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

[blossomz]

Eliza really stumped me on that one!

Love the tree Muush!

 

[Inkmahm]

Last day of getting ready for our flight tomorrow morning to WDW. I have printed all the plans, now I just need to pack. And do the 100 other things around here that aren't done yet before I can leave. At least I was able to upgrade to business class on Air tran so I'm looking foward to settling in to a nice comfy seat for the ride down. And maybe a nap!

Lookng forward to seeing some of you on the 8th at TOTWL! It will be me and Douglas for sure and maybe my sister and niece this time. We're staying at VWL though so if they are tired after dinner, they may just head back to the villa.

Save travels to all who are following us to WDW in the next few days!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Are there any Groupies that could make use of some after 4PM 1 day (1 theme park) tickets? I have 3 tickets left from a convention event - I had my AP so didn't need it and the other couple had already bought park hopper tickets. I thought we might use these ourselves but the PAP offer had us buying those instead and the convention tickets can't be upgrade so they sat. Then I forgot about them until now!

The expire 12/31/12 so if anybody going in Dec hasn't gotten tickets yet or maybe only has 1 day park tickets but wanted to go to the Mixer at Epcot (although I've forgotten if the mixers start at 3 or 4pm?) - or just had friends wanting to visit for the evening please PM me and I'll try to get them to you in time. I hate to have them go to waste.

 

[Muushka]

Are there any Groupies that could make use of some after 4PM 1 day (1 theme park) tickets? I have 3 tickets left from a convention event - I had my AP so didn't need it and the other couple had already bought park hopper tickets. I thought we might use these ourselves but the PAP offer had us buying those instead and the convention tickets can't be upgrade so they sat. Then I forgot about them until now!

The expire 12/31/12 so if anybody going in Dec hasn't gotten tickets yet or maybe only has 1 day park tickets but wanted to go to the Mixer at Epcot (although I've forgotten if the mixers start at 3 or 4pm?) - or just had friends wanting to visit for the evening please PM me and I'll try to get them to you in time. I hate to have them go to waste.

That is such a nice offer. There is a tiny chance my BIL's family might go, but I won't know for sure. If it is a choice of letting them expire, I'll (thankfully) take them. But if there is anyone who probably will use them, it would be better to give them to them. I hope that makes sense!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

That is such a nice offer. There is a tiny chance my BIL's family might go, but I won't know for sure. If it is a choice of letting them expire, I'll (thankfully) take them. But if there is anyone who probably will use them, it would be better to give them to them. I hope that makes sense!

Yep - perfect sense Barb! I'll let you know if anyone chimes in that they definitely could use them but a maybe is better than definitely sitting and expiring.

 

[Muushka]

You are a quick study Kathy! Now that I think about it, they would need to buy 2 more tickets. I'm thinking it may not work.
If we weren't getting the PAPs, I would be all over this offer! But thank you anyway.

 

[DiznyDi]

Inkmahm - I can feel your excitement building! Looking forward to seeing you and Dynaguy again in just a few short days!

Jimmy - I like Kathy's plan to go to the BC, ice cream then IG.. We'll be seeing you in just a few short days, too!

Muush - love your tree! I may have to 'borrow' it too. And we'll be seeing you in just a few short days, too!

Sorry you won't be joining us this time, Kathy, but I know you'll have a great time in Aulani.

We're also getting the PAP - great deal.

10 days and counting...... will see many of you soon!

Know that we will miss the Groupies that are staying behind and will think of you often!

 

[Muushka]

Hi Di

Hey, guess what. Remember that bullet we dodged? (Di, you already know some of this). Well, the bullet remained and needed removal!

Sewer lines backed up. Bottom line:
I had NO IDEA what a mess grease/fat in the lines looked like when they are the size of a football!

Too funny. The guy my plumber sent to remove it was a little 'afraid' of my sewer line. Me? I love removing clogs!
Give me gloves and I am good to go (especially when it is my 'junk'). But noooooooo. The professional had to do it!

All is well at the house of Muush.

Yes, in a short time (11 days!) we will be at WDW. It has been 390 or so days since the last time we were there.

I am a little bummed about the APs. Well, first I am very grateful for the sweet deal, but I thought we would be able to get vouchers to use for the next time we went, but I just realized that you have to activate them before 12/31/2013. I don't see us doing that, sadly. Oh well, we will get 3 visits out of this one!

 

[twokats]

10 days and counting...... will see many of you soon!

Know that we will miss the Groupies that are staying behind and will think of you often!

Thanks for the thoughts now and on your trip. Kati and I are looking forward to next year. We have already decided it will be just the two of us again for 2013 and we are counting down the days until we can make our reservation.

To all leaving in the next few days, have a safe trip and a very good time. I know I don't have to remind y'all to take lots of pics.

 

[bumbershoot]

Wow, my brain left the building! I so rarely ask a question anymore that I forgot I had done so.

Thank you for all the ideas! We had planned for the briefest of park visits on the one day we have for parks before our three day cruise, and now I think it will have to be shorter! Too much to experience at the resort.

You have gotten some wonderful tips from the VWL experts, and I'll toss in one more that I don't know that anyone has mentioned. Something you might enjoy with your DS is the Hidden Mickey hunt at the Lodge and VWL. Go to Guest Services and ask for the Hidden Mickey clue sheet and then spend time tracking them down. It's a lot of fun, but they are not always easy to spot!

