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

[DVC Jen]

I just wanted to share with my Groupie friends that Mrs. Granny & I have our first grandchild...a boy born to my daughter early this morning! Mom & baby are in good health...praise God!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! So happy for you!

 

[DVC Jen]

Question: What is your favorite extra ticketed event?
My answer: We did the expensive MK After Hours in January. We had the MK practically to ourselves from 8-11 pm and loved it! Totally worth the money, even though we remember those $10.00 ETicket nights that were amazing in the early days.

We did the Villians After Hours Event last year and really enjoyed it. We also did Early Morning Magic and while it was nice - Villans After Hours was much better.

Question - Have you ever stayed at an off site DVC resort? If so which one/s. If you have stayed at more than one, which was your favorite and why?

We also own at Vero Beach and love it. We have also stayed at HHI and really enjoyed that as well. I love both of them but for different reasons. If I had to choose one I feel guilty saying it because we own at Vero - but I would say I enjoyed our one stay at HHI more. There is a lot more to do right around the resort. The beach is also wider and there isn't that drop off with all the broken shells that rip up the bottom of my feet. The water is prettier at Vero though - and the beach is RIGHT there. I do love Vero - but the closeness of shops, restaurants and other entertainment that HHI offers bumps it up a notch over Vero.

 

[sleepydog25]

Question - Have you ever stayed at an off site DVC resort? If so which one/s. If you have stayed at more than one, which was your favorite and why?

We also own at Vero Beach and love it. We have also stayed at HHI and really enjoyed that as well. I love both of them but for different reasons. If I had to choose one I feel guilty saying it because we own at Vero - but I would say I enjoyed our one stay at HHI more. There is a lot more to do right around the resort. The beach is also wider and there isn't that drop off with all the broken shells that rip up the bottom of my feet. The water is prettier at Vero though - and the beach is RIGHT there. I do love Vero - but the closeness of shops, restaurants and other entertainment that HHI offers bumps it up a notch over Vero.

Great question, Jen! We've stayed at VB, HHI, and VGC. It's a tough call between HHI and VGC as they serve two totally different functions. VB runs a distant third for us. We love the vibe at HHI, the wealth of activities, the closeness of good restaurants, the fresh seafood, the bike/walking path system, ocean/marsh views depending on where you are on the island, and the best CMs anywhere. VGC is very reminiscent of our beloved Lodge, and it has all the amenities of a true deluxe hotel such as one of our Top 3 restaurants on Disney property (Napa Rose), a Top 5 lounge (Hearthstone), a gorgeous setting, immediate access to a park, well-appointed and quiet rooms, and an ambiance that reminds us of the iconic beauty that is our very own VWL/WL. If we were going to buy more points (we aren't), I believe we'd swing toward HHI as it offers a respite from the hubbub of the parks and exists, to us, primarily as a place to recharge our batteries while getting just a little bit of that Disney feeling.

 

[Granny]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! So happy for you!

Thank you! I thought your husband might like my grandson's name.

Question - Have you ever stayed at an off site DVC resort? If so which one/s. If you have stayed at more than one, which was your favorite and why?

We have stayed at HHI, VGC and Aulani. HHI had the best cast members that we've seen anywhere. VGC is a beautiful resort from the designer of WL, and has that nice park entry feature for DCA. But I'd have to say that Aulani was our favorite. It is a gorgeous resort, the CMs were all very nice, and it's hard to beat the weather and the ocean sunsets each evening.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Great question, Jen! We've stayed at VB, HHI, and VGC. It's a tough call between HHI and VGC as they serve two totally different functions. VB runs a distant third for us. We love the vibe at HHI, the wealth of activities, the closeness of good restaurants, the fresh seafood, the bike/walking path system, ocean/marsh views depending on where you are on the island, and the best CMs anywhere. VGC is very reminiscent of our beloved Lodge, and it has all the amenities of a true deluxe hotel such as one of our Top 3 restaurants on Disney property (Napa Rose), a Top 5 lounge (Hearthstone), a gorgeous setting, immediate access to a park, well-appointed and quiet rooms, and an ambiance that reminds us of the iconic beauty that is our very own VWL/WL. If we were going to buy more points (we aren't), I believe we'd swing toward HHI as it offers a respite from the hubbub of the parks and exists, to us, primarily as a place to recharge our batteries while getting just a little bit of that Disney feeling.

How funny - I'd never consider VGC as offsite! It even has it's very own entrance into a Disney park and it's onsite to the place that Walt built that started it all!

For my own answer: We've stayed at both VB and Aulani but never HHI. Aulani is the best all around resort DVC has built although they had to work into it. I don't think any other resort has had such major changes so quickly after opening. It has honest to goodness real slides, a lazy river, an infinity hot tub that overlooks the ocean and many good ocean view rooms. Also some very nice activities. I'm sad that they ended the free show however.

 

[sleepydog25]

How funny - I'd never consider VGC as offsite! It even has it's very own entrance into a Disney park and it's onsite to the place that Walt built that started it all!

True! Shows you my thought process that I immediately interpreted her "offsite" as not at WDW, not remembering that DL is onsite, too. Good catch!

 

[DVC Jen]

Thank you! I thought your husband might like my grandson's name.

