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

[Suzabella]

Congrats on the snag of the rooms and the potential new contract at VWL! Corinne is correct--no actual refurb has begun there as yet to my knowledge. They may have taken a couple of rooms or so out of the inventory to renovate--a dry run so to speak--but no major inventory drop is in play at the moment. It's one of the, if not THE, most highly sought resort during the holidays, so I'm sure they'll wait until after this year's season to begin. 2022 seems to be the year of refurbs--DHHIR is also supposed to undergo one.

I'm excited and nervous at the same time. We love both of our home resorts but really hope they keep some of what makes them so special. No idea what that is but...I hope we don't lose the essence of these 2 wonderful resorts.

Hey Folks
Its been awhile since I have posted here, lurked as time allows. Work way busier than I prefer, but its all good. Helps foot the bill for those much needed getaways

Yesterday was a tough one as we had to put down our 18 yr old kitty who had lived with us indoors since her young kitten days. Her sibling, Sneezy, passed away in 2016 and we just knew Bailey would grieve herself away. But she bounced back and lived a very old age as cats go. She was no doubt a part of our family, to the point of being one of our kids. She had started having seizures a couple years ago, but they never seemed to bother her once they passed, but the last 1 1/2 weeks, she had really began to decline, but times we would see her bounce back to her old self. Our entire family, including Tammy and our 2 adult kids were there in her final moments. We are very sad, but know she is in a far better place and we shall see her again. She is probably running with her sister and other siblings right now, pain free. I share all this as I know many of you understand and have been through it all before yourselves. I know I won't get ridiculed or laughed at to share here.

I'm so sorry for your loss. The hardest part about having furkids is that they just don't stay with us long enough.

 

[gretabull]

Hi! I just found out Disney waived ROFR for my 220 point contract!!! I am so excited to visit my new home resort! Can someone check to see if there is any availability during the last 2 weeks of May? Is there somewhere online where I can read how to go about navigating the DVC website and linking trips to My Disney experience? Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Suzabella]

Welcome home!!

There is availability at every room level for the last 2 weeks in May. You're still within the home resort booking priority window. It likely won't get dicey until the 7 month window point or Disney takes rooms offline for the refurb.

Search the forums here. I haven't done it in a while but if I remember correctly it involves entering your reservation number into the MDE page. It's not too involved but I'm sure someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[gretabull]

Thank you! I don't have to closing documents yet or a member # so I was hoping there would still be availability for May by the time I get them.

 

[McMonsters]

We are blessed to finally stay at the lodge for our upcoming trip in October! I had to replan our trip that was originally the kids and I to include my husband. Originally we had a split stay at our home resort of SSR and Coronado but the addition of the hubs bumped us up to 5 in a room so I‘ve been working hard to piece it together. So now we have Poly, Boulder and the GF…I really can’t complain, bucket list trip for sure ! All three are a first for us but we have always allowed time to visit the lodge on our past trips for the amazing calmness we experience while there. Despite our DVC contract our true Disney home is the Fort but I’m betting the lodge will rival it once we actually stay. The whole point of this trip is for my middle child’s birthday and all she asked was to be able to get a bison burger at the lodge, she was super excited to find out we are finally staying and can drop in for a burger more than once!

 

[Suzabella]

Hope you have a great trip!

I have to admit that the first time we stayed on our own points, I walked around the room weeping.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi! I just found out Disney waived ROFR for my 220 point contract!!! I am so excited to visit my new home resort! Can someone check to see if there is any availability during the last 2 weeks of May? Is there somewhere online where I can read how to go about navigating the DVC website and linking trips to My Disney experience? Thanks in advance!!!

Congratulations and HOME!

We are blessed to finally stay at the lodge for our upcoming trip in October! I had to replan our trip that was originally the kids and I to include my husband. Originally we had a split stay at our home resort of SSR and Coronado but the addition of the hubs bumped us up to 5 in a room so I‘ve been working hard to piece it together. So now we have Poly, Boulder and the GF…I really can’t complain, bucket list trip for sure ! All three are a first for us but we have always allowed time to visit the lodge on our past trips for the amazing calmness we experience while there. Despite our DVC contract our true Disney home is the Fort but I’m betting the lodge will rival it once we actually stay. The whole point of this trip is for my middle child’s birthday and all she asked was to be able to get a bison burger at the lodge, she was super excited to find out we are finally staying and can drop in for a burger more than once!

While visiting the Lodge is great, nothing beats staying there. Have fun!

 

[twokats]

Jimmy, so sorry about your loss. I had a memory come up today that had Max in it and that started me tearing up and he has been gone over two years.

Don't know how much I have missed since I have not been able to be on here for months. My son has been in and out of the hospital with UTI's and they finally compromised his shunt and he got an infection in his brain which had to be taken care of before a new shunt could be put back in. It was very touch and go for a while, but he is finally home and getting back to his old self.

