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

[twokats]

Hello Groupies!!!

We got home over a week ago, but my laptop decided to do something crazy and had to go into the shop for a few days and I can't do a whole lot of reading on my iphone. . . . the eyes just can't handle that tiny screen for too long!

Disneyland was different! We enjoyed the experience, but we spent most of the time comparing things to WDW. Enjoyed being able to walk everywhere and not have to mess with buses. Glad we got to see it at least once, but I don't think we will make a habit of going there, Kati and I enjoy WDW much better.
The Grand Californian was very nice and we had a good time there. The QS there could take a lesson from Roaring Forks as far as we were concerned. They had a very limited menu.

The Disney Wonder was as nice as it was back in 2011. This was our 3rd time on her (Kati's 2nd) and the cruise was great. It was hot and humid, but really, we had more heat in Texas before we left than what we had over the two weeks. The rain was welcome and did not bother us at all. The numerous sea days and activities were great, the stops educational with great shopping and the Panama Canal was absolutely amazing. I was glad we went and I was also glad to get home. We were gone 19 days and I needed a rest!

Happy Early Birthday princesskat!!!!(Kati, AKA twokats daughter)

twokats, Kati and their family are already at WDW celebrating Kati's Bday in a big way with a WDW/Cruise, so we are celebrating early so Kati can enjoy before cruise

Hope yall have a great trip!!

Wishing princesskat a very Happy Birthday!

Wow, Disney, a cruise and family. What a way to celebrate! Enjoy!

Today is the day...
Happy Birthday princesskat!!!!
Hope you and your mom, twokats are having a great cruising time!!

Happy Birthday Princesskat

Kati had an amazing birthday! The people at our table and our servers made that whole trip memorable for her. She read your early missives from the resort and had the biggest grin on her face. She sends her thanks for the birthday wishes.

Slinking in. Remember me groupies? I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to get back on here since I got back from my Fantasy cruise.

Fantasy cruise was AMAZING!! I had the best time. I had joined a FB group beforehand & I'm so glad I did. Just a great group of people & it made it so nice for me since I was cruising solo. My tablemates were wonderful, staff was fantastic, & the ship just outstanding.

Ahoy Minnie!


First stop St. Maarten

We will be on the Fantasy in April and doing an Eastern!! I am so looking forward to it. We were on her last May for a Western, but I am so looking forward to going to St Maarten again. We were there in 2011 on the Wonder and really had a great time. I do love the statue of Minnie.

WooHoo Bobbi. 7 months from today, boarding the Wonder for the Panama Canal!
(Unless we re-book for fall of 2015.....I digress.....)

I will admit, I liked going in September even though we were lucky to be out of the path of the tropical storm that hit Acapulco. We saw a lot of trash in the ocean, but did not get any of the bad weather. I will get with you and let you know about a Panama Canal cruise. . . . we had quite a few people that were doing it for a second time.



I hope I have included all the birthdays and anniversaries that I missed, but if there are any others, I hope you had a great day!

Happy Anniversary Corinne!!!!

Happy Birthday I Book He Pays and Akima!!!!

Happy Birthday Stopher!!!!

Happy Anniversary to a great couple wfc4life and sechem32!!!!


I hope everyone had a great September and that October is starting out good also. I came home to a lot of tax work, so I will be very busy for the next week now that I have my laptop back. We are taking Kati and her brother and sister-in-law to the State Fair of Texas tomorrow, but I hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

 

[jimmytammy]

twokats
Glad yall had a good time, and got back safe and sound
I fear we would be like yall, comparing WDW to Disneyland, eventually we will make it, hope to approach with blinders on

 

[sleepydog25]

I spent four years in SoCal, and while DL isn't as large as WDW, there is a certain level of intimacy at the original Happiest Place on Earth that WDW lacks. Plus, it's fun to visit the park that Walt had such a huge hand in developing. Though I'm not a Small World fan, the one in DL is way cooler. And Storybook Land ride the is so Disney, what I consider the essence of Disney. That's a feeling WDW often misses. ;-)

 

[Muushka]

I know I haven't posted in a while, but I definitely wanted to say "Thank you very much!" for all of the happy anniversary wishes. Someone asked on Friday if we were doing anything special to celebrate, and I said "well, we're going to Disney World at the end of next week" (now the end of this week!! - which everyone knows because I can't stop talking about things at WDW! Sooo excited!! Only about 85 hours!!! yeah!

