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

[horselover]

And Rivers of Light is definitely opening because the dining packages are up on the website & I just snagged a FP for 3/12. Sweet!

 

[Flossbolna]

And Rivers of Light is definitely opening because the dining packages are up on the website & I just snagged a FP for 3/12. Sweet!

Thanks for the alert!!!!

 

[Friendlyadvice2]

Here's a picture from a different perspective than what we've been seeing. It's the start of the footbridge over the remainder of our beloved tree line to connect the cabins walkway to the current VWL.

 

[sleepydog25]

Here's a picture from a different perspective than what we've been seeing. It's the start of the footbridge over the remainder of our beloved tree line to connect the cabins walkway to the current VWL.

Gotta say I like the look of the footbridge. Wonder if there'll be any flickering lanterns or chirping crickets?

Also, I just read in one of the sideboard articles (to the right on the DIS screen) that Wishes is being replaced by a new night time spectacular as of 12 May. That puts it in the realm of us possibly being able to see both while we're there. Speaking of May and the BHGM, Part Deux, I'll post a couple of possibilities for those of us there to get together. Obviously, numerous schedules are hard to juggle, but we'll see what we can do.

 

[Granny]

Here's a picture from a different perspective than what we've been seeing. It's the start of the footbridge over the remainder of our beloved tree line to connect the cabins walkway to the current VWL.

Friendly...thanks for the picture. I've wondered from time to time if those footbridges were going to get deleted from the original plan. I do think they will add a nice feature to the whole look. And as Sleepy said, it would be great if they continued the crickets and flickering lanterns in that area.

 

[Granny]

Just to add - I bought at a resort I thought was finished - and practically perfect just as it was. Then we learned DVC was going to change it to add to their pockets at a better than building new margin and we have gotten to deal with construction for 2 years. No matter how things go it removed 2 years of the contract from my POV and what did we get for that? A larger dues increase than normal.

On the rooms - I may need to complain to DVC about making everything so bright and question when they are going to darken things up! Seems fair for all the "too dark" complaints that apparently led to the lighter colors. PVB may be the only darker theme left.

Kathy...I agree with all comments. I guess AKV is also in the "darker theme" category. At least it was the last time I stayed there about 4 years ago.

We've stayed at VWL twice since the refurbishment changed the room decor, and while we miss the cozy feel of the previous look we have found that overall it didn't have much effect on us. We actually prefer the new floor to the old carpet but wish they had done something to keep the theming besides a couple of pillows and the background of the drop down bed (which we'll never see unless we book a 2BR lock off at some point). Maybe the new rock theme will provide the room design people some ideas on the next refurb.

 

[Friendlyadvice2]

I can't recall if we ever got a great look at the smaller building that is being built pretty close to the pool, so I've included a pic of it. I know we've speculated about its purpose and I think that centered mostly around being "mechanical-related", but the more I look at it and the fact that it sits basically right in the middle of the action, I'm wondering if it's not something else. A community center maybe? Can't remember if that was ever mentioned in the initial plans. Also, is it possible they could relocate the Teton boat/bike rental to this building?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I can't recall if we ever got a great look at the smaller building that is being built pretty close to the pool, so I've included a pic of it. I know we've speculated about its purpose and I think that centered mostly around being "mechanical-related", but the more I look at it and the fact that it sits basically right in the middle of the action, I'm wondering if it's not something else. A community center maybe? Can't remember if that was ever mentioned in the initial plans. Also, is it possible they could relocate the Teton boat/bike rental to this building?

There's supposed to be some sort of community hall coming. That building looks like it's getting some sort of entry way so I'm thinking that may be what it is for.

If Teton were going away I think they would have already taken it down since it's been closed up since they started construction. I think it is staying.

 

[Granny]

I can't recall if we ever got a great look at the smaller building that is being built pretty close to the pool, so I've included a pic of it. I know we've speculated about its purpose and I think that centered mostly around being "mechanical-related", but the more I look at it and the fact that it sits basically right in the middle of the action, I'm wondering if it's not something else. A community center maybe? Can't remember if that was ever mentioned in the initial plans. Also, is it possible they could relocate the Teton boat/bike rental to this building?

I think this is the "mystery building" that we speculated about from the initial plans (circled in GREEN).



My guess is that it is a Community Hall. The proximity to the pool (like BWV) would make sense, and it would be one more selling tool for CCV. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

[ArielSRL]

The extra set would get taken and not replaced. If you want fresh new ones technically you would have to pay again - they are not a wash and replace for as long as you are there. Or - hide them and wash them yourself.

Thank you for the info. Since we are driving, it may just be better if we bring our own then. But if not, I'll try that trick.

 

[sleepydog25]

I can't recall if we ever got a great look at the smaller building that is being built pretty close to the pool, so I've included a pic of it. I know we've speculated about its purpose and I think that centered mostly around being "mechanical-related", but the more I look at it and the fact that it sits basically right in the middle of the action, I'm wondering if it's not something else. A community center maybe? Can't remember if that was ever mentioned in the initial plans. Also, is it possible they could relocate the Teton boat/bike rental to this building?

Based on your recent pics, I nominate you for Official Spy Photographer status. This, too, is a great shot. Thanks!

On another, perhaps note, given that we are getting a new community hall, will a) it be open to all Lodge guests, and b) we experience less of what I felt was VWL's biggest asset, serenity? My guess is "yes" to both. Progress marches on, regardless.

 

[Friendlyadvice2]

Yes Sleepy, and to stir the pot further, along with it being open to all Lodge guests, it will also be "open" to showing up on our annual dues! Progress does indeed in march on!

 

[Granny]

Based on your recent pics, I nominate you for Official Spy Photographer status. This, too, is a great shot. Thanks!

