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

[twinklebug]

Happy Birthday Corinne!

 

[twinklebug]

Wow - the sneak peek at the villa build is pretty awesome. I can't for the life of me figure out the plan, but it's cool just the same. Reminds me of the 70s when my mom and dad would take my brother and I walking through the framework of homes being built, explaining to me how that empty space would be a tub, another, a kitchen... it was magic.

I'm really pretty excited to see what they create in the lodge. I don't think they'll mimic the design of the villas we're used to exactly, and the little touches might differ (moose in the shower ... tiles anyone? )
My only fears are really what they're going to do with that expanse of what we consider 'wilderness'. I suppose if they make the new pathways resemble those over at the poly it wouldn't be horrible... but I'd miss the deer.

Bonuses from the new design:

• VWL may finally get a community hall & perhaps the movies will be moved away from the Carolwood Pacific room on those stormy or cold evenings. Love the movies, just don't care for all the folk camped out in a room I'd like to go relax in with a book.
• VWL will most likely get a new grilling area! And judging from what they've done at the Poly: gas grills! We've needed a replacement for that singular run down grill over by the boat rental area forever.

 

[ottawagreg]

Good points, Dean. Two items to mention about this. Many people have felt that one of the amenities VWL lacked were the grand villas, though I'm not one of them since we'll never use one, either. Second, by offering cabins--much like at PVB--they can offer more points for sale which increases their coffers. Regardless of whether most owners can afford the cabins, DVC can still sell the points for them. By increasing the number of deluxe studios (again modeled on the paradigm at PVB), once again they can offer more points for sale. You add a cachet to an already popular resort by building cabins, open up more studios to accommodate all the new buyers, and it's all financed by the new contracts. Win, win, and win for DVC. For VWL owners who love the serenity and smallness of the resort? Likely not so much. Here endeth my soapeth box sermonette.

Sleepy you were on a nice roll there. You had me hanging on every word. I was looking for just one win for DVC folks vs. the mouse's three wins. What's a paradigm? Sounds like it would cost extra points. Anyway, I had a thought for a new revenue source for Mickey. They could build a miniature golf course in the main lobby and then wind it down the path to the villas. Of course the fifty foot Christmas would have to go. But nobody would notice much. Not to mention the labor costs saved by not erecting it and then taking it down. It would be themed on the Northwest of course. The bubbling hot springs would be a lateral water hazard and it would be one stroke and distance penalty if you hit it in the drink.

 

[jimmytammy]

Granny you were on a nice roll there. You had me hanging on every word. I was looking for just one win for DVC folks vs. the mouse's three wins. What's a paradigm? Sounds like it would cost extra points. Anyway, I had a thought for a new revenue source for Mickey. They could build a miniature golf course in the main lobby and then wind it down the path to the villas. Of course the fifty foot Christmas would have to go. But nobody would notice much. Not to mention the labor costs saved by not erecting it and then taking it down. It would be themed on the Northwest of course. The bubbling hot springs would be a lateral water hazard and it would be one stroke and distance penalty if you hit it in the drink.

Dont give em any ideas Greg!!

 

[twinklebug]

... Anyway, I had a thought for a new revenue source for Mickey. They could build a miniature golf course in the main lobby and then wind it down the path to the villas. Of course the fifty foot Christmas would have to go. But nobody would notice much. Not to mention the labor costs saved by not erecting it and then taking it down. It would be themed on the Northwest of course. The bubbling hot springs would be a lateral water hazard and it would be one stroke and distance penalty if you hit it in the drink.

Yes, the tree is a big green nuisance, people will be so happy to see it go
Oh, play through the VWL lobby & Carolwood Pacific Railroad Room, and don't forget the rental boat docks. You draw up the plans and I'll sign a petition to have it built.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Happy birthday Corinne! Have a magical day!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kathy...thanks for the link showing the room conversion in process. Looks like we can move the "WL Rooms Converting to VWL" from the Rumor status to Confirmed status. Or at least the "Very Likely" status.

It will be interesting to see how this whole thing gets handled. By all accounts, it is likely we may be seeing bungalow construction during our September trip.

I think we're going to have a few family members joining us for a trip in Oct and I picked VWL. I really hope they have some delays with the cabins and don't get started on things quickly. A construction zone is not what I had in mind for everyone to experience. Or like Jimmy said, perhaps they won't get approved at all. We can cross our fingers at least!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Birthday Corinne!

 

[ottawagreg]

Yes, the tree is a big green nuisance, people will be so happy to see it go winkle
Oh, play through the VWL lobby & Carolwood Pacific Railroad Room, and don't forget the rental boat docks. You draw up the plans and I'll sign a petition to have it built.

I think you may be onto something Twinklebug. Going down the ramp to the Villas it have the cowbells incorporated into hole or two. Across the boardwalk would be a swamp theme. Some train trestles in the railroad room. Out by the new cabins it would be Davey Crockett signature holes. On the boat dock the obligatory wind mill hole could empty out into a Donald Duck boat to collect the balls.

I am blessed to say we leave for the big airport in Chicago tomorrow after our morning rise. We arrive in Orlando mid afternoon, and pull into Timberline drive about 3:30 or 4:00 pm. Hopefully we get a dedicated studio across from the elevator overlooking the pool and those wonderful pine trees. Or a room with clean sheets and a good coffee pot works too. Eight magical nights away from the rat race!

