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

[KAT4DISNEY]

Good night Artist Point

https://twitter.com/TheDCLBlog/status/1061434124634857473

We did not eat in the restaurant often - frankly it often drove me crazy as we'd walk down early and see it 90% empty and they couldn't seat us. Then we'd go in the bar and watch maybe 4-5 tables go in during the time we were there making it 70% empty. This was before online reservations and we'd be looking for a place but not wanting to call and go on hold to see.

But we'd eat in the lounge. ALWAYS knew we could get a bit there and enjoy several of the menu AP menu items. Now I wonder what will be happening there - but of course it won't be the nice quiet little bar any more either.

 

[sleepydog25]

Sad day for us WL fans. Even though I didn't frequent AP, it still seems like another way they have dumbed down the resort. It wont keep me away, as many other things draw me there than the restaurants, though TL and now GP are pluses, not the thing that says "hey, I want to stay at WL!"
Its the ambiance, the architecture, just the warm, cozy feel of it all that continues drawing my heart back there. But knowing AP was a small piece of it that is now being homogenized doesnt bode well with many of us. Cant change it, but hopefully Disney will see a mistake has been made and they will return it to a better place. Don't get me wrong SW and the 7 are a great idea for a CM, just not in this location.

Those who know me on this thread know my feelings toward the closing of AP: hate it. Character breakfast? Sure! Lunch? If needed. Dinner? No. Now there is no Signature at the Lodge. As you say, JT, there's still much to love there, but they have dumbed down the dining experience. Now, luv and I will have to go offsite to get a topnotch meal even as we say goodbye to the place that hosted our wedding dinner. I know many think it's a great idea, and it is for them. . .it just will never be for us. KAT: No, TL will also likely be a shell of its former self. Families are going to want to sit somewhere waiting to get in, and even if it's not directly in the lounge, the noise and hubbub from families will most definitely impact the lounge. Also, it will likely mean no more of the menu items that they were able to provide from AP. Sigh.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

KAT: No, TL will also likely be a shell of its former self. Families are going to want to sit somewhere waiting to get in, and even if it's not directly in the lounge, the noise and hubbub from families will most definitely impact the lounge. Also, it will likely mean no more of the menu items that they were able to provide from AP. Sigh.

I'm still just hoping they aren't looking at Geyser Pt as becoming THE bar at WL and that Territory Lounge doesn't go away completely.

 

[Granny]

I so fondly remember the Christmas tree exchange, and participated several times, sharing our own little tree a few of those times.

I agree, the Christmas tree exchange was a lot of fun to participate in. It just added to the magic of being at WDW at Christmas, with a decorated tree in the villa that we would pass along when finished. So kind of you and others to share your trees!

Speaking of Christmas, is anyone looking towards booking for next Dec.? We are planning on booking 2 1 beds at VWL Dec 7-14(really missing not being there this Dec.)and our DD, her DH and our DGS will be joining us. Possibly switching over to BLT or Kidani if they are available at the 7 mo mark, just because of the extra restroom in the 1 beds. But if not, I will be perfectly happy at VWL

We haven't firmed up our plans for next December. We are thinking of trying a different time since we haven't been to F&W for so long. I guess we better figure out our plans pretty quickly as we are the 11 month mark already for the middle of next October!

 

[Granny]

Good night Artist Point

We enjoyed a few meals at this restaurant, but I can't say that we were regulars. I think that the Character Meal will be a big success, and as others have pointed out it will add quite a bit of traffic and noise to the WL lobby area. But we will also miss AP though we are part of the reason it is changing...we just didn't love the menu enough to dine there often.

 

[Granny]

KAT: No, TL will also likely be a shell of its former self. Families are going to want to sit somewhere waiting to get in, and even if it's not directly in the lounge, the noise and hubbub from families will most definitely impact the lounge. Also, it will likely mean no more of the menu items that they were able to provide from AP. Sigh.

I'm still just hoping they aren't looking at Geyser Pt as becoming THE bar at WL and that Territory Lounge doesn't go away completely.

