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

[Granny]

No redeeming value at all. Just a midweek pick me up!!

I think your post of those great photos has a LOT of redeeming value!

Especially since pix is all we gots right now as far as the Lodge fix. And the timing was great as it has been quite a long day today....THANKS!

 

[Granny]

Hey folks, just saw this morning that Whispering Canyon cafe will be closed for refurbishment from May 15- June 26th 2015. Hadn't seen that posted before, it was on the refurbs list released yesterday.

I can't imagine anyone switching resorts just because of a restaurant closure, but if anyone is counting on dining there during an upcoming vacation, I figure it's better to know well ahead of time before all the other restaurants in the area fill up their ADR.

It was very thoughtful of you to post this on this thread. It won't affect our planned trip in the spring but all news about the Lodge is always welcome here. Thank you for the notice!

 

[sleepydog25]

Calling all Groupies currently at the World! If any of you aren't being park commandos this trip and might happen by the Uptown Jewelry store in MK (near Starbucks) or at Downtown Disney in the World of Disney AND wouldn't mind looking into a purchase for me, I would be most appreciative. Luv has been attempting to purchase a Disney-specific, Disney parks exclusive, Pandora bracelet to no avail. Not a huge problem, truly, but if anyone might be able to help, just send me a PM.

In other news, I'm loving the pictures from everyone. Eliza, the second picture is especially appealing to me since that balcony area in the middle of the picture is where luv and I wed 17 months ago.

Freezing here. Mid-20s, winds 20-35 mph, though at least sunny. Wish I was at the World and the Lodge.

 

[jimmytammy]

Hey Sly
We are going to be at Epcot today, Tammy says that Mousegear has a good selection of jewelry that she frequents. We can check it out and send pics if we find it there. I will PM you now.

 

[jimmytammy]

I have always loved Illuminations. It has been my favorite fireworks display ever since my 1st visit back in '99. I will never forget standing there that 1st time, waiting for an hour, thinking to myself "its fireworks, I can see this on July 4th and Halloween back home"
Then when the narrator came on, and the fire blew out, I knew something spectacular was about to happen. And it did, and I was hooked!

Through the years, we have seen the Christmas Illuminations version and enjoyed it. But I read recently that Walter Cronkite was no longer the narrator for the Christmas ending, and changes had been made. I am a glass half full kinda guy, but to be honest, wasnt expecting much. Well I was wrong!! Last night, I saw something I didnt think possible, Illuminations was topped. The Christmas ending was outstanding!! I have goosebumps writing about it right now. Please dont miss this if you are going to be in WDW soon. I almost missed it, and I am so glad we didnt

 

[Granny]

Last night, I saw something I didnt think possible, Illuminations was topped. The Christmas ending was outstanding!! I have goosebumps writing about it right now. Please dont miss this if you are going to be in WDW soon. I almost missed it, and I am so glad we didnt

Jimmy...for those of us who won't be at WDW during the holidays any time soon, can you share what they did? Or do you think that would be a spoiler for those going soon?

The last Christmas Illuminations we saw was in 2012 and they ended with "Let There Be Peace On Earth", which I thought was excellent. I'm sure that the current one is great, especially after your review. Enjoy the trip!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Granny
I dont think I would be creating a spoiler by indulging.
Let There Be Peace On Earth was the song still, sung by a childrens choir, but the fireworks were what really seemed so much more. We were on the bridge at Int. Gateway and the last ones seemed almost 3D as they got closer and closer. WDW always does a great job at any of these shows, but the fireworks were beyond amazing IMO last night.

 

[cheer4bison]

It's so great to see the photos by fellow Groupies of the lodge. I'm a bit slow to post but I had a fabulous stay in early November for the Moms Panel reunion. My friend, Lynn, had always hoped to stay at VWL so we decided it was high time we make that dream come true. Despite the vast nature of the construction, I don't feel that it detracted from our visit at all.





This was my first time staying at the lodge since the rooms were renovated and I have to say that I love the changes they made. The studio we stayed in was gorgeous and having that extra twin under the television was awesome!

 

[wildernessDad]

I had a great time last night and am no worse for wear. Who do I owe for the Long Island iced tea?

 

[LauraLea]

Just walked by the splash area and it looks done. There have been crews working on it all day and night since we have been here. Overheard one worker say they want it open this weekend.

