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

[sleepydog25]

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!

Welcome to the Groupies! We love when folks discover our beloved Lodge and fall under its trance. I'm sure your family will, too. On to your questions. . .The pool hours will show them to definitely be closed at that time of night, and given the close proximity of the Hidden Springs pool to the Villas, I'm not sure testing the hours would be a wise idea. There is certainly plenty of area to walk around and look at that late at night (early morning, that is!) including the beach and boat dock. As for notifying the resort of your late arrival, while I don't know that it's absolutely necessary, I certainly would do so to be on the safe side.

Have fun exploring the Lodge online! It's a gorgeous resort, and it's too bad you won't be there any longer than that one night. Plan to come back and stay longer next time!

 

[ngress]

We are going to be coming back to WDW in May. Quick background, we are a family of 5, me dh, ds3, ds2, dd1 and will be bringing gm and gp. Anyway this year we stayed at BLT which was super convenient with the three little ones. I can't get any discount at BLT and won't pay rack rate. So I'm considering vwl. Do you all think this would work well with my group?

On a side note. My favorite thing to do it watch wishes from the room (we can be out that late) so the kids and I get our pjs on and watch wishes before bed. Are there any rooms ( and which room view) where I can see wishes from the room?

 

[jillmc40]

Welcome to the Groupies! We love when folks discover our beloved Lodge and fall under its trance. I'm sure your family will, too. On to your questions. . .The pool hours will show them to definitely be closed at that time of night, and given the close proximity of the Hidden Springs pool to the Villas, I'm not sure testing the hours would be a wise idea. There is certainly plenty of area to walk around and look at that late at night (early morning, that is!) including the beach and boat dock. As for notifying the resort of your late arrival, while I don't know that it's absolutely necessary, I certainly would do so to be on the safe side.

Have fun exploring the Lodge online! It's a gorgeous resort, and it's too bad you won't be there any longer than that one night. Plan to come back and stay longer next time!

Thanks for the warm welcome! Got it! If it is closed I wouldn't dare go in!!! I doubt they would be totally wound up, but sometimes the late night delirious sillies kick in and I want to make sure not to wake anyone up The Lodge is a favorite of my SIL and her family. Her boys don't ever want to stay anywhere else when they go, so I am excited to check it out. We could have done BWV the whole time but I thought this was a nice opportunity to see it, and the move should be easy enough!

Is Whispering Canyon silly in the morning as well as lunch and dinner? I have always wanted to eat there so I think we are going to go for breakfast before we venture out...

 

[horselover]

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.

What Sly said except for the part about the cabana. Don't get your hopes up too high on those. Extremely difficult to get one unless you're Platinum, sailing concierge, or just super lucky. Just can't say enough good things about Castaway Cay though.

Eliza - I used to hate sea days but now I LOVE sea days! I actually look forward to the sea days more than the port days because I've been to so many of the islands already. We never get off in Nassau anymore. Sea days are spent sleeping in. If we're talking about DCL there will definitely be a Palo brunch on one of those days. Love the mixology classes. Lots of first run movies shown. I like to spend a good chunk of time reading by the adult pool. There's always the spa too. My kids never had trouble keeping themselves occupied on sea days. RCL I can't speak to from recent experience because it's been awhile since I've sailed them. There wasn't quite as much to do on the sea days on Celebrity but I still kept myself occupied. I keep all my daily Navigators/Compasses whatever the particular cruise line calls them. I'd be happy to share any time. Just shoot me a PM.

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome to the groupies jillmc40 and ngress!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

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?

Hey Eliza!
Sea days as horselover says are good sleep in days. Believe me, there is way more to do on a cruise, from early AM to late PM than you can fit in. Down time is a really good thing. You will not be bored And we love port days, except for Castaway Cay, we never stepped foot off that ship. Thats a great time to take advantage of the Aquaduck and the pools, etc. They have great shows, movies, games, trivia contests, karaoke, etc. way more than I can remember. Speaking of CC, that is as close to paradise as I have come. You know how most tourist areas show you little snippets of the best they have, yet when you get there, the dud factor sets in...CC lives up to the hype I am going to PM you a certain travel agent we all know and love just to not step on mods toes here that helped us tremendously

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We are going to be coming back to WDW in May. Quick background, we are a family of 5, me dh, ds3, ds2, dd1 and will be bringing gm and gp. Anyway this year we stayed at BLT which was super convenient with the three little ones. I can't get any discount at BLT and won't pay rack rate. So I'm considering vwl. Do you all think this would work well with my group?

On a side note. My favorite thing to do it watch wishes from the room (we can be out that late) so the kids and I get our pjs on and watch wishes before bed. Are there any rooms ( and which room view) where I can see wishes from the room?

