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

[tea pot]

Hello Groupies and Happy September

Hope you all are having a relaxing holiday weekend
It feels like fall here in New England
Truly my favorite time of the year

I just looked over the Vacation list on the first page
and Wow so many Groupies heading to the Magic
both on land and sea.
Pixie Dust to you all
looking forward your Pictures and TRs

Sorry but haven't read back pass the current page yet
So I pray that you are all well

Jimmy prayers for your little Sneezy.
Our pets really grow in our hearts.
I think they are one of God's gifts that help us
get through this life.

Take Care Groupies

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks teapot! She is getting really close to coming home, hope by Tues.

 

[DiznyDi]

Well, the kids came home for the holiday week-end and have since departed and are headed back to their home in Virginia. Finally have a few minutes to sit with my feet up. Whew!

I read back through the thread. So happy to see that Sneezy is improving and has potential to come home tomorrow! I know the family is anxiously awaiting her return.

Boy, Corinne, when it rains, it pours! So sorry to hear about your iPad. Does that have 'Apple Care' like our iPhones? I hope September brings an end to your re-model. I hope you and Maria are successful in trying to meet. Always great fun meeting a fellow Groupie while in the world.

MMRules, love your ticker! I wish you patience and a loud commanding voice as you go back into the teaching field. February will be here before you know it. We're already in September, Halloween followed by Thanksgiving followed by Christmas and in the blink of an eye we'll be in 2014!

rfassett, continued prayers for Homer. Quite a story about Molly and her pups. What a pleasant diversion from illness and worry.

Eliza, I must go through life with blinders on. The only trivia I knew was the 1st one. Gawrsh! Cows and corn - yep, have both as neighbors. If you need a break from driving, we're about 5 hours from Cincy and would love to have you visit! Even have a spare room you'd be welcome to use.

Happy Belated Birthday Dodie!
Hope you enjoyed your day celebrating with family and friends!

Hi Joy! So nice to see you!

My countdown is showing 35 days! Guess I'd better go and read up on the magic bands. Like you, Muush, I know nothing....

 

[jimmytammy]

Hey folks
For those of you who frequent F&W can you give advice on getting the most out of trying all those food booths and still not be miserable? We have been many times, never really took adv. of trying many foods, maybe tried 3 over a span of 5 trips

We will still fit in many of our fave restaurants but have at least 2 days empty of ressies plus a few meals where we can split, so those days we can take smaller adv. of these foods.

So any and all advice would be great!

 

[sleepydog25]

Hey folks
For those of you who frequent F&W can you give advice on getting the most out of trying all those food booths and still not be miserable? We have been many times, never really took adv. of trying many foods, maybe tried 3 over a span of 5 trips

We will still fit in many of our fave restaurants but have at least 2 days empty of ressies plus a few meals where we can split, so those days we can take smaller adv. of these foods.

So any and all advice would be great!

Tip 1: Definitely plan to eat light on the days you hit F&W. Though the portions are small at each booth, after a few of them, you'll be full.
Tip 2: Buy a F&W gift card prior to starting. You can pre-load it with a set amount and reload it if needed. They're a quick way to get in and out of the booths and not have to keep up with credit card charges or room key charges. Further, once you've finished with the festival, the card still works like a regular gift card pretty much anyplace in Disney.
Tip 3: Avoid weekends if possible. Those are the busier, and at times, crazier days since more locals and college-age kids come then, especially toward the end of the festival.
Tip 4: Try new foods! This is the perfect opportunity to try something you might not otherwise sample. Luv and I are adventurous eaters, so we'll pretty much try anything, though honestly there aren't any dishes that are truly exotic in F&W. You can have a spicy soup in one "country," then slip over to another to have escargot. Same goes for drinks.
Tip 5: Our favorites have been the lamb sliders (Australia, I believe), lamb chops (New Zealand), empanadas (Spain), fisherman's pie (Ireland), and escargot in brioche (France). There are several others, but these jump out from my foggy haze of a memory.
Tip 6: Keep in mind that you can use the F&W booths as a way to be an appetizer before a meal or you can go all out and just make them one of your meals on any given day since you have everything from soups, to hearty fare, to desserts.
Tip 7: We love to share, so we'll often get two items at one booth so that we can sample a variety of foods. If there is only one item at a booth that sounds interesting, then we'll choose something from another nearby booth and share those two diverse dishes and drinks.
Tip 8: Finally, we don't drink at every booth. We might get a glass (though glass is a misnomer as it's a small, plastic cup) of wine to share with the two lamb dishes, have a water with a Japanese soup, then share a delicious alcoholic slushy in France (I forget what they're called, but they are wonderful and pair really well with. . .well, everything!). We see lots of folks who pound down huge beers and talk about going to the next booth to drink more beer, but that's not our style.

