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

[MiaSRN62]

Safe and uneventful return trip Sleepydog!!!

Nicoal13....nice to see you back

 

[sleepydog25]

Wow. No posts today. Let me be the first and apparently the only.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The days not quite over Sleepy!

I live in Torrance; about 10 miles north of Long Beach (maybe less!). In fact, I went to college at Long Beach State!

Very close! If I recall correctly one of my cousins went to Long Beach State too.

Thanks, JT! In short, DL is a wonderful place to visit, and we left with a lifetime of superb memories. However, it's more laid-back, not as commercialized, and less exploitative. It's a more intimate experience in those regards and brings down the hype a notch or two. That's not either a bad thing or a good thing, just an observation. Instead, DL itself seems more like the slightly reserved older brother to the young gun WDW.

As for the comparison between GCH and WL/VWL, we gotta say that our home resort wins out. The GCH is a great hotel, but it feels more like a hotel than a resort destination. The theming, while spectacular, isn't full of fun, whimsy, or imagination like the Lodge. You don't get that same sense of awe when you walk in the doors nor the energy that WL exudes. Most strikingly, the music is just all wrong: no stirring melodies or bravado chords, just a peaceful, melancholic blend of mood music with lots of woodwinds and violins. Luv and I began calling the hotel the "Grand Florwilderness." That being said, it was a special place to stay.

Okay, off to unpack now that groceries for the week have been bought. . .

Whew - glad to hear that my favorite VGC didn't reach the top of someone else's list! (I've admitted this before on the Groupies thread and not been banned yet! lol) Sounds like you had a great trip though! I think the slightly older reserved brother comparison is quite good. Being such a locals park changes the vibe a fair amount when comparing to WDW - just little more laid back attitude. What always amazes me is the crowd control the DL CM's can do. Simply masters at it in the more compact space.

 

[sleepydog25]

The days not quite over Sleepy!



Very close! If I recall correctly one of my cousins went to Long Beach State too.



Whew - glad to hear that my favorite VGC didn't reach the top of someone else's list! (I've admitted this before on the Groupies thread and not been banned yet! lol) Sounds like you had a great trip though! I think the slightly older reserved brother comparison is quite good. Being such a locals park changes the vibe a fair amount when comparing to WDW - just little more laid back attitude. What always amazes me is the crowd control the DL CM's can do. Simply masters at it in the more compact space.

KathyM - I was stationed in Riverside back in the late 80s. Can't say as I ever made it to Torrance much.

KAT - We didn't actually stay DVC as nothing was available for that time frame, so we went with a courtyard view room in the main hotel (the monorail whizzed right by our window; Starbucks and World of Disney shopping store were a stone's throw away, though you had to walk through the hotel to get to them). I don't think staying in a DVC room would have made a difference, though. The room was still lovely and spacious. Yes, the queues for rides at DL require some great imagination and a bit more work from the CMs than those at WDW. I had forgotten about the laid-back, SoCal vibe over the years. That being said, I was surprised by the major line-cutting happening at DL and DCA. It appeared to us that a major strategy employed by many park patrons is to have one or two in their group run ahead to a ride while the others hang back or even ride another attraction. When the lagging group catches up, they cut ahead to rejoin their family and/or friends. It was quite prevalent every day and for the majority of the rides we rode. Overall, however, it was a fantastic trip.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Sleepy - I've stayed in the hotel side at GC a few times too. And I've had one of the courtyard rooms - kind of fun watching the monorail go by and it's very convenient to get out to DTD. The decor is similar although in general the size of the rooms is a bit smaller than the studios on the Villas side. It literally is my favorite studio design thank goodness since that saves me lots of points over the 1BR we usually go for at WDW! Although we've also done a 1BR once and it is also my favorite 1BR layout. Bummer on the line cutting although we see it frequently at WDW. You may be correct that it happens more at DL though since I think the locals have it down to a science on how to maximize their time. When I first started returning to DL I found the differences a bit disconcerting - it's was similar but just different enough to throw me off. Another trip or two to get re-orientated and I really embrace those differences now.

 

[Kathymford]

As one of those locals at DL, I truly hate most of the other local's actions in general. It's like "we" feel like we own the parks. Lol. Granted, I would love for everyone to "get of my park" (lol) but you can still have a little respect for others.

I love VGC, but it was my first DVC experience/love. I've since fallen in love with the FL resorts and our wonderful lodge especially. It just feels more like vacation to me. And that goes for the parks too.

