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

[sleepydog25]

We're a little over a month out from heading to AKL for the entirety of our stay, and the most pleasurable thing we will do--like last year's trip--is sit on our balcony and watch the animals, drinks in hand. We do have one day planned at AK itself as we're doing the Wild Africa Trek, ergo, park admission is required. Should I even admit on here that it's been 31/2 years since I was in a park? We plan to show up close to park opening in order to hopefully get a couple of attractions in, do the Trek, then maybe one or two more attractions before leaving. Kinda weird not having stepped inside a turnstile since late 2021.

Last week, I finally made ADRs for said visit, as well. We're headed to Boma, Sanaa, Morimoto Asia, Kona, and Wine Bar George, plus a stop at Geyser Point for a lunch. I've been to each of these at least once, so know what to expect. We're excited for the visit, not only because the Trek but also because we will extend our trip to FL to stay a couple of nights with my daughter and her family over in Indialantic.

We also booked four nights in HHI later in July, though not at the resort since it's nigh impossible to get reservations there in the summer if you don't own there. We'll be staying right across Shelter Cove, however, so we'll have the resort in view from our balcony. Going to be a fun-filled summer!

 

[bluecastle]

Sleepy: I love your resort-only visits and plans! They inspire me to do the same. Unfortunately, my DD and DGD would never forgive my DH and me if we ever went to WDW without them! But I am hoping we will figure out a way to do this sometime. My dream is the same. Staying in Kidani and only going to AK. Having a trip with no LL’s or intense pressure to get those hard to get ADRs is the only way I will go back.

 

[sleepydog25]

Sleepy: I love your resort-only visits and plans! They inspire me to do the same. Unfortunately, my DD and DGD would never forgive my DH and me if we ever went to WDW without them! But I am hoping we will figure out a way to do this sometime. My dream is the same. Staying in Kidani and only going to AK. Having a trip with no LL’s or intense pressure to get those hard to get ADRs is the only way I will go back.

My last trip to the parks was Dec of 2021. It wasn't much fun then, either, and now they've put additional stressors in place with LL, not to mention jacking up prices way beyond the rate of inflation. It's just tough for me to get in the mood to go into parks anymore. Since that trip, I've been to HHI twice and AKL Kidani once. I worked at HHI for 2 years from '20-'22, so I love the low country vibe there and enjoy visiting just to get a little taste of Disney, the best CMs in the business, and simply relaxing without the hassle of the World. Last trip to AKL, all my wife and I did was sit on our balcony, hit a couple of restaurants, talked, and laughed. It was so fulfilling and a true vacation. . .and much less expensive! The ADRs I made weren't hard to get ones--we looked at menus of the easier ones which I knew to be solid to good and chose what we liked. I like simple.

 

[Granny]

And Granny, I have yet to meet you. Fingers crossed I will see you then!

Hi Barb! It’s wonderful to “see” you here! For many years I was one of the ones who welcomed back long time Groupies who hadn’t been around for a while, and assured them that they would always be Groupies. Now I find myself in that group of absent Groupies yet am always grateful to be accepted back.

We are tentatively planning a December 2026 three generation family trip. As we move along with those plans I will certainly update this group. It would be great to meet you as we have been able to do with so many Groupies over the past 25 years.

We just returned yesterday from a stay at BWV with my daughters, their husbands/boyfriends and two grandkids (ages 2 and 4). It was a flashback to old times as we had a heavy schedule in the parks and didn’t have our customary leisurely pace. But we were happy to spend some quality visiting time with Dizny Di and DisneyDad on our last evening.

I hope to be able to meet up with many of you as our two contracts wind down towards 2042. You all are a special group and it is always fun to meet up with such kind and supportive people.

 

[bluecastle]

My last trip to the parks was Dec of 2021. It wasn't much fun then, either, and now they've put additional stressors in place with LL, not to mention jacking up prices way beyond the rate of inflation. It's just tough for me to get in the mood to go into parks anymore. Since that trip, I've been to HHI twice and AKL Kidani once. I worked at HHI for 2 years from '20-'22, so I love the low country vibe there and enjoy visiting just to get a little taste of Disney, the best CMs in the business, and simply relaxing without the hassle of the World. Last trip to AKL, all my wife and I did was sit on our balcony, hit a couple of restaurants, talked, and laughed. It was so fulfilling and a true vacation. . .and much less expensive! The ADRs I made weren't hard to get ones--we looked at menus of the easier ones which I knew to be solid to good and chose what we liked. I like simple.

Exactly. The other discouraging thing for me is that every time I read about a new ride, it is one that I can no longer do, due to back and other issues. Even riding MMRR last time, it seemed to jolt back and forth more forcefully than when I rode it 2 years ago. I don’t see the purpose in doing that at all! The GMR was one of my favorites, but I understand the need for change. What I don’t understand is the diminishing list of attractions I can do that won’t hurt me!
Sorry to be so negative, but I have been trying to figure out how to “do Disney” in a way that still brings me joy instead of spending a fortune on a destination that seems to offer less that I can do.
I always enjoyed your HHI posts, so I understand why you would want to vacation in that area. I love the ocean, but not the summer heat. Do they close after the summer season?

