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

[Disneytrippin']

Yes we faced the quiet pool. Back on page 968 I have a couple of pictures posted of our view from our patio.

Wow. Thanks! I will check those out.

 

[jimmytammy]

You can book both rooms on the website, it will put your name down as in both rooms, but member services can adjust that with a later call.

I honestly don't know why they have that restriction at all. They claim it has to do with the system not being able to recognize both stays, which is false. The system doesn't have to connect the reservations, it just cannot link both to the same MDE profile, a flaw they need to fix for DVC as these are not "hotel rooms".

I have this exact issue going on right now. 2 rooms, one for 12 nights, one for only 2 but right in the middle of my long stay as we overlap and I then hand off my room to my kids who aren't sure of their arrival dates as jobs and airfare prices dictate when they can arrive. If that room is empty the first night Disney will cancel the reservation, so I want my name on the room to keep it should they be delayed. If the points are lost, they'd be expiring soon anyway and that second room is a club level, I'll be more than happy enough to have a latte on the room.

Member services left a message for me last week asking me to call back about "one of my reservations". I know they want to monkey with the names and break the stays up, claiming my name cannot be on both.

Thanks Cindy!! I knew someone here would know the deal, and how to deal with it.
We are hoping for 2 2 bedrooms in Feb at BLT, one for us and one for our DD and her family. I really dread having to get on the phone and waiting to get through so I was really hoping I could do what I needed online.
Again, many , many thanks, Cindy!!

 

[twinklebug]

Thanks Cindy!! I knew someone here would know the deal, and how to deal with it.
We are hoping for 2 2 bedrooms in Feb at BLT, one for us and one for our DD and her family. I really dread having to get on the phone and waiting to get through so I was really hoping I could do what I needed online.
Again, many , many thanks, Cindy!!

For the initial reservations you should be fine. Make sure you link only your room to the MDE under your name. Eventually they'll call and ask to remove your name from the second room, unless they fixed the software.

 

[Disneytrippin']

What happens if your home resort is under refurbishment and you want to book your stay? Are you given other options? Just hearing that there isn't availability already next year at BRV and people think that is when refurb starts.

 

[Corinne]

Thanks Cindy!! I knew someone here would know the deal, and how to deal with it.
We are hoping for 2 2 bedrooms in Feb at BLT, one for us and one for our DD and her family. I really dread having to get on the phone and waiting to get through so I was really hoping I could do what I needed online.
Again, many , many thanks, Cindy!!

Hey Jimmy, I wanted to let you know I only waited about 5 minutes the other day for Member Services. Not sure if that was a fluke!

 

[sleepydog25]

Disney (though not VWL) related picture...

Looking back toward Tide Me Over, Mercantile, and Big Dipper Pool area from the pier.


Have a great rest of your week, Groupies!

 

[Corinne]

Happy Friday Groupies! We’re going to have our grand dog this weekend, so it should be fun. Things have been really crazy with work, and this implementation I’m beginning to think I should have held on to our September BCV reservation, and now the Thanksgiving plan may not work. I do not like having so many things up in the air. I think early retirement may be the way to go!

 

[jimmytammy]

I think early retirement may be the way to go!

Corinne
I like this idea!!

 

[TCRAIG]

I’m counting down til I retire end of Oct - I want my time back - I’m oncall every other week and I use 1 of my free weekends to go see my Grands - that give me 1 weekend a month to myself -

 

[DVC Jen]

For those of you that have stayed on the first floor how was it? I am thinking of choosing a floor level room preferably close to the doors headed out by transportation. When looking at touring plans room finder it shows the noise level between 3 and 4. I like the idea of being able to head out without using elevators as my mom will be using a scooter and we will have two littles as well. At the end of the night or, if there are mid day breaks it would be nice to get back to the room quickly too. I also like the idea of a lake view upper floor too but, not sure about the small balconies for our group. Room number suggestions would be helpful too if you've got em. TIY

Were on a ground level floor from June 30th-July10th and while I thought I would hate it, I actually didn't mind it as much as I thought I would. We were down the hall by the doors that lead out to the pool. We did not face the lake - but were on the other side. It was VERY quiet and easy to get in and out. We didn't use the patio area like we always use a balcony so that was a bit of a bummer. Aside from that - it was a nice room in a very quiet and easy to access location.