Have fun!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

JT - we love F&W. When we go at that time of the year we no longer plan on a regular meal and just eat our way around the world. We used to plan meals but then learned we then couldn't enjoy the special offerings. In fact it's now rare if we make any dining reservations on our F&W trips and just wing it because we'll often just pop in to Epcot for a bit to have some of our favorites (old and new).

First we'll look at the guide and pick out things that sound good to us and head that direction. Sometimes we both get food at the same booth or sometimes we will share food from a booth but often one will get something they want at one location and the other will get something they want elsewhere. And we also do not get drinks everywhere - maybe each get one during the "meal" time or often just carry our bottles of water.

If we're definitely planning on going around 2 or even 3 different days we'll just start at one end of WS and go until we're full. Then the next day we either pick up where we left off or head around WD the opposite direction.

There is one exception. China's potstickers - they can be eaten every day.

 

[Corinne]

Hi Corinne...got your PM.
Are you leaving Mon 9/23 or Tues 9/24?

Maria~Lol, I see why you are confused! Sorry, about that typo! We depart Monday, 9/23. We won't have any park time on Monday. We have a 6:00pm flight back to Boston, so I think the "NOTSO" magical express will be picking us up around noon.

 

[Corinne]

Di~ yes read up on those bands! mine arrived today!

Thanks for the well wishes, hubby thinks all work will be completed by my trip. I don't think so. I'm shooting for October. I didn't purchase the additional Apple Care for the iPad. I had it in my cart, and at the time it said they didn't cover accidental breakage, so I decided against it. The manager said they now allow for 2 incidents within the time of the warranty coverage. They will give me a replacement for $249. I haven't done anything yet. It still works but the screen is a mess!

Jimmy~happy to hear about Sneezy's progress!

Joy ~ hello! Nice to see you!

 

[twokats]

Hey groupies,
Happy birthday, welcome and anything else I might have missed over my absence the last week or so.

I went to my surgeon last week and he dismissed me saying that I am 100% healed. I still have a few issues with aches, pains and such, . . . . oh wait, I have had that for a while!!! But I do feel a whole lot better without being attached to a walker or a cane.

We are a week away from our first trip to CA and the Grand Californian and Disneyland. Looking forward to that. Once the 14th comes and we board the Wonder, I will be without internet for two weeks, so I will catch up hopefully by the end of the month.

Five weeks ago we had a little 4 legged addition to our family when Maximus and Jasmine had a little boy we named Scamp. He is a cute little furball, but I hope to find him a happy home in the next month or two.

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day!

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks for the info on F&W folks, great advice!!

Sneezy is home!! Resting well, seems content back in her enviro., still not eating a lot, but seems to be gaining strength all the same. Vet told us with acute kidney failure, wasnt much hope for her, but prayers did the trick, IMO, she is a four paw miracle! Thanks so much for all your prayers and concern, its been a long ordeal, but all is well now

 

[eliza61]

Thanks for the info on F&W folks, great advice!!

Sneezy is home!! Resting well, seems content back in her enviro., still not eating a lot, but seems to be gaining strength all the same. Vet told us with acute kidney failure, wasnt much hope for her, but prayers did the trick, IMO, she is a four paw miracle! Thanks so much for all your prayers and concern, its been a long ordeal, but all is well now

Go Sneezy, go Sneezy!! can't tell me prayers don't work!!


Ok, new game: this one is easy simply because there is no "right" answer.
Just ask the person "below" you a question. Oh and if you like the question you are asked you can use the same question.

My other favorite resort is the Beach club. I think because at night it is so pretty seeing the lights as you walk back from Epcot.

