VWL......Is it as charming as........

[Tink10]

We're trying out the VWL for the first time in June & was hoping that you all may be able to make me feel a bit better about staying there....

We've always stayed at the BWV or BCV as DVC members, and have never really had much of an interest in trying out VWL. We loved the "regular" Wilderness Lodge, and were wondering if the VWL is just as charming.

TIA!

 

[jimmytammy]

VWL is a very relaxing place to unwind after a day in the parks. We love it there!

 

[jade1]

You need to try it, its a great option why not give a chance. We love it and do MK a little more when we are at VWL.

 

[sleepydog25]

Yuck! VWL? What's to love? The theming is so weak, all those muted greens, reds, and browns. The Hidden Springs pool is so quiet most of the time that you can actually move around in the pool without whacking people right and left. How fun can that be? Then, there's that awful lobby at the Villas where you can sit and have a drink, play games, sit in a rocker by the fireplace, find a quiet corner, or just people watch. I mean, who needs such peace and serenity after a full day in the parks? Oh, and don't even try walking down the nature trail by the lake. It's just too darn calming and relaxing.

As for the rooms, well, they're terrible! They have those nasty jetted tubs in the master bathroom with a separate tiled shower. The beds are way too big. Hmmph! Who needs that washer/dryer set up just like at BCV/BWV? Or the full kitchen? Or the small veranda off the main living area? And listening to the majestic, American-themed music surely must be off-putting to some people, right? Naturally, no one wants to have to walk all of one minute to get to the main lobby or the main pool or two minutes to Artist Point. Sheesh!

I'm with you. I'd be fretting about staying at VWL. What a dump!

 

[bobbiwoz]

And then there's the Iron Spike room, just off the VWL lobby, with comfortable chairs, game tables, and a fireplace.

We love the VWL.

Bobbi

 

[abner1776]

...and the boat ride back from MK at the end of a long day, with the gentle breeze blowing in your face and the beautiful scenery along the way is just terrible to have to put up with !!! No I would rather get packed into the bus like a sardine for my ride back to my resort...

 

[kimberh]

I love the lodge. I watched it being built in the Disney magazine when I used to receive one and now to be a owner there, well I just can't believe it! The boat ride is an attraction all in itself. The pools and surrounding areas are so peaceful, what's not to like? The electric parade at night is without a crowd ,there are so many extras. You just have to slow down and check the lodge and grounds out.

 

[CarolAnnC]

We had our first VWL stay two years ago and did enjoy it. The MK access was excellent, and we did like the lodge theming as well.

That being said, as BWV is our favorite, the VWL was not high on our list to return to. I would book it if BWV and BCV were unavailable, but those will remain our first choices.

Everyone seems to have a favorite DVC resort, and good thing we are all diverse and do not all want the same one! Would make booking that much more difficult!

 

[las3888]

Our favorite resort is BWV, but we do enjoy WVL. It took a while for it to grow on us. I wasn't a huge fan of WL at first, but now I really enjoy it. It's not the place I want to book every year for my big Disney trip, but we do make a point to stay there every few trips. Same with OKW and BCV.

I think you will find it quite nice. Try to get a lagoon facing room on a high floor. It's really peaceful and you can see the electric light parade at night on the water.

 

[YesYourMajesty]

Before staying at WL/VWL, I was obessessed with the idea of staying at BWV. Not anymore. It's strange it's like staying there has changed my entire perspective of what I want out of a resort. I like the calmness it provides. I love the nature, sitting by the water, looking at all of the birds. It is just a calm and peaceful place.
Prior to that we have always stayed on our vacations at places that are hustle and bustle minded. Never again. Now I see the Boardwalk as being too busy for me. Granted I have never stayed there, but we have visited there every trip. There are always lots of people coming and going. I love the privacy and retreat like feel that VWL provides. We are not staying at VWL on our next trip, they were all booked up, and I will miss it greatly.