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

[rusafee1183]

Morning Groupies

Welcome Heather! Glad to have you join our group.

I agree, the DIS can be so snarky and people complain so much. But this group is just the best. Everyone is welcoming and willing to answer questions.

I have noticed that most of the nagativity is on the DVC boards. I understand that people have spent a lot of money to own DVC, but there's SOOOO much entitlement and downright rudeness. And a lot of "putting people in their place"

I fell for a lot of it right after I bought in, and second guessed myself a lot because of the way people would talk about newer owners or owners who bought directly, or if they financed... etc etc. I finally learned to stop caring what other people had to say and just be excited for myself and our big step

I spent four years in Alaska a decade ago, and I have the most amazing memories of and love for the state. It's the only place I lived in my career where I didn't want to leave. Have fun! And, it's good to "meet" you.

I would love to hear any tips you have on where to go/what to see or do! We are thrilled to be taking this trip, and want to make the most of it! We'll be there in mid May. We are spending the night in Vancouver ahead of time, and possibly the night in Seattle afterward depending on flights home (which are insane right now and I am avoiding them...)

Welcome Heather. I love Pittsburgh, I'm a Pitt Pather!! We may have to do a mini groupie meet as I'll be back at Pitt for my reunion.

LOL I did have to laugh as you are not so excited about turning 30 when this will be my 30th year anniversary class reunion. ***gasp*** I graduated the year you were born. boy talk about feeling old!!

But it does feel wonderful that Disney's magic is still going strong and new generations are falling in love with the place.

ok, now for the big announcement!!!

3 MORE SLEEPS UNTIL WE'RE BACK IN THE WORLD!​

Still a bit nervous about my initial reaction upon arriving without the old guy, but he'll be there in spirit, so it's all good.

And as always my wonderful sister, who is a fashionista in NYC made me laugh. she sent me a case of waterproof mascara with a note saying, "it is perfect ok to feel a little sad. It is never ok to look that way in family pictures." She lives by the mantra, "there is no such thing as natural beauty"

I would love a meet! I met a few old friends from the Dis is Station Square a few years ago for some drinks and it was a great time.

That was a really sweet thing that your sister did. I'm really sorry about your loss. Disney is 'our place' so I completely understand the sadness/happiness with going back. I'm assuming this is your husband...

We arrive May 22nd and I can not wait for my boys to play at VWL I really think they will love it. Until now we have been die-hard BCV fans. Beyond excited the more I see about VWL the more I think I will love!

We were convinced that our next add on would be at BCV...... until we stayed at VWL - so I'm sure you will love it! It has just the right amount of theming to be magical without being cheesy

 

[bagsmom]

We arrive May 22nd and I can not wait for my boys to play at VWL I really think they will love it. Until now we have been die-hard BCV fans. Beyond excited the more I see about VWL the more I think I will love!

You will be there right before we are! It will be our first stay there as well. I camped at FW with my family as a kid. My husband and sons and I stayed at CBR in 2009. VWL is going to be a wonderful adventure! I am SO excited!

You will have to be sure to share your ideas and planning stories and everything! And when you get back from your trip, post some pictures!

Your trip is almost around the corner!

 

[bagsmom]

Eliza -- you are making me all misty-eyed. I am sending you hugs. I'll be sure to send up some prayers for a vacation that is full of memories that make you smile a lot!

 

[Kathymford]

Welcome Heather. I love Pittsburgh, I'm a Pitt Pather!! We may have to do a mini groupie meet as I'll be back at Pitt for my reunion.

LOL I did have to laugh as you are not so excited about turning 30 when this will be my 30th year anniversary class reunion. ***gasp*** I graduated the year you were born. boy talk about feeling old!!

But it does feel wonderful that Disney's magic is still going strong and new generations are falling in love with the place.

ok, now for the big announcement!!!

