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

[KAT4DISNEY]

Many good thoughts and prayers going out to you Muushka! It's never easy to lose those that are loved and so important in our lives.

 

[twokats]

I found out that my spiritual Mom died. She lived in FL (where we are from).

Spiritual Mom you say?

Well, my real mom died when I was a baby. Over the years I have adopted 3 mothers. Gloria, the one who just passed away was one of them. They are the women in your life who chose to adopt you as their daughter (not legally, of course, but spiritually). They do whatever they can for you. At our wedding, Gloria (and Jodi, one of my other 'Moms') had the role of Mother of the Bride. It was so cool to have 2!

I was in FL last June and thankfully I was able to take my 2 moms out for breakfast one day.
What a blessing that was, for me. 2 wonderful women, who stood in for my Mom.
Gloria always remembered each of our birthdays and our wedding anniversary.

I tried to call her recently and sent a Christmas card, but had not heard from her.

I still have 2 spiritual moms with me. They are both in FL.
Actually we 3 used to work together in RI at the lab. Funny how things turn out.
I've known these women for close to 35 years.

My Gloria was 89 when she passed away. But I know I will see her again one day. And for that, I am thankful.

I have one of those also and I keep up with her, especially since I lost my mom. Thinking of you in your loss.

 

[jimmytammy]

Muushka
I am sorry for your loss. It is a wonderful feeling to know we will be reunited with our loved ones in His presence.

 

[sleepydog25]

Our condolences, Muushka.

 

[Muushka]

Thank you all for your kindness. It is appreciated.

And a special thank you, to nabi (you are a kind newbie) and welcome to our thread.

 

[Syndrome]

Cosmos just confirmed that the studios do indeed have a murphy bed under the TV , with a fold down table in front of it !!!!
Housekeeping confirmed it, and hopefully cosmos will post the pictures soon !

Cant wait for our trip to VWL in a studio soon (come on December !)



What a scoop ........great investigative work !
Thanks cosmos !!!!

 

[eliza61]

Cosmos just confirmed that the studios do indeed have a murphy bed under the TV , with a fold down table in front of it !!!!
Housekeeping confirmed it, and hopefully cosmos will post the pictures soon !

Cant wait for our trip to VWL in a studio soon (come on December !)



What a scoop ........great investigative work !
Thanks cosmos !!!!

LOL, I really love you but we're expecting another 6 to 12 inches of snow on Thursday, so I think I can live with a perpetual July!! The weather girl on ABC just told us the good news is that we have another 50 hours to prepare. Oh goodie...


Really, I'm prepared to do some thing I'm sure is illegal in the Southern states to get the weather gods to lay off.

 

[ottawagreg]

Muushka,

I pray that God's peace will be with you. I am sorry for your loss.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Had to come out of hiding to send Muush hugs of understanding and care. So sorry to read of the loss of one of your tethers in love in this experience. DiznyDi & I are thinking of you. Jimmy said it right.

 

[Muushka]

Muushka,

I pray that God's peace will be with you. I am sorry for your loss.

Had to come out of hiding to send Muush hugs of understanding and care. So sorry to read of the loss of one of your tethers in love in this experience. DiznyDi & I are thinking of you. Jimmy said it right.

Thank you both, I really appreciate it. VWL Groupie guys are the best.

 

[Dizny Dad]

I just returned from a business trip to a small town in northern France. After my meetings ended earlier than scheduled on Friday last week, I made my way south to just east of Paris and lo and behold I found myself standing at Guest Relations at the entrance to Disneyland Paris. It was 5PM and the park closed at 7PM; but I had to do it! I may just not get back, so I had to make the decision to spend that €71 (~$100) for a two hour Disney experience.

Let me begin by saying that Disney is as Disney does. The essence of Walt and Roy were there, but many things were just not up to the standards one would expect after living in the real “World” for so long; details only one hypnotized by, well, you guys all know, that Disney thing.

I explained it to DiznyDi like this; it was if you are in a parallel universe, but the small things just aren’t right. Please don’t take any of this as a complaint. I was satisfied in spending the cash for a short peak into the other World. These are just random thoughts and observations.

A number of bushes needed attention. They stuck out like sore thumbs to me, but not to the business partners with whom I was traveling (yup, drug them into the World, too).

