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

[bagsmom]

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.

You are making me want to go RIGHT NOW! I saw that online checkin is now 60 days out! That means I'll be able to check in during the first part of April. OHMIGOSH that is right around the corner. I am soooooooo excited!

 

[rusafee1183]

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.

I didn't even get to do half of this list when we went, so it makes me so exited to go back and see more.

I can't remember if I told this story here already or not, but when my DH and I went to Artist Point for our honeymoon - we walked out to the geyser to check it out. It wasn't working at the time, which we obviously didn't know. We seriously stood out there waiting for something to happen for like 40 minutes, just to be told off by a (if I had to guess) maybe, 6 year old. I'll never forget it. This little kid walked past, and kind of slid down his glasses like an old timey inventor, looked at us over the top of them and said "if you're waiting for the geyser, you'll be waiting a long time" and then strolled off.

We were like ..... ......... and went to catch the boat.

And, the geyser has eluded us to this day.

You are making me want to go RIGHT NOW! I saw that online checkin is now 60 days out! That means I'll be able to check in during the first part of April. OHMIGOSH that is right around the corner. I am soooooooo excited!

I am super jealous! Just seeing that list made me want to go back RIGHT NOW too!

 

[rusafee1183]

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!

That's what I keep hearing - Layers, layers, layers! I bought a new lightweight rain jacket and some tall boots and just plan on layering a bunch of thin, long sleved tops underneath. I keep reading not to wear jeans, but I pretty much live in them - so I guess I'll suffer through it if they get wet. Luckily we are sailing with NCL this time and it's freestyle, so it should be more casual so I won't have to pack as much 'dress' clothes.

And yesssss!!! I'm so excited I finally get to really use my new camera to take in the amazing scenery. I am not smart or patient enough for a full on DSLR, so I bought an in between model. I got a Nikon P510, and I CAN'T WAIT to see how my pictures turn out! I got a back up battery, and a back up memory card and I am ready to go!!

 

[sleepydog25]

That's what I keep hearing - Layers, layers, layers! I bought a new lightweight rain jacket and some tall boots and just plan on layering a bunch of thin, long sleved tops underneath. I keep reading not to wear jeans, but I pretty much live in them - so I guess I'll suffer through it if they get wet. Luckily we are sailing with NCL this time and it's freestyle, so it should be more casual so I won't have to pack as much 'dress' clothes.

And yesssss!!! I'm so excited I finally get to really use my new camera to take in the amazing scenery. I am not smart or patient enough for a full on DSLR, so I bought an in between model. I got a Nikon P510, and I CAN'T WAIT to see how my pictures turn out! I got a back up battery, and a back up memory card and I am ready to go!!

Generally speaking, the rain doesn't come in downpours but rather light, somewhat constant drizzle. I hiked many trails, climbed a number of peaks, beat around the state, went on two overnight fishing trips, and took a three-day ferry ride all in jeans, so I think you'll be fine. If you have one, a warm fleece vest would be of great use for those times when the weather allows for something less than a jacket. I'm not sure if you're doing any excursions--such as a trip up to Mendhenhall Glacier in Juneau--but if you are, make sure you allow for that particular micro-weather (glaciers can be quite cold, for example). Overall, I'm sure you've done research and will be prepared. Of course, we'll be expecting you to share some of your pics when you return.

I didn't even get to do half of this list when we went, so it makes me so exited to go back and see more.

I can't remember if I told this story here already or not, but when my DH and I went to Artist Point for our honeymoon - we walked out to the geyser to check it out. It wasn't working at the time, which we obviously didn't know. We seriously stood out there waiting for something to happen for like 40 minutes, just to be told off by a (if I had to guess) maybe, 6 year old. I'll never forget it. This little kid walked past, and kind of slid down his glasses like an old timey inventor, looked at us over the top of them and said "if you're waiting for the geyser, you'll be waiting a long time" and then strolled off.

We were like ..... ......... and went to catch the boat.

And, the geyser has eluded us to this day.

Very funny story! It took me three trips before I ever saw the geyser. I'm sure you'll catch up to it some day.

 

[MiaSRN62]

WELCOME Nelsonkg and Heather !!!!

Muushka....thanks so much for the gift card tip---did ya break the $1 mil point yet !??

Granny....yes, DEFINITELY must have another meet in the future. I'm sure the chairs at WL will grow on me. It wasn't the fabric but the size of them that surprised me a wee bit. But I agree about the themeing.

Exhausting day doing my civic jury duty. I was narrowed down from a pool of 82 jurors this morning to the final 25. Thankfully I was dismissed as it was going to be a full week of trial.

