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

[hhisc16]

We will be at VWL on July 1 and CCV on Dec 12/13.
(Own a small contract at CCV and HHI)

 

[Granny]

I have been WL hunting on Ebay.

What was the "Character Stampede" at WL?

(I have been lucky to purchase a WL opening pin, original postcard, and a few CCV items on Ebay.)

I’m not sure that I know what a “Character Stampede “ at WL was, and we’ve been regulars there since 1998. My guess is that some Disney characters were dressed as cowboys/cowgirls and visited the Lodge at certain times? We haven’t seen that many characters over the years at WL so this is a puzzle. Frankly, it sounds like something that would fit Ft Wilderness more.

We will be at VWL on July 1 and CCV on Dec 12/13.
(Own a small contract at CCV and HHI)

Being at WL in December will be awesome. It is by far the best Christmas decorated location at WDW since the theming lends itself to the season. Enjoy!

 

[hhisc16]

I’m not sure that I know what a “Character Stampede “ at WL was, and we’ve been regulars there since 1998. My guess is that some Disney characters were dressed as cowboys/cowgirls and visited the Lodge at certain times? We haven’t seen that many characters over the years at WL so this is a puzzle. Frankly, it sounds like something that would fit Ft Wilderness more.



Being at WL in December will be awesome. It is by far the best Christmas decorated location at WDW since the theming lends itself to the season. Enjoy!

I was confused as well.
I found a few WL buttons on ebay that has "character stampede"

WL with decorations is our favorite!

 

[juliebee]

Just came back from our first Boulder Ridge stay and we really loved it! Had put in for a room request for a higher floor but ended up in 1501 on the first floor. The room location was SUPER convenient and we'd be happy to stay there again. Right next to a side door near the bus/lodge path. I did take a pic from the Wilderness Lodge boat dock looking at the construction of Lakeshore Lodge. I didn't realize how very close it is. They are making progress for sure.

 

[sleepydog25]

Just came back from our first Boulder Ridge stay and we really loved it! Had put in for a room request for a higher floor but ended up in 1501 on the first floor. The room location was SUPER convenient and we'd be happy to stay there again. Right next to a side door near the bus/lodge path. I did take a pic from the Wilderness Lodge boat dock looking at the construction of Lakeshore Lodge. I didn't realize how very close it is. They are making progress for sure.

Thanks for the pic! I view LL with a bit of wonder and quite a bit of melancholy. I'm stuck in the past a bit when the Lodge and its environs were much more "wildernessy." Long gone are the nature trail, the bike rentals, the abundance of trees, the beach. Progress is inevitable, and I'm sure thousands will love the new build. . .but, I do miss the original beauty and serenity that first drew me to the Lodge.

 

[yaksack]

Totally agree.

 

[jimmytammy]

I love the Ft Wilderness area, but, having mixed emotions about the Lakeshore Lodge. And I feel like the campers are too. Will it be a nice addition to DVC owners, yes, I guess so. But the view from WL I feel takes away a bit from the rustic vibe. Heck, for that matter, same goes for the Fort. Progress I guess, but not so sure I'm sold on it just yet

 

[VicarJT]

I have tried to find this information in a variety of places, but am striking out. Since the renovation, are there non-accessible studios that have a walk in shower? We are hoping to stay here in March of 2026, but stepping over tubs is not our favorite thing at our ages. I appreciate any help or direction that ya’ll can give.

 

[Flossbolna]

I have tried to find this information in a variety of places, but am striking out. Since the renovation, are there non-accessible studios that have a walk in shower? We are hoping to stay here in March of 2026, but stepping over tubs is not our favorite thing at our ages. I appreciate any help or direction that ya’ll can give.

As far as I know all studios have a tub. I find the studios bathroom very cramped at Boulder Ridge and the tub now has a rail for the sliding door on top of it, so is even a bit higher to step into. I am pretty fit and didn’t enjoy climbing into and out of the tub on our recent stay.

 

[VicarJT]

As far as I know all studios have a tub. I find the studios bathroom very cramped at Boulder Ridge and the tub now has a rail for the sliding door on top of it, so is even a bit higher to step into. I am pretty fit and didn’t enjoy climbing into and out of the tub on our recent stay.

