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

[DiznyDi]

CONGRATS DI AND DAD wishing you many more happy years together!

Thanks Corinne!

Happy Anniversary
Di and Dad


Bagsmom loved you trip reports

Starbucks..... I'm not happy

Take Care Groupies

Ah, gee, Joy. Thanks for your good wishes and the cute Donald and Daisy graphic.

Great job WildernessDad getting your Thanksgiving reservations!

 

[lodge]

Someone tell me why I've never taken to coffee?!?! Pastry change.... NOT good!

 

[lodge]

Happy anniversary D's!

 

[rfassett]

Someone tell me why I've never taken to coffee?!?! Pastry change.... NOT good!

That's a good question. "Different strokes" I suppose. I have been addicted to coffee for so long that I have oft stated that if the doctor ever ordered me off, I would simply leave his office, go directly to the cemetery and start digging my hole because without the caffeine, my heart would simply begin slowing down until it stopped. And that scene nearly played itself out recently. Alls good now though.

 

[DreamerWDW]

Well, since it's nearly midnight, I'm just going to assume it is tomorrow. Being that it is incredulously tomorrow, one knows the rule that one may not count the day one is in. Ergo, counting from Saturday, that would leave us with 13 days. We're not spring chickens (nor summer, either. . .heck, we could be counted as well into fall chickens, but I digress), but we would love to have 38 years together. I've added a new link in my signature for anyone who wishes to follow along in our adventure over the next few weeks. The travelogue of sorts will include, among other stories, the background on how I proposed to luv.

Sleepydog--I will enjoy reading about your story and adventures!

Unfortunately, even though I live in Ohio, I won't be able to make the Groupies Northeast meet. It sounds fun and I hope everyone has a great time

I'd really like to see the Starbucks in the Main St. bakery in person, but I'm not sure when I'll have park tickets again. My March 2014 trip will be my first resort only stay.

 

[SAT887]

Hi! Just joining in to learn more about VWL, we have a split stay planned in January, 4 nights at BLT and 3 at VWL in a 1 bedroom. We are trying to make our rounds through the DVC resorts to see about a future add-on Any suggestions for a VWL newbie are welcomed we have only been to WCC and we have an ADR in September for Artist Point.

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome to the groupies SAT887!!!!
If you want to PM your vacation dates to me, I can add you to the 1st page along with fellow groupies upcoming trips. Doesnt have to be VWL only, just WDW related. Also, twokats can add your birthday/anniversary as well to the 1st page if you PM her.

 

[SAT887]

Thanks for the welcome! I've only gotten through a few pages but loving it already! I have some great memories at WCC when I was a teenager when WL first opened. I miss the rice crispy treats they used to have! Is there really a walking path to FW? We are thinking about MBYBBQ and the Chip & Dale sing along (I would rather risk cold weather than the September heat being I'm from NH)

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Seems like I have gotten behind here. Been really under the weather the last few days.

....DIZNYDI I really hope your anniversary was a wonderful one for you both!

.....sleepydog25 I am looking forward to reading your wedding plans and wish you and Luv all the very best.


......And welcome to jimim and Sat887! I am a newbie here myself and have always had a love for the lodge. Finally getting our first stay at the villas this upcoming november. The folks in this group are so helpful and welcoming. I have enjoyed reading all of their postings right from the very first.

 

[twokats]

Y'all have been quieter than I was expecting. I have been gone all weekend and I was expecting to go thru several pages, but I guess everyone also was out having fun!!!

Happy Anniversary Di and Rich!!
Sorry I was gone on the big day! Hope you had a fantastic time.


Welcome to the new groupies!!
Glad you have found our happy place. Let me know if you want a birthday/anniversary added to the first page.

I spent the weekend with about 20 of the girls I graduated with for our Girl's weekend. We have been doing this every year since we turned 50. We have had as many as 27, but only 20 could come this year. We had quite a large graduating class, so this is only a few of us, but we have a blast laughing, talking, eating. . . . . and catching up!

It is 79 days til we head for California and go to Disneyland for the first time and then catch the Wonder for our Panama Canal cruise. Getting so excited!!

