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

[Granny]

Okay, I've read through pretty much all that I missed. Lots of news about CCV, for sure! I have to say that I'm surprised about the point schedule being the same as VWL, but it should make sales a lot easier for prospective buyers. I think once all the construction is complete they will have a compelling story to sell CCV points.

But I too am shocked that they didn't make the studios sleep 5 with the drop down. Frankly I'm surprised they didn't configure the 1BR/2BR to have a sleeper chair in the living rooms too.

I will withhold opinion on the new decor until I see it in person.

Sorry I missed the "Muush sighting", and I guess we need to start getting serious about BHGM2 in May!

 

[Flossbolna]

I think the issue with the low capacity of the studios and 1-bedrooms has to do with square footage. The rooms at AKL that were converted were the previous "deluxe rooms", only the rooms that now form the "value" category at Jambo House. The standard room size at AKL is 344 sq. feet (all numbers according to www.allears.net since Disney no longer publishes room sizes on their website...), the standard room size at WL is 340 sq. feet. The former deluxe rooms at AKL, now the AKV Jambo House rooms, were 381 sq. feet. The VWL studios are 356 sq. feet. The BWV studios are 359 sq. feet. So, these might be the smallest studios around as it seems that they kept the original partitions. Those 16 sq. feet missing at CCV compared to VWL might be exactly why there is no murphy bed.

 

[Friendlyadvice2]

I have to say that I'm surprised about the point schedule being the same as VWL, but it should make sales a lot easier for prospective buyers.

Granny, in your quick reading, did you gloss over the $7.33 MF per point? That figure is a by-product of the VWL-comparative point schedule for CCV (less points to allocate costs to). It has many thinking that it may turn away some prospective buyers. We shall see.

 

[Granny]

Granny, in your quick reading, did you gloss over the $7.33 MF per point? That figure is a by-product of the VWL-comparative point schedule for CCV (less points to allocate costs to). It has many thinking that it may turn away some prospective buyers. We shall see.

Friendly...I did see that and thought it was kind of a stunning number. I guess uneducated prospective buyers will focus on the price per point and 50 year contract...many people don't think about the dues and won't do their homework to compare it to other resorts including VWL.

I think the issue with the low capacity of the studios and 1-bedrooms has to do with square footage. The rooms at AKL that were converted were the previous "deluxe rooms", only the rooms that now form the "value" category at Jambo House. The standard room size at AKL is 344 sq. feet (all numbers according to www.allears.net since Disney no longer publishes room sizes on their website...), the standard room size at WL is 340 sq. feet. The former deluxe rooms at AKL, now the AKV Jambo House rooms, were 381 sq. feet. The VWL studios are 356 sq. feet. The BWV studios are 359 sq. feet. So, these might be the smallest studios around as it seems that they kept the original partitions. Those 16 sq. feet missing at CCV compared to VWL might be exactly why there is no murphy bed.

Flossy...I thought that some had reported that the inner connecting walls had been torn down in the South wing during the conversion. I guess they figure that if they could squeeze a few more studios out of the converted space it would make CCV a little more profitable. But again, for the educated buyer it will not be particularly attractive for the small studios and high maintenance costs.

Fortunately for Disney, I think most of their DVC new buyers are completely uneducated on other DVC resort comparables.

 

[Flossbolna]

Fortunately for Disney, I think most of their DVC new buyers are completely uneducated on other DVC resort comparables.

Yes. This.

I thought that we saw that all interior walls had been taken out. But it seems that they put them in the same way as before. The windows are still in the middle of the short side of every room. So, they did not really move any walls around. And really, how could they? The windows and balconies really dictate room width. And I don't think they could have made the hallway much narrower?

 

[sleepydog25]

I will withhold opinion on the new decor until I see it in person. I guess we need to start getting serious about BHGM2 in May!

While the pictures largely don't leave me very impressed with the decor, like you, I shall reserve final judgment until Luv and I see the interiors in person. She tried reminding me that we had the same feeling before taking an actual tour of the then newly refurbished VWL rooms about three years ago and liking them. I quickly reminded her that we did not like them. She liked them just fine; I thought they looked newer and cleaner but had been dumbed down and sanitized to remove much of the Lodge theme. I got one of these from her:

As for the BHGM2, there does exist a small window for us to perhaps meet a few of you on the 5th. Here's hoping. . .

 

[Muushka]

Okay, I've read through pretty much all that I missed. Lots of news about CCV, for sure! I have to say that I'm surprised about the point schedule being the same as VWL, but it should make sales a lot easier for prospective buyers. I think once all the construction is complete they will have a compelling story to sell CCV points.

But I too am shocked that they didn't make the studios sleep 5 with the drop down. Frankly I'm surprised they didn't configure the 1BR/2BR to have a sleeper chair in the living rooms too.

I will withhold opinion on the new decor until I see it in person.

Sorry I missed the "Muush sighting", and I guess we need to start getting serious about BHGM2 in May!

Hi Granny Good to see you!