Main St. USA was all there; kinda. The Emporium was smaller; the Confectionary was basically non-existent; no place to buy a hat; no art work to buy other than a few small non framed items; most other things were there but smaller; and Casey’s had NO CORN DOGS! (No condiments bars either; you had to ask and only Ketchup, Mustard, and Mayo were available). The nuggets available were chicken nuggets in the shape of corn dogs. (See . . . . parallel universe stuff!)

There are two parks side by side. When entering from the parking area, Disney Studios is on the left, and Disneyland is on the right. That starts the weirdness right there. Disneyland itself is laid out close enough, but the angles of the different lands from the center of the park are wrong, but in the correct orientation. Again, this is not bad, nor a complaint, just a weirdness that creeps in.

The Haunted Mansion was really a disappointment, though, I must confess. It was a disappointing rendition of the WDW version. The medium’s floating head was a rubber mask looking thing, there were no Mickey dishes on the table, the ghost dancers mistake was corrected (too bad), and the ghosts that jump into your car, switching your heads, were not operating. (I won’t mention that there was no floating candle stick, a shortened cemetery, and a wild west ghost town with no ghost.)

The “Dreams” Castle light show and fireworks were great, but again, being in French (with a little English thrown in there), you felt that, although things were right, they were one-step-left of things being lined up.

Talk about being ruined by repeated experiences in one place! I am a damaged unit in need of replacement.

I loved the experience. I would do it again as long as I had more time and my main squeeze at my side. Just wish I could have bought a cup of Corn Dogs for my $100.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It's been over a decade since I've been to Eurodisney (is that even what it's still called? - oops, guess not! Maybe it wasn't even that when we were there.). I know exactly what you're saying DDad! As I recall there are some cool differences in a few rides - too bad you didn't have a little more time. Big Thunder and Space Mt especially. And the Dragon in the castle was a neat addition. I don't know what the weather was like for your visit but it was a cool October for our visit and there was lots of black leather coats and jackets. And that's still what I remember the most about Disney in Paris!

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome to the groupies nabi!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

DDad
Thanks for sharing your exp. at Disneyland Paris. Reminds me of an ol George Jones song... "Once You've Had The Best" Spoiled isn't a bad thing in all aspects of life

 

[DiznyDi]

Good Morning Groupies!

I see we've added a few new Groupies to our thread in my absence. It's always a pleasure when new folks find their way to our thread, join in our ramblings and make themselves at home.

Muush on the loss of your spiritual mom. So wonderful that your life has had the influence of multiple 'mothers'. May her memory be always imprinted on your heart.

WildernessDad, a very Happy Belated Birthday to you! Another year older, another year wiser....

Mom and I had a really nice visit to the 'World'. Our Magic Bands worked well and I found myself changing events/time on the fly with the smartphone ap though the ap did crash from time to time. It wasn't a problem. Just shut the phone completely down and on re-start everything was fine. Just a bug that needs to be worked out, I guess.

We arrived to temperatures in the mid 80's where it stayed for 3 days. On day 4 the front began to work it's way through that took the temps into the low 70's. By day 5 and 6 temps were in the 50's - 60's with rain On day 7 - the day we left - temps were back in the 70's with beautiful blue skies. Would have been nice to stay another day. Our room at SSR was ready upon arrival and our request had been met. We had a lovely room bordering the golf course with a nice view and could watch the boats along the canal.

SSR is no longer giving KTTW cards on check-in. Everything is done through your MagicBand. I took Mom to the TOWL and showed only my DVC member card for access. There were probably no more than 30 persons at the lounge, even at fireworks time.

It's probably been 15 years since I've been to the World during the month of February. I was surprised so much was boarded over, presumably for re-furb. Even Casey's was closed. Like DDad, I was really looking forward to some corn dog nuggets. We were told they expect to re-open in March.

The monorails also did not run throughout the day. Resort and express monorails were shut down from 10 AM until 7 PM. Unfortunately this did not allow us to tour the monorail resorts. Mom has some significant arthritis in her knees and neck, so I tried to minimize walking and not repeat distances unnecessarily.

We enjoyed some nice 'pixie dust' moments:
1) One of the very tall walkers in the Move It Shake It Celebrate It parade bent down on one knee, took Mothers hand and 'proposed' to her. I couldn't get to my camera fast enough to capture the moment.