So for the person below, what would be your favorite resort if you could not stay at the WL and what makes it special

 

[rusafee1183]

Tip 1: Definitely plan to eat light on the days you hit F&W. Though the portions are small at each booth, after a few of them, you'll be full.
Tip 2: Buy a F&W gift card prior to starting. You can pre-load it with a set amount and reload it if needed. They're a quick way to get in and out of the booths and not have to keep up with credit card charges or room key charges. Further, once you've finished with the festival, the card still works like a regular gift card pretty much anyplace in Disney.
Tip 3: Avoid weekends if possible. Those are the busier, and at times, crazier days since more locals and college-age kids come then, especially toward the end of the festival.
Tip 4: Try new foods! This is the perfect opportunity to try something you might not otherwise sample. Luv and I are adventurous eaters, so we'll pretty much try anything, though honestly there aren't any dishes that are truly exotic in F&W. You can have a spicy soup in one "country," then slip over to another to have escargot. Same goes for drinks.
Tip 5: Our favorites have been the lamb sliders (Australia, I believe), lamb chops (New Zealand), empanadas (Spain), fisherman's pie (Ireland), and escargot in brioche (France). There are several others, but these jump out from my foggy haze of a memory.
Tip 6: Keep in mind that you can use the F&W booths as a way to be an appetizer before a meal or you can go all out and just make them one of your meals on any given day since you have everything from soups, to hearty fare, to desserts.
Tip 7: We love to share, so we'll often get two items at one booth so that we can sample a variety of foods. If there is only one item at a booth that sounds interesting, then we'll choose something from another nearby booth and share those two diverse dishes and drinks.
Tip 8: Finally, we don't drink at every booth. We might get a glass (though glass is a misnomer as it's a small, plastic cup) of wine to share with the two lamb dishes, have a water with a Japanese soup, then share a delicious alcoholic slushy in France (I forget what they're called, but they are wonderful and pair really well with. . .well, everything!). We see lots of folks who pound down huge beers and talk about going to the next booth to drink more beer, but that's not our style.

Have fun!

I 2nd everything Sly said! We also love to share, so we will get one or two items at a pavilion and each have a few bites. It makes the experience more fun when you can each give an opinion on what you love or hate.

And I agree, we definitely don't drink at every pavilion. I usually have a grey goose lemoncello slush and Bob will have the grand marnier slush. Then I won't have anything else until the tequila cave. I usually get a blood orange margarita, and Bob will have had a beer in Germany or also get a margarita. We don't like to be sloppy either, just a cocktail or two to enjoy the ambiance.

Thanks for the info on F&W folks, great advice!!

Sneezy is home!! Resting well, seems content back in her enviro., still not eating a lot, but seems to be gaining strength all the same. Vet told us with acute kidney failure, wasnt much hope for her, but prayers did the trick, IMO, she is a four paw miracle! Thanks so much for all your prayers and concern, its been a long ordeal, but all is well now

Yay yay yay yay yay yay!!!!!!

Go Sneezy!!!!!

Go Sneezy, go Sneezy!! can't tell me prayers don't work!!


Ok, new game: this one is easy simply because there is no "right" answer.
Just ask the person "below" you a question. Oh and if you like the question you are asked you can use the same question.

My other favorite resort is the Beach club. I think because at night it is so pretty seeing the lights as you walk back from Epcot.

So for the person below, what would be your favorite resort if you could not stay at the WL and what makes it special

Fun game!

Although we have stayed at some amazing resorts (AKV, BCV are ties with VWL for my fav's)

I have to go with POR. Bob and spent out honeymoon there for TWELVE nights and it genuinely started to feel like home. We loved the boat rides to DTD, and strolling around after dark and listening to the crickets chirping. I love the music and the laidback atmosphere and the way that the lights danced on the water.

That resort just reminds me so much of letting go of all of that wedding stress, and just finding time to spend together and enjoy being in love

OK! Next question:

If you went to WDW, and could only do ONE thing (show, parade, ride, fireworks, restaurant etc....) what would it be and why?

 

[jimmytammy]

If you went to WDW, and could only do ONE thing (show, parade, ride, fireworks, restaurant etc....) what would it be and why?
__________________
Heather & Bob

Restaurant and it would have to be Ohana at night(maybe get a twofer if Wishes goes off while eating)because eating there evokes and oozes everything about WDW to me, food, atmosphere and walking through that wonderful resort

If you had a choice between a FP at Toy Story Mania(lets say if both were easy to obtain) or RNRC, which would you choose and why?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

If you had a choice between a FP at Toy Story Mania(lets say if both were easy to obtain) or RNRC, which would you choose and why?[/B]

Toy Story! Such a fun ride - and I do have a bit of a competitive side now and then. And though I love roller coasters and even RNRC I don't love the restraints on that one and can end up with a head ache from banging around if I'm not careful or it's an especially rough ride.

