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

[sleepydog25]

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.

I can certainly understand kids not taking an immediate shine to a place so rustic-looking. On the other hand, it's a great place for them to romp around in nature, explore, see EWP up close from the beach, make s'mores over a fire before enjoying family movie night on the beach (if raining, moves to the Villas lobby), catch Wishes (most of it, anyway) also on the beach, and generally just be a kid. Hopefully, you can convince them to changer their minds, but I'm sure you'll enjoy wherever you go.
P.S. Don't let the sofa scare you away! That reminds me, I don't know what pictures you saw, but our sofa (1BR suite) was new. We had a need to use the sofa bed on our trip two weeks ago, and it was extremely comfortable according to my 13-yr old daughter. I sat on it and was surprised to find it so inviting. It almost appeared to have a memory foam mattress cover--very appealing. And it folds out and back in differently than the old ones. In a neat touch, the pillows that go with the sofa bed are slotted into the frame itself meaning no more wrestling them in and out of a closet every day.

Granny: Copy/paste away. . .I haven't copyrighted anything yet.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Monday everyone, Hope all you folks have a great week!!!!

 

[eliza61]

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.

Welcome Scottmel,

WL is one of the few disney resorts I think that evokes a "love it" or "hate it" type of reaction. Poly maybe another.

I have a girlfriend who will give every other resort a try but not WL. lots of folks here have personal photos that may help but the problem is photos don't really do it justice, so if they aren't feeling the rustic theme it probably won't get better in real life.

WL themeing is strong. It's "in your face" from the moment you walk it. I found it awe- inspiring but I do know folks who didn't like it from the get go.

 

[virge]

Hi! I'm crossing my fingers and squirreling away money for a possible 2014 trip (11/29-12/5). Someone suggested I look at renting points & since I would LOVE to stay at WL or AKL I'm trying to do some research to see if we could swing renting at VWL or AKL. This thread looks like a great place to help me learn about VWL and I have a lot of reading to do

From what I can tell budget-wise, my family would do best with a Studio. I have 2 boys who would be 8 at the time of travel. I can't find what size the sofa bed is, can someone tell me if it's a full or a queen?

Thanks!

 

[rusafee1183]

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!!

I second this Sleepy. The pictures were gorgeous, and you can definitely feel the love. Congratulations again!

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.

So sorry for your loss WildernessDad. I am sending prayers your way during this tough time.

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.

Still sending prayers and well wishes your way Bagsmom. I am so sorry that you haven't received better news about your friend. I know how hard this has been on you

Welcome to the groupies scottmel!!!!

Welcome Scottmel!

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.

I can totally understand the lack of appeal from looking at the pictures of the Lodge. On our last trip this past January, we were trying to decide where to stay for one night before transferring over to AKV for the remainder of our trip. We knew that we would be going to MK on that first night, so chose VWL purely for the location and for the boat to MK. The pictures of the rooms left a lot to be desired - but we figured 'meh. it's only a night'

We had visited the WL before for a reservation at AP years ago and remembered the lobby and grounds to be really nice - but, for some reason there was something so much more amazing about actually staying there. When we walked in, it was the most amazing place we had ever seen.

We arrived at dusk, and walked past the beach where they were roasting smores and crickets were singing. There was a cool breeze in the air, and it felt like you were MILES away from anything but in reality you were right near more than you could ever imagine. The "lack luster and boring" appearance of the rooms became charming and welcoming. It felt like home.

We IMMEDIATELY came home and started the search to add points on at VWL and are super excited to say that we are closing in just a few weeks.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi! I'm crossing my fingers and squirreling away money for a possible 2014 trip (11/29-12/5). Someone suggested I look at renting points & since I would LOVE to stay at WL or AKL I'm trying to do some research to see if we could swing renting at VWL or AKL. This thread looks like a great place to help me learn about VWL and I have a lot of reading to do

From what I can tell budget-wise, my family would do best with a Studio. I have 2 boys who would be 8 at the time of travel. I can't find what size the sofa bed is, can someone tell me if it's a full or a queen?

Thanks!

Welcome, fellow Virginian Virge! You will find plenty of good info on this thread, and the friendliest folks on the DIS. Certainly, renting a studio vice a 1BR would be cheaper, but you might be able to find a rental deal that would ease the pain of moving up to a 1BR. The advantage to a 1BR is that you would have a full kitchen which could potentially save you money (eat-in breakfasts, e.g.), and you would also have a washer/dryer unit in the room which might come in handy if you plan to stay more than 3-4 days. The sofa bed we had two weeks ago in our 1BR was a queen, and I'm thinking they use the same size couch in the studios. Overall, VWL offers plenty for family stays: s'mores on the beach, movie nights on the beach, nature trail, bike rentals, hidden Mickey hunts, and the list goes on. AKV is a wonderful resort (and a 1BR there offers two bathrooms!) but is more remote than VWL which offers overall great bus service as well as a direct boat to MK and CR. Have fun looking around, and if you have any more questions, I'm sure you'll find plenty of help here. Again, welcome!

