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

[jimmytammy]

Welcome to the groupies Beazle!!!!
Enjoy your trip!

 

[twokats]

Happy Birthday Dodie, hope it is the best!

 

[ottawagreg]

I used to have a survey map but I no longer have it. I know there were plans to incorporate River Country into it but the cost was too high. BUt they do have some land by the Lodge that can be built on. I don't recall if it was in front or behind the Villas.

Hello all, catching up a bit on our thread. These links below are not survey maps but they show the land and space around the structures pretty well. They are google maps satellite images and there is a measuring tool. I played with it a bit, and it seems there is approximately 275 feet from north wall of VWL to the water line. I suppose the they could build another building there but the wilderness would be gone. Maybe they could go farther east towards the Fort campground, but it would be a very long walk to Roaring Forks to fill your mickey mug with a fountain drink.

In regards to to the tepee cabins, it appears the existing beach is in jeopardy, as well as any space between Old Faithful and the lake. If the beach were to remain as is, the wetlands seems to be the only play. If they are "protected" I am not seeing much room to maneuver. The west side of the lodge is not all the big. The forest blocking view of the lodge and hiding our beloved home will take a hit and it won't be much of a hideaway. What say you folks? Any opinions the differ from these. I have not walked the wilderness trail so I can't speak from local knowledge or personal experience. Osprey Ridge Golf Club I recall pretty well!


https://www.google.com/maps/@28.4086351,-81.5705908,281m/data=!3m1!1e3

https://www.google.com/maps/@28.4093217,-81.5693719,590m/data=!3m1!1e3

 

[jimmytammy]

Greg
Rather than adding new bldgs., I would prefer to see WL expand some of its rooms(esp. if they are having issue filling them)like Jambo and similar to Poly. What would really make me happy is to see some rooms via VWL converted to Concierge

 

[sleepydog25]

There is an increasing amount of information leaking out to the general public which indicates that a VWL expansion is afoot. I'm not yet convinced, but I am more than willing to talk about the concept, regardless. The nature trail side of the Lodge would appear ripe for construction, but the distance from those units to any service area would be unreasonably long, it seems. That's not to say Disney couldn't figure a way it could work (a small shop among the cabins with a soda dispenser, etc.), or they could just figure the draw of the cabins would be greater than the annoyance of hiking to RF. On the other hand, the area west-ish of the docks wouldn't require as long of a walk and would have the benefit of being close to the boat dock and possible views of the higher fireworks from Wishes. My preference at this point would be no cabins and simply refurb some of the rooms at the main Lodge (with some concierge level). It makes the most sense from a financial aspect and would help with the occupancy rate if such is as bad as has been reported (which I doubt, btw). This should be a fun topic to keep tabs on as winter months begin to envelop us.

 

[Corinne]

Greg
Rather than adding new bldgs., I would prefer to see WL expand some of its rooms(esp. if they are having issue filling them)like Jambo and similar to Poly. What would really make me happy is to see some rooms via VWL converted to Concierge

ITA Jimmy!

 

[ottawagreg]

Greg
Rather than adding new bldgs., I would prefer to see WL expand some of its rooms(esp. if they are having issue filling them)like Jambo and similar to Poly. What would really make me happy is to see some rooms via VWL converted to Concierge

My preference at this point would be no cabins and simply refurb some of the rooms at the main Lodge (with some concierge level). It makes the most sense from a financial aspect and would help with the occupancy rate if such is as bad as has been reported (which I doubt, btw).

Amen to both of these comments. That is exactly my thought and opinion as well. The cabins may work, but they would be crammed onto beach area. They may be thinking there is not enough use there for the real estate invested. But new structures beyond that don't look feasible. Or better said, appealing from a DVC ownership perspective. If they do the studio refurbishment thing in the east wing of lodge I would like it. View overlooking the big pool is quite nice. IMHO.

greg

 

[jimmytammy]

If DVC would only ask us our opinions on the matter...we could set em straight, after all, we the groupies are the experts, dont cha know!!

