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

[suse66]

Happy 2021 to all! I am happy to start off this year with thoughts of not one, but two, trips booked at VWL! My oldest son and I will be there August 21-29 to celebrate his 21st birthday and my DH and I will do a couples Christmas trip from the 18th to the 23rd of December. It's been over a year now since I've been "home" and I can't wait to be back in my happy place.

I had to cancel my trip booked for DHHIR in March due to ongoing border closures/quarantine requirements etc but was lucky to be able to rent out the points I had used for that trip.

Sending many good wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to all!

 

[Lakegirl]

Happy New Year!!! Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy 2021!!!

 

[Corinne]

Happy 2021 Groupies! I pray we will all be sharing trip reports and planning Groupie meets soon!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Happy 2021 to all! I am happy to start off this year with thoughts of not one, but two, trips booked at VWL! My oldest son and I will be there August 21-29 to celebrate his 21st birthday and my DH and I will do a couples Christmas trip from the 18th to the 23rd of December. It's been over a year now since I've been "home" and I can't wait to be back in my happy place.

I had to cancel my trip booked for DHHIR in March due to ongoing border closures/quarantine requirements etc but was lucky to be able to rent out the points I had used for that trip.

Sending many good wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to all!

OMG you just made me tear up! I didn't even think this yet today but now I can officially say this is the year I finally get to go back to WDW!!!!!!!! And we get to stay at VWL!!! I originally could have said this is the month but now I'm really glad we pushed back the date. I'm kind of nervous how things will be this month and since we moved it we were able to book VWL. It turned out for the best I think. BTW for us it will be over 7 years since we have been in our happy place!!! We did go to DL 4 years ago but still 4 years since being at any park.

 

[jimmytammy]

We are doing something I never imagined we would do. After reading a few trip reports by some of you fine folks, we are biting the bullet and going to WDW in late Feb. You have inspired us! We have pretty much decided, if the masks get to be too much, we will find a place to set down, have a small bite or drink and relax. We have points from Aug 2020 built up, so we are splurging for a 2 bed at BLT.

 

[twinklebug]

We are doing something I never imagined we would do. After reading a few trip reports by some of you fine folks, we are biting the bullet and going to WDW in late Feb. You have inspired us! We have pretty much decided, if the masks get to be too much, we will find a place to set down, have a small bite or drink and relax. We have points from Aug 2020 built up, so we are splurging for a 2 bed at BLT.

I'm planning on flying down late Feb and returning home in March... need to finally work on that house for mom so it's safe for her return before the insurance tells me I've waited too long and are closing the case... they won't answer my calls at the moment so I have no idea how long we have (loss occurred in November).

My AP expires mid March too, so there's that push as I'll need a Disney break here and there. LOL.

 

[twokats]

Happy New Year!!!

Here is hoping 2021 holds as many trips that we all need and want!

 

[rkstocke5609]

Happy New Year Groupies! Every once in a while you stumble across something quite special, and my New Year’s present to you is a concert from an artist you don’t know, but I believe will likely be a household name in 3 years or less. Meet Saibh Skelly from Dublin (16 years old). Enjoy!

 

[TCRAIG]

We are doing something I never imagined we would do. After reading a few trip reports by some of you fine folks, we are biting the bullet and going to WDW in late Feb. You have inspired us! We have pretty much decided, if the masks get to be too much, we will find a place to set down, have a small bite or drink and relax. We have points from Aug 2020 built up, so we are splurging for a 2 bed at BLT.

You’ll have a great time! We’ve been twice since masks were required - honestly- at least for Jerry and me - it wasn’t a big deal at all - we used the disposable type of masks with ‘ear savers’ (those silicone straps that you can hook the mask ear loops around that go across the back of your neck)...

 

[jimmytammy]

I know this isn't WL/VWL related but it is Disney related so I will share it here. Last night we watched Clouds on Disney+ and it was an awesome but tear jerking, heart breaking movie. Its based on a true story and I won't give away any spoilers but I highly suggest watching it.

 

[jimmytammy]

You’ll have a great time! We’ve been twice since masks were required - honestly- at least for Jerry and me - it wasn’t a big deal at all - we used the disposable type of masks with ‘ear savers’ (those silicone straps that you can hook the mask ear loops around that go across the back of your neck)...

We have been wearing the disposable behind the ears ones when going into stores, restaurants, etc where we will be wearing them for short periods of time. Casey and I have permanent masks for work as it makes it easier to grab and go if own our work vehicles, but again, we aren't in a position to have to wear them long since we are inside and not near anyone else.

T started duding some research and found organic cotton masks we are going to give a run before the trip. One style is behind the ear, another, over top of ear and around neck. I hope this style suits me better as I have issue with my ears being tugged on

 

[twinklebug]

We have been wearing the disposable behind the ears ones when going into stores, restaurants, etc where we will be wearing them for short periods of time. Casey and I have permanent masks for work as it makes it easier to grab and go if own our work vehicles, but again, we aren't in a position to have to wear them long since we are inside and not near anyone else.

T started duding some research and found organic cotton masks we are going to give a run before the trip. One style is behind the ear, another, over top of ear and around neck. I hope this style suits me better as I have issue with my ears being tugged on

I saw a neat "hat trick": a baseball cap with plastic adjustable piece in back, mask loops hooked through

 

[DVC Jen]

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is having and will have a even more wonderful and healthy new year.

We had what was probably one of our best Christmas seasons yet. We didn't do anything special. We didn't go anywhere. Our youngest came home for 5 days Christmas week. We got to make and decorate cookies with her. We put together a 500 piece puzzle (took all 5 days to do it). We talked, played games, watched movies, drank too much wine and just relaxed and enjoyed each others company.

