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

[sleepydog25]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome everyone! We currently have a free dining bounceback booked for next Christmas, but we're hoping to be able to book a studio on points instead. Should I have a decent chance of getting one Dec17-26 if I try exactly 11 months out?

I forgot to mention that we keep a trip listing on Page 1, along with a separate listing for anniversaries and birthdays. If you'd like us to keep track, please PM me for trip dates; KAT4DISNEY keeps the birthdays/anniversaries. They're on an "only-if-you-wanna-do-it" basis. This holds true for all new Groupies who I might have missed 'cause I am a bit senile. Again, to all new Groupies, . Oh, and feel free to appropriate any Lodge or Moosie pics to add to your signature line!

 

[jade1]

Just reposting Jade1's picture of part of the pool to mention that I saw a good picture elsewhere of the other side of the pool and that is where the zero entry is:

It appears that you could flip this side for a mirror image of the opposite end and the section furthest to the left if you are looking at the pool from the villas is where the zero entry is. It also showed that the bottom cement is poured and curing. I'm still trying to figure out the white PVC posts all over as it seems a bit excessive to be bubbling springs. There are still there though.

Sorry I should have took a pic of the "left" side as well. I would guess that is indeed the zero entry, and if I remember, the left side was good size as well. So this may only be like 2/3's of the pool.

 

[horselover]

Nope, I'm very excited and pleased, though he's been moved from his original spot. He seems real (as opposed to the artificial topiary, say, at HHI), too. I wonder if the bison have/will return (ditto for geese at entrance)? I sure would love to see them all return! At least DVC Mickey is back in some form.

That would be a big fat no. I was down the weekend of the 10th & took a ride over. Was popping in to post a pick of the Mickey topiary but I see there's a video so no need. Was super happy to see Mickey again even if he's been shifted to the left slightly but the geese & bison are nowhere to be found. The pics Jade posted are much better than anything I captured from the ground. It's difficult to get pics with it being blocked off. I will say the new "enhanced food & beverage area" is huge! An eye sore really. That & whatever the building is beside it block out most of the view of the lake. I was shocked how close some of the cabins are to the pool. Practically right on top of it. I wouldn't want to be in those cabins unless I was a big fan of noise or someone that spends all day at the pool. My overall feeling after leaving was my fears have not been allayed in any way. The Lodge I loved is gone & never coming back. I don't care how great the new pool is or what kind of new restaurant they put in it is not an improvement to me. If you want a view of the lake you better ask for a high floor because you won't be seeing anything but cabins & buildings from the lower floors. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer but it was worse than I was anticipating. I seriously doubt the addition of some pretty landscaping will do anything to change my mind. Some may love it but I'm not one of them.

Kat - it would be difficult for anyone to sneak into the south wing for updates. The elevators are still blocked off.
And on that happy note welcome to all the new groupies! I'm not usually so negative!

Thanks for all the great Aulani pictures JT! I'm not sure if you're back or not. I looked on Tammy's FB page for photos but didn't see any. If you're still away enjoy the rest of your trip.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome everyone! We currently have a free dining bounceback booked for next Christmas, but we're hoping to be able to book a studio on points instead. Should I have a decent chance of getting one Dec17-26 if I try exactly 11 months out?

You'll be fine.

And I agree that you don't have to call daily to add the extra nights. You'll be able to book through the night of the 23rd online on January 17th if I'm counting my fingers correctly. Then, you can call anytime from Jan 19th thru the 23rd and add the additional nights. In essence you have a particular room locked in and no one can book that room until you vacate it. That means as long as you stay ahead of the 11 month window for the additional nights you want you will get them. If you waited until the 24th then someone could lock you out of the additional days, although I don't really think it would book up right at 8am at 11 months.