No real reason why VWL couldn't work well for your group. You have a boat to the MK rather than a walk like you have from BLT but it starts the day out with a fun ride and you get a great view of the MK as you pull in to the dock - never hurts in building excitement! Or if you didn't want to do the boat there is a very short, direct bus ride to the MK also. WL/VWL is in the process of getting it's main pool updated with a kids splash area which should only add to the amenities available.

For watching Wishes I guess there are a few rooms where you might catch a few of the high bursts but I'd not plan on having that. You also can see quite a bit from the beach area and it's not a far walk from the lodge if that might be an option. Still going outside but would be close.

One other thing - have you considered renting from a DVC owner rather looking for discounts from Disney direct? BLT would most likely become an option again but it also could be done for VWL and most likely save you some $$$'s. If you weren't comfortable working directly with an owner one of the board sponsors - David's - acts as a broker and from all I've heard gets great reviews. Just another option in case you weren't aware.

 

[sleepydog25]

No real reason why VWL couldn't work well for your group. You have a boat to the MK rather than a walk like you have from BLT but it starts the day out with a fun ride and you get a great view of the MK as you pull in to the dock - never hurts in building excitement! Or if you didn't want to do the boat there is a very short, direct bus ride to the MK also. WL/VWL is in the process of getting it's main pool updated with a kids splash area which should only add to the amenities available.

For watching Wishes I guess there are a few rooms where you might catch a few of the high bursts but I'd not plan on having that. You also can see quite a bit from the beach area and it's not a far walk from the lodge if that might be an option. Still going outside but would be close.

One other thing - have you considered renting from a DVC owner rather looking for discounts from Disney direct? BLT would most likely become an option again but it also could be done for VWL and most likely save you some $$$'s. If you weren't comfortable working directly with an owner one of the board sponsors - David's - acts as a broker and from all I've heard gets great reviews. Just another option in case you weren't aware.

Great points, Kat! I second the watching Wishes from the beach area of the Lodge. Though you can't see all of it, you certainly get the higher explosions, and there are plenty of those. The boat is a most excellent way to get to MK or CR or even FW since there are nice activities there, as well.

eliza: Yep, I forgot to mention the cabanas on CC are tough to get; honestly, I think they're unnecessary with all there is to do on CC. As for the port days, JT echoes a common sentiment that we have--stick to the ship and make that a day you do things that might be crowded on the at sea days: Aquaduck is far less crowded; the spa has more availability; the shopping on board is easier; the pools aren't nearly as busy; and the drink servers come by more often!

jill: I can't speak to the breakfast at Whispering Canyon, but I didn't want to think you'd been ignored. Perhaps someone else has experience with WCC. We usually head to Roaring Fork because they have made-to-order Mickey Waffles.

 

[jillmc40]

jill: I can't speak to the breakfast at Whispering Canyon, but I didn't want to think you'd been ignored. Perhaps someone else has experience with WCC. We usually head to Roaring Fork because they have made-to-order Mickey Waffles.

Thanks, that's so sweet! Made to order Mickey waffles is good to know! I think I am going to like this resort

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks, that's so sweet! Made to order Mickey waffles is good to know! I think I am going to like this resort

I think these days, breakfast is my fave meal at WCC. Nothing to write home about, but fun and the food is good. Another option, take a boat ride or walk the path to FW and eat breakfast at Trails End. They have a really good breakfast IMO. And yet one more option, The Wave at Contemporary(another boat ride away)is really good for breakfast. And as sleepy says, RF is hard to beat too

 

[Anna114]

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...

You sound just like my husband lol. We stayed at AKL Kidani Village in May since there was no room at VWL. We are planning to go down next October for F&W so I will make that reservation next month. My husband was feeling sad since the last time we stayed at VWL was August 2013 SO now we are headed down for the week before Christmas so that we could stay at VWL. It's killing me to organize our trip and be ready for Christmas by Dec. 14th. All gifts purchased and wrapped.

Anyone who's down there or going soon, could you please give a pool refurb update?

 

[jillmc40]

I think these days, breakfast is my fave meal at WCC. Nothing to write home about, but fun and the food is good. Another option, take a boat ride or walk the path to FW and eat breakfast at Trails End. They have a really good breakfast IMO. And yet one more option, The Wave at Contemporary(another boat ride away)is really good for breakfast. And as sleepy says, RF is hard to beat too

Thank you for the wonderful ideas!! Decisions decisions!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Sorry I have been out of touch tripwise folks, just dawned on me that I hadnt really said anything regarding WDW until now, cruise was on the brain there for a few days.

So, BWV has been wonderful, really love the proximity during F&W. We saw Nightranger Sat and Sun and those guys can still get it done! Great to see them enjoying and not just going through the motions. Saw Smashmouth as well, not a fan, but they were good. Just reminds me of 60s music ala The Doors and that doesnt appeal to me, just me

Parks have been manageable as far as crowds concerned. Epcot a bit crowded on Sat and Sun but thats understandable on F&W days. Lumberjack show is good at Canada, not a good replace for Off Kilter though. Its cute, but not a longevity type act IMO.

