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

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Easter!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Easter to all!!!!
jagoffee, I think KAT confirmed what you may be asking about the dedicated vs. lockoff, but I will confirm what I see on the DVC website when booking. It actually gives you the choice, as 2 bedroom, or 2 bedroom lockoff. I asked for a 2 bedroom and on my ressie via email thats what it said. I would still call and confirm to do all in your realm of possibility to make sure you at least have it verbally understood what you are wanting. I feel like you should get the non lockoff model at this point, but I will throw in some Moose Dust just for luck(thats our version of pixie dust round these parts)

 

[MiaSRN62]

Happy Easter Groupies!

 

[jagoffee]

Happy Easter to all!!!!
jagoffee, I think KAT confirmed what you may be asking about the dedicated vs. lockoff, but I will confirm what I see on the DVC website when booking. It actually gives you the choice, as 2 bedroom, or 2 bedroom lockoff. I asked for a 2 bedroom and on my ressie via email thats what it said. I would still call and confirm to do all in your realm of possibility to make sure you at least have it verbally understood what you are wanting. I feel like you should get the non lockoff model at this point, but I will throw in some Moose Dust just for luck(thats our version of pixie dust round these parts)

Jimmytammy, thank you and I will.
Also thank you for the Moose Dust and Easter wishes. Our daughter and her family just left and we had a wonderful day with our grandkids.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Hey . . . what is this thread doing towards the bottom of page one? Easter must have been tiring for all of us! Hope all had a great time with family and friends.

DiznyDi has started the countdown. She whispered this morning . . . only 26 more sleeps . . . . .

 

[brettcw23]

Morning, all. Hope everyone had a good Easter. We hosted at our house and I ate way TOO much! It was a BEAUTIFUL day here in Western PA. So we got to spend some time walking off the calories in the evening.

This week my DW is on vacation and next Monday is the 180 day mark. So we are now planning the detail aspects of our trip. We identified just about all of our table Services, so now we needed to map them to actual days.
We have 2 planned at WL - Artist Point and Whispering Canyon. Any thoughts on days and if lunch or dinner makes a difference? Also if anyone has any park\dining suggestions, let me know. I'd love to hear your thoughts on filling in my open slots below.

Here's the ADRs that we're looking to get...Artist Point, Whispering Canyon, Chef Mickey's, Garden Grill, Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater
I'd also point out that we have a PAP, so we definitely can do parks and then come back to the resort.
Sat: arrival day. Our flight lands at 9:50 AM ET, so we expect to be at our resort around 11:30. We figured we'd hit MK but didn't plan any details beyond that.
Sunday: AK and then to DTD for dinner (tentative plan) We haven't decided what dining experience yet.
Monday:
Tuesday: EPCOT or DHS in the A.M., then planning on MNSSHP in the evening
Wednesday: Later start (recover from MNSSHP)Fantasia Gardens mini-golf, followed by Beached and Cream ice cream and then EPCOT or DHS
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday: Departure day. Our flight isn't until 7:20 PM so we shouldn't have to be back at VWL for ME until about 4:00 PM

 

[sleepydog25]

Kathy...I would think that they would create a separate booking category like they did for Jambo and Kidani. As you say, if they are all studios then it won't impact us much either since we are 1BR residents these days too.

I guess 1BRs have proven to be a bit cumbersome for Disney as they seem to be the last villas to book due to big discrepancy in points between studios and 1BR with similar occupancy restrictions. I still think it is downright weird that studios at VWL now officially sleep 5 and 1BRs sleep 4.

I do not like having only studios as a choice such as it is at Poly (I don't count the bungalows which are stupid expensive and beyond our reach). We love 1BRs for the space, the kitchen, and the washer/dryer. I'm actually okay with redoing some WL rooms as DVC, but if they're going to follow the same basic floor plans they used for VGF and Poly studios, then no thanks.

In other news, welcome jagocoffee! I see no one here has yet to tell you about the $50 dues payable to moi. . .oh, they're dues for hopping aboard (get it, Easter?) the Groupie train, though I have been known to waive the fee. Always good to see new lovers of the Lodge find their way here.