 

[Flossbolna]

Flossy...actually, people can book the nights of January 24 & 25 starting on January 18 & 19 respectively. Theoretically, a bunch of people could call on January 18 and book reservations through the night of December 24, plus there could be those who are adding additional nights to their reservations and block out that date. Not likely, but possible. So adding on day by day is what I would recommend to maintain the full 11 month booking advantage. I would definitely call each day to add the dates for that time of year. For my peace of mind, I would go through the hassle of contacting MS a couple of times.

Granny, actually it is not possible unless the inventory changes during the proposed stay. Since people cannot book one of the later nights out of the 7 nights they can book without also having secured a room for the previous nights, they cannot jump behind your reservation. Assuming that inventory stays the same - and it should stay the same, I cannot see how they do maintenance during Christmas. It is different for the resorts with fixed weeks though.

Just imagine that the resort has only 3 studios. Studio 1 is rented from December 17-24, Studio 2 is rented from December 15-20, studio 3 is rented from December 13-18. So, on January 18 one member can get a reservation for December 18-25, that would be fulfilled with giving them Studio 3. Nobody else can book December 24-25 as they cannot book the previous nights to go with it because both Studio 2 and 1 are occupied. Then on January 19 nobody can book anything as all three studios are booked, so nobody again can book those two nights December 24-26. On January 20 we have the same situation as before as now Studio 2 becomes available again and one member can get a reservation December 20-27. But again no additional nights bookable for others for Studio 1 or 3. However, those who have reservations in Studio 1 and 3 qualify as having the previous nights already booked, so they can add on nights up until December 27. That's the whole reason why walking a reservation works at 11 months out.

BUT for a Christmas reservation, I personally might be tempted to call daily, especially if it is just two calls instead of one. Just for peace of mind.

 

[bobbiwoz]

That would be a big fat no. I was down the weekend of the 10th & took a ride over. Was popping in to post a pick of the Mickey topiary but I see there's a video so no need. Was super happy to see Mickey again even if he's been shifted to the left slightly but the geese & bison are nowhere to be found. The pics Jade posted are much better than anything I captured from the ground. It's difficult to get pics with it being blocked off. I will say the new "enhanced food & beverage area" is huge! An eye sore really. That & whatever the building is beside it block out most of the view of the lake. I was shocked how close some of the cabins are to the pool. Practically right on top of it. I wouldn't want to be in those cabins unless I was a big fan of noise or someone that spends all day at the pool. My overall feeling after leaving was my fears have not been allayed in any way. The Lodge I loved is gone & never coming back. I don't care how great the new pool is or what kind of new restaurant they put in it is not an improvement to me. If you want a view of the lake you better ask for a high floor because you won't be seeing anything but cabins & buildings from the lower floors. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer but it was worse than I was anticipating. I seriously doubt the addition of some pretty landscaping will do anything to change my mind. Some may love it but I'm not one of them.

Kat - it would be difficult for anyone to sneak into the south wing for updates. The elevators are still blocked off.
.......

Wow....sorry to read this.

I am looking forward to dinner at Artist Point in December, I guess I will just close my eyes and remember when I am outside.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Granny, actually it is not possible unless the inventory changes during the proposed stay. Since people cannot book one of the later nights out of the 7 nights they can book without also having secured a room for the previous nights, they cannot jump behind your reservation. Assuming that inventory stays the same - and it should stay the same, I cannot see how they do maintenance during Christmas. It is different for the resorts with fixed weeks though.

Just imagine that the resort has only 3 studios. Studio 1 is rented from December 17-24, Studio 2 is rented from December 15-20, studio 3 is rented from December 13-18. So, on January 18 one member can get a reservation for December 18-25, that would be fulfilled with giving them Studio 3. Nobody else can book December 24-25 as they cannot book the previous nights to go with it because both Studio 2 and 1 are occupied. Then on January 19 nobody can book anything as all three studios are booked, so nobody again can book those two nights December 24-26. On January 20 we have the same situation as before as now Studio 2 becomes available again and one member can get a reservation December 20-27. But again no additional nights bookable for others for Studio 1 or 3. However, those who have reservations in Studio 1 and 3 qualify as having the previous nights already booked, so they can add on nights up until December 27. That's the whole reason why walking a reservation works at 11 months out.