 

[DVC Jen]

We just got home yesterday after a 1 night stay at CBR, 11 nights at BRV and 4 nights at Vero.

We had a good time. It wasn't quite as hot this July trip as it was our last July trip so that was VERY welcome. The lodge is starting to come back to life. Not quite as crowded as other years, but not quiet either. Housekeeping made us a bit crazy with their daily "trash" pick up. Even after we called and scheduled a time to have it done when we would most likely be out of the room they would knock or call to "see if we needed anything". When I told them no they didn't believe me and kept offering things. It was nice at first but then became annoying. The mattress we had on the king bed has clearly seen better days and we had to get it replaced. The same for the mattress on the pull out. Renovations are needed. That became even more apparent when we checked into Vero. It was our first time back there in 6 years and the renovations there are so pretty and comfortable. That huge soaking tub!!!

We had an amazing time at Vero. That down time was exactly what we needed. To be honest - I enjoyed our Vero time more than our WDW time. Now it could be because we haven't been to Vero since 2014 and I do so love the beach.

We did enjoy our WDW time. Don't get me wrong - but Vero shone on this trip and I can't wait to go back. Another thing - being at WDW with both of our adult daughters - well - I love them. I love them dearly and we enjoyed having all of us together for an extended period of time - but Ian and I are looking forward to a trip back - just the two of us.

 

[Granny]

We just got home yesterday after a 1 night stay at CBR, 11 nights at BRV and 4 nights at Vero.

We had a good time. It wasn't quite as hot this July trip as it was our last July trip so that was VERY welcome. The lodge is starting to come back to life. Not quite as crowded as other years, but not quiet either. Housekeeping made us a bit crazy with their daily "trash" pick up. Even after we called and scheduled a time to have it done when we would most likely be out of the room they would knock or call to "see if we needed anything". When I told them no they didn't believe me and kept offering things. It was nice at first but then became annoying. The mattress we had on the king bed has clearly seen better days and we had to get it replaced. The same for the mattress on the pull out. Renovations are needed. That became even more apparent when we checked into Vero. It was our first time back there in 6 years and the renovations there are so pretty and comfortable. That huge soaking tub!!!

We had an amazing time at Vero. That down time was exactly what we needed. To be honest - I enjoyed our Vero time more than our WDW time. Now it could be because we haven't been to Vero since 2014 and I do so love the beach.

We did enjoy our WDW time. Don't get me wrong - but Vero shone on this trip and I can't wait to go back. Another thing - being at WDW with both of our adult daughters - well - I love them. I love them dearly and we enjoyed having all of us together for an extended period of time - but Ian and I are looking forward to a trip back - just the two of us.

Jen...you did a great job in keeping us updated on your trip. And despite the rain it sounds like you had a great time. I was really glad to hear that your trip ended with such a nice stay at Vero. Thanks for keeping us in mind on your trip!

 

[Corinne]

Corinne
I like this idea!!

Haha poor Jimmy you’ve heard me in person whining about my job!

 

[Corinne]

I’m counting down til I retire end of Oct - I want my time back - I’m oncall every other week and I use 1 of my free weekends to go see my Grands - that give me 1 weekend a month to myself -

Oh Tricia good for you! Happy for you!

 

[jimmytammy]

Haha poor Jimmy you’ve heard me in person whining about my job!

No problem, its all good. I think we all do that from time to time, me participating too and giving my fair share.

I never really considered until more recently how much I look forward to retiring. I would at least like to slow down. From a money standpoint, I feel T and I will be fine when the time finally comes, but I fear for me, it may be a big shock to not have somewhere to go, something to do. So my hope is to let Casey and my SIL take over the business end of things and allow me to stay on as a supervisor/overseer with hopes too be able to continue physically, in some way, helping out.
We shall see!

 

[Murron]

Love this group...I lurk mainly. You are just such a friendly group! We've been DVC from the very beginning OKW and yes, we are somewhat old people.) We have reservations for next week at Boulder Ridge. My concern is that my husband is totally disenchanted with DVC (and I promise not to go to much into that). I had to use up "use it or lose it" points leftover from our Covid year, and Boulder Ridge was all I could get for July. I have Boardwalk (his favorite) for Sept and SSR for November. Last year we rented everything that was about to expire. AP's taken away. We could not get ours renewed. No Fast Pass + No Tables in Wonderland. Ugh. Anyway, I just want him to regain some level of "magic" and now I hear Boulder Ridge is a mess. Last time we were there was about 4 years ago and even then it was pretty much a mess. Our room was above the garbage bins and the front door lock was continually broken. This was a reason we (sigh) sold off that contract. I know there is nothing this group can do except to please pray to the Disney gods that we get a decent room or give me some of your recent good experiences.

