the master. Personally I find the bathroom size to be very adequate.

 

[Disneytrippin']

Congrats on your purchase!

Regarding the refurb do not expect any design changes of that nature. It will be things like flooring, perhaps tile, maybe cabinets and appliances and probably change out the sleeper sofa for a murphy bed/sofa style. Also the closet sizes vary and in many cases aren't terribly large. I cannot think of a DVC refurb that really changed the layout of a bath. At most they'll remove the whirlpool tub and block off the shuttered opening and put in a soaker type tub in the master. Personally I find the bathroom size to be very adequate.

I would be happy with a murphy bed, the sofa beds do not look that comfortable.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I was going through our photos today and can’t resist sharing this one of our chocolate mousse at Geyser Point. View attachment 576892

Dang it why didn't I get that?

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I would be happy with a murphy bed, the sofa beds do not look that comfortable.

We stayed at BWV where the sofa bed was so comfy and then went to VWL and it was not nearly as comfy. Much firmer.

 

[Disneytrippin']

We stayed at BWV where the sofa bed was so comfy and then went to VWL and it was not nearly as comfy. Much firmer.

You can just tell from the appearance in the videos that they don't look comfortable for two adults. I can't see them putting in another sleeper sofa with how well received the murphy beds have been. Plus, those things are super comfy and a space saver.

I am really looking forward to seeing how they update the rooms. Either way we really loved the atmosphere and since we always go the week after Thanksgiving we wanted a resort that best reflects the holidays. So happy to own here.

 

[Disneytrippin']

Kay7979 said:
I was going through our photos today and can’t resist sharing this one of our chocolate mousse at Geyser Point. View attachment 576892

Dang it why didn't I get that?

Oh de de de deer. I just gained 5 pounds looking at this.

 

[Kay7979]

Dang it why didn't I get that?

Next time!

 

[Granny]

I just bought into BRV and I am elated especially that I put in my offer before resale prices went up. I passed!

 

[DVC Jen]

We start our vacation one month from tomorrow! I am so excited! We are driving (taking our time - we hate arriving exhausted) so we won't get to WDW until early afternoon on June 28th. We have 1 night at CBR followed by 11 nights at BRV and then onto Vero for 4 more nights before we head home. We have 10 parks days so our CBR day/night and the first day/night at BRV will be resort/ DS/ grocery shopping. etc. type days.

I just realized today that it is one month and one day away!!! ACK!!!!!! Both of our daughters are going with us. That makes it even better. We rarely see our youngest so almost 3 weeks with her will be wonderful - I hope.

We are planning one "adult" night at Epcot enjoying the food and drinks during the Taste of Epcot event.

I know I just said this - but.. I. AM. SO. EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can no wait to be back home again. I know I am going to cry like a baby when we pass under that archway going into WDW property and than again when we pass under the arch entering WL.

 

[Thegoatfeeder]

Hoping this is the right thread for this question!

We currently own at Riviera and the Poly, and are looking to add on a 'smaller' contract somewhere else. We've narrowed it down to AKL, SSR and BRV.

SSR appeals for the proximity to Disney Springs, and AKL has a great look, but to be honest my preferred choice would be BRV because I just love the feeling of nature at Wilderness Lodge. We have decided against CC because of the prices.

So, I have 2 questions, I know studio inventory at BRV is fairly low (we'd pretty much only be staying in studios) and I just wondered if at 11 months, is it hard to get a studio (including 'high season' early December for example)? We travel from the UK, so would be looking for 4 or 5 consecutive nights as opposed to 2 or 3.

Secondly, I know the refurbishment has been kicked down the road until 2022, but I just wondered whether there was any speculation over how the new rooms will look etc? I guess there won't be, but just thought i'd ask

 

[Granny]

Hoping this is the right thread for this question!

We currently own at Riviera and the Poly, and are looking to add on a 'smaller' contract somewhere else. We've narrowed it down to AKL, SSR and BRV.

SSR appeals for the proximity to Disney Springs, and AKL has a great look, but to be honest my preferred choice would be BRV because I just love the feeling of nature at Wilderness Lodge. We have decided against CC because of the prices.

So, I have 2 questions, I know studio inventory at BRV is fairly low (we'd pretty much only be staying in studios) and I just wondered if at 11 months, is it hard to get a studio (including 'high season' early December for example)? We travel from the UK, so would be looking for 4 or 5 consecutive nights as opposed to 2 or 3.

Secondly, I know the refurbishment has been kicked down the road until 2022, but I just wondered whether there was any speculation over how the new rooms will look etc? I guess there won't be, but just thought i'd ask

Hi Goatfeeder! Welcome to the VWL Groupies thread! Others can jump in here but I'm glad to offer up some thoughts.

