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

[Andrew015]

Perhaps this has already been talked about in detail, but I just happened upon some detailed pictures and a Youtube video illustrating all of the changes surrounding the Silver Springs pool. I must say that I was really dismayed by the announcement that a perimeter fence was going to be put up, and wondered "how in the heck can they do this tastefully without ruining the atmosphere surrounding the pool?". However, after seeing the finished product, I must admit that I am amazed by the outcome. In true Disney fashion, the fence has been seamlessly integrated into the existing infrastructure, with great detail being taken into account to ensure that the view, theming and overall feel of the pool area was not altered.

If anyone is interested, here is the Youtube video mentioned above:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6EqrGaWRvw

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks for the link! I had seen a number of pictures of the new fencing and thought it quite appropriate, and the video further confirms they did a very nice job in blending the fence to the environment. Even that short blurb made me miss the Lodge. Sigh.

 

[Dizny Dad]

But then again
We are having way slow service with our internet provider, AT&T. Been with them for years and dont really wont switch providers, but paying DSL prices and getting basically slightly faster than dial up service has got to go. So who do you have has internet service and what do you like about them?

Sorry for being late on this, but I just had to jump on it. Jimmy, by all means, avoid any provider that does not own, nor know how to use, a tape measure. Let me explain.

Soon after we left the wonderful services of our dial-up provider just two years ago, the new rural high speed wireless internet service tower was erected a few hill tops away from us, so we said adios to our dial-up service of many years (really!) and jumped into the 21st century.

Within just a few days, the wonderful life changing high speed internet service we quickly had grown to love had disappeared. Geeze Louise; now what? It turns out we had experienced cowference issues that left us without service for about three days. I know this is something few experience, and for sure, those in a metropolitan area most probably never will experience it.

As it turned out, the installer of the power cabling to the new local tower had neglected to find the largest of the herd, or had no idea how to measure from the ground to the tip of its horns. Yup, cowference occurred. As the alpha bull entered the barn, his horns caught the power cabling and ripped it from the tower. Yeah, bummer; can't say what the bull thought, but DiznyDi and I just didn't appreciate it much. After a few days, we had service back on line. Ever notice how in life when something cool happens, it always get interrupted by some type of bull.

Good luck - and welcome to the 21st century.

 

[sleepydog25]

Sorry for being late on this, but I just had to jump on it. Jimmy, by all means, avoid any provider that does not own, nor know how to use, a tape measure. Let me explain.

Soon after we left the wonderful services of our dial-up provider just two years ago, the new rural high speed wireless internet service tower was erected a few hill tops away from us, so we said adios to our dial-up service of many years (really!) and jumped into the 21st century.

Within just a few days, the wonderful life changing high speed internet service we quickly had grown to love had disappeared. Geeze Louise; now what? It turns out we had experienced cowference issues that left us without service for about three days. I know this is something few experience, and for sure, those in a metropolitan area most probably never will experience it.

As it turned out, the installer of the power cabling to the new local tower had neglected to find the largest of the herd, or had no idea how to measure from the ground to the tip of its horns. Yup, cowference occurred. As the alpha bull entered the barn, his horns caught the power cabling and ripped it from the tower. Yeah, bummer; can't say what the bull thought, but DiznyDi and I just didn't appreciate it much. After a few days, we had service back on line. Ever notice how in life when something cool happens, it always get interrupted by some type of bull.

Good luck - and welcome to the 21st century.

Best. Advice. Ever.

 

[eliza61]

Perhaps this has already been talked about in detail, but I just happened upon some detailed pictures and a Youtube video illustrating all of the changes surrounding the Silver Springs pool. I must say that I was really dismayed by the announcement that a perimeter fence was going to be put up, and wondered "how in the heck can they do this tastefully without ruining the atmosphere surrounding the pool?". However, after seeing the finished product, I must admit that I am amazed by the outcome. In true Disney fashion, the fence has been seamlessly integrated into the existing infrastructure, with great detail being taken into account to ensure that the view, theming and overall feel of the pool area was not altered.

If anyone is interested, here is the Youtube video mentioned above:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6EqrGaWRvw

Tjanks for the Link


You know Andrew, it's funny because that is the one area I never worry about with Disney. for the most part they have the "theming" thing down!! lol,

My favorite is that if you stay at Saratoga springs resorts the big water lines for the fireman that run along the lake are all painted and decorated in very Victorian fashion.

LOL any time you can make public pipe lines look good, you are definitely good at your job. I really love the childrens splash area

Stupid question, was this done to slow down pool hopping from FW?

 

[sleepydog25]

Stupid question, was this done to slow down pool hopping from FW?