On another, perhaps note, given that we are getting a new community hall, will a) it be open to all Lodge guests, and b) we experience less of what I felt was VWL's biggest asset, serenity? My guess is "yes" to both. Progress marches on, regardless.

Yes Sleepy, and to stir the pot further, along with it being open to all Lodge guests, it will also be "open" to showing up on our annual dues! Progress does indeed in march on!

I don't think any Community Halls are open to non-DVC guests. It's been a while since we've used a CH, but I remember having to show my membership card for access at BWV and other CH's.

But you are correct, Friendly, in that we could see dues increases due to the larger pool (lifeguards?) and a new CH. Time will tell.

 

[DenLo]

I forgot about the rumors about a community hall addition. I agree that has to be what that building will be used for. The building is just too large to be a pump building.

BTW, the Community Hall at Aulani is open for all guests. By having the hotel guests included Disney pays for some of the cost.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kathy...I agree with all comments. I guess AKV is also in the "darker theme" category. At least it was the last time I stayed there about 4 years ago.

Kind of and kind of not. Refurb - lighter colors. At least they didn't go with blue and green!

We've stayed at VWL twice since the refurbishment changed the room decor, and while we miss the cozy feel of the previous look we have found that overall it didn't have much effect on us. We actually prefer the new floor to the old carpet but wish they had done something to keep the theming besides a couple of pillows and the background of the drop down bed (which we'll never see unless we book a 2BR lock off at some point). Maybe the new rock theme will provide the room design people some ideas on the next refurb.

Actually, I too am more or less ok with the colors they chose at VWL - not white! Disappointed with the quality of the work done in painting cabinets etc and continue to hate the rug under the coffee table in the living area and a few other design choices. Very happy that VWL had some nice details built into the woodwork that they couldn't remove without completely gutting the place - such as the cut out's on the laundry closet doors.

 

[Dean Marino]

I can't recall if we ever got a great look at the smaller building that is being built pretty close to the pool, so I've included a pic of it. I know we've speculated about its purpose and I think that centered mostly around being "mechanical-related", but the more I look at it and the fact that it sits basically right in the middle of the action, I'm wondering if it's not something else. A community center maybe? Can't remember if that was ever mentioned in the initial plans. Also, is it possible they could relocate the Teton boat/bike rental to this building?

No mystery - we were in the Villas as this was being built. It is a poured concrete building. with large chemical holding tanks internal. It's main purpose is pool chlorination, possibly heating. It MAY also serve the cabins. We SAW and PHOTOGRAPHED the tanks. Concrete has since been resurfaced for aesthetics.

 

[rkstocke5609]

There is an amazing feature on this forum software, the spoiler tag. If you go to the little symbols on the top of the field you write the post in, there is one field that has a smiley, a picture, some film and then a sheet of paper. Click on that sheet of paper. You get a little menu and the second option is a little flag and it says Spoiler. Click on that and you will get a pop up window where you can enter the spoiler title. Then click ok. You will get some text into your post that reads "square brackets open" (using words here, you will see the symbol) SPOILER, then the title and the "square brackets closing" before you get another set of square brackets. The cursor will be placed in the middle of those square brackets. There you can enter any text, picture or video. And then it will look like this:

Spoiler: This is the super secret spoiler - only Groupies in good standing may look!

Anyone who wants to see what is hidden, just needs to click on that grey field and it will open up.

Hope this helps!

Ok, this is so cool! I hope to one day find a use for it, and* remember how it was done.......

But, then too, it took me a long time to add links and I still have never downloaded a picture so I might be in trouble..

And, I'm really not as computer illiterate as that made me sound...I think it's actually caused by Windows at work, lots of IPads at home, & a 4 1/2 year old Windows phone with a 3.75 inch screen...not enough continuity...but I'm thinking about an IPhone SE. Maybe that could help...

 

[rkstocke5609]

Ok here goes a try...

Spoiler: Avatar I can't seem to load

https://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/e2/73/53/e2735305ec79443d4d33aa89e9b85240.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17381148531544121/&docid=kJS40Na32v0lDM&tbnid=8LbnzZEc_U56KM:&vet=1&w=236&h=315&hl=en-us&source=sh/x/im#h=315&imgrc=8LbnzZEc_U56KM:&vet=1&w=236

Wow, it worked! I use this avatar in other places, but here I have to download a picture - I can't take it from a website like I did on other sites...

 

[LisaS]

There is an amazing feature on this forum software, the spoiler tag. If you go to the little symbols on the top of the field you write the post in, there is one field that has a smiley, a picture, some film and then a sheet of paper. Click on that sheet of paper. You get a little menu and the second option is a little flag and it says Spoiler. Click on that and you will get a pop up window where you can enter the spoiler title. Then click ok. You will get some text into your post that reads "square brackets open" (using words here, you will see the symbol) SPOILER, then the title and the "square brackets closing" before you get another set of square brackets. The cursor will be placed in the middle of those square brackets. There you can enter any text, picture or video. And then it will look like this:

Spoiler: This is the super secret spoiler - only Groupies in good standing may look!

Anyone who wants to see what is hidden, just needs to click on that grey field and it will open up.

Hope this helps!

I haven't come across the Spoiler tag before. Cool!

Another useful feature is the one just below "Spoiler" in that list, namely the "Code" tag. Any tags between the CODE start and end tags are ignored and displayed as text. That allows you to show people the tags they need to type, or where to put their content if they click a button to insert the tags automatically. For example:

[SPOILER="This is a spoiler!"]Insert text, picture or video here[/SPOILER]

 

[jimmytammy]

Here's a picture from a different perspective than what we've been seeing. It's the start of the footbridge over the remainder of our beloved tree line to connect the cabins walkway to the current VWL.

That bridge will allow us to sneak over at night and harass the newbies