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

[bagsmom]

We leave VERY early TOMORROW MORNING for our 1st trip to VWL!!! HOORAY!!! I'm SO excited!!! Thanks for everyone's help with my planning! I'll report back when we return....hopefully with some news that DH agreed to add on some points there

OHMYGOSH! Are you just beyond thrilled? Have a wonderful, magical time!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So I have a question for the DVC groupies. I have my trip booked for Dec, and have had it since my 11 month window. This is the first time I've booked that far out. We bought the discounted DVC PAP so we are trying to squeeze in 3 trips. So we were thinking Dec, May, Nov or something like that. I just realized that the 11-month window for May really isn't that far away. I have a couple of questions:

1. Do you ever get used to planning vacations that far in advance? It's very odd to me, and keeping DBF interested in thinking about it is next to IMPOSSIBLE.

2. To squeeze in 3 trips in 12 months, we won't have enough points to stay all 3 trips at the lodge, so do I still have to book at 11 months? Especially for May? I thought that was lower crowds, but now looking, it's kind of high on the points chart...and what are thoughts for early November? I assume the Epcot resorts get booked fast, but is it pretty quiet elsewhere?

It does get a little easier to plan but it's still a bit foreign to me. I just check with DH about approx times he wants to go and then we don't really talk about that trip until it's a little closer and then I let him know what is planned!

May is an easier time to book. Actually the lower point cost times are often the most difficult. And since you can only book your home resort at 11-7 months out you'll have to wait until 7 months if you are looking to book at a different location. Early Nov is nice but is busy. Jersey week will fall in there and that contributes to what I call the DVC perfect storm. Jersey Week, F&W, possibly some Halloween visitors around, the start of the Christmas decor and parties and also Veterans Day. And I think they may have thrown in a half marathon just to top it all off? It's not awful in the parks but usually means less options for room availability. You would have more options for rooms at 7 months for May than early November.

 

[MrsH42608]

OHMYGOSH! Are you just beyond thrilled? Have a wonderful, magical time!

BEYOND THRILLED?? YES!! However, DH & I are going alone for our Anniversary so I'm starting to miss my little guys already- mixed emotions! I AM however very excited to be able to take it all in and relax/enjoy without having to chase 2 two-year olds around.


EEEEEEEEEEEE

 

[Kathymford]

It does get a little easier to plan but it's still a bit foreign to me. I just check with DH about approx times he wants to go and then we don't really talk about that trip until it's a little closer and then I let him know what is planned!

I assume this is what I will have to do also! As it is, I picked May and Nov on my own by trying to space out the time between trips. We are coming from the west coast, so we need time to save up for those flights. Ha.

May is an easier time to book. Actually the lower point cost times are often the most difficult. And since you can only book your home resort at 11-7 months out you'll have to wait until 7 months if you are looking to book at a different location. Early Nov is nice but is busy. Jersey week will fall in there and that contributes to what I call the DVC perfect storm. Jersey Week, F&W, possibly some Halloween visitors around, the start of the Christmas decor and parties and also Veterans Day. And I think they may have thrown in a half marathon just to top it all off? It's not awful in the parks but usually means less options for room availability. You would have more options for rooms at 7 months for May than early November.[/QUOTE]

I figured for Nov, and all of those things you mentioned is why I picked that time. Lol. Well, I have some time to change my mind about that... HAHAHA

Thank you so much for your input!

 

[Linda67]

So I have a question for the DVC groupies. I have my trip booked for Dec, and have had it since my 11 month window. This is the first time I've booked that far out. We bought the discounted DVC PAP so we are trying to squeeze in 3 trips. So we were thinking Dec, May, Nov or something like that. I just realized that the 11-month window for May really isn't that far away. I have a couple of questions:

1. Do you ever get used to planning vacations that far in advance? It's very odd to me, and keeping DBF interested in thinking about it is next to IMPOSSIBLE.

2. To squeeze in 3 trips in 12 months, we won't have enough points to stay all 3 trips at the lodge, so do I still have to book at 11 months? Especially for May? I thought that was lower crowds, but now looking, it's kind of high on the points chart...and what are thoughts for early November? I assume the Epcot resorts get booked fast, but is it pretty quiet elsewhere?

We are travelling at pretty much the same times!
We booked the lodge at 11 months out for our December trip and just like you we are heading back in May next year and have pre-purchased the discounted APs
I don't think we are going to use points for the May trip though, we will probably just pay out of pocket for a moderate
I'm really used to booking trips so far out. I always have done
We can book airfare from the UK, 11 months out so the two elements work well together
Hoping we can squeeze in another trip in 2014 to really maximise those passes

 

[Kathymford]

We are travelling at pretty much the same times!
We booked the lodge at 11 months out for our December trip and just like you we are heading back in May next year and have pre-purchased the discounted APs
I don't think we are going to use points for the May trip though, we will probably just pay out of pocket for a moderate
I'm really used to booking trips so far out. I always have done
We can book airfare from the UK, 11 months out so the two elements work well together
Hoping we can squeeze in another trip in 2014 to really maximise those passes

Yay! I guess the spacing out of months makes sense then. Ha. Coming from the UK I would think you have to plan that far in advance! Ha. Before we bought DVC, we had never even taken a week's vacation before, so I guess I will get used to booking this way eventually. Goodness knows I've gotten use to week-long vacations!

I have enough points to cover 3 trips, but will either have no points to use in 2015 (without going into a borrowing cycle forever), or cut each trip down to 6 nights. haha

 

[Linda67]

Yay! I guess the spacing out of months makes sense then. Ha. Coming from the UK I would think you have to plan that far in advance! Ha. Before we bought DVC, we had never even taken a week's vacation before, so I guess I will get used to booking this way eventually. Goodness knows I've gotten use to week-long vacations!

