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

[rusafee1183]

My Dear Groupie Friends
First I would like to ask for prayers of thanksgiving
for my oldest daughter and her very close friends. Who were at the Boston Marathon and are safe. They made it out by running up to Beacon Hill and over the bridge into Cambridge before they had closed it off. Her college roommate was visiting with her husband and 1 yr old baby to watch her brother run, he made it over the finish line early so they left the area just minutes before the blast.

Prayers for so many of the young adults, kids, and families from our town.
3 of my middle daughter's friends have been seriously injured 2 brothers both lost legs and are in surgery and another lost limbs we're not sure which ones.
Boston is in chaos, cell phones use is still out so many people stranded from out of town.

We are still here in Florida and are leaving for Disney tomorrow morning
for a 3 day stay with very heavy hearts

Please Stay Safe Groupies
Thank so much

So relieved to hear that your daughter and her friends are safe. I am still sitting here with a heavy heart today, I just can't wrap my brain around the evil in this world. It just makes me so sad.

Eliza -- what a lovely, positive post! Yes, I agree! In my opinion, which I know a lot of people don't agree with, I believe that God has nothing to do with bad things that happen. It's contrary to the "everything happens for a reason" philosophy, I know. So, not to start any hot debates on that.... I just want to say that I believe God comes in after the fact, in the form of all the brave people who rush in to help -- all the people who care and pray long distance -- all the folks who do their best to help those who were injured, traumatized, or in any way affected by something awful. And there really are SO MANY of those wonderful people out there. There is so much good in the world, in spite of all the bad stuff. It's easy to dwell on the bad, since it is always shocking. But it is shocking to us because we are not used to it, and that's a blessing. We're lucky to live in a country where these violent acts are the exception. THank God for that! Thank God for all the good people who do His work on earth, helping pick up the pieces. And thank God for happy, peaceful retreats like WL!

I agree, beautiful posts Eliza and Bagsmom. I love that you can look at the world in a positive light. At the very least, such senseless acts really have a way to bring people together.

I love the quote from Mr Rogers that everyone has been posting lately.

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.

As a tonic for all the sad stuff, let's do a "Peter Pan!"

Think of a wonderful thought.... any happy little thought.

Let's share some happy Disney thoughts, memories, Disney moments.

I remember being a kid in the 70s and seeing the Electrical Light Parade -- the music gives me goosebumps to this day.

I remember our first trip to the Magic Kingdom when that's all there was. I think it was the first summer Disney World was open. We were little. We were on the big ferry boat, leaving for the parking area just as the fireworks were going off in the distance. I was holding my souvenir, which was a stuffed animal Robin Hood (the fox) -- I was sooooo sad because I never wanted to leave Disney World! It was the beginning of my love affair with all things Disney!

On our last trip, we were chosen to be the opening family at the Magic Kingdom! THAT was truly wonderful and special. We had a private photo shoot with a bunch of characters in the upper level of the train station. When Mickey, in his tuxedo, took each of my boys by the hand and led them out to the balcony, I almost got weepy! It was the neatest thing EVER!!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to read some of your Disney memories! It will be -- what should we call it? Mickey Waffles for the soul?

Mickey Waffles for the Soul. Fabulous title.... and idea.




My favorite two moments from Disney are also a 'first and last'

One is from my very first trip with my DH, and the other is just this last trip with my sister and husband.

On our honeymoon, my DH and I walked into the MK. This was his first time being there ever, and my first time back in several years. We were running later than I would have liked, and missed RD. We were just walking down Main Street soaking everything in, and out of nowhere the trolly show started. We stopped and watched and my DH was utterly amazed at that fact that it just 'popped up' out of nowhere. He said 'I love it here' and we had only been there for maybe 5 minutes. I know it seems so silly, but I truly think that the first 5 minutes of being at the Magic Kingdom has shaped our love/obsession/passion for Disney. From that moment on, our trip was sprinkled with pixie dust - from special desserts, and champagne to a surprise table at Cystal Palace overlooking the caste with NO ADR. (You all know how impossible this is!)

It was just a magical amazing trip.