 

[wildernessDad]

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

My granddaughter is not changing household. She still lives with my daughter who lives with us. The FOB visits, but he and my daughter are not getting together.

 

[twokats]

Hi! I'm crossing my fingers and squirreling away money for a possible 2014 trip (11/29-12/5). Someone suggested I look at renting points & since I would LOVE to stay at WL or AKL I'm trying to do some research to see if we could swing renting at VWL or AKL. This thread looks like a great place to help me learn about VWL and I have a lot of reading to do

From what I can tell budget-wise, my family would do best with a Studio. I have 2 boys who would be 8 at the time of travel. I can't find what size the sofa bed is, can someone tell me if it's a full or a queen?

Thanks!

Welcome, fellow Virginian Virge! You will find plenty of good info on this thread, and the friendliest folks on the DIS. Certainly, renting a studio vice a 1BR would be cheaper, but you might be able to find a rental deal that would ease the pain of moving up to a 1BR. The advantage to a 1BR is that you would have a full kitchen which could potentially save you money (eat-in breakfasts, e.g.), and you would also have a washer/dryer unit in the room which might come in handy if you plan to stay more than 3-4 days. The sofa bed we had two weeks ago in our 1BR was a queen, and I'm thinking they use the same size couch in the studios. Overall, VWL offers plenty for family stays: s'mores on the beach, movie nights on the beach, nature trail, bike rentals, hidden Mickey hunts, and the list goes on. AKV is a wonderful resort (and a 1BR there offers two bathrooms!) but is more remote than VWL which offers overall great bus service as well as a direct boat to MK and CR. Have fun looking around, and if you have any more questions, I'm sure you'll find plenty of help here. Again, welcome!

In the studio the sofa is called a double-size sofa. It is not a bad size, but whenever we stay in a studio, usually only 1 person is on the sofa.

Another reason I like a 1 bdrm is that the main bed is a king, versus a queen in the studio. In the December trips that my DD and I take, we usually get a studio, but the time we took my DS with us we treated ourselves to a 1 bdrm so that we would have more room for all of us and also because they don't like to share a bed and if I have to share, I want a king bed!!!

 

[virge]

Welcome, fellow Virginian Virge! You will find plenty of good info on this thread, and the friendliest folks on the DIS. Certainly, renting a studio vice a 1BR would be cheaper, but you might be able to find a rental deal that would ease the pain of moving up to a 1BR. The advantage to a 1BR is that you would have a full kitchen which could potentially save you money (eat-in breakfasts, e.g.), and you would also have a washer/dryer unit in the room which might come in handy if you plan to stay more than 3-4 days. The sofa bed we had two weeks ago in our 1BR was a queen, and I'm thinking they use the same size couch in the studios. Overall, VWL offers plenty for family stays: s'mores on the beach, movie nights on the beach, nature trail, bike rentals, hidden Mickey hunts, and the list goes on. AKV is a wonderful resort (and a 1BR there offers two bathrooms!) but is more remote than VWL which offers overall great bus service as well as a direct boat to MK and CR. Have fun looking around, and if you have any more questions, I'm sure you'll find plenty of help here. Again, welcome!

The problem with Disney is that everything looks wonderful and I can't decide! I love the theming of VWL & would be thrilled to be there with the Christmas decorations but I also think one of my sons would really enjoy staying at AKV (the other doesn't really have a preference).

Our only other family trip we stayed in the AoA suites and we really enjoyed the space so I'm sure we'd enjoy the space of a 1 BR but I don't think our budget can handle it. My thinking was that a studio at VWL or AKV would give us the "living space" we enjoyed at AoA even if we won't have the same sleeping space or bathroom space.

Thanks for the warm welcome. This seems like a really friendly bunch and I'm enjoying learning more about WL!

 

[virge]

In the studio the sofa is called a double-size sofa. It is not a bad size, but whenever we stay in a studio, usually only 1 person is on the sofa.

Another reason I like a 1 bdrm is that the main bed is a king, versus a queen in the studio. In the December trips that my DD and I take, we usually get a studio, but the time we took my DS with us we treated ourselves to a 1 bdrm so that we would have more room for all of us and also because they don't like to share a bed and if I have to share, I want a king bed!!!

Thanks for the information, even if it isn't what I hoped to hear I was really hoping the pull out in the studio was larger. While my boys are the size they should be able to share comfortably (they'll be 8 when we travel), one is a very restless sleeper and doesn't share a bed well. My husband declared no full size beds (which is why we aren't looking at Value Resorts) but maybe he'd reconsider so we can gain the living space & get to stay in such a great resort.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks for the information, even if it isn't what I hoped to hear I was really hoping the pull out in the studio was larger. While my boys are the size they should be able to share comfortably (they'll be 8 when we travel), one is a very restless sleeper and doesn't share a bed well. My husband declared no full size beds (which is why we aren't looking at Value Resorts) but maybe he'd reconsider so we can gain the living space & get to stay in such a great resort.