Drats

 

[TCRAIG]

I have tried to find this information in a variety of places, but am striking out. Since the renovation, are there non-accessible studios that have a walk in shower? We are hoping to stay here in March of 2026, but stepping over tubs is not our favorite thing at our ages. I appreciate any help or direction that ya’ll can give.

While the BRV Studios at VWL only have tub/shower combinations, CCV Studios have a shower only room category…

 

[VicarJT]

While the BRV Studios at VWL only have tub/shower combinations, CCV Studios have a shower only room category…

Oh yes, we’ve stayed at CCV several times in one of those rooms. But I’m renting points for VWL this time - we’re very excited! We’ll just plan on showering at the pool. That tub looks wicked hard to climb over, especially since I have a particularly high klutz level.

 

[jimmytammy]

Just came back from our first Boulder Ridge stay and we really loved it! Had put in for a room request for a higher floor but ended up in 1501 on the first floor. The room location was SUPER convenient and we'd be happy to stay there again. Right next to a side door near the bus/lodge path. I did take a pic from the Wilderness Lodge boat dock looking at the construction of Lakeshore Lodge. I didn't realize how very close it is. They are making progress for sure.

Oh yes, we’ve stayed at CCV several times in one of those rooms. But I’m renting points for VWL this time - we’re very excited! We’ll just plan on showering at the pool. That tub looks wicked hard to climb over, especially since I have a particularly high klutz level.

Same here, I would be lying on the floor at some point of the trip

 

[Granny]

I love the Ft Wilderness area, but, having mixed emotions about the Lakeshore Lodge. And I feel like the campers are too. Will it be a nice addition to DVC owners, yes, I guess so. But the view from WL I feel takes away a bit from the rustic vibe. Heck, for that matter, same goes for the Fort. Progress I guess, but not so sure I'm sold on it just yet

I'm with you Jimmy, but I do have to remind myself that I was one of the worriers when the plans for the VWL quiet pool/Geyser Point reconstruction were announced. Mostly I was afraid of the loss of so many trees and the ambiance of VWL on the lake side. But they did an awesome job with the redesign...Geyser Point is a home run for us. And the trees they planted are growing rapidly and soon the "lake view" will be pretty much gone like it was before the new construction.

So I guess my current feelings are "wait and see" and hopefully Lakeshore Lodge will be a nice addition to Bay Lake. Honestly, the Contemporary Resort is probably more of an eyesore than Lakeshore Lodge will ever be, and I don't mind any view of CR if we get one. I do think the regulars at FW may be more concerned about the disruptive changes coming from a new resort not only from an aesthetic viewpoint, but sharing all the current amenities. Hopefully the new resort will add some options for FW guests as far as a new dining option or two.

 

[jimmytammy]

I'm with you Jimmy, but I do have to remind myself that I was one of the worriers when the plans for the VWL quiet pool/Geyser Point reconstruction were announced. Mostly I was afraid of the loss of so many trees and the ambiance of VWL on the lake side. But they did an awesome job with the redesign...Geyser Point is a home run for us. And the trees they planted are growing rapidly and soon the "lake view" will be pretty much gone like it was before the new construction.

So I guess my current feelings are "wait and see" and hopefully Lakeshore Lodge will be a nice addition to Bay Lake. Honestly, the Contemporary Resort is probably more of an eyesore than Lakeshore Lodge will ever be, and I don't mind any view of CR if we get one. I do think the regulars at FW may be more concerned about the disruptive changes coming from a new resort not only from an aesthetic viewpoint, but sharing all the current amenities. Hopefully the new resort will add some options for FW guests as far as a new dining option or two.

Hey Granny
I agree with everything you say
And we have talked about it ourselves hoping Lakeshore Lodge will have some nice dining additions for DVCers and campers as well

With what they’ve done to trails end, making it a so so quick service and only say that because we have eaten there once since they went quick service only and not overly impressed with the food

Geyser Point Definitely a plus for us as well

 

[Granny]

Hey Granny
I agree with everything you say
And we have talked about it ourselves hoping Lakeshore Lodge will have some nice dining additions for DVCers and campers as well

With what they’ve done to trails end, making it a so so quick service and only say that because we have eaten there once since they went quick service only and not overly impressed with the food

Geyser Point Definitely a plus for us as well

Jimmy...we agree wholeheartedly on the loss of Trail's End buffet. It was a "must do" on every trip until they turned it into what it is today. Just another thing that fell victim to the Covid era and never came back quite the same.