 

[sleepydog25]

I suppose I did so by implication, but I didn't mean to knock the locals at DL and DCA. My sincere apologies as truly my focus was only that we noticed the number and scale of those who were rejoining family and friends farther toward the front of the line. I didn't think that such actions might be the result of a "locals" type familiarity at all, just that it frequently did happen. We usually see the same thing at WDW on a ride or two, and certainly needing to stop at a bathroom with a child or grabbing a quick drink of water is understandable. That seems normal. What we found different was the size of the joiners and the frequency with which it happened. Except for perhaps a mere handful of short lines, there were "joiners" at every single ride. The numbers ranged from three to as many as eight. In a couple of cases, we heard the people in line talking to each other about hoping their other family members made it in time because they were off doing another ride. To be fair, all of that did little to alter our view of DL--we loved it! We especially enjoyed the more intimate feel, the sense of legacy and history that WDW doesn't quite have, the unique feel of parks, and the CS/QS food was so much better. We'll go back.

 

[DiznyDi]

Nice having you back sleepy! I hope someday to stay at the VGC. I particularly enjoy the Arts & Crafts, Mission style of decor and architecture.

Only 4 more sleeps. Granny, Blossom, DDad and I have a mini-meet planned. I'll be pretty busy these next few days, but lookout Friday - Florida here we come!

Happy Monday!

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . . Only 4 more sleeps. . . . . . . . . .

Maybe for me . . .but, hey Groupies, can you just feel it in her excitement that there may be one or two sleeps left for her? I love how the excitement builds in our home for so many things in life. It is one of her greatest attributes!

(not the greatest, but come on, some things need to be left unsaid . . . )

 

[Granny]

Looking forward to a couple of mini-meets in the upcoming trip. As Di said, we will be meeting up with her, Rich & blossomz. And later in the stay, we'll meet up with Eliza & Kat4Disney.

It's been a long time since we had an extended (more than a week) stay at WDW. DW & I are looking forward to it (I think that may be a bit of an understatement).

 

[MiaSRN62]

Sleepy....I would drop Disney Guest Communication an email about the line-hopping. That should never be tolerated. Believe me---they listen. I've dropped 3 emails in the past 6 months about various issues and got a call from them at home all 3x.

The GC sounds wonderful. Would love to see photos when you get a chance

 

[sleepydog25]

Sleepy....I would drop Disney Guest Communication an email about the line-hopping. That should never be tolerated. Believe me---they listen. I've dropped 3 emails in the past 6 months about various issues and got a call from them at home all 3x.

The GC sounds wonderful. Would love to see photos when you get a chance

I'll consider contacting them. As for the pics, here are three to get folks started. I'll post more as I get them uploaded.

Front of GCH. . .it's almost impossible to get a clear shot without all the buses, vans, taxis, and shuttles constantly arriving. In fact, that's our driver in the lower left corner just getting out of his vehicle.


The front sliding doors. . .also difficult to time since they're automatic and slide open whenever anyone walks near them from either direction. I got lucky!


The back part of the hotel looking toward the Storytellers Cafe and Napa Rose


I'll downsize the next set of pics. Too lazy to do it right now.

 

[Kathymford]

I suppose I did so by implication, but I didn't mean to knock the locals at DL and DCA. My sincere apologies as truly my focus was only that we noticed the number and scale of those who were rejoining family and friends farther toward the front of the line. I didn't think that such actions might be the result of a "locals" type familiarity at all, just that it frequently did happen. We usually see the same thing at WDW on a ride or two, and certainly needing to stop at a bathroom with a child or grabbing a quick drink of water is understandable. That seems normal. What we found different was the size of the joiners and the frequency with which it happened. Except for perhaps a mere handful of short lines, there were "joiners" at every single ride. The numbers ranged from three to as many as eight. In a couple of cases, we heard the people in line talking to each other about hoping their other family members made it in time because they were off doing another ride. To be fair, all of that did little to alter our view of DL--we loved it! We especially enjoyed the more intimate feel, the sense of legacy and history that WDW doesn't quite have, the unique feel of parks, and the CS/QS food was so much better. We'll go back.

The DL locals are known for bad behavior, just not me, so no offense taken at all.

In all seriousness, I am glad you guys had such a good time. She does have her charm doesn't she?

 

[Granny]

I'll consider contacting them. As for the pics, here are three to get folks started. I'll post more as I get them uploaded.