Next: If you only had two options in the year to visit the MK - Christmas Day or the 4th of July - which would you choose and why?

 

[crabbie1]

To my fellow groupies. Our next visit home unfortunately will not be till december 5 2014 for 8 nights. Having never stayed home at this time of year what are my chances of securing a studio? There will just be me and DB. Do I need to book day by day from 5th January? Only having booked once before for April fairly last minute I want to make sure I get it booked intime. Also is there a beach view from the villas or just the hotel?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[sleepydog25]

To my fellow groupies. Our next visit home unfortunately will not be till december 5 2014 for 8 nights. Having never stayed home at this time of year what are my chances of securing a studio? There will just be me and DB. Do I need to book day by day from 5th January? Only having booked once before for April fairly last minute I want to make sure I get it booked intime. Also is there a beach view from the villas or just the hotel?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Hey, crabbie! It's unfortunate that you'll have to wait until December of 2014 to next visit WDW and the Lodge. That being said, you will LOVE the Lodge (and the Villas) that time of year! There is no more special resort than VWL during the Christmas holiday. Since you can book at 11 months, you should have no issues getting a studio; however, I would certainly book as soon as you are allowed to ensure you get the room--all categories of rooms at VWL tend to go quickly for that time period. On a related note, that the general time frame for our trip that year as I've been itching to get back to Disney for the holidays, and this year is out.

To all Groupies: In a related rumor, I've been hearing rumblings that the Osborne Lights might cease to exist in the relatively near future. I've heard everything from this year being the last to possibly two years from now. I, for one, don't believe they'll stop the Osborne Lights at all, though they may switch venues for them. Oh, why no lights? Apparently, there is growing evidence that Lights, Motor, Action! and the surrounding area may go away in order to install a Cars Land much like Disney Land has. I would be one unhappy camper if the OL went away.


Per the new game, I would absolutely take 4th of July if my choices were that day or Christmas Day. First, I prefer to be at home on Christmas Day. I live in the mountains, have a fireplace, and love the feel of Christmas morning with luv. Second, since she and I were married on the 5th of July, that means we'd be where we were married on our anniversary.

My question: If you had to choose just one, would you stay the night before or the night after at WDW in conjunction with a DCL cruise?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

To my fellow groupies. Our next visit home unfortunately will not be till december 5 2014 for 8 nights. Having never stayed home at this time of year what are my chances of securing a studio? There will just be me and DB. Do I need to book day by day from 5th January? Only having booked once before for April fairly last minute I want to make sure I get it booked intime. Also is there a beach view from the villas or just the hotel?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

You should not have a problem getting the studio if you book right at 11 months. Also, the old day by day is gone. You now can book at 11 months from your check in day and reserve up to 7 nights. For 8 nights just call a day later to add the last night. That's as close as it gets to day by day booking. I honestly think you could just get online at 11 months +1 day out from check in and book all 8 nights at once but that's up to you on how conservative you would like to be.

 

[Muushka]

Hello Groupies and Happy September

Hope you all are having a relaxing holiday weekend
It feels like fall here in New England
Truly my favorite time of the year

I just looked over the Vacation list on the first page
and Wow so many Groupies heading to the Magic
both on land and sea.
Pixie Dust to you all
looking forward your Pictures and TRs

Sorry but haven't read back pass the current page yet
So I pray that you are all well

Jimmy prayers for your little Sneezy.
Our pets really grow in our hearts.
I think they are one of God's gifts that help us
get through this life.

Take Care Groupies

Hi TP Happy Fall to you!

Di~ yes read up on those bands! mine arrived today!

Thanks for the well wishes, hubby thinks all work will be completed by my trip. I don't think so. I'm shooting for October. I didn't purchase the additional Apple Care for the iPad. I had it in my cart, and at the time it said they didn't cover accidental breakage, so I decided against it. The manager said they now allow for 2 incidents within the time of the warranty coverage. They will give me a replacement for $249. I haven't done anything yet. It still works but the screen is a mess!

Jimmy~happy to hear about Sneezy's progress!

Joy ~ hello! Nice to see you!

So sorry about your iPad. I hope it gets resolved to your liking.

What's up with the bands? You have to order them?