And the past trip, we were using out DVC points for the very first time and we received our very first WELCOME HOME at none other than the Wilderness Lodge. I was so excited because my younger sister came with myself and my husband, and when we walked into the Lodge and she saw that grand lobby, her mouth DROPPED open and she was speechless for several minutes. It was the BEST feeling I ever had to be able to 'give her' that opportunity and made owning a piece of the magic such a special moment for myself and my husband. We don't have a lot of money, and the decision to buy into DVC was a hard one for us. But, having those magical moments throughout our vacation really made it clear to us that we made the best decision for ourselves.

 

[rusafee1183]

On our last trip, we were chosen to be the opening family at the Magic Kingdom! THAT was truly wonderful and special. We had a private photo shoot with a bunch of characters in the upper level of the train station. When Mickey, in his tuxedo, took each of my boys by the hand and led them out to the balcony, I almost got weepy! It was the neatest thing EVER!!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to read some of your Disney memories! It will be -- what should we call it? Mickey Waffles for the soul?

Also - I need to see these pictures!!

We were chosen as family of the day at DHS, and it was a very cool experience - but not nearly as 'magical' as I always think that MK would be!

And you were ALMOST weepy?!?! I would have been bawling like a baby!

Speaking of which, I know that the link wasn't working for a while.... but did anyone see the "Boston Marathon, Sandy Hook and Disney's 3:00 Parade" article?

Here's the cached version, because the site is still down but this made me so teary and happy that Disney is one of those places that tries so hard to make people's dreams come true. Or at least take away some of the bad things in life for a little while.


http://webcache.googleusercontent.c...athon-newtown-and-disneys-300-parade/&strip=1

 

[crabbie1]

Well as this is our first trip as dvc members at our home resort im very sad to be leaving our studio tomorrow. When we booked we wanted to try another resort but I really want to stay here. We move to BLT for 2 nights in a studio and then move to a one bedroom as we could not get a one bed for the 6 nights. Wish we could stay here though. It is a breathtaking relaxing resort and we will be booking 11 months out for next april. All 14 nights here. Thankyou for all ur splendid pictures and information. X

 

[sleepydog25]

Sleepy
You figured me out sooner than most

Might be the Braves shirt. . .

 

[tea pot]

_

Today at the magic Kingdom the flags were at half mast.


Eliza your post is just what I/we all need Hope

Thanks for the Mr Rodgers quote Rusafee

I love the quote from Mr Rogers that everyone has been posting lately.

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news,
my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.


bagsmom I just love Peter Pan
in fact this morning when we got into the car I said to DH AKA the Big Guy
take I 4 to Exit 62 and straight on till morning

My Happy thought is
VWL Groupies and the blessing and support
you all have been to me
not to mention the Fun of sharing our Love of the Lodge and Disney.

God Bless Groupies
Stay Well and Safe

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi everyone! I have a question. We made our reservations two weeks ago and have never received an email confirmation from MS. Our details are listed on the website but that's all we have. We did ask for confirmations but nothing arrived. And I did remember to check the spam box. I feel comfortable arriving at check in with a printed out confirmation. Should I call MS and ask again? We are doing a split stay and did get confirmations on that resort stay but none for VWL

I wouldn't be worried, either. I always write down the reservation number, too, and if you don't have an email to print, there should be a way to print the MS reservation page instead. You'll be fine.

the next meet will have to be at sleepydogs and luvs wedding in July!! It sounds so awesome Muush and I have decided to try our version of the "wedding Crashers".

As we said, just sneak up to the fifth floor balcony off the lobby and look down. No problems! We'll have plenty of food and drink.

And welcome to all the new Groupies! This is quite the friendly bunch full of answers and stories for any question or request. Speaking of bagsmom has asked for memorable moments, and I have so many which stand out over the years. Perhaps the most precious one happened on one of my early trips to WDW with luv. She always wants to catch Wishes on Main Street, and I'm an "it's not necessary" man. Was. First time we were staring up at the Castle, watching the fireworks, arm-in-arm, and she begins to gently cry. It was real for us then. . .a magical fulfillment of dreams we both had that we finally knew with certainty would happen. It was an amazing moment lost on those around us, as if we noticed they were there.

