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

[Granny]

We did it. We were able to book an SSR 1br from Dec 7 - Dec 12 and have just the evening of Dec 6 at Kidani. Since it was a Kidani reservation, it wasn't a concierge one. But I saved 67 points, which I banked. Had to fix all of my dining reservations to go from 5 to 3. Twas a mess. Originally, Disney wanted to sell us SSR. We didn't want to buy there and bought VWL from them instead.

WDad...glad that you were able to get the reservations you needed and saved some precious points in the process. I can imagine the pain of the dining reservation modifications...I hate that you have to cancel a reservation and can't just change the number of guests. At least I couldn't see how to do the guest quantity change without cancelling and re-booking the ADR.

 

[wildernessDad]

WDad...glad that you were able to get the reservations you needed and saved some precious points in the process. I can imagine the pain of the dining reservation modifications...I hate that you have to cancel a reservation and can't just change the number of guests. At least I couldn't see how to do the guest quantity change without cancelling and re-booking the ADR.

I know. It's a pain. One cannot change the number of guests online. For some, I had to cancel and rebook as their system was hosed.

 

[sleepydog25]

Some information I received from a Guest Satisfaction CM about the refurb was that they will not be placing people in any of the rooms that are closest to the pool while it is being refurbed. They will still be using the lakeside but only the rooms further away from the pool so it's a bit of an explanation on why they have been moving people.

She also said that the nature trail was scheduled to close down starting Oct 2nd and some of the construction walls would be going up in between that date and the 26th. The nature trail will apparently be the construction road. I said I hoped they would not be running over the turtles we've seen there!!!

Since our trip last month, I figured the nature trail would be the construction road. It makes complete sense to come in from that direction, and when luv and I walked down the trail, here's what we found.



As for the changes, I'm slightly--only slightly--more upbeat that they'll do a good job. My fear, echoed by many on here, is that my favorite thing about the Lodge experience will be gone--and that's the serenity aspect. I do love the lobby, the architecture, the music, the lamps, the "crickets." But, what I love most is the sense of quiet you rarely get at other resorts yet I consider the birthright of owning at VWL. I just don't know if that can be preserved. Case in point, one of our favorite areas first thing in the morning or late at night was the beach. Will any of it survive? Hard to say, but based on the diagram, it seems doubtful much, if any, beach lounging will remain. Ah, well, change is coming whether I like it or not. I just hope I like it vice like it not.

In other news, happy belated birthday wishes to all whose special day came and went. I'm full-time at work now, and with school starting this Monday, it's been a very busy time, and I haven't been on here much. For those of you who may have changed your reservation plans, if you'll just PM me the changes, I'll be glad to update Page 1. I could go back through the past few pages and suss out the information, but I'm too lazy.

 

[jimmytammy]

Wondering if anyone got a survey in past few days from DVC. I did it last night, asked a series of questions about Poly mostly, whats likelihood purchasing pts. there, or staying there in bungalows vs. studios, why and why not. I found myself answering as if I were being engaged more into purchasing at VWL bungalows. Felt like it may have been probing more for info in that dept. but maybe its just me

 

[horselover]

Wondering if anyone got a survey in past few days from DVC. I did it last night, asked a series of questions about Poly mostly, whats likelihood purchasing pts. there, or staying there in bungalows vs. studios, why and why not. I found myself answering as if I were being engaged more into purchasing at VWL bungalows. Felt like it may have been probing more for info in that dept. but maybe its just me

No

No survey here. I wonder if you got one because they know you've stayed at the Poly? Of course that theory will be blown if lots of groupies that have not stayed at the Poly received a survey.

 

[DiznyDi]

JT - I'm assuming this was an online survey? We've not rec'd a written or online survey. You must be special

wDad - Glad you were able to make the necessary arrangements. And yes, it can be a pain. Just when you think you have everything set in place something happens to mess it up!

We have a 1 night - Oct 11 - waitlist for VWL. I've been really hoping that as folks move to other resorts that single night will come in. Online continues to show no availability over all categories.

As I was making fast pass arrangements this AM for our October stay, they are showing Pirates open. I thought this was to be closed for an extended period of time? They are also showing no nighttime Wishes - under refurbishment. This was a big surprise!

 

[horselover]

We have a 1 night - Oct 11 - waitlist for VWL. I've been really hoping that as folks move to other resorts that single night will come in. Online continues to show no availability over all categories.