3 MORE SLEEPS UNTIL WE'RE BACK IN THE WORLD!​

Still a bit nervous about my initial reaction upon arriving without the old guy, but he'll be there in spirit, so it's all good.

And as always my wonderful sister, who is a fashionista in NYC made me laugh. she sent me a case of waterproof mascara with a note saying, "it is perfect ok to feel a little sad. It is never ok to look that way in family pictures." She lives by the mantra, "there is no such thing as natural beauty"

That is the cutest gift!! Agree that it made me a little misty also. Have a wonderful trip and I hope you have nothing but fond memories come flooding back to you.

 

[staceyeid]

Welcome Heather. I love Pittsburgh, I'm a Pitt Pather!! We may have to do a mini groupie meet as I'll be back at Pitt for my reunion.

LOL I did have to laugh as you are not so excited about turning 30 when this will be my 30th year anniversary class reunion. ***gasp*** I graduated the year you were born. boy talk about feeling old!!

But it does feel wonderful that Disney's magic is still going strong and new generations are falling in love with the place.

ok, now for the big announcement!!!

3 MORE SLEEPS UNTIL WE'RE BACK IN THE WORLD!

Still a bit nervous about my initial reaction upon arriving without the old guy, but he'll be there in spirit, so it's all good.

And as always my wonderful sister, who is a fashionista in NYC made me laugh. she sent me a case of waterproof mascara with a note saying, "it is perfect ok to feel a little sad. It is never ok to look that way in family pictures." She lives by the mantra, "there is no such thing as natural beauty"

Have a wonderful time on your trip. Your story made me tear up as well but in a happy sentimental way. Your sister sounds like such a great person, knowing exactly what you needed before your trip

 

[sleepydog25]

We arrive May 22nd and I can not wait for my boys to play at VWL I really think they will love it. Until now we have been die-hard BCV fans. Beyond excited the more I see about VWL the more I think I will love!

Congrats and welcome! I'm certain you will love VWL--it arguably is the coziest, most serene resort in the World which puts emphasis on theming and togetherness. Be sure to spend some time on the beach which has a sumore campfire, family night movies on the beach, and you can even catch EWP from sitting in a beach chair. Enjoy!

 

[sleepydog25]

Morning Groupies
Sleepy:
I would love to hear any tips you have on where to go/what to see or do! We are thrilled to be taking this trip, and want to make the most of it! We'll be there in mid May. We are spending the night in Vancouver ahead of time, and possibly the night in Seattle afterward depending on flights home (which are insane right now and I am avoiding them...)

Are you flying into Anchorage? Renting a car? Where are you staying? I have some great places to visit, eat, hike, etc.

 

[jimmytammy]

We arrive May 22nd and I can not wait for my boys to play at VWL I really think they will love it. Until now we have been die-hard BCV fans. Beyond excited the more I see about VWL the more I think I will love!

Welcome to the groupies nelsonkg!!!!

And if you would like, PM me your dates and I will be glad to add you to the 1st page on upcoming vacations

 

[rusafee1183]

Are you flying into Anchorage? Renting a car? Where are you staying? I have some great places to visit, eat, hike, etc.

We are flying into Vancouver and leaving for the cruise from there. Unfortunately we won't be in Anchorage at all, but our ports are Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau and Victoria B.C, and then we end in Seattle.

I know we won't be able to plan much for the weather until a week or two before but I'm very curious about how I should be packing for that time of year... I really REALLY don't want to over pack, but I know I will. Lol

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[culli]

Just checked in and got top floor over looking pool. Always wanted to get the top floor to see what it was like. Room must have just been refurbished as it looks brand new. I love the ceilings of the top floor, going to be a good week!

The balcony is a little awkward but nice view.

 

[staceyeid]

Just checked in and got top floor over looking pool. Always wanted to get the top floor to see what it was like. Room must have just been refurbished as it looks brand new. I love the ceilings of the top floor, going to be a good week!

The balcony is a little awkward but nice view.

Sounds amazing!! Pictures please!!