 

[TCRAIG]

Dear Murron- hope this helps - we’re at WLV(BRV) right now after staying at BWV for 4 days….can’t say enough about our WLV stay - rooms immaculate, seller service, breeze devine, pools are great - can’t wait to return in Dec! BWV on the other hand - long lines for food and our room had multiple broken towel racks and the shower puddled, etc…

 

[Granny]

Love this group...I lurk mainly. You are just such a friendly group! We've been DVC from the very beginning OKW and yes, we are somewhat old people.) We have reservations for next week at Boulder Ridge. My concern is that my husband is totally disenchanted with DVC (and I promise not to go to much into that). I had to use up "use it or lose it" points leftover from our Covid year, and Boulder Ridge was all I could get for July. I have Boardwalk (his favorite) for Sept and SSR for November. Last year we rented everything that was about to expire. AP's taken away. We could not get ours renewed. No Fast Pass + No Tables in Wonderland. Ugh. Anyway, I just want him to regain some level of "magic" and now I hear Boulder Ridge is a mess. Last time we were there was about 4 years ago and even then it was pretty much a mess. Our room was above the garbage bins and the front door lock was continually broken. This was a reason we (sigh) sold off that contract. I know there is nothing this group can do except to please pray to the Disney gods that we get a decent room or give me some of your recent good experiences.

Murron...glad to see you stopping by for a visit to this thread! You are always welcome here.

VWL (BRV if you like) has never been a mess when we stayed there. For us, we have never gotten a villa that had anything worse than the usual DVC wear and tear. But maybe we've been lucky. Our last trip was in October 2019 so we won't see it again until this coming October. What I do know is that the common areas (lobby, pool areas, etc) are looking good as far as I can tell. Lots of little nooks and places to sit for a while in the air conditioning.

Mostly I just wanted to wish you a really good trip full of wonderful experiences. I can understand how your husband can get disenchanted with DVC or Disney in general. But my wife and I still plan on enjoying the property and the parks, focusing on the positives as much as possible. Believe me, I'm not excited about them gutting Magical Express or doing away with FastPass, among other things. But then they recently announced that DVC members staying on points will have access to expanded park hours. So that's one in the plus column for DVC members.

Best wishes for a wonderful trip. You may want to put in a room view request for a "lake side" villa (odd numbered villa). That would get you a room overlooking the cabins or the pool area with a look at Bay Lake through the trees. One warning...lock-off studio villa 4533 is the only villa with no balcony. Good luck!

 

[Lakegirl]

Happy Friday Groupies! We’re going to have our grand dog this weekend, so it should be fun. Things have been really crazy with work, and this implementation I’m beginning to think I should have held on to our September BCV reservation, and now the Thanksgiving plan may not work. I do not like having so many things up in the air. I think early retirement may be the way to go!

Go for it!!!! Life is too short!

 

[Lakegirl]

Love this group...I lurk mainly. You are just such a friendly group! We've been DVC from the very beginning OKW and yes, we are somewhat old people.) We have reservations for next week at Boulder Ridge. My concern is that my husband is totally disenchanted with DVC (and I promise not to go to much into that). I had to use up "use it or lose it" points leftover from our Covid year, and Boulder Ridge was all I could get for July. I have Boardwalk (his favorite) for Sept and SSR for November. Last year we rented everything that was about to expire. AP's taken away. We could not get ours renewed. No Fast Pass + No Tables in Wonderland. Ugh. Anyway, I just want him to regain some level of "magic" and now I hear Boulder Ridge is a mess. Last time we were there was about 4 years ago and even then it was pretty much a mess. Our room was above the garbage bins and the front door lock was continually broken. This was a reason we (sigh) sold off that contract. I know there is nothing this group can do except to please pray to the Disney gods that we get a decent room or give me some of your recent good experiences.

Wishing you are pixie dusted and have a magical trip. Please check in with us and let us know how it goes.