Hey, you're an official Groupie .
I consider myself lucky to have gotten to meet you and your husband twice!
Have a wonderful anniversary at The World

twokats! You did a Panama Canal cruise!!!​

Did you do a Panama Canal cruise on the Wonder????
How in the world did I miss that one???

Allegedly we are doing this in May (I say allegedly because we are not sure we will get the time off).
I am dying to hear all about your cruise! I have lots of questions, so be prepared!

 

[horselover]

Woo hoo only one more sleep! Really looking forward to spending some one on one time with my youngest DS. He doesn't have too much to say at home so hopefully it won't be like traveling solo. Teenagers! Can't wait to see my fellow groupies Friday night as well. Weather is looking awesome. Life is good!

Be well groupie friends! I'm sure there will be pics to come.

 

[Muushka]

I'm working on my list--it's a tougher task than I anticipated.

SlyDog, do you have your favorite movie list done yet?

I do! And it turns out to be more than 10. One word for my taste in movies: eclectic.

Anyone else care to play?


Here are mine, only in genre (not in order of favorite)

My Top Movies

Drama
Shadowlands
To Kill a Mockingbird
Sergeant York
The Man Who Never Was
The Caine Mutiny
On the Waterfront
Hunt for Red October

Comedy
My Cousin Vinny
Dave
Election
Drop Dead Gorgeous

Sci-Fi
The Matrix
Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Other
The Sound of Music
Bella
The Dish

Anyone??

 

[sleepydog25]

SlyDog, do you have your favorite movie list done yet?

I do! And it turns out to be more than 10. One word for my taste in movies: eclectic.

Anyone else care to play?


Here are mine, only in genre (not in order of favorite)

My Top Movies

Drama
Shadowlands
To Kill a Mockingbird
Sergeant York
The Man Who Never Was
The Caine Mutiny
On the Waterfront
Hunt for Red October

Comedy
My Cousin Vinny
Dave
Election
Drop Dead Gorgeous

Sci-Fi
The Matrix
Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Other
The Sound of Music
Bella
The Dish

Anyone??

I will play. I will list. First, however, I will remember to list after saying that I would. . .

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Less than 24 hours until I head off on my fall Trek! First stop will be Moorhead, MN (aka a suburb of the North Pole) for a college reunion - the number of years is still confusing to me as I don't feel that much older! As I was planning flights for this I also had a sad feeling about missing out on F&W and have an AP that expires on 10/20 so for fun I typed in a multi-stop and found that compared to a round trip RNO->MSP I could go RNO->MSP->MCO->RNO for only $80 more. Or I could have flown Reno to Fargo, ND round trip and paid $50 more than it's costing to throw in Orlando. Airline pricing is so weird.

Next - I got one night at BCV and waitlisted for a second night. That came thru in a couple of days. Then, I just missed out on a night at OKW for my arrival so I waitlisted for that but booked POP as a backup. Then changed that to YC since they had a good passholder discount and I've always wanted to try it and it would have been an easy walk over to BCV in the morning. But - again the waitlist came thru so this Sunday I check in to OKW (and hoping to catch up with JT!) and then will move over to BCV for Mon & Tue.

Along with all of this came Magic Bands - 3 of them in fact to match up with all my moving reservations - and learning how to book FP+. Then an email invite for a member presentation at VGF to preview the resort which is exciting and perfect since I wanted to at least see the models at SSR and this way I get to see the whole thing including a GV!

And that's how I enjoy my DVC.

Now to get rid of this cold that I picked up on a flight or in MN last week.

Things checked off with this last minute trip:
First view of VGF
Last use before AP expires
Enough frequent flier miles earned to get me into Gold status for the year finally.
Test Magic Bands
Test FP+
Enjoy F&W
A possible last use on my Universal AP
Get away from the snow that fell in the Mts today!

