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

[Muushka]

Hi TP

Ah, my old stomping grounds. Kangamangus hwy, am I remembering correctly? Beautiful part of the country.

We will miss you this Dec, to be sure. We hope to see you there next year !

 

[Kathymford]

Hi Guys
I can't believe I've been gone so long
Miss you all and need to catch up

Went to the White Mountains last week
no computer, and sadly no Moose Sightings
but did see some black bears on the mountain.
This lodge is just at the bottom of Cannon
in Franconia Notch, NH
Boy can the weather change on a dime up there
when we arrive it was picture postcard New England Autumn
the morning we left it was snowing a light dusting covered
the ski slops

Muushka
We've seen Nova Era a couple times and loved them

So sorry we will miss the Dec groupie meet
I told the Big Guy
I"m booking Dec 2013 right at the 11 month window
so I'm hoping you all will too

take care

Count me in for booking at 11 moths for 2013!!

 

[sleepydog25]

"The eagerly-awaited, reimagined Test Track will officially reopen on December 6. This re-engineered attraction will allow guests to experience the fun world of automotive design firsthand. Guests will first enter a Design Studio and make a series of selections (as an individual or a group) to create their ideal virtual custom concept vehicle. They then board a six-passenger SimCar for a test drive to see how their own design compares to the attractions SimCar in Capability, Efficiency, Responsiveness and Power.
The post-show should be just as much fun. Guests can see how well their car performed, and race it over changing terrains and extreme conditions on a digital driving table. Guests can also produce and star in a TV commercial for their custom cars, explore a Chevrolet showroom that will feature the latest models, and more."

I have to say that I'm not sure this new iteration of Test Track will be to my liking. The way I read it, no longer will there be that 60 mph whiz around the outside track which was the coolest part of the ride. It seems as though it will all be virtual, and while that will likely be fun, it can't match actual wind blowing through your hair.

 

[twokats]

Hi Guys
I can't believe I've been gone so long
Miss you all and need to catch up

So sorry we will miss the Dec groupie meet
I told the Big Guy
I"m booking Dec 2013 right at the 11 month window
so I'm hoping you all will too

take care

Count me in for booking at 11 moths for 2013!!

Kati and I will be booking at the 11 month window also. We can't wait to do another December trip.

 

[twokats]

I took this on the Sept trip before we left, so I thought I would add it.

Ranger Jack

 

[Time4disney]

Does anyone know if WL is still doing Flag Family?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

"The eagerly-awaited, reimagined Test Track will officially reopen on December 6. This re-engineered attraction will allow guests to experience the fun world of automotive design firsthand. Guests will first enter a Design Studio and make a series of selections (as an individual or a group) to create their ideal virtual custom concept vehicle. They then board a six-passenger SimCar for a test drive to see how their own design compares to the attractions SimCar in Capability, Efficiency, Responsiveness and Power.
The post-show should be just as much fun. Guests can see how well their car performed, and race it over changing terrains and extreme conditions on a digital driving table. Guests can also produce and star in a TV commercial for their custom cars, explore a Chevrolet showroom that will feature the latest models, and more."

I have to say that I'm not sure this new iteration of Test Track will be to my liking. The way I read it, no longer will there be that 60 mph whiz around the outside track which was the coolest part of the ride. It seems as though it will all be virtual, and while that will likely be fun, it can't match actual wind blowing through your hair.

I understand what you're saying. The queue and theme of Test Track was actually one of my favorites at Disney. This sounds like it has a touch of Sum of all Thrills which I do like but I'm not seeing how this is all going to work for Test Track.

One of the late night news shows (maybe Nightline) had a visit to the GM Test Track last week. The old Test Track captured it perfectly and I already miss it.

But - from everything I've read the outside loop will still be there so I keep trying to convince myself there's nothing to fear.

 

[eliza61]

Hi TP

Ah, my old stomping grounds. Kangamangus hwy, am I remembering correctly? Beautiful part of the country.

We will miss you this Dec, to be sure. We hope to see you there next year !

Ok, I'm in!! To say I need this would be a major understatement. Any particular week?

Now I need some opinions. From what I understand December is a busy time for dvc'ers. since sid and rizzo have always been students we've never been able to go during that month, so I'm not sure how availablity works.

My home resort is actually Beach club (you wouldn't know it. ) so I can book that at 11 months and be fairly certain of getting a week in december.

So would you go with the almost sure thing at BC, if I want WL I'd have to wait 7 months out. smaller resort might mean it's full.