 

[sleepydog25]

Morning, all. Hope everyone had a good Easter. We hosted at our house and I ate way TOO much! It was a BEAUTIFUL day here in Western PA. So we got to spend some time walking off the calories in the evening.

This week my DW is on vacation and next Monday is the 180 day mark. So we are now planning the detail aspects of our trip. We identified just about all of our table Services, so now we needed to map them to actual days.
We have 2 planned at WL - Artist Point and Whispering Canyon. Any thoughts on days and if lunch or dinner makes a difference? Also if anyone has any park\dining suggestions, let me know. I'd love to hear your thoughts on filling in my open slots below.

Here's the ADRs that we're looking to get...Artist Point, Whispering Canyon, Chef Mickey's, Garden Grill, Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater
I'd also point out that we have a PAP, so we definitely can do parks and then come back to the resort.
Sat: arrival day. Our flight lands at 9:50 AM ET, so we expect to be at our resort around 11:30. We figured we'd hit MK but didn't plan any details beyond that.
Sunday: AK and then to DTD for dinner (tentative plan) We haven't decided what dining experience yet.
Monday:
Tuesday: EPCOT or DHS in the A.M., then planning on MNSSHP in the evening
Wednesday: Later start (recover from MNSSHP)Fantasia Gardens mini-golf, followed by Beached and Cream ice cream and then EPCOT or DHS
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday: Departure day. Our flight isn't until 7:20 PM so we shouldn't have to be back at VWL for ME until about 4:00 PM

SATURDAY: Might be a good day for WCC as a way to kick-off your stay
SUNDAY: Yak & Yeti is a good counter service at AK; for DTD, we've enjoyed Portobello's, Fulton's, and Raglan Road--the latter is a lot of fun
MONDAY: I'd plan your eats around your day (that's a good general rule for us, anyway)
WEDNESDAY: Not sure of your tastes, but Tutto Gusto is a no-reservation place that has wonderful Italian appetizers (and a few meals) or you could try The Brown Derby at DHS--we've had good success there
THURSDAY: See note for Monday. However, I might do CM Thursday as it would be less crowded, I think, than say Monday when MK gets packed. A must-do for us anymore is Sana'a. Love the food, the ambience, the service, and the prices aren't outrageous, either.
FRIDAY: We like to make AP our last dinner as a way to say good-bye to the Lodge, but anytime is a good time.

Have fun planning!!

 

[Granny]

This week my DW is on vacation and next Monday is the 180 day mark. So we are now planning the detail aspects of our trip. We identified just about all of our table Services, so now we needed to map them to actual days.

Okay Brett, I have to admit. My eyes glossed over on this one since we don't tend to do that much planning since we joined DVC 14 years ago. In fact, we have a 13 night trip in two weeks that I only have a couple of ADRs for. So I can't help you much other than to say I would probably do AP as a dinner since it is already a bit of a splurge and I'd want to savor it a bit over dinner rather than lunch.

I do not like having only studios as a choice such as it is at Poly (I don't count the bungalows which are stupid expensive and beyond our reach). We love 1BRs for the space, the kitchen, and the washer/dryer. I'm actually okay with redoing some WL rooms as DVC, but if they're going to follow the same basic floor plans they used for VGF and Poly studios, then no thanks.

Totally agree with you Sleepy...by the end of this month we will have stayed at all WDW DVC resorts and I think that string will end at Poly Villas. We are just too attached to the extra space and washer/dryer.

If they do the WL conversions similar to the AKL Jambo conversions I'd be okay. And I'm fine if all the 1BRs are lock-offs with a studio lock-off. Why would they have 2BR dedicated only at a resort...I don't get it!