BUT for a Christmas reservation, I personally might be tempted to call daily, especially if it is just two calls instead of one. Just for peace of mind.

That's a good outline of the process Flossy and why you don't need to call daily - just that out need to stay ahead of the "new" 11 month window. Way back when that's exactly how I had to write it out to see that it had to work that way. As you say the only kink could be a room being taken out of availability but even if that happened at VWL there's enough studios there IMO that it still wouldn't cause an issue.

LynJ - there's one other option for your booking although I know others will say not to wait, but if you waited until January 19th to book the reservation you could reserve all 9 nights online at once. That'll make some people cringe with the thought the rooms might book but I think you'd be fine that way too as from my observations VWL does not book quite that fast. Since it's a Christmas trip though you might want to save that booking tip for a non-holiday trip.

 

[Flossbolna]

That's a good outline of the process Flossy and why you don't need to call daily - just that out need to stay ahead of the "new" 11 month window. Way back when that's exactly how I had to write it out to see that it had to work that way. As you say the only kink could be a room being taken out of availability but even if that happened at VWL there's enough studios there IMO that it still wouldn't cause an issue.

LynJ - there's one other option for your booking although I know others will say not to wait, but if you waited until January 19th to book the reservation you could reserve all 9 nights online at once. That'll make some people cringe with the thought the rooms might book but I think you'd be fine that way too as from my observations VWL does not book quite that fast. Since it's a Christmas trip though you might want to save that booking tip for a non-holiday trip.

Before I purchased my first contract I spent a year religously reading the DVC Member board to be sure that I knew what I was buying into. There are so many well informed members there that can explain all the more difficult ins and outs of membership. I sometimes feel like you need a degree in DVC ownership... I still remember how proud I was when I finally understood what use year means for the first time and how banking and borrowing works!

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . . Just imagine that the resort has only 3 studios. Studio 1 is rented from December 17-24, Studio 2 is rented from December 15-20, studio 3 is rented from December 13-18. So, on January 18 one member can get a reservation for December 18-25, that would be fulfilled with giving them Studio 3. Nobody else can book December 24-25 as they cannot book the previous nights to go with it because both Studio 2 and 1 are occupied. Then on January 19 nobody can book anything as all three studios are booked, so nobody again can book those two nights December 24-26. On January 20 we have the same situation as before as now Studio 2 becomes available again and one member can get a reservation December 20-27. But again no additional nights bookable for others for Studio 1 or 3. However, those who have reservations in Studio 1 and 3 qualify as having the previous nights already booked, so they can add on nights up until December 27. That's the whole reason why walking a reservation works at 11 months out. . . . . . . . .

Ahh; , , , this is exactly why I let DiznyDi just tell me when we are going . . . . . . . I have no patience to figure any of this kind of stuff out . . . . just tell me when to pack.

 

[Flossbolna]

Ahh; , , , this is exactly why I let DiznyDi just tell me when we are going . . . . . . . I have no patience to figure any of this kind of stuff out . . . . just tell me when to pack.

Yes, this is what my boyfriend says, too!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Ahh; , , , this is exactly why I let DiznyDi just tell me when we are going . . . . . . . I have no patience to figure any of this kind of stuff out . . . . just tell me when to pack.

My DH is the same DDad! Every now and then I'll mention something about xxx points means xxx. I get a blank look then question about the dates we are going.

 

[DisneyDad61]

Good morning everyone -
Yes, it's me, the new VWL groupie and lurker here for quite some time. I am reading the comments here lately and I really do get it. Most, if not all of us are HUGE fans of Walt Disney - the Man, WDW - his creation and of course, our lodge or more specifically, our home away from home.

This post is not meant to be any type of personal attack on anyone here..please remember that..........