Studios at BRV during the first half of December would be very difficult at the 7 month mark. BRV is a very small resort, and that time of year is a high demand DVC time. Added to that, the whole Wilderness Lodge campus is just perfect for Christmas decorations. So getting a studio reservation at that time can be quite challenging unless you are an owner there booking at the 11 month period. And even for owners, you pretty much have to book right at the 11 month mark.

There has been some talk about the new look for the rooms after the refurbishment, but I can't remember if we've seen what it looks like? I remember that we saw a "test area" for the hall carpeting that looked great. But the rooms themselves I don't remember seeing any information. However, based on recent history, I'd think that the rooms will be pretty similar in decor to what we are seeing now. I suppose they could convert the sleeper/sofa into a Murphy bed pulled down from the wall as they have done in other locations. But I don't see them doing much in changing the layout or amenities of the villas.

Good luck with your decision. SSR and AKV are great resorts too and have the advantage of a significantly longer contract life than VWL which expires in early 2042. So that may come into play for your decision. Feel free to ask us any questions or opinions that you need!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Hi Goatfeeder! Welcome to the VWL Groupies thread! Others can jump in here but I'm glad to offer up some thoughts.

Studios at BRV during the first half of December would be very difficult at the 7 month mark. BRV is a very small resort, and that time of year is a high demand DVC time. Added to that, the whole Wilderness Lodge campus is just perfect for Christmas decorations. So getting a studio reservation at that time can be quite challenging unless you are an owner there booking at the 11 month period. And even for owners, you pretty much have to book right at the 11 month mark.

There has been some talk about the new look for the rooms after the refurbishment, but I can't remember if we've seen what it looks like? I remember that we saw a "test area" for the hall carpeting that looked great. But the rooms themselves I don't remember seeing any information. However, based on recent history, I'd think that the rooms will be pretty similar in decor to what we are seeing now. I suppose they could convert the sleeper/sofa into a Murphy bed pulled down from the wall as they have done in other locations. But I don't see them doing much in changing the layout or amenities of the villas.

Good luck with your decision. SSR and AKV are great resorts too and have the advantage of a significantly longer contract life than VWL which expires in early 2042. So that may come into play for your decision. Feel free to ask us any questions or opinions that you need!

I don't remember seeing any info on what the rooms will look like either. I would love to find out.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hoping this is the right thread for this question!

We currently own at Riviera and the Poly, and are looking to add on a 'smaller' contract somewhere else. We've narrowed it down to AKL, SSR and BRV.

SSR appeals for the proximity to Disney Springs, and AKL has a great look, but to be honest my preferred choice would be BRV because I just love the feeling of nature at Wilderness Lodge. We have decided against CC because of the prices.

So, I have 2 questions, I know studio inventory at BRV is fairly low (we'd pretty much only be staying in studios) and I just wondered if at 11 months, is it hard to get a studio (including 'high season' early December for example)? We travel from the UK, so would be looking for 4 or 5 consecutive nights as opposed to 2 or 3.

Secondly, I know the refurbishment has been kicked down the road until 2022, but I just wondered whether there was any speculation over how the new rooms will look etc? I guess there won't be, but just thought i'd ask

The 1st week or two of December are hard for studios pretty much anywhere now other than the largest resorts and BRV is small. You wouldn't want to miss the opening of the 11 month booking window by even 5 seconds IMO. When the bookings are that tight I'd hesitate to say you'd always get it then. The later you are into the month it gets easier. I'd say a lot of the year for BRV studio has shifted into the home priority booking window although generally not to the second at 11 months like early December. You'd probably be just fine as long as you consider holidays and a couple other busy times like Jersey week in Nov or race weeks assuming they return. For any of them I'd try and book at 11 months. Early Dec is the iffiest time.

The only thing seen on the refurb is some test carpet outside of the rooms. It harkens me back to the colors originally in the VWL rooms - reds/greens/blacks but I have no idea if the colors will flow thru or if that carpet will even end up being the final since they've delayed. It gives them time to run across other things. Personally I hope it goes back to a stronger theme and doesn't get a watered down treatment.

 

[Thegoatfeeder]

Hi Goatfeeder! Welcome to the VWL Groupies thread! Others can jump in here but I'm glad to offer up some thoughts.

Studios at BRV during the first half of December would be very difficult at the 7 month mark. BRV is a very small resort, and that time of year is a high demand DVC time. Added to that, the whole Wilderness Lodge campus is just perfect for Christmas decorations. So getting a studio reservation at that time can be quite challenging unless you are an owner there booking at the 11 month period. And even for owners, you pretty much have to book right at the 11 month mark.

