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

[Lakegirl]

I remember just not the timing. Still would have preferred that to what we're getting.



Thanks for the link Kathy! I often forget to check this thread.

I'm not surprised things are moving along rapidly at the restaurant. When we were there end of Dec. there were so many workers in & on top of the building. Really seemed to me they were ramping up construction.



I liked the sage too. Certainly better then the horrid pastels we were worried about.

And in other news DVD stole my BLT contract from me. Back to the drawing board.

So sorry about fact that they'd took. Your contact was it loaded??

 

[Lakegirl]

My BCV came through for August. I definitely had some pixie dust sprinkled on that. Super excited to plan!!

 

[ArielSRL]

@KAT4DISNEY thank you for sharing your DLR photos. I've been twice...once in 1981 and once in 2002. I am trying to figure out a way to get back there soon as my 2 year old is OBSESSED with Cars and McQueen!

I think I have my dad convinced to rent an RV in the next few years (he's wanted to for a long time) and drive cross country (we are in GA), doing a few days at DLR and stopping at as many national parks as we can on the trip. I did a 7 week road trip, 4.5 wks alone, 2.5 with dad in 2002 (the last time I was at DLR) so I would love to try a couple weeks with my boys!

Now we just need to convince my mom. My DH is passing on this one....lol.

 

[jimmytammy]

KAT
Thanks for sharing the pics of DL/CA. You know we will be in contact soon to get some info from those in the know for those of us whom have never been.

 

[Granny]

Great pics, KAT!

Dean, by not having a road, I primarily meant one that would be used by guests staying in the new cabins. I'm sure the service workers will have some sort of access, though I suspect it will be more along the lines of a broad pathway and not an actual road. I still have a hard time believing the hotel--with all the money spent on the new themes--will want to have actual trucks, especially big ones, running back and forth by the pool and cabins. I see smaller carts more along the lines of what you see at Poly, for example.

Sleepy...I agree it will most likely be a wide paved path. I'm thinking of the ones at BWV that provide vehicle access to the pools and runs all the way to the bridge on the other side of Jelly Rolls. Mostly Disney uses those golf cart/flatbed vehicles on that road but I've seen an ambulance on it as well. I am sure they will have something of that nature...not unlike the paved path between WL and FW.

 

[Granny]

Kathy...thanks for the excellent photos!


So I didn't know that the Tower of Terror converting to Guardians of the Galaxy is an official announced thing. I wonder if they'll do that at WDW? I had also heard a Guardians conversion for the Ellen's Energy space. I think I'd prefer that they convert Universe of Energy before ToT which is actually not all that old of an attraction.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kathy...thanks for the excellent photos!


So I didn't know that the Tower of Terror converting to Guardians of the Galaxy is an official announced thing. I wonder if they'll do that at WDW? I had also heard a Guardians conversion for the Ellen's Energy space. I think I'd prefer that they convert Universe of Energy before ToT which is actually not all that old of an attraction.

Yes, Granny, it was official for DCA. I also think that it was announced at D23 or somewhere that ToT at DHS would NOT be getting the overlay. Of course things can always change. I also heard the speculation for replacing Ellen's but it seems like that rumor has died down although once again, Disney has said that Epcot is going to finally get some love. The last Epcot VP was supposedly appointed do to just that and we got the 3rd Soarin' theatre and the Singing Norwegians. It's nice for cutting down lines but didn't really seem to be what was hinted at for the park with the original announcement.

 

[ArielSRL]

I have a question for all you experts. Hopefully it's not too controversial. And I'll preface the question by saying I am completely and utterly happy with staying in a studio villa and I have never asked for an upgrade in my life. I think I may have gotten one on a cruise once but I didn't ask or expect it.

Ok, so I have read about people that don't do online check-in because if they wait to check in on arrival, they sometimes get offered an upgrade to a different room category. However, I've also read that when staying on points, upgrades are not offered. Is this correct? If so, like I mentioned above, I am completely fine with that as that is what I am paying for. But if it is possible, I certainly wouldn't scoff at more room (and an in room washer and dryer) for my family.

Regardless of if we do online check-in or not, we will go first to the main lodge because, duh, how can you not? So, since we will be there anyway, it wouldn't be out of our way to visit the check-in desk.