2) One of the Dapper Dan's, who grew up in Ohio, spent considerable time in conversation with us. Especially meaningful for Mom as my dad sang with a barbershop quartet for many years.

3) I was one of the chosen participants at Laugh Floor. Mom got a huge kick out of this!

4) While sipping lattes at Pizza Planet, one of the CM's went into the kitchen and brought out cookies for us.

5) Last but not least, while shopping at Downtown Disney, I became acquainted with a woman who shares my name. Not just Diane, but Diane Dillon. We were both excited and surprised! Her husband took a photo of the 2 of us together. I guess it really is a Small World.....

We hated coming home to more cold and snow. My car had 6-8" of snow/ice on it at the airport. It was nice to leave all of this behind, if only for a few days. My counter is showing 80 days until Flower and Garden. Maybe by then Ohio will have some sun.

Enjoy your day, Groupies!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Dizny Dad---thanks so much for sharing your DL Paris experience! Friends of mine had gone and felt the same way as you. Loved your pic on FB.

And Di....also enjoyed following along with your journey on FB. Loved all the pics!!! Your mom is the cutest!!!! Please tell her I said so. I love her smile

 

[MiaSRN62]

I found out that my spiritual Mom died. She lived in FL (where we are from).

Spiritual Mom you say?

Well, my real mom died when I was a baby. Over the years I have adopted 3 mothers. Gloria, the one who just passed away was one of them. They are the women in your life who chose to adopt you as their daughter (not legally, of course, but spiritually). They do whatever they can for you. At our wedding, Gloria (and Jodi, one of my other 'Moms') had the role of Mother of the Bride. It was so cool to have 2!


My Gloria was 89 when she passed away. But I know I will see her again one day. And for that, I am thankful.

Lots of prayers and hugs Muushka!!! How blessed you were to have Gloria in your life

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks for the photos of the refurb Kathy!!! I think I have to get used to it. We have 3 different families for my daughter's wedding reserved at VWL. I'm sure they will love the resort regardless of which room they get. How could one not???!!!!

 

[Muushka]

I just returned from a business trip to a small town in northern France. After my meetings ended earlier than scheduled on Friday last week, I made my way south to just east of Paris and lo and behold I found myself standing at Guest Relations at the entrance to Disneyland Paris. It was 5PM and the park closed at 7PM; but I had to do it! I may just not get back, so I had to make the decision to spend that €71 (~$100) for a two hour Disney experience.

Let me begin by saying that Disney is as Disney does. The essence of Walt and Roy were there, but many things were just not up to the standards one would expect after living in the real “World” for so long; details only one hypnotized by, well, you guys all know, that Disney thing.

I explained it to DiznyDi like this; it was if you are in a parallel universe, but the small things just aren’t right. Please don’t take any of this as a complaint. I was satisfied in spending the cash for a short peak into the other World. These are just random thoughts and observations.

A number of bushes needed attention. They stuck out like sore thumbs to me, but not to the business partners with whom I was traveling (yup, drug them into the World, too).

Main St. USA was all there; kinda. The Emporium was smaller; the Confectionary was basically non-existent; no place to buy a hat; no art work to buy other than a few small non framed items; most other things were there but smaller; and Casey’s had NO CORN DOGS! (No condiments bars either; you had to ask and only Ketchup, Mustard, and Mayo were available). The nuggets available were chicken nuggets in the shape of corn dogs. (See . . . . parallel universe stuff!)

There are two parks side by side. When entering from the parking area, Disney Studios is on the left, and Disneyland is on the right. That starts the weirdness right there. Disneyland itself is laid out close enough, but the angles of the different lands from the center of the park are wrong, but in the correct orientation. Again, this is not bad, nor a complaint, just a weirdness that creeps in.

The Haunted Mansion was really a disappointment, though, I must confess. It was a disappointing rendition of the WDW version. The medium’s floating head was a rubber mask looking thing, there were no Mickey dishes on the table, the ghost dancers mistake was corrected (too bad), and the ghosts that jump into your car, switching your heads, were not operating. (I won’t mention that there was no floating candle stick, a shortened cemetery, and a wild west ghost town with no ghost.)

The “Dreams” Castle light show and fireworks were great, but again, being in French (with a little English thrown in there), you felt that, although things were right, they were one-step-left of things being lined up.

Talk about being ruined by repeated experiences in one place! I am a damaged unit in need of replacement.