I think like anything else, TL will be around as long is is well frequented by guests. If business there falls off, they may look to convert it to something else. I agree that Geyser Point shouldn't become THE bar at WL, but I do wish they'd take this opportunity to figure out how to make it better than the hybrid counter service/bar service location that it is.

 

[Granny]

On brighter news: I'm taking on a new volunteer role that has the potential to feed into my ego rather than truly be for service. In the Old Days, I would have taken this on without thinking about how it might be for the wrong reasons. (In fact, I probably would have done it for the wrong reasons.) Now it's an opportunity for me to renew my commitment, because without doing that I won't be serving the role properly.

Brian...your volunteer role sounds intriguing. And it sounds like a great opportunity for you to share your gift of service to others. Bless you for accepting the role, and best wishes that you find it satisfying and fulfilling.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I think like anything else, TL will be around as long is is well frequented by guests. If business there falls off, they may look to convert it to something else. I agree that Geyser Point shouldn't become THE bar at WL, but I do wish they'd take this opportunity to figure out how to make it better than the hybrid counter service/bar service location that it is.

My concern about Territory Lounge in good part revolves around it's location and how they might look to have some use of it related to the Character dining. And I'd bet that Geyser Pt could handle more business much of the time and I've never had an issue finding a spot at Territory but when it also was the lounge around AP it was certain to stay. Disney likes to pack 'em in these days so they might want to fill Geyser Pt more. But I don't 100% care for Geyser Pt because it is essentially an outdoor bar. Wind, heat, cold, rain all have some affect. I hope Disney recognizes that aspect.

 

[twinklebug]

My concern about Territory Lounge in good part revolves around it's location and how they might look to have some use of it related to the Character dining. And I'd bet that Geyser Pt could handle more business much of the time and I've never had an issue finding a spot at Territory but when it also was the lounge around AP it was certain to stay. Disney likes to pack 'em in these days so they might want to fill Geyser Pt more. But I don't 100% care for Geyser Pt because it is essentially an outdoor bar. Wind, heat, cold, rain all have some affect. I hope Disney recognizes that aspect.

Absolutely. WL needs a lounge in the main building, by which I mean TL as it is, not one of the seating areas converted into a bar.
If I'm looking to relax in a bar setting with family or friends and it is a cold, rainy or oppressive evening you can bet I will avoid GP. I wouldn't think twice about taking a bus or boat elsewhere to enjoy a bit of climate control.

 

[sleepydog25]

GP is fine and it looks very nice; however, it's drawbacks are just as others have suggested--it's an outdoor bar with TVs, pool goers, heat, wind, bugs, etc. We've enjoyed what we've purchased there for the most part, but TL was a relaxing and quiet oasis. I fear that will disappear. During the initial release of details about the construction of CC, GP, and the new pool, Luv said even then that it would be a great opportunity to reboot AP and put it in a building by the water: dining on the water, some views of fireworks and EWP, and a Signature designation? Can't imagine it wouldn't attract patrons. Heck, even put TL there as a companion area much like it was to AP for so many years. But, Disney either didn't think of the idea (unlikely) or didn't want to spend more money--"let's just shutter places!" Can you imagine a top tier restaurant on the water, watching boats go by, listening to piped in fireworks music? I wouldn't have minded giving up the beach to such a place. Instead, it's a bar and an underused, not well-though-out gathering spot. What could have been. . .

Onto more positive news. . .we will be at the World next holiday season, but only for a couple of days before leaving on a Christmas cruise. We will arrive on the 21st, stay two nights, then have a 4-day cruise on the Dream. OPINIONS, PLEASE: Luv asked if we should walk our reservation for next year. I honestly don't know. I've never been a fan of doing so, but after having been shut out by walkers re: our stay at GCV, and with the ability to modify reservations online, walking appears to be more of a possibility than ever. Thoughts, anyone?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

GP is fine and it looks very nice; however, it's drawbacks are just as others have suggested--it's an outdoor bar with TVs, pool goers, heat, wind, bugs, etc. We've enjoyed what we've purchased there for the most part, but TL was a relaxing and quiet oasis. I fear that will disappear. During the initial release of details about the construction of CC, GP, and the new pool, Luv said even then that it would be a great opportunity to reboot AP and put it in a building by the water: dining on the water, some views of fireworks and EWP, and a Signature designation? Can't imagine it wouldn't attract patrons. Heck, even put TL there as a companion area much like it was to AP for so many years. But, Disney either didn't think of the idea (unlikely) or didn't want to spend more money--"let's just shutter places!" Can you imagine a top tier restaurant on the water, watching boats go by, listening to piped in fireworks music? I wouldn't have minded giving up the beach to such a place. Instead, it's a bar and an underused, not well-though-out gathering spot. What could have been. . .

