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

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'm trying to decide what to do for February. Should I go with my home VWL or try somewhere else?

I already let the fear of the construction get me to move my Christmas reservation - but I really want to stay at the lodge one last time before it's unrecognizable from the lodge I purchased in 2001.

We were staying at the Poly forChristmas that year and went to see the Lodge. I must say it was love at first sight. We're from NYC and the towers were still burning (they burned for months, you could see smoke rising from the ashes literally for months). The sight, sounds and smells at the lodge really did my heart good. For me it's always been a restorative, soul soothing place and I LOVE IT AS IS.

A couple things about February is that it's cooler so that the pool isn't open won't be as much of a downer and also the days are shorter so the construction crews most likely won't start as early. It might actually be 9am instead of the 7am that was going on at the Poly.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kathy...you know you're only going to get lake side if you request bus side!

So that's how you get them!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

I have made up my mind, when I hear the jackhammers running in March, I will be convinced its woodpeckers, really, really big woodpeckers, working on the remaining pine trees

 

[DiznyDi]

I have made up my mind, when I hear the jackhammers running in March, I will be convinced its woodpeckers, really, really big woodpeckers, working on the remaining pine trees

Funny JT!

DDaughter and I are headed to Georgia is a few short days... with a 3-day stop in WDW on our way home. First time for us at BLT. If time permits, we'll wander over the WL and see if anything has changed. I generally don't do change well; hated when they took the spatterware out of the kitchens, simply do not like the renovations and they took away the leaf stencils from the walls, when the fresh yogurt bar went away I cried.

We're to be at WL in October and December. This will give us good opportunity to watch the changes as they happen. And to find out any info we can from the CM's.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . . when the fresh yogurt bar went away I cried. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yup, she did! And I cried for her. I think we were staying at SSR that trip, so we had to take a bus to MK and took the boat to WL to try to be there before the breakfast offerings ended at 10 AM. We made it at 9:45 AM. I remember it took us about 1.5 hours - really a slow bus/boat day (just missed everything). I was glad to have made the effort for DiznyDi; and then the revelation - no fresh yogurt bar . . she cried. . . .

 

[Kathymford]

Maybe I'm still too naive in these parts (DVC changes), but I am still optimistic that Disney will do this right ... I just hate hearing all of the negativity so maybe that's what I'm grasping at. I know that nobody likes change, but not ALL change is bad ...

Please don't call me names.

 

[Granny]

Maybe I'm still too naive in these parts (DVC changes), but I am still optimistic that Disney will do this right ... I just hate hearing all of the negativity so maybe that's what I'm grasping at. I know that nobody likes change, but not ALL change is bad ...

Please don't call me names.

I think the negativity here recently stems from the two year construction project, and what that will do to upcoming stays at VWL. While many of us are taking a "wait and see" approach to what the actual final product will look like, I believe the latest concerns are mostly about construction noise, the place being torn up, etc more than concerns about the final plans.

And I agree that not all change is bad, and that there may be some nice aspects to the renovation (additional room booking options, additional restaurant) but mostly we'll just have to see how things play out. Keep in mind, the drawings, etc are all based on permit filings, etc which could be dramatically changed before they get finished. Also, Disney isn't even admitting that any of this is DVC related.

 

[Dean Marino]

I do room view requests via e-mail...there's a button on the Members site next to the Member Services phone number. My last few calls to MS have been lengthy (20 minutes plus) waits. E-mail works just fine. I'd request an even number villa near the elevators. That should hopefully avoid The Dreaded Dumpster View villas. Which, by the way, may well be quieter than the lake side villas.



Kathy...you know you're only going to get lake side if you request bus side!

THANK YOU Granny & Kathy . Found that email button . We're shooting for "Bus View, close to elevator" for both our 11-2015 and 4-2016 trips .

 

[twinklebug]

Second day back from vacation.

Disney was Hot, not too crowded (Christmas is so much worse than the 4th, and most of the tour groups do try to avoid the holiday). Watched the holiday fireworks from the new hub. Have to say I am not a fan of the new hub at all. Flow wise it works great, but it looks and feels like a huge flat frying pan to me. Oh well... I can dream of them changing that. The fountains are very pretty though.

This was my mug collecting trip. Picked up all 4 "you are here" mugs from the starbucks in the four parks. (Love them) Also got the new Wilderness Lodge "Bear with me" mug. Then visit to the new Trader Sam's Grotto had us come home with yet 2 more mugs, one of which the kids have taken to calling Nixon as he was formed a bit crooked though he's not supposed to be.

