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

[jimmytammy]

Kathymford
It used to be even VWL was a good idea to book day by day ressies, but you should be OK to book your whole trip at one time. We have been once mid Dec., many trips early Dec. We always prefer early Dec., 1st 2 weeks are great. Sun. after Thanksgiving is a great time as parks begin to empty out, folks head home from long weekend. So anytime on that day forward inot those 2 weeks in Dec. very manageable. POP kids are there, players and cheerleaders, but you wont be affected at VWL. Parks, maybe the occasional group, but for the most part, not bad.

Linda67
I agree with BWVDreamin, only thing I might add, high floor.

 

[eliza61]

Ok groupies. Christmas is over and my 11-month booking window is right around the corner. And, even better news, DBF popped for discounted DVC PAP just in the nick of time! I'll EVENTUALLY have to kick in my half, but we'll worry about that later! HA.

I need some advice. I have never actually booked at the 11 month window, nor gone at Christmas time!

So here is the issue I'm having. First, dates. I really cannot decide. I want to go early in the month; regular Christmas at home is a must; and we are really not crowd people. Also, I wanted this to me our anniversary celebration (10 years on 12/7), but I guess it doesn't REALLY matter if we're there ON the day. I've been reading about people trying to avoid pop warner time. Is that THAT big a deal? Or do people just try to avoid it so that they get discounts?

Second, I've also been reading about people walking their reservation. Is that really necessary? Seems like an awful lot of work. What do you guys do? We will only be booking a studio, so not sure if that matters.

ADVICE PLEASE!

Hey Kathy,
I've never been at pop warner time myself but I have relatives that go all the time during that week. They've never had any problems with hordes of little leaguers at all.

I plan on going some time early december (finally make a groupie meet ) my home resort is not vwl so I'm going to go with my home resort to make sure I'm there. LOL. I haven't had to try and "walk" reservations probably because my kids until recently were school age and we were locked into going late august or Jersey week.

go for it I think you'll be fine.

 

[Linda67]

There are a couple if studios to avoid ( dumpster view and the one with no balcony). Ask to be close to the elevator woods/lake view and anything else you get will be fine.

Linda67
I agree with BWVDreamin, only thing I might add, high floor.

Thanks for you help both - exactly what I needed to know

I can't wait until the 3rd of Jan when I can finally call and make our reservation

 

[Granny]

There are a couple if studios to avoid ( dumpster view and the one with no balcony). Ask to be close to the elevator woods/lake view and anything else you get will be fine.

We're pretty close to the elevator in a lock-off 2BR and the studio portion (4533) has no balcony. No big deal as we have two other balconies but if you like balconies, that studio doesn't have one (nor do any of the ones above and below it so all the XX33 studios are that way).

We haven't spent much time on the balcony as it has been a chilly trip most days. So not a big deal but at other times of the year we would like to have a balcony for the occasional relaxing place to sit.

At the end of the day, we really don't worry much about requests. We even joked that we could get the Dreaded Dumpster View this trip and we couldn't care less if we did. During our 30 years of ownership, I'm sure we'll get some less than fantastic views (already have at other resorts) but unless the room is actually not livable, we won't be requesting any room changes.

Linda67...good luck with your reservation!

 

[Granny]

So here is the issue I'm having. First, dates. I really cannot decide. I want to go early in the month; regular Christmas at home is a must; and we are really not crowd people. Also, I wanted this to me our anniversary celebration (10 years on 12/7), but I guess it doesn't REALLY matter if we're there ON the day. I've been reading about people trying to avoid pop warner time. Is that THAT big a deal? Or do people just try to avoid it so that they get discounts?

I think you should know that while early December used to be a very low crowd time at WDW, our last two trips during that time we found the parks to be pretty crowded. I guess for years the low point requirements plus low crowds made this an ideal time for DVC owners to visit, but it seems that more and more people are getting the same idea. You can ask the Groupies who visited earlier this month but our experience has not been the low crowd, 15 minute waits kind of experience. Still, it's not like Christmas week (right now) where they shut down MK yesterday due to capacity and even low demand rides like Great Movie Ride have 50 minute waits.

As for the Pop Warner thing....well, there are ALWAYS hordes of some groups coming to WDW. Cheerleaders, bands, Pop Warners, South American tour groups, marathon runners, gay groups, Star Wars fans...all come to WDW in droves at various times. I wouldn't make plans based on concerns about that.

I also agree you shouldn't have to walk the reservation. But definitely do it as soon as you can on the 11 month window date. Good luck!

 

[Pirate Granny]

I am told the Sea World Christmas show is wonderful...so try to work that in (weekends only), if you go there!

 

[Kathymford]

And this is why I love the groupies! So much advice!! Thank you so much.

Next Dec will be our 5th trip, so we are at the point of not requiring to do everything. 15 min waits are nice if they happen, but if its long, most likely we won't wait. I mostly want to see that gorgeous lit up castle. Lol. And all the other Christmas ambiance.

 

[Kathymford]

I am told the Sea World Christmas show is wonderful...so try to work that in (weekends only), if you go there!

Weekends only?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We're pretty close to the elevator in a lock-off 2BR and the studio portion (4533) has no balcony. No big deal as we have two other balconies but if you like balconies, that studio doesn't have one (nor do any of the ones above and below it so all the XX33 studios are that way).

Oh no - 4533! Since I started reading about DVC it's been the only studio reported at VWL to not have a balcony - something about a mistake in the design. Today after your report I took a look at the maps and 4533 doesn't have studios above or below it other than the ground floor but it must have a patio. The next 2 floors have dedicated 2BR's instead of the lock off. And it looks like it isn't a villa above - or else that space makes up part of a 1BR. So I'd guess the 2BR's below don't have balconies located off one of the bedrooms.

