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

[eliza61]

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.

Big Hugs buddy!!
I totally know about "spiritual" moms and you know I lost my mom early also. My dad's girlfriend/friend/lover (lol depending on who you asked) was mine and was the one I refer to as "mom" and the one who stood up for me at my wedding.

As an adult I thank God daily for these women who stepped into this position and filled a huge role for me, and let me tell ya, my sister and I were demon teenagers. Later in life we use to tease my dad that "mom" really loved him to stick with us through those years. I would have caught the last train smoking out on NY.

I'll say a prayer for Gloria tonight and assure her I'll keep an eye out on you.

 

[Dizny Dad]

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

Next time in the Haunted Mansion, watch closely and see who is leading!

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.

Yup. I agree. I'm just damaged goods. So damaged that I just drift back to the old standard even when I know I shouldn't. But it is a good tool to describe the situation to others that are as damaged as I am!

I have had the opportunity to travel to Europe (and other places) multiple times in my life, and have always enjoyed and appreciated the differences; but I still missed the corn dogs . . . . .

 

[ottawagreg]

a few more pics of the studio refurb at vwl

I see that I cannot post attachments.

the table in front of tv folds down and the murphy bed comes out of furniture supporting tv.










__________________

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

a few more pics of the studio refurb at vwl

I see that I cannot post attachments.

the table in front of tv folds down and the murphy bed comes out of furniture supporting tv.
__________________

Here they are:

Here are additional photos of the VWL refurb rooms:

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Just found this on DVC News. I think I'm about ready to cry - it looks a lot like BWV. Now I like BWV but not at VWL! And an area carpet that I could buy at Home Depot. Did the decorator not understand the theme?! WL just received awards in good part because if it's refurb which is very cute. And we get this. Generic blah.

 

[sleepydog25]

Just found this on DVC News. I think I'm about ready to cry - it looks a lot like BWV. Now I like BWV but not at VWL! And an area carpet that I could buy at Home Depot. Did the decorator not understand the theme?! WL just received awards in good part because if it's refurb which is very cute. And we get this. Generic blah.

Don't mind the carpet pattern/color so much as the cabinet color. I don't mind lightening up the rooms a bit, but a pastel green for the dominant feature? Hmmm.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Don't mind the carpet pattern/color so much as the cabinet color. I don't mind lightening up the rooms a bit, but a pastel green for the dominant feature? Hmmm.

In a way it gives me a Craftsman feel, except for the cabinets of course - but very different from a railroad camp. It's too refined. I enjoyed the dark cozy colors that somehow made me feel warm when it was cool out and cool when it was warm out! But the carpet really bugs me......

Oh well - their bad for not asking for my input. And thankfully I find most of the resorts to look better in person so I guess we'll just see in May.

 

[DVCTigger]

I was kind of excited that we may get a refurbished studio when we check in on Monday. But now after seeing what they did with the "desk/table", not so much. DH very often works remotely from WDW, including this trip next week. The configuration of his work space is awful in the newly refurbed studio I assume this is something new? It's been a while since we have stayed at VWL, from what I remember there was a small desk, or table that would have been much better for spending the day working at. I guess if the wifi is good enough he will be working poolside instead now!

 

[twinklebug]

I was kind of excited that we may get a refurbished studio when we check in on Monday. But now after seeing what they did with the "desk/table", not so much. DH very often works remotely from WDW, including this trip next week. The configuration of his work space is awful in the newly refurbed studio I assume this is something new? It's been a while since we have stayed at VWL, from what I remember there was a small desk, or table that would have been much better for spending the day working at. I guess if the wifi is good enough he will be working poolside instead now!

I'm not in love with that table either. Looks too camperish for me. The bed though I like... anyone with little ones knows the kids will go nuts for that bed.

I can live with it. Refurbs happen every how many years? Another one will come along eventually and a few fabrics/paint won't destroy my love for the lodge.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'm not in love with that table either. Looks too camperish for me. The bed though I like... anyone with little ones knows the kids will go nuts for that bed.

I can live with it. Refurbs happen every how many years? Another one will come along eventually and a few fabrics/paint won't destroy my love for the lodge.

When someone's child amputates fingers on that table, they will be removed.

 

[Muushka]

Big Hugs buddy!!
I totally know about "spiritual" moms and you know I lost my mom early also. My dad's girlfriend/friend/lover (lol depending on who you asked) was mine and was the one I refer to as "mom" and the one who stood up for me at my wedding.

As an adult I thank God daily for these women who stepped into this position and filled a huge role for me, and let me tell ya, my sister and I were demon teenagers. Later in life we use to tease my dad that "mom" really loved him to stick with us through those years. I would have caught the last train smoking out on NY.

I'll say a prayer for Gloria tonight and assure her I'll keep an eye out on you.

Wow, we are kindred spirits, aren't we. Thank you so much, Eliza


Boy have I been out of the VWL loop.

NEW EVERYTHING! The jury is still out, but I think I like that new sofa!

 

[sleepydog25]

Overall, the refurb--strictly from the posted pics I've seen here and a couple of other places--seems to be an upgrade. However, I'm one for nostalgia and theming, as well, and these improvements seem to be a bit too, how to put this, un-thematic. Generic. Nice but generic save for the headboard which I like a lot and the chairs with the spruce tree cutouts. The glimpse of the tile I see looks pretty, too, and I like the more woodsy theme the bathrooms are holding onto. As others have said, the biggest test will be the next time we stay at the Lodge which likely won't be this year.

