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

[bagsmom]

Hey guys -- the Drunken Donuts were sort of like cake donuts, fried, and put in a paper sack with the donut holes and a bunch of cinnamon and sugar. You got to shake the bag, making the cinnamon/sugar stick to the hot, greasy donuts. Yummmmmmm !

But it gets better! They come with a dipping sauce of melted butter, Grand Marnier, and I think maple syrup. (Just be careful. Remember my DH's Immodium Experience following these little bites of heaven!)

If you are thinking of leaving the kids behind because the lounge is a bar, I was worried about that too. I did some checking, and it was fine to bring the kids in there. Not a bar-like atmosphere -- very sedate.

Now, if you want to leave them behind so you can have some grown-up time and a chocolate martini (or four) with your donuts, then go HOG WILD!

 

[DisneyFreaks]

New points are in my account today! So of course I immediately started a wait list for the 1 night pre cruise stay. If it comes through great if not I'll be staying at the Dolphin.

Congratulations on the new points. How wonderful. Sending that your waitlist comes through.

 

[bagsmom]

Slydog and Luv -- thinking of you in these magical days ahead!!!!!!!

 

[SAT887]

Hey guys -- the Drunken Donuts were sort of like cake donuts, fried, and put in a paper sack with the donut holes and a bunch of cinnamon and sugar. You got to shake the bag, making the cinnamon/sugar stick to the hot, greasy donuts. Yummmmmmm !

But it gets better! They come with a dipping sauce of melted butter, Grand Marnier, and I think maple syrup. (Just be careful. Remember my DH's Immodium Experience following these little bites of heaven!)

If you are thinking of leaving the kids behind because the lounge is a bar, I was worried about that too. I did some checking, and it was fine to bring the kids in there. Not a bar-like atmosphere -- very sedate.

Now, if you want to leave them behind so you can have some grown-up time and a chocolate martini (or four) with your donuts, then go HOG WILD!

See, I think it would be a good solo break! Hehe, and its perfect comes with its own doggie bag!!! Wine and doughnuts sounds perfect to me!!

 

[rusafee1183]

Bagsmom - I finally caught up on your TR! Sounds like you guys had a great trip and made lots of memories. Immodium, Scottish behinds....

Can't wait to read more!

Coming from the honorable emeritus member of Club 59 and Holding, Thank you!



What's the countdown today, Sly? Thanks for your anniversary wishes!



Ahh Julie. I remember sharing a delicious (and beautiful) cake with you and 'Anniversary Guy'. Thanks for your wishes and cute graphic!



Love it, Quadruple D!. So cute. Appreciate your good wishes.
Will send prayers for your friend. Such a pull on your heart when there are young children involved.



Oh Eliza, one day we'll have the pleasure of meeting you! Thanks for your wishes!



Thanks Kathy! We ALMOST had the pleasure of making your acquaintance this past December. Hopefully the stars will align just right and one day we will meet, and Eliza will be there too!



Thanks Moose Dad! Nice to know you have all things under control. Appreciate your good wishes.

Our anniversary is tomorrow - 38 years. It sounds so cliche to say 'where has the time gone'. We've raised a family together and are now seeing our parents leave this earth. We're to the point of contemplating retirement and what that future may hold. And through all of the ups and downs of celebrating life, Rich has been my constant. I look forward, with great anticipation and excitement, these next years to see what God has in store for us. And there is no one I'd rather be doing it with!

Thanks Groupies - you're the best!

...and about Starbucks, count me as another one disappointed in this move

Happy Belated Anniversary Dizny Di and Dizny Dad!

I hope to be as in love as you both are at my 38 year mark

I don't love or hate Starbucks - have a bit of history with them where by I should hate them, but their mint-mocha-lattes are just too good

The Main Street Bakery held a few good memories for me with just resting and sharing a giant cinnamon roll with the kids, or ticking my sister off by buying her little ones cookies late at night It will be missed.

What bothers me about the Starbucks install is that it is not the same as what they did out in Disneyland with proper indoor seating and keeping the starbucks logo off of the exterior signage and windows. Further, when Disney announced this change, they promised right up front that this change was to enhance the bakery, not eliminate it. They led us to believe that only the coffee was changing. Silly me, I had visions of a cleaned up MSB interior with new seating, new lighting and Starbucks coffee machines in behind a newer version of the MSB counter.

It looks to me like in their excitement of adding in a Starbucks, Disney lost control of the project to the coffee chain.

... As a matter of fact, I'm seeing similarities between this and the restructuring of Test Track, where I believe Disney also lost control of the project to the sponsor. I just can't believe the imagineers would allow a ride that was loved so much to be replaced with computer screens and cheap black lighting on paint effects if they had a proper design team and the final word on what is put in the parks.