Looking forward to December at the lodge... Animal Kingdom Lodge that is. Would prefer VWL, but it's not my home resort, and Jambo runs a very close second. Speaking of home resorts, considering adding on someday and wanted the rep's thoughts on the VWL issue, so I stopped by the DVC rep in the lobby to ask if he knew anything of how the new points would work with the expansion. He said he can't say anything as they were told not to but to "wait 6 months" to see what's going on with the villas expansion. He stressed that 6 months pretty hard, so stay tuned.

I'm going to ride the optimistic side of the rails here on the VWL grounds updates. The interior of the villas, along with the wooden covered walkway leading up to it are my favorite parts of the resort, and I can see Disney didn't destroy the Poly grounds with the bungalows (even if they do look odd). My only concerns really are in how much of the woods are to be taken down, and how close to the ground floor patios that walkway will run. I love having privacy & that ground floor is ideal for seeing critters and just a little more room to stretch out on than the balconies (not to mention I really don't care for heights, HA!) If somehow they can keep the privacy on those units I'll remain happy.

I'm envisioning the walkway being dropped down beyond the fencing that's there, but somehow I think they'll be needing to remove the fencing, and "butterfly bushes" as my son called them.

 

[LauraLea]

Speaking of home resorts, considering adding on someday and wanted the rep's thoughts on the VWL issue, so I stopped by the DVC rep in the lobby to ask if he knew anything of how the new points would work with the expansion. He said he can't say anything as they were told not to but to "wait 6 months" to see what's going on with the villas expansion. He stressed that 6 months pretty hard, so stay tuned.

The annual meeting this December will be interesting either way, whether we have or not have the details by then. I think they would rather just say at the meeting the details will come soon than have to answer questions face to face.

Laura

 

[eliza61]

Maybe I'm still too naive in these parts (DVC changes), but I am still optimistic that Disney will do this right ... I just hate hearing all of the negativity so maybe that's what I'm grasping at. I know that nobody likes change, but not ALL change is bad ...

Please don't call me names.

It's hard Kathy,
I totally admit, change is hard for me for two reasons.

1) I love and adore the Lodge and it's really one of the few places that I look forward to visiting and it never seems to fail. so of course whenever someone suggest changing that, lol I turn into a three year old and roll around on the floor, kicking and screaming.

2) I haven't been a big fan of the last two remodels. the Poly lobby makes me cry now when I see it. boo. it just looks like Marriott with a few Hawaiian flowers. now I know they are not messing with the interior of the the lodge but the exterior and grounds were as much a part of the lodge mystic as the lobby. I'm not a big fan of this trend toward "homogenous" style that the mouse world has embraced.

 

[Tony305]

Good morning everyone! This is your new groupie, Tony (joined about a week ago). If you saw my first post in group, you know that we just had our DVC contract clear and are new owners at VWL. (WOOT!)

I guess my perspective on the new changes coming is a little different because we've never stayed at the Villas so we don't have a baseline to compare the before and after for all of the new changes that will be coming over the next couple of years. So I guess I'm reading about the changes with some mix of excitement and skepticism because so many of you really seem to love the Villas. We have a small contract so we plan to bank/borrow and probably won't make it to VWL until the remodel is done. I hope that the changes are good but that the essence of what everyone loves so much about the resort stays.

Has anyone heard if they are planning on keeping the Bike and Boat Rentals open once the construction is done? I'd love to be able to take a Sea Raycer out and recreate child hood dreams of cruising around Miami Vice style.

Hope everyone has a great day!

- Tony

 

[Granny]

Has anyone heard if they are planning on keeping the Bike and Boat Rentals open once the construction is done? I'd love to be able to take a Sea Raycer out and recreate child hood dreams of cruising around Miami Vice style.

Welcome back, Tony!

I don't know that there is a definitive answer for you, but I'd have to say that it is very likely that they will continue to rent boats after the construction is complete. I haven't seen anything in the plans that eliminates the marina. Evidently , bike rentals will continue throughout the construction.

And boating around Bay Lake and then shooting over to Seven Seas Lagoon is a lot of fun. I remember the first time I did it and had to pinch myself as I tooled around the waterways, going underneath a passing monorail and having Magic Kingdom come into view as I rounded the point at the Contemporary Resort.

 

[circhead]

Hi Tony, welcome aboard.