Laura

 

[sleepydog25]

Just walked by the splash area and it looks done. There have been crews working on it all day and night since we have been here. Overheard one worker say they want it open this weekend.

Laura

Thanks for the report, Laura!

 

[jimmytammy]

Glad you enjoyed it Wilderness Dad Had a great time meeting with you folks last night, as always, lots of fun with groupies!

Well, me and Capt. D have nothing but time on our hands as we wait for our delayed flight(last I heard, its OTW, but had mech. difficultieswe are thinking of walking right now)so I thought I would indulge you folks with observed and overheard things last night.

We rode the boat back over to the the Lodge from our BLT meet last night with Di and Dad, and saw them working frantically on the pool area, esp. the kids play area. It is to be open today as Laura said, and Dad thanked the workers for doing a wonderful job(always a gentleman).

While we were at the boat dock at BLT waiting, our Capt approached and he smiled as we talked about meeting CMs who were retired and how they seem so much happier at WDW than full timers. So he shared with Di, Dad, TammyNC, Capt. D and me how he has a full time job as a scientist but he worked weekends as a boat capt at WDW and gives his whole check to Give Kids The World. To me, this is the type fellow who personifies WDW and it was so nice to meet him.

 

[horselover]

I have always loved Illuminations. It has been my favorite fireworks display ever since my 1st visit back in '99. I will never forget standing there that 1st time, waiting for an hour, thinking to myself "its fireworks, I can see this on July 4th and Halloween back home"
Then when the narrator came on, and the fire blew out, I knew something spectacular was about to happen. And it did, and I was hooked!

Through the years, we have seen the Christmas Illuminations version and enjoyed it. But I read recently that Walter Cronkite was no longer the narrator for the Christmas ending, and changes had been made. I am a glass half full kinda guy, but to be honest, wasnt expecting much. Well I was wrong!! Last night, I saw something I didnt think possible, Illuminations was topped. The Christmas ending was outstanding!! I have goosebumps writing about it right now. Please dont miss this if you are going to be in WDW soon. I almost missed it, and I am so glad we didnt

Hmmmm, I think we only saw it from the BCV bridge last year. I don't remember actually going into the park to see it. I'll try to make a point to make that happen this year!

Checking in for my picture fix! Groupies currently in the world didn't disappoint. Thank you! One week from today! I'll try to get some pics up here but I do plan to post lots to Instagram if anyone is on there & wants to follow along. Send me a PM & I'll give you my user name.

Not much else going on in these parts besides getting ready for the trip. One week of school left. Frantic full house cleaning being done today in preparation for the dog/house sitter coming. Wouldn't it be nice if the house was always clean enough for guests! Shipping down the tree on Monday. Starting to pack tomorrow while the Pats game is on. Life is good!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

 

[Corinne]

I have always loved Illuminations. It has been my favorite fireworks display ever since my 1st visit back in '99. I will never forget standing there that 1st time, waiting for an hour, thinking to myself "its fireworks, I can see this on July 4th and Halloween back home"
Then when the narrator came on, and the fire blew out, I knew something spectacular was about to happen. And it did, and I was hooked!

Through the years, we have seen the Christmas Illuminations version and enjoyed it. But I read recently that Walter Cronkite was no longer the narrator for the Christmas ending, and changes had been made. I am a glass half full kinda guy, but to be honest, wasnt expecting much. Well I was wrong!! Last night, I saw something I didnt think possible, Illuminations was topped. The Christmas ending was outstanding!! I have goosebumps writing about it right now. Please dont miss this if you are going to be in WDW soon. I almost missed it, and I am so glad we didnt

Jimmy, ITA!!! We were sooooo glad we didn't miss it, we almost skipped it! It was truly awesome!!!!!

 

[Corinne]

Happy Sunday Groupies! We had such a great time at the world. Haven't been there during the Christmas season in about 10 years. I don't remember the Osbourne Lights being so incredibly crowded. I think we would have been better off not going on an EMH evening.

On Tuesday we were at the MK and they were still taping the Christmas parade. I believe Di may have mentioned this, but they aren't playing any music, and they stop and start the parade numerous times, but I had several VERY exciting moments!

Robin Roberts was there (I don't know if she was there for the parade, she was taping an interview on the bridge to Liberty Square). When she was done I said hello, and she came over and asked if I would like to take a picture together! She is a beautiful person ( inside and out) she glows!



My other thrill? Seeing this guy!!!