I too agree that I am disappointed in what appears to have happened. Especially the pastries. Good coffee, I can get on board with - but replacing homemade baked goods with pre fabricated frozen hockey pucks. That's just disappointing

And this why a relationship lasts 38 years and more. It is all about us and we and our. May God bless you and Rich with another 38 years and more. And another thing of certainty - God does have a plan for you.

Totally agree rfassett! They are an inspiration!

Sleepydog--I will enjoy reading about your story and adventures!

Unfortunately, even though I live in Ohio, I won't be able to make the Groupies Northeast meet. It sounds fun and I hope everyone has a great time

I'd really like to see the Starbucks in the Main St. bakery in person, but I'm not sure when I'll have park tickets again. My March 2014 trip will be my first resort only stay.

Too bad we won't see you there DreamerWDW. Maybe next time

How does August 10th sound for everyone coming?

I spent the weekend with about 20 of the girls I graduated with for our Girl's weekend. We have been doing this every year since we turned 50. We have had as many as 27, but only 20 could come this year. We had quite a large graduating class, so this is only a few of us, but we have a blast laughing, talking, eating. . . . . and catching up!

Sounds like a fun time!

Get there early or stay awhile after AP and enjoy all the scenery, inside and out. Listen to the faint sounds of western themed music and crickets chirping. Lanterns flicker along the paths. GO to the villas side and sit in those comfy leather seats with a hot choc. or other fav. bev. in hand, but be warned, you may fall asleep from the comfort and peace. Go up a few floors in the main lodge lobby and check out the pool area, beautiful!!

FW and WL are connected by boat and a walking path. If you walk by the bus stop keep going and it will lead you to the path,roughly about 1 mile, and it brings you ot at stables, MBYBBQ will be to your left. If to late, catch the boat back to WL and check out the bear at night made up of different components of the back of the Lodge. A little imagination needed, but its there, esp. easy to view in the dark.

Everything sounds amazing. I miss the Lodge

P.S. - How is ROFR going? You're on week 3 right?? Not much longer now!!!

Oh Sleepydog aka Slydog! Tell Luv I got my points today! Funny how when I said I'll hold out a little bit longer a week later the points became available. Coincidence? I ended up only getting 30 instead of 50. A couple unexpected expenses have come up (don't they always!) & 30 was what I could pay in cash. Brings us up to a nice point level to do a long Christmas stay every other year so it worked out fine. Points should be in my account today.

Hi Granny! Always good to see you.

Ok back to work. I need to pay for those new points!
Have a good day groupie friends!

Yayayayayayayaaaaayyyy!!!

Congrats Julie!

Welcome SAT887! Pull up a rocking chair and stay a spell

Sorry Groupies, I haven't had a chance to stroll back umpteen pages

Chatty bunch aren't we!

Good to see you Granny, as always
And congrats on the add on HL.

We had a fantastic cruise on the beautiful Fantasy. My little nieces were just as cute as can be.
Got to see Monsters U before everyone else, 3D. Iron Man 3D, Avengers 3D. Awesome!!!
Lots of great family memories that we will all always cherish. Thank you DCL.

Time at WDW was short. It was so hot and crowded, as I whined about many days ago.
But fun story. I lost my watch at Disney Quest. Checked a few days later and they didn't have it. So I chalked it up to "oh well, someone got a watch out of the deal!".
Then while at Bonnet Creek, Mr Muush found a beautiful watch (much nicer than mine). I know, you're afraid I am going to say I kept it! Nope, turned it in.
Got home 10 days later and what's waiting for me? And envelope from WDW with my watch in it! Which is surprising because I barely described what it looked like. I didn't even know what kind it is (I only wear it on vacation). Nice job WDW!

So now I am on my 6th load of laundry and just now getting the house picked up. What a mess!

So, what did I miss????

Sounds like you had a great trip! I want to hear all about it!

Nervous? No. Excited? Definitely, though I do a rather slow-burn excitement. I'm all about the anticipation of events vice the actual events themselves. We pull out of here on Thursday afternoon heading south, and we'll spend the night a little over halfway to Florida. Friday, we'll go on into Melbourne--hello, my leetle heat wave and humidity!

P.S. Where. Are. The. Pics?

I agree about anticipation Sly! I love planning trips and looking forward to events almost more than the actual event most times.

It's almost time!! I am enjoying your TR! Waiting for the lovely LUV to make an appearance

And I agree, where.are.the.pics Bagsmom!?!!?

Wow! Thanks for all the welcomes!! Seems like you guys are an awesome group! Thank you for all the great advice, I am looking forward to our dinner at Artists Point in September, and our 3 nights in January! I am going to keep reading through to get more great tips. Thanks again!

This is the most awesome group on the Dis. Hands down.

Can't wait to hear all about your trip plans!