JT, I saw your AR15 baby gender post (what a hoot! I need to tell Mr Muush about that one!) and I just wanted to wish you and Tammy "Happy Grandparents"! Your daughter will make a great mom.

 

[horselover]

While the pictures largely don't leave me very impressed with the decor, like you, I shall reserve final judgment until Luv and I see the interiors in person. She tried reminding me that we had the same feeling before taking an actual tour of the then newly refurbished VWL rooms about three years ago and liking them. I quickly reminded her that we did not like them. She liked them just fine; I thought they looked newer and cleaner but had been dumbed down and sanitized to remove much of the Lodge theme. I got one of these from her:

As for the BHGM2, there does exist a small window for us to perhaps meet a few of you on the 5th. Here's hoping. . .

But I won't get a chance to see you. Just when I finally got at least half of my stay booked too.

I'm withholding final judgement until I see the models in person. I don't like what I've seen online (except for the cabins) but maybe they'll look nicer in person. I'll find out next week.

 

[ottawagreg]

Hello VWL groupies. I hope you all are doing well. It has been a pretty hard week here in my hometown. Perhaps some may have heard about a tornado hitting Ottawa. They say it was a F3.5, but I don't know that for certain. Two men were killed by a falling tree, but otherwise the human loss was minimal. All the Chicago TV stations are gone now, and most of the police from surrounding towns have returned home. Power is restored to most, but not all victims of the storm. I drove across the bridge racing for home, and missed the center of it, but felt it's effect for several blocks before I was able to drive out of the stronger wind speeds. The storm lasted about three to five minutes going from the west side to the east on the south side of the river. Many will be out of their homes for many days to come. The cleanup seems like a daunting task. They could use a few prayers this weekend. Thanks you.

Here is a short video of the scene:

https://www.facebook.com/shannon.cantu.9/posts/1447851781903525

 

[nvrenoughdisney]

Closer to the elevators is always nice. First time at the lodge must do's : Do the lobby guided tour if available while you are there. Walk the entire grounds from the Spring in the main lobby, outside follow the stream to the waterfall, follow the steps down, and watch it turn into the pool, watch geyser go off on the hour. Absolutely awesome. Must do the new Geyser Pointe at least for the EWP at night. Walk the grounds at night and watch the lanterns flicker! Take the boat over to Contemporary or better yet Fort Wilderness (do a carriage ride!). Enjoy the nightly movie (last I heard it's still in the villas lobby due to construction, check with guest services). Grab a beverage and sit in front of the fireplace in either the main lobby or the villas lobby, even bring a book! Play checkers (There's a spot in the villas, Carolwood Pacific Room). Relax breathe deep. Everything about the lodge is special. Please forgive anything I forgot -- oh, dining shenanigans at Whispering Canyon ( grab a chocolate malt, yummy!)

Here's an overhead view of the resort - the Green roof building is Wilderness lodge (the main building) and the red roof is VWL so there are rooms that are closer but nothing is more than a couple minutes.

The workout room is actually over in VWL if that is of interest and there are nice sitting areas there too. At this time to get to all the other amenities you will have to go thru the main building though.

First, welcome to the Groupies thread! We're glad you could drop by! Second, Ron gave you some great things to do while staying at the Lodge. I would add grabbing a Hidden Mickey hint sheet at the customer service desk. It will have you exploring a great deal of the Lodge and Villas. You can walk to FW along the paved path, as well; it's just under a mile one way, and we enjoy making that walk in the morning to hit the breakfast buffet at Trail's End, one of the best bargains on Disney property. We've seen all manner of wildlife such as rabbits, turtles, deer, and even a hawk sitting on the ground with its prey in its talons. Despite missing too many trees and all the new construction, the Lodge and VWL are still pretty special places.

Thank you so much! This is exactly the type of information I was looking for. Since we will largely be hanging out at the resort for two days we will have plenty of time to explore!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hello VWL groupies. I hope you all are doing well. It has been a pretty hard week here in my hometown. Perhaps some may have heard about a tornado hitting Ottawa. They say it was a F3.5, but I don't know that for certain. Two men were killed by a falling tree, but otherwise the human loss was minimal. All the Chicago TV stations are gone now, and most of the police from surrounding towns have returned home. Power is restored to most, but not all victims of the storm. I drove across the bridge racing for home, and missed the center of it, but felt it's effect for several blocks before I was able to drive out of the stronger wind speeds. The storm lasted about three to five minutes going from the west side to the east on the south side of the river. Many will be out of their homes for many days to come. The cleanup seems like a daunting task. They could use a few prayers this weekend. Thanks you.

Here is a short video of the scene:

https://www.facebook.com/shannon.cantu.9/posts/1447851781903525

Glad that you are ok Greg and will keep your home town in my prayers. That was a devastating storm.

 

[sleepydog25]

But I won't get a chance to see you. Just when I finally got at least half of my stay booked too.

I'm withholding final judgement until I see the models in person. I don't like what I've seen online (except for the cabins) but maybe they'll look nicer in person. I'll find out next week.

Dang it! Blame on my thespian inclinations. We simply must meet at some point.

Greg, sorry to hear of the storm's devastation. Here's wishing the affected areas recover quickly.

