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

[sleepydog25]

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?

There's no way of knowing for sure, but Luv posited a theory that sounds quite plausible: move Artist Point to the "green blob" building so that it sits overlooking the water, then expand Roaring Fork to a much larger area in what is now the AP footprint. Makes complete sense.

 

[Corinne]

There's no way of knowing for sure, but Luv posited a theory that sounds quite plausible: move Artist Point to the "green blob" building so that it sits overlooking the water, then expand Roaring Fork to a much larger area in what is now the AP footprint. Makes complete sense.

Lol, I agree Sleepy, but when did they EVER do anything that makes complete sense!!?? .....one perfect example is Beaches & Cream. For years people have discussed the need to make it larger. The place has always been crazy busy. It is located just next to the arcade. Why not expand B&C, and take some space from the arcade? Nope.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . . then expand Roaring Fork to a much larger area in what is now the AP footprint. Makes complete sense.

Sleepy - Love this idea! I've have found Roaring Fork to be lacking for years; IMHO it just isn't up to par with other deluxe resort counter service offerings (take your pick). I just hate that so much of the food is "microwaved", or what ever food services wants to call it now (previously heated entrees, or some such fancy distracting phrase). I like it better than the miniature golf idea!

Twinklebug's comment about the Community Center being for DVC only: (here I go again) as we all know, Disney will not say "NO" to guests. I can't help but think of the numerous times DiznyDi & I were surprised at how some treated the Aulani facilities; IMHO (again ) there were so many that just could not have been DVC owners; expectations of being served by others, some things never good enough, etc. Ask DisneyDi about the "Cream guy". I hope The Lodge does not crumble into such a scenario.

 

[horselover]

There's no way of knowing for sure, but Luv posited a theory that sounds quite plausible: move Artist Point to the "green blob" building so that it sits overlooking the water, then expand Roaring Fork to a much larger area in what is now the AP footprint. Makes complete sense.

Now that is the only idea I've heard that I actually like! RF is way too small. An expansion would be great.

Granny - would love to join you but I don't think April is in the cards for me. The group cruise I did last year is repeating in 2016. We sail 2/28 for 7 nights. I honestly don't know what my WDW plans will be for next year. My AP expires 12/27 & I'm not sure if I'll renew or not. We're also planning a big trip to Europe next summer so it might be a year off or very minimal year of WDW for me. That will be weird but right now I'm feeling my money will be better spent away from Disney. Not really feeling too much love towards them at the moment. Just a little too much greed & too little magic happening at the moment IMO.

 

[horselover]

Double post so I'm editing this one since I can't delete it. Sorry!

 

[DiznyDi]

Ahh Granny, looks like DDad and I will miss you next year Honestly, I haven't looked at the calendar yet, but we rarely travel in April. Just meeting up with you and Mrs Granny might be incentive enough to go a little earlier!

I love luv's idea! And while I like Roaring Fork, there is need for improvement. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[Granny]

I'm on board with the "new Roaring Fork" location too. I can't see them opening a full service restaurant and leaving Artist Point open too (along with Whispering Canyon).

It will certainly be interesting!


Julie & Di...I know that late April isn't a great time but next year it seems it will work for us. Completely understand anyone travelling at other times, but I just wanted to throw out our dates.

As an even longer lead time, we will probably have to go on our autumn trip in early September next year since we will be buying APs for our next trip in the second half of September. That's an even less desirable time for most folks!

 

[Dean Marino]

I'm on board with the "new Roaring Fork" location too. I can't see them opening a full service restaurant and leaving Artist Point open too (along with Whispering Canyon).

It will certainly be interesting!


Julie & Di...I know that late April isn't a great time but next year it seems it will work for us. Completely understand anyone travelling at other times, but I just wanted to throw out our dates.

As an even longer lead time, we will probably have to go on our autumn trip in early December next year since we will be buying APs for our next trip in the second half of September. That's an even less desirable time for most folks!

Wellllll...... ? I could see two Sig Restaurants at WL. By way of comparison, The "Red Roof Inn" (WL CM joke name for the Grand Floridian) has two Sigs (Citrico's and Narcoossee's), and one Super Sig Five Star (V&A).

Our hope? The location shown for a new Restaurant is on PRIME land on the water. Unless a Disney planner has gone totally brain dead, this is going to be a STUNNING Signature Restaurant. The AP location? Can't see someone moving a cafeteria up there. Can't see Whispering Canyon moving there. I'm guessing one of two things - AP moves to the new location, and another Sig takes the upstairs, or the new location gets a whole new restaurant. Of the two? I don't think AP WANTS a bigger restaurant... a quite, more intimate location fits their theme.

