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

[Andrew015]

Here's a link to the latest pics of the WL pool refurb: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3341621

Thanks to Msmithmd. Seems the rocks are still there, twinklebug!

Fantastic pictures! Thanks for sharing the link, Sleepy. I think this reaffirms my decision to switch the honeymoon stay from VWL to BLT, as difficult as that was to decide.

I'm surprised to see the roof off of Trout Pass. Curious to see if it comes back exactly like it was, or if there will be a new "look".

 

[twinklebug]

Here's a link to the latest pics of the WL pool refurb: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3341621

Thanks to Msmithmd. Seems the rocks are still there, twinklebug!

Thank you again Mssmithmd!

I have faith that Disney is reworking the area right. Curious to see the play area when its done and what sort of theme they use on the fencing. My best guess would be a simple vertical fence post, natural toned. Similar to the ones used around some parts of the Kidani pool areas.

 

[Corinne]

Holy smokes! I am shocked to see the photos of the refurb, I didn't think it was that major! I wonder if it will be completed on time?

 

[sleepydog25]

Fantastic pictures! Thanks for sharing the link, Sleepy. I think this reaffirms my decision to switch the honeymoon stay from VWL to BLT, as difficult as that was to decide.

I'm surprised to see the roof off of Trout Pass. Curious to see if it comes back exactly like it was, or if there will be a new "look".

I absolutely think you made the right call, Andrew. We've stayed twice at BLT and truly enjoyed it both times--it's difficult to beat the convenience factor there, and our rooms had good views of the lake and pool. No, it's not our beloved Lodge, but it is most excellent.

Twinkle: I agree that Disney will likely do this refurb right as pools are huge draws for many people. Does it look like in the first picture that the foreground area with all the pipes might be the kiddie splash area? Sure seem to be a lot of pipes.

 

[wildernessDad]

54 days until I step into our beautiful lodge! I'm really going to enjoy this December, even tough it's only 4 nights at the lodge.

I hope all is well.

 

[MaryJ]

54 days until I step into our beautiful lodge! I'm really going to enjoy this December, even tough it's only 4 nights at the lodge.

I hope all is well.

4 nights at the lodge are better than no nights at all!

 

[Kathymford]

We leave in 14 days, and I just don't feel as excited as previous times. We are staying at OKW, so maybe it's a lack of lodge sadness? Lol. We do have a one bedroom, so I thought that would help. But, I just feel kind of meh. In sure it will pass... I do miss the lodge though...

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday Berta!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Hey All!!
We are back from the cruise and let me say, we had a blast!!The Fantasy is a beautiful ship, lots to do, and Castaway Cay is as close to paradise as I have come. We have tons of pics and will share as time allows. Food was OK, not stellar, and even our server felt it not up to what it should be. I did have several fish meals that were good, Cabanas, the buffet meal that serves all day, its breakfast was as good as mot WDW breakfasts.

We are at BWV now, really taking advantage of F&W fest being this close. Just came in from the balcony and Tammy and I both agree, we cant wait til our next VWL stay(seems to be a recurring theme round here).

If anyone has questions about cruise, be happy to answer best we can.

 

[jimmytammy]

We leave in 14 days, and I just don't feel as excited as previous times. We are staying at OKW, so maybe it's a lack of lodge sadness? Lol. We do have a one bedroom, so I thought that would help. But, I just feel kind of meh. In sure it will pass... I do miss the lodge though...

Kathy
We love OKW, the 1 beds alone are worth the points, balconies huge, space very ample inside, very quite, yet lively enough resort. I think you will find it to be surprisingly nice. It has been second in our heart to VWL for a while now.

 

[DiznyDi]

Wishing Berta a very Happy Birthday!

We've missed you JT! Anxious to see some of your cruise pics. DDad and I haven't done a cruise - it's on the bucket list though. Glad you enjoyed yourself and had a good time! Enjoy your time at F&W.

Kathy - do our trips overlap? We're at the Lodge Oct 27 - Nov 2. Would love to meet you even if just for a quick hello somewhere.

My countdown is showing 5 days DDaughters vow renewal is Friday eve. We'll be flying out first thing Sat AM. They'll be driving and will join us on Monday the 27th. We'll be attending the Halloween Party on the 28th. Busy week ahead. Suitcases are out and packing has begun!

 

[jimmytammy]

These were taken from my phone so no the best(T will get the good camera shots onto Photobucket soon and I will share those too)
Towel Animals amazingOur stateroom host Alban from India, he was great, these folks do an amazing job!Our servers, great folksTammyNC and CaptainD pin trading with crew, wait, who is at the helmFine Whines among the great entertainment onboard

 

[jimmytammy]

 

[horselover]

Hey All!!
We are back from the cruise and let me say, we had a blast!!The Fantasy is a beautiful ship, lots to do, and Castaway Cay is as close to paradise as I have come. We have tons of pics and will share as time allows. Food was OK, not stellar, and even our server felt it not up to what it should be. I did have several fish meals that were good, Cabanas, the buffet meal that serves all day, its breakfast was as good as mot WDW breakfasts.

We are at BWV now, really taking advantage of F&W fest being this close. Just came in from the balcony and Tammy and I both agree, we cant wait til our next VWL stay(seems to be a recurring theme round here).

If anyone has questions about cruise, be happy to answer best we can.

Welcome back J & T! So glad to hear you had a good time. Sorry the food wasn't up to their usual standards. That's disappointing to hear. Looking forward to hearing more & seeing more pics.

I concur with your statement on Castaway Cay. It's paradise.

Enjoy F&W. Try the Kahlua Pork Slider in Hawaii. So delicious!

