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

[KAT4DISNEY]

Just had to ask . . . .do any of you unpack and use the drawers, closet, etc. in your villas?

I have travelled and lived out of a suitcase so much of my professional career that when I am on vacation I have a need to empty the suitcase, settle in, and "live" it, not "visit" my vacation. dbavis brought it to mind, with the comment about splitting the stay into two resorts. DiznyDi & I used to do that often, splitting our 10 or 12 day trip into what we felt were two separate adventures. But what I found out was I never emptied the ol' suitcase, since I was moving or leaving in a few days. We haven't done a split stay in a while now, so I get to empty it all out, store the suitcase in the closet, spread the Owner's Lockers all over the place, and "live" at The Lodge for a little while. No more business trips while on vacation! Getting old can be comfortable. (By the way, "Living" at The Lodge and enjoying vacation does not mean I use the kitchen; it is only there so I don't have to run for ice in my pajamas.

I usually unpack unless we're just spending a day or two at one place. I like to move in!

 

[dbavis]

Thanks all. We've long been fans of the Wilderness Lodge and stayed at VWL this past summer on a cash reservation. It was actually staying there that sealed the deal for me in terms of buying a contract.

And while the name change doesn't work me up as much as it does some others, it's just plain easier for me to keep calling it VWL.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

For those going for the Holidays this year Epcot is doing Food Kiosks! Pretty soon they'll be out year 'round. I'm actually ok with that - we enjoy "eating on the go" so to speak and the amounts of food at the kiosks suit us just fine.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories...oming-to-epcot-for-holidays-around-the-world/

New food and beverage kiosks coming to Epcot for “Holidays Around the World”
Leah Zanolla | October 28, 2016

It wouldn’t be a celebration at Walt Disney World without food, so Epcot has added several new food items to their “Holidays Around the World” celebration from November 25-December 30.

Prost! in the German Pavilion will offer artisan cheese plates or sauerbraten with red cabbage and spatzle. There will also be alcoholic ciders, hot Williams Punch, Caramel Kiss featuring Werther’s Caramel, and gluwein, a house-made hot spiced wine.

Guests looking for a traditional American holiday dinner can stop at American Holiday Table in the American Adventure Pavilion. Dishes there will include slow-roasted turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce or seared pork tenderloin with green bean casserole, roasted sweet potato wedges, and a champagne demi-glace. Follow that up with Shipyard Eggnog White Porter Aged on Bourbon, Firenog (eggnog with Fireball Whisky), Great American Wine Company Red Blend and Chardonnay, hot chocolate, eggnog, and Cocoa Candy Cane (hot cocoa with peppermint Schnapps).

The Alpine Haus between Morocco and France will serve duck confit, dumplings, and roasted Brussels sprouts with a fig reduction; cheese fondue in a bread bowl with fresh steamed vegetables; and sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam and dark chocolate glaze. Beverages to be served here are Frozen Winter Spice Hot Chocolate featuring Twinings of London Tea (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic available), Weingut Stadt Krems Gruner Vetliner White Wine and Heinrich Red Blend.

Two kiosks will be available in the World Showcase Plaza. Seasonal Southern Delights will serve hoppin’ john (black-eyed peas, ham hocks, and kale with rice and cornbread crumbles); blackened catfish with white cheddar grits with okra, tomato and onion stew; and chocolate pecan tart. Beverages at this stand will be Frozen S’Mores and Central 28 beers.

The other kiosk will be called “Feast of the Three Kings Feast,” celebrating the Latin festival Three Kings Day. This kiosk offers a shredded beef tamale with avocado crema; roasted port with mashed yucca and pickled green bananas; and Three Kings Bread. Coquito (coconut milk) and Coquito with rum floater will also be available.