I guess many of us are a little nervous about what seems to be major construction to WL grounds.
It appears like they are adding quite a few rooms and other amenities by taking out parts of the WL grounds that helped make it so special and that no other resort offers.

The possible loss of the serenity and natural beauty of the grounds is what has me nervous. That coupled with the potential addition of quite a few rooms equating to quite a few more potential guests on site at any given time.
What is that going to do the serenity? This coupled with the passage of new timeshare legislation has a few of us owners nervous. No one but Disney knows what they are dong and Disney is not sharing any information with the
owners. Also, from what I understand Disney holds all voting rights in the owner's association so they only have to present us with a done deal - no discussion. If I had the right to vote I would have said no! Don't mess with my home.

 

[Tony305]

Thanks for the comments and sharing your thoughts!

We're doing 4 nights at Boardwalk Villas and our last night at Bay Lake Tower during the last week of F&W. We are making some time to go have breakfast at Whispering Canyon and spend some time at Wilderness Lodge even if we're not staying there just to go check out the resort. I'll try to snap some pictures if possible of any construction.

Granny, I think I'll take your suggested route if I can get a Sea Raycer on our last day at BLT!

 

[twinklebug]

Hi Tony, welcome aboard.

I guess many of us are a little nervous about what seems to be major construction to WL grounds.
It appears like they are adding quite a few rooms and other amenities by taking out parts of the WL grounds that helped make it so special and that no other resort offers.

The possible loss of the serenity and natural beauty of the grounds is what has me nervous. That coupled with the potential addition of quite a few rooms equating to quite a few more potential guests on site at any given time.
What is that going to do the serenity? This coupled with the passage of new timeshare legislation has a few of us owners nervous. No one but Disney knows what they are dong and Disney is not sharing any information with the
owners. Also, from what I understand Disney holds all voting rights in the owner's association so they only have to present us with a done deal - no discussion. If I had the right to vote I would have said no! Don't mess with my home.

I think part of the fears are well well founded given the refurbishments to the villas last year. The architect who designed both the lodge and villas was very specific in the furnishing designs, fabrics and colors to be used. Since he passed away they have not had him as a guide for updates. Granted, as time passes what people like changes, but the new designers looked at the Artisan styles used at the Grand Californian and decided they could pull them in and pass them off as lodge designs. I think the shapes and designs are very beautiful, but the only place I know of on WL property using those shapes were the lights along the pathways. Seeing the artisan design and muted tones in the villas was a bit of a shock at first. I've grown to like it though.

Will they decide the new generation doesn't want to see woods? So many people are intent on getting a perfect view from their rooms, we are seeing more and more folk popping up even on this thread asking "waht's the best request to make?". I gulp hard every time I see "lake view" or "pool view" given as an answer as Disney will inevitably misinterpret multiple requests of this type as a need to rip down trees to offer up more water views. Even my own 18yo son has mentioned it would be nice to see the lake easier from the villas. There are no other DVC properties that offer a true woods view and it is unique to the lodge. I feel that if one wants a lake view, one should book where they're guaranteed a lake view, such as at the VGF, BLT, BWV or Poly. The lodge should not be it. What they ultimately do here really all depends on the folks who've designed where those paths will be, and how much of the tall pines will be left standing. Whatever they do, I'm sure the outcome will be nice, but it may be quite different.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

People who are staying at WL starting in Aug and Sept are reporting getting emails about the construction starting and that the nature trial will be closed.

 

[Friendlyadvice2]

Just got off the phone with MS on a different matter and was advised the following regarding construction work. Please realize that there is often conflicting information from various cast members, but I just wanted to relay what MS informed me after putting me on hold, discussing with WL management and reading me a letter. Also note that this relates only to DVC as most individuals with cash reservations who are calling guest services are either being offered moves or $100/night compensation:

1. Letters started to go out on July 13 and each DVC member or guest with a reservation from Oct 26 through the end of January 2016, is supposed to be contacted by a "special guest services team" to advise of the construction and options to achieve guest satisfaction. FWIW, I have a reservation and have not received a letter or been contacted yet.

2. The end of January 2016 date was given becuase the current construction timeline is for the Hidden Springs pool area to be completed by that time and for the work to be restricted to the cabin area closer to Bay Lake and away from the villas and lodge area. IMO, this seems a bit ambitious based on what I've seen from the plans which is more than just expanding the pool, but if they are going to have this area completed by end of January then they will really have to hit the ground running in Oct. Obviously if they run behind, I was advised that additional letters would be sent out if something changes.