 

[eastatlantaguys]

Congrats!!! Welcome Home!

 

[jimmytammy]

Just checked in and got top floor over looking pool. Always wanted to get the top floor to see what it was like. Room must have just been refurbished as it looks brand new. I love the ceilings of the top floor, going to be a good week!

The balcony is a little awkward but nice view.

Glad it is what you were hoping for. I like it up there myself.

 

[bagsmom]

Just checked in and got top floor over looking pool. Always wanted to get the top floor to see what it was like. Room must have just been refurbished as it looks brand new. I love the ceilings of the top floor, going to be a good week!

The balcony is a little awkward but nice view.

Culli -- Is it a studio? We have requested a high floor, but with 4 tallish people, I'm wondering if the head room is an issue.

Is the very top floor the 5th or 4th?

Send us some pictures!

 

[staceyeid]

Deal Alert Deal Alert

I was just at Sam's Club and they have Disney gift cards for $46.52 for a $50.00 card.

If you buy them with a credit card that pays 1% cash back, that is nearly an 8% discount!

We are going to need LOTS of gift cards for our June cruise (we're paying grats for 11 )!

Please don't post it all over the internet until I get my $1K worth!

Thank you for the tip!! Plan to check out our local Sam's this weekend and stock up if possible. Really hope they have them!!

 

[culli]

Culli -- Is it a studio? We have requested a high floor, but with 4 tallish people, I'm wondering if the head room is an issue.

Is the very top floor the 5th or 4th?

Send us some pictures!

Not sure that head room is an issue, vaulted ceilings, unless you are very tall!!!
It is a one bedroom on the fifth floor. Would do pictures but my Acer tablet decided to die...don't buy one it has been junk, will try and send some pictures later.

 

[nelsonkg]

You will be there right before we are! It will be our first stay there as well. I camped at FW with my family as a kid. My husband and sons and I stayed at CBR in 2009. VWL is going to be a wonderful adventure! I am SO excited!

You will have to be sure to share your ideas and planning stories and everything! And when you get back from your trip, post some pictures!

Your trip is almost around the corner!

I can not wait to share our experience!

 

[nelsonkg]

Congrats and welcome! I'm certain you will love VWL--it arguably is the coziest, most serene resort in the World which puts emphasis on theming and togetherness. Be sure to spend some time on the beach which has a sumore campfire, family night movies on the beach, and you can even catch EWP from sitting in a beach chair. Enjoy!

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome! And keep the tips coming I don't want to miss a thing

 

[sleepydog25]

We are flying into Vancouver and leaving for the cruise from there. Unfortunately we won't be in Anchorage at all, but our ports are Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau and Victoria B.C, and then we end in Seattle.

I know we won't be able to plan much for the weather until a week or two before but I'm very curious about how I should be packing for that time of year... I really REALLY don't want to over pack, but I know I will. Lol

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Ahhh. Well, weather is always the big bugaboo on the cruises. Your best bet is to pack so that you can layer for there will be times when it is cold outside and a jacket is required and others when a light shirt and slacks will do. Most of Alaska experiences cloudy to partly cloudy weather for the majority of the "warm" season which is from early May through mid-September, and you're as likely to encounter mid-50s as a high with light rain as anything. One thing is for sure: it is gorgeous there so make sure you have loads of gigs on your SD cards!

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome! And keep the tips coming I don't want to miss a thing

Well, since you asked. . .
. . .be sure to catch the geyser.
. . .take the nature trail that starts behind the bike rental and head toward FW where you can see some animals.
. . .the boat to MK is so relaxing.
. . .your kids might enjoy the Cubs' Den while you enjoy an adult dinner at Artist Point.
. . .get a Hidden Mickey tip sheet from the check-in desk. Go hunting!
. . .sit on a rocker at the Villas at dusk and listen to the crickets while the lamps flicker.
. . .play checkers in one of the rooms off the Villas lobby.

That should get you started.