 

[twokats]

Teapot,
Add my prayer to the rest. It is hard to wrap our mind around anyone that would do that sort of thing to other people.

 

[eliza61]

As a tonic for all the sad stuff, let's do a "Peter Pan!"

Think of a wonderful thought.... any happy little thought.

Let's share some happy Disney thoughts, memories, Disney moments.

I remember being a kid in the 70s and seeing the Electrical Light Parade -- the music gives me goosebumps to this day.


I can't wait to read some of your Disney memories! It will be -- what should we call it? Mickey Waffles for the soul?

LOL. One of my favorite memories is directly tied to the lodge.

I actually never picked to stay at the lodge. I think it was 06 or 07 and I had been planning a mini reunion for my family. Well although my siblings love wdw, my sister and my brother can't commit to a trip to the walmart let alone a vacation. they are truly "last minute folks". Long story, short about a 3 weeks before vacation day, my siblings are backing out left and right and I'm left holding the bag on a reservation for a 3 bedroom grand villa on my points.

I called MS and the wonderful folks there were able to switch things around and get us into a 1 bedroom at WL but because of the headaches I wasn't really counting on a great trip.

The first time dh and I walked through those doors was almost comically. We literally stopped dead in our tracks, mouths dropped open and said OMG (only I'm from NYC so it came out more like What the $&%) I'm not exaggerating when I say it took us a full 5 minutes to get from the door to the check in desk, we kept turning around in a circle saying "you gotta be freakin kidding me". LOL.

 

[jimmytammy]

Eliza
What wonderful sentiments to wrap our arms around as the tragedy in Boston unfolds. We are Americans, we are a resilient bunch. As we pray and reach out to help those who have been so directly affected by it all, we also turn our eyes to our enemies and remind them of our motto, Dont Tread On Me!! We say this all the time, but may God bless the USA, as we deal with our present state.

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome to the groupies Catira!!!!

 

[bagsmom]

I wouldn't be worried, either. I always write down the reservation number, too, and if you don't have an email to print, there should be a way to print the MS reservation page instead. You'll be fine.

As we said, just sneak up to the fifth floor balcony off the lobby and look down. No problems! We'll have plenty of food and drink.

And welcome to all the new Groupies! This is quite the friendly bunch full of answers and stories for any question or request. Speaking of bagsmom has asked for memorable moments, and I have so many which stand out over the years. Perhaps the most precious one happened on one of my early trips to WDW with luv. She always wants to catch Wishes on Main Street, and I'm an "it's not necessary" man. Was. First time we were staring up at the Castle, watching the fireworks, arm-in-arm, and she begins to gently cry. It was real for us then. . .a magical fulfillment of dreams we both had that we finally knew with certainty would happen. It was an amazing moment lost on those around us, as if we noticed they were there.

Awwwww -- I love all that mooshy stuff!!!!!!!!

 

[bagsmom]

LOL. One of my favorite memories is directly tied to the lodge.

I actually never picked to stay at the lodge. I think it was 06 or 07 and I had been planning a mini reunion for my family. Well although my siblings love wdw, my sister and my brother can't commit to a trip to the walmart let alone a vacation. they are truly "last minute folks". Long story, short about a 3 weeks before vacation day, my siblings are backing out left and right and I'm left holding the bag on a reservation for a 3 bedroom grand villa on my points.

I called MS and the wonderful folks there were able to switch things around and get us into a 1 bedroom at WL but because of the headaches I wasn't really counting on a great trip.

The first time dh and I walked through those doors was almost comically. We literally stopped dead in our tracks, mouths dropped open and said OMG (only I'm from NYC so it came out more like What the $&%) I'm not exaggerating when I say it took us a full 5 minutes to get from the door to the check in desk, we kept turning around in a circle saying "you gotta be freakin kidding me". LOL.

Love it! So funny! My in-laws are very last-minute types and it makes me crazy!!!!! I relate! Love the New York version of OMG! One of my best friends is from NY and she is a HOOT! When she gets worked up about something, the accent gets really strong and the "sailor language" starts flying!

I'm loving everyone's stories!

 

[jimmytammy]

Great idea bagsmom!

