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

[Granny]

WDad & Flossy...thanks for the videos!

I have to say, it seems like Disney did a fantastic job with this. Took some low use real estate (yes, I know they got rid of the beach but I think at this point they'd rather be rid of all beaches) and turned it into a beautiful setting for a drink or meal. I know we aren't in love with the rock theme but to me they've got enough landscaping where I think it will be a lovely addition to our resort.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Looks nice! And the size of the building is explained better since the Community Hall seems to be there.

The open air - I was looking to see if they had anything that seemed like drop down curtains or something. A little hard to tell if there's a track of some sort but I don't think there's any set up to enclose it. Just have to see how that goes.

 

[horselover]

Looks nice! And the size of the building is explained better since the Community Hall seems to be there.

The open air - I was looking to see if they had anything that seemed like drop down curtains or something. A little hard to tell if there's a track of some sort but I don't think there's any set up to enclose it. Just have to see how that goes.

I was looking in the video too. Really doesn't seem like there's anything to close in those openings with unless it's very well hidden. I'm also surprised there's not more seating. Doesn't seem like it will be enough during peak times. I was expecting to see some tables outside. I know they have the area near Trout Pass (for now anyway) but not everyone is going to want to eat in the smoking section.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

And now to see what happens with Roaring Fork. Will it be the waffle and flatbread station? It has to at least still have the Magic Bars as I didn't see them on the menu at Geyser!

 

[sleepydog25]

I watched both videos, as well, and my original assessment still stands. It is very lovely and well-themed, something I never really doubted about the project. The open air bar/seating area is not going to be terribly useful come rainy season unless you're sitting way inside. . .which basically means the bar. . .or as an escape from the pools when the rain comes. I shall have to see how it pans out in May, but I see this as being a much more high traffic area than it was before, and without meaning to beat a long deceased equine, that means less serenity. As I viewed the videos, however, I did think that RF will likely return, perhaps updated to better serve guests. And I hope that means the return of Mickey waffles. I will miss the beach, there's just no way around that, though the landscaping already looks as though it will be inviting in its own way. With those wide walkways, for me and perhaps only me, it reduces the overall attractiveness. While I like the railroad tracks touch, the amount of space those pathways take up means they expect ramped up numbers of people. I will still hold my breath and make a better judgment as more video and reviews surface, and most especially, when we visit in about three months.

P.S. On a purely social media note, the second video of the two guys reminds me how important an actual script could be. Way too many "ums," "uhs," "like," and the first two minutes is simply wasted time talking about someone being sick. Show more detail, do less talking. Okay, Grumpy Guss out for now. . .

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

P.S. On a purely social media note, the second video of the two guys reminds me how important an actual script could be. Way too many "ums," "uhs," "like," and the first two minutes is simply wasted time talking about someone being sick. Show more detail, do less talking. Okay, Grumpy Guss out for now. . .

My thoughts too Sleepy. I appreciate them getting out to do a review but the camera was also on them more than what they were reviewing! It's kind of the way they go with it from the couple of other videos I've seen which were reviewing the food booths at Epcot for Christmas holidays.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I just finished with the periscope video and have a few more thoughts. No roof or cover for the walk up window - did it stop raining in Floridia? Also, I'm a little confused - does all the seating area have wait service? If so where do you sit if you go to the walk up. I'd have to count the seats but it almost seems to be equivalent table space to Roaring Fork especially maybe even less if you include the outdoor space there (which is getting a covered area I believe so it can't be going away).

Views - my concern of it being enclosed on that side were not correct although I don't see that boarded wall that was depicted in the artists drawings so I'm not certain what that was.

The video taker made a comment about why people would still go to Roaring Fork but I know I would. Much will be weather and menu driven. Unfortunately I'm currently restricted from any thing that swims or comes out of an ocean so the menu at Geyser is limited for me. Lots of yummy sounding items but if you can't eat them then no reason to go there. And many people do not care for seafood so dependent on what Roaring Fork sees for changes there will still be a call for it.

