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

[Corinne]

Do check the pricing at the various locations though - there's usually a difference in charges between them - sometimes significant.

Thank you Kathy, I absolutely will!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

This is our last evening here at Wilderness Lodge. I have to admit that the activity yesterday afternoon and today took me by surprise. It appears they are putting a wide road in in front of VWL. They haven't poured the concrete beyond the pump house (in the center, 3 brown doors). But they have added, wood siding and have been adding gravel to the area all day, smoothing it out. This area it is just too wide to call it a sidewalk as two pickups could easily pass each other with room to spare. I understand that they need to transport supplies to Geyser Point Bar and Grill, but heck wouldn't a single lane road work?

Hmmmm - Mr Bedrock must have addressed that in his letter, eh? Maybe not?
(Haven't bothered opening ours yet)

Ah well, means I'm sure to get placed on the lakeside now whether I ask or not.

Thanks for the update and pictures DenLo!

 

[jimmytammy]

Great pictures DenLo!! I have too say, not happy with the results right now,but time will tell

Anna, its funny you mentioned the candle. Its been awhile since I broke out our Yankee Candle Autumn Lodge, which for quite awhile has been a go to in close relation to what the villas lobby area used to smell like. So today, otw home from work, I decided its time to break it out again.
As for the Spireside, I have that one as well. I can't say its as close IMO to the smell I remember at VWL back in the day, but its not far off.
If you are interested, Yankee Candle puts Autumn Lodge back out for a very limited time in the fall. But Spireside's will suffice for sure

 

[ArielSRL]

Great pictures DenLo!! I have too say, not happy with the results right now,but time will tell

Anna, its funny you mentioned the candle. Its been awhile since I broke out our Yankee Candle Autumn Lodge, which for quite awhile has been a go to in close relation to what the villas lobby area used to smell like. So today, otw home from work, I decided its time to break it out again.
As for the Spireside, I have that one as well. I can't say its as close IMO to the smell I remember at VWL back in the day, but its not far off.
If you are interested, Yankee Candle puts Autumn Lodge back out for a very limited time in the fall. But Spireside's will suffice for sure

I was looking at those recently. I'll wait til we get back so I have something to remind me of our trip but I am interested in purchasing a few of their Disney inspired candles.

 

[twinklebug]

I was worried the "butterfly bushes" as we took to calling them would go away forever, and when i saw that road in the design map my heart sank. Thankfully I/we still have the 10 minute clip of the bushes I took from 2 summers back. But if anyone knows what the name of the bushes are, please tell me. I'll make sure to plant a few in my parent's back yard in hopes that the butterflies will stop by.

 

[Flossbolna]

This is our last evening here at Wilderness Lodge. I have to admit that the activity yesterday afternoon and today took me by surprise. It appears they are putting a wide road in in front of VWL. They haven't poured the concrete beyond the pump house (in the center, 3 brown doors). But they have added, wood siding and have been adding gravel to the area all day, smoothing it out. This area it is just too wide to call it a sidewalk as two pickups could easily pass each other with room to spare. I understand that they need to transport supplies to Geyser Point Bar and Grill, but heck wouldn't a single lane road work?

What the hell!! Reminds me of those wide roads they built all over Sunset Point at the Poly.

But thanks for the reporting from the Lodge! I appreciated all your posts.

 

[Strikan]

This has got to be the nicest and most active DVC resort thread. It really shows how much people love this resort. I'm seriously thinking about buying into Copper Creek - I actually really like how the villas have been done and I have always loved the whole Wilderness Resort. One question I have is whether anyone knows how responsibility for the resort facilities are divided between the hotel and the two DVC sections? I assume Disney does what it wants to do and allocates cost between the three groups? Also, I am a little nervous about whether there will be issues between the two DVC resorts - this is the first time there have been 2 DVC resorts sharing one location, yes? I would hate to be a part of something that upsets the current original DVC villa group. My hope is that buyers of Copper Creek are welcomed into the larger Wilderness Lodge DVC family, but I am also sensing that there may have been some issues regarding all the construction and inconvenience over the last couple of years. Would love to know what folks think.