 

[brettcw23]

SATURDAY: Might be a good day for WCC as a way to kick-off your stay
SUNDAY: Yak & Yeti is a good counter service at AK; for DTD, we've enjoyed Portobello's, Fulton's, and Raglan Road--the latter is a lot of fun
MONDAY: I'd plan your eats around your day (that's a good general rule for us, anyway)
WEDNESDAY: Not sure of your tastes, but Tutto Gusto is a no-reservation place that has wonderful Italian appetizers (and a few meals) or you could try The Brown Derby at DHS--we've had good success there
THURSDAY: See note for Monday. However, I might do CM Thursday as it would be less crowded, I think, than say Monday when MK gets packed. A must-do for us anymore is Sana'a. Love the food, the ambience, the service, and the prices aren't outrageous, either.
FRIDAY: We like to make AP our last dinner as a way to say good-bye to the Lodge, but anytime is a good time.

Have fun planning!!

Thanks for the feedback. I was considering WC for Saturday. My only hesitation was around kids being tired from excitement overload and an early start to the day. But I also thought that it made sense b\c we could go to the room, unpack, and then head to dinner. I've convinced myself to pencil in WCC for arrival day.
On Sunday we'll hit FlameTree BBQ for lunch. We did Raglan Road last year and LOVED it! My youngest wanted to do TRex but I suspect that it's like Rain Forest Cafe with Dinosaurs. So I'm trying to sway her to do something else!
As for Monday, we def plan our ADRs around the Parks. Just not sure which Parks to do on the currently open days! I think I'm leaning towards DHS. We have never done Brown Derby and it's absolutely on MY list!
Tutto Gusto looks really cool. I already scribbled that into my planner. Good point on CM and its correlation to MK crowds!

 

[brettcw23]

Okay Brett, I have to admit. My eyes glossed over on this one since we don't tend to do that much planning since we joined DVC 14 years ago. In fact, we have a 13 night trip in two weeks that I only have a couple of ADRs for. So I can't help you much other than to say I would probably do AP as a dinner since it is already a bit of a splurge and I'd want to savor it a bit over dinner rather than lunch.

LOL. I can't help myself. Planning for WDW is a guilty pleasure for me! Your logic about AP for dinner makes complete sense. Thanks!

 

[sleepydog25]

LOL. I can't help myself. Planning for WDW is a guilty pleasure for me! Your logic about AP for dinner makes complete sense. Thanks!

We, too, love to plan. Well, to be fair, my wife loves it--I'm just along for the ride, mostly. Also, it's obvious Granny hasn't done much ADR planning over the years--AP isn't open for lunch. (Sorry, Granny, couldn't help myself!)

In other news, I've added 2016 to the Trip Dates on Page 1. Just let me know any upcoming dates you have.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Anniversary DisneyFreaks!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Morning, all. Hope everyone had a good Easter. We hosted at our house and I ate way TOO much! It was a BEAUTIFUL day here in Western PA. So we got to spend some time walking off the calories in the evening.

This week my DW is on vacation and next Monday is the 180 day mark. So we are now planning the detail aspects of our trip. We identified just about all of our table Services, so now we needed to map them to actual days.
We have 2 planned at WL - Artist Point and Whispering Canyon. Any thoughts on days and if lunch or dinner makes a difference? Also if anyone has any park\dining suggestions, let me know. I'd love to hear your thoughts on filling in my open slots below.

Here's the ADRs that we're looking to get...Artist Point, Whispering Canyon, Chef Mickey's, Garden Grill, Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater
I'd also point out that we have a PAP, so we definitely can do parks and then come back to the resort.
Sat: arrival day. Our flight lands at 9:50 AM ET, so we expect to be at our resort around 11:30. We figured we'd hit MK but didn't plan any details beyond that.
Sunday: AK and then to DTD for dinner (tentative plan) We haven't decided what dining experience yet.
Monday:
Tuesday: EPCOT or DHS in the A.M., then planning on MNSSHP in the evening
Wednesday: Later start (recover from MNSSHP)Fantasia Gardens mini-golf, followed by Beached and Cream ice cream and then EPCOT or DHS
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday: Departure day. Our flight isn't until 7:20 PM so we shouldn't have to be back at VWL for ME until about 4:00 PM