It will be interesting to see what the Lakeshore Lodge "theming" will be. My guess is that it will be similar to the FW theming including the ambiance of Trail's End and Hoop de Doo. Since it is so close to FW, I hope they don't try to create an entirely different vibe. I'm thinking of Riviera which is in such stark contrast to the Caribbean Beach resort despite their proximity.

 

[bluecastle]

I miss Trail’s End! It was on my to do list for so many years and then we finally made a point of going there for breakfast, but only got to do it once! I still have pictures that my daughter took of all our food and the POG juice. Loved taking the boat back to WL after having such an enjoyable breakfast. Our waiter was an elderly gentleman who was very nice. I was hoping to make it a regular thing and then they got rid of it.
My Disney regrets, places I included in my plans in case we had time and never got to:
Discovery Island
Adventure’s Club
Comedy Warehouse

Glad Trail’s End didn’t end up on this list, but sorry that we only experienced it one time.

 

[jimmytammy]

I miss Trail’s End! It was on my to do list for so many years and then we finally made a point of going there for breakfast, but only got to do it once! I still have pictures that my daughter took of all our food and the POG juice. Loved taking the boat back to WL after having such an enjoyable breakfast. Our waiter was an elderly gentleman who was very nice. I was hoping to make it a regular thing and then they got rid of it.
My Disney regrets, places I included in my plans in case we had time and never got to:
Discovery Island
Adventure’s Club
Comedy Warehouse

Glad Trail’s End didn’t end up on this list, but sorry that we only experienced it one time.

Back in the day, we used to walk the paved trail from WL to FW to eat breakfast at Trails End. Often we would see deer along the way and a rabbit or two. Miss that walkway.

What a great breakfast it was! Ken waited on us often, he was a staple there.

We never got to experience Discovery Island or Adventurers Club either. Heard so many great stories about AC

Jimmy...we agree wholeheartedly on the loss of Trail's End buffet. It was a "must do" on every trip until they turned it into what it is today. Just another thing that fell victim to the Covid era and never came back quite the same.

It will be interesting to see what the Lakeshore Lodge "theming" will be. My guess is that it will be similar to the FW theming including the ambiance of Trail's End and Hoop de Doo. Since it is so close to FW, I hope they don't try to create an entirely different vibe. I'm thinking of Riviera which is in such stark contrast to the Caribbean Beach resort despite their proximity.

Maybe LL will bring in another TE vibe eatery that once was.
I’m not sure if the campers supported TE enough to keep it going and maybe that’s the reason it went QS
I sure miss those hot cross sticky buns

 

[bobbiwoz]

We miss Trails End too! However, now, buffets are something I avoid, so, we wouldn’t be going there anyway.

For our August trip, we have one of the CC Studios with a walk in shower. Looking forward to being in one of those for the first time. We will be there for one of the “Welcome Home Wakeups” at Reunion Station. Years ago, I attended a photography workshop with friends in that building. Grad I was able to get into CC for this event.

 

[sleepydog25]

Loved Trail's End. As with JT, we used to walk the paved trail to TE, eat (mostly breakfast), then walk back to help burn off some of the calories. I really enjoyed the pulled pork eggs benedict. Ah, but no more. I'm guessing they'll reopen the paved trail once LL is completed; otherwise, Disney is missing a huge opportunity to draw in guests from all three resorts in the area.

Will LL make it seem more crowded? I can't imagine how it won't. Hopefully, they'll keep enough wilderness to not totally lose the vibe of WL, FW, and what I imagine they'll strive for with the new build. My FIL has a saying: "It's your (their) turn." So true. My biggest adventures at Disney have slowed to the point I'm more of an occasional visitor and not an enthusiast, but now it's others' turns to make the magic if they so choose. My two decade run has been enjoyable, but now that I've stepped outside the Disney bubble, I'm ready to make new memories.