 

[wildernessDad]

This is our last evening here at Wilderness Lodge. I have to admit that the activity yesterday afternoon and today took me by surprise. It appears they are putting a wide road in in front of VWL. They haven't poured the concrete beyond the pump house (in the center, 3 brown doors). But they have added, wood siding and have been adding gravel to the area all day, smoothing it out. This area it is just too wide to call it a sidewalk as two pickups could easily pass each other with room to spare. I understand that they need to transport supplies to Geyser Point Bar and Grill, but heck wouldn't a single lane road work?

Hopefully some landscaping will still be added on each side of the road. Although DH and I have been really enjoying the views of the lake from our studio (2nd to last on the 4th floor) when we look towards the left. Looking to right is nothing but trees.

BTW, the circular gray concrete pieces in the dirt are the bases for a light pole. You can see the tall light poles they have added on the walkway in front of the cabins in this photo. See tree on left, the light pole with shade is just to the right of the tree. Also you can see the they also have added low sidewalk lights for the sidewalks that lead up to the cabins front porch.

Lastly we rented a small pontoon boat yesterday and took too many photos for here. But this pic shows what the screened porch looks like on Cabin #1, which is next to Geyser Point Bar and Grill.

Wow! Maybe they'll call that new highway "Via Del Cabinas".

 

[momtwoboys]

I can't wait to book our April 2018 trip, just wishing I watched airfare this April as it is our spring vacation in Mass and flights are crazy so I am not sure what dates I will want to do.

we will be booking for april on may 13! we plan on april 13-20!

 

[sleepydog25]

I'm not sure if this counts yet but we will be headed home to VWL (will always be to me ) 5/7/18-5/14/18 for our 30th wedding anniversary. Haven't stayed at our home resort since 10/15. We are missing home.

Absolutely, it counts!! Welcome aboard! I'll update Page 1, and congrats on being the first 2018 trip to be added!

This has got to be the nicest and most active DVC resort thread. It really shows how much people love this resort. I'm seriously thinking about buying into Copper Creek - I actually really like how the villas have been done and I have always loved the whole Wilderness Resort. One question I have is whether anyone knows how responsibility for the resort facilities are divided between the hotel and the two DVC sections? I assume Disney does what it wants to do and allocates cost between the three groups? Also, I am a little nervous about whether there will be issues between the two DVC resorts - this is the first time there have been 2 DVC resorts sharing one location, yes? I would hate to be a part of something that upsets the current original DVC villa group. My hope is that buyers of Copper Creek are welcomed into the larger Wilderness Lodge DVC family, but I am also sensing that there may have been some issues regarding all the construction and inconvenience over the last couple of years. Would love to know what folks think.

Thanks for the compliments to our Groupies. We do strive to be the friendliest bunch on the DIS (and, yes, likely the most active). You've noticed that we are an impassioned bunch when it comes to our beloved VWL (yes, Anna, many of us will always call it such); however, I can't imagine there will be any real friction or issues between VWL owners and the new CCVC owners--we'll all be lovers of the Lodge which is the true heart of our group. In fact, I'm sure a number of current VWL owners will buy CCVC, as well. Will there be issues regarding money and dues allocations? Perhaps, but that would be a DVC initiated problem unrelated to any other potentially fractious issues between owners. As for sharing the resorts' amenities, VWL owners and the main WL guests have co-existed peacefully for years, and I see no reason why adding another DVC resort would change things. We'll all share the same things--food, pools, boats--and I'm sure it will be fine. Finally, as to the construction, I will be the first to admit that I loved VWL and WL just as they were. . .I was not for "progress." The denuding of trees (which hopefully will be replaced), the removal of the beach area, the shortening of the nature trail, this latest road running beside VWL, and the general loss of wilderness have irked me from the beginning, and to be frank, have robbed some of the emotional links I have to the Lodge. That being said, I certainly would never hold that against any owner, renter, or guest. That was all Disney's decision, and they did what they felt would earn them more money, period. I will just have to deal with it.

Anyway, we're happy you found us and hope that you'll find us as friendly the next few years as we have been the last several. Welcome and join in anytime! All we've ever required on this thread is--all together Groupies!--a love of the Lodge.

 

[sleepydog25]

we will be booking for april on may 13! we plan on april 13-20!

Added! VWL or other?