There has been some talk about the new look for the rooms after the refurbishment, but I can't remember if we've seen what it looks like? I remember that we saw a "test area" for the hall carpeting that looked great. But the rooms themselves I don't remember seeing any information. However, based on recent history, I'd think that the rooms will be pretty similar in decor to what we are seeing now. I suppose they could convert the sleeper/sofa into a Murphy bed pulled down from the wall as they have done in other locations. But I don't see them doing much in changing the layout or amenities of the villas.

Good luck with your decision. SSR and AKV are great resorts too and have the advantage of a significantly longer contract life than VWL which expires in early 2042. So that may come into play for your decision. Feel free to ask us any questions or opinions that you need!

The 1st week or two of December are hard for studios pretty much anywhere now other than the largest resorts and BRV is small. You wouldn't want to miss the opening of the 11 month booking window by even 5 seconds IMO. When the bookings are that tight I'd hesitate to say you'd always get it then. The later you are into the month it gets easier. I'd say a lot of the year for BRV studio has shifted into the home priority booking window although generally not to the second at 11 months like early December. You'd probably be just fine as long as you consider holidays and a couple other busy times like Jersey week in Nov or race weeks assuming they return. For any of them I'd try and book at 11 months. Early Dec is the iffiest time.

The only thing seen on the refurb is some test carpet outside of the rooms. It harkens me back to the colors originally in the VWL rooms - reds/greens/blacks but I have no idea if the colors will flow thru or if that carpet will even end up being the final since they've delayed. It gives them time to run across other things. Personally I hope it goes back to a stronger theme and doesn't get a watered down treatment.

Many thanks for both of these responses. We wouldn't necessarily be travelling in the first 2 weeks of December, I just used that as an example to see how difficult it would be at the height of the DVC season.

Most of our stays are likely to be in September/October and Spring time, and we usually plan well in advance so booking as soon as the 11 month window opens is really not a problem.

I guess my major concern is just the lower amount of studios compared to other resorts, but we do really like WL so it would be ideal assuming we can usually get the type of room we want, when we want, even if that means booking as soon as the window opens.

 

[Granny]

Most of our stays are likely to be in September/October and Spring time, and we usually plan well in advance so booking as soon as the 11 month window opens is really not a problem.

I guess my major concern is just the lower amount of studios compared to other resorts, but we do really like WL so it would be ideal assuming we can usually get the type of room we want, when we want, even if that means booking as soon as the window opens.

If you anticipate wanting to stay fairly regularly in a BRV studio, I would strongly suggest to buy there. Your other resorts that you are considering, AKV and SSR, are much, much easier to book at the 7 month window since both are very large DVC resorts. I guess it comes down to...would you be disappointed if the vast majority of your trips you would be staying at AKV or SSR? Or would you be disappointed to have a hard time getting into BRV at the 7 month window?

September is probably one of the easier times to book anywhere, so travelling at that time should make your options wider for resorts at the 7 month window. Spring, depending on when you want to go, can be very tough with Easter and Spring Break. And for 2022, they just raised the April point requirements for many resorts even including those weeks not around Easter. So the Spring trips may be important to be booking at the 11 month window for many of the smaller resorts.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Many thanks for both of these responses. We wouldn't necessarily be travelling in the first 2 weeks of December, I just used that as an example to see how difficult it would be at the height of the DVC season.

Most of our stays are likely to be in September/October and Spring time, and we usually plan well in advance so booking as soon as the 11 month window opens is really not a problem.

I guess my major concern is just the lower amount of studios compared to other resorts, but we do really like WL so it would be ideal assuming we can usually get the type of room we want, when we want, even if that means booking as soon as the window opens.

One day a few years ago I did a spreadsheet looking at the percentage of room types for each resort and the percentage of BRV studios to 1 & 2BR's is pretty typical. It's actually a greater % within the resort than then are at OKW, SSR, VGF and BLT. Also when VWL was sold there were higher minimums and that seems to factor into how quickly one type books over another as there aren't a lot of very small contract owners and people did buy to book the 1 & 2BR's.
When you look at DVC in total though the studios are only 3% of all all WDW studios so it's much more difficult at 7 months. They make up 36% of the rooms at 11 months though. Not having any GV's that added points to the resort might also make a difference.

For Spring I think you'd be fine at 11 months. Probably for Sept too and getting it during the fall will be doable. It's just the early part of December that might be an issue but then again someone has to get them. My observation is that it was much easier before the addition of the single murphy bed and even at 7 months you'd frequently see a VWL studio but now they've become more of a home priority booking

Good luck with the decision!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

So next month DH and I are going on a train trip and will be making a stop in LA. Tickets just opened up for out of staters at DL and I was able to snag a reservation for CA!!!!!! So excited. DL wasn't available but it's ok. I'm just happy I'll get one day in CA. Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!