Other seasonal treats that will be available throughout the park include:

• Mickey Santa Hat cupcake – Fountain View restaurant
• Chocolate Honey Baklava – Morocco
• Panettone cake – Italy
• Gingerbread ice cream and bouche de Noel au chocolat – France
• Pai Cha (Beijing-style friend dough twist with sesame) – China
• Guava tamales – Mexico

News source/photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

 

[Barbara76]

For those going for the Holidays this year Epcot is doing Food Kiosks! Pretty soon they'll be out year 'round. I'm actually ok with that - we enjoy "eating on the go" so to speak and the amounts of food at the kiosks suit us just fine.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories...oming-to-epcot-for-holidays-around-the-world/

New food and beverage kiosks coming to Epcot for “Holidays Around the World”
Leah Zanolla | October 28, 2016

It wouldn’t be a celebration at Walt Disney World without food, so Epcot has added several new food items to their “Holidays Around the World” celebration from November 25-December 30.

Prost! in the German Pavilion will offer artisan cheese plates or sauerbraten with red cabbage and spatzle. There will also be alcoholic ciders, hot Williams Punch, Caramel Kiss featuring Werther’s Caramel, and gluwein, a house-made hot spiced wine.

Guests looking for a traditional American holiday dinner can stop at American Holiday Table in the American Adventure Pavilion. Dishes there will include slow-roasted turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce or seared pork tenderloin with green bean casserole, roasted sweet potato wedges, and a champagne demi-glace. Follow that up with Shipyard Eggnog White Porter Aged on Bourbon, Firenog (eggnog with Fireball Whisky), Great American Wine Company Red Blend and Chardonnay, hot chocolate, eggnog, and Cocoa Candy Cane (hot cocoa with peppermint Schnapps).

The Alpine Haus between Morocco and France will serve duck confit, dumplings, and roasted Brussels sprouts with a fig reduction; cheese fondue in a bread bowl with fresh steamed vegetables; and sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam and dark chocolate glaze. Beverages to be served here are Frozen Winter Spice Hot Chocolate featuring Twinings of London Tea (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic available), Weingut Stadt Krems Gruner Vetliner White Wine and Heinrich Red Blend.

Two kiosks will be available in the World Showcase Plaza. Seasonal Southern Delights will serve hoppin’ john (black-eyed peas, ham hocks, and kale with rice and cornbread crumbles); blackened catfish with white cheddar grits with okra, tomato and onion stew; and chocolate pecan tart. Beverages at this stand will be Frozen S’Mores and Central 28 beers.

The other kiosk will be called “Feast of the Three Kings Feast,” celebrating the Latin festival Three Kings Day. This kiosk offers a shredded beef tamale with avocado crema; roasted port with mashed yucca and pickled green bananas; and Three Kings Bread. Coquito (coconut milk) and Coquito with rum floater will also be available.

Other seasonal treats that will be available throughout the park include:

• Mickey Santa Hat cupcake – Fountain View restaurant
• Chocolate Honey Baklava – Morocco
• Panettone cake – Italy
• Gingerbread ice cream and bouche de Noel au chocolat – France
• Pai Cha (Beijing-style friend dough twist with sesame) – China
• Guava tamales – Mexico

News source/photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

I wonder if they will take DDP credits for these and if they will be QS or TS

 

[DVCjj]

I wonder if they will take DDP credits for these and if they will be QS or TS

At first I thought it would be kiosks but servings look too big so now I'm wondering your same question....QS or TS.

 

[Muushka]

For those new to the VWL (and it will ALWAYS be the VWL) Groupie's thread, this post below gives a good idea of what the Groupies are all about. I've been MIA for quite some time. But I pop back occasionally, like a couple of weeks ago, to tell my Groupie Buds that I lost my best feline friend. In addition to many other kind responses, here is another. Thank you Di, for your kind words. They mean a lot to this Groupie.

Good Monday Morning Groupies!
I've been reading the last few pages trying to get caught up.....

Once again, I've missed Muush dropping in. I'm so sorry to hear about your 4-legged family member. Our pets have a way of imprinting their paw prints on our hearts. I'm so sorry to read of the passing of your Lucy. Hugs to you and Mr Muush.

Have a good week!

I personally like Gurglerator Swamp!

