VWL -- Love it or hate it?

[BetsyB]

We're getting ready to add on 100 points and decided on VWL. We haven't seen it and are planning on buying over the phone (when it FINALLY becomes available in NY). I'm concerned about all the negative posts I've read recently, though, and am wondering if we're doing the right thing. The pictures in the new VM make it look great! Anyone whose seen it, please tell me what you like (or dislike) about VWL.

We were just at BWV last month but had no plans for an add-on so we didn't even consider taking the time to go and see VWL. I'm kicking myself for not buying more points when we joined 6 months ago!ò

 

[slimplaw]

We bought at VWL in Dec. We liked everything about it. We like the theme, but we have always loved WL. The rooms are very nice, even though the balconies are small. I do like the colors and fabrics they used to decorate. The lobby is very nice and cozier than the WL. The other sitting areas are very nice too. The VWL appeared to be quiet when we were there to visit. The pool is small, but this may cut down on a lot of activity there. There is an exercise area there which looked fantastic, I may even try it sometime. The transportation issues some bring up about VWL were a non-issue for us. I got a sense of seclusion when we were there, which is fine with me. The views appear to be trees, trees, or trees. I hear you can see a little bit of MK from the top floor. We can hardly wait to stay there.

 

[dan and scott]

For me the longer you stay and look at the room the more it grows on you. What I mean is that the colors,furnishings, and wood are very dark--I love BW because of the cheery colors--yellow being my fave color. VWL the wood is what really strikes my courd its just too dark for me---But the longer I stayed in the room the more I liked it. We only went over to see the rooms we've never actually stayed there.
I don't really see us adding on there--not centrally located like BW or OKW just closer to MK which is our least visited and least fave park.
I do see us staying there for maybe a weekend visit though.
It is a nice addition to the DVC resorts.
If we add on anymore it will have to be a resale of BW or OKW.
Don't get me wrong I like the resort but BW is home for me.

Scott

 

[Pixieduster]

I love this resort. We had gone to visit it on our trip last December. I practically dragged my husband to go see it. From the pictures he had seen, he really wasen't all that interested in adding on there and just kept saying that it really didn't impress him. Well, after visiting that day, we went home and ended up adding on 100 points there. My husband really liked it. We thought it was very lovely and the atmoshpere was very peaceful. We also have two young children, so being close to MK is a big plus for us too. We're staying there for our first time in 3 weeks. I can't wait.

 

[dtheboys]

I'm confused and haven't been to wilderness lodge yet? I read above reply and it sounds like the lodge and the villa's have two seperate lobbies??? Is that correct? Is there two area's to check in? how far is the main theme pool from the Villa's??
HELP!!!!!

 

[WDW_Fan]

I think you will like VWL as much as BWV. A little more laid back but very nice. Has a simmilar classy hotel feel.

The main lobby (where you check in) is grand. The villas are a seperate building and they have a small very nice sitting area one could call a lobby.

 

[princess angel]

The VWL has a lobby, but no check in area, you have to check in at the WL. The lobby of the VWL is beautiful, very cozy, the iron spike room makes you want to stay there forever!

I happen to prefer the more tropical resorts being that I'm from New England, and when I go on vacation I want Palm Trees, not Pine Trees (I have those in my backyard!!!)
But even though the theme of VWL is not my preference of themes, DH and I LOVED it when we went to see them in January! The pictures do them no justice! They are so cozy, and like I said before, the lobby is just so incredibly inviting! We thought the Villas were great, not dreary at all! DH was ready to buy an add on right then and there!

I don't think you'll be disappointed at all, especially if you like that type of theme, and if you like the WL.

Buy while you can!!!
enjoy!!!

Laura
21 days til next trip to WDW!!! yipeeeeeeee

4/97 - offsite (Hyatt)
6/98 - GF (honeymoon)
12/99 - Grand Floridian
9/00 - Grand Floridian
1/01 - Grand Floridian
4/01 - AKL, BWV & Poly
7/01 - YachtClub lagoonview concierge
10/01 - BWV or VWL
1/02 - running Disney's 26 mile marathon!!

 

[Olaf]

We just bought there in Mar. We took the tour at the Boardwalk, and then went out to see the Lodge. We were very impressed. If Boardwalk had been available, it would have been a very hard decision.

My six year old son absolutely loved it. When we went out at the pool, they had a pony out there and all the kids were petting it. We had to drag DS out of there.

The exercise room was incredible, my husband was thrilled with that. For what it's worth, I've heard that WL is the most popular Disney hotel at the moment. There's got to be a reason for that.

Steph
DL - 1966
DL - 1970
WDW - 1973 - Contemporary
WDW - 1975 - Day trip
DL - 1988 - Day trip
WDW - 1993 - CBR
WDW - 1995 - SOG
WDW - 1997 - SOG
WDW - 1999 - SOG
WDW - 2001 - SOG & PO

 

[Disney Doll]

We will be staying at the VWL in October. We toured them in January 2001 and I just loved them!!!! As someone else said, I love the secluded, restful feel of that whole resort area. The rooms are adorable, and even though the colors are deep, they're cheerful...I don't get the feeling of them being depressing or draggy. The WL resort area is not centrally located, as is BW, but if you're looking for a little more of a relaxing vacation(as we are...we've had a tough year!!!), it's the place to be, IMHO.

Disney Doll

 

[Mousefanz]

We bought VWL sight unseen as well, figuring that if it was Disney, it had to be ok! Well, when we did get over there we just loved it. It's very cozy. The lobby is incredible - I especially loved the huge fireplace with the rocking chairs placed in front of it.
The grounds were immaculate and the pool was lovely. The rooms are darker due to the color scheme but not gloomy at all, just fits the motif of the resort.
You're going to love it!

S and D
DVC 2001

 

[baileybrad]

How could someone hate any DVC resort? We stayed at the VWL in early Feb. and thought it to be a great resort. You feel like you are a thousand miles way from the parks...and I mean this in a good way. HH in early May and OKW in late October...can't wait.

You will love the VWL.

 

[MaryJ]

We just returned from a week at the VWL. We are not DVC members but we are giving it serious consideration because we were so happy with the VWL. We have traveled out west to Colorado on two occasions, and while there were no mountains at the Villas, the scent of pine in the air reminded me of our Colorado trips. Also, we really appreciated the quiet, relaxing atmosphere there. As some people have pointed out, it's not as centrally located as some of the other resorts, but the Disney transportation makes up for it. The rooms were lovely! Very rustic, but not drab. Due to the fact that we are a family of five, we stayed in a 2BR. I would recommend them to anyone.

Disney Inn (remember when?) 86
FW 89
CR/Cruise 91
VWL 01

 

[msdisney53]

We were at the BWV in December and took the time to see the VWL and thought they were great. We also did an add on and although I wanted to do VWL it was to our advantage to buy at VB. Since they bought back all our points at $13 and we still could buy before the price increase. My DD is hoping to stay at VