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

[horselover]

Assuming they were to outfit some of the lodge rooms as DVC, and in such a manner that they were the exact same layout as what we have now in VWL, who here would prefer to book in the main lodge over VWL?

Not I. I love the peace and quiet, the fireplaces, the covered walkway, the hidden springs pool right off the back door and of course the VWL lobby. I wouldn't give it up. Not even if they made 1br units with 2 bathrooms over in the lodge.

Concierge in the main lodge for a night or 2 just for something different sure, but for a non-concierge stay absolutely not. I agree with everything you said above. The villas are a peaceful oasis. The main lodge as beautiful as it is is not peaceful.

Yes, still lurking around on my favorite thread, with my favorite Disney Nuts . . . thanks to all of you for giving me a place I can quickly go in between events here at the mill.

Thought I would let you all in on a quick view of what I drive an hour for every day . . .



Usually I am alone, but some days there are as many as five of us sharing the space (and air) of my little shipping container. I think the bars on the windows are to keep lite fingers out at night, but maybe they are just to keep me in . . not sure . .

No wonder I need a VWL fix more often now . . .

Wow you're truly living in style DisnyDad!

Ok, so my first hurdle was to put aside my love and devotion to the lodge and think about this as a consumer.

Disney is suffering from some major issues that are not getting them the profit margins and/or the occupancy rates they want.

First and foremost, as much as I love the lodge and many of the Disney deluxes, they are extremely and routinely overpriced. Now for most return visitors we know and accept this and we also find other areas to cut back (such as purchasing dvc) BUT.....

The vacationing public is getting smarter and savvier and the competition is fighting harder for those vacation dollars.
In the hotel business, the mouseworld's offerings cannot justify the price they need to offer to capture those who are going to routinely wish to stay close to the parks.
Dh and I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando for a long anniversary weekend. 30% cheaper and the difference is startling. Now a 4 seasons is set to open in Orlando near Disney in 2015.

the question can be asked, if you did not own DVC would you stay at one of the deluxes. For many, myself included, not without a hefty discount. So either way your profit margins disappear. either you give up a big price reduction or you risk moving folks to better offerings.

The information I've garnered is that most Disney deluxes run at about 70% occupancy.
converting that inventory to dvc is not going to fix that bleed.

Speaking from the perspective of someone that sells it it is rare I get a request for a deluxe anymore. 99% of the requests I get are for moderates especially now that most of the mods have 2 queens instead of 2 doubles. People just don't want to pay those prices considering how little they are actually in the room.

If I wasn't an owner it's not likely I'd be paying for deluxe without a really nice discount as you mentioned. As much as we loved staying in the lodge the first time back in 2008 I could not see our family of 4 crammed into one of those rooms. The bunk rooms are great when the kids are small but with teenagers not so much.

 

[ottawagreg]

Thought I would let you all in on a quick view of what I drive an hour for every day . . .
No wonder I need a VWL fix more often now . . .

Yeah that is tough, very tight quarters. I hope you get to sit near the AC unit! I see they have stenciled the name on the back of the chairs. They don't want you taking them home to use in the kitchen I'm guessing. Is this at a steel mill? Too bad that they don't have single wide mobile unit. How far to the rest room facilities? Do you work there as a contractor or hired direct? I know that a lot of facilities treat contractors rather shabbily. At least there is an internet connection to reach the outside world.

Hang in there.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So did everyone see the fall specials for DVC members? 30% off some select caribbean cruises and 7 nights at aulani for 5 nights worth of points.

I'm very very tempted by Aulani again. This is the same offer we visited with last time except that was because of all the construction. Now that's done and we could still enjoy the 7 for 5. But then I have my PAP for WDW good thru Dec so I had been thinking about Hawaii next year. Oh the decisions!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Wondering what people use for photo sharing, and if it is easy to link them in from the iPhone app? Have to admit I've never tried to post a pic to disboards before.

For posting from my phone I use photobucket. It's easy to upload the pictures to photobucket from the phone and not bad to post here although I have an android phone and I probably post them using my computer more often. I like actual keyboards.

 

[jimmytammy]

Dad, glad to see you here, understand how the words work and job keep getting in the way, just know, you are always here in spirit


I have mixed feelings on the quality of Disney these days. I feel like Disney standards have slipped a bit in the last few yrs., but in comparison to other amusement/theme parks, WDW is head and shoulders above them still. Does this allow them a pass to let things slip, nope, not at all. I still expect them to hold the bar high, not only as a DVC owner, but also as an investor.

I also find myself comparing other hotels to anything DVC, and IMO, I havent found a comparable yet. So I tend to be partial to DVC resorts, and even within the confines of WDW properties, when staying at non DVC resorts, I find myself comparing, and still, there is no comparison.

Im not sure if there is a point to what I say here other than I am glad we bought into DVC all those yrs back and even with some changes, some good, some not, still glad we took the plunge.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Yeah that is tough, very tight quarters. I hope you get to sit near the AC unit! I see they have stenciled the name on the back of the chairs. They don't want you taking them home to use in the kitchen I'm guessing. Is this at a steel mill? Too bad that they don't have single wide mobile unit. How far to the rest room facilities? Do you work there as a contractor or hired direct? I know that a lot of facilities treat contractors rather shabbily. At least there is an internet connection to reach the outside world.

Hang in there.

I work for an engineering firm that has designed all of the material handling equipment for a new high tech pipe mill and finishing facility. It is a monster job. I am one of the last of my company on site, mostly for contract issues and final testing. The pipe that is produced can sell for as much as $110k each. It is for the unpopular Fracking process; you know, the one that is producing ~750 jobs here at this facility alone. The systems we have installed are very state of the art, with multiple networks, servers, HMI systems, and data acquisition. Any pipe in the field can be traced back to its humble beginnings as molten steel, along with knowing every operation, operator, test data, etc about its life as an item with a hole in it.

To answer one more question, the restroom facilities are close (by mill standards), about 100 yds. down the column row. And the chair are ours, so I will be taking them, hopefully sooner than later!

Dad, glad to see you here, understand how the words work and job keep getting in the way, just know, you are always here in spirit. . . . . . . . . . . .

Thanks. That is why I visit; to get that Disney feel from my friends!

 

[horselover]

So did everyone see the fall specials for DVC members? 30% off some select caribbean cruises and 7 nights at aulani for 5 nights worth of points.

I'm very very tempted by Aulani again. This is the same offer we visited with last time except that was because of all the construction. Now that's done and we could still enjoy the 7 for 5. But then I have my PAP for WDW good thru Dec so I had been thinking about Hawaii next year. Oh the decisions!

I saw. Unfortunately Nov. during the school year does us no good.

 

[Granny]

Hi Groupies!


I've been reading the interesting viewpoints and discussions on a couple of topics here. As always, great sharing of information and opinions.


As for converting WL rooms to DVC, that would be interesting. As others have noted, it might make sense for the concierge rooms if they aren't regularly filling them. And if occupancy is that far off all year round, DVC does present a nice alternative for Disney. But selling new points at the resort would have to be at a 2042 expiration like all the other ones I would think. It would be then treated the same in their system like selling the WL points they now have from ROFR and such.

Jimmy...I guess I am in a very tiny minority in that I can't say that we've seen quality slippage at WDW. I agree that they have dumbed down the menus and I am not a fan of Dining Plans or Free Dining. But overall, we have had such positive experiences at all of our trips including room cleanliness and CM's have never disappointed. I'm sure that something will snag at some point but we've been going since 1998 and I can't say that I see a downward trend that so many have seen. Maybe I just have low standards.

DDad...not the most glamorous office I've seen, especially with five folks in there at times. It sounds like there is a light at the end of the tunnel for you in that your time there may not last a whole lot longer? I can see why Disney escapism is part of your daily daydreaming.

 

[DiznyDi]

Sleepy - here's a date for you. We're doing a mother-daughter trip Jan 29 - Feb 7 at VWL.
2 moms and 2 daughters (adult) are headed south during the cold Ohio winter to hopefully find a little bit of sun and fun.
Unfortunately DDad is staying home this trip. Someone has to look after the dog

Thanks for being the keeper of the list!

 

[sleepydog25]

Sleepy - here's a date for you. We're doing a mother-daughter trip Jan 29 - Feb 7 at VWL.
2 moms and 2 daughters (adult) are headed south during the cold Ohio winter to hopefully find a little bit of sun and fun.
Unfortunately DDad is staying home this trip. Someone has to look after the dog

Thanks for being the keeper of the list!

You're on The List, so now it's official. My pleasure!

 

[ottawagreg]

I work for an engineering firm that has designed all of the material handling equipment for a new high tech pipe mill and finishing facility. It is a monster job. I am one of the last of my company on site, mostly for contract issues and final testing. The pipe that is produced can sell for as much as $110k each. It is for the unpopular Fracking process; you know, the one that is producing ~750 jobs here at this facility alone. The systems we have installed are very state of the art, with multiple networks, servers, HMI systems, and data acquisition. Any pipe in the field can be traced back to its humble beginnings as molten steel, along with knowing every operation, operator, test data, etc about its life as an item with a hole in it.

DDad, I LOVE fracking! I say continue fracking until there is one ginormous hole in the ground with nothing but a pile of sand at the bottom. When that is used up we should find new oil and frack there too. The sand they use for it is Silica sand, and the largest deposit of it in the world is here in my home town, Ottawa, IL. So there are a few people working here too.

I do piping design and construction projects, work closely with pipe fitters, and very little of pipe used today is made in the USA. Nearly all of it is stamped CHINA. So good for you on helping us build America. Despite the miserable working conditions.

Sleepy, I have pulled trigger on next summer trip. We are not going to be frugal and save a few points by staying at another resort. Out voted 2 - 1 and we are booked at VWL. June 7 thru June 15, eight nights. I am blessed.

 

[Andrew015]

Agree. The issue facing Disney is the issue facing the whole of the entertainment industry--how to get customers in the park and make them spend more money. Much like any other industry in the current market, the focus of Disney has been short-term profits for stockholders first and foremost with strategic plans primarily taking a back seat, not that Disney doesn't have a strategic vision for I'm sure it does. However, the most sure-fire method to extract quick gains are to cut operating costs which is why we continue to see a lack of emphasis on service due to cutting personnel.

Workers in a company are almost always the first to be sacrificed to the bottom line (the military has been doing it for decades), and Disney has been no different. Strategically, it would appear Disney has plans to expand parks and keep us coming back for the next big thing. What seems to be suffering in small steps is their once stellar reputation for exceptional customer service and value for every "dream" dollar spent. I'm not singling Disney at all since other entertainment groups (Universal, Six Flags, et. al.) each have serious issues, as well, but I've noticed subtle changes in the past 10 years since I became "Disney-fied."

Their approach to the occupancy rate at their resorts seems to mirror their park strategy: put more on the menu but to offset that money, find ways to cut costs elsewhere. On a larger scale, I do wonder if there comes a saturation point for all theme parks not just Disney's. Universal is expanding (I believe they just opened a huge new on-site hotel), and if you want to visit Diagon Alley, you must pay for admission to both parks. How long can they (or Disney or Six Flags) continue to ratchet up the price of admission, overcharge for rooms, and expect their fan base to keep up?
I've been all over the map on this post, so my apologies. However, I think there is a coming crisis in the theme park industry that the strategic plans their parent companies, in general, and Disney, in particular, are kicking down the road in order to inflate stockholder earnings in the present. Is there a saturation point for Disney? Is there a coming storm? If so, how will it affect the Disney experience? Just musings here. Now, back to work!

This nifty little chart shows what Disney ticket prices have done since 1971 and compares it against inflation:



Long and short of it, Disney's ticket prices have increased, on average dating back to 1972, double that of the inflation rate (average of 8% per year vs 4% for inflation). So we have tolerated these often-times inexplicable increases from day #1, and I suspect that we will continue to do so indefinitely.

 

[Disney-Kim]

Someone in this thread just posted a link to a youtube video of one of the 2BR's.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3306266

But be aware that this is not a typical 2BR at VWL - it's one of the very few corner rooms.

We've stayed in a 1BR since the refurb and I'd be happy to post pics if there's anything in particular you're looking for but it's not a 2BR.

thank you, I have seen this video. nice room! I just wanted to see the updated look and it showed a dedicated bedroom which helped.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday DaveH!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Greg
I know it is is controversial politically, But I am on board for fracking as well. Our nation is falling apart and we need jobs, we need to keep our $$ here, and we need to get back to where we once were. Supporting this industry should help us along with supporting the farmers, which IMO has been a lack on our fed govt for a long time, both parties. In other words, let the workers go to work, let them keep what they make, pay their taxes, and we will all be be better off. Stepping down now

Andrew
Thanks for sharing the chart. I think we will continue to see the prices go up at this rate as long as folks like us continue to support the theme parks. And I for one will continue going

 

[eliza61]

This nifty little chart shows what Disney ticket prices have done since 1971 and compares it against inflation:



Long and short of it, Disney's ticket prices have increased, on average dating back to 1972, double that of the inflation rate (average of 8% per year vs 4% for inflation). So we have tolerated these often-times inexplicable increases from day #1, and I suspect that we will continue to do so indefinitely.

Once again I think we have to look at the dynamics.

Now, what are your average visitor to the world. Is it first or second timers?

Most folks I would say are just that (highly unscientific) Disney is not an annual thing but a special ONCE or Twice in a life time thing. Maybe they go when they are young and then return to take their kids. In that scenario they really aren't tolerating the increase. They see it as a one time thing.

Now, the second scenario are us "crazed" visitors. for whatever reason we love the world. But many of us annual visitors have found nifty tricks to offset the ticket price.

take my family, we use to save for Disney on the assumption that we would happily drop a bucket load of money at the world. Dining, uber tickets, side entertainment and souveniers. Just a few years ago our average trip was 9 nights.
Fast forward to recent years.
1) 5 nights is plenty.
2) we rarely and I mean rarely eat TS on site.
3) we get AP's usually we wait until dvc members get a discount
4) souveniers are lousy, I can't remember the last time I purchased any that weren't a gift and Andrew, I'm a professional shopper. lol. I've been known to clear credit cards in anticipation of shopping. The Galeries Lafayette in Paris has a picture of me enshrined in the store in honor of the damaged my sister and I did there a few years back. It took the old guy (my dh) months to get his color back from that bill.

So have we really tolerated the increases or we've just be adapted at mitigating the increases?

Now I have many in my circle of dvc'ers who because of this horrible (my opinion only) new fast pass/ magic band system have absolutely no plans for a trip in 2015. and I'm talking a crowd that went 2 times a year.

 

[eliza61]

Greg
I know it is is controversial politically, But I am on board for fracking as well. Our nation is falling apart and we need jobs, we need to keep our $$ here, and we need to get back to where we once were. Supporting this industry should help us along with supporting the farmers, which IMO has been a lack on our fed govt for a long time, both parties. In other words, let the workers go to work, let them keep what they make, pay their taxes, and we will all be be better off. Stepping down now

Andrew
Thanks for sharing the chart. I think we will continue to see the prices go up at this rate as long as folks like us continue to support the theme parks. And I for one will continue going

LOL

Fracking is controversial. and unfortunately it is not without downsides. We have th4e Marcellus shale mines here and the community is being destroyed. fire water, toxic streams, and resident's suffering from every thing from skin rashes to dogs dying from diaherra and vomiting. We have more than 6,000 drills across the state and unlike oil refineries which are usually located in the middle of nowhere or some distance away, these are smack dab in the middle of peoples communities In New Bedford a huge fight is going on over residents being forced to accept oil and gas rigs on their property. Imagine being told that no we're not going to offer you fair market value for your property and we're going to force you to let us have a rig on your property.


I love the economic boost for sure and God knows they are one of the few industries that still offer wonderful salaries. the old guy was in oil. starting salaries for refinery workers are easy 60-70K a year. the old guys rig workers routinely made 100K a year. It's hard work (shift work, holidays, dirty) but I remember him working refinery shut downs 45 days straight but making 10-12 thousand extra dollars for the shut down.

As usual, I'm a flip flopper. Never ask me any thing!! LOL of course I keep waiting for my Beverly hill billies moment. When Sid and Rizzo, find a bubbling brew under the house.

 

[eliza61]

The geyser in the lobby of Disney's Wilderness lodge appears to run from the hotel to a stream outside and then eventually over a waterfall that empties into the pool. Known as Roaring Rapids, it is actually three separate water systems.

The first feeds the geysers and empties into Bay Lake.
The second system begins at the spring and ends at the walkway near the pool's edge. and the third system handles the actual pool water.

 

[tea pot]

Yes, still lurking around on my favorite thread, with my favorite Disney Nuts . . . thanks to all of you for giving me a place I can quickly go in between events here at the mill.

Thought I would let you all in on a quick view of what I drive an hour for every day . . .



Usually I am alone, but some days there are as many as five of us sharing the space (and air) of my little shipping container. I think the bars on the windows are to keep lite fingers out at night, but maybe they are just to keep me in . . not sure . .

No wonder I need a VWL fix more often now . . .

Aw Dad, boy do you need a little....no better
A LOT of Groupie Sunshine!!! and Pixie Dust
in your work day! Hang in there

 

[twinklebug]

Happy Birthday DaveH!