 

[jimmytammy]

We do have one day planned at AK itself as we're doing the Wild Africa Trek, ergo, park admission is required.

We did it back in early Apr before our cruise and loved it! We will definitely do it again!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Exactly. The other discouraging thing for me is that every time I read about a new ride, it is one that I can no longer do, due to back and other issues. Even riding MMRR last time, it seemed to jolt back and forth more forcefully than when I rode it 2 years ago. I don’t see the purpose in doing that at all! The GMR was one of my favorites, but I understand the need for change. What I don’t understand is the diminishing list of attractions I can do that won’t hurt me!
Sorry to be so negative, but I have been trying to figure out how to “do Disney” in a way that still brings me joy instead of spending a fortune on a destination that seems to offer less that I can do.
I always enjoyed your HHI posts, so I understand why you would want to vacation in that area. I love the ocean, but not the summer heat. Do they close after the summer season?

There are times when I miss the whole Disney park experience, no doubt about that. However, it's more of a recall to a time when visiting the parks seemed more relaxed and immersive. Almost having to depend on the app and be on your phone, as has been the case for the last several years, just seems counterintuitive to being in the Disney ambiance. Combine that with the stiff price of park tickets and LL if you want to ride primo attractions, and my interest level remains flat.

We're going into AK to do the Wild Africa Trek, something neither of us has done. Or course, we had to buy a one-day park ticket in order to experience the Trek. $149--for one day. . .in Animal Kingdom park. Per person. Ouch. We recently came back from a four-day trip to Jamaica at an all-inclusive resort. We stayed in a butler-concierge room which means very personalized service, such as reserving beach chairs (complete with cooler full of your favorite alcohol and non-alcohol beverages), making dining reservations, 24-hr room service, special socials with food and drink, and much more. We figured out what it would cost to visit Disney, do park tickets, LL, food, et. al., and it was nearly the same price as our Jamaican getaway. So, for next year, we had the same decision, and we're headed back to Jamaica. Meanwhile, we'll hit AKL Kidani and get a little fix.

As for DHHIR, it's open year-round, always has been. Now, the island proper used to semi-shutdown during the off season (essentially, the winter months) as many restaurants and attractions would shutter as the number of guests would shrink considerably. That is no longer the case--HHI itself is totally open all year long. There are still some restaurants that close for 2-3 weeks during Jan-Feb for remodeling or just taking a breather; however, even those are only a handful of the 300+ places to eat there. Most attractions also remain open, pending the weather outlook for any given day or week. Many love to visit during late September to mid-November as the weather is cooler (though those are prime hurricane months). Others love the holidays there, though there is an uptick in visitors during that timeframe. The least crowded months are after New Year's and before spring breaks begin, but those are also the coldest months, though it's a southern cold not a northern tier cold. It is a great place to simply go and relax. . .and enjoy great food without Disney bump in pricing.

 

[sleepydog25]

We did it back in early Apr before our cruise and loved it! We will definitely do it again!!

I remember that! In fact, it was one of the inspirations that led us to book it. I had the idea in mind, and when you guys really enjoyed it, we felt we had to do it. We were hoping for an earlier morning slot, but all we could get was either before noon or afternoon. We did the former.

 

[bluecastle]

There are times when I miss the whole Disney park experience, no doubt about that. However, it's more of a recall to a time when visiting the parks seemed more relaxed and immersive. Almost having to depend on the app and be on your phone, as has been the case for the last several years, just seems counterintuitive to being in the Disney ambiance. Combine that with the stiff price of park tickets and LL if you want to ride primo attractions, and my interest level remains flat.

We're going into AK to do the Wild Africa Trek, something neither of us has done. Or course, we had to buy a one-day park ticket in order to experience the Trek. $149--for one day. . .in Animal Kingdom park. Per person. Ouch. We recently came back from a four-day trip to Jamaica at an all-inclusive resort. We stayed in a butler-concierge room which means very personalized service, such as reserving beach chairs (complete with cooler full of your favorite alcohol and non-alcohol beverages), making dining reservations, 24-hr room service, special socials with food and drink, and much more. We figured out what it would cost to visit Disney, do park tickets, LL, food, et. al., and it was nearly the same price as our Jamaican getaway. So, for next year, we had the same decision, and we're headed back to Jamaica. Meanwhile, we'll hit AKL Kidani and get a little fix.

As for DHHIR, it's open year-round, always has been. Now, the island proper used to semi-shutdown during the off season (essentially, the winter months) as many restaurants and attractions would shutter as the number of guests would shrink considerably. That is no longer the case--HHI itself is totally open all year long. There are still some restaurants that close for 2-3 weeks during Jan-Feb for remodeling or just taking a breather; however, even those are only a handful of the 300+ places to eat there. Most attractions also remain open, pending the weather outlook for any given day or week. Many love to visit during late September to mid-November as the weather is cooler (though those are prime hurricane months). Others love the holidays there, though there is an uptick in visitors during that timeframe. The least crowded months are after New Year's and before spring breaks begin, but those are also the coldest months, though it's a southern cold not a northern tier cold. It is a great place to simply go and relax. . .and enjoy great food without Disney bump in pricing.