We have had many magic moments, many forgotten or small, but a few that standout

I think for T and me, after our 1st whirlwind trip, the memories of what we had seen hit when we were scrapbooking the pics, and it really flooded our minds and hearts, to the point of bringing tears. At some point, it hit, we had to go back, soon!!

So next trip, we had to share with my parents, it was DDs 8th Bday, so we went to CRT for breakfast. Kristian opened her gifts and began to weep, before it was all over, we all were weeping, Heck, Im misty eyed recalling that moment. It didnt end there, my mom told the Fairy Godmother downstairs that it was Ks Bday. She told my mom to take her to City Hall and get a badge where everyone would recognize her and call her by name and wish her a happy bday. So we proceed down main st., and my mom stops to talk to the Mayor. Well she tells him we are looking for city hall and the reason why. He takes Kristian by the hand and walks her down Main St hollering its Ks Bday, K is 8 today! All kinds of strangers are hollering Happy Birthday back, all because my mom.

Another moment, we got to be in the 2nd parade ever at AK riding on a float.

And those times we got to be Flag Family with Ranger Stan, those days on the roof led us to be instant friends with Stan, very special. OK, here comes the mist again

 

[MiaSRN62]

LOL. One of my favorite memories is directly tied to the lodge.

I actually never picked to stay at the lodge.

The first time dh and I walked through those doors was almost comically. We literally stopped dead in our tracks, mouths dropped open and said OMG (only I'm from NYC so it came out more like What the $&%) I'm not exaggerating when I say it took us a full 5 minutes to get from the door to the check in desk, we kept turning around in a circle saying "you gotta be freakin kidding me". LOL.

LOVE this eliza

On a side note....we have to do a "room block" for the wedding guests with Disney. Disney wants us to choose 3 hotels where we think guests would like to stay and they will "hold" for us and offer a discount.

When we first sat down and started the discussion 3 weeks ago with my dh and dd, I blurted out in the first 10 seconds----we MUST have VWL and WL on the block list !!!! And it was a unanimous ---"agreed" !

 

[DisneyFreaks]

First time we were staring up at the Castle, watching the fireworks, arm-in-arm, and she begins to gently cry. It was real for us then. . .a magical fulfillment of dreams we both had that we finally knew with certainty would happen. It was an amazing moment lost on those around us, as if we noticed they were there.

What a wonderfully romantic story. Love it. Thanks for the encouraging words about our confirmation also. I'm a worrier. LoL (drives my family crazy) I copy and pasted the info from the website and will print that out.

 

[sleepydog25]

What a wonderfully romantic story. Love it. Thanks for the encouraging words about our confirmation also. I'm a worrier. LoL (drives my family crazy) I copy and pasted the info from the website and will print that out.

We're both romantics, and perhaps that's one reason Disney is such a draw for us. Disney (and the Lodge) brought us together, and experiencing Wishes like that, knowing we'd finally found that perfect person for each other, is a moment we'll not forget. Yes, re: confirmations, we make sure we have a number or a sheet or both to offer as proof. You're not alone!

 

[Muushka]

I'm loving all these stories! Sleepy, E and JT, wonderful

Awwwww -- I love all that mooshy stuff!!!!!!!!

You say mooshy, I say Muushy

 

[jimmytammy]

We know how we share everything around here, well T and I me are sitting on the porch, cool wind blowing, at The Kenmore Inn, a bed and breakfast in Fredericksburg, VA. It was the former home of Betty Washington, good ol George's sister and is directly in front of Martha Washingtons home. It is wonderful. Flowers and trees in bloom.
We rode out to Spotsylvania Battlefield(Granny knows what Im talking about) and walked in and amongst the Bloody Angle where hand to hand combat took place for 22 hours, being the single longest combative spot during the Civil War.
We will be here 2 nights then visiting a cousin who lives adjacent to Chancellorsville and The Wilderness battlefields. He retired from the Park Service here and has been asking us to visit for several years, so here we are. Staying with them 2 nights, he is going to take me to some little known, or less seen sites plus show me entrenchments in his woods. For a civil war buff, this is good stuff

 

[DiznyDi]

JT, how exciting for you and Tammy! I know exactly where you are. DDad and I took the family there years ago. Enjoy your mini-vacation!

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks Diane!!