I don't think so, eliza, as there is no need to use your room key/Unmagical bracelet to get into the pool according to every report I've read. I believe the issue is one of mandated safety, meaning all pools are supposed to have a security fence (to keep out very, very young ones who stray?) and Disney is toeing the line. I know any pool in VA that is put in must have a security fence, and I believe even older pools are no longer grandfathered and must put them in.

 

[BandontheRun]

Does anyone know the reason that the fence was put up around the pool area?

 

[horselover]

DiznyDi! It looks like we may have an opportunity for a meet end of the month! An opportunity presented itself for me to return to the World for a somewhat brief trip so I jumped on it! I'm currently debating my return. It will either be 1/31 or 2/1. The good me says 1/31. The bad me says 2/1! We'll see which one wins. If I choose 2/1 that would provide us with more opportunities to meet. I'll PM you! Sadly I won't be at the Lodge. Honestly after the wonderful stay we just had it's probably just as well. Let that trip settle into memory a bit & look forward to the next Christmas stay (and yes I already am!).

 

[Andrew015]

Tjanks for the Link


You know Andrew, it's funny because that is the one area I never worry about with Disney. for the most part they have the "theming" thing down!! lol,

Eliza - You are very right about that - Disney sure does have that down!

Does anyone know the reason that the fence was put up around the pool area?

All of the reasons that I have heard point back to Florida code/law about having all pools fenced in. I'm sure that this was a major liability concern for Disney, and they were forced to do this in order to ensure compliance and minimize their exposure.

 

[Andrew015]

I don't think so, eliza, as there is no need to use your room key/Unmagical bracelet to get into the pool according to every report I've read.

I noted on my last stay at BLT, your MagicBand was required in order to gain access to the pool. Perhaps this has to do with which pools are "hop-able" and which ones are not? In any event, glad to hear that it is not a requirement at WL!

 

[sleepydog25]

I noted on my last stay at BLT, your MagicBand was required in order to gain access to the pool. Perhaps this has to do with which pools are "hop-able" and which ones are not? In any event, glad to hear that it is not a requirement at WL!

Neither did I see a place to use your band/key in that video or in pictures. Then again, my eyesight isn't what it used to be.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday SantaRay and Elvis!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Dad
You know, I remember the days when we had dial up, heck, remember the days when a computer in the home meant you had been watching too many episodes of The Jetsons and were daydreaming

Now we are streaming in shows and movies on Capt D's XBox and get upset when it slows down or worse, it doesnt go fast enough

I would say The Jetsons is coming true!

 

[Dizny Dad]

Dad
You know, I remember the days when . . . . . . . . . . . . I would say The Jetsons is coming true!

Still waiting for my briefcase to open up into my ride home . . . .

 

[BandontheRun]

Eliza - You are very right about that - Disney sure does have that down! All of the reasons that I have heard point back to Florida code/law about having all pools fenced in. I'm sure that this was a major liability concern for Disney, and they were forced to do this in order to ensure compliance and minimize their exposure.

I thought of this as well but the Villas pool is not fenced in?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I thought of this as well but the Villas pool is not fenced in?

One rumor I read was that all the feature pools on property were going to be fenced in but not the quiet pools and yet the reason given was the State of FL was pressuring for it to be done to follow the state requirements. Didn't make a lot of sense to me either..... Although I think there also was mention that Disney like others had been grandfathered in on the requirements. So maybe they just decided to do some? Strange though and maybe it'll be coming to all the pools over time.

 

[jimmytammy]

Still waiting for my briefcase to open up into my ride home . . . .

Me too One day, we will all be flying to WDW...in our cars

 

[sleepydog25]

Me too One day, we will all be flying to WDW...in our cars

By then, my flying car will need to be wheelchair capable.

A whopping -1F here this morning, and I suspect other Groupies are experiencing the same (or worse) conditions. Yuck. It's a balmy 52F in Port Canaveral. . .

 

[jimmytammy]

By then, my flying car will need to be wheelchair capable.

A whopping -1F here this morning, and I suspect other Groupies are experiencing the same (or worse) conditions. Yuck. It's a balmy 52F in Port Canaveral. . .

I say lets get up a bus trip to WDW and brave out the warm temps there

 

[ottawagreg]

I say lets get up a bus trip to WDW and brave out the warm temps there

Well we are hanging on here in the northern region of the people's republic of Illinois. The worst was minus 20 deg. with wind chills ranging from -35 to -40. Now the roads are snow packed and icy, with the wind blowing the powder everywhere. The kids are off again today. Three days out of school this week. Its hard to believe that less than two weeks ago I was floating in the Hidden Springs Pool and hot tub. Oh well, five months until June and we return.

greg