Hey groupies,
Happy birthday, welcome and anything else I might have missed over my absence the last week or so.

I went to my surgeon last week and he dismissed me saying that I am 100% healed. I still have a few issues with aches, pains and such, . . . . oh wait, I have had that for a while!!! But I do feel a whole lot better without being attached to a walker or a cane.

We are a week away from our first trip to CA and the Grand Californian and Disneyland. Looking forward to that. Once the 14th comes and we board the Wonder, I will be without internet for two weeks, so I will catch up hopefully by the end of the month.

Five weeks ago we had a little 4 legged addition to our family when Maximus and Jasmine had a little boy we named Scamp. He is a cute little furball, but I hope to find him a happy home in the next month or two.

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day!

Yay! You are all better. Good job. That was a long haul for you.
Congrats on the furry cutie.
Cat? Dog? Picture????

I think we will be at VWL at the same time. Groupie meet!!! What do you say??

Thanks for the info on F&W folks, great advice!!

Sneezy is home!! Resting well, seems content back in her enviro., still not eating a lot, but seems to be gaining strength all the same. Vet told us with acute kidney failure, wasnt much hope for her, but prayers did the trick, IMO, she is a four paw miracle! Thanks so much for all your prayers and concern, its been a long ordeal, but all is well now

Boy, she is lucky. I lost my beloved cat Geoffrey from renal failure. So sad. He was a great cat too.
I'm glad Sneezy is a miracle kitty!!

To my fellow groupies. Our next visit home unfortunately will not be till december 5 2014 for 8 nights. Having never stayed home at this time of year what are my chances of securing a studio? There will just be me and DB. Do I need to book day by day from 5th January? Only having booked once before for April fairly last minute I want to make sure I get it booked intime. Also is there a beach view from the villas or just the hotel?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

No beach views. Pool, trees, walkway, trees, WL, trees. Did I say trees?
Sorry it will be so long till your VWL visit. But you are in good company here on the Groupie Thread.
We'll take good care of you.

Hey, crabbie! It's unfortunate that you'll have to wait until December of 2014 to next visit WDW and the Lodge. That being said, you will LOVE the Lodge (and the Villas) that time of year! There is no more special resort than VWL during the Christmas holiday. Since you can book at 11 months, you should have no issues getting a studio; however, I would certainly book as soon as you are allowed to ensure you get the room--all categories of rooms at VWL tend to go quickly for that time period. On a related note, that the general time frame for our trip that year as I've been itching to get back to Disney for the holidays, and this year is out.

To all Groupies: In a related rumor, I've been hearing rumblings that the Osborne Lights might cease to exist in the relatively near future. I've heard everything from this year being the last to possibly two years from now. I, for one, don't believe they'll stop the Osborne Lights at all, though they may switch venues for them. Oh, why no lights? Apparently, there is growing evidence that Lights, Motor, Action! and the surrounding area may go away in order to install a Cars Land much like Disney Land has. I would be one unhappy camper if the OL went away.


Per the new game, I would absolutely take 4th of July if my choices were that day or Christmas Day. First, I prefer to be at home on Christmas Day. I live in the mountains, have a fireplace, and love the feel of Christmas morning with luv. Second, since she and I were married on the 5th of July, that means we'd be where we were married on our anniversary.

My question: If you had to choose just one, would you stay the night before or the night after at WDW in conjunction with a DCL cruise?

AAAKKKKKKK to that rumor!!!! Why is Disney making me less and less not liking it??
Sorry Groupies, sometimes I can't help but be honest.

But I want to play the game!!


My question:
If you had to choose just one, would you stay the night before or the night after at WDW in conjunction with a DCL cruise?

I would choose the night after the cruise. Because I HATE the end of a cruise and having somewhere to go is fun!

My question:

If you had to eliminate a Christmas event at WDW, which would you eliminate?
The choices are Osborne Christmas Lights and The Candlelight Processional

Ouch. That is tough!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

My question:

If you had to eliminate a Christmas event at WDW, which would you eliminate?
The choices are Osborne Christmas Lights and The Candlelight Processional

Ouch. That is tough!

Yikes Muushka! Glad I did a round earlier!! I still haven't gotten over the elimination of the Lights of Winter.

 

[Muushka]

Yikes Muushka! Glad I did a round earlier!! I still haven't gotten over the elimination of the Lights of Winter.

Sorry Kat. Maybe I should lighten up a little?