Definitely!

 

[jimmytammy]

Offsite: Only at Aulani, twice. We love it there, so peaceful! We have had ressies at HHI twice and had to cancel because of illnesses in extended family. One of these days we will make it. Waiting on Sleepy and Luv to relocate so we can visit and they can take us to all the best eats
If we are considering VGC offsite then, yes, we have stayed there once. We absolutely love it there!! The vibe is so much like VWL and we felt comfortable and a sense of belonging as soon as we hit the door. I would love to have enough points there to visit every other year.

So, next question: If you are in Epcot, whats the one thing you must do on every trip?
For me, its to stop by Rose N Crown and get a libation of some sort. I just love the atmosphere, it reminds me so much of our time in England. I especially like it when it 1st opens, and no crowd.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Question - Have you ever stayed at an off site DVC resort? If so which one/s. If you have stayed at more than one, which was your favorite and why?

We have stayed at VB, HHI, VGC and Aulani! Most elaborate was a GV at Aulani for a week, in September 2018, and that stay would have to be considered the favorite. We truly enjoyed all of these places.

We booked an ABD at DL, and stayed at the Grand Californian, and those room and resort decor are tops!

 

[suse66]

Whats your favorite place to eat at Disney Springs?

Homecomin!

I just wanted to share with my Groupie friends that Mrs. Granny & I have our first grandchild...a boy born to my daughter early this morning! Mom & baby are in good health...praise God!

Congratulations! There is nothing as wonderful as a new baby.

What is your favorite meal at Disney Springs?

I loved brunch at Homecomin' with the fried green tomatoes and a peach sangria. That was delicious!

What is your favorite place in MK to get away from the crowds?

Either the People Mover or the Liberty Belle.

Next question: Is there a ride that you have never been on at any of the parks and why?

Teacups! Too spinny......

Question: What is your favorite breakfast on property and why?

Garden Grill! Chip and Dale along with the glorious cinnamon roll......what's not to like?

Question - Is there a parade that is no longer running, that you miss?

The Main Street Electrical Parade.

Question: What is your favorite extra ticketed event?

I loved both MNSSHP and MVMCP.

Question - Have you ever stayed at an off site DVC resort? If so which one/s. If you have stayed at more than one, which was your favorite and why?

Not yet BUT am booking HHI for March Break! Wish me luck at my seven month window on August 13th.

So, next question: If you are in Epcot, whats the one thing you must do on every trip?

Visit La Cava for margaritas!

Question: What is your favourite thing to do at the Lodge?

 

[Granny]

Question: What is your favourite thing to do at the Lodge?

Suse...first of all, I love your spelling of the word "favorite"! Adds some class to this group using the British/Canadian version of the word!

My favorite thing to do at the Lodge used to be sitting in the main lobby, soaking in the atmosphere while watching people come in the doors and seeing their reaction. But I think that my new favorite thing to do is sit at Geyser Point, enjoying a libation (especially with friends) and relaxing in the breeze, the sights of Bay Lake and the sounds of the boat horn or the geyser. I think it is the libation that shifted it to become my favorite activity.


I'll let some others answer this before I throw out a new question.

 

[suse66]

Suse...first of all, I love your spelling of the word "favorite"! Adds some class to this group using the British/Canadian version of the word!

Canadian girl/Canadian spelling...... The only thing challenging about being Canadian right now is not being able to go to Disney this year. Can't wait for 2021!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Question: What is your favourite thing to do at the Lodge?

Good question. We love to go on a photo exploration and take pictures of all the nooks and crannies of the Lodge.

 

[twinklebug]

Question: What is your favourite thing to do at the Lodge?

I love this one. For me it's a three way tie between:

• Walking down the covered walkway, particularly at night
• Walking out to the boat dock
• Sitting at one of the many quiet fireplaces (the red leather chairs are a favorite)

Giving a nod to Swimming in and relaxing at the Hidden Springs / bubble pool (now gone) which would have been near the top of this list.

 

[twinklebug]

posted to wrong thread, sorry!

 

[DVC Jen]

Question: What is your favourite thing to do at the Lodge?

I love either sitting in the lobby or the Carolwood Pacific room - just relaxing. BUT my favorite thing to do WAS (notice the tense because this is no longer possible), sitting on our balcony when we had a lake side room watching the deer in the woods. Made better by either a morning cup of coffee or a late afternoon or evening glass of wine.

 

[DVC Jen]

So, next question: If you are in Epcot, whats the one thing you must do on every trip?

Spaceship Earth. A trip to Epcot would not be complete without it.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So, next question: If you are in Epcot, whats the one thing you must do on every trip?

Illuminations.

oops

Either of the vodka slushes at the stand in France!

Question: What is your favourite thing to do at the Lodge?

Sit in the VWL lobby.

Question: What is your Favorite Show at WDW?

Mine is Festival of the Lion King.

 

[suse66]

Question: What is your Favorite Show at WDW?

I love FoLK too......it almost feels like a Broadway production!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I like to sit in the lobby of WL by the creek that runs. I LOVE the sound of water. Here’s my pond at home.



We especially like Soarin!

The Festival of the Lion King is my favorite show.