VWL Groupies...yes, we love the Lodge, a lot!!

[horselover]

I think you are referring to the Drunken Donuts from the lounge. Very yummy and wonderful. Fresh, hot, shaken with sugar and cinnamon, then dunked in a sauce of butter and booze. Oh so tasty!

I was so disappointed we never got a chance to try these in Dec. The couple times we made it over to the Lodge the lounge wasn't open. I can't wait to try these next month when I'm there. I'll be there for 24 hours. I must have drunken donuts, a Lapu Lapu, & blood orange margarita. Now sure how I'll fit it all in but I'm going to try! Maybe I'll have donuts for dinner then go have a Lapu Lapu.

Hi everyone! I heard that VWL is getting a makeover this year! Does anyone know what it's going to look like? Any pictures out there? when will it be complete?

We just put in an offer today (which was accepted ) on a contract at VWL, so we are hoping to be new DVC owners there very soon!

Welcome to the thread & best of luck with your contract!

Regarding your moving around question. I'm not a big fan of split stays. It is a nice way to visit a couple different resorts but I really dislike packing up & moving. I will only do it again if it's a long stay. A week at one resort & a week at another would be nice.

List your favorite dvc resorts in order of "likiness" Sort of like coldstone Ice cream. #1 would be "gotta have it", #2 "love it" #3 like it.

#1. Wilderness lodge. It rejuvinates my soul every time.
#2 Beach club. love the location and the bright color theme. Love the Victorian type decor
#3 Old key West. Love how the buildings are tropical color and the room sizes seem bigger to me.
#4 Animal kingdom lodge. while I loved the decor, I did not like how the building was laid out. seemed so confusing getting to the pool area.
#5 Saratoga Springs. I really couldn't get into this resort. simply too spread out for my taste.

next up: villas at Grand floridian

I'm stealing most of Eliza's list!

#1. Wilderness lodge. It rejuvinates my soul every time.
#2 Beach club. love the location and the bright color theme. Love the Victorian type decor
#3 Boardwalk. If BCV isn't available. Can't beat the location.
#4 Old key West. Love how the buildings are tropical color and the room sizes seem bigger to me. The 1 BRs are huge!
#4 Animal kingdom lodge. I love the 2 bathrooms in the 1 BRs. Love the feel of the resort & the animals. Hate that there is no counter service at Kidani. Still would like to know who's bone headed idea that was! We're all about the quiet pools too so the fact AKL/V doesn't have one is a negative.
#5 Saratoga Springs. I really couldn't get into this resort. Simply too spread out for my taste. I agree with Eliza here. I prefer the resorts that are attached to a hotel. We very rarely go to DTD so there's just not much appeal to this resort for me.

Haven't stayed at BLT & probably never will. The location is great but there is nothing else about that resort I like. Hoping to try VGF some day but with those high point charts who knows if that will happen. We're dying to stay at the Poly villas will those are completed.

Good afternoon....

We don't own at VWL... but... we are staying there finally in May!! We are not 100% sure about the decision... my biggest issue is bus service... We visited the Lodge this past Christmas, as it is the most beautifully decorated, as it was in 2011... but the bus service was exceptionally slow (esp compared to OKW)... then it went to the campground... seemed really out of the way....

That being said... we are looking forward to pool time... and relax time too....

Can anyone give information on best locations for rooms??

Thanks,
Dolores

OKW, SSR, & AKV are the only DVC resorts I know of that don't share buses with other resorts. If you stay at a DVC that is attached to a hotel you're going to be sharing a bus with someone & that does slow things down.

In terms of location I like upper floor on the lake side. The hallways are somewhat long but they don't bother me much. Some people like to request close to elevator. You're pretty much guaranteed a view of trees no matter where you end up.

 

[sleepydog25]

I agree with horsey about room location: lake side, upper floor. I would go further and say stick with floors 2-4 as the 5th floor has dormer-style balconies meaning the railings are solid and you have to stand up to see over them. We also request a room overlooking the pool/courtyard area since that prevents a long haul down the hallway to the elevators (though the hallways are way better than most other resorts such as AKV). Other than that, all the rooms will have views of trees; if you're on the lake side, you will have glimpses of the lake through the trees or a nice view of the pool/courtyard area if you're lucky with your request. That's about it re: rooms.

As for the buses, I've not encountered too many issues with them over the years. Yes, they share a stop or two depending on the route, but we plan for it or, usually, we just drive. Don't forget you can boat directly to MK or CR from VWL, as well. Talk about a lovely bonus! Good luck and welcome to the Groupie thread!

 

[rusafee1183]

Hi guys! It's been a while! I took a little break from the Dis, but I just booked my Christmas trip at the Lodge and it made me miss everyone and want to pop in to say HI!

I booked from Dec 5 - 14th, and it will be our first ever Christmas trip to WDW! I can't wait!!!

How has everyone been??

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome to the groupies DJGifford!!!!

I PMed(not sure if it went through or not)but I got your dates in, and you have gotten some good info on room views

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi guys! It's been a while! I took a little break from the Dis, but I just booked my Christmas trip at the Lodge and it made me miss everyone and want to pop in to say HI!