Have a wonderful trip!

I love hunts like that! We have been doing them at the Disneyland resorts and really joy them.

Welcome to the groupies bumbershoot!!!!

There are lots of nooks and crannies at WL/VWL to explore for sure. Be sure to take in some time to enjoy the Carolwood Pacific Room, the fireplace, leather chairs, checkers and Walts personal train cars from his home are among the highlights in the area. The sculptured wood carvings in the lobby of the villas are something to see. Take in the faint music, western themed that fits so well. At night, notice the lanterns flicker as you hear the crickets chirp.

Others can chime in with so much more as I have only touched the surface.

Enjoy!!

So much to dooooooo! Flickering lanterns? Fake crickets? Comfy chairs? My head is exploding!

We left a week ago today, and according to Ranger Jack, the tree was to go up that day. Sigh. You will love the tree, as well as all the decorations at the Lodge, including over in the Villas lobby. Make sure to have your picture taken in front of the tree! (P.S. I'm envious.)

bumbershoot - All that jimmytammy says is great stuff, and I would add not to forget the outdoor areas such as the nature trail that heads out behind the bike rental shop, the geyser near the main pool that goes off every hour or so, and just sitting on the beach at night while the EWP plays out on Bay Lake; meanwhile, you can often catch some of the higher explosions of Wishes off toward MK, as well. Finally, if you go up on the fourth floor of the main Lodge, the Sunrise Terrace overlooks the pool area and provides a superb view of Bay Lake, the pool/hot tubs, the geyser, and the flowing stream coming out of the lobby itself. Great place to sit down and drink coffee or enjoy your favorite libation.

I do recall seeing that stream in the lobby. So there's outdoor stuff too, oh dear, there's not enough time!

Oh twinmom108, I hope you have a most magical time at our beloved VWL. May all your dreams come true.



TP, we will certainly miss you this year. You are a special person indeed.

We will be going in June, second week, and you?



Hello there!

Is this your first stay at VWL? As I re-read, I think yes/

What we enjoy is visiting all the little alcoves at the main Lodge. Sitting out on the different porches and sitting at the different fireplaces between the Lodge and the Villas.

We also enjoy catching the Electrical Parade each evening. And walking thru the main lobby at all times during our visit. We enjoy people watching, when they first enter the lobby and look up, and jaw drops....fun!

Walking around the courtyard, viewing the falls from different vantage points and getting pictures. Just fun!

Use your nose to smell the wonderful smells in the Lobby and your ears to hear the wonderful music and different sounds that are there. Of course there are lots of eye-candy sights there! Visit the Mercantile, that is a fun place!

I hope your trip is magical. Magical as it always is for us.....

More good info! My cousin shopped there while I oversaw cute pix of her son with mine. I was jealous of her shopping so I'll have to at least enter the store this time.

It's a stay at the beginning of a really split stay. Get in to VWL studio LATE Feb 5, sleep. Have the 6th to explore. 7th we go to the cruise. On the 10th off to Universal. Then to Kidani 1 bedroom (no room at Wilderness last times I checked) until cousins get back to town (they will have been on the cruise, but have work and school back home in Daytona for the week in between) and we move to "cheap" SSR two bedroom with them. I'm exhausted just thinking about it, even though I like split stays. I want to see all the resorts quickly so that I know what I love so we can plan for longer stays at those places!


Not sure if that explanation was helpful, but at least it explains the short visit and the WHY of it.

Wow, new groupies!
WELCOME bumbershoot and twinmom108! What fun having new groupies in our midsts.

For both of you, upon check-in, ask if there is opportunity for you to be Flag Family. One family per day is taken to the Lodge rooftop and helps the Lodge Ranger raise the flags; 4 to be exact. It's a wonderful opportunity for photos and to gaze over the World. This is not something that can be pre-arranged or reserved. First come, first served at check-in. twinmom108, with a 2 week stay you have a really good shot at it.

Kathy, we'll miss you at our meet, but I know you'll have a great time at Aulani.

tea pot, we'll miss you, too!

DH seems to like that idea.

 

[wildernessDad]

Just 3 days to go and we're not fully packed! Ahh! I'll be able to finish up most of it tonight. I'm going to put the DME yellow tags on tonight! Woo hoo!

 

[Pirate Granny]

Here right now...beautiful weather, sitting on the balcony and enjoying the quiet...and the DVC Xmas tree which we got this AM...Thanks MrShiney.

 

[wildernessDad]

I just called T-Rex Cafe directly and booked a dinner reservation for 7pm on the 7th of December. Had it at 8 pm online. Cancelled the online reservation.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

So jealous of everyone who is headed to the Lodge in the coming weeks. Hope you all have a wonderful time!!!

 

[cheer4bison]

Wishing everyone headed to our beloved lodge a wonderful trip!

 

[jimmytammy]

1 more day of work, 1 more sleep, once I see Mickey and his pals, Im probably going to weep

 

[eliza61]

Have a wonderful, safe, fun trip guys. Come back with lots of pictures. I've never been when the Christmas decorations are up.

 

[keliblue]

I have another week to wait but I am soooooo mentally there already !!

 

[Muushka]

Have a wonderful, safe, fun trip guys. Come back with lots of pictures. I've never been when the Christmas decorations are up.

E, you really do need to remedy that, STAT!!

 

[blossomz]

OK Eliza...it's you and me next year!! Enough of us missing all of the fun!!