That is too bad about the sofa in the studio, but I failed to recognize the dates you would be traveling, and absolutely no resort trumps WL for Christmas decorations. They are perfect for the theming the Lodge imbues. Further, you can easily walk over to FW and check out the decorations the RVers and campers put out--they are quite special, too. Still, you must make sure the family comfort comes first and that is understandable. Best of luck making the decision.

 

[bagsmom]

Thanks for the information, even if it isn't what I hoped to hear I was really hoping the pull out in the studio was larger. While my boys are the size they should be able to share comfortably (they'll be 8 when we travel), one is a very restless sleeper and doesn't share a bed well. My husband declared no full size beds (which is why we aren't looking at Value Resorts) but maybe he'd reconsider so we can gain the living space & get to stay in such a great resort.

Hey Virge! We went to Disney and stayed at a studio in VWL in June. My two boys don't like to share a bed either. One is 10 and the other is 13.

We just brought a twin sized air mattress and an electric pump. It worked fine for us. We just put the air mattress up against the wall during the day -- and folded up the sofa bed. The boys were planning to take turns with the air mattress and sofa bed, but my 13 year old really liked sleeping on the air bed.

Just an idea for you.

 

[virge]

Hey Virge! We went to Disney and stayed at a studio in VWL in June. My two boys don't like to share a bed either. One is 10 and the other is 13.

We just brought a twin sized air mattress and an electric pump. It worked fine for us. We just put the air mattress up against the wall during the day -- and folded up the sofa bed. The boys were planning to take turns with the air mattress and sofa bed, but my 13 year old really liked sleeping on the air bed.

Just an idea for you.

That's a great idea that I hadn't thought about!

I really appreciate all these friendly & helpful suggestions.

 

[Muushka]

My granddaughter is not changing household. She still lives with my daughter who lives with us. The FOB visits, but he and my daughter are not getting together.

Oops, sorry, I misunderstood. But your granddaughter is still as cute as a button!

That's a great idea that I hadn't thought about!

I really appreciate all these friendly & helpful suggestions.

After all, this is THE friendliest thread on the DIS!

I don't know how tall your kiddos are,
but I have used the cushions from the sofa for my shorter guests and they said it worked out great.

Grab a rocking chair and sit a spell with us.

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome to the groupies virge!!!!

 

[twokats]

Thanks for the information, even if it isn't what I hoped to hear I was really hoping the pull out in the studio was larger. While my boys are the size they should be able to share comfortably (they'll be 8 when we travel), one is a very restless sleeper and doesn't share a bed well. My husband declared no full size beds (which is why we aren't looking at Value Resorts) but maybe he'd reconsider so we can gain the living space & get to stay in such a great resort.

There was one year when we went as a family and again DD did not want to share the bed with DS, so we took an air mattress and portable pump and she used that and was on cloud 9. It is a great option and I have heard a lot of people do it. It worked for us.

 

[Corinne]

wildernessdadmy heartfelt sympathies to you at the passing of your dear friend. Wishing you strength and praying for you.

bagsmomi am also sorry to hear about your friends condition worsening, please know, you are in my prayers.


Slythank you so much for sharing your photos! You look dapper in your white suit, and luv was a gorgeous bride! Her gown was beautiful!

JTcongrats on getting your BLT room! Like you, I am not sure about staying there but I definitely want to try it one day!

New Groupies WELCOME!!!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

virge
A studio would be fine for you. We did this all the time til the kids hit teen yrs., and needed more space. We just brought a twin size mattress with elec pump(be sure to get one with a velour or something clothy top, otherwise it makes a crunchy sound everytime the sleeper turns)and placed it between the TV and sofa bed. Worked great and we would place against wall during day. Studios afford a bit more room than values and feels more homey to me.

We have never stayed at AKV and want to some time, but here are 2 downsides I have heard...its far from everyhting other than AK and the halls are looooongggggg. VWL is smallest on property among DVC resorts, but tstill with ample amenities. Also, the western theming is cool for boys IMO. Just saying

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful compliments regarding our ceremony and the pictures. Chris was absolutely a stunning bride, and I am one lucky man to have found her. One funny aside from the ceremony. . .our officiant was supposed to allow us time to say our own vows, and each of us had spent some time writing them. I alone had done serious rewrites three times, and I'm sure Chris had done so as well. But, about five minutes into the ceremony, we both realized that he was going ahead with his own vows for us, and we mouthed such to each other as he talked. However, we both decided later neither of us would have been to get through our vows without getting teary-eyed. So, we wound up saying them to each other in a quiet moment that night.

The day after. . .


The view from our CL suite (Courvosier cognac at sunset)

 

[wildernessDad]

Oops, sorry, I misunderstood. But your granddaughter is still as cute as a button!

No biggie, and she is. And she's visiting relatives on the FOB's side in Texas for 2 weeks. We're all missing her at home.

Can't wait for vacation in November. Let's see, my DVC Planner app tells me that I only have... yikes! 127 days to go! I need a Disney fix now! (Sounding like Veruca Salt).