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

[KAT4DISNEY]

So who is at the wonderful world right now?

I've read in a couple of places that the parks (or just MK?) are being invaded by nasty flies. I believe the term infestation was used. YUCK!

Do we have anyone who could give us a first-hand report?

Someone on the touring plans blog mentioned there is some speculation about the flies liking a new type of mulch they are using.

I was just wondering if we could get a report from an on-site groupie.

Yes - lots of the little lovelies this year. DH and I were chatting about it a couple of days ago so interesting to hear the theory on why. On Sunday we were getting lunch at Columbia Harbour house and the workers were busying shooing the flies away from in back of the food counter. Later we were over on Tom Sawyer Island and stopped to play a game of checkers where I promptly was bitten by 2 of them! Little buggers. They were mad flies I think because the horses in the stall in the fort there were of the animatronic sort.

At the moment there are a few love bugs around but nothing too terrible with them. The flies are not making it easy to eat outside though.

 

[Muushka]

Ugh. I am not a fan of bugs.



Everyone in TX ok? twokats?? Anyone else? Let us hear. Bad weather. Tragic.

 

[eliza61]

Officially a groupie...our contract closed today...FIVE weeks after our initial offer!!!!!

How did I miss this? Congratulations PG!

 

[twokats]

Ugh. I am not a fan of bugs.



Everyone in TX ok? twokats?? Anyone else? Let us hear. Bad weather. Tragic.

We are fine. The bad stuff was west and a little south of Dallas. We had a great amount of rain (over 2 inches) and some wind, but no damage anywhere around us. But Granbury and the areas around them had total devastation. So far the death toll is 6, but there are still 7 unaccounted for. It came close to one of my cousins homes, but did not hit them. There were 2 EF-4 tornadoes and also a 1, 2 and EF3. Granbury was hit by one of the 4's.

Thank you for the concern. I went to work for a few hours today and so I am very tired, but I am proud of the effort. My son drove me and sat with his DVD player, while I did what my boss absolutely had to have done.

 

[Muushka]

Oh good, Kathy. I am glad that you are all right. I'm sure your boss appreciates you!

Poor Texas. Such tragedies lately.

 

[DiznyDi]

How did I miss this? Congratulations PG!

I missed this, too. Congratulations Pirate Granny! So exciting! Have you made that first reservation yet? Let us know.

Kathy:
1) Kat 4 - thanks for the fly report. I hate flies....

2) twokats - you're making headway. Glad you were able to get a little time in to work. But more importantly, glad you and the family are all ok.

Eliza, what a fabulous trip you have planned! Everything will go like clockwork and will be fine. Enjoy Europe. Take lots of pictures.

 

[twokats]

Oh good, Kathy. I am glad that you are all right. I'm sure your boss appreciates you!

Poor Texas. Such tragedies lately.

I missed this, too. Congratulations Pirate Granny! So exciting! Have you made that first reservation yet? Let us know.

Kathy:
1) Kat 4 - thanks for the fly report. I hate flies....

2) twokats - you're making headway. Glad you were able to get a little time in to work. But more importantly, glad you and the family are all ok.

Eliza, what a fabulous trip you have planned! Everything will go like clockwork and will be fine. Enjoy Europe. Take lots of pictures.

We have had a rough month or more. But last night was just part of the joy of living in tornado alley. I am always amazed at the hit and miss devastation.

My boss was very appreciative. I had to really convince DH that I would not overdo and all that kind of thing to console him. He was really worried, but I was doing work for my boss from my rehab hospital room, but this time I actually went to the office. My DS was such a sweetheart sitting there waiting on me.

 

[sleepydog25]

We are going to be staying at the VWL in a 1 bedroom for the first time this fall. I am curious since you are all VWL groupies and would probably know this...did I read somewhere that they were updating the Villas, at least bedding wise?

I have a son with Autism and I have been showing him pictures of what to expect, but curious if I should be expecting different bedding/bedspreads when we walk in.

Thank you !

I don't know the answer as I haven't been there in several months, but I'm bumping it since I believe others who know might have missed your request the first time around. Anyone? (And welcome to our group! Consider yourself an honorary groupie! )

 

[jimmytammy]

Hey folks! We arrived about 4:30 yesterday, room ready, 3rd floor, same bldg as Dec. at OKW. Weather very nice, warm, but not unbearable. Bagsmom, I read on a blog this AM, flies are not as bad as last week, CMs getting a handle on it. Still there, just not as bad.