Thanks, in advance, for reading my lengthy post and answering my question.

 

[wildernessDad]

I have a question for all you experts. Hopefully it's not too controversial. And I'll preface the question by saying I am completely and utterly happy with staying in a studio villa and I have never asked for an upgrade in my life. I think I may have gotten one on a cruise once but I didn't ask or expect it.

Ok, so I have read about people that don't do online check-in because if they wait to check in on arrival, they sometimes get offered an upgrade to a different room category. However, I've also read that when staying on points, upgrades are not offered. Is this correct? If so, like I mentioned above, I am completely fine with that as that is what I am paying for. But if it is possible, I certainly wouldn't scoff at more room (and an in room washer and dryer) for my family.

Regardless of if we do online check-in or not, we will go first to the main lodge because, duh, how can you not? So, since we will be there anyway, it wouldn't be out of our way to visit the check-in desk.

Thanks, in advance, for reading my lengthy post and answering my question.

It would only happen if for some strange reason, they had to take rooms out of service. But in general, no, you won't be offered an upgrade regardless of whether you check in online or not. So, do online check-in if you want to.

One time, we had booked an AKV Concierge Studio. We were informed later that they were taking the concierge rooms out for refurbishment during the time of our stay. We were given a savannah view studio with club access. They moved the concierge goodies to another area during the refurbishment. They also refunded us the difference in points between the concierge studio and the savanna view studio.

 

[sleepydog25]

Not controversial at all. However, I agree with Dad that it's unlikely you'll be offered an upgrade except under unusual circumstances regardless of which manner you check in.

 

[Granny]

Ariel...your question is not controversial at all.

WDad and Sleepy have done a good job answering your question. I just wanted to post because this sentence clearly shows that you "get it".

Regardless of if we do online check-in or not, we will go first to the main lodge because, duh, how can you not?

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[ArielSRL]

It would only happen if for some strange reason, they had to take rooms out of service. But in general, no, you won't be offered an upgrade regardless of whether you check in online or not. So, do online check-in if you want to.

One time, we had booked an AKV Concierge Studio. We were informed later that they were taking the concierge rooms out for refurbishment during the time of our stay. We were given a savannah view studio with club access. They moved the concierge goodies to another area during the refurbishment. They also refunded us the difference in points between the concierge studio and the savanna view studio.

Not controversial at all. However, I agree with Dad that it's unlikely you'll be offered an upgrade except under unusual circumstances regardless of which manner you check in.

Thank you both for your reply. Unfortunately, I've been a part of groups that questions like this would receive snarky type replies.

Ariel...your question is not controversial at all.

WDad and Sleepy have done a good job answering your question. I just wanted to post because this sentence clearly shows that you "get it".

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I have been watching YouTube videos of overviews of the Lodge and looking at photos and while all those are wonderful, I'm sure they do not do it justice. I truly can't wait to experience the majesticness of it all! I think I might actually tear up on that first view! And be speechless, for sure!

 

[DiznyDi]

Yes. I agree. A room upgrade is the exception, not the rule. It does happen and its nice to hear about when it does. But.....

Oh Corinne. Hope all is well! DDaughter and I will be at VWL in 2 weeks. Want to join us?

Thanks Kathy for the photos! Someday DDad and I will get to Disneyland.....

Sorry Julie! Hopefully another contract will come soon that suits your needs.

Can you believe it - Ohio hit 61 degrees today! Unheard of in January.

In other news, DDaughter and I received the new style Magic Bands this week. They are larger, but softer.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thank you both for your reply. Unfortunately, I've been a part of groups that questions like this would receive snarky type replies.



I have been watching YouTube videos of overviews of the Lodge and looking at photos and while all those are wonderful, I'm sure they do not do it justice. I truly can't wait to experience the majesticness of it all! I think I might actually tear up on that first view! And be speechless, for sure!

I've been with this group for at least five years, and not once have I seen a snarky comment. It's just not in our DNA. We're a genuinely nice group who simply wishes to extol our love of the Lodge. All sincere questions are welcome. That's not to say we don't poke fun at each other from time to time, but that's done strictly from the knowledge that we like each other and know we can tease. As we say on Page 1, we're more like family than anything else. . .and I've only met a few of these folks in person! Yet, I feel as though I know them.