For me, it all boils down to "perspective". Where each one of us comes from, our experiences in life, our "expectations". I know, it's changing....change is hard for most people. A lot of us (including me) don't like change, it messes with our "comfort zone". This "Home Away From Home" that has been around for us since 1994 for the Lodge and 2001 for the Villa's........trust me, I get it.......
Let me just pose a very brief challenge and perspective.......
Most, if not all of us go through turmoil(s) in our lives, to one extent or another...some very bad, terrible turmoil, some not so bad or none at all (so far). To me, this is reflected (normally) in our character and personality, to some extent, as a result of all of this.

Some, like myself, had a huge scare with life....cancer, losing a toe at the end because as my good friend said "God only wanted your toe, not the rest of you yet", losing your job, struggles with family as a result of all of this.....and more..........this is what (for better or worse) gives us perspective, each one of us, each day of our lives........here comes the "choice", right? I mean we choose to act a certain way.......

I get the ******* because of the changes coming to the lodge and villa's. Right now, I'm alive and I still have the opportunity to experience it, even with only 9 toes !! Look, it could be worse...a lot worse for all of us. I am thankful that I can still take my family, extended family and friends to the 'Happiest Place On Earth" and for that I am very grateful. Despite everything, we all still CHOOSE how we act and react. I am of the firm belief that despite the bad meal, the wait, the rain, the Brazilian's in the group ahead of me of 150, the ride going down just as I'm ready to board, our reactions, our happiness, it's our choice. I honestly am just thankful that I can still make a choice.
I choose to be optimistic about the changes. As the usual "Disney" leader in our family, a lot of the attitude, outlook and demeanor for my family kinda starts with me. I get the uncertainty of change but I refuse to let that dictate my love, my attitude, my future memories, those "moments" that you can never get back. Life really is short (a lot of us have faced it). I choose to make my wonderful investment pay back 100-fold, if not for the smiles, hugs, kisses from my Mom down to my little granddaughter.........I trust that all of us desire that, this is why we keep coming back. Ok, I'm done on my high horse......back to lurking...love you guys........................

 

[jade1]

Wow....sorry to read this.

I am looking forward to dinner at Artist Point in December, I guess I will just close my eyes and remember when I am outside.

Not sure the view from A POINT is affected, doesn't seem like it.

Anyway, after many stays at VWL I only remember one time getting a pool view that had a slight view of the lake.

So it seems one whole side will now have a lake view except the lower floors, although it indeed will have cabins as well.

Would I prefer going back to solid trees? Probably not, at least not when gaining a much better pool and more dining and drinks and maybe rent a cabin (or in the main lodge on points?).

Then again I suppose they could replant solid trees between the cabins and the VWL so it's back to what it was.

As for WL, we only reserved pool view because the other side was solid trees, just our preference of course. But pool view should be unaffected by this I think.

My question is as a VWL owner (or any DVC owner) can we reserve the DVC units in the lodge at 7 months?

The DVC rep at WL wouldn't even confirm anything about the construction, much less answer that question.

 

[Granny]

Good morning everyone -
Yes, it's me, the new VWL groupie and lurker here for quite some time. I am reading the comments here lately and I really do get it. Most, if not all of us are HUGE fans of Walt Disney - the Man, WDW - his creation and of course, our lodge or more specifically, our home away from home.

This post is not meant to be any type of personal attack on anyone here..please remember that..........

For me, it all boils down to "perspective". Where each one of us comes from, our experiences in life, our "expectations". I know, it's changing....change is hard for most people. A lot of us (including me) don't like change, it messes with our "comfort zone". This "Home Away From Home" that has been around for us since 1994 for the Lodge and 2001 for the Villa's........trust me, I get it.......
Let me just pose a very brief challenge and perspective.......
Most, if not all of us go through turmoil(s) in our lives, to one extent or another...some very bad, terrible turmoil, some not so bad or none at all (so far). To me, this is reflected (normally) in our character and personality, to some extent, as a result of all of this.