In other news, we're battening down the hatches here (JT, Muushka, et. all as well, I'm sure) for the storm of the winter in these parts. If the models hold, then we'll get somewhere between 9" to 12" inches or perhaps more. That's a good snow even in Anchorage or Minneapolis, but for our neck of the woods--despite living in the mountains--that's a lot of snow. We have gas heat and stove, plus lots of food, so we'll be fine. Hopefully, by this weekend, we'll be watching most of it melt.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I agree pretty much with everyone else. Looks a bit generic to me? Feel some charm has been lost on this refurb?? They should have consulted us and let us create the new look here in our group!!!!

ps: maybe it feels better in person???

 

[MiaSRN62]

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

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



I was indeed!

How many more days until the big wedding?

50 days Muushka!!! Can't believe it!!!!!

eliza.....I understand what you are saying. A friend of mine visited DLP, Hong Kong DL and Tokyo. She was most in love with Tokyo!!! She said the people there are part of the reason. She felt they were there nicest and seemed to have the most passion for Disney. She loves the city and the culture too.

 

[twinklebug]

Overall, the refurb--strictly from the posted pics I've seen here and a couple of other places--seems to be an upgrade. However, I'm one for nostalgia and theming, as well, and these improvements seem to be a bit too, how to put this, un-thematic. Generic. Nice but generic save for the headboard which I like a lot and the chairs with the spruce tree cutouts. The glimpse of the tile I see looks pretty, too, and I like the more woodsy theme the bathrooms are holding onto. As others have said, the biggest test will be the next time we stay at the Lodge which likely won't be this year.

When someone's child amputates fingers on that table, they will be removed.

As a kid we had a trailer that had a table similar to this one. It's a pretty safe design as long as it doesn't drop down on a child's head.
Ironically, part of my draw to the lodge is from my memories of camping. It's fine for a camper, but as much as I miss those camping days, that table has no business being in a villa.

I'm not so sure it will hold up to all the kids and luggage that will be sitting on it, and the laminate looks as though it will start chipping right away (think BLT villas)

The rest of the room design doesn't seem too bad. As Sly pointed out many of the details still there: I'm glad they kept the features that make VWL what it is. Think of how bad they could have made it

In other news, we're battening down the hatches here (JT, Muushka, et. all as well, I'm sure) for the storm of the winter in these parts. If the models hold, then we'll get somewhere between 9" to 12" inches or perhaps more. That's a good snow even in Anchorage or Minneapolis, but for our neck of the woods--despite living in the mountains--that's a lot of snow. We have gas heat and stove, plus lots of food, so we'll be fine. Hopefully, by this weekend, we'll be watching most of it melt.

One half of an inch of ice can be just as dangerous as 2 feet of snow, particularly for the states without the equipment and materials to sand/salt the roads.
Stay safe guys - no bumper cars, stay on the road and hopefully the ice won't damage the trees/lines

 

[jimmytammy]

Di
Thanks for the trip report, sounds like a great time with your mom!

Mixed feelings on the VWL upgrades. Like the idea of the bed, not so keen on the small table, def. not liking the colors. People who complained about it being too dark tended to not be VWL owners, though I know a few owners who werent crazy about it, but its a woodsy theme, woods are dark. I miss the old colors. If I want bright, breezy feel, I go to BCV, OKW or BWV. Maybe they will make all those dark

Sleepy is right, we are buttoning down the hatches here in our neck of the woods. Most times, they over blow the snow accums. but its going to be a big one I fear this time. CaptD was telling me a few a days ago that our local weather station was issuing a winter storm warning for our area on his phone. I told him to check the fine print below and see if the app was sponsored by Bunny bread and Pet milkOne thing is for sure, come Sat, our Honda van will be rolling out of NC, towards FL. Now we may have tracks similar to a tank strapped on, but we will be rolling out, one way or the other!!

 

[Muushka]

Hi Jimmy

I hope that all the weather will have passed by for your trip.

I'm pretty worried about the threat of ice. Snow I can deal with, it's the ice that gets us. The thought of losing power, ugh. I couldn't keep in touch with all of you!

Best wishes to everyone in the path of this bad boy.

 

[sleepydog25]

Di
Thanks for the trip report, sounds like a great time with your mom!

Mixed feelings on the VWL upgrades. Like the idea of the bed, not so keen on the small table, def. not liking the colors. People who complained about it being too dark tended to not be VWL owners, though I know a few owners who werent crazy about it, but its a woodsy theme, woods are dark. I miss the old colors. If I want bright, breezy feel, I go to BCV, OKW or BWV. Maybe they will make all those dark

Sleepy is right, we are buttoning down the hatches here in our neck of the woods. Most times, they over blow the snow accums. but its going to be a big one I fear this time. CaptD was telling me a few a days ago that our local weather station was issuing a winter storm warning for our area on his phone. I told him to check the fine print below and see if the app was sponsored by Bunny bread and Pet milkOne thing is for sure, come Sat, our Honda van will be rolling out of NC, towards FL. Now we may have tracks similar to a tank strapped on, but we will be rolling out, one way or the other!!

Drop by here on your way and pick us up. We're raring to go! We can sleep out on your balcony.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

People who complained about it being too dark tended to not be VWL owners, though I know a few owners who werent crazy about it, but its a woodsy theme, woods are dark. I miss the old colors. If I want bright, breezy feel, I go to BCV, OKW or BWV. Maybe they will make all those dark

I was just thinking that - DVC may have been listening to input but as a VWL owner it wouldn't have been my input.

Good luck to everyone being affected by the upcoming storm. I know the news is making it sound disastrous already and I hope they are very wrong. Stay safe and warm!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

....