Poor DH is still reeling from my announcement but he wasn't enthused about the reunion and without being in MN to catch the flight to Orlando there wasn't much to do about it other than to head off on my own.

 

[jimmytammy]

One...more...sleep

Muushka
You forgot to mention Smokey and the Bandit

 

[twokats]

twokats
Glad yall had a good time, and got back safe and sound
I fear we would be like yall, comparing WDW to Disneyland, eventually we will make it, hope to approach with blinders on

I spent four years in SoCal, and while DL isn't as large as WDW, there is a certain level of intimacy at the original Happiest Place on Earth that WDW lacks. Plus, it's fun to visit the park that Walt had such a huge hand in developing. Though I'm not a Small World fan, the one in DL is way cooler. And Storybook Land ride the is so Disney, what I consider the essence of Disney. That's a feeling WDW often misses. ;-)

Even though we did a lot of comparison, we were also impressed with how much he accomplished in such a small space and we were able to see why he wanted Florida and all the space to do everything he wanted.

The Storybook Land ride was a hit with me. I really enjoyed it and thought it was very well done.

twokats! You did a Panama Canal cruise!!!​

Did you do a Panama Canal cruise on the Wonder????
How in the world did I miss that one???

Allegedly we are doing this in May (I say allegedly because we are not sure we will get the time off).
I am dying to hear all about your cruise! I have lots of questions, so be prepared!

I have only been planning that cruise since last summer, so I am not sure how you missed it!!! I have a lot to tell you and one thing is if it is at all possible, do it. It is a long cruise, but a once in a lifetime experience.

 

[jimmytammy]

but Happy Birthday Audipoli!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Leaving today for WDW!!
Depending how work goes we may leave at lunch or afterwards, either way, we will be in WDW tonight(late)or somewhere along I-95

 

[sleepydog25]

Leaving today for WDW!!
Depending how work goes we may leave at lunch or afterwards, either way, we will be in WDW tonight(late)or somewhere along I-95

Chris and I are envious (though she just got back 10 days ago). Say hello to Brunswick, GA, for us (our most beloved pit stop). Have fun and take plenty of pics!

 

[rfassett]

Off to Hilton Head in about three hours. We are driving and will bed down between here and there tonight and will arrive mid-morning tomorrow and will be there for seven nights. We are ssssoooo excited!!!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Off to Hilton Head in about three hours. We are driving and will bed down between here and there tonight and will arrive mid-morning tomorrow and will be there for seven nights. We are ssssoooo excited!!!!

Have a great trip!

 

[jimmytammy]

We are in WDW Got away from home about 5 on Thurs., drove 7 hrs for a quick stay in Kingsland, Ga, then woke by business call at 6:30, so we were up and rolling sooner than expected. Got to WDW at 12 yesterday, got in room at AS Music, rested couple hrs., headed to Epcot and enjoyed some F&W foods, met a friend(she is from MI but lives here now), then headed over to WLhung out waiting for her DH to meet us to catch boat to BLT to meet DiznyDad and DiznyDi, wfc4life and sechem32, our frineds Brad and Tearsa(not groupies but will work on that) to watch HalloWishes(really cool to see from this point, finale was awesome). Horselover and her DS unfortunately couldn't make it but hope to catch up with them maybe Tues at Epcot. Great to see all our groupie friends in such a special place, and always great to catch up, share, and be a part of such wonderful folks lives!!

Let me say, Belgium Braised Beef waffle, mmmmmm!! Edwin McCain was great!!

Headed back to Epcot in a few to meet up with friends from Mass. who live here now(some of you met them at a WL meet a few yrs back, AnnieT and her DH Alan)do more F&W stuff, ride some rides, hoping for Soarin FP, then a 3pm culinary dem. with Jamie Deen, then after a while more at Epcot, head to MK to meet wfc4life and sechem32 to see MSEP and Wishes. I told T all these yrs since seeing MSEP, then the last few yrs avoiding it to get out of park, realizing SpectroM is no more to be seen ever, feeling nostalgic, and have to see the parade.