 

[cheer4bison]

You are making me want to go RIGHT NOW! I saw that online checkin is now 60 days out! That means I'll be able to check in during the first part of April. OHMIGOSH that is right around the corner. I am soooooooo excited!

Sounds like there may be some groupies in the world when I am there in May. Would love to say "hi" to anyone who is there from the 18th to the 23rd. Just PM me or tweet to me @cheer4bison and we'll try to plan a mini-meet or at least a quick "howdy."

 

[Linda67]

Wow the new thread is up to 12 pages already!

Mmm, not sure about the new furniture in the lobby, I think I need to see a wider shot, has anyone else seen it in situ yet?

There is a pretty nice new video of the Lodge on All Ears' YT channel this week, I seem to find myself watching it over and over!

Rusafee - are you cruising Alaska with DCL? - myself and DH are doing this in June and I can't tell you how excited we are !!

Hope that everyone had a nice, relaxing weekend

 

[nelsonkg]

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.

Thank you so much sleepy! Any suggestion for room request? I do not want to be high up though DS 5 is a climber

 

[bagsmom]

Nelson -- Oh! One of your boys is 5! What a magical age to go to WDW! Our first trip (June trip will only be our second) my youngest was 6. The sparkles in the eyes and the massive grins are priceless. Take lots of pictures!

We knew we'd probably only be able to afford to go twice during their childhoods, so we did one trip when they were 6 and 9. Our next one they will be 10 and 13. So one trip with the little guys and one trip as big guys.

This is me right now.

Maria -- so are you saying the lobby chairs are massive? If so, I'll be sure to get my picture taken sitting in one! It will make me look petite! (Have you seen the commercial with the lady who wears giant earrings and carries a giant purse, etc., to make herself look smaller? Funny!) It's the reverse of the Tamiflu commercial where the guy is using a teeny tiny box of kleenex and sitting on a teeny tiny toilet. The flu is BIG!

OK -- off to start thinking about my day of yardwork.

We will have 70 degrees here today!

 

[sleepydog25]

Thank you so much sleepy! Any suggestion for room request? I do not want to be high up though DS 5 is a climber

I suggest you ask for a pool/courtyard view room on floors 2, 3, or 4. If you manage to snag one of the rooms closest to the pool, it offers slightly more expansive views and will keep you away from the far end of the Villas building where there are a handful of rooms with what has been dubbed the "Dumpster View." Plus, if you get the pool side of the building, you usually get glimpses of the lake through the trees, as well. The rooms on the bus stop side of the Villas will give you views of trees, not that there is anything wrong with that as the Lodge is all about relaxing among nature. About the only way to keep from having a balcony is to get a room on the bottom floor. I've never tried one of those, so I can't speak to how well you might enjoy one of those.

 

[MiaSRN62]

bagsmom :Maria -- so are you saying the lobby chairs are massive? If so, I'll be sure to get my picture taken sitting in one! It will make me look petite!

Yes bagsmom.....you will look small in these chairs ! Wish I would have taken a better photo---or a photo of my hubby sitting in one. If you are familiar with the high-backed chairs at the Poly---they're like that. Different themeing but larger, high-backed chairs.

 

[rusafee1183]

Thanks for the Welcome Mia! I always think I want to do jury duty, but I know once I would be called I would take it back immediately.

Wow the new thread is up to 12 pages already!

Mmm, not sure about the new furniture in the lobby, I think I need to see a wider shot, has anyone else seen it in situ yet?

There is a pretty nice new video of the Lodge on All Ears' YT channel this week, I seem to find myself watching it over and over!

Rusafee - are you cruising Alaska with DCL? - myself and DH are doing this in June and I can't tell you how excited we are !!

Hope that everyone had a nice, relaxing weekend

No... sadly this time we will be on Norwegian, and this will be the first time with NCL. We'll see! I really am trying not to set the bar so high because our last 2 cruises were DCL and they were fabulous!

We did the Eastern Caribbean in May on the Magic in 2011 and then the Western Caribbean in May 2012 on the Fantasy. The Fantasy was IN-CREDIBLE. I can't wait to get back on that amazing ship!

Linda, this may sound crazy ... but I think you and I have met before....? I was at a DIS meet a few years ago in May at WDW. I met a woman named Angela at the Brown Derby and when she saw me taking food porn pics, she knew I was a DIS'er It was a Spectro meet. Am I insane, was that you?