Anybody have any good places to eat at Disneyland?

 

[DreamerWDW]

Anybody have any good places to eat at Disneyland?

My family went 2 years ago and we only did counter service places, but we found lots of food we liked.

At VGC we loved the nachos at White Water snacks.

In DCA, all the places in the Pacific Wharf were excellent. We also liked the pasta at the Boardwalk in Paradise Pier. The corn dogs at Corn Dog Castle in Paradise Pier were very good.

Ralph Brennan's Creole Cafe in DTD was good.

For some reason, nothing in the DL park seems to stand out

 

[jimmytammy]

Hi! Just joining in to learn more about VWL, we have a split stay planned in January, 4 nights at BLT and 3 at VWL in a 1 bedroom. We are trying to make our rounds through the DVC resorts to see about a future add-on Any suggestions for a VWL newbie are welcomed we have only been to WCC and we have an ADR in September for Artist Point.

Get there early or stay awhile after AP and enjoy all the scenery, inside and out. Listen to the faint sounds of western themed music and crickets chirping. Lanterns flicker along the paths. GO to the villas side and sit in those comfy leather seats with a hot choc. or other fav. bev. in hand, but be warned, you may fall asleep from the comfort and peace. Go up a few floors in the main lodge lobby and check out the pool area, beautiful!!

FW and WL are connected by boat and a walking path. If you walk by the bus stop keep going and it will lead you to the path,roughly about 1 mile, and it brings you ot at stables, MBYBBQ will be to your left. If to late, catch the boat back to WL and check out the bear at night made up of different components of the back of the Lodge. A little imagination needed, but its there, esp. easy to view in the dark.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks for the welcome! I've only gotten through a few pages but loving it already! I have some great memories at WCC when I was a teenager when WL first opened. I miss the rice crispy treats they used to have! Is there really a walking path to FW? We are thinking about MBYBBQ and the Chip & Dale sing along (I would rather risk cold weather than the September heat being I'm from NH)

Welcome to the Groupies! All that is required for membership is to just be a fan of the Lodge. Don't have to own there, nor stay there, just enjoy thinking about the experiences there. As JT said, there is a walking path (paved) that leads out from the bus stop. Good place to see wildlife: rabbits, deer, squirrels, and I once saw a hawk on the ground with freshly caught prey in its talons. I prefer to take the nature trail over. It starts beside the bike rental shop and follows along the bank of the lake for about 1/3 of a mile, then it forks right or you can continue straight ahead. If you take the right fork, it will lead you to the paved path where you'll turn left and continue on your journey. If you go straight, you'll wind up in the cast member parking lot of FW, and can work your way up to the main area easily enough. I also agree with JT that strolling around the grounds after dinner at AP is a wonderful experience. We like to walk to the beach and watch EWP or even catch the higher blasts of Wishes above the trees.

Other things you can do include taking in the marshmallow roast (s'mores, too) on the beach followed by family movie night nearby; check at the front desk for a Hidden Mickey hint sheet and go on a hunt; grab your favorite libation and sit in the rockers over at the Villas; relax in the Hidden Springs pool as it's less crowded than the main pool; take the boat over to MK; and there are many other simple pleasures to enjoy there. Whatever you do, you'll have a blast.

Dreamer and DisneyFreaks: Thanks for the well wishes, and I should have an update later tonight or first thing tomorrow! (Added around midnight!)

 

[bagsmom]

Hey gang! We had computer problems for a few days -- I hope I didn't miss out on anything. Couldn't find the bookmark for this group and was worried it got deleted in our "wipe and re-install" excitement.

Whew -- I was relieved with DH found you for me!

 

[Granny]

Hi Groupies!

It's been a while since I've posted here...I just unplugged for a bit as we are all wont to do from time to time. I got to thinking and this thread has to be at least four years old, isn't it? So many great stories, pictures and sharing over the years and so much tremendous support when a Groupie needs it. You guys are the best!