Looks like another job (for those of us who refuse to start calling our home anything other than VWL, mostly all of us here, and we have the numbers)for us to do. Keep the riff raff out of our quiet pool area. We can take turns whilst staying at the VWL, standing guard at the pool and keeping it quiet and peaceful as we once knew it be.
In between shifts, we bring in real live Moose and Bear to stay on alert. We train them in what to look for(All with a look of love and peace and joy in their hearts for the place), in touch with the place, almost as one in unity with the peace and serenity of the Lodge as a whole, leave be. But for those who otherwise make lots of noise, run em to the Lake!
And I feel a proper uniform for us would be that of a Canadian Mounty, or a Ranger in the Rockies. Anyone care to join me?

Whoa JT, you have become quite the rabble rouser! I like it! I'll join in on this revolution!

Getting in one last shout out to Villas at Wilderness Lodge before the craziness starts and the alias begins.

And I'm just letting people know that I have no intention of posting on a BRV Lovers and Groupies thread if anyone starts one! There, I said it. I'm being immature about this one!

Count me in!

Oh no you are not Dad, in fact, was going to throw out the idea of you being our fearless leader as I know you and Di spent a lot of time in the hot tub, so you have every reason to keep the riff raff out!! What say you, General Rich Dizny Dad. Promotion to the top I say, 4 star General. I feel a revolution coming on

I second that emotion.

DW & I are spending a week in the birthplace of our nation's liberty this week, so I've been pretty spotty here for a few days. I'm just popping in at this point to remind the tag fairy that we really don't need a BRV Groupies logo. What the heck would that look like anyway? Is the new mascot going to be a mountain goat?

View attachment 203395

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Julie...I wanted you to know that no horses were injured in the making of this award.

Just had to ask . . . .do any of you unpack and use the drawers, closet, etc. in your villas?

I have travelled and lived out of a suitcase so much of my professional career that when I am on vacation I have a need to empty the suitcase, settle in, and "live" it, not "visit" my vacation. dbavis brought it to mind, with the comment about splitting the stay into two resorts. DiznyDi & I used to do that often, splitting our 10 or 12 day trip into what we felt were two separate adventures. But what I found out was I never emptied the ol' suitcase, since I was moving or leaving in a few days. We haven't done a split stay in a while now, so I get to empty it all out, store the suitcase in the closet, spread the Owner's Lockers all over the place, and "live" at The Lodge for a little while. No more business trips while on vacation! Getting old can be comfortable. (By the way, "Living" at The Lodge and enjoying vacation does not mean I use the kitchen; it is only there so I don't have to run for ice in my pajamas.

I adore unpacking. It is my 'nesting' instinct. I don't feel like I'm on vacation until I have filled the drawers and closets! I have the packing cubes too.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I wonder if they will take DDP credits for these and if they will be QS or TS

I would definitely say not TS. Perhaps QS but the portions might be smaller than they appear and be snack credits.

 

[jimmytammy]

Muushka
I had a feeling I could count on you to be a part of the RevolutionNow to stir up some real trouble. A few weeks back there was talk around these parts about a few of us planting a few pines between us and the riff raff. We could start there(you know we have a lot of pine seedlings here in NC, so we could do our part in the provision dept)

KAT
Thanks for sharing about the Holidays at Epcot, as if I didn't need something to excite me any more about our Dec trip

 

[Corinne]

Granny-your award, tooooo funny! I also love that new avatar!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Aaack - another sad/mad/surprised moment last night. I had of course seen the change on the member website to Boulder Ridge. But last night I was booking something and in my contracts to select from - Boulder Ridge. I do not own at Boulder Ridge - I own The Villas at Wilderness Lodge. And no, I'm not being reasonable, so there. (stamping foot and holding my breath until 2042)

 

[horselover]

For those going for the Holidays this year Epcot is doing Food Kiosks! Pretty soon they'll be out year 'round. I'm actually ok with that - we enjoy "eating on the go" so to speak and the amounts of food at the kiosks suit us just fine.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories...oming-to-epcot-for-holidays-around-the-world/

New food and beverage kiosks coming to Epcot for “Holidays Around the World”
Leah Zanolla | October 28, 2016

It wouldn’t be a celebration at Walt Disney World without food, so Epcot has added several new food items to their “Holidays Around the World” celebration from November 25-December 30.