We ate at Olivias last night, got groceries and settled in. Headed to Olivias this AM to eat with friends from back home. Our DD and theirs good friends from church, spent many times with them here, this sadly will be the last for a long time as the girls are moving on with their adult/college lives. But we have right now, so thats a plus

Eating at Ohana later tonight, not sure what park we are going to today, but just going with the breeze, we are on vacation!!

 

[wfc4life]

DW and I are at the airport waiting to start our first leg of our trip to WDW. We should get to AoA between 3-4pm. We both really needed this trip. Looking forward to hanging out with jimmytammy and the gang as our schedules allow.

 

[Murron]

We are back! Had a really nice (but short) time at VWL! I see that JimmyTammy had an anniversary...Happy Belated!!! We celebrated our 39th during our (did I say short) vacation!! Everything was really wonderful! Our experience with Wilderness Lodge has always been in the hotel so I have to admit that the ... ahem view? .... in VWL of trees was really not something I was particularly fond of. We are afternoon wine in hand patio people which is why I also love BWV with BW view. Oh and forgot about the queen size beds in the studios! Booo. But beyond that, we did enjoy the lodge. Artist Point was to die for....yummy salmon and swordfish. Mousekeeping at it's very best. Everyone happy and friendly. All in all a good time. Next stop is BWV in September!!

 

[Muushka]

We are going to be staying at the VWL in a 1 bedroom for the first time this fall. I am curious since you are all VWL groupies and would probably know this...did I read somewhere that they were updating the Villas, at least bedding wise?

I have a son with Autism and I have been showing him pictures of what to expect, but curious if I should be expecting different bedding/bedspreads when we walk in.

Thank you !

Hi nyrebecca

Since we have been going (since day one!) the bedspreads have been the same. Sadly they still have that awful sofa (NO COMMENTS FROM GRANNY ) but the chair has changed. I hope that helps and if anyone can chime in, feel free.

Have a wonderful time, nyrebecca.

We have had a rough month or more. But last night was just part of the joy of living in tornado alley. I am always amazed at the hit and miss devastation.

My boss was very appreciative. I had to really convince DH that I would not overdo and all that kind of thing to console him. He was really worried, but I was doing work for my boss from my rehab hospital room, but this time I actually went to the office. My DS was such a sweetheart sitting there waiting on me.

Your son is a sweetheart.

Hey folks! We arrived about 4:30 yesterday, room ready, 3rd floor, same bldg as Dec. at OKW. Weather very nice, warm, but not unbearable. Bagsmom, I read on a blog this AM, flies are not as bad as last week, CMs getting a handle on it. Still there, just not as bad.

We ate at Olivias last night, got groceries and settled in. Headed to Olivias this AM to eat with friends from back home. Our DD and theirs good friends from church, spent many times with them here, this sadly will be the last for a long time as the girls are moving on with their adult/college lives. But we have right now, so thats a plus

Eating at Ohana later tonight, not sure what park we are going to today, but just going with the breeze, we are on vacation!!

Yup Jimmy, we have right now.

Have a fun/relaxing time with your friends. Oh, I think I see one of them below!

DW and I are at the airport waiting to start our first leg of our trip to WDW. We should get to AoA between 3-4pm. We both really needed this trip. Looking forward to hanging out with jimmytammy and the gang as our schedules allow.

Yup, there he is. You have a great time too.

We are back! Had a really nice (but short) time at VWL! I see that JimmyTammy had an anniversary...Happy Belated!!! We celebrated our 39th during our (did I say short) vacation!! Everything was really wonderful! Our experience with Wilderness Lodge has always been in the hotel so I have to admit that the ... ahem view? .... in VWL of trees was really not something I was particularly fond of. We are afternoon wine in hand patio people which is why I also love BWV with BW view. Oh and forgot about the queen size beds in the studios! Booo. But beyond that, we did enjoy the lodge. Artist Point was to die for....yummy salmon and swordfish. Mousekeeping at it's very best. Everyone happy and friendly. All in all a good time. Next stop is BWV in September!!

Welcome back!

Yup, not too much of a view at many rooms at VWL. Gotta love trees to stay here!

Don't all the studios but OKW have queen beds? That is the primary reason we don't stay in a studio! We have a king at home, certainly not going to sleep on a queen on vacation

Feel free to post pictures. We live for those things.