I will snoop around some and see what I can see, and report back to the groupies. But mostly we are going to try to make some nice memories while we can before the transformation begins.

 

[Corinne]

Thank you all for the birthday wishes!

 

[jagoffee]

I think you may be onto something Twinklebug. Going down the ramp to the Villas it have the cowbells incorporated into hole or two. Across the boardwalk would be a swamp theme. Some train trestles in the railroad room. Out by the new cabins it would be Davey Crockett signature holes. On the boat dock the obligatory wind mill hole could empty out into a Donald Duck boat to collect the balls.

I am blessed to say we leave for the big airport in Chicago tomorrow after our morning rise. We arrive in Orlando mid afternoon, and pull into Timberline drive about 3:30 or 4:00 pm. Hopefully we get a dedicated studio across from the elevator overlooking the pool and those wonderful pine trees. Or a room with clean sheets and a good coffee pot works too. Eight magical nights away from the rat race!

I will snoop around some and see what I can see, and report back to the groupies. But mostly we are going to try to make some nice memories while we can before the transformation begins.

Have a great time. We are arriving next week on June 10 also out of ORD. Hopefully in a dedicated two bedroom villa. Have a great trip and we might just cross paths. We will be the ones with big smiles.

 

[Granny]

Happy Monday, Groupies!!


SlyDog has been kind enough to post my vacation dates for next Spring...we will be at BWV April 20-30 next year. So far, it looks like we will be on our own as far as Groupie vacations.

C'mon folks, don't you want to go to the Flower & Garden Festival in late April next year??


And to get us back on topic, does anyone know what the extra building in DVC Mike's graphic is going to be? I'm talking about that big green blob in the graphic. I heard someone on another thread mention it as a Community Hall? I sure hope they aren't tearing up that part of the property just to put a Community Hall in there.

http://i235.*************************************NewVWLCUDM_1.png

 

[momtwoboys]

We are going to wlv april 15-22!!

 

[twinklebug]

Happy Monday, Groupies!!


SlyDog has been kind enough to post my vacation dates for next Spring...we will be at BWV April 20-30 next year. So far, it looks like we will be on our own as far as Groupie vacations.

C'mon folks, don't you want to go to the Flower & Garden Festival in late April next year??


And to get us back on topic, does anyone know what the extra building in DVC Mike's graphic is going to be? I'm talking about that big green blob in the graphic. I heard someone on another thread mention it as a Community Hall? I sure hope they aren't tearing up that part of the property just to put a Community Hall in there.

http://i235.*************************************NewVWLCUDM_1.png

The way I understand it, the Green will be a new restaurant, the community hall will be the red building, which is supposed to be for DVC guests only, so makes sense to keep it near the villas. Keep in mind we're still playing the "take your best guess" game.

I'd love to meet up for F&G, but I think I need to coerce my college kids (My youngest just graduated HS!) into another trip to make use of their APs and will make it a Star Wars weekend they may be more likely to attend.

 

[Lakegirl]

When does F&G start next year?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Monday, Groupies!!


SlyDog has been kind enough to post my vacation dates for next Spring...we will be at BWV April 20-30 next year. So far, it looks like we will be on our own as far as Groupie vacations.

C'mon folks, don't you want to go to the Flower & Garden Festival in late April next year??


And to get us back on topic, does anyone know what the extra building in DVC Mike's graphic is going to be? I'm talking about that big green blob in the graphic. I heard someone on another thread mention it as a Community Hall? I sure hope they aren't tearing up that part of the property just to put a Community Hall in there.

We're looking at a trip either late April or early May - one more before our AP's expire so maybe we'll see you then!

I agree with Twinklebug that the green building seems to be a new restaurant. I had missed the part that there was a community hall going in!

 

[Granny]

We are going to wlv april 15-22!!

Sweet! Hopefully we can meet up if your schedule permits.

I'd love to meet up for F&G, but I think I need to coerce my college kids (My youngest just graduated HS!) into another trip to make use of their APs and will make it a Star Wars weekend they may be more likely to attend.

Totally understand that logic. We haven't been for SW weekend yet...not sure that would be well received by my better half.

When does F&G start next year?

Looks like the dates are March 2 – May 15, 2016.

We're looking at a trip either late April or early May - one more before our AP's expire so maybe we'll see you then!

Kathy...that would be great! Hope to run into you again!

 

[Granny]

The way I understand it, the Green will be a new restaurant, the community hall will be the red building, which is supposed to be for DVC guests only, so makes sense to keep it near the villas. Keep in mind we're still playing the "take your best guess" game.

I agree with Twinklebug that the green building seems to be a new restaurant. I had missed the part that there was a community hall going in!

Thanks for the responses and clarification.

The restaurant could be nice as long as it is well themed inside and out. And I guess Community Hall will work there though that is just another bunch of trees that will have to go. And it looks like they are keeping the shack for the boat & bike rental?

I know we are all just guessing but this seems pretty concrete to me as far as plans go. Not just the idle speculation or "inside info" from the bus drivers! Am I the only one who missed the bus drivers actually talking to the passengers?

 

[Corinne]

Granny, we won't be heading to WDW next Spring...our son and his wife talked us into a cruise(our first!) so we just have our September trip planned for the time being........

 

[Dean Marino]

Sandy and I are booked at the Villa's Nov 12-21, 2015 and April 20-28 2016 .

And I can not WAIT to find out about that new restaurant. PLEASE, let it be a real SIG!