Now I am getting ready to book a WDW trip for early December next year for our 35th wedding anniversary. We are not 100% that we will be able to go, but we are hoping everything works out.

I do have a question.. is Disney selling annual passes yet? If not does anyone have any idea when or if they will start to sell them again? We are hoping to get one this year for our upcoming June/July trip and use it again in December if those plans work out.

@Disney loving Iowan Glad your DH's surgery went well. I am hoping and praying for a quick recovery and good health for him. ❤

 

[TCRAIG]

I’ve been checking WL/BRV using the RAT - it’s going to be tough booking early Dec for 2021 - it’s going fast - 2Br (regular and L/O) Studios and I’m nervous for 1Br too...and of course, this year I need a 2Br and Studio as we’re planning on adding my brother and his family...and of course - due to the 50% borrow rule - I’m 19 points short so I’ll definitely need a Plan B

 

[aje10]

I’ve been checking WL/BRV using the RAT - it’s going to be tough booking early Dec for 2021 - it’s going fast - 2Br (regular and L/O) Studios and I’m nervous for 1Br too...and of course, this year I need a 2Br and Studio as we’re planning on adding my brother and his family...and of course - due to the 50% borrow rule - I’m 19 points short so I’ll definitely need a Plan B

First time I've ever had such a hard time booking for the first weekend in December - and we've been going pretty much every year since forever! Two mornings in a row, right at 7 am CT, each day the studio was gone. I was able to book the Saturday night (4th) going forward - but I really wanted Dec 2-6. Booked a backup at BWV, but traditionally we always stay at BRV at Christmas. Hopefully, the days will open up in time, but yikes!

 

[sleepydog25]

We're happy we went in early December last month as we had an idea it might be really, really tough to get into our beloved Lodge this year between the after-effects of covid banking and the anniversary of the World. Bases on what you guys are saying, it does seem as though VWL/CC will be a tough, tough get this year, and it was already a difficult reservation to make if you weren't johnny on the spot. We're headed down in March, and may try to sneak another trip in at some point being so close, but Christmas is likely out for us this year. Still, never underestimate the imagination of Luv. . .

@DVC Jen No, they are not selling APs at this time, and there is no word on when they will start up. My guess is until Disney opens the parks up to something approaching normal capacity, along with the assurance the parks won't have to do an emergency scale back for an outbreak of covid, they won't begin selling annual passes. They are still sending out refunds for last year's passes, in fact.

Have a good rest of your week, Groupies! I leave you with a picture of the pier at HHI shortly after daybreak a week or so ago. . .

 

[Granny]

I’ve been checking WL/BRV using the RAT - it’s going to be tough booking early Dec for 2021 - it’s going fast - 2Br (regular and L/O) Studios and I’m nervous for 1Br too...and of course, this year I need a 2Br and Studio as we’re planning on adding my brother and his family...and of course - due to the 50% borrow rule - I’m 19 points short so I’ll definitely need a Plan B

We also will be looking to book later this week. Keep a close watch on availability as it is clear that many people are walking reservations these days. So days could free up. That’s what we saw when booking our F&W reservation a couple of months ago. Good luck!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I’ve been checking WL/BRV using the RAT - it’s going to be tough booking early Dec for 2021 - it’s going fast - 2Br (regular and L/O) Studios and I’m nervous for 1Br too...and of course, this year I need a 2Br and Studio as we’re planning on adding my brother and his family...and of course - due to the 50% borrow rule - I’m 19 points short so I’ll definitely need a Plan B

What dates are you going for? It's typically easier for the 2nd full week than it is for earlier dates. I guess that could be different this year but hopefully you can get what you need. And of course - studios 1st!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is having and will have a even more wonderful and healthy new year.

We had what was probably one of our best Christmas seasons yet. We didn't do anything special. We didn't go anywhere. Our youngest came home for 5 days Christmas week. We got to make and decorate cookies with her. We put together a 500 piece puzzle (took all 5 days to do it). We talked, played games, watched movies, drank too much wine and just relaxed and enjoyed each others company.

Now I am getting ready to book a WDW trip for early December next year for our 35th wedding anniversary. We are not 100% that we will be able to go, but we are hoping everything works out.

I do have a question.. is Disney selling annual passes yet? If not does anyone have any idea when or if they will start to sell them again? We are hoping to get one this year for our upcoming June/July trip and use it again in December if those plans work out.

@Disney loving Iowan Glad your DH's surgery went well. I am hoping and praying for a quick recovery and good health for him. ❤

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

 

[DVC Jen]

I’ve been checking WL/BRV using the RAT - it’s going to be tough booking early Dec for 2021 - it’s going fast - 2Br (regular and L/O) Studios and I’m nervous for 1Br too...and of course, this year I need a 2Br and Studio as we’re planning on adding my brother and his family...and of course - due to the 50% borrow rule - I’m 19 points short so I’ll definitely need a Plan B

I was just able to book December 5th - 11th. I really want the 5th-10th. But the 5th is waitlisted and since I can't book after the 5th until tomorrow the entire stay is waitlisted. I have to try tomorrow to actually book the rest. The most frustrating part was if I tried to change any nights after first putting the dates in - it would highlight a night in OCTOBER! Not the one I picked. Also - it is showing us as having a contract at Aulani - and we don't! On the phone with them but it is a 30 minute wait.

For a company that creates such magic - resorts, parks, movies... one would think they could actually create a website that works correctly. A few years ago I booked lunch with an imagineer. I am 100% positive I booked it because I was given the choice of 2 locations. Well for some reason the website glitched and I ended with just lunch at Brown Derby. I didn't notice this for a while and by then it was too late to get it. This is why I am really not a fan of booking anything online with any Disney website.