Nelson -- Oh! One of your boys is 5! What a magical age to go to WDW! Our first trip (June trip will only be our second) my youngest was 6. The sparkles in the eyes and the massive grins are priceless. Take lots of pictures!

We knew we'd probably only be able to afford to go twice during their childhoods, so we did one trip when they were 6 and 9. Our next one they will be 10 and 13. So one trip with the little guys and one trip as big guys.

This is me right now.

Maria -- so are you saying the lobby chairs are massive? If so, I'll be sure to get my picture taken sitting in one! It will make me look petite! (Have you seen the commercial with the lady who wears giant earrings and carries a giant purse, etc., to make herself look smaller? Funny!) It's the reverse of the Tamiflu commercial where the guy is using a teeny tiny box of kleenex and sitting on a teeny tiny toilet. The flu is BIG!

OK -- off to start thinking about my day of yardwork.

We will have 70 degrees here today!

Jealous of the weather! It's still cold and rainy here ... but spring is on the cusp. You can feel it

 

[twinmom108]

Reached an exciting milestone today.

Last April 24th I walked into a Weight Watchers meeting, hoping that I'd be able to lose weight. I have some physical/medical issues that would be better if I could lose weight. In the past 6 years my metabolism slowed down & made it hard/impossible to lose weight so had my doubts that WW could help.

Weighed in this morning at a WW meeting and I'm at goal & 35 lbs lighter than I was last April!

Probably the funniest thing that happened to me during this process was when we were returning from our fabulous WDW VWL trip in December. Even though I had already lost about 25 lbs then, I was still wearing the same clothes. The day we left, I had to borrow a belt from my DH because my capris were beginning to slip off. At MCO security I was afraid that I might have to take the belt off to go through the scanner. Before getting that far I asked the 1st security employee if I'd have to take the belt off (made of fabric & plastic) he thought I should be able to go through with it on. Well, on the other side of the scanner they said somethings not quite right, I'll have to go through it again & was I wearing a belt? I said yes, but it's just plastic & fabric. They made me take it off. There I am in the scanner with my arms up (which I can't hold up very long) & trying to put my knees together in the hopes that I can keep my capris from falling off. Did manage not to lose them in front of the several hundred of my not so closest friends. Whew. OK I sit down & put my shoes on, & I see the tram coming. Instead of putting the belt back on I grab a handful of one side of my capris, & the handle of my rolling carryon in the other hand & quickly, not quite running head towards the tram. My DH was laughing & shaking his head. We got on the tram where I was able to snag a place to sit down & put the belt back on. Crisis averted. DH said, you know you didn't have to be in such a hurry to catch the tram because we have plenty of time before our flight. DOH!!

I decided then that it was finally time to go shopping for clothes that fit me better when we got home.

 

[bagsmom]

Reached an exciting milestone today.

Last April 24th I walked into a Weight Watchers meeting, hoping that I'd be able to lose weight. I have some physical/medical issues that would be better if I could lose weight. In the past 6 years my metabolism slowed down & made it hard/impossible to lose weight so had my doubts that WW could help.

Weighed in this morning at a WW meeting and I'm at goal & 35 lbs lighter than I was last April!

Probably the funniest thing that happened to me during this process was when we were returning from our fabulous WDW VWL trip in December. Even though I had already lost about 25 lbs then, I was still wearing the same clothes. The day we left, I had to borrow a belt from my DH because my capris were beginning to slip off. At MCO security I was afraid that I might have to take the belt off to go through the scanner. Before getting that far I asked the 1st security employee if I'd have to take the belt off (made of fabric & plastic) he thought I should be able to go through with it on. Well, on the other side of the scanner they said somethings not quite right, I'll have to go through it again & was I wearing a belt? I said yes, but it's just plastic & fabric. They made me take it off. There I am in the scanner with my arms up (which I can't hold up very long) & trying to put my knees together in the hopes that I can keep my capris from falling off. Did manage not to lose them in front of the several hundred of my not so closest friends. Whew. OK I sit down & put my shoes on, & I see the tram coming. Instead of putting the belt back on I grab a handful of one side of my capris, & the handle of my rolling carryon in the other hand & quickly, not quite running head towards the tram. My DH was laughing & shaking his head. We got on the tram where I was able to snag a place to sit down & put the belt back on. Crisis averted. DH said, you know you didn't have to be in such a hurry to catch the tram because we have plenty of time before our flight. DOH!!

I decided then that it was finally time to go shopping for clothes that fit me better when we got home.