 

[sleepydog25]

Slydog and Luv -- thinking of you in these magical days ahead!!!!!!!

Such a sweet thought, and it has been echoed by several on this Groupies thread, further cementing that it's the friendliest group on the DIS! To specifically answer DizDi, the count is now officially (according to luv), 9 days. She will also tell you that she's never wrong. I've also made a request that she chime in on the TR, so stay tuned as I think she might add an update tonight.

 

[cahedberg]

I'm in and out of my planning mode. Just spent the past two hours checking the crowd calendar against the ADRs we want and then running the spreadsheet for the DDP vs TiW.....

So, my DH is retiring in Jan after 23 years of military service. Do you think we have a shot at being the Flag Family one day? He'd like to do it. Can I email them about it? What say you Groupies?

 

[jimmytammy]

I'm in and out of my planning mode. Just spent the past two hours checking the crowd calendar against the ADRs we want and then running the spreadsheet for the DDP vs TiW.....

So, my DH is retiring in Jan after 23 years of military service. Do you think we have a shot at being the Flag Family one day? He'd like to do it. Can I email them about it? What say you Groupies?

We have been fortunate to be FF several times(with Ranger Stan)and most times it has been on long trips(close to 2 weeks). Here is my best advice...when you arrive WL, one of you check in, the other needs to head straight to Guest Relations(is that what it is still called, its the area just before you round the corner at the Mickey totem pole near the Mercantile)and tell them you want to sign up for FF. They will ask your dates, be very flexible, prepared to lose whatever you may have planned for that particular morning. They may have several days available, one or none. But this is the only way to secure being FF. If they ask your room #, and dont have it yet, no problem, they will find it later. They will set a letter under your door the night before. If you dont get this by 9pm call to the desk.
Good luck!! Its is lots of fun, an honor for sure.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday SlimpLaw!!!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Happy Birthday Slimplaw !!!​

 

[SAT887]

We have been fortunate to be FF several times(with Ranger Stan)and most times it has been on long trips(close to 2 weeks). Here is my best advice...when you arrive WL, one of you check in, the other needs to head straight to Guest Relations(is that what it is still called, its the area just before you round the corner at the Mickey totem pole near the Mercantile)and tell them you want to sign up for FF. They will ask your dates, be very flexible, prepared to lose whatever you may have planned for that particular morning. They may have several days available, one or none. But this is the only way to secure being FF. If they ask your room #, and dont have it yet, no problem, they will find it later. They will set a letter under your door the night before. If you dont get this by 9pm call to the desk.
Good luck!! Its is lots of fun, an honor for sure.

We are going to try this in January too - hoping that the "slower" season helps! However with a 3 day trip I'm not counting on it. Hmm might mean a week long trip at some point I have dreams of doing that and opening the magic kingdom.... we have at least 29 more years to try!

 

[Muushka]

See, I think it would be a good solo break! Hehe, and its perfect comes with its own doggie bag!!! Wine and doughnuts sounds perfect to me!!

I like your style SAT!!

Welcome to cahedberg !!!
I echo what JT said about flag family and just want to add one more suggestion.
When we were at VWL last year, we just happened to check at the desk one evening and they had a cancellation for the next morning and we were able to be the FF. What a nice surprise that was!

DizDi and Dad (AKA Groupie Mom and Groupie Dad)
Happy anniversary to one of my favorite couples in the whole world.
When I think of a blessed, wonderful marriage, yours is always in the forefront. (along with mine, of course!)
Muushy is getting all muushy!!

Let's start planning for the 40th!!!! We have 2 whole years, right????

Happy Birthday Slimplaw!! let's plan lunch!!!!

Slydog and Luv, I hope for a wonderful wedding that is rapidly approaching.
And even more important, I wish you both all of the happiness in the world, a looooong, happy marriage.

 

[cahedberg]

We have been fortunate to be FF several times(with Ranger Stan)and most times it has been on long trips(close to 2 weeks). Here is my best advice...when you arrive WL, one of you check in, the other needs to head straight to Guest Relations(is that what it is still called, its the area just before you round the corner at the Mickey totem pole near the Mercantile)and tell them you want to sign up for FF. They will ask your dates, be very flexible, prepared to lose whatever you may have planned for that particular morning. They may have several days available, one or none. But this is the only way to secure being FF. If they ask your room #, and dont have it yet, no problem, they will find it later. They will set a letter under your door the night before. If you dont get this by 9pm call to the desk.
Good luck!! Its is lots of fun, an honor for sure.

Thanks for the info jimmytammy!

 

[cahedberg]

We are going to try this in January too - hoping that the "slower" season helps! However with a 3 day trip I'm not counting on it. Hmm might mean a week long trip at some point I have dreams of doing that and opening the magic kingdom.... we have at least 29 more years to try!