Finally - I'm surprised there is no fencing along the entire water walkway like they installed at all the other resorts.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Birthday @cheer4bison !!!
Hope you have a great day Jill!

​

 

[Dean Marino]

I watched both videos, as well, and my original assessment still stands. It is very lovely and well-themed, something I never really doubted about the project. The open air bar/seating area is not going to be terribly useful come rainy season unless you're sitting way inside. . .which basically means the bar. . .or as an escape from the pools when the rain comes. I shall have to see how it pans out in May, but I see this as being a much more high traffic area than it was before, and without meaning to beat a long deceased equine, that means less serenity. As I viewed the videos, however, I did think that RF will likely return, perhaps updated to better serve guests. And I hope that means the return of Mickey waffles. I will miss the beach, there's just no way around that, though the landscaping already looks as though it will be inviting in its own way. With those wide walkways, for me and perhaps only me, it reduces the overall attractiveness. While I like the railroad tracks touch, the amount of space those pathways take up means they expect ramped up numbers of people. I will still hold my breath and make a better judgment as more video and reviews surface, and most especially, when we visit in about three months.

P.S. On a purely social media note, the second video of the two guys reminds me how important an actual script could be. Way too many "ums," "uhs," "like," and the first two minutes is simply wasted time talking about someone being sick. Show more detail, do less talking. Okay, Grumpy Guss out for now. . .

A thought - no data.....

Let's suppose "all open air" does not quite work out. Check out the upper construction of the edge open air areas.... Looks to me like one could drop walls with large glass panes RIGHT in there....

 

[Dean Marino]

I am wondering the same

For our Groupies.... not COMPLETE data for 2018 Gold AP Blockout dates..... but one hell of a lot better than the stuff on the Official Website....

I wrote to DVC Member Services. Seeing my dilema (renewing to GOLD 60 days ahead of current AP expiration), they were kind enough to provide this data:


"We appreciate your interest in the Disney Gold Pass and we will be happy to assist you. We are showing the following dates are listed as blackout dates for the Disney Gold Pass in 2018. Please keep in mind that the Christmas Holiday Blackout dates have not been released yet.

January 1-2, 2018 (already posted)
March 24-31, 2018 (NOT posted)
April 1-6, 2018 (NOT posted)"

DVC continues to help us, even when the Main WDW Website does not.... .

 

[horselover]

For our Groupies.... not COMPLETE data for 2018 Gold AP Blockout dates..... but one hell of a lot better than the stuff on the Official Website....

I wrote to DVC Member Services. Seeing my dilema (renewing to GOLD 60 days ahead of current AP expiration), they were kind enough to provide this data:


"We appreciate your interest in the Disney Gold Pass and we will be happy to assist you. We are showing the following dates are listed as blackout dates for the Disney Gold Pass in 2018. Please keep in mind that the Christmas Holiday Blackout dates have not been released yet.

January 1-2, 2018 (already posted)
March 24-31, 2018 (NOT posted)
April 1-6, 2018 (NOT posted)"

DVC continues to help us, even when the Main WDW Website does not.... .

I was hoping to spend my actual birthday at Disney in 2018 instead of early March but I guess that's out with those dates. Oh well. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Corinne]

Happy Birthday Jill!!

 

[Starwind]

Yes, I noticed the open air nature as well. There are heaters as well, not just fans. I wonder who came up with that stupid idea? It does look lovely, but how many days in the year will this be pleasant? I can only imagine the designer is from California, which actually has a climate that is good for this kind of setting. They could easily just have added large glass windows. The only good thing is that we won't pay for the air conditioning bill for a large restaurant with our dues.

The ducks are going to be happy And the bugs...

 

[Starwind]

A) Pictures do make GP look lovely B) Still appears to be open air which means when it rains or is very steamy or is very cold, then it could be an adventure to sit out (despite the inclusion of ceiling fans I see whirling about in the pics). Also, wonder how buggy it will be at night? C) I do NOT see Mickey waffles on the menu. As long as RF re-opens in some form as an eatery AND has Mickey waffles, I'll be fine. Otherwise, I will consider this a major loss.