Some, like myself, had a huge scare with life....cancer, losing a toe at the end because as my good friend said "God only wanted your toe, not the rest of you yet", losing your job, struggles with family as a result of all of this.....and more..........this is what (for better or worse) gives us perspective, each one of us, each day of our lives........here comes the "choice", right? I mean we choose to act a certain way.......

I get the ******* because of the changes coming to the lodge and villa's. Right now, I'm alive and I still have the opportunity to experience it, even with only 9 toes !! Look, it could be worse...a lot worse for all of us. I am thankful that I can still take my family, extended family and friends to the 'Happiest Place On Earth" and for that I am very grateful. Despite everything, we all still CHOOSE how we act and react. I am of the firm belief that despite the bad meal, the wait, the rain, the Brazilian's in the group ahead of me of 150, the ride going down just as I'm ready to board, our reactions, our happiness, it's our choice. I honestly am just thankful that I can still make a choice.
I choose to be optimistic about the changes. As the usual "Disney" leader in our family, a lot of the attitude, outlook and demeanor for my family kinda starts with me. I get the uncertainty of change but I refuse to let that dictate my love, my attitude, my future memories, those "moments" that you can never get back. Life really is short (a lot of us have faced it). I choose to make my wonderful investment pay back 100-fold, if not for the smiles, hugs, kisses from my Mom down to my little granddaughter.........I trust that all of us desire that, this is why we keep coming back. Ok, I'm done on my high horse......back to lurking...love you guys........................

DisneyDad61...thank you for coming out of lurkdom and joining in the conversation. I don't think anyone will feel personally attacked. Your points are all good ones, and in fact we share the same perspective. If you've been reading the posts over the past several months, we all recognize that the changes to VWL are a "first world" issue. None of us feel that our lives are being seriously downgraded due to the changes at WL/VWL. What we do recognize is that we have an emotional connection to VWL, and much of that was due to the ambiance of the setting which will now be different.

But as you say, it is not crushing news similar to the illnesses, deaths and family issues we have shared here. But since this is a thread devoted primarily to VWL, it is natural that our comments revolve around that place here on this thread. I have stated that I think when the dust settles on the construction, WL/VWL/CCV will be an amazing resort. But that doesn't keep us from wishing that our secluded haven in the woods hadn't remained untouched. Or that the bison topiary makes a return. Keep in mind that Disney is based on an experiential and emotional tie for many people, so it isn't surprising that changes can stir some of those emotions.

We do appreciate your thoughts and comments, and hope that you join us from time to time with any comments you want to share.

I'm very glad that through the grace of God you were able to get through your cancer challenge. We will offer prayers that your life is a long and healthy one going forward.

 

[Granny]

My question is as a VWL owner (or any DVC owner) can we reserve the DVC units in the lodge at 7 months?

As you are aware, the DVC units converted from the Lodge rooms will be part of the new Copper Creek Villas which will also include the cabins. It will be completely separate from VWL (renamed to Boulder Ridge).

So while we do not have all the information regarding CCV, the answer is yes, we will be able to reserve the DVC units there at 7 months the same as any other DVC resort, based on availability. We do expect the point schedule to be much higher than VWL based on Disney's latest construction efforts at BLT, VGF and PBV. But that information is not known at this point.

The DVC rep at WL wouldn't even confirm anything about the construction, much less answer that question.

The DVC reps are forbidden by law to talk about anything that has not been publicly announced. As such, they are the least informative personnel to talk to since their hands (and tongues) are tied by timeshare laws. Basically, any information they provide could be equated to "selling", and they are not allowed to sell anything that has not been publicly opened for sale. So don't be too hard on the rep, he/she is just doing what they've been instructed to do.

 

[sleepydog25]

My question is as a VWL owner (or any DVC owner) can we reserve the DVC units in the lodge at 7 months?

The DVC rep at WL wouldn't even confirm anything about the construction, much less answer that question.