 

[tea pot]

Hi Groupies

11month booking window will be here next week!

I've been trying to decide on dates.
I agree with Jimmy the first 2 weeks of Dec is our favorite
but we will only be able to stay one week but will stretch it over both weekends........
so because I don't want to miss another groupie meet
and I'm looking forward to that hayride (thanks Muush)
Do any of you know what dates you all are looking at?
I was so glad to see that conversation has already started.

Kati and I thought we might change it up for 2013 and go on Dec 3 or 4 thru the 14th. I know Kati will want to go on the 3rd, so we will see!!!

Thanks to you all for your reassurances. I'm glad to hear walking isn't necessary. I don't think I have the energy for all that!

Right now, I'm considering 12/6 to 12/12, or maybe even earlier, like 12/2 to 12/8. .

Kathymford
We always prefer early Dec., 1st 2 weeks are great.
.

Hey Kathy,
I plan on going some time early december (finally make a groupie meet ) my home resort is not vwl so I'm going to go with my home resort to make sure I'm there. LOL. I haven't had to try and "walk" reservations probably because my kids until recently were school age and we were locked into going late august or Jersey week.
.

eliza oh it would be so great to have you at a meet I can't wait!!!!



Kat..... just love your bunny so did you keep him ?

 

[Granny]

Oh no - 4533! Since I started reading about DVC it's been the only studio reported at VWL to not have a balcony - something about a mistake in the design. Today after your report I took a look at the maps and 4533 doesn't have studios above or below it other than the ground floor but it must have a patio. The next 2 floors have dedicated 2BR's instead of the lock off. And it looks like it isn't a villa above - or else that space makes up part of a 1BR. So I'd guess the 2BR's below don't have balconies located off one of the bedrooms.

Kathy,

That makes total sense. I don't know why I assumed that the rooms above and below 4533 are also studios. If part of a dedicated 2BR then it's not that big of a deal, but if I was only getting a studio I'd prefer a balcony. So for us with a 2BR lock-off it was no big deal. Besides, most of the week it has been far too cold to spend much time out there!

 

[Linda67]

We're pretty close to the elevator in a lock-off 2BR and the studio portion (4533) has no balcony. No big deal as we have two other balconies but if you like balconies, that studio doesn't have one (nor do any of the ones above and below it so all the XX33 studios are that way).

We haven't spent much time on the balcony as it has been a chilly trip most days. So not a big deal but at other times of the year we would like to have a balcony for the occasional relaxing place to sit.

At the end of the day, we really don't worry much about requests. We even joked that we could get the Dreaded Dumpster View this trip and we couldn't care less if we did. During our 30 years of ownership, I'm sure we'll get some less than fantastic views (already have at other resorts) but unless the room is actually not livable, we won't be requesting any room changes.

Linda67...good luck with your reservation!

To be honest as long as I am at the Lodge, I'm not really too fussed about the view
A dumpster in Disney is always gong to be nicer to look at than a dumpster in London!!
I am just so excited to be nearly at the time when I can call and make the reservation
Sounds like a lot of groupies are gong to be there early December

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday WDWRREngineer!!!!

 

[horselover]

Greetings groupies! We're back from 10 glorious days in the World. We were having so much fun on the day after Christmas we added an extra night to our stay. We did have to move to OKW though. I know I promised to upload pics as I went along. I always have the best intentions but just never seem to have the time. We weren't able to meet up with Granny either. We had a wonderful stay, but unfortunately not without issues at VWL. I'll give a brief synopsis with lots more pics later. I wanted to share one special picture today. It only took us 4 years of trying but at last we were able to be Flag Family! We did it on Christmas Eve morning. What a wonderful experience that was. Ranger Jack is very nice. He said to say hello to all the groupies!

Here we are on top of the world!

More to come later. I promise!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Oh no I hope it wasn't room maintenance issues!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kat..... just love your bunny so did you keep him ?

He was pretty cute but I told him he needed to go back to the rest of his bunny friends. Pretty smart guy to find a nice dry place to hang out though! However our Corgi who will spend hours hunting critters would have gone crazy if we brought him in. I shall skip telling the story of the one time DH tried it with a baby bunny.

Kathy,

That makes total sense. I don't know why I assumed that the rooms above and below 4533 are also studios. If part of a dedicated 2BR then it's not that big of a deal, but if I was only getting a studio I'd prefer a balcony. So for us with a 2BR lock-off it was no big deal. Besides, most of the week it has been far too cold to spend much time out there!

I think most resorts have the same types of rooms above and below so it would make sense. But we know that VWL is unique! Cold weather would make that studio more tolerable but I know I'd be pretty disappointed otherwise. Hopefully they try and make it part of a lock off as much as possible. As you say it's not that big of deal then.

 

[horselover]

Oh no I hope it wasn't room maintenance issues!

Well we did have some minor maintenance issues (toilet wasn't flushing properly & needed to be fixed, shower wasn't draining). It was more reservation issues. I promise I won't leave you hanging too long!

 

[twokats]

Happy Birthday WDWRR_ENGINEER!
Hope it was the best.

 

[blossomz]

Happy Birthday WDWRR_ENGINEER!

Whew! Just in the nick of time!

 

[Inkmahm]

Happy Birthday WDWRR_ENGINEER!

Whew! Just in the nick of time!

Me,too. Just in the nick of time! Happy Birthday, WDWRR Engineer!