 

[nyrebecca]

Hi nyrebecca

Since we have been going (since day one!) the bedspreads have been the same. Sadly they still have that awful sofa (NO COMMENTS FROM GRANNY ) but the chair has changed. I hope that helps and if anyone can chime in, feel free.

Have a wonderful time, nyrebecca.

Thanks for the info ! Much appreciated.

 

[sleepydog25]

Yes, please post pics, someone. Our late spring/summer here in the mountains just want stick around more than a day or two at a time. Thursday was near 80 and loads of sunshine. Friday was mid-70s, early sun, then late rain showers. No problem. Today was high of 63, heavy fog, rain, and a general feeling of claustrophobia. More of the same forecast for tomorrow and much of next week. We have not had our usual spring this year, as we've had maybe five days in the 70s and way cooler than normal temps thus far. Bring on the sun! So, the next best thing would be to see pics of our favorite home away from home. . .various Disney shots would do, too.

At least we've only 42 days before we're in the World. . .

 

[jimmytammy]

Hey guys
Had a great meal at Ohana(believe we saw cheer4bison there), went to DQ for a couple hours with friends from back home, then hung out at HS for about 3 hrs. Didnt do much as it was packed. Rode GMR and walked our soon to be dinner off before we had it.
Heading to Epcot today, catch up with friends from back home, wfc4life and sechem32 and with some friends from down here. Going to see Starship before heading to Nine Dragons with Will and Liz.
Its warm for sure, not unbearable. Word of warning for any soon to be travelers, sunscreen. We got it on before it was too late, paid $15 at the park, but not burnt

 

[Granny]

Jimmy...sounds like your visit is off to a great start. I hope the weather cooperates, though I know you'll have a great time regardless of the weather. Sounds like a lot of mini-meets for you and Tammy and that's always a fun time. Don't forget to use the sunblock lotion!

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Hey folks! We arrived about 4:30 yesterday, room ready, 3rd floor, same bldg as Dec. at OKW. Weather very nice, warm, but not unbearable. Bagsmom, I read on a blog this AM, flies are not as bad as last week, CMs getting a handle on it. Still there, just not as bad.
We ate at Olivias last night, got groceries and settled in. Headed to Olivias this AM to eat with friends from back home. Our DD and theirs good friends from church, spent many times with them here, this sadly will be the last for a long time as the girls are moving on with their adult/college lives. But we have right now, so thats a plus
Eating at Ohana later tonight, not sure what park we are going to today, but just going with the breeze, we are on vacation!!

Sounds like you are having an awesome time. We were just at OKW this past november. We were lucky enough to get a GV. Wow. It blew us away. I love OKW and Olivia's. I think I love all the DVC resorts actually. LoL Hope the rest of your trip stays just as wonderful.

 

[jimmytammy]

Its late folks, but got to share, DS and I walked down to the store at OKW after Epcot and as we are walking by Olivias, noticed that Gary Sinise was outside eating there with his family.

Saw Starship at Epcot earlier and they were really good. Ate at Nine Dragons, mmmm, wfc4life and sechem32 were impressed too. Got to remember, we dont live in big towns/city, so we consider this to be really good chinese food
Its so nice to be at WDW with friends and family!

Hope to get pics up soon, phone died today, so may be tomorrow. Cheer4bison and I still trying to catch each other, missed each other at Epcot today, hoping to see each other at MK tomorrow.

 

[bagsmom]

Hi gang! I am doing a lurking / skim-reading thing right now. Sooooo busy with the end of school -- baking treats and delivering to teachers, getting end of year projects wrapped up, etc.

Just wanted to pop in and say hello!

17 days!

 

[horselover]

Its late folks, but got to share, DS and I walked down to the store at OKW after Epcot and as we are walking by Olivias, noticed that Gary Sinise was outside eating there with his family.

Saw Starship at Epcot earlier and they were really good. Ate at Nine Dragons, mmmm, wfc4life and sechem32 were impressed too. Got to remember, we dont live in big towns/city, so we consider this to be really good chinese food
Its so nice to be at WDW with friends and family!

Hope to get pics up soon, phone died today, so may be tomorrow. Cheer4bison and I still trying to catch each other, missed each other at Epcot today, hoping to see each other at MK tomorrow.

How cool is that?! I love Gary Sinise. Enjoy the rest of your trip!