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

Status
Not open for further replies.
Sleepydog25,

Thanks for posting the wedding photos. They are beautiful! Hope to see many more. A wedding at our beloved lodge sounds absolutely perfect.

Wishing you both decades of happiness together! :thumbsup2

Jill
 
WildernessDad -- I am so sorry. I understand what you are going through. My best friend's husband called me last night -- she is not expected to continue more than a couple of weeks. She and I have so many memories together. When she is gone, there will be a chunk missing from my identity. She is only 43 and losing the fight to colon cancer. I am really happy that you have your WDW VWL memories with your friend. So happy that he loved it, too. I hope you can remember those fun times with a smile in your heart. Sending you hugs. I know you will have some comforting, inspiring things to share when you speak on the 27th. Those forever friendships are precious gifts, for however long "forever" turns out to be.

Yes, you understand completely. I am very sorry to hear about your friend.

:hug:
 
We got BLT 1 bed Lake View for 1st 7 nights, will call day by day for remainder. We were hoping for standard for pts use,but LV is alright too. Im like Sly, its not my cup o tea but T and CaptD are excited, so that excites me!!

Sleepydog
What floor were you on LV?

JT, you know how frugal I am, go for the lakeview!!! It is wonderful.
To sit out on the balcony and look out on the lake. Ahhhhh. Wonderful.

8 of us will be descending on Wilderness Lodge from November 27 to December 2, although 5 will be returning on December 1. I asked my family if they wanted me to try to get the Grand Floridian on July 27 and my daughters wanted to stay at VWL. They have very good taste, I think. The 8 of us will be, my two daughters, my granddaughter, my granddaughter's father (not married, but has finally decided after 6 years that he wants to be in my granddaughter's life), my other daughter's fiancee, my son, my wife and me. We're in a dedicated 2-bedroom villa. Wish us luck.

In very sad news, I found out a few days ago that my best friend has passed away. I've known him since Jr. High. I feel like a part of me is gone too. I'm going to be speaking at his memorial on July 27. He went with us one time to WDW and stayed with us at VWL. He loved it and I'm glad that I invited him to come. He had fallen on hard times and had been suffering from depression for some time. I will miss him dearly.

I'm so happy for your granddaughter's pending change of household! She is such a sweet little girl.

I am so sorry about your best friend.. Cling to the wonderful memories that you had with him throughout your lifetime together. So sad.

Thanks!!!! Allen & I will be celebrating 22 years tomorrow!! :goodvibes We're going to ride on the Royal Gorge Railroad & get to be up with the Engineer for the 1st half of the ride. :cool1:

Tonight I can make shore excursion/dining ressies for our Eastern Caribbean cruise in November. Hoping for a Cabana at the Family Beach. . . .but I'm not holding by breath because we're only Gold & I know they go very fast.

Have a wonderful time and happy anniversary!

Best wishes getting your cabana!

WildernessDad -- I am so sorry. I understand what you are going through. My best friend's husband called me last night -- she is not expected to continue more than a couple of weeks. She and I have so many memories together. When she is gone, there will be a chunk missing from my identity. She is only 43 and losing the fight to colon cancer. I am really happy that you have your WDW VWL memories with your friend. So happy that he loved it, too. I hope you can remember those fun times with a smile in your heart. Sending you hugs. I know you will have some comforting, inspiring things to share when you speak on the 27th. Those forever friendships are precious gifts, for however long "forever" turns out to be.

I'm so sorry that your friend is losing her battle. I hope that these last days with her are a blessing for both of you.:hug:
 
Oh! Sleepy/sly and Luv! Your pictures are wonderful! what a beautiful couple. May you have many wonderful years together.
 

Sleepy- such beautiful pictures! I love wedding pictures - there always seems to be the overwhelming glow of joy :) Luv's gown looks fabulous too - a gorgeous bride!!
 
Happy Anniversary twinmom108!

Ah Sly - that's what we wanted to see!!! Congratulations to you and Luv! It looks like it was a perfectly wonderful day in a perfectly wonderful place!

wildernessDad and bagsmom - will be thinking of both of you and sending supporting thoughts your directions. :grouphug:

Sounds like there's lots of hot weather across the country right now. I dropped DH off at the airport at 5:30 this morning for his fishing trip with one of his dear childhood friends and have been hanging out in the air conditioning since getting back. It's 101 degrees right now and tomorrow might reach 105! I must venture out though and check on the horses - hope I don't melt nor find that they have melted!