 

[momtwoboys]

Added! VWL or other?

vwl studio...called boulder ridge right?!
we are renting dvc again. This april we are at akl 17-24 and for 2018 we will be booking vwl 13-20 april

 

[Strikan]

Absolutely, it counts!! Welcome aboard! I'll update Page 1, and congrats on being the first 2018 trip to be added!
Thanks for the compliments to our Groupies. We do strive to be the friendliest bunch on the DIS (and, yes, likely the most active). You've noticed that we are an impassioned bunch when it comes to our beloved VWL (yes, Anna, many of us will always call it such); however, I can't imagine there will be any real friction or issues between VWL owners and the new CCVC owners--we'll all be lovers of the Lodge which is the true heart of our group. In fact, I'm sure a number of current VWL owners will buy CCVC, as well. Will there be issues regarding money and dues allocations? Perhaps, but that would be a DVC initiated problem unrelated to any other potentially fractious issues between owners. As for sharing the resorts' amenities, VWL owners and the main WL guests have co-existed peacefully for years, and I see no reason why adding another DVC resort would change things. We'll all share the same things--food, pools, boats--and I'm sure it will be fine. Finally, as to the construction, I will be the first to admit that I loved VWL and WL just as they were. . .I was not for "progress." The denuding of trees (which hopefully will be replaced), the removal of the beach area, the shortening of the nature trail, this latest road running beside VWL, and the general loss of wilderness have irked me from the beginning, and to be frank, have robbed some of the emotional links I have to the Lodge. That being said, I certainly would never hold that against any owner, renter, or guest. That was all Disney's decision, and they did what they felt would earn them more money, period. I will just have to deal with it.

Anyway, we're happy you found us and hope that you'll find us as friendly the next few years as we have been the last several. Welcome and join in anytime! All we've ever required on this thread is--all together Groupies!--a love of the Lodge.

That is awesome to hear. We are leaving for WDW tomorrow and will be doing the DVC tour next week. We will make a decision shortly after that but odds are definitely in favor of buying. I would love to be a part of the WL community.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

One question I have is whether anyone knows how responsibility for the resort facilities are divided between the hotel and the two DVC sections? I assume Disney does what it wants to do and allocates cost between the three groups?

What Disney has more recently said is that it bases the expense allocations of the common facilities based on occupancy (or projected occupancy) so in theory each "person" pays for their share of access to the common areas. The buildings should all be separately allocated based upon their upkeep.

While I may not be particularly happy with DVC and Disney's decision to change what was practically perfect and affecting VWL usage for almost 2 years (Boulders - phooey) I certainly don't transfer that to or include anyone who buys at CCV. It's an awesome location after all! As a VWL owner though I remain concerned about our dues increases as they've added amenities and also the sales of CCV will likely increase the property tax assessed to VWL as well. The CCV dues calculations have a much larger allocation for property tax in them making up a good chunk of the difference between it and VWL. And we never saw any reduction while so much was closed.

 

[sleepydog25]

vwl studio...called boulder ridge right?!
we are renting dvc again. This april we are at akl 17-24 and for 2018 we will be booking vwl 13-20 april

Yes, you are correct: technically, VWL is now called Boulder Ridge Villas or BRV. However, I cannot help myself in continuing to call them VWL. Okay, I could help myself--I just won't. Either way, you are now updated on Page 1 for both trips (though I shall warn you that I put down next year's trip as "VWL" ).

That is awesome to hear. We are leaving for WDW tomorrow and will be doing the DVC tour next week. We will make a decision shortly after that but odds are definitely in favor of buying. I would love to be a part of the WL community.

For what it's worth, you should already consider yourself a Groupie since you have an obvious affinity for the Lodge.

 

[Granny]

I'm seriously thinking about buying into Copper Creek - I actually really like how the villas have been done and I have always loved the whole Wilderness Resort.

You had us at "loved the whole Wilderness Resort".

One question I have is whether anyone knows how responsibility for the resort facilities are divided between the hotel and the two DVC sections? I assume Disney does what it wants to do and allocates cost between the three groups?

That is absolutely what happens. No one really knows how Disney allocates costs between hotel resorts and DVC resorts, so it will be interesting to watch how this plays out.