As we were walking through the Emporioum, ( the parade had made it down Main Street) several CM's were gushing.....over Tim Tebow. While we were waiting to the exit the park, he literally walked by us.....






Illuminations was amazing! Not a great image, but I snapped it in time to see Mickey!

 

[tea pot]

Hey folks, just saw this morning that Whispering Canyon cafe will be closed for refurbishment from May 15- June 26th 2015. Hadn't seen that posted before, it was on the refurbs list released yesterday.

I can't imagine anyone switching resorts just because of a restaurant closure, but if anyone is counting on dining there during an upcoming vacation, I figure it's better to know well ahead of time before all the other restaurants in the area fill up their ADR.

Thanks for the heads up.
We'll be there in early May I don't usually
make too many ADRs long in advance
but this one I defiantly will

I have always loved Illuminations. It has been my favorite fireworks display ever since my 1st visit back in '99. I will never forget standing there that 1st time, waiting for an hour, thinking to myself "its fireworks, I can see this on July 4th and Halloween back home"
Then when the narrator came on, and the fire blew out, I knew something spectacular was about to happen. And it did, and I was hooked!

Through the years, we have seen the Christmas Illuminations version and enjoyed it. But I read recently that Walter Cronkite was no longer the narrator for the Christmas ending, and changes had been made. I am a glass half full kinda guy, but to be honest, wasnt expecting much. Well I was wrong!! Last night, I saw something I didnt think possible, Illuminations was topped. The Christmas ending was outstanding!! I have goosebumps writing about it right now. Please dont miss this if you are going to be in WDW soon. I almost missed it, and I am so glad we didnt

Thanks Jimmy
On the Don't Miss List for next year.....yes next year..

Glad you enjoyed it Wilderness Dad Had a great time meeting with you folks last night, as always, lots of fun with groupies!
While we were at the boat dock at BLT waiting, our Capt approached and he smiled as we talked about meeting CMs who were retired and how they seem so much happier at WDW than full timers. So he shared with Di, Dad, TammyNC, Capt. D and me how he has a full time job as a scientist but he worked weekends as a boat capt at WDW and gives his whole check to Give Kids The World. To me, this is the type fellow who personifies WDW and it was so nice to meet him.

WOW Doesn't that renew your faith in people

Corinne thanks for the great pictures

To All the Groupies currently in the "World"
Enjoy the Magic

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday Mickeymorse!!!!

 

[DiznyDi]

Well, we're back home now

This was a great vacation! Not only did we meet up with other groupies, but we were able to sleep in, tour the parks at our leisure, experience both the Candlelight Processional as well as the Osborne Lights, and we had a room on the lake side! Unfortunately we did not experience Illuminations. JT encouraged us to go on our last night, but the music and the electric water parade won out.

When we left yesterday, they were testing the new water area at WL though no kids were participating in any fun. They had lowered the geyser height - seems the workers were getting sprayed - and as of yesterday it had not been put back to its normal height.

Rich and I both thought this was busier than we have experienced in past years. We did attend the condo mtg and were glad to have the opportunity to tour the grounds at Coronado Springs. We had lunch at Pepper Market - what a great place with so many different and varied options available.

There was no Merry Member Mixer or Welcome Home Wednesday while we were there. Disney had other priorities, I guess.

This is earlier than we usually choose to vacation. The crowds were considerable! The tree on Main Street was very late in getting up due to the parade taping. People were everywhere..... After this year, I think we'll stick to traveling a week later. Even yesterday, we were still seeing PopWarner kids - and they do like to make themselves known.

Well, tomorrow it's back to a 'normal' life. We have preparations for Christmas to get done and laundry to do. I'll try to get some photos posted, but to be honest my time will be at a premium. Maybe during the slower days of January...

10 days till Christmas. Be well, my friends.
Di

 

[blossomz]

Sounds like it was awesome!!

 

[newfangled]

Hubby and I will be new VWL DVC Owners next month. I can't wait to make our first reservation!!! I have a question about bringing bikes.

We love our bikes and heard about the trails to the Campground and so forth. I was wondering if there is an appropriate place to lock our bike when not using them during our stay. I'd hate to have to leave them on the car (and probably wouldn't trust them there - not to mention once we arrive I don't want to LOOK at our car until check-out!). I know no place is 100% secure but is there at least a place that would make sense to keep a bike at the villas or nearby?

Would rather not rent when we can easily bring our own.