Eliza - what a great "prayer"! :lmao:
 
Thanks sleepy for allowing us a glimpse of your special day. You both look radiant! Hoping you'll post more as they become available.

Thinking of you wildernessDad at the passing of your friend. He now has the peace that had eluded him.
 
Di
We will be at BLT from Feb 19-Mar 1. Combining parks, spring training and the thurs qualifying races at Daytona into 1 trip. Never been to a race at Daytona, always wanted too though, so its finally going to happen! Not a big race fan anymore as I was in the days when Petty, Allison, Elliott and Earnhardt were running, but the speed factor alone draws me to that track. Plus, we are really looking forward to being within walking distance to MK, and will spend more time than usual there.

WildernessDad
So sorry about the loss of your friend. We will lift you and his family up to our Lord to grant you peace
Also, if you want me to add your dates to the list just PM them to me when you have the time. Glad your GDs Dad is making his presence known in her life. Sounds like a great trip planned for sure!

Sleepy/Luv
Love the pics, you both look so happy:goodvibes Keep em coming:thumbsup2

Barb
Lake view for sure on BLT! T just booked another night with one more to go, so fingers crossed we get that night too! We would have tried for standard had the weekend nights been available, but LV isnt as rough on pts at TP:crazy2:

bagsmom
Continuing to lift you, your friend and her family up to our Lord
 
Either the pics I have come across are super old or the rooms are in dire need of an update...Can someone tell me which it is? thanks!:goodvibes
 
Either the pics I have come across are super old or the rooms are in dire need of an update...Can someone tell me which it is? thanks!:goodvibes

Hi, welcome to the VWL Groupies thread! :)

There was a refurb about a year ago so I think you should be good. However, if you are seeing pictures, I'm not sure what makes you think that there is a "dire need of an update". If you are asking about the decor, that is still the same and won't be updated since it is part of the theming of the villas. We haven't ever had a room at any of the DVC resorts that we found unacceptable...just the usual wear and tear of villas that are occupied nearly 100% of the time by many groups including families.

If you decide to book at VWL, I think you will find the resort to be a very relaxing haven after a busy day at the parks. Good luck! :)
 
Jimmy...we will be in a Lake View villa at BLT for our September trip. We've booked that before and like the view of Bay Lake quite a bit. I think you will enjoy that extended trip with the side trip to Daytona. Great to do those "big events" every once in a while just to have the experience at least once. Enjoy planning your trip!

WildernessDad...that's very sad news about the passing of your close friend. He was fortunate to have such a good friend as you to share blessings such as a trip to WDW with. You are both in our prayers.

Sly Dog...beautiful pictures for the most magical trip of all! As much as you have both loved WDW, it will now always be the host of some of the most wonderful memories of your life. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

Bagsmom...prayers going out for you and your friend for strength, serenity and even a joyful remembrance of time together and the blessings life has brought.
 
Di
We will be at BLT from Feb 19-Mar 1. Combining parks, spring training and the thurs qualifying races at Daytona into 1 trip. Never been to a race at Daytona, always wanted too though, so its finally going to happen! Not a big race fan anymore as I was in the days when Petty, Allison, Elliott and Earnhardt were running, but the speed factor alone draws me to that track. Plus, we are really looking forward to being within walking distance to MK, and will spend more time than usual there.

Nascar -has become my tv channel stop when I run across it. :confused3 Over the years Daytona was the one race that I'd catch most every year and then nothing else so I'm not real certain what's going on with me! The power, speed and of course thrill where everyone is a split second away from a major crash can be quite exciting. Sounds like a fun trip!

LV is the one BLT category we haven't stayed. Last trip I had a LV studio booked for a night but then a standard opened up so I switched. Since we've also done theme park view I have to try and even it out a bit. :rotfl: From pictures I've seen the LV rooms have some great views!

Either the pics I have come across are super old or the rooms are in dire need of an update...Can someone tell me which it is? thanks!:goodvibes

Like Granny I think you are referring to the theme of the resort? Our rooms at VWL have always been in good condition and we also like the theme (although I could do without the bedspread but that applies to all the DVC resorts that have them!). Otherwise VWL has had refurbs. There was a report a few months ago of what appeared to be a test room that might be changing to a laminate floor and a few other slight changes but nothing more since then. Overall I think the the DVC rooms look better in person than the pictures usually depict. Once you see everything fitting together it makes a it more sense.
 