Wait...open the magic kingdom? How do you do that?!

 

[SAT887]

Wait...open the magic kingdom? How do you do that?!

Apparently you get there at the crack of dawn and hope for the best! From what I read, it's easier in slower seasons, get there 1-2 hours before opening, and look like a happy Disney family (and apparently sweetly mention you may be interested) From what I gather, you basically get some photo pass shots and get to do the count down for rope drop....

It's now my Disney challenge

 

[rusafee1183]

Morning all! I am in a Disney mood today. I am missing it, and depressed because I have no trip planned.

Someone please tell me an amazing Lodge story to get me though??

Wine and doughnuts sounds perfect to me!!

Umm, yes please!

Happy Birthday Slimplaw !!!​

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Slimplaw!!!!!!

 

[bagsmom]

We are going to try this in January too - hoping that the "slower" season helps! However with a 3 day trip I'm not counting on it. Hmm might mean a week long trip at some point I have dreams of doing that and opening the magic kingdom.... we have at least 29 more years to try!

Sarah -- we got to be the Opening Family in 2009 -- it was unbelievably wonderful! SUCH a memory.

I'd advise getting there an hour and a half before opening and wearing matching tees, then playing some game with your kids while you wait. Those were the circumstances on the day we were chosen. I still get goosebumps remembering it!

 

[bagsmom]

Morning all! I am in a Disney mood today. I am missing it, and depressed because I have no trip planned.

Someone please tell me an amazing Lodge story to get me though??

Rusafee -- do you want me to tell you the Immodium story again?

 

[bagsmom]

Apparently you get there at the crack of dawn and hope for the best! From what I read, it's easier in slower seasons, get there 1-2 hours before opening, and look like a happy Disney family (and apparently sweetly mention you may be interested) From what I gather, you basically get some photo pass shots and get to do the count down for rope drop....

It's now my Disney challenge

It's more than just "some photopass photos." (When we were there and were the Opening Family, at least) it was an entire family photo shoot with a bunch of characters. Some of you have heard this before, but I'll tell it again!!!!!

A wonderful castmember approached us and asked if we'd like to do it.

She gave us a certificate, saying we were the official opening family of that day! Then they took us back into the Magic Kingdom, where a photographer got a bunch of shots of our family with the castle in the background, and NO ONE else in the park!!!!! He did the same up in the upper story of the depot.

Then the magic really began! Enter Pluto, Snow White, Daisy and MICKEY! We got TONS of photos with each of them, then with all of them. We weren't doing photo pass, so the photographer also took pictures with our camera.

They gave us confetti and told us what to do.... when the time came and the big announcer started talking, it all became a wonderful blur!

Mickey took each of my boys (then 6 and 9) by the hand (goosebumps starting for me right now) and walked them out onto the balcony. I have the sweetest picture of them taken from behind -- Mickey and those sweet little boys of mine. I know it was probably just a college girl in that costume, but at that moment, it was REALLY MICKEY!

IT WAS JUST SO STINKIN' COOL!!!!!!!!!!! It was a very special memory for us!

(Of course, my carefully thought out touring plans went out the window as hundreds and hundreds of other people swarmed into the park below us, but it was well worth it!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SAT887]

It's more than just "some photopass photos." (When we were there and were the Opening Family, at least) it was an entire family photo shoot with a bunch of characters. Some of you have heard this before, but I'll tell it again!!!!!

A wonderful castmember approached us and asked if we'd like to do it.

She gave us a certificate, saying we were the official opening family of that day! Then they took us back into the Magic Kingdom, where a photographer got a bunch of shots of our family with the castle in the background, and NO ONE else in the park!!!!! He did the same up in the upper story of the depot.

Then the magic really began! Enter Pluto, Snow White, Daisy and MICKEY! We got TONS of photos with each of them, then with all of them. We weren't doing photo pass, so the photographer also took pictures with our camera.

They gave us confetti and told us what to do.... when the time came and the big announcer started talking, it all became a wonderful blur!

Mickey took each of my boys (then 6 and 9) by the hand (goosebumps starting for me right now) and walked them out onto the balcony. I have the sweetest picture of them taken from behind -- Mickey and those sweet little boys of mine. I know it was probably just a college girl in that costume, but at that moment, it was REALLY MICKEY!

IT WAS JUST SO STINKIN' COOL!!!!!!!!!!! It was a very special memory for us!

(Of course, my carefully thought out touring plans went out the window as hundreds and hundreds of other people swarmed into the park below us, but it was well worth it!!!!!!!!!!

Ok you are awesome!! I've read it's changed in the past few years - so I'm trying not to get my hopes up for an experience like yours.

I really really want to do this though. So so magical!! I love your story too!!! Now to get DH to wear matching shirts!!!