I know I've missed some birthdays, and Rich & Di's anniversary but I'm sure that all were celebrated in wonderful fashion both in this cyber space as well as the real world.

I will add that I think Eliza has nicely summed up a lot of the allure of WDW for so many of us. I too grew up on the Mouseketeers, and the Sunday ritual of Wonderful World of Disney (btw, I'm not quite in the 59 & holding club, but very close).

WDW is to me all about connecting with that nostalgia with the additional benefit of escapism from the daily grind. I think that's why we love WL so much...in great Disney style it transports us to another place and time. Just so well done in all the details, and I always look forward to coming through the whoosh of the sliding doors again.

It sounds like the Groupies are doing pretty well in general, and prayers continue to be lifted up for those who need them. Enjoy your summer, and the endless planning for "the next trip".

 

[jimmytammy]

Granny
Good to see you and we always know you have us in mind. I understand about how time takes away from other things, and we need to get away. This thread gives me that little escapism I need before heading to work.

 

[horselover]

Oh Sleepydog aka Slydog! Tell Luv I got my points today! Funny how when I said I'll hold out a little bit longer a week later the points became available. Coincidence? I ended up only getting 30 instead of 50. A couple unexpected expenses have come up (don't they always!) & 30 was what I could pay in cash. Brings us up to a nice point level to do a long Christmas stay every other year so it worked out fine. Points should be in my account today.

Hi Granny! Always good to see you.

Ok back to work. I need to pay for those new points!

Have a good day groupie friends!

 

[rfassett]

Woohoo horselover!!! Congratulations! Good things come to those who wait?

Good to see you again Granny! Hoping the need to unplug was nothing more than a need to unplug! Good to see you back!

Glad you found your way back bagsmom. I know that sense of being lost. I inadvertently click on the wrong link in one of the emails last week and it unsubscribed me from this thread. After I got over the panic, I was able to find it quickly and re-subscribe.

 

[sleepydog25]

Oh Sleepydog aka Slydog! Tell Luv I got my points today! Funny how when I said I'll hold out a little bit longer a week later the points became available. Coincidence? I ended up only getting 30 instead of 50. A couple unexpected expenses have come up (don't they always!) & 30 was what I could pay in cash. Brings us up to a nice point level to do a long Christmas stay every other year so it worked out fine. Points should be in my account today.

Hi Granny! Always good to see you.

Ok back to work. I need to pay for those new points!

Have a good day groupie friends!

Time for the Happy Dance! Congratulations! Sounds like it happened as it did for us, right out of the blue when least expected. We're so glad to hear you got your points--that is most excellent news.

 

[Muushka]

Hi! Just joining in to learn more about VWL, we have a split stay planned in January, 4 nights at BLT and 3 at VWL in a 1 bedroom. We are trying to make our rounds through the DVC resorts to see about a future add-on Any suggestions for a VWL newbie are welcomed we have only been to WCC and we have an ADR in September for Artist Point.

Welcome SAT887! Pull up a rocking chair and stay a spell

Sorry Groupies, I haven't had a chance to stroll back umpteen pages

Chatty bunch aren't we!

Good to see you Granny, as always

And congrats on the add on HL.

We had a fantastic cruise on the beautiful Fantasy. My little nieces were just as cute as can be.
Got to see Monsters U before everyone else, 3D. Iron Man 3D, Avengers 3D. Awesome!!!
Lots of great family memories that we will all always cherish. Thank you DCL.

Time at WDW was short. It was so hot and crowded, as I whined about many days ago.
But fun story. I lost my watch at Disney Quest. Checked a few days later and they didn't have it. So I chalked it up to "oh well, someone got a watch out of the deal!".
Then while at Bonnet Creek, Mr Muush found a beautiful watch (much nicer than mine). I know, you're afraid I am going to say I kept it! Nope, turned it in.
Got home 10 days later and what's waiting for me? And envelope from WDW with my watch in it! Which is surprising because I barely described what it looked like. I didn't even know what kind it is (I only wear it on vacation). Nice job WDW!

So now I am on my 6th load of laundry and just now getting the house picked up. What a mess!

So, what did I miss????