3. No contact is being made at this point regarding anyone with reservations starting Feb 2016 until (or if) it is determined that the they are behind on the construction timeline.

4. This one's the most important............Ensuring that every guest has a magical vacation is their top priority!!

Again, just relaying what I was told in case anyone was interested. The MS rep was actually very thorough and very interested in finding accurate aswers for my questions.

 

[Dean Marino]

Just got off the phone with MS on a different matter and was advised the following regarding construction work. Please realize that there is often conflicting information from various cast members, but I just wanted to relay what MS informed me after putting me on hold, discussing with WL management and reading me a letter. Also note that this relates only to DVC as most individuals with cash reservations who are calling guest services are either being offered moves or $100/night compensation:

1. Letters started to go out on July 13 and each DVC member or guest with a reservation from Oct 26 through the end of January 2016, is supposed to be contacted by a "special guest services team" to advise of the construction and options to achieve guest satisfaction. FWIW, I have a reservation and have not received a letter or been contacted yet.

2. The end of January 2016 date was given becuase the current construction timeline is for the Hidden Springs pool area to be completed by that time and for the work to be restricted to the cabin area closer to Bay Lake and away from the villas and lodge area. IMO, this seems a bit ambitious based on what I've seen from the plans which is more than just expanding the pool, but if they are going to have this area completed by end of January then they will really have to hit the ground running in Oct. Obviously if they run behind, I was advised that additional letters would be sent out if something changes.

3. No contact is being made at this point regarding anyone with reservations starting Feb 2016 until (or if) it is determined that the they are behind on the construction timeline.

4. This one's the most important............Ensuring that every guest has a magical vacation is their top priority!!

Again, just relaying what I was told in case anyone was interested. The MS rep was actually very thorough and very interested in finding accurate aswers for my questions.

THANK YOU Friendlyadvice2. If this info is correct? The Hidden Springs pool area will be FIRST affected. This surprises me, based on logistics... Disney has to get equipment IN there - and really heavy stuff can't get to it over the existing paths. One of two things must be true: 1) They can do what they want to do with smaller equipment, or 2) the back end "basic road" for MOST of the project must be in place PRIOR to bringing in heavy equipment from the rear. With a timeframe of END Sept 2015 to END January 2016? That gives these folks only FOUR MONTHS to get an access road in, and do the work (!). I guess I would sort of find that time frame to be optimistic .

 

[pangyal]

Just got off the phone with MS on a different matter and was advised the following regarding construction work. Please realize that there is often conflicting information from various cast members, but I just wanted to relay what MS informed me after putting me on hold, discussing with WL management and reading me a letter. Also note that this relates only to DVC as most individuals with cash reservations who are calling guest services are either being offered moves or $100/night compensation:

1. Letters started to go out on July 13 and each DVC member or guest with a reservation from Oct 26 through the end of January 2016, is supposed to be contacted by a "special guest services team" to advise of the construction and options to achieve guest satisfaction. FWIW, I have a reservation and have not received a letter or been contacted yet.

2. The end of January 2016 date was given becuase the current construction timeline is for the Hidden Springs pool area to be completed by that time and for the work to be restricted to the cabin area closer to Bay Lake and away from the villas and lodge area. IMO, this seems a bit ambitious based on what I've seen from the plans which is more than just expanding the pool, but if they are going to have this area completed by end of January then they will really have to hit the ground running in Oct. Obviously if they run behind, I was advised that additional letters would be sent out if something changes.

3. No contact is being made at this point regarding anyone with reservations starting Feb 2016 until (or if) it is determined that the they are behind on the construction timeline.

4. This one's the most important............Ensuring that every guest has a magical vacation is their top priority!!

Again, just relaying what I was told in case anyone was interested. The MS rep was actually very thorough and very interested in finding accurate aswers for my questions.

Thanks so much for posting this and beating me to it ! I had the same conversation with MS today as well. She also told me about the guest experience team that would be reaching out (they haven't) along with the fact that they would be sending an email about the constructions and closures (they have).

I even went so far as to call GS at the Lodge itself to ask if they were doing anything for DVC reservations. She advised that only those who had paid for their reservations could be compensated at this point with credits or discounts, as it went though a different department.

I do hope that they recognize that we are the ones (DVCers) who will bear the brunt of the closures and annoyances and offer appropriate solutions or compensation. It's not like anyone can change at this point, everything is booked solid!