Onto more positive news. . .we will be at the World next holiday season, but only for a couple of days before leaving on a Christmas cruise. We will arrive on the 21st, stay two nights, then have a 4-day cruise on the Dream. OPINIONS, PLEASE: Luv asked if we should walk our reservation for next year. I honestly don't know. I've never been a fan of doing so, but after having been shut out by walkers re: our stay at GCV, and with the ability to modify reservations online, walking appears to be more of a possibility than ever. Thoughts, anyone?

I really thought it was going to be what you describe Sleepy - a water front fine dining - and was shocked when what we got was an open air bar and counter service attached to a community hall. Then of course the community hall went away so they could try and make money on the location. We would have quite enjoyed a water front restaurant on Bay Lake! But, Disney did not ask me.

For December 21st I personally would not worry about walking. But as you mention it's not difficult to do online, just unnecessary IMO. It's not as busy as the first week or two however.

 

[Corinne]

Love the ornaments Bobbi!!!
I so fondly remember the Christmas tree exchange, and participated several times, sharing our own little tree a few of those times.

Speaking of Christmas, is anyone looking towards booking for next Dec.? We are planning on booking 2 1 beds at VWL Dec 7-14(really missing not being there this Dec.)and our DD, her DH and our DGS will be joining us. Possibly switching over to BLT or Kidani if they are available at the 7 mo mark, just because of the extra restroom in the 1 beds. But if not, I will be perfectly happy at VWL

Hi Jimmy,

We are booking next December, and we talked about also switching to BLT @ the 7 month window we have never stayed there! I am really bummed about not going there this year. I really want that Santa Alien popcorn bucket!

 

[DiznyDi]

No plans for us to be in the World next Dec. . We'll be going in November. How I'll miss all of you!

 

[Muushka]

Hello Groupies!

It is comforting to come here and see all my old buds names, even though there are so many changes at VWL!

I hope everyone is doing well. Not too much new for Mr. Muush and I. No VWL this Christmas, yup, cruise.

So we have some points to rent and I was going to post on the rent trade board and I thought, what do I call it now?
Can I call it VWL or do I have to call it that other name?

Can you tell we are not fans of change??

Take care all.

Huugs,
Muush

 

[Corinne]

Hi Muush!

Nice to see you!!

 

[Corinne]

Good Morning Groupies,

Does anyone know why I’m seeing ads on the boards? It is driving me crazy.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Good Morning Groupies,

Does anyone know why I’m seeing ads on the boards? It is driving me crazy.

I see them too. Was told to get an ad blocker. Have not done anything about it yet.

 

[Corinne]

Thanks Bobbi....soooo annoying!

 

[Granny]

Hello Groupies!

It is comforting to come here and see all my old buds names, even though there are so many changes at VWL!

I hope everyone is doing well. Not too much new for Mr. Muush and I. No VWL this Christmas, yup, cruise.

So we have some points to rent and I was going to post on the rent trade board and I thought, what do I call it now?
Can I call it VWL or do I have to call it that other name?

Can you tell we are not fans of change??

Take care all.

Huugs,
Muush

Muush! It's always so great to see you stopping by! I'm hoping that "no news" for you and Mr. Muush means that you are doing well.

Much as I might not like it, if I were renting points I'd probably use BRV. You would hate to lose a potential rental due to buyer confusion. But then after you've hooked them, you can email them and tell them that the name is really VWL!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hey, Muush!! Good to see you! I agree with Granny. Most of those looking to rent will likely be going by the Acronym That Shall Not Be Mentioned. Even I, one of the more ardent and vocal critics of that new name, would likely list it as the new one. And. I would definitely tell the renter the actual name is still V-W-L.