I have enough points to cover 3 trips, but will either have no points to use in 2015 (without going into a borrowing cycle forever), or cut each trip down to 6 nights. haha

It's always great to have trips booked and planned. I love the anticipation and excitement planning a trip, no matter how far in the future it is!

 

[sleepydog25]

woohoo almost there first stay at VWL BEYOND EXCITED. Going to request a lake side room. Whatcarecthe MUST dos?

Welcome!! We on this forum love to get excited with folks on their trips, especially first-timers, so . To add to rusafee's list (or second her thoughts in some cases), be sure to take in family movie night on the beach, preferably after s'mores at the fire (do they do them during the movie? I don't know); walk the path over to FW (about a mile one way) and pet the horses; grab a Hidden Mickey hint sheet at the check-in desk and go searching; sit in the main lobby of the Lodge and watch people enter for the first time--they'll be "ooh-ing" and "ahh-ing" much like you will when you walk in ; watch for the geyser (every hour up until 9 or 10 p.m., I believe); eat Mickey Waffles from Roaring Fork; or for a special meal, dine at Artist Point. Most of all, relax and have a great time. . .and let us know how it goes!

We leave VERY early TOMORROW MORNING for our 1st trip to VWL!!! HOORAY!!! I'm SO excited!!! Thanks for everyone's help with my planning! I'll report back when we return....hopefully with some news that DH agreed to add on some points there

How wonderful! Please do let us know who it goes, both on the tripand the add on, umm, discussion.

 

[DiznyDi]

Zippity Doo Dah, Zippity-ay!

We go to the lodge in 44 days!

So excited to go there for the first time! Youngest is going off for his first overnight field trip! I know the time will fly by, though. He will have a great time and will be back Friday afternoon.

After that, things are really going to get rolling with the end of the school year.

Before we know it, it will be Disney Time!!!!!!

LOVE your exuberance! Your trip will be here before you know it.

We leave VERY early TOMORROW MORNING for our 1st trip to VWL!!! HOORAY!!! I'm SO excited!!! Thanks for everyone's help with my planning! I'll report back when we return....hopefully with some news that DH agreed to add on some points there

Enjoy your Lodge experience. And of course, we want to see pictures. Good luck with DH and new points.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Yay! I guess the spacing out of months makes sense then. Ha. Coming from the UK I would think you have to plan that far in advance! Ha. Before we bought DVC, we had never even taken a week's vacation before, so I guess I will get used to booking this way eventually. Goodness knows I've gotten use to week-long vacations!

I have enough points to cover 3 trips, but will either have no points to use in 2015 (without going into a borrowing cycle forever), or cut each trip down to 6 nights. haha

Being on the West coast also we too usually space out our trips similarly (except when I have conferences and then it's out of my control). May is typical and then sometime in Oct/Nov/Dec. Although I do like my trips to DL and sometimes it replaces a WDW trip instead of being in addition to them.

 

[Murron]

JT failed to add that all new Groupies must host a dinner at *Artist Point in the next calendar year, plus there's the whole issue of the $250 initiation **fee. Them's the rules, sorry.



*Mickey Waffles from Roaring Fork a suitable substitute.
**Please make check payable to Sleepydog25, Inc. Thank you.

Hmmmmm.....I appreciate the rules, but I think you'll have to stand in line behind my dear friends, the IRS.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Anniversary to a wonderful couple, Muushka and Mr. Muushka!!!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Wishing lots of happy anniversary wishes to
Mr and Mrs Muushka !!!
Congrats you two !​

​

 

[bagsmom]

BEYOND THRILLED?? YES!! However, DH & I are going alone for our Anniversary so I'm starting to miss my little guys already- mixed emotions! I AM however very excited to be able to take it all in and relax/enjoy without having to chase 2 two-year olds around.


EEEEEEEEEEEE

Our anniversary will be during our vacation - WITH the kids -- and we were thinking of a little something to do on our own that night. But I just can't do it! So I get what you mean. And yours are babies!!!! You are going to have a wonderful vacation together and you will know your little ones are having fun where they are, too. Happy Anniversary!!!!!!

 

[bagsmom]

Happy Anniversary to a wonderful couple, Muushka and Mr. Muushka!!!!

Happy, Happy!

 

[sleepydog25]

Hmmmmm.....I appreciate the rules, but I think you'll have to stand in line behind my dear friends, the IRS.

Yes, I have that same line in front of me, as well. . .

 

[DisneyFreaks]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MR. & MRS. MUUSHKA!! HAVE A TERRIFIC DAY!

 

[Muushka]

Awwww. You Groupies are the best.
Thank you all for the anniversary wishes.
21 years ago today!​

 

[MrsH42608]

Our anniversary will be during our vacation - WITH the kids -- and we were thinking of a little something to do on our own that night. But I just can't do it! So I get what you mean. And yours are babies!!!! You are going to have a wonderful vacation together and you will know your little ones are having fun where they are, too. Happy Anniversary!!!!!!

Thanks so much! We are here now, by the pool and LOVING IT!! I have already called.home 3X & the boys are doing great! We cannot believe how much we love it here!! I am soooo relaxed!!

 

[Muushka]

Thanks so much! We are here now, by the pool and LOVING IT!! I have already called.home 3X & the boys are doing great! We cannot believe how much we love it here!! I am soooo relaxed!!

And this is a surprise because....

Welcome to our merry band of Groupies. You are one of us.


ENJOY!!!