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

[npcougar]

Signing in for our Christmas trip. Right now the trip is a bit of a mess but we are praying for some .

Arrive the 18th at 1 bedroom VWL and have to leave the 21st.
Transfer to standard view studio for one night at Kidani.
Then transfer again to a savannah view studio for the final 2 nights.

Normally, we would have a studio booked the moment they come open but my dd15 had some health issues. Finally decided we could go 3 weeks ago but by then we didn't have a lot of options. Her only lingering issue is severe car sickness. It has something to do with the starting and stopping. Currently trying various remedies. If nothing changes, I don't think we'll go to the parks while staying at AKL. VWL gives us access to a boat, and monorail which shouldn't bother her. So I've been checking daily and have a couple of days waitlisted. So fingers crossed. Can't wait to see the decorations at the lodge!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Happy Anniversary DiznyDi & DiznyDad!!!

 

[blossomz]

happy anniversary Disney dad and Di!!

 

[twinklebug]

Happy Anniversary DiznyDi & DiznyDad!

 

[Corinne]

Happy Anniversary DDi and DDad!!

 

[DiznyDi]

Aw gee Groupies, I'm blushing!
Many thanks for your kind Anniversary wishes. DDad and I have been married 39 years today We had a candlelight wedding ceremony on the longest day of the year Not only was it the longest, but I swear it was the hottest, too. Nothing like the weather that we're experiencing today!

We've enjoyed a nice day together. We had some errands to run and we'll be spending the evening with some very dear friends. If this is any indication of what retirement will be like, then I'll be one happy clam.

Also today we made arrangements to visit our son in Virginia in August and tried making some ADR's for our December trip. For whatever reason, the online reservation system just isn't working today. So that will have to be taken care of tomorrow.

Enjoy your week-end Groupies! Love you all! (insert group hug smiley here - apparently it's not working today either ) Groupies ARE the best!

 

[sleepydog25]

A whole day of inactivity on our thread?! I suppose everyone must have been doing or or perhaps . Hopefully, no one is . Have a great week, Groupies!

 

[ottawagreg]

A whole day of inactivity on our thread?! I suppose everyone must have been doing or or perhaps . Hopefully, no one is . Have a great week, Groupies!

I played golf (practice rounds getting ready for palm/magnolia), and did a bunch of yard work. DW is doing last minute laundry. Trying to get everything set before it is time to leave. We will be on the airplane in 48 hours.

 

[sleepydog25]

I played golf (practice rounds getting ready for palm/magnolia), and did a bunch of yard work. DW is doing last minute laundry. Trying to get everything set before it is time to leave. We will be on the airplane in 48 hours.

That's wonderful you'll soon be inbound to Disney. Wish we were, but we still have a few weeks. I've never played at any course at Disney since we tend to either go commando on the parks or truly sit back and relax. One of these times, I'm bringing my clubs and playing!

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

I will be staying at VFW for the first time on July 7. Can anyone recommend what I should put in as a room request? I have only been over at FW to eat so I have no idea where is good/bad. Staying there will be me, my DH, and DS (12). We would like a view if there are any. Right now I just have Upper Floor selected.

Thanks!!
Jess

 

[sleepydog25]

I will be staying at VFW for the first time on July 7. Can anyone recommend what I should put in as a room request? I have only been over at FW to eat so I have no idea where is good/bad. Staying there will be me, my DH, and DS (12). We would like a view if there are any. Right now I just have Upper Floor selected.

Thanks!!
Jess

Welcome, Canadian Disney Mom! You've stumbled upon the friendliest group on the DIS. . .even if we say so ourselves. Seriously, we hope you'll join our merry band--the only requirement is a love of the Lodge. That being said, I just want to be clear that you're staying at the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge (we shorten it to VWL or the Lodge) rather than Fort Wilderness (or FW) which is nearby but a completely different resort as it has cabins and camping spots vice your typical deluxe resort hotel rooms contained at VWL. I'm guessing that you and your family indeed are staying at VWL, and while FW is wonderful in its own right, VWL is an amazing resort which you'll love.

Anyway, you asked about room request and here's my best answer: ask for a room on floors 2 through 4, lakeside, and close to the pool. There are five floors, but the 5th floor rooms have dormer-style balconies which means you have to stand up to see over them--not our favorite. Lakeside and close to the pool offer the best of what little variation in views VWL has to offer. To be fair, the view there is mostly of trees. . .and more trees. However, some rooms on the lakeside offer glimpses of Bay Lake through the trees, and certainly if you get close to the pool, you'll be able to see the courtyard there. Don't worry if you wind up on the opposite side of the lake as the views there are still mostly of trees, and the rooms are just as marvelous.