I loved the experience. I would do it again as long as I had more time and my main squeeze at my side. Just wish I could have bought a cup of Corn Dogs for my $100.

What a fun read that was! I understood everything but the bolded part. Am I a bad Mousketeer?
Can you explain what you mean?

Good Morning Groupies!

I see we've added a few new Groupies to our thread in my absence. It's always a pleasure when new folks find their way to our thread, join in our ramblings and make themselves at home.

Muush on the loss of your spiritual mom. So wonderful that your life has had the influence of multiple 'mothers'. May her memory be always imprinted on your heart.

WildernessDad, a very Happy Belated Birthday to you! Another year older, another year wiser....

Mom and I had a really nice visit to the 'World'. Our Magic Bands worked well and I found myself changing events/time on the fly with the smartphone ap though the ap did crash from time to time. It wasn't a problem. Just shut the phone completely down and on re-start everything was fine. Just a bug that needs to be worked out, I guess.

We arrived to temperatures in the mid 80's where it stayed for 3 days. On day 4 the front began to work it's way through that took the temps into the low 70's. By day 5 and 6 temps were in the 50's - 60's with rain On day 7 - the day we left - temps were back in the 70's with beautiful blue skies. Would have been nice to stay another day. Our room at SSR was ready upon arrival and our request had been met. We had a lovely room bordering the golf course with a nice view and could watch the boats along the canal.

SSR is no longer giving KTTW cards on check-in. Everything is done through your MagicBand. I took Mom to the TOWL and showed only my DVC member card for access. There were probably no more than 30 persons at the lounge, even at fireworks time.

It's probably been 15 years since I've been to the World during the month of February. I was surprised so much was boarded over, presumably for re-furb. Even Casey's was closed. Like DDad, I was really looking forward to some corn dog nuggets. We were told they expect to re-open in March.

The monorails also did not run throughout the day. Resort and express monorails were shut down from 10 AM until 7 PM. Unfortunately this did not allow us to tour the monorail resorts. Mom has some significant arthritis in her knees and neck, so I tried to minimize walking and not repeat distances unnecessarily.

We enjoyed some nice 'pixie dust' moments:
1) One of the very tall walkers in the Move It Shake It Celebrate It parade bent down on one knee, took Mothers hand and 'proposed' to her. I couldn't get to my camera fast enough to capture the moment.

2) One of the Dapper Dan's, who grew up in Ohio, spent considerable time in conversation with us. Especially meaningful for Mom as my dad sang with a barbershop quartet for many years.

3) I was one of the chosen participants at Laugh Floor. Mom got a huge kick out of this!

4) While sipping lattes at Pizza Planet, one of the CM's went into the kitchen and brought out cookies for us.

5) Last but not least, while shopping at Downtown Disney, I became acquainted with a woman who shares my name. Not just Diane, but Diane Dillon. We were both excited and surprised! Her husband took a photo of the 2 of us together. I guess it really is a Small World.....

We hated coming home to more cold and snow. My car had 6-8" of snow/ice on it at the airport. It was nice to leave all of this behind, if only for a few days. My counter is showing 80 days until Flower and Garden. Maybe by then Ohio will have some sun.

Enjoy your day, Groupies!

Thank you and Maria for the kind words, I appreciate you guys so much.

Diane, what a magical time with your Mom. So sweet

Lots of prayers and hugs Muushka!!! How blessed you were to have Gloria in your life

I was indeed!

How many more days until the big wedding?

 

[eliza61]

DDad
Thanks for sharing your exp. at Disneyland Paris. Reminds me of an ol George Jones song... "Once You've Had The Best" Spoiled isn't a bad thing in all aspects of life

Ok so you guys know that Paris is my second home in my alternate reality so I've got to stand up for the "peeps" lol.

One thing you have to remember is the DLP is an "interpertation" of wdw, not a copy placed in another country.

Nope you won't get corn dogs there. LOL not even going to get into the huge hassle it was when WDW wanted to ban alcohol from the park. sorry dude, this is Paris, we don't eat without wine. It took them a minute to sneak in hamburgers as we know them. Corn dogs might get you stabbed in the back. Same thing as condiments. as a general rule you won't have them at the table the way we do here in the states.


Disney world Tokoyo, shares some of the same criticism.
Disney Dad, I think you explained it very well though, what you have to do is suspend "reality" for a moment.