 

[jimmytammy]

Loving the idea of seeing RF increase in size and expand menu. Sleepy, tell Luv we Luv her idea

 

[sleepydog25]

I just received all the confirmation I need that they are, indeed, going ahead with plans to "upgrade" the DVC experience at WL. Our guide, from whom we've heard virtually nothing for going on two years just sent us a Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge postcard wherein she stated, ". . .I wanted to make sure you have my most up-to-date contact information." She went on to add, "If I can be of any assistance with questions you might have about your Membership. . .please don't hesitate to call." Coincidence? I think not.

 

[horselover]

I just received all the confirmation I need that they are, indeed, going ahead with plans to "upgrade" the DVC experience at WL. Our guide, from whom we've heard virtually nothing for going on two years just sent us a Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge postcard wherein she stated, ". . .I wanted to make sure you have my most up-to-date contact information." She went on to add, "If I can be of any assistance with questions you might have about your Membership. . .please don't hesitate to call." Coincidence? I think not.

Not a coincidence.

 

[Lakegirl]

Sleepy - Love this idea! I've have found Roaring Fork to be lacking for years; IMHO it just isn't up to par with other deluxe resort counter service offerings (take your pick). I just hate that so much of the food is "microwaved", or what ever food services wants to call it now (previously heated entrees, or some such fancy distracting phrase). I like it better than the miniature golf idea!

Twinklebug's comment about the Community Center being for DVC only: (here I go again) as we all know, Disney will not say "NO" to guests. I can't help but think of the numerous times DiznyDi & I were surprised at how some treated the Aulani facilities; IMHO (again ) there were so many that just could not have been DVC owners; expectations of being served by others, some things never good enough, etc. Ask DisneyDi about the "Cream guy". I hope The Lodge does not crumble into such a scenario.

Dizzy Dad bummed to hear you review of roaring fork!!! We love The Mara at AKL and At the Poly, but have never eaten at Roarin Fork is it that bad???

 

[twokats]

Happy Birthday, Donald Duck!!!

Hard to believe he is 81 today!!!!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Dizzy Dad bummed to hear you review of roaring fork!!! We love The Mara at AKL and At the Poly, but have never eaten at Roarin Fork is it that bad???

DDad will have to share which items he's refering to but we've always liked RF. Their waffles in the morning are yummy and so are their sandwiches. I also have liked their flatbreads. It is a small location so unlike most resort CS they don't have fridges with pre made items. Oh - and lest I forget, the best dessert bars you'll find at WDW and appropriately named....Magic Bars. Soups are goo too. I think DH has gotten a burger there but found it no better than any other counter service at WDW. That covers what we tend to get there and like. We definitely try to avoid the normal dining times though.

 

[Granny]

Dizzy Dad bummed to hear you review of roaring fork!!! We love The Mara at AKL and At the Poly, but have never eaten at Roarin Fork is it that bad???

We tend to like Roaring Fork too. The made-while-you-wait sandwiches and salads are very good. The other foods like the pizza and chicken strips are pretty much so-so. I guess we might not like Roaring Fork as much if the same experience was at another, non-spectacular resort.

 

[sleepydog25]

Dizzy Dad bummed to hear you review of roaring fork!!! We love The Mara at AKL and At the Poly, but have never eaten at Roarin Fork is it that bad???

I would agree that it doesn't quite measure up to some other resorts, but my primary complaint is its size. It's relatively tiny which is why it would be good to see it expand. The Mickey waffles are made-to-order and come with toppings such as strawberries, chocolate chips, whipped cream, etc. We've had excellent sandwiches there, too, but as another mentioned, the grill items aren't particularly notable. It could use a new, more expansive locale.

 

[jimmytammy]

twokats, Donald has held his age very well through the years IMO

Sleepy, sounds like they are gearing up to hit us owners 1st, toying with our emotions, not fun

Though we dont eat at RF often, I do like the flatbreads and the made to order salads.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday KAT4DISNEY!!!!

 

[Dizny Dad]

OK -not Bummed - I have just found RF lacking compared to so many other Disney resorts, including many of the moderate level resorts. I agree that the fresh made sandwiches are fine, salads, too. The choices are certainly limited. It has been my experience that the afternoon and evening hamburgers, flatbreads, etc. that come from the "hot side" are just disappointing. If you enjoy the flatbreads at RF, please do not try them at Artist's Palette.

Now, to the ongoing restaurant discussion; How about moving Whispering Canyon out to the new mystery space on the map, leaving Artist's Point where it is since it does have a lovely view, and putting in a large food court type facility into the old Whispering Canyon space. Close it off so as not to intrude on the ambience of the lobby, convert the old RF space to a DVC space, storage closet, whatever.

And Happy Birthday Donald; the original Angry Bird.

 

[sleepydog25]

Have a Wonderfully Happy Birthday KAT!!!!!