 

[Disney-Kim]

anyone return from a trip with new updated room pics lately??
it would be nice to see some actual trip room pics since the refurbishment other than those inital ones everyone has seen...kwim?

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Labor Day to All!!

 

[Granny]

Echoing Jimmy's sentiments, I hope all Groupies are enjoying a beautiful Labor Day.


Where did this summer go?

 

[horselover]

ps. I would gladly sell one of the kids for a dessert call Le Mille-feuille. roughly translate (a thousand leaves). some type of puff pastry with crème and lemon sauce and strawberries.

This made me laugh as many of your posts do Eliza!

How's the new house? You probably gave an update some time ago but since I've been mostly MIA I missed it.

Di
You are right, the wedding is slipping up very quick. I know my DD will not see this so I can share some of the details. Tonight, she revealed ideas for piano music to be played before and after the ceremony. This includes We Go On and Promise from Illuminations as folks are exiting after the ceremony, she knew this would make me smile. Another cool thing, she will have our local Alamance Jazz Band that plays mostly 40s style Glenn Miller type music for the reception. Keep this under your hat or else its for me!!

Mums the word! That sounds lovely. Can't wait to see the pictures & hear all about it.

I was released from therapy today. It will be unusual not going in on Wednesday.

My doctor said I am about 85% healed. They said do my home exercises and they will see me in two months. Now to get ready for the September and October cruises and visits to WDW.

That's great news Kathy! Continued best wishes for a full recovery.

I have to share a little of myself that my folks taught me growing up that I remind myself of, esp. when I find I am thinking the wrong way. My parents, from when I was very young told me to never group people together...in other words, take each individual as that. Each person has something to contribute to make life better, each person has the ability to be somebody, to make a difference. So I found at a very early age that friends were just that, friends, no boundaries were there, even when others looked strangely at me. I have been told by a fellow groupie and very dear friend for many years that I tended to befriend those who were not popular in school, who were the outcasts so to speak. I never thought that way, but rather I befriend those who are genuine, those I knew who would be by my side even in the tough times, not the fly by nighters.

Your parents were very wise people! Well said.

I'm on board with you re:being in WDW, specifically at one of my 2 favorite resorts, but find myself wishing we were able to bring our fur-babies along (not that I'd want our DVC rooms scented and torn up from all varieties and behaviors of critters (of which some humans fall into that group ) I just miss the little ones while we're away, and having lost the one that has been with me through all times good and bad this week I can't bear the thought of leaving the others home with a sitter in the future. Not too worried though, positive I'll be ready to go on vacation to when the time comes.

Between this, and the promise I made myself years ago that I'd move away from the snow and cold, and with my youngest now a senior, it's finally time to scope out homes near the magic, even if he makes me stay up here for another few years as he commutes to school. It's amazing how much house you can get in FL for the same price as around the Boston area. A lot of homework to do learning how to tell good ones from bad) Pulling up maps and university surveys... anyone know how to predict where those infamous sink holes open up? Even Disney has problems with them. Hmmmmm...

I'm sorry for your loss TB. They do for sure take a piece of our hearts with them when they go. We just got back from a cruise a week ago & I left both dogs home with a pet sitter this time instead of sending them to the kennel. It was a hard decision to make. On the one hand the older dog would have been so stressed being boarded I felt badly doing that to her. On the other hand the younger dog is full of energy & has never been left home alone before. When we got home the younger dog was sick. The pet sitter did not follow my instructions on how much wet food to give & it didn't go well for him. I think that combined with the stress of us being gone for a week was too much for his system to handle. For Dec. they're going to have to be boarded. Either way they'll be stressed & it costs us a small fortune. I'd love to bring them to WDW with us & keep them at Best Friends but Brady wouldn't fit under the seat. I'd have to have him in cargo & I just can't do it.

Best of luck with the future move & house hunting! You will for sure get much more house in FL than you can get here in MA.