Prost! in the German Pavilion will offer artisan cheese plates or sauerbraten with red cabbage and spatzle. There will also be alcoholic ciders, hot Williams Punch, Caramel Kiss featuring Werther’s Caramel, and gluwein, a house-made hot spiced wine.

Guests looking for a traditional American holiday dinner can stop at American Holiday Table in the American Adventure Pavilion. Dishes there will include slow-roasted turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce or seared pork tenderloin with green bean casserole, roasted sweet potato wedges, and a champagne demi-glace. Follow that up with Shipyard Eggnog White Porter Aged on Bourbon, Firenog (eggnog with Fireball Whisky), Great American Wine Company Red Blend and Chardonnay, hot chocolate, eggnog, and Cocoa Candy Cane (hot cocoa with peppermint Schnapps).

The Alpine Haus between Morocco and France will serve duck confit, dumplings, and roasted Brussels sprouts with a fig reduction; cheese fondue in a bread bowl with fresh steamed vegetables; and sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam and dark chocolate glaze. Beverages to be served here are Frozen Winter Spice Hot Chocolate featuring Twinings of London Tea (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic available), Weingut Stadt Krems Gruner Vetliner White Wine and Heinrich Red Blend.

Two kiosks will be available in the World Showcase Plaza. Seasonal Southern Delights will serve hoppin’ john (black-eyed peas, ham hocks, and kale with rice and cornbread crumbles); blackened catfish with white cheddar grits with okra, tomato and onion stew; and chocolate pecan tart. Beverages at this stand will be Frozen S’Mores and Central 28 beers.

The other kiosk will be called “Feast of the Three Kings Feast,” celebrating the Latin festival Three Kings Day. This kiosk offers a shredded beef tamale with avocado crema; roasted port with mashed yucca and pickled green bananas; and Three Kings Bread. Coquito (coconut milk) and Coquito with rum floater will also be available.

Other seasonal treats that will be available throughout the park include:

• Mickey Santa Hat cupcake – Fountain View restaurant
• Chocolate Honey Baklava – Morocco
• Panettone cake – Italy
• Gingerbread ice cream and bouche de Noel au chocolat – France
• Pai Cha (Beijing-style friend dough twist with sesame) – China
• Guava tamales – Mexico

News source/photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Thanks for sharing Kat. I did see it yesterday maybe on FB. I too would love to have some type of permanent food kiosks. Nothing as extensive as F&W but something. WS always seems so empty to me once F&G and F&W are over. Nothing particularly jumps out at me to try but I do look forward to the Bouche de Noel every year in France. Last year's flavor was chocolate orange which I didn't really care for. I'm hoping for chocolate peppermint or maybe chocolate raspberry. I hope the weather is cool enough to enjoy the Gluwein. It's my new favorite thing since coming back from New Zealand. They had Gluwein last year but the weather was too warm for it. You really don't want to be drinking warm wine when it's 70+ degrees outside.

I wonder if they will take DDP credits for these and if they will be QS or TS

You can use snack credits at the booths for F&G and F&W so I don't see why this wouldn't be the same. Assuming they are snack portion sizes like F&W.

Aaack - another sad/mad/surprised moment last night. I had of course seen the change on the member website to Boulder Ridge. But last night I was booking something and in my contracts to select from - Boulder Ridge. I do not own at Boulder Ridge - I own The Villas at Wilderness Lodge. And no, I'm not being reasonable, so there. (stamping foot and holding my breath until 2042)

I better not look at my contracts then. It will just put me in a bad mood.

Guess who's headed back to WDW next weekend? I don't think I've mentioned it but last month I earned the coveted Southwest Airlines companion pass. So now it's just sitting there urging me to take full advantage of it. I'm taking DS16 as a surprise end of the term reward. I haven't told him yet. He has election day off at school. He's got a very challenging schedule this semester & he's getting all A's. He's a good kid. The 2 of us are flying from Providence to Orlando RT for a grand total of $22.40. Because I planned it so last minute (and it's wine & dine & Jersey week) I couldn't get anything at a DVC property so we're doing one night at BWI & then 3 at Dolphin. I get a good rate there & I like the Swan & Dolphin. Certainly can't beat the location. We'll spend 3 days eating, eating, eating & then come home.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend groupies!