Sharon -- I'm a Weight Watcher's member too! Congrats to you -- that is just wonderful! I am holding steady at goal -- but I think I'm going to lower the goal and try for about 5 more off by vacation. We'll see! Love your story about the capris falling down!

Linda -- is there any way you could put a link to the All Ears lodge video? If it's new, I'd love to see it! If you are like me, and not too computer-savvy, could you tell me how to find the video?

I've been out in the yard -- it's 76! If not for the breeze, it would be a little too warm! I'm not a heat person. (She says, planning a June vacation in Florida....)

 

[rusafee1183]

Reached an exciting milestone today.

Last April 24th I walked into a Weight Watchers meeting, hoping that I'd be able to lose weight. I have some physical/medical issues that would be better if I could lose weight. In the past 6 years my metabolism slowed down & made it hard/impossible to lose weight so had my doubts that WW could help.

Weighed in this morning at a WW meeting and I'm at goal & 35 lbs lighter than I was last April!

Probably the funniest thing that happened to me during this process was when we were returning from our fabulous WDW VWL trip in December. Even though I had already lost about 25 lbs then, I was still wearing the same clothes. The day we left, I had to borrow a belt from my DH because my capris were beginning to slip off. At MCO security I was afraid that I might have to take the belt off to go through the scanner. Before getting that far I asked the 1st security employee if I'd have to take the belt off (made of fabric & plastic) he thought I should be able to go through with it on. Well, on the other side of the scanner they said somethings not quite right, I'll have to go through it again & was I wearing a belt? I said yes, but it's just plastic & fabric. They made me take it off. There I am in the scanner with my arms up (which I can't hold up very long) & trying to put my knees together in the hopes that I can keep my capris from falling off. Did manage not to lose them in front of the several hundred of my not so closest friends. Whew. OK I sit down & put my shoes on, & I see the tram coming. Instead of putting the belt back on I grab a handful of one side of my capris, & the handle of my rolling carryon in the other hand & quickly, not quite running head towards the tram. My DH was laughing & shaking his head. We got on the tram where I was able to snag a place to sit down & put the belt back on. Crisis averted. DH said, you know you didn't have to be in such a hurry to catch the tram because we have plenty of time before our flight. DOH!!

I decided then that it was finally time to go shopping for clothes that fit me better when we got home.

That's HYSTERICAL!

And amazing! Congratulations on reaching goal weight! I am an on again, off again WW as well. I am floundering a bit at the moment. I had lost 35 lbs over the past 2 years w/o WW and just going to the gym and watching my diet on my own. I have put 11 back on since last May and haven't rebounded. I am finding it hard to motivate myself to change, I am just stuck in the 'woe is me" rut and spinning my wheels in the mud a bit.

Hoping your story is enough to get me out of it

 

[Linda67]

Linda -- is there any way you could put a link to the All Ears lodge video? If it's new, I'd love to see it! If you are like me, and not too computer-savvy, could you tell me how to find the video?
....)

No idea if this will work but try this

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P3kRw2iv5SM

And this one is pretty good to

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=1VKoERwW-lQ

There's another more recent one somewhere but I can't find the link at the moment!

 

[Linda67]

Linda, this may sound crazy ... but I think you and I have met before....? I was at a DIS meet a few years ago in May at WDW. I met a woman named Angela at the Brown Derby and when she saw me taking food porn pics, she knew I was a DIS'er It was a Spectro meet. Am I insane, was that you?

Nope, wasn't me but I hope we do meet some day !!

I'm so excited for Alaska, can't wait to hear all about your cruise as well

 

[bagsmom]

No idea if this will work but try this

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P3kRw2iv5SM

And this one is pretty good to

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=1VKoERwW-lQ

There's another more recent one somewhere but I can't find the link at the moment!

Thanks Linda!!!!!

 

[cheer4bison]

No idea if this will work but try this

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P3kRw2iv5SM

There's another more recent one somewhere but I can't find the link at the moment

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

 

[bagsmom]

Here's a little survey for my groupie buddies! Would you care to weigh in?

June 12 (Wed.) will be our day off. We will have been to MK, Epcot, and Blizzard Beach by that point.

Wednesday we will roll out of bed when we want (probably 8-ish) and will have the whole day with nothing in particular to do. This is the day I've set aside for my husband, who will need the R and R. No parks on this day. We MIGHT be able to eat out somewhere, either WL or FW area -- or outside the world. But it depends on how much money we have.

I would love to hear your ideas for our "day off." What do you think we should do? Morning to night? (Next day, Thursday, will be EMH hours going to MK.)

Thanks! I can't wait to hear ideas from the experts!