As I was making fast pass arrangements this AM for our October stay, they are showing Pirates open. I thought this was to be closed for an extended period of time? They are also showing no nighttime Wishes - under refurbishment. This was a big surprise!

We overlap in Oct! It would be great to see you. Good luck with your waitlist! Thanks for the reminder about FPs. I had forgotten all about it. Better check with DS15 to see what he wants to do.

Sleepy - in looking at the vacation list I see you've got me at BCV in Sept. That should be Oct 8-13. I actually will be back down again next month for a conference (can never pass up a conference being held at WDW!) but my only day for free time is the last day so no point listing it. We'll also be at BLT in Dec. now instead of VWL.

Have a great day groupies.

 

[wildernessDad]

Well, I think our December vacation plans are finally firm. For the first half, we're spending the evening of the 6th of Dec at Boardwalk in a 1br and then moving to SSR for 5 nights in a 1br. This is followed by 6 nights at our beloved lodge in a 1br.

 

[Dizny Dad]

When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake,
Spooks come out for a swinging wake!
Happy haunts materialize, and begin to vocalize.
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize!

Sorry, just had to do something here . . . .

(and I know the tune was in your head!)

 

[Corinne]

Hi Groupies,

Everyone is busy planning their WDW trips, and "all" I have is our stay next month! We are going on a cruise next June, so we will not be going in May. I don't think I can wait a whole year to go back! (We typically go in May and September). I need to come up with a plan.

 

[Dean Marino]

Wondering if anyone got a survey in past few days from DVC. I did it last night, asked a series of questions about Poly mostly, whats likelihood purchasing pts. there, or staying there in bungalows vs. studios, why and why not. I found myself answering as if I were being engaged more into purchasing at VWL bungalows. Felt like it may have been probing more for info in that dept. but maybe its just me

Yup - got one.... and proceeded to tell 'em about 12 TIMES that we had no interest in the Poly .

My best guess? The Poly isn't moving.

 

[Dean Marino]

And an unrelated update on Dean&Sandy....

We JUST got back from a 6 day mini vacation in San Francisco. Hilite? THE DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM . Now, honoring their wishes, I can not in good faith post photos. I CAN say that the DFM is STUNNING, and a must do for anyone interested in Walt Disney. It makes "One Man's Dream" look a little like a side show.

Please - if you can? Go to this. WE even learned several things that we had not been aware of... some sad, some happy.

 

[jimmytammy]

Yup - got one.... and proceeded to tell 'em about 12 TIMES that we had no interest in the Poly .

My best guess? The Poly isn't moving.

Exactly! I felt like they were asking way too many of the same questions over and over and over. Oh well, I would love to stay there on pts in a studio someday, never see myself in a bungalow. Way to much though Im sure it would be nice.

And I would love to visit the WD family museum someday. I very much enjoy the history surrounding the company and the man himself.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy BirthdayTammyNC!!!!
BTW, this is my lovely bride, she is in France/Belgium right now so may not see this, but I hope she has a great one!!

 

[horselover]

Happy birthday Tammy!

 

[Dizny Dad]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAMMY!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Birthday Tammy!!!

 

[Granny]

Happy Birthday Tammy !!!

 

[Granny]

And an unrelated update on Dean&Sandy....

We JUST got back from a 6 day mini vacation in San Francisco. Hilite? THE DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM . Now, honoring their wishes, I can not in good faith post photos. I CAN say that the DFM is STUNNING, and a must do for anyone interested in Walt Disney. It makes "One Man's Dream" look a little like a side show.

Please - if you can? Go to this. WE even learned several things that we had not been aware of... some sad, some happy.

Dean...thanks for sharing your impressions of the DFM. Sounds like a great place to go for a trip in the future.

 

[ottawagreg]

Since our trip last month, I figured the nature trail would be the construction road. It makes complete sense to come in from that direction, and when luv and I walked down the trail, here's what we found.

Yes indeed Sleepy. Those are the same dumpsters we saw back in June. The nature trail curves around to the roadway and then crosses over to the paved walking/jogging pathway that leads from Wilderness Lodge to Fort Wilderness. I would wager a large steaming bowl of portabella mushroom soup this is the route the concrete trucks will drive to pour the cement mix into the new swimming hole. Hmmm.... I wonder what all those heavy loads will do to the root structures of those pine trees in the sandy earth. Probably nothing much. OK move along folks nothing to see here.