It's hard to imagine a scenario where any owner (including resorts outside of Classic VWL) won't be able to reserve the new DVC rooms at 7 months as it is currently part of the agreement with DVD. Now, given there won't be all that many rooms, getting in there at 7 months could be quite difficult if nigh unto impossible during peak times.

DisneyDad61: I think we'd all agree that our views on any number of topics depends on relativity. I have a long day at work and I'll complain, though compared to my former brethren and sisters in arms (and in harm's way) have it far worse on "bad" days. A co-worker just lost her sister to cancer, and my back ailments pale in comparison. You're correct in saying it's all a matter of perspective, and the disappointments we "suffer" as Disney lovers, in general, and DVC owners, in particular certainly rank as first-world issues and worth keeping in perspective. However, I believe that's a notion we all implicitly realize--we just don't voice it all the time. I've been saying from the beginning of the launch of the new imagineering, construction, and renaming, that I didn't like the idea, the loss of wilderness, the renaming for sake of renaming, and the obvious grab for more money. That being said, I've also known from the get-go that these are minor bumps on the road of life, heck, barely missing painted stripes, in fact. I just don't voice that often. We know how fortunate we are in most aspects, but the commonplace often becomes de rigueur and we lose focus. It's always a good thing to remember how blessed we often are.

 

[jade1]

we will be able to reserve the DVC units there at 7 months the same as any other DVC resort, based on availability. We do expect the point schedule to be much higher than VWL based on Disney's latest construction efforts at BLT, VGF and PBV. But that information is not known at this point.

Awesome thanks. Be interesting to compare points needed..

Looks like studios are only a couple points more per night depending on views. But will see.

The DVC reps are forbidden by law to talk about anything that has not been publicly announced. As such, they are the least informative personnel to talk to since their hands (and tongues) are tied by timeshare laws. Basically, any information they provide could be equated to "selling", and they are not allowed to sell anything that has not been publicly opened for sale. So don't be too hard on the rep, he/she is just doing what they've been instructed to do.

My bad, I thought the project had been released as a new (or additional) DVC Resort. Very unfriendly rep regardless.

 

[sleepydog25]

Awesome thanks. Be interesting to compare points needed..

Looks like studios are only a couple points more per night depending on views. But will see.



My bad, I thought the project had been released as a new (or additional) DVC Resort. Very unfriendly rep regardless.

Good point. It has been publicly announced but not publicly released or whatever the legal vernacular is. Thus, it's been formally announced that there will be a new resort (the south wing room renovations and the new cabins). However, they won't admit to the specifics of the construction (or even that the south wing rooms will actually BE part of the new resort) due to legal constraints. It is this maddening silence and imbalance that spurs so much speculation and, often, misinformation.

 

[horselover]

Good morning everyone -
Yes, it's me, the new VWL groupie and lurker here for quite some time. I am reading the comments here lately and I really do get it. Most, if not all of us are HUGE fans of Walt Disney - the Man, WDW - his creation and of course, our lodge or more specifically, our home away from home.

This post is not meant to be any type of personal attack on anyone here..please remember that..........

For me, it all boils down to "perspective". Where each one of us comes from, our experiences in life, our "expectations". I know, it's changing....change is hard for most people. A lot of us (including me) don't like change, it messes with our "comfort zone". This "Home Away From Home" that has been around for us since 1994 for the Lodge and 2001 for the Villa's........trust me, I get it.......
Let me just pose a very brief challenge and perspective.......
Most, if not all of us go through turmoil(s) in our lives, to one extent or another...some very bad, terrible turmoil, some not so bad or none at all (so far). To me, this is reflected (normally) in our character and personality, to some extent, as a result of all of this.

Some, like myself, had a huge scare with life....cancer, losing a toe at the end because as my good friend said "God only wanted your toe, not the rest of you yet", losing your job, struggles with family as a result of all of this.....and more..........this is what (for better or worse) gives us perspective, each one of us, each day of our lives........here comes the "choice", right? I mean we choose to act a certain way.......