Nascar -has become my tv channel stop when I run across it. :confused3 Over the years Daytona was the one race that I'd catch most every year and then nothing else so I'm not real certain what's going on with me! The power, speed and of course thrill where everyone is a split second away from a major crash can be quite exciting. Sounds like a fun trip!

LV is the one BLT category we haven't stayed. Last trip I had a LV studio booked for a night but then a standard opened up so I switched. Since we've also done theme park view I have to try and even it out a bit. :rotfl: From pictures I've seen the LV rooms have some great views!



Like Granny I think you are referring to the theme of the resort? Our rooms at VWL have always been in good condition and we also like the theme (although I could do without the bedspread but that applies to all the DVC resorts that have them!). Otherwise VWL has had refurbs. There was a report a few months ago of what appeared to be a test room that might be changing to a laminate floor and a few other slight changes but nothing more since then. Overall I think the the DVC rooms look better in person than the pictures usually depict. Once you see everything fitting together it makes a it more sense.

Oooh Kat. you have a little daredevil in you too! We were at Charlotte motorspeedway once and there was a wreck litterally right underneath where I was standing. It was like "Oh my. I am either risking my life or staying to experience it". Guess which I chose :cool1:. It has been several years since we went to one, I keep asking to go to one, but so far, no race.

Jimmy...we will be in a Lake View villa at BLT for our September trip. We've booked that before and like the view of Bay Lake quite a bit. I think you will enjoy that extended trip with the side trip to Daytona. Great to do those "big events" every once in a while just to have the experience at least once. Enjoy planning your trip!

WildernessDad...that's very sad news about the passing of your close friend. He was fortunate to have such a good friend as you to share blessings such as a trip to WDW with. You are both in our prayers.

Sly Dog...beautiful pictures for the most magical trip of all! As much as you have both loved WDW, it will now always be the host of some of the most wonderful memories of your life. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

Bagsmom...prayers going out for you and your friend for strength, serenity and even a joyful remembrance of time together and the blessings life has brought.

Hi Granny. How is the new job?
Are you going to RI with your daughter? Enjoy if you do.

Di
We will be at BLT from Feb 19-Mar 1. Combining parks, spring training and the thurs qualifying races at Daytona into 1 trip. Never been to a race at Daytona, always wanted too though, so its finally going to happen! Not a big race fan anymore as I was in the days when Petty, Allison, Elliott and Earnhardt were running, but the speed factor alone draws me to that track. Plus, we are really looking forward to being within walking distance to MK, and will spend more time than usual there.

WildernessDad
So sorry about the loss of your friend. We will lift you and his family up to our Lord to grant you peace
Also, if you want me to add your dates to the list just PM them to me when you have the time. Glad your GDs Dad is making his presence known in her life. Sounds like a great trip planned for sure!

Sleepy/Luv
Love the pics, you both look so happy:goodvibes Keep em coming:thumbsup2

Barb
Lake view for sure on BLT! T just booked another night with one more to go, so fingers crossed we get that night too! We would have tried for standard had the weekend nights been available, but LV isnt as rough on pts at TP:crazy2:

bagsmom
Continuing to lift you, your friend and her family up to our Lord

I agree with yiu about NASCAR. It isn't the same with all the changes.
Good luck getting those BLT days bòoked.pixiedust:
 
Hi Granny. How is the new job?
Are you going to RI with your daughter? Enjoy if you do.

Hey Barb! :wave2:

The new job is good...very busy but much less stress as the company owner is a lot more laid back than the typical corporate boss. :thumbsup2

And yes, we are heading out Wednesday in our 16' rental truck for the 1,000 + mile trek to Providence. The trip includes a stop in Indiana to pick up the rest of my daughter's stuff that she didn't bring home for the summer. Not looking forward to the drive, or hauling in her furniture, but it should be a fun trip. If anyone has some favorite restaurants in Providence or Boston, we're all ears. Thanks for the wish of enjoyment, Muush. :)
 