 

[Kathymford]

I wonder if they will take DDP credits for these and if they will be QS or TS

I was wondering the same thing! I think we may actually do the dining plan this time!

So I was playing around with my December reservation, looking to save some points by moving my 2 nights in a BCV 1-bedroom to a studio, it's getting kind of close, so it's a slim chance, I know. I'm doing a split stay at Kidani (studio) and BCV 1 bd. Well, I was able to snag another night at Kidani (yay) and then there was a Poly studio available for our last night. However, by the time I got to it, someone else had snagged it! BOO. Although, the Poly studio is only 8 less points than the BCV 1 bd! That's crazy. Oh well, I'll keep trying.

Question for those of you who get the dining plan. I have my Kidani stay split across two contracts, but I had them linked so I don't have to change rooms. When I go to purchase the dining plan, will they still see it as a split stay because of the two contracts? Does anyone know?

 

[pmaurer74]

I was wondering the same thing! I think we may actually do the dining plan this time!

So I was playing around with my December reservation, looking to save some points by moving my 2 nights in a BCV 1-bedroom to a studio, it's getting kind of close, so it's a slim chance, I know. I'm doing a split stay at Kidani (studio) and BCV 1 bd. Well, I was able to snag another night at Kidani (yay) and then there was a Poly studio available for our last night. However, by the time I got to it, someone else had snagged it! BOO. Although, the Poly studio is only 8 less points than the BCV 1 bd! That's crazy. Oh well, I'll keep trying.

Question for those of you who get the dining plan. I have my Kidani stay split across two contracts, but I had them linked so I don't have to change rooms. When I go to purchase the dining plan, will they still see it as a split stay because of the two contracts? Does anyone know?

I think you have to get the dining plan twice. We got the DP for the second part of our stay so we will have only one day without it... which will feel weird.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Anniversary @brobrosmom!!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Anniversary brobrosmom!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Guess who's headed back to WDW next weekend? I don't think I've mentioned it but last month I earned the coveted Southwest Airlines companion pass. So now it's just sitting there urging me to take full advantage of it. I'm taking DS16 as a surprise end of the term reward. I haven't told him yet. He has election day off at school. He's got a very challenging schedule this semester & he's getting all A's. He's a good kid. The 2 of us are flying from Providence to Orlando RT for a grand total of $22.40. Because I planned it so last minute (and it's wine & dine & Jersey week) I couldn't get anything at a DVC property so we're doing one night at BWI & then 3 at Dolphin. I get a good rate there & I like the Swan & Dolphin. Certainly can't beat the location. We'll spend 3 days eating, eating, eating & then come home.

Though we haven't done it very often, I love those last minute trips!

 

[Granny]

These aerial photos just made available on another site. Presumably they are very recent.

An overhead view of the South side of the construction.







And a little closer look at the restaurant & pool area.





Here's a good close up of the new pool. I can't tell from this if it is zero entry but I'm still betting it will be on the left side.






And a closeup of the new restaurant. That's the back of Trout Pass bar in the upper left, so I don't see any way that it remains open if the new food service includes a bar. They may well raze Trout Pass bar and make more lounging/seating area for the pool which it sorely needs.






So that's it for the hard hitting news of the day!

 

[Flossbolna]

Here's a good close up of the new pool. I can't tell from this if it is zero entry but I'm still betting it will be on the left side.

Actually you can see by the way the shade falls from the bottom wall that goes to the left edge of the pool. There is no shade all the way to the left and then it gradually grows larger until we get to the first corner. I take this as an indicator that this wall is getting higher the further away from the edge you go, so that confirms the zero entry for me.

 

[Flossbolna]

Also, in the pool picture there is some strange layout just above the pool, around the hot tub area. I wonder if this will be the ridge of boulders they seem to promise us?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Also, in the pool picture there is some strange layout just above the pool, around the hot tub area. I wonder if this will be the ridge of boulders they seem to promise us?

That section caught my eye too Flossy. Maybe it is the boulders.