Kati and I had a great trip in May and really enjoyed ourselves. We will get to go to SSR for one night in January before a cruise on the Fantasy that we hope to take.
Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend.

 

[hhisc16]

1 night studio stay on 12/21!

I am curious to see what our view will be...

 

[jimmytammy]

Jimmy, so sorry about your loss. I had a memory come up today that had Max in it and that started me tearing up and he has been gone over two years.

Kathy, we are in the mountains of NC for a much needed getaway and it hit me before we went to bed last night, once we return, Bailey will not be at the back door to greet us as she once did on our return. I can still see her for brief moments, catching her in her usual resting spots. I know its just my imagination, but she is still there in Spirit. I still miss my previous 2 dogs and the 1st one has been gone more than 25 years, in addition to Baileys sister, Sneezy. Only the memories help us making through it all. Thanks be to God to have those and to have had our little fur babies, albeit, for a short time.

Don't know how much I have missed since I have not been able to be on here for months. My son has been in and out of the hospital with UTI's and they finally compromised his shunt and he got an infection in his brain which had to be taken care of before a new shunt could be put back in. It was very touch and go for a while, but he is finally home and getting back to his old self.

Ive been following along with Clays progress on FB and lifting him and you folks in prayer. He is fortunate to have a family like you folks that love him and only want the best for him.



Kati and I had a great trip in May and really enjoyed ourselves. We will get to go to SSR for one night in January before a cruise on the Fantasy that we hope to take.
Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend.

 

[sleepydog25]

1 night studio stay on 12/21!

I am curious to see what our view will be...

Well, it could be a great water view or pool view...or it could be the standard KAT4DISNEY view which is of trees. Seriously, there are only a handful of rooms with less than lovely views.

 

[Lakegirl]

Jimmy, so sorry about your loss. I had a memory come up today that had Max in it and that started me tearing up and he has been gone over two years.

Don't know how much I have missed since I have not been able to be on here for months. My son has been in and out of the hospital with UTI's and they finally compromised his shunt and he got an infection in his brain which had to be taken care of before a new shunt could be put back in. It was very touch and go for a while, but he is finally home and getting back to his old self.

Kati and I had a great trip in May and really enjoyed ourselves. We will get to go to SSR for one night in January before a cruise on the Fantasy that we hope to take.
Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend.

So sorry to hear about your son’s health issue, but glad he is on the mend and it’s nice to hear from you.

 

[Corinne]

Hi Groupies!

I returned from a split stay at BWV and VWL last Sunday and was thrilled to be back at the Lodge! While Boardwalk was fine, it is too "in the centre of things" for my taste. When we arrived at the Lodge for the last 4 nights of our stay, I took a big breath in, looked around and felt "I'm home" down to the tips of my toes.

I had a studio villa, room 2503 to be precise, and it was spotless. The only thing was that the sofa bed would have been impossible for anyone to sleep on. My 21 year old son ended up sleeping on the pull down single bed under the TV and found it to be perfect. One thing to be aware of with 2503 is that it is a connecting room and we could hear everything the family in the next room said. Some of which was not very pleasant, to say the least. Hopefully they will address the noise issue in the refurb.

We loved, loved, loved staying at VWL. It is my home resort and this was my first trip "home" since purchasing DVC in November of 2019. Buy where you want to stay is the advice often given and I can tell you I would happily stay here every trip. I adore the pool, the lovely walkways, the seating areas in the lobby, the boat to MK, Geyser Point and the general ambiance. I was so sad to leave but will hopefully be back for another 4 nights in December if all is well with the world.

Happy to be part of the VWL fan club!

Glad you had a great stay!

 

[Corinne]

Happy Saturday Groupie friends! I was checking email this morning and my eyes immediately zeroed in on this:
Disney Vacation Club “We can’t wait to welcome you home”

Which could only mean one thing, our BCV waitlist came through!…….It has been so long since our last stay there, it is our favorite resort ((along with VWL, obvi), so very excited.

Nice way to start the day! Hope you all have a great weekend.

 

[Lakegirl]

Happy Saturday Groupie friends! I was checking email this morning and my eyes immediately zeroed in on this:
Disney Vacation Club “We can’t wait to welcome you home”

Which could only mean one thing, our BCV waitlist came through!…….It has been so long since our last stay there, it is our favorite resort ((along with VWL, obvi), so very excited.

Nice way to start the day! Hope you all have a great weekend.