I'll downsize the next set of pics. Too lazy to do it right now.

Slydog...great pictures and they do give a nice feel of the resort. Those front doors are an awesome detail for the resort!

Thanks for taking the time to share them with us.

 

[mvndvm]

Just wanted to post that one month from today, myself, DW, DD 12, DS 9, and DD 6, will be at VWL for our very first trip home as official DVC members (we stayed on DW boss' DVC points 7 years ago, gave us the fever). In-laws (what's the abbreviation for that?) will also be joining us. DW and I will also be celebrating our 15th anniversary. Can you tell I'm pumped?!

 

[sleepydog25]

Just wanted to post that one month from today, myself, DW, DD 12, DS 9, and DD 6, will be at VWL for our very first trip home as official DVC members (we stayed on DW boss' DVC points 7 years ago, gave us the fever). In-laws (what's the abbreviation for that?) will also be joining us. DW and I will also be celebrating our 15th anniversary. Can you tell I'm pumped?!

Welcome aboard! Happy to have you and even happier you'll be staying in your new "home!" There are few better feelings than walking through those gigantic doors knowing this is your little slice of Disney heaven. You've every reason to be excited. As for the acronyms, you'll pick them up quickly. I suspect there's a list on some thread somewhere if you really care to search them out, but they come easily enough. In the meantime, in-laws are generally designated as ILs, e.g., mother-in-law becomes MIL, father-in-law becomes FIL, and so on. At any rate, congrats on all the big news of the trip and your honeymoon. DW and I were married at the Lodge just last July!

Finally, if you're so inclined, shoot me a PM with the exact dates of your trip, and I'll post it on page one where we keep track of such things including trips, anniversaries, and birthdays. I'm keeper of the trips/cruises section, and jimmytammy is the man to PM for anniversaries and birthdays. Again, welcome home!!

 

[DVCTigger]

Finally, if you're so inclined, shoot me a PM with the exact dates of your trip, and I'll post it on page one where we keep track of such things including trips, anniversaries, and birthdays. I'm keeper of the trips/cruises section, and jimmytammy is the man to PM for anniversaries and birthdays. Again, welcome home!!

So THAT'S how you all remember all the birthdays and anniversaries!! I just thought you were all that close and had such great memories! Ever since our great trip to the Lodge in February, I've kept coming back to see what everyone in this wonderful group is up to! Enjoy hearing about everyone's trips. Excited that DH and I now have two trips (3 resorts - Aulani & Vero/SSR) planned through the end of this year.....plus a wedding. And we are hoping to book 5 nights at the Grand at DL just after the new year for a small family trip. Our Big boys (20 & 22) want to get in a couple days at Magic Mountain before some fun at Disney. It's been a long time since we all have been to DL, fingers crossed that we can get a villa!
Happy Monday!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I suppose I did so by implication, but I didn't mean to knock the locals at DL and DCA. My sincere apologies as truly my focus was only that we noticed the number and scale of those who were rejoining family and friends farther toward the front of the line.

Enjoying the pictures Sleepy!

I'm not a local but since it came up with one of my responses I'll just say that I wasn't taking it as a knock against the locals. To me it's just one of those slightly different aspects. I know I can virtually feel how much more familiar people are with the DL parks (ie - lots of people that go frequently) vs WDW that has a higher percentage that are visiting for the first and maybe only time. Funny thing is what bugs me more is when a group is going to enter an attraction and one or two are definitely dragging behind and rather than waiting until they catch up the rest all run on in and expect the rest to weave their way thru to get to them. Something about that seems impolite to both their friends or family and the rest of people in the line. And happens at all parks.

 

[Corinne]

Great pics Sly! keep 'Em coming please! I have not been to DL since '94, and hope to return one day. My brother lived in CA for many years, so we visited there a number of times.

Di & Dad you two are adorable

groupie meet hope you will post some pics!

 

[ottawagreg]

Sleepy,

The third pic (back of bldg.) is quite impressive. How does the VGC resort compare in overall size to VWL? Is the building as majestic as the Lodge? I have only seen generic pics from web pages and the like. Architecture is very interesting to me and that building seems to have a lot of character.

We are getting close to our summer trip, less than sixty days. Did the online check in and experience the joyful initiation of FP+. I was going thru some pics from our last trip. I must admit I'm looking forward to getting away. I like to walk down the boardwalk and enjoy the wilderness. I don't see views like this in Illinois!!