I booked from Dec 5 - 14th, and it will be our first ever Christmas trip to WDW! I can't wait!!!

How has everyone been??

Hey, you! Aw, I'm envious of your Christmas trip. It's looking as though 2015 will be the soonest we can get back to the World for the holidays. Happy for you, though!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday SleepyDog25!!!!

 

[Granny]

Happy Birthday SlyDog!!!

 

[Granny]

List your favorite dvc resorts in order of "likiness" Sort of like coldstone Ice cream. #1 would be "gotta have it", #2 "love it" #3 like it.

We've stayed at all on-site DVCs except for VGF. So here's my list, and I throw out the caveat that it is my list only. My wife's would be different and my daughters would each have a different list.


1. VWL. No surprise, but it is a "must see" every trip regardless of where we are staying. Just can't sit in that lobby and force a frown to come to my face.


2. BLT. The views of Bay Lake, the top side bar & Wishes, the convenience to MK and the monorail, and the amenities make this a new found favorite.


3. BWV. Love the location, love the boardwalk itself and the restaurant and entertainment options. The quiet pool is quite nice as well. Great location and great value in the standard rooms to stretch those points. If they could only fix their bus issues. But this resort is one we have loved from our first visit.


4. AKV. Not a favorite of DW, but I love the theming, the layout and the restaurants there. We've stayed at both Jambo and Kidani and both have their attractions, but Kidani probably jumps ahead for the extra bathroom in the 1BR and 2 BR.

5. OKW. Just a beautiful, laid back resort. Obviously the spacious rooms are a big plus and we have stayed in a number of locations.

6. BCV. Great location, great self-parking, nice quiet pool. We like this resort but when we stay in the EPCOT resort area, we almost always choose BWV.

7. SSR. We actually have enjoyed our stays at this resort, but there's nothing about it that makes it a top choice for us. When we've "had" to stay there, we have always had a good stay.


I can honestly say that we haven't had a really bad experience in any of our 20+ DVC trips. All resorts have their attractive sides, and we are looking forward to adding VGF to our list at some point.

 

[DJGifford]

Thanks everyone!

I will call and put the requests for room location in... can't hurt, lol.

I will add that VWL did have the BEST décor for Christmas...

Now... I need to know more about drunken donuts and lapu lapu... and of course the blood orange margarita... where do I get these???? They are a must on our trip in May

 

[sleepydog25]

The drunken donuts can be requested in the Territory Lounge, I believe, while the lapu lapu is in the bar over in the Poly, the bar on the second floor whatever its name is. I'm sure someone will note where you can get the margarita.

 

[eliza61]

Happy Birthday Sly!!​

Have a great birthday weekend!

 

[horselover]

Now... I need to know more about drunken donuts and lapu lapu... and of course the blood orange margarita... where do I get these???? They are a must on our trip in May

Did someone say Lapu Lapu & Blood Orange Margarita??!!!

Ahhhh my favorite drink in all of Disney World. The beloved (and strong) Lapu Lapu. It can be found at the Tambu Lounge at the Poly. You can also get it at 'Ohana & Kona Cafe. You can't get it at the pool bar but you can take it with you from the lounge.



My 2nd favorite drink. Blood Orange Margarita. This equally strong drink can be found at La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot.



Now I want one or both!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATRICK!!!

 

[DiznyDi]

Hi Groupies
I've missed the last few days. We're currently en route to DS's college graduation in Virginia. Just saw that we're celebrating a birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SLEEPY! Hope you have a most amazing day.

In regard to the Drunkin Doughnuts, DDad and I attempted to get these during our December trip. Unfortunately they are no longer available at the Territory Lounge.

Rusafee: we'll be at VWL Dec 4-13

Have a nice weekend!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Good afternoon....

We don't own at VWL... but... we are staying there finally in May!! We are not 100% sure about the decision... my biggest issue is bus service... We visited the Lodge this past Christmas, as it is the most beautifully decorated, as it was in 2011... but the bus service was exceptionally slow (esp compared to OKW)... then it went to the campground... seemed really out of the way....

That being said... we are looking forward to pool time... and relax time too....

Can anyone give information on best locations for rooms??

Thanks,
Dolores

Regarding buses it all depends on where you're going. MK - it's the absolute most awesome bus service you can find. 5 minutes and you're there! Or there's the boat for a relaxing trip over to the Happiest Place on Earth. Epcot bus stops at FW but on the way back VWL is the first stop and practically drops you off at the Villas front door. DHS and AK will share - usually with GF but I've had a stop at the Poly now and then. Overall we've generally had very good bus service at the Lodge.

Now - favorite DVC's.

First off - I've stayed at all except HHI so that's at the bottom.

I've shared my number one before and haven't been kicked out of the Groupies so here it goes again.

1. VGC - Love the style (totally get the lodge feel) and location. I always loved the GC as the best Disney hotel and getting DVC there was the tops. And it doesn't hurt that it's an hour flight compared to 6 plus hours travel to FL.