Welcome to the groupies scottmel!!!!
I second that welcome (or third, fourth, fifth, whichever it might be ;))! I agree that at first online, the rooms at VWL seem a bit stale. Once you are at the resort, however, that all changes. The idea behind the theming is to evoke the Northwest lodge feel, and the Villas do that well. The furniture is a little bulky-looking--by design. The motif is a mish-mash of northwest grandeur with Native American touches thrown in for good measure. There is an abundance of wood, especially in the lobbies, and the colors are hues of green, red, brown, and blue. Some of the walls are textured which isn't something you can see via pictures, either, but that adds to the earthy, back-to-nature ambience. The rooms themselves are clean, inviting, spacious, and quiet. In fact, the whole quiet factor is one reason we love VWL--it exudes serenity, begging you to embrace a small bit of solitude away from the madding crowds in the park. Walk down the nature trail--never crowded; head over to FW for breakfast or just to see the horses; rent a bike; laze on the beach; hit the Hidden Springs pool and spa--rarely crowded; listen to the majestic music; search for Hidden Mickeys (a list can be had at the check-in desk). There are so many delightful parts of the Lodge, in general, and the Villas, in particular, which make one's visit a relaxing getaway. And the rooms underscore that entire feeling. :thumbsup2
 
Sly, you forgot to warn them about that awful sofa :rotfl2::rotfl2:




Hey Barb! :wave2:

The new job is good...very busy but much less stress as the company owner is a lot more laid back than the typical corporate boss. :thumbsup2

And yes, we are heading out Wednesday in our 16' rental truck for the 1,000 + mile trek to Providence. The trip includes a stop in Indiana to pick up the rest of my daughter's stuff that she didn't bring home for the summer. Not looking forward to the drive, or hauling in her furniture, but it should be a fun trip. If anyone has some favorite restaurants in Providence or Boston, we're all ears. Thanks for the wish of enjoyment, Muush. :)

less stress is good!:goodvibes

I'll miss you once again. I'm going up for a post wedding celebration for my niece in mid august. I'll land in Boston, stay in Nantasket, MA with my school chums and then to sister in RI, party in CT and fly out of PVD, RI. Another tri stste visit.

Where in RI is she going to school, I forgot :confused:? Lots of great restaurants in RI.

Happy trails :)

PS. Teapot, if you read this, up for a beach day? 8/14 to 8/16
 
Muush...my daughter is actually starting a job in Providence. Far from home but a good opportunity for her first job out of college.

I'm sure we won't starve during our visit. I have a couple of suggestions for Boston and Providence restaurants and I'll be we don't lose weight this trip due to lack of eating well. :rolleyes1


Sly...I really like your description of VWL. I might have to copy/paste that at some point! :thumbsup2


Sly, you forgot to warn them about that awful sofa :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Now, now. It's a lovely sofa design, hearkening back to the Great Lodge days of the Pacific Northwest. I guess that's why you're an East Coast lady! :)
 
Granny, our trip to Boston, we ate at Faneuil Hall marketplace where there are lots of choices to eat, some chains, others individual owned. Another great place to check out is Mikes Bakery in the Italy section of Boston. Teapot Im sure know some great places!
 
I second that welcome (or third, fourth, fifth, whichever it might be ;))! I agree that at first online, the rooms at VWL seem a bit stale. Once you are at the resort, however, that all changes. The idea behind the theming is to evoke the Northwest lodge feel, and the Villas do that well. The furniture is a little bulky-looking--by design. The motif is a mish-mash of northwest grandeur with Native American touches thrown in for good measure. There is an abundance of wood, especially in the lobbies, and the colors are hues of green, red, brown, and blue. Some of the walls are textured which isn't something you can see via pictures, either, but that adds to the earthy, back-to-nature ambience. The rooms themselves are clean, inviting, spacious, and quiet. In fact, the whole quiet factor is one reason we love VWL--it exudes serenity, begging you to embrace a small bit of solitude away from the madding crowds in the park. Walk down the nature trail--never crowded; head over to FW for breakfast or just to see the horses; rent a bike; laze on the beach; hit the Hidden Springs pool and spa--rarely crowded; listen to the majestic music; search for Hidden Mickeys (a list can be had at the check-in desk). There are so many delightful parts of the Lodge, in general, and the Villas, in particular, which make one's visit a relaxing getaway. And the rooms underscore that entire feeling. :thumbsup2

Ah! thanks that must be it there. It was the mismatched looking bedding that threw me I believe. I am letting my DD and her friend pick our DVC stay prior to YC check in and both girls did not go for my WLV idea. they are great influenced by photos apparently! LOL. I thank you for the explanation and the time. That helps.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.










DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter DIS Bluesky

Back
Top Bottom