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

[jimmytammy]

Hearing so many people talk about postponing their trip or not going for a long time really has me worried. We are pretty much stuck and if we don't go in January we lose out on the money for the resort. We still plan to go because of that but all of this has taken so much joy out of all of it. When we booked the trip initially things seemed so much more optimistic for January. We were supposed to be over the hump by then and things were supposed to be so much better. Or so we thought. I was so excited to be able to actually plan a trip after more than 6 years that I guess I jumped on it way too fast and I should have waited to see how things would be.

I feel like you should prepare for your trip, go and enjoy. Each of us are in various boats on this thing. You have committed via the resort, therefore, go, and do not let this thing beat you. I am holding out hope that it all clears out and come March we can swing a trip. If its still going on, then you will have the parks to yourselves. Friends of ours just went to Epcot for the day, walked on too Frozen and Soarin. I would say there is an upside to that

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I feel like you should prepare for your trip, go and enjoy. Each of us are in various boats on this thing. You have committed via the resort, therefore, go, and do not let this thing beat you. I am holding out hope that it all clears out and come March we can swing a trip. If its still going on, then you will have the parks to yourselves. Friends of ours just went to Epcot for the day, walked on too Frozen and Soarin. I would say there is an upside to that

Thanks JT. I go back and forth lol. One day I'm like what the heck was I thinking and I regret it and the next day I'm like the heck with it we are going and we will have fun.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Just wanna say how awesome you guys are!!!! I tend to be a worrier and I second guess myself a lot. It is so great to have you guys to reassure me and lift me up when I need it. I so appreciate your support. Love my groupie family!

 

[sleepydog25]

Disney update. . .

I interviewed Saturday via FaceTime with two supervisors, and it seemed to go well. Meanwhile, I contact Marriott (they have 8 different resorts at HHI) about a safety-security position in the Sea Pines area of HHI. Today, I get an email from Marriott HR asking if I'd like a phone interview to which I replied "absolutely." An hour later, I get called and do a phone interview. Half an hour after that, HR calls me back to offer the position. I demur to check with Luv first. An hour after that, Disney HR calls to offer me the part-time custodial position I mentioned in a previous post! Decisions, decisions.

I'm leaning toward one in particular, though I have given myself a 24-hr timeline to decide. Thoughts, Groupies?

 

[TCRAIG]

As far me - I’m still very excited to go! Sure things will be different - but the flowers will be just as lovely, CMs just as amazing, travel buddy (yup, Ol Jerry) just as handsome - and now - with a hopefully slower pace - even more time to explore and appreciate the little things that make WDW so special..

 

[TCRAIG]

Congrats Sleepy!!! It’s always great to be wanted!!

 

[Starwind]

Thanks JT. I go back and forth lol. One day I'm like what the heck was I thinking and I regret it and the next day I'm like the heck with it we are going and we will have fun.

i don’t know how long your trip is for but even just relaxing with a resort only stay can be quite enjoyable. And if you’re willing to use Disney transportation you can also go visit other resorts (in some ways WL is good for that because you can take the boat to MK and then use the monorail or ferry or walk to get to the other MK resorts).

 

[Starwind]

Disney update. . .

I interviewed Saturday via FaceTime with two supervisors, and it seemed to go well. Meanwhile, I contact Marriott (they have 8 different resorts at HHI) about a safety-security position in the Sea Pines area of HHI. Today, I get an email from Marriott HR asking if I'd like a phone interview to which I replied "absolutely." An hour later, I get called and do a phone interview. Half an hour after that, HR calls me back to offer the position. I demur to check with Luv first. An hour after that, Disney HR calls to offer me the part-time custodial position I mentioned in a previous post! Decisions, decisions.

I'm leaning toward one in particular, though I have given myself a 24-hr timeline to decide. Thoughts, Groupies?

congrats on both offers !

you could try the tried and true heads and tails flip the coin and see what you think of the result...

whatever your decision may it be the right one for you. And congrats again.

 

[TCRAIG]

There’s always The Magic 8 Ball!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

i don’t know how long your trip is for but even just relaxing with a resort only stay can be quite enjoyable. And if you’re willing to use Disney transportation you can also go visit other resorts (in some ways WL is good for that because you can take the boat to MK and then use the monorail or ferry or walk to get to the other MK resorts).

We will be there a week. Honestly I can't go and not go to the parks lol. Plus I already have my tickets and reservations made. I'm really not as worried about being in the parks as I am about just doing the travel. Being in the airplane etc. is more of a worry. I wish I was close enough to drive. Thank you for the encouragement. I really appreciate it.

 

[twinklebug]

.

Disney update. . .

I interviewed Saturday via FaceTime with two supervisors, and it seemed to go well. Meanwhile, I contact Marriott (they have 8 different resorts at HHI) about a safety-security position in the Sea Pines area of HHI. Today, I get an email from Marriott HR asking if I'd like a phone interview to which I replied "absolutely." An hour later, I get called and do a phone interview. Half an hour after that, HR calls me back to offer the position. I demur to check with Luv first. An hour after that, Disney HR calls to offer me the part-time custodial position I mentioned in a previous post! Decisions, decisions.

I'm leaning toward one in particular, though I have given myself a 24-hr timeline to decide. Thoughts, Groupies?