2. VWL - restful, beautiful, grand and stunning. Love the location there too best of all with it right on Bay Lake.

3. Aulani - it's hawaii! One of the best spas I've been to and great pool, great slides and an ocean to go swim in.

4. BLT - walk to MK, TOTWL, room size (except studio of course) and location on Bay Lake. It was also the resort that got me thinking about DVC when they were building it. Bought VWL resale before it opened but it was the catalyst.

Now it gets more tricky since I really haven't met a DVC I don't like. For the most part these can shift around depending on the trip.

5. BWV Location, location, location. Also free air hockey in the community hall. Not that I'm competitive or anything but if we wanted to have a Groupie meet/tournament I'd be happy to organize.

6. AKV One of the most unique places to stay - Lodge style and animals. This one easily could easily switch to #5 - and maybe even #4.

7. VGF Lovely design, location and great resort.

8. BCV Location. Really fairly interchangeable with BWV but views are better at BWV.

9. OKW Love the tropical feel - truly feels like a different world.

10. SSR Quiet and relaxing. Nice central location and allows access to DTD - otherwise we rarely go there when staying anywhere else onsite. And the Treehouses - I'd rank those higher. Glam camping!

11. VB OVIR's!

 

[bocaj1431]

I love all the info on this thread and how friendly and welcoming everyone is!!. It is refreshing when you come across that in forums.

We joined DVC last year and stayed at kidani villas and BlT. We enjoyed both, especially the atmosphere at kidani. But, I am so looking forward to our upcoming vacation at VWL. The lodge looks beautiful.

What does everyone think about Whispering Canyon? I have dinner booked at Whispering Canyon 3 nights in a row.

Thanks

 

[Muushka]

I love all the info on this thread and how friendly and welcoming everyone is!!. It is refreshing when you come across that in forums.

We joined DVC last year and stayed at kidani villas and BlT. We enjoyed both, especially the atmosphere at kidani. But, I am so looking forward to our upcoming vacation at VWL. The lodge looks beautiful.

What does everyone think about Whispering Canyon? I have dinner booked at Whispering Canyon 3 nights in a row.

Thanks

Welcome to the Groupies bocaj!

Grab yourself a Moosie siggy and a rocking chair and sit with us a spell.

 

[Muushka]

Birthday?? Did I hear Birthday????

Let's see.

Is it Sleepy Dog?? Nooooooo

Is it Sly Dog??? Nooooooooo

It's Lying Dog!!!!

Sorry Sleepy, I won't tag you with that name again.

Happy Birthday Sleepy Dog!!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Birthday?? Did I hear Birthday????

Let's see.

Is it Sleepy Dog?? Nooooooo

Is it Sly Dog??? Nooooooooo

It's Lying Dog!!!!

Sorry Sleepy, I won't tag you with that name again.

Happy Birthday Sleepy Dog!!!

Hmphh! I represent those remarks. Thanks for all the shout outs regarding my birthday. Facing the big 3-9 this year. . .

Welcome bocaj! We have a tendency to say we're the friendliest group on the DIS, but that belief stems from a genuine likability coming from everyone. I'm a relative newcomer here--a couple of years give or take--and I can honestly state I've never heard or seen a cross word uttered by anyone here. We are a varied group, but unlike many who say they are, we respect everyone's views and often treat each other like family. Wait, okay we treat each other better than family! In all seriousness, I'm proud to call these folks friends. (Now, there's that little matter of new member dues. . .$50 cashier's/personal check made out to Sleepydog.)

 

[jimmytammy]

I love all the info on this thread and how friendly and welcoming everyone is!!. It is refreshing when you come across that in forums.

We joined DVC last year and stayed at kidani villas and BlT. We enjoyed both, especially the atmosphere at kidani. But, I am so looking forward to our upcoming vacation at VWL. The lodge looks beautiful.

What does everyone think about Whispering Canyon? I have dinner booked at Whispering Canyon 3 nights in a row.

Thanks

Welcome to the groupies bocaj1431!!!!
As for the WCC, its been a few yrs since we have gone. It started to get a little to predictable for us, and didnt feel the food was up to par. Recently seeing a few upbeat posts on food, so I would say give it a try. We are going in Feb for breakfast, so will try to remember to post here a report.

 

[sleepydog25]

Welcome to the groupies bocaj1431!!!!
As for the WCC, its been a few yrs since we have gone. It started to get a little to predictable for us, and didnt feel the food was up to par. Recently seeing a few upbeat posts on food, so I would say give it a try. We are going in Feb for breakfast, so will try to remember to post here a report.

I forgot to mention WCC. Hmm, I would do it one night, perhaps, but not three unless you simply want the convenience. For example, Roaring Fork has a solid sandwich and grill menu (and would be far less expensive) while Artist Point is a topnotch on-site restaurant, one of WDW's better signature eateries. Before I ate three times at WCC, I'd consider taking a boat to CR for one of their restaurants, or better yet, walk/bike over to FW along the paved bike path (just under a mile, one way) to eat at Trail's End which is a buffet and a better value than WCC. Hope this helps.