Do not take away my nature trail! At this point, since there are no cold, hard facts about this possibility, I will set my eyebrows askew until further notice. However, to repeat my first sentence: do not take away my nature trail.

Thank you! I was starting to think I was in the minority on not being happy about the possibility of cabins. Either way it seems to be a lose/lose situation. Either they're going to get rid of the beach or the nature trail or both. There's nothing I enjoy more than taking a book out to the beach or just sitting there staring at the water watching the boats go by. So relaxing. We've also had many lovely family walks down that nature trail. We usually don't see a soul. It's like being out in the wilderness which I love. I hate to see either of them go.

If the rumors turn out to be true I really hope they'll make separate booking categories for main lodge vs. villas building. I really have no interest in staying in the main lodge unless it was a concierge room. I love the peacefulness of the villas.

I truly love the VWL, but the Epcot area has always been the sweet spot for me and my family. Our first stay with our boys was at the Yacht Club, and we stayed there numerous times prior to becoming DVC members. It holds a really special place in our hearts, and I have always hoped there would be a DVC option there....although part of me does worry about how big DVC has become.

Agreed on both points.

Hello groupies! I have no hope of catching up since I really don't remember when I was last here. I read about 10 pages & that's about all I can do. I hope you're all doing well & have enjoyed the summer.

The beginning of the summer was a little rough for my family. DS16 had a very rough time of it during the last school year. The school year did not end well for him & he needed a lot of TLC. He's doing better now & hopefully that will continue now that school has started again.

We did just return from sailing on the Breakaway to Bermuda. It was ok. Not up to DCL's standards in my book. We had a lot of trouble with getting gluten free food for DS14 which kind of put a damper on the trip, but still it was nice to be able to spend time together as a family before we're right back into the school schedule.

I'm off to Beaches Turks & Caicos this weekend on a work trip. So excited about that. I've never been to T&C or any of the Beaches resorts so I'm excited to see it. DH isn't as excited as he has to stay home with the boys. Spouses aren't invited on work trips unfortunately for him.

Already looking forward to our Dec. trip. We haven't stayed at the Lodge since Dec. '12. Too long!

I'll try to check in more frequently with my groupie friends. Yay I know I always say that & never do but I really will try!

Take care all!

 

[sleepydog25]

Glad to see you around these parts, Julie/Jules! Hope the new school year is better for you and yours. And almost belated happy Labor Day wishes to the Groupies. I posted this on another social network earlier in the day, but does anyone else find it ironic that most workers celebrate Labor Day (a holiday acknowledging the nation's laborers) by actually going to work?

 

[blossomz]

If DVC would only ask us our opinions on the matter...we could set em straight, after all, we the groupies are the experts, dont cha know!!

That we are!!

 

[digiMom]

(Excuse me as I sneak in here for a second. I asked here for help a few times before our trip; which was a little over a week ago. I'm the crazy person that did a split stay at BWV/VWL/AKV (Jambo). I have to say I really enjoyed all of them, but I have to admit I really, really enjoyed VWL. Now I have to qualify that by saying we only went to MK during our stay here so didn't use the bus transportation. But wow, what a lovely place. So relaxing! Like a little sanctuary in the middle of chaos I really have no place to say anything about the proposed changes, being I'm not an owner. But I really hope they don't change the feel of the resort because that's what really stood out for me. Thanks for letting me share..)

 

[sleepydog25]

(Excuse me as I sneak in here for a second. I asked here for help a few times before our trip; which was a little over a week ago. I'm the crazy person that did a split stay at BWV/VWL/AKV (Jambo). I have to say I really enjoyed all of them, but I have to admit I really, really enjoyed VWL. Now I have to qualify that by saying we only went to MK during our stay here so didn't use the bus transportation. But wow, what a lovely place. So relaxing! Like a little sanctuary in the middle of chaos I really have no place to say anything about the proposed changes, being I'm not an owner. But I really hope they don't change the feel of the resort because that's what really stood out for me. Thanks for letting me share..)