Have a great time and, again, welcome!

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

Welcome, Canadian Disney Mom! You've stumbled upon the friendliest group on the DIS. . .even if we say so ourselves. Seriously, we hope you'll join our merry band--the only requirement is a love of the Lodge. That being said, I just want to be clear that you're staying at the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge (we shorten it to VWL or the Lodge) rather than Fort Wilderness (or FW) which is nearby but a completely different resort as it has cabins and camping spots vice your typical deluxe resort hotel rooms contained at VWL. I'm guessing that you and your family indeed are staying at VWL, and while FW is wonderful in its own right, VWL is an amazing resort which you'll love.

Anyway, you asked about room request and here's my best answer: ask for a room on floors 2 through 4, lakeside, and close to the pool. There are five floors, but the 5th floor rooms have dormer-style balconies which means you have to stand up to see over them--not our favorite. Lakeside and close to the pool offer the best of what little variation in views VWL has to offer. To be fair, the view there is mostly of trees. . .and more trees. However, some rooms on the lakeside offer glimpses of Bay Lake through the trees, and certainly if you get close to the pool, you'll be able to see the courtyard there. Don't worry if you wind up on the opposite side of the lake as the views there are still mostly of trees, and the rooms are just as marvelous.

Have a great time and, again, welcome!

Thanks for the information Yes - we are staying at VFW, not the lodge itself. We are DVC members, this is just the first time we have booked here. I am very excited! I can't wait to see the newly renovated rooms

 

[twokats]

Happy Anniversary DiznyDad and DiznyDi!!!!

Di and Dad. . . . sorry I am late to the party. I spent the last week down at the Gulf coast with a group of my lady classmates. We get together every year, but since we had such a notable birthday this year, we rented a beach house for a week and had a great time. Just got home yesterday and have just now got my computer work caught up.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hi Canadian Disney Mom....I agree with Sleepy's recommendations! You will love VWL!!!! You can request "close to elevator" if you are against longer walks. But I find putting in too many specific requests is not always the best thing. Enjoy!

I am flying to WDW on Friday!!!! Cannot wait. Alas....I have used up all my DVC points, so we'll be staying at POR (switched from AOA/Little Mermaid a couple days ago after I found a passholder rate there with a free Memory Maker). I have been doing double time with my school work so I don't have to do too much when I'm away. We are having lunch at Whispering Canyon on Mon June 30 so I sort of have my WL/VWL fix

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome to the groupies Canadian Disney Mom!!!!

I agree with Sleepy and Mia, the locations mentioned are best. But dont sweat it if you dont get lakeside, as the views either way are mostly pine trees, but this affords more wildlife chance viewing as deer and other critters like the woods views

Being at the Lodge makes for a very peaceful and relaxing stay, enjoy!

 

[jimmytammy]

OttawaGreg and Mia, hope you folks have a great trip, pics please

Sleepy,
Im with you on the golf in WDW deal. I have been out of the golf community for awhile, but want to get started back soon. DS would like to go, so I have an excuse I want to get to a point where he and I both would not be holding others up on the course with lousy play before we take on the links of Mickey, so maybe in a few yrs we can work that out

 

[digiMom]

I've got a question for the DVC owners. You've been so nice here I thought I'd check here first. As a renter, is there anyway (online or phone number) I can confirm that MDE was added to my reservation? Or do I just have to trust the owner entered it for me? I've emailed the owner a couple times with no response, but I know he's busy with a move right now. If I can't check myself, I'll probably call the owner tomorrow. TIA

 

[twinklebug]

I've got a question for the DVC owners. You've been so nice here I thought I'd check here first. As a renter, is there anyway (online or phone number) I can confirm that MDE was added to my reservation? Or do I just have to trust the owner entered it for me? I've emailed the owner a couple times with no response, but I know he's busy with a move right now. If I can't check myself, I'll probably call the owner tomorrow. TIA

Hi digiMom, I received an email when I added MDE to our upcoming trip. If he did too, he could forward it to you. Other than that, since you're not the owner there is no website or phone number for you to call.

You should get your booklet and luggage tags in the mail about 4 weeks before your stay. If you don't get them, have the owner call.

 

[sleepydog25]

I've got a question for the DVC owners. You've been so nice here I thought I'd check here first. As a renter, is there anyway (online or phone number) I can confirm that MDE was added to my reservation? Or do I just have to trust the owner entered it for me? I've emailed the owner a couple times with no response, but I know he's busy with a move right now. If I can't check myself, I'll probably call the owner tomorrow. TIA

Possibly. Do you have a hotel confirmation number from the owner? If so, I would think you'd be able to check whether MDE has been set up for you. Good luck!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday Slimplaw!!!!