 

[jimmytammy]

Does anyone know if WL is still doing Flag Family?

To the best of my knowledge, they are. I think I remember someone posting on here that they went up recently to the roof.

 

[jimmytammy]

Ok, I'm in!! To say I need this would be a major understatement. Any particular week?

Now I need some opinions. From what I understand December is a busy time for dvc'ers. since sid and rizzo have always been students we've never been able to go during that month, so I'm not sure how availablity works.

My home resort is actually Beach club (you wouldn't know it. ) so I can book that at 11 months and be fairly certain of getting a week in december.

So would you go with the almost sure thing at BC, if I want WL I'd have to wait 7 months out. smaller resort might mean it's full.

Just to be on the safe side, I would book BC then waitlist. Its a good, good chance you would get VWL, but I always like to guarantee I have somewhere to stay, just to play it safe.

And its good to have you back Eliza. We love you and continue to lift you and your sons up.

 

[sleepydog25]

I understand what you're saying. The queue and theme of Test Track was actually one of my favorites at Disney. This sounds like it has a touch of Sum of all Thrills which I do like but I'm not seeing how this is all going to work for Test Track.

One of the late night news shows (maybe Nightline) had a visit to the GM Test Track last week. The old Test Track captured it perfectly and I already miss it.

But - from everything I've read the outside loop will still be there so I keep trying to convince myself there's nothing to fear.

Yes, that will be a new walking attraction called Walking the Concrete Loop where lucky guests can find lost hair ties, sunglasses, caps, and coins.

 

[Muushka]

"The eagerly-awaited, reimagined Test Track will officially reopen on December 6. This re-engineered attraction will allow guests to experience the fun world of automotive design firsthand. Guests will first enter a Design Studio and make a series of selections (as an individual or a group) to create their ideal virtual custom concept vehicle. They then board a six-passenger SimCar for a test drive to see how their own design compares to the attractions SimCar in Capability, Efficiency, Responsiveness and Power.
The post-show should be just as much fun. Guests can see how well their car performed, and race it over changing terrains and extreme conditions on a digital driving table. Guests can also produce and star in a TV commercial for their custom cars, explore a Chevrolet showroom that will feature the latest models, and more."

I have to say that I'm not sure this new iteration of Test Track will be to my liking. The way I read it, no longer will there be that 60 mph whiz around the outside track which was the coolest part of the ride. It seems as though it will all be virtual, and while that will likely be fun, it can't match actual wind blowing through your hair.

I didn't even take that into consideration! It will be solely virtual?? AAAAKKKKKKK
Mr Muush is so not going to be happy about this. Mum's the word.

Ok, I'm in!! To say I need this would be a major understatement. Any particular week?

Now I need some opinions. From what I understand December is a busy time for dvc'ers. since sid and rizzo have always been students we've never been able to go during that month, so I'm not sure how availablity works.

My home resort is actually Beach club (you wouldn't know it. ) so I can book that at 11 months and be fairly certain of getting a week in december.

So would you go with the almost sure thing at BC, if I want WL I'd have to wait 7 months out. smaller resort might mean it's full.

Yay!! I know for us, we will be going at the latest, the first week of Dec (AP will expire), but we have yet to make our cruise plans for next year so we aren't exactly sure what week. I need to pin Mr Muush down and figure out what we are doing.

So good to see you here.

Oh yes, I would book BCV just in case.

 

[twinklebug]

I have to say that I'm not sure this new iteration of Test Track will be to my liking. The way I read it, no longer will there be that 60 mph whiz around the outside track which was the coolest part of the ride. It seems as though it will all be virtual, and while that will likely be fun, it can't match actual wind blowing through your hair.

I understand what you're saying. The queue and theme of Test Track was actually one of my favorites at Disney. This sounds like it has a touch of Sum of all Thrills which I do like but I'm not seeing how this is all going to work for Test Track.

...

But - from everything I've read the outside loop will still be there so I keep trying to convince myself there's nothing to fear.

Never fear, the track layout is still the same (far too expensive to change), in fact the cars are still the same, just with a new body and screens inside. What's new is the "You are the engineer" approach. We "design" our virtual cars in the waiting line and then the ride compares our car design up against others. The cool thing is that we get to keep the design. I'm guessing this means some sort of online database we can retrieve it from.