Looks like some good choices on meals. If I may, I would like to throw in a couple hidden gems that arent too far from VWL. Breakfast at Trails End, only a short boat ride or walk from the Lodge. It is sorta the standard buffet faire but with a few tasty, unique items thrown in for good measure. My other one is The Wave for breakfast, again, a boat ride away from the Lodge. Very fresh buffet, always tasty, with their own signature items as well. And either way, quick access to MK.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . . . Breakfast at Trails End, only a short boat ride or walk from the Lodge. It is sorta the standard buffet faire but with a few tasty, unique items thrown in for good measure . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A great way to start the day!! A nice early morning walk on the trail to FW; see the dear and enjoy the cool morning. The trail ends almost on the porch of the Trails End Buffet (funny how that lines up, huh!?!); just a few steps past the Horse Barn and your eatin'! Then a nice walk back, and ready for the adventure of the day! And don't forget, while starting to digest that scrumptious breakfast, visit the Horse Museum in the Horse Barn before trekking back!

 

[Granny]

. Also, it's obvious Granny hasn't done much ADR planning over the years--AP isn't open for lunch. (Sorry, Granny, couldn't help myself!)

Thanks for the pointer, Sleepy. Well, at least I suggested the right meal then! I know we've been to AP for breakfast years ago (when it was a character breakfast with Winnie the Pooh and friends) but I didn't realize it wasn't available for lunch.

See, if you hang out here long enough you'll always learn something new about our favorite resort!


I also have to admit that if we were taking along children in the current WDW planning environment, we'd surely have more ADRs lined up. When it's just DW & I, we tend to go with the flow of the day a bit more.

 

[brettcw23]

Looks like some good choices on meals. If I may, I would like to throw in a couple hidden gems that arent too far from VWL. Breakfast at Trails End, only a short boat ride or walk from the Lodge. It is sorta the standard buffet faire but with a few tasty, unique items thrown in for good measure. My other one is The Wave for breakfast, again, a boat ride away from the Lodge. Very fresh buffet, always tasty, with their own signature items as well. And either way, quick access to MK.

A great way to start the day!! A nice early morning walk on the trail to FW; see the dear and enjoy the cool morning. The trail ends almost on the porch of the Trails End Buffet (funny how that lines up, huh!?!); just a few steps past the Horse Barn and your eatin'! Then a nice walk back, and ready for the adventure of the day! And don't forget, while starting to digest that scrumptious breakfast, visit the Horse Museum in the Horse Barn before trekking back!

I love suggestions like these! The only breakfast we have on the itinerary at this point is Chef Mickey's. Our home resort is BLT, so we'll prob do The Wave next trip. We were actually considering Trail's End.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . . . I also have to admit that if we were taking along children in the current WDW planning environment, we'd surely have more ADRs lined up. When it's just DW & I, we tend to go with the flow of the day a bit more.

And when the family was all living at home, we, too, always had daily ADRs, many at Signature Restaurants. Now that we are "old" and the kids are married off and living out & about, we may have 1/3 of our days with ADRs, and may cancel them on a whim. Granny said it best, "we tend to go with the flow of the day a bit more" now. The World really does have some great counter service meals, and it allows us to go with that flow that meets us every day in The World. The World provides many opportunities to meet up with friends and let the good times define the moment.


Yes we are guilty of getting ADRs and canceling, but we try to cancel a few days ahead, and certainly before we are charged as a late cancellation. There are always families that just didn’t know that they needed to get ADRs six month out, show up for a once in a lifetime vacation, and find they can’t get into a great restaurant or character event. We may be cancelling unbeknownst to us due to some type of “Disney Magic” to make room for that one family . . .

 

[sleepydog25]

I love suggestions like these! The only breakfast we have on the itinerary at this point is Chef Mickey's. Our home resort is BLT, so we'll prob do The Wave next trip. We were actually considering Trail's End.

Another vote for Trail's End--it's perhaps the best dining value in the World and so conveniently located to VWL.

 

[brettcw23]

Morning, all. Just and FYI here...FYI - MNSSHP tickets are on sale now. I just bought them for the October 13, 2015 party. For DVC it was $70 and $65 a ticket.