So happy for you! I have been stalking for our 2 upcoming trips was able to get 2 nights at Riveria for September and 1 night which should have been two at BLT for December. I lost a night due to not being able to borrow to modify my stay. So glad for you.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Happy Saturday Groupie friends! I was checking email this morning and my eyes immediately zeroed in on this:
Disney Vacation Club “We can’t wait to welcome you home”

Which could only mean one thing, our BCV waitlist came through!…….It has been so long since our last stay there, it is our favorite resort ((along with VWL, obvi), so very excited.

Nice way to start the day! Hope you all have a great weekend.

I am so glad they are filling waitlists! Good for you!

 

[Granny]

Well, I've been missing in action for far too long. I could say that I've been really too busy to post, but honestly that wouldn't be true. I'm just going through a period where thoughts of WDW have been kind of depressing. After I post this, I am heading over to the Member site to cancel our October ten day trip which would have been our first with my daughter, son-in-law and our 1 year old grandson. We had booked BWV...perfect for Food & Wine Festival. I had thought that for sure we'd be past the worst part of this whole Covid mess, but alas Florida is a total mess and Disney isn't helping much with their policies. So I have to go dig through my points and see what the cancellation will do to us. I think I will have to try to rent out some of the points as they may be expiring (already banked in so can't bank again).

I will say that this group continues to be a beacon of hope and friendship. You all are so supportive, and non-judgmental. Bless each of you for your companionship during these tough times.

Jimmy...sorry to hear about the loss of your cat. 18 years is a really long time and even though we know that they will leave us at some point, it is always hard to part with our furry friends.

Corinne...congratulations on your waitlist coming through! I hope you guys have a magical trip at BCV!

Kathy (twokats)...prayers going up for your son and your family as you continue to share in his struggles. I'm so glad that you and Kati got a trip in and enjoyed yourselves for that time. At its best, WDW is an escape and allows us to create such good memories with family and friends.

gretabull....congratulations on passing ROFR and enjoy your new home resort!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Jimmy, so sorry about your loss. I had a memory come up today that had Max in it and that started me tearing up and he has been gone over two years.

Don't know how much I have missed since I have not been able to be on here for months. My son has been in and out of the hospital with UTI's and they finally compromised his shunt and he got an infection in his brain which had to be taken care of before a new shunt could be put back in. It was very touch and go for a while, but he is finally home and getting back to his old self.

Kati and I had a great trip in May and really enjoyed ourselves. We will get to go to SSR for one night in January before a cruise on the Fantasy that we hope to take.
Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend.

I am so happy to read that your son is getting better. What a scary time that must have been for you.

 

[Corinne]

Well, I've been missing in action for far too long. I could say that I've been really too busy to post, but honestly that wouldn't be true. I'm just going through a period where thoughts of WDW have been kind of depressing. After I post this, I am heading over to the Member site to cancel our October ten day trip which would have been our first with my daughter, son-in-law and our 1 year old grandson. We had booked BWV...perfect for Food & Wine Festival. I had thought that for sure we'd be past the worst part of this whole Covid mess, but alas Florida is a total mess and Disney isn't helping much with their policies. So I have to go dig through my points and see what the cancellation will do to us. I think I will have to try to rent out some of the points as they may be expiring (already banked in so can't bank again).

I will say that this group continues to be a beacon of hope and friendship. You all are so supportive, and non-judgmental. Bless each of you for your companionship during these tough times.

Jimmy...sorry to hear about the loss of your cat. 18 years is a really long time and even though we know that they will leave us at some point, it is always hard to part with our furry friends.

Corinne...congratulations on your waitlist coming through! I hope you guys have a magical trip at BCV!

Kathy (twokats)...prayers going up for your son and your family as you continue to share in his struggles. I'm so glad that you and Kati got a trip in and enjoyed yourselves for that time. At its best, WDW is an escape and allows us to create such good memories with family and friends.

gretabull....congratulations on passing ROFR and enjoy your new home resort!

Tom, to be honest, I was beginning to worry that I haven’t seen you here in a few weeks, and I knew you had your wonderful trip planned with your family. I completely understand your feelings, and I would be lying if I said I am not anxious about our trip next month. Dana and I went back and forth for days, and we finally made the decision to move forward. I hope we will be ok. We will be wearing masks, and, if need be we will just hang at the pool if we find the crowds overwhelming. We definitely will not be viewing fireworks en masse. I am also disappointed with Disney‘s decisions, and pray we will be moving towards a brighter world soon.

 

[jimmytammy]

Granny
We totally understand your feelings about WDW and moving forward with trips, etc. We too were somewhat in the same boat hoping to take our grands in Feb, but alas, it was not to be. Im with Corinne on this, lets get past this mess and get back to "normal" whatever that may be in the future.

If this continues down the path it is currently taking, we will be selling our points and going other places with less people and taking our money elsewhere. I dont want to too this, but will do so if things keep trickling downhill as they are now. Its a wait and see game for us