Also, I am a little nervous about whether there will be issues between the two DVC resorts - this is the first time there have been 2 DVC resorts sharing one location, yes? I would hate to be a part of something that upsets the current original DVC villa group. My hope is that buyers of Copper Creek are welcomed into the larger Wilderness Lodge DVC family, but I am also sensing that there may have been some issues regarding all the construction and inconvenience over the last couple of years. Would love to know what folks think.

As @sleepydog25 and @KAT4DISNEY have indicated, I agree completely that nobody here will be holding anything against new CCV owners. Any decisions to build and re-design are 100% on Disney.

So when you see us mumbling, grumbling and generally moaning a bit about the changes...you have to understand that the VWL Lovers on this thread thought VWL was PERFECT before Disney decided to eliminate so many trees, topiaries, beaches, etc. So if you tinker with perfection, there's bound to be some people taking issue with it. And then changing the name and spinning it so that we are supposed to think that rock theming is better than tree theming...well, you understand where we could get a tad touchy.

Please be assured that we understand that this is a first world problem, isn't really the biggest issue we will face, and in general we will roll with the changes. But the forum does give us a good outlet for our snarky, sarcastic side to sneak out every once in a while...but never at each other. Just at the "powers that be". I am sure we will enjoy having new DVC neighbors on the property.

 

[Strikan]

You had us at "loved the whole Wilderness Resort".



That is absolutely what happens. No one really knows how Disney allocates costs between hotel resorts and DVC resorts, so it will be interesting to watch how this plays out.



As @sleepydog25 and @KAT4DISNEY have indicated, I agree completely that nobody here will be holding anything against new CCV owners. Any decisions to build and re-design are 100% on Disney.

So when you see us mumbling, grumbling and generally moaning a bit about the changes...you have to understand that the VWL Lovers on this thread thought VWL was PERFECT before Disney decided to eliminate so many trees, topiaries, beaches, etc. So if you tinker with perfection, there's bound to be some people taking issue with it. And then changing the name and spinning it so that we are supposed to think that rock theming is better than tree theming...well, you understand where we could get a tad touchy.

Please be assured that we understand that this is a first world problem, isn't really the biggest issue we will face, and in general we will roll with the changes. But the forum does give us a good outlet for our snarky, sarcastic side to sneak out every once in a while...but never at each other. Just at the "powers that be". I am sure we will enjoy having new DVC neighbors on the property.

Totally understand. Many thanks for the replies - I think you may have chased away any last doubts I had about the potential purchase. Really looking forward to seeing it all in person now. Thanks again.

 

[rkstocke5609]

While I love the pictures Denlo sent because I love to see "progress", I AM DISMAYED THAT I DON'T SEE ANY OF THE HANGING FLICKERING LANTERNS! Please say it ain't so, but I expected to see them along the cabin road as they keep with the theming surrounding the rest of the resort, and certainly expect them along this "highway" they are building in front of VWL.

IF THEY ARENT THERE WHEN IT'S DONE, I WILL GO BALLISTIC! If they screw this up, it would be like the POLY not having torches along the trails/roads. I would probably actually have to write a complaint letter for the first time..

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome to the groupies Strikan!!!!
And let me add, you have great tastes in resorts. You are right, you have found the friendliest group(self proclaimed of course)on the DIS boards. I relay the sentiments of others here, we aren't crazy about the changes, but it is what it is, and we have to roll with it. But I don't think you have made a bad choice in choosing VWL(yes, I refuse to give in totally too)as your home resort. If you so choose, we like to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries round these parts, so if you are so inclined, PM sleepydog25 for that info. And if you wish to be added to upcoming trips, let KAT4DISNEY know via PM and she will add you in there.

 

[sleepydog25]

Welcome to the groupies Strikan!!!!
And let me add, you have great tastes in resorts. You are right, you have found the friendliest group(self proclaimed of course)on the DIS boards. I relay the sentiments of others here, we aren't crazy about the changes, but it is what it is, and we have to roll with it. But I don't think you have made a bad choice in choosing VWL(yes, I refuse to give in totally too)as your home resort. If you so choose, we like to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries round these parts, so if you are so inclined, PM sleepydog25 for that info. And if you wish to be added to upcoming trips, let KAT4DISNEY know via PM and she will add you in there.

Close but no cigar, JT. PM me if you want dates added; KAT for anniversaries/birthdays, Strickan. . .unless I've missed a memo somewhere. . .