I loved that waiting queue for the old TT. Coming from an engineering family it never bored me and kept me awake, although at times it did get too loud. My concern for the new version is really that they have taken too much of the fun out of the ride - I'm uncertain if they'll have the heat/cold/acid test. I'm guessing the oncoming truck is gone and the small jokes will be gone but may not have new replacements to make us grin.

Yes, that will be a new walking attraction called Walking the Concrete Loop where lucky guests can find lost hair ties, sunglasses, caps, and coins.

They should charge separate admission for the ability to retrieve one's own lost belongings.

I'm confused as to why they rebranded TT ... GM was the original sponsor of Test Track. The new sponsor is Chevrolet. But last time I checked, GM owns Chevrolet. Why bother

 

[Muushka]

Oh, good. I love Test Track. I did the Richard Petty Ride-A-Long where I went 150 MPH around Lowes Motor Speedway.
I prefer Test Track! Much more exciting.

 

[RocketEAR99]

I'm confused as to why they rebranded TT ... GM was the original sponsor of Test Track. The new sponsor is Chevrolet. But last time I checked, GM owns Chevrolet. Why bother

Before closing TT for the overhaul, the showroom pretty much consisted of only Chevy vehicles. My guess is they are having it sponsored by JUST Chevrolet because they don't plan on showcasing Buicks and Cadillacs as well.

 

[twinklebug]

Before closing TT for the overhaul, the showroom pretty much consisted of only Chevy vehicles. My guess is they are having it sponsored by JUST Chevrolet because they don't plan on showcasing Buicks and Cadillacs as well.

Ah, I never realized they were only/mostly Chevys in there ... shows how much I pay attention to car brands.

Oh, good. I love Test Track. I did the Richard Petty Ride-A-Long where I went 150 MPH around Lowes Motor Speedway.
I prefer Test Track! Much more exciting.

My daughter did that a couple years back when they had the 3 lap trial version at the Disney track. I believe that was the moment that switched her mind back to loving Disney again. (Hey! There's more to do than just the theme parks!) Now days her favorite thing to do is hang out at VWL's pool.

I want to amend my previous statment about the cars having new bodies - I pulled up some of the old car images to compare against one I have of the new and it just looks like a new paint job on the old bodies. Kind of Tron like.

 

[rfassett]

And its good to have you back Eliza. We love you and continue to lift you and your sons up.

Yes - so true! Amen and amen!

 

[rfassett]

I have not been able to frequent Disney as much as I would like, and obvioulsy not as much as some of you. But my plan is to change that. But here is my question, do you frequent visitors still get overly excited about going? (And as I typed that question, I thought about how it sounded - clearly you would not keep going if the excitement wasn't there.) Here's what prompted my question, we have been planning this trip since January I think. And for the past two months, I have had my nose to the grindstone to make certain I could make the trip without guilt. Well, two hours ago I was finally able to look up with confidence that everything is done that needs done and it feels like the clocks just completely stopped ticking - and our flight is not until Thursday afternoon. Methinks this is going to be a very long forty eight hours.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Oh, good. I love Test Track. I did the Richard Petty Ride-A-Long where I went 150 MPH around Lowes Motor Speedway.
I prefer Test Track! Much more exciting.

Me too!! I did the ride along at WDW when they had it free for passholders but I kept wondering when I was going to get the feeling in the pit of my stomach. A bit of a let down really compared to Test Track. I didn't not tell my driver though.

 

[Kathymford]

I have not been able to frequent Disney as much as I would like, and obvioulsy not as much as some of you. But my plan is to change that. But here is my question, do you frequent visitors still get overly excited about going? (And as I typed that question, I thought about how it sounded - clearly you would not keep going if the excitement wasn't there.) Here's what prompted my question, we have been planning this trip since January I think. And for the past two months, I have had my nose to the grindstone to make certain I could make the trip without guilt. Well, two hours ago I was finally able to look up with confidence that everything is done that needs done and it feels like the clocks just completely stopped ticking - and our flight is not until Thursday afternoon. Methinks this is going to be a very long forty eight hours.

Granted, I have only been to WDW 3 times (since last October. lol). But I am also local to DLR (25 minute drive; that's nothing in CA), and we go there at LEAST twice a month if not more.

The main reason we were able to start going to WDW was by joining DVC. Well, we just used up all of our points in September, and the next trip wasn't going to be until Dec 2013.

We are sacrificing DVC/Deluxe and booked under one of the new promotions and staying value just to go back to WDW. Did I mention we're coming all the way from Cali?