Watch out for those scooters, bout got it last night at Epcot. Lady was heading towards me, wide open, looking to her side and I literally had to push off her shoulder to keep her from getting me. Got the heart racing there for a minute

We are headed to eat breakfast at The Wae in a few minutes, then of to MK. Really like the new HM shop at MK, hope this becomes the norm as attraction specific things are cool IMO, rather than the generic same ol same ol.

Caeey taking the Beverly challenge, 5 in a row, he and wfc4life are neck and neckAnnieTs DH with the Lumberjack guysLet It Go(please)View of Epcot from our roomEnchanted tales w BelleGoodies at MK

 

[sleepydog25]

Good morning, Groupies! I hope the coming weekend will be a good one for all. No special plans here. High school football tonight (daughter is in the band); Luv and I will go for a long walk on a nearby trail tomorrow after hitting the closest Starbucks (half hour drive); river cookout with friends tomorrow night; and maybe a little golf thrown in sometime this weekend as the weather is supposed to cooperate.

JT: Looks like you're having a blast! Are you ever going home?

 

[DiznyDi]

Good Morning Groupies!

WELCOME to those that have joined our little corner of the Dis. Nice to have you here!

1 more sleep!

Daughters vow renewal is this evening. We head out bright and early tomorrow morning and should be having lunch with Mickey.

Thanks JT for the pics! It does look like you're having a blast!

Temp here this AM was 37 I'm showing 82 with beautiful sun and no rain for Orlando tomorrow

We'll check in from time to time. Enjoy your week-end!

 

[Corinne]

Have a great trip Di & Dad

Jimmynice pics! Your BWV view looks like ours in September!

 

[jimmytammy]

Sleepy, eventually I will make it home(sadly, tomorrow) Oh well, all good things, well, yall know the rest

Had a meet up with twokats at the Studios earlier today, rode Star Tours with her and her DH Lee and caught up, and later tonight, met Granny and his DW Cindy and DD Tracey at BWV(Granny will post a pic later, all other phones were dying). Sadly, we missed Maria, but understand its tough to make all the logisitics work sometimes. We did the Dining through the Decades with Walt tonight, really good foods, great entertainment with Dapper Dans and Yee Ha Bob, lots of good info. about Walt. Really neat thing to do.

L to R jimmytammy, twokats DH Lee, twokats, TammyNC and CaptainD

Took a final shot in the just announced hat coming down(figured it may be our last time seeing it)
Jim BrickmanA few random shots form the Fest. of Fantasy parade at MK

 

[Granny]

Hi Groupies!

Well, we made it down to Orlando and checked in yesterday at BWV. Unfortunately, we missed TwoKats but were able to get a late night meeting with Jimmy & family.



Left to right that's Jimmy, Tammy, Captain D (Casey), Cindy (Mrs Granny), Tracy (Granny DD) and Granny.


We had a brief but very nice time as always with Jimmy and family.


And we dropped by WL for the obligatory pool renovations update. All is the same as has been reported here, but here are pictures from 10/24/14.





Above picture was taken from the overlook area. You can see the main pool is torn up, but will retain its same shape. You can see the kiddie pool area under construction, and you can see that they appear to be doing nothing with the slide area at all.




This is a view of the construction wall they built along the walkway from Roaring Fork to the boat dock. You can still sit outside to munch your RF food, but it isn't very good ambiance. There is a similar wall on the other side of the pool. We were surprised to see that they are still putting guests in the first floor rooms along the wall. I hope they got a MAJOR discount!




In addition to the flat, round wet area for the kids, we saw this bunch of pipes that we assume will be some sort of additional wet area with water coming down from above. The round play area looked like it would be very similar to the BLT play area with water spurting up from the ground.


We're enjoying the relaxation of another WDW trip. Epcot was slammed yesterday. To give an idea of how crowded, we waited about 30 minutes for Journey into Imagination (Figment) ride that we always just walk on. And SpaceShip Earth had 45-60 minute waits the whole time we were there.

We're hoping that the crowds do subside a bit after the weekend is over. We're heading to MK this afternoon and hopefully that won't be too jammed.

Have a great day!

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks for sharing the picture Granny.

 

[sleepydog25]

We went all day yesterday without any posts, and that moved us down the tote board quite a ways; therefore, I'm going to add a few comments just to get us back toward the top.

I'm envious of those in the World (and those just returning) since our next scheduled trip is nearly a year away. We had seven long trips this year between February and this month including the surprise BD trip for Luv to DL and two trips down to WDW. So, we're tired AND tapped out. Wait, maybe that should be .

We're currently experiencing a few days of glorious fall weather before the next front moves in. Yesterday was near 70 and sunny, and today promises more of the same. By Saturday morning, however, we may be looking at snow flurries. Sigh. I guess it's that time of year.

Okay, that's it. Just a catch up note from the mountains of southwest Virginia. Hope all you Groupies have a great week!