So glad you shared with us! We love to hear things about our beloved Lodge (good and bad, though we especially like the good). What you say about VWL being a sanctuary likely holds true for each of us on this thread--it absolutely is the one key feature that keeps bringing me back "home." I've used words such as "serenity," "peaceful," "quiet," and "intimate," and each of those are part and parcel of the sanctuary you found. I'm not opposed to change as long as they don't ruin the beauty and tranquility of my VWL. As for your opinion, it counts just as much as each one of our own thoughts. Thanks for sharing!

 

[jimmytammy]

digiMom
Love the way you think about our beloved home. Couldnt agree more

Julie
Good to see you as always! Sorry the summer has been so tough and hoping your DS school issues are resolved. School can be a tough thing, not just academics, but the social aspect(I had issue with both)and I cant imagine how much tougher it is these days. We will lift you folks up to Him for a great school year
BTW, TammyNC will probably be getting up with you soon with a few more ??s about the upcoming cruise(I betcha now is the time when you are starting to wish you had never met us)

 

[horselover]

Glad to see you around these parts, Julie/Jules! Hope the new school year is better for you and yours. And almost belated happy Labor Day wishes to the Groupies. I posted this on another social network earlier in the day, but does anyone else find it ironic that most workers celebrate Labor Day (a holiday acknowledging the nation's laborers) by actually going to work?

Thanks Patrick aka Sly! You're right. That is a little strange.

(Excuse me as I sneak in here for a second. I asked here for help a few times before our trip; which was a little over a week ago. I'm the crazy person that did a split stay at BWV/VWL/AKV (Jambo). I have to say I really enjoyed all of them, but I have to admit I really, really enjoyed VWL. Now I have to qualify that by saying we only went to MK during our stay here so didn't use the bus transportation. But wow, what a lovely place. So relaxing! Like a little sanctuary in the middle of chaos I really have no place to say anything about the proposed changes, being I'm not an owner. But I really hope they don't change the feel of the resort because that's what really stood out for me. Thanks for letting me share..)

Another convert! Thanks for posting your experience. I doubt anyone here will disagree.

digiMom
Love the way you think about our beloved home. Couldnt agree more

Julie
Good to see you as always! Sorry the summer has been so tough and hoping your DS school issues are resolved. School can be a tough thing, not just academics, but the social aspect(I had issue with both)and I cant imagine how much tougher it is these days. We will lift you folks up to Him for a great school year
BTW, TammyNC will probably be getting up with you soon with a few more ??s about the upcoming cruise(I betcha now is the time when you are starting to wish you had never met us)

Never! You know I'm always happy to answer questions. I love to talk about DCL! I know you all have a lot going on over the next couple of weeks but Tammy can call me whenever she has time. I'll be home around through Fri. then back on the following Thu. I'll have my laptop with me so she can always email me during the time I'm away too.

Thanks for the prayers. Much appreciated.

Hey 2 days in a row! I'm off to a good start.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So a little "celebrity" sighting on my flight on Monday. I was returning from Ohio after attending a birthday weekend celebrating the 80th birthdays of my Aunt and Uncle. I fly a fair amount and have run across a couple of known people but it had been awhile. That day on walked Cris Collinsworth heading off to Seattle for the Thursday night game. I never really thought of him as being that big of person but he had to do a bit more ducking than most others on the plane.

 

[jimmytammy]

So a little "celebrity" sighting on my flight on Monday. I was returning from Ohio after attending a birthday weekend celebrating the 80th birthdays of my Aunt and Uncle. I fly a fair amount and have run across a couple of known people but it had been awhile. That day on walked Cris Collinsworth heading off to Seattle for the Thursday night game. I never really thought of him as being that big of person but he had to do a bit more ducking than most others on the plane.

Kathy
That is cool! He always seemed like a good guy to me. I remember when he played for the Bengals, and he always came across to me as being very gracious for his abilities and still seems that way now