Thanks for this very informative reply! I looked at Disney’s site which has a notice about an exterior refurb going on between May and September, I think. Anyhow, we’ve been talking about alternatives to visiting Disney and so I was wondering what HH was like. We do love Maine and may end up planning a trip there. Or we might just explore our own state, VA. Before now, I was in a mode of perpetually planning for Disney, even when our countdowns were over a year away. I’ve significantly cut back on that behavior. I hang out on only a few threads now. I am so grateful for all the wonderful trip memories I have, and the photos and videos from those trips.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks for this very informative reply! I looked at Disney’s site which has a notice about an exterior refurb going on between May and September, I think. Anyhow, we’ve been talking about alternatives to visiting Disney and so I was wondering what HH was like. We do love Maine and may end up planning a trip there. Or we might just explore our own state, VA. Before now, I was in a mode of perpetually planning for Disney, even when our countdowns were over a year away. I’ve significantly cut back on that behavior. I hang out on only a few threads now. I am so grateful for all the wonderful trip memories I have, and the photos and videos from those trips.

I live in VA, as well, and for us, it's about a 5.5 to 6 hour drive depending on how long we stop along the way. I loved working at HHI and still have fond memories even now, some three years after my last day. HHI is a really exceptional place to visit and vacation. Plenty to do on the island, and if you stay at the Disney resort, you'll find it quiet, peaceful, and very laid back. You can hit the beach, hang out at the pool or Beach House, play yard games, take tours, go kayaking, take activity classes (such as tie-dyeing t-shirts), fish, crab, and so much more. Or, you can sit on your balcony and simply take in the breezes whilst imbibing your favorite beverage. There are so many great restaurants on the island, too, even more if you drive over to Bluffton (about 20 minutes). I'll always have a love for HHI even though I now live in the mountains and love it here.

As a treat (maybe), here's a video of a good bit of the resort. Technically, CMs aren't to have phones on their person, certainly not supposed to pull them out. But, I always did so surreptitiously. Besides, I worked my butt off and they knew it.

 

[hhisc16]

Great videos!
We miss you working at DHHIR!

I live in VA, as well, and for us, it's about a 5.5 to 6 hour drive depending on how long we stop along the way. I loved working at HHI and still have fond memories even now, some three years after my last day. HHI is a really exceptional place to visit and vacation. Plenty to do on the island, and if you stay at the Disney resort, you'll find it quiet, peaceful, and very laid back. You can hit the beach, hang out at the pool or Beach House, play yard games, take tours, go kayaking, take activity classes (such as tie-dyeing t-shirts), fish, crab, and so much more. Or, you can sit on your balcony and simply take in the breezes whilst imbibing your favorite beverage. There are so many great restaurants on the island, too, even more if you drive over to Bluffton (about 20 minutes). I'll always have a love for HHI even though I now live in the mountains and love it here.

As a treat (maybe), here's a video of a good bit of the resort. Technically, CMs aren't to have phones on their person, certainly not supposed to pull them out. But, I always did so surreptitiously. Besides, I worked my butt off and they knew it.

 

[sleepydog25]

Great videos!
We miss you working at DHHIR!

I miss it, too, any many ways. There aren't too many jobs where you go to work and the people you serve are thrilled and happy to be where they are. Rarely did I meet a grouchy guest, and when I did, it was usually due to room inspections.

 

[bluecastle]

I live in VA, as well, and for us, it's about a 5.5 to 6 hour drive depending on how long we stop along the way. I loved working at HHI and still have fond memories even now, some three years after my last day. HHI is a really exceptional place to visit and vacation. Plenty to do on the island, and if you stay at the Disney resort, you'll find it quiet, peaceful, and very laid back. You can hit the beach, hang out at the pool or Beach House, play yard games, take tours, go kayaking, take activity classes (such as tie-dyeing t-shirts), fish, crab, and so much more. Or, you can sit on your balcony and simply take in the breezes whilst imbibing your favorite beverage. There are so many great restaurants on the island, too, even more if you drive over to Bluffton (about 20 minutes). I'll always have a love for HHI even though I now live in the mountains and love it here.

As a treat (maybe), here's a video of a good bit of the resort. Technically, CMs aren't to have phones on their person, certainly not supposed to pull them out. But, I always did so surreptitiously. Besides, I worked my butt off and they knew it.

I can see why you love it there! So peaceful. Thanks for the video.

 

[Granny]

As a treat (maybe), here's a video of a good bit of the resort. Technically, CMs aren't to have phones on their person, certainly not supposed to pull them out. But, I always did so surreptitiously. Besides, I worked my butt off and they knew it.

Sleepy...thanks for the walk (literally) down memory lane. We really enjoyed our one trip to Disney HH. Wonderful resort ambiance, great cast members and a very relaxing way to spend a week.

Mrs Granny and I went on trips by ourselves to WDW once our daughters had grown up and they were less interested in trips to WDW. On those trips, we visited parks but everything was very leisurely and mostly wandering, shopping and some dining.

But now we have a trip every 18 months or so as a family and the grandkids make everything new and magical again.