I get the ******* because of the changes coming to the lodge and villa's. Right now, I'm alive and I still have the opportunity to experience it, even with only 9 toes !! Look, it could be worse...a lot worse for all of us. I am thankful that I can still take my family, extended family and friends to the 'Happiest Place On Earth" and for that I am very grateful. Despite everything, we all still CHOOSE how we act and react. I am of the firm belief that despite the bad meal, the wait, the rain, the Brazilian's in the group ahead of me of 150, the ride going down just as I'm ready to board, our reactions, our happiness, it's our choice. I honestly am just thankful that I can still make a choice.
I choose to be optimistic about the changes. As the usual "Disney" leader in our family, a lot of the attitude, outlook and demeanor for my family kinda starts with me. I get the uncertainty of change but I refuse to let that dictate my love, my attitude, my future memories, those "moments" that you can never get back. Life really is short (a lot of us have faced it). I choose to make my wonderful investment pay back 100-fold, if not for the smiles, hugs, kisses from my Mom down to my little granddaughter.........I trust that all of us desire that, this is why we keep coming back. Ok, I'm done on my high horse......back to lurking...love you guys........................

Hi DisneyDad61. Although you say this is not directed at anyone I can't help but feel it was my last post that precipitated your post. Let me say first high five for beating cancer!

Of course there is nothing more important in life than your health & your family. No one would argue that point. Moaning about changes to a Disney resort is of course a first world problem. However, this is a Disney board specifically a thread that talks about VWL so of course we are going to talk about VWL. Many of us are friends & have met often outside of this thread. We know about each other's lives & family. We're a close knit bunch but at the end of the day this thread is about VWL. I don't think I need to be scolded & told to adjust my perspective because I've done that. I love Disney as much as the next person. It has been my happy place for a long time, but less & less over the last few years. I'm of the belief just because Disney dishes it out doesn't mean I have to like it. It's not all magic & pixie dust. They have very much become about profits & not so much about the customer experience. It's all about selling DVC points to them lately. As I said in my post I don't like the changes going on & that's my right to say that & feel that way. I did say others might love it I just happen to not be one of them. That's my opinion. I'm not telling anyone else how they should feel about it. If others love the new resort good for them. I'm happy they're happy but I'm not going to pretend I'm happy about it when I'm not. I understand Disney doesn't care whether I'm happy or not. They've got 10,000 other people ready to take my place & that's fine. They can run their resorts & parks however they see fit that much is clear. It's a very real possibility we will sell out VWL points once the refurbishment is over. I will hold out final judgement until it's completed of course but the thought of that crushes me as it was the resort that made us fall in love with Disney & we've had so many wonderful times there. I understand I'm extremely blessed to have had those times as there are many, many people who have never been to Disney or on any vacation ever. I get it but I feel the way I feel & I'm not going to apologize for it.

 

[Granny]

It's hard to imagine a scenario where any owner (including resorts outside of Classic VWL) won't be able to reserve the new DVC rooms at 7 months as it is currently part of the agreement with DVD. Now, given there won't be all that many rooms, getting in there at 7 months could be quite difficult if nigh unto impossible during peak times.

I guess I jumped the gun a little on assuming that we would have 7 month booking rights. But it wasn't a total assumption...I think Disney's announcement of CCV pretty much makes it a solid prediction. Here's an excerpt from the official announcement:

"The planned project at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, when completed, will be the 14th Disney Vacation Club development and the second at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge"
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I think that calling it the 14th DVC development pretty much guarantees that it will be able to be reserved by other DVC owners like all current DVC resorts. I guess they could always backtrack, but one of Disney's big sales tactics is to tell prospective buyers that they can book at all those other resorts. I can't see them changing that. But you're right, it isn't an officially announced detail at this point.

Now the speculated Caribbean Beach DVC resort...that one will be interesting to see how they want to handle it!