As for the tearing up, join the club. Every single time I walk into the main lobby of the Lodge, it evokes such a warmth of feeling and depth of emotion that I can't quite put it into words. Luv and I hug each other and simply know we're home. Others on here know this, but luvvwl and I were married at the Lodge--it means that much to us. So, I understand how you feel when you say you'll likely be speechless.

 

[ArielSRL]

I've been with this group for at least five years, and not once have I seen a snarky comment. It's just not in our DNA. We're a genuinely nice group who simply wishes to extol our love of the Lodge. All sincere questions are welcome. That's not to say we don't poke fun at each other from time to time, but that's done strictly from the knowledge that we like each other and know we can tease. As we say on Page 1, we're more like family than anything else. . .and I've only met a few of these folks in person! Yet, I feel as though I know them.

Glad to hear it! Yes, I'm from the "the more I like you the more I make fun of you" club!

As for the tearing up, join the club. Every single time I walk into the main lobby of the Lodge, it evokes such a warmth of feeling and depth of emotion that I can't quite put it into words. Luv and I hug each other and simply know we're home. Others on here know this, but luvvwl and I were married at the Lodge--it means that much to us. So, I understand how you feel when you say you'll likely be speechless.

Oh my goodness...I bet that was a stunningly beautiful wedding! It's so great you get to go back there together to experience the joy all over again!

 

[Corinne]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Groupies are the best. Thank you for the well wishes, they are very much appreciated.

Di-wish I could join you and your daughter!

Kat-thanks for sharing your DL photos. I always enjoy your great pics.

 

[sleepydog25]

I decided not to go back into DCA to watch WOC so headed up to the viewing platform that is located on the 6th floor of VGC:

Note all the yawns going on and I think one or two people might have been sleeping while standing up!

The only "character" we got in line to get a picture with (of course):

QUOTE]

I've been meaning to reply that luv and I relived last year's Princess race through your pictures: the early morning yawns, chilly temperatures, the crowds, the running through park streets, and character meets. Like you, we eschewed stopping to take photos with characters as the shortest line for even a minor character was several people deep and, in most cases, a couple of dozen people were waiting in line. We plodded on instead. Anyway, we do love these shots. Also, we stayed at VGC but were unaware there was a viewing area for WOC. We took it in right down front and it was amazing, but we'd likely have watched it again from that area had we known.

 

[melk]

Hi everyone, haven't been on this thread in a really long time. We've owned VWL since 2002 and all our early trips were spent there. But then we spent years trying out all the other DVC resorts. Now I'm homesick.

Thinking of planning a NYE trip at our beloved VWL. I know it's purely speculation but I'm wondering how much of the construction will be done by then. If the DVC rooms in the main building were ready by the end of the year I would even consider trying to switch over to one of them, even for a night or two. Of course I would love to try a cabin one day, can't wait to see how many points they're going to charge (not that I'll probably ever have enough!).

 

[Lakegirl]

Hi everyone, haven't been on this thread in a really long time. We've owned VWL since 2002 and all our early trips were spent there. But then we spent years trying out all the other DVC resorts. Now I'm homesick.

Thinking of planning a NYE trip at our beloved VWL. I know it's purely speculation but I'm wondering how much of the construction will be done by then. If the DVC rooms in the main building were ready by the end of the year I would even consider trying to switch over to one of them, even for a night or two. Of course I would love to try a cabin one day, can't wait to see how many points they're going to charge (not that I'll probably ever have enough!)

they seem to be moving along quickely. I bet they will be done by then.

 

[DenLo]

. . .
As for the tearing up, join the club. Every single time I walk into the main lobby of the Lodge, it evokes such a warmth of feeling and depth of emotion that I can't quite put it into words. Luv and I hug each other and simply know we're home. Others on here know this, but luvvwl and I were married at the Lodge--it means that much to us. So, I understand how you feel when you say you'll likely be speechless.

The lobby at WL wows me every time I enter. And often tears well up in my eyes because it reminds me so much of living in Colorado and all those vacations we took in the West. I still miss Colorado.

But having a wedding at WL had to have been lovely. You have a very good excuse. Me, I am just hooked on WL/VWL.