I am also hoping RF opens in a decent form, with *indoor seating*. We can't eat in outdoor venues, so would have to bring food from GP back into the building - a bit of a hike. Fortunately, our next trip is after RF is supposed to reopen, I just hope it is a real QS place when it does, with a decent menu, including Mickey waffles, and did I mention indoor seating in sufficient quantity ? ;-)

GP does look beautiful though.

SW

 

[Starwind]

I do see a couple heaters, at least that's what they appear to be. Those might help on cool nights. I do wonder why they didn't at least install some of those gauzy, sunscreen shades that you could drop down during rain showers or the burnishing sun. Regardless, I expect a lot of damp seats, as well.

In this picture http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/geys...geyser-point-bar-and-grill-overview/29607.htm

Look at the left side. On each of the diagonal supports that goes up to the ceiling and then along the ceiling there is a black thick "line" of something. Could that be a sun shield and the track it runs in ?? It would be in the right place to be... Hopefully someone going soon can do some sleuthing...

SW

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday Jill!!!! AKA as cheer4bison

 

[rkstocke5609]

I am also hoping RF opens in a decent form, with *indoor seating*. We can't eat in outdoor venues, so would have to bring food from GP back into the building - a bit of a hike. Fortunately, our next trip is after RF is supposed to reopen, I just hope it is a real QS place when it does, with a decent menu, including Mickey waffles, and did I mention indoor seating in sufficient quantity ? ;-)

GP does look beautiful though.

SW

I hope that they keep the chili -- pretty good, and one of the best snack credit values anywhere when doing the DDP..

 

[theww228]

In this picture http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/geys...geyser-point-bar-and-grill-overview/29607.htm

Look at the left side. On each of the diagonal supports that goes up to the ceiling and then along the ceiling there is a black thick "line" of something. Could that be a sun shield and the track it runs in ?? It would be in the right place to be... Hopefully someone going soon can do some sleuthing...

SW

They have to "close" the building up at night. I would think 12:01 AM would give a great insight to how they can close the building.

 

[ottawagreg]

I watched both videos, as well, and my original assessment still stands. It is very lovely and well-themed, something I never really doubted about the project. The open air bar/seating area is not going to be terribly useful come rainy season unless you're sitting way inside. . .which basically means the bar. . .or as an escape from the pools when the rain comes. I shall have to see how it pans out in May, but I see this as being a much more high traffic area than it was before, and without meaning to beat a long deceased equine, that means less serenity. As I viewed the videos, however, I did think that RF will likely return, perhaps updated to better serve guests. And I hope that means the return of Mickey waffles. I will miss the beach, there's just no way around that, though the landscaping already looks as though it will be inviting in its own way. With those wide walkways, for me and perhaps only me, it reduces the overall attractiveness. While I like the railroad tracks touch, the amount of space those pathways take up means they expect ramped up numbers of people. I will still hold my breath and make a better judgment as more video and reviews surface, and most especially, when we visit in about three months.

P.S. On a purely social media note, the second video of the two guys reminds me how important an actual script could be. Way too many "ums," "uhs," "like," and the first two minutes is simply wasted time talking about someone being sick. Show more detail, do less talking. Okay, Grumpy Guss out for now. . .

I'm with you Sleepy, I clicked ahead on the video several times. Less face time and conversation about the sunglasses on cloudy days. The Periscope video was much better. There were two or three metal doors on the lake side of the building where the kitchen/service counters are. Restrooms (?) and a CM entrance. The slider doors entrance to the Reunion Station community hall is isolated from the restaurant/bar area. Is that DVC only? How would that be monitored and policed. Magic bands to enter but folks could piggy back pretty easily me thinks. It appears that the water tower is a permanent fixture and another tower for the pool. We are going to be there April 12, looking forward to seeing it.

 

[Granny]

Happy Birthday Jill !!!