Congratulations on both offers!

I know which I'd choose, but there's a lot more that goes into it than just the name of a company I admire and would die to have CM discounts with.
Consider the commute, the people, the daily grind. Which is more appealing? Then throw that all out the window and go with the one Luv picks

 

[Corinne]

Congrats Sleepy! Isn’t that always the way!?! It’s so nice to have options though! What are some of the pros and cons of each role? I

 

[suse66]

Disney update. . .

I interviewed Saturday via FaceTime with two supervisors, and it seemed to go well. Meanwhile, I contact Marriott (they have 8 different resorts at HHI) about a safety-security position in the Sea Pines area of HHI. Today, I get an email from Marriott HR asking if I'd like a phone interview to which I replied "absolutely." An hour later, I get called and do a phone interview. Half an hour after that, HR calls me back to offer the position. I demur to check with Luv first. An hour after that, Disney HR calls to offer me the part-time custodial position I mentioned in a previous post! Decisions, decisions.

I'm leaning toward one in particular, though I have given myself a 24-hr timeline to decide. Thoughts, Groupies?

That's so exciting! Good luck with making the right choice for you!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Disney update. . .

I interviewed Saturday via FaceTime with two supervisors, and it seemed to go well. Meanwhile, I contact Marriott (they have 8 different resorts at HHI) about a safety-security position in the Sea Pines area of HHI. Today, I get an email from Marriott HR asking if I'd like a phone interview to which I replied "absolutely." An hour later, I get called and do a phone interview. Half an hour after that, HR calls me back to offer the position. I demur to check with Luv first. An hour after that, Disney HR calls to offer me the part-time custodial position I mentioned in a previous post! Decisions, decisions.

I'm leaning toward one in particular, though I have given myself a 24-hr timeline to decide. Thoughts, Groupies?

Congratulations! Here is Tink with some moose dust to help you with your decision.

 

[sleepydog25]

Congrats Sleepy! Isn’t that always the way!?! It’s so nice to have options though! What are some of the pros and cons of each role? I

Thanks again for the advice all! You're right, Corinne, it tends to be feast or famine, though it is nice to have choices. Pros and cons? Well, the security/safety position includes riding around in an air-conditioned car, wearing a cool Polo-style shirt with shorts or pants depending on the weather, and having the run of three resorts in Sea Pines. I'd be in the action, so to speak, in being able to meet guests, help in emergency circumstances, and pitch in with guest issues (which could also be a con). On the flip side, it's full-time, and while I don't mind that, I have gotten used to not working five days a week, and Luv would prefer I not be gone as much, either. Plus, I don't really know much about these Marriott resorts (their answer to DVC), nor how their members compare to DVCers.

The Disney job is a bit more menial, but actually pays more per hour, though it would be part-time. . .which is not a bad thing. I know Disney, know DVC, know DHHIR. They are happy to work with me in terms of our moving timetable, too. Now, as everyone knows, the uniforms are not snazzy pretty much anywhere in Disney, so there's that. Then again, who needs/wants something nice to haul trash? And, yes, DHHIR is closer to where we plan to move by 10 or so minutes based on typical traffic patterns.

I am giving myself until tomorrow to make a decision, as I am one to not make haste decisions. Should anyone have anything else to add, feel free to do so. And, thanks again, for being a wonderful family.

I know which I'd choose, but there's a lot more that goes into it than just the name of a company I admire and would die to have CM discounts with.
Consider the commute, the people, the daily grind. Which is more appealing? Then throw that all out the window and go with the one Luv picks

This made me laugh out loud! All of it so true!

 

[Corinne]

I will add, working for Disney definitely has perks! I was a DS CM and we received amazing discounts including free theme park admission. Not sure what the perks are now, but I am confident they’re still pretty great. The only other thing I would say is your “relationship” with Disney will change, not a bad thing necessarily. FT vs PT is quite a difference as well. So happy for you, such an exciting time!

 

[bluecastle]

Sleepy: I guess my 2 cents would focus on the part-time v full time. If this move is a semi-retirement, a full-time job seems antithetical to that. However, there is also the physical demands of the job. Full-time in a less physically demanding job v part-time in one that is more demanding. Only you know what you can handle. Good luck!!

 

[Starwind]

Sleepy, another consideration is benefits. Not just what each job offers in terms of things like insurances, pension, discounts, etc. But also any impacts there may be on current or future benefits you already receive [pension, social security, various insurances, etc] both by being employed in general as well as employed in either specific position [and its FT vs PT and its benefits etc etc].

Good luck

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'm just wishing you the best in making your decision @sleepydog25 !

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

So I have expressed my concern a couple of times over going to the parks right now. Well I watched a video last night that really makes me appreciate how Disney is doing things. This guy was in a park in PA and they just weren't doing things like Disney. No partitions between the lines at the rides and nothing on the ground telling you where to stand. Nobody seemed to be distancing like I have seen in the Disney vlogs. No way I would go to the park right now. Disney though I feel much better about.
Hey we haven't done a question for a while so I have one for you all.
What is the most obscure event or ride that you remember that others may not?
For me it is the Holly Jolly Christmas party that they used to have at the Contemporary. We loved it! Nice dinner and a show all around you filled with Christmas music. I wish they still did it.