 

[jimmytammy]

The smiles tell the story, had a hard time getting them to go awayThe Black Pearl in CozumelView from our balcony

 

[eliza61]

Hey All!!
We are back from the cruise and let me say, we had a blast!!The Fantasy is a beautiful ship, lots to do, and Castaway Cay is as close to paradise as I have come. We have tons of pics and will share as time allows. Food was OK, not stellar, and even our server felt it not up to what it should be. I did have several fish meals that were good, Cabanas, the buffet meal that serves all day, its breakfast was as good as mot WDW breakfasts.

We are at BWV now, really taking advantage of F&W fest being this close. Just came in from the balcony and Tammy and I both agree, we cant wait til our next VWL stay(seems to be a recurring theme round here).

If anyone has questions about cruise, be happy to answer best we can.

Hey JT,

Glad you guys had a blast..

We've been tossing around the idea of a cruise for a while but haven't pull the plug.

Let me ask you, on your "at sea" days what do you do? I've been researching Disney and royal Caribbean and most seem to have at least 2 days at sea.
What were some of your son's favorite activities?

 

[Kathymford]

Kathy
We love OKW, the 1 beds alone are worth the points, balconies huge, space very ample inside, very quite, yet lively enough resort. I think you will find it to be surprisingly nice. It has been second in our heart to VWL for a while now.

Aww, thanks! That is good to hear! I think I will be fine once it's even closer!

Wishing Berta a very Happy Birthday!

Kathy - do our trips overlap? We're at the Lodge Oct 27 - Nov 2. Would love to meet you even if just for a quick hello somewhere.

My countdown is showing 5 days DDaughters vow renewal is Friday eve. We'll be flying out first thing Sat AM. They'll be driving and will join us on Monday the 27th. We'll be attending the Halloween Party on the 28th. Busy week ahead. Suitcases are out and packing has begun!

Awww! It looks like we will JUST miss you. We actually don't check in to WDW until the 4th. We are starting off the trip at the dark side (POTTER OBSESSION).

 

[Granny]

Happy Birthday Berta!!!



Jimmy....great report and pictures! Hoping to catch up with you later this week before you leave WDW.

54 days until I step into our beautiful lodge! I'm really going to enjoy this December, even tough it's only 4 nights at the lodge.

WDad....have an awesome time anticipating your trip! I'm sure you will have a great one!

We leave in 14 days, and I just don't feel as excited as previous times. We are staying at OKW, so maybe it's a lack of lodge sadness? Lol. We do have a one bedroom, so I thought that would help. But, I just feel kind of meh. In sure it will pass...

Kathy...I've had that feeling in the past year or so, but once we get there it melts away. Part of it is because we go twice a year now, but I am quite excited for our next trip (check in on Friday at BWV). Maybe because it will be our first crack at F&W Festival.

I do miss the lodge though...

we cant wait til our next VWL stay(seems to be a recurring theme round here)

You guys are DEFINITELY in the right thread!!!


Okay, getting ready to head to WDW. Two days of driving this time!

 

[jillmc40]

HI Everyone! We are headed to WDW in May to celebrate my dd8's first communion and my DS's 6 bday at SWW! I was able to get an amazing flight by coming in a day earlier than expected, but very late at night. DD gets to plan our first day and she would like to go to MK. The rest of the time will be spent at DHS fighting Darth Vader and hugging Chewey So I decided to book the first night at VWL and the rest at BWV! First time at both resorts! I figured we would come in late, wake up and play a bit at the lodge, then go to MK and end at BWV...Fun!

My questions are...We are set to arrive VERY late at VWL. Our flight gets in at 11:30 pm. I figure we will get to the lodge around 1:00 am...YAWN! So I figure this could go one of two ways...Either the kids are going to be exhausted and pass out right away...OR - they will sleep the whole way there and be ready to PARTY when we get there (YIKES!). So, if they are wide awake and wound up, could we walk around the resort and possibly swim (this is a total long shot but going to ask anyway) late at night? Obviously I won't let them scream like maniacs and wake everyone, but if they are bouncing around I would rather take them out for a quick walk or something to tire them out, instead of having them in the room trying to be quiet

My second question...Do I need to inform the resort that we will be there super late? I have already made the DME reservation, but I don't know if I need to specifically tell them that we will be that late so they don't give our room away...That would stink, huh?

I am now going to have a look around and see what this resort is like. I have never even gone over for a meal, so I am excited to check it out!! Thank you!

 

[sleepydog25]

Hey JT,

Glad you guys had a blast..

We've been tossing around the idea of a cruise for a while but haven't pull the plug.

Let me ask you, on your "at sea" days what do you do? I've been researching Disney and royal Caribbean and most seem to have at least 2 days at sea.
What were some of your son's favorite activities?

I'm sure JT will have more to add since he was just on the cruise, but your at sea days can include numerous activities such as a wine tasting, tequila tasting, martini tasting, bartending class, spa day, gym workout, movies in the theatre, live shows, a fun game with Mickey and gang where you run about the ship looking for clues to solve a mystery, character greetings, and numerous other activities which they let you know about daily via a newsletter. JT might even have a copy of one those newsletters he could recite. You aren't lacking for things to do. I agree that Castaway Cay is a huge plus over other cruise lines, especially since they have a kids area, a family beach, and an adult beach. You can jet ski, rent pontoon paddle boats, snorkel, go para-sailing, rent a cabana, rent a bike, or just hang out on the beach all day. Our dining experiences have been excellent each time, but then again, we've dropped a few more dollars to dine at both Palo and Remy which are topnotch. Palo is an upscale version of Via Napoli or Il Mulino, and Remy is "Victoria & Albert's on the Sea." I've cruised three times and am ready to go again.