So will trip report soon, and hope to have pics of meet up soon. Dad and Di, safe travels, God be with you

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Popping in to say we have a contract in ROFR...more VWL points!!! Just can't get enough of our beloved lodge!!!

Happy Saturday Groupies!!

 

[Muushka]

Less than 24 hours until I head off on my fall Trek! First stop will be Moorhead, MN (aka a suburb of the North Pole) for a college reunion - the number of years is still confusing to me as I don't feel that much older! As I was planning flights for this I also had a sad feeling about missing out on F&W and have an AP that expires on 10/20 so for fun I typed in a multi-stop and found that compared to a round trip RNO->MSP I could go RNO->MSP->MCO->RNO for only $80 more. Or I could have flown Reno to Fargo, ND round trip and paid $50 more than it's costing to throw in Orlando. Airline pricing is so weird.

Next - I got one night at BCV and waitlisted for a second night. That came thru in a couple of days. Then, I just missed out on a night at OKW for my arrival so I waitlisted for that but booked POP as a backup. Then changed that to YC since they had a good passholder discount and I've always wanted to try it and it would have been an easy walk over to BCV in the morning. But - again the waitlist came thru so this Sunday I check in to OKW (and hoping to catch up with JT!) and then will move over to BCV for Mon & Tue.

Along with all of this came Magic Bands - 3 of them in fact to match up with all my moving reservations - and learning how to book FP+. Then an email invite for a member presentation at VGF to preview the resort which is exciting and perfect since I wanted to at least see the models at SSR and this way I get to see the whole thing including a GV!

And that's how I enjoy my DVC.

Now to get rid of this cold that I picked up on a flight or in MN last week.

Things checked off with this last minute trip:
First view of VGF
Last use before AP expires
Enough frequent flier miles earned to get me into Gold status for the year finally.
Test Magic Bands
Test FP+
Enjoy F&W
A possible last use on my Universal AP
Get away from the snow that fell in the Mts today!

Poor DH is still reeling from my announcement but he wasn't enthused about the reunion and without being in MN to catch the flight to Orlando there wasn't much to do about it other than to head off on my own.

What a planner, you rock! I hope you feel better and enjoy your whirlwind trip!

One...more...sleep

Muushka
You forgot to mention Smokey and the Bandit

That would be Mr Muush

Enjoy your time at WDW Jt and please tell Annie and everyone I said hello

Even though we did a lot of comparison, we were also impressed with how much he accomplished in such a small space and we were able to see why he wanted Florida and all the space to do everything he wanted.

The Storybook Land ride was a hit with me. I really enjoyed it and thought it was very well done.



I have only been planning that cruise since last summer, so I am not sure how you missed it!!! I have a lot to tell you and one thing is if it is at all possible, do it. It is a long cruise, but a once in a lifetime experience.

I don't know how I missed it but I did!
I think we are going to be at VWL at the same time in Dec. Maybe we could PC gab then!

Off to Hilton Head in about three hours. We are driving and will bed down between here and there tonight and will arrive mid-morning tomorrow and will be there for seven nights. We are ssssoooo excited!!!!

Have a great time at HH. relax and enjoy.

Popping in to say we have a contract in ROFR...more VWL points!!! Just can't get enough of our beloved lodge!!!

Happy Saturday Groupies!!

Hi Hope. too funny. I sold and you bought. You didn't buy our points, did you?
(Kidding, they are from NY).

congrats!

 

[twokats]

I don't know how I missed it but I did!
I think we are going to be at VWL at the same time in Dec. Maybe we could PC gab then!

I could not remember when you were going to be at VWL for sure, but yes, I am sure we can do that. I will even bring some of my pictures, which speak volumes about what we did! Kati has already said she would love to do that cruise a 2nd time.

 

[Muushka]

I could not remember when you were going to be at VWL for sure, but yes, I am sure we can do that. I will even bring some of my pictures, which speak volumes about what we did! Kati has already said she would love to do that cruise a 2nd time.

We'll be there for the first week of Dec.

Come on the 5/2014! Bobbi is coming. Should be a great cruise.