Thank you so much! This is exactly the type of information I was looking for. Since we will largely be hanging out at the resort for two days we will have plenty of time to explore!

Glad we could help! I'm sure you'll love your time at the Lodge!

 

[horselover]

Glad you're ok Greg!

 

[Lakegirl]

I think the issue with the low capacity of the studios and 1-bedrooms has to do with square footage. The rooms at AKL that were converted were the previous "deluxe rooms", only the rooms that now form the "value" category at Jambo House. The standard room size at AKL is 344 sq. feet (all numbers according to www.allears.net since Disney no longer publishes room sizes on their website...), the standard room size at WL is 340 sq. feet. The former deluxe rooms at AKL, now the AKV Jambo House rooms, were 381 sq. feet. The VWL studios are 356 sq. feet. The BWV studios are 359 sq. feet. So, these might be the smallest studios around as it seems that they kept the original partitions. Those 16 sq. feet missing at CCV compared to VWL might be exactly why there is no murphy bed.

That makes sense now.

 

[PolyRob]

I think the issue with the low capacity of the studios and 1-bedrooms has to do with square footage. The rooms at AKL that were converted were the previous "deluxe rooms", only the rooms that now form the "value" category at Jambo House. The standard room size at AKL is 344 sq. feet (all numbers according to www.allears.net since Disney no longer publishes room sizes on their website...), the standard room size at WL is 340 sq. feet. The former deluxe rooms at AKL, now the AKV Jambo House rooms, were 381 sq. feet. The VWL studios are 356 sq. feet. The BWV studios are 359 sq. feet. So, these might be the smallest studios around as it seems that they kept the original partitions. Those 16 sq. feet missing at CCV compared to VWL might be exactly why there is no murphy bed.

I thought this too, until I remembered moderate resorts were refurbished to accommodate a 5th guest on a murhpy bed like Caribbean Beach which is estimated at 314 sq ft.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

From a news release today about Copper Creek - something I hadn't seen before. Maybe explains some of the large building by the pool? Or will it be in the Geyser Point/Community Hall building? Or - Maybe the remodeled Trout pass? Or just in the current spa section of Sturdy Branches? Or, or......???:

"Those in search of extra pampering will want to stop by the all-new Salon by the Springs for pool-side manicures, pedicures and hair services. Additionally, a brand-new sports court, BBQ pavilions and a refurbished fire pit and movie area also join the lineup of resort amenities all slated to open in the summer."

Just read that this Salon by the Springs is apparently going into Trout Pass.

 

[Flossbolna]

I thought this too, until I remembered moderate resorts were refurbished to accommodate a 5th guest on a murhpy bed like Caribbean Beach which is estimated at 314 sq ft.

I think the rooms at the moderate resorts might have a different layout. With the bathroom at the end of the room instead of next to the door, they might be wider, but shorter. The WL rooms might be longer, but more narrow, therefore giving less space for a walkway between bed and Murphy bed? I guess we need to send someone to measure all those rooms exactly. If the Groupies are willing to fund such a project, I am happy to volunteer staying at all the resorts to take exact measurements!

Ok, now I am wondering if this is not something the Unofficial Guide might not have done already. Will locate my copy this weekend an der have a look!

 

[horselover]

Just read that this Salon by the Springs is apparently going into Trout Pass.

 

[Starwind]

Regarding why there isn't the pulldown bed to make 5 in the CCV studios and 1 bedrooms...

A possible explanation beyond the sheer width is that the fire/life saving code requires certain width of clear passage, as well as certain square footage of clear floor space in a room. It is entirely possible they cannot meet the fire code requirement if there is a murphy bed due to the smaller room and the specifics of length and width... this is speculation of course.

SW

 

[Starwind]

I think the rooms at the moderate resorts might have a different layout. With the bathroom at the end of the room instead of next to the door, they might be wider, but shorter. The WL rooms might be longer, but more narrow, therefore giving less space for a walkway between bed and Murphy bed? I guess we need to send someone to measure all those rooms exactly. If the Groupies are willing to fund such a project, I am happy to volunteer staying at all the resorts to take exact measurements!

Ok, now I am wondering if this is not something the Unofficial Guide might not have done already. Will locate my copy this weekend an der have a look!

While I can't vouch for the accuracy of the number, if they are accurate they would explain much: According to this page: http://**************.net/planning-...-square-feet-in-a-square-foot/#comment-514185

The moderates bedroom space is actually LARGER than the bedroom space of WL rooms:

Moderates: total room: ~314; of which bedroom is ~240

Wilderness Lodge: total room: ~344; of which bedroom is ~208

Also, according to http://**************.net/2014/01/07/review-disneys-wilderness-lodge-2/ referring to WL rooms:

" The bedroom component of these rooms is smaller than even those at the moderate resorts, being almost a foot narrower and, on the long side, 2.5 feet shorter.


(On average, Wilderness Lodge bedrooms are about 9 inches shorter than moderates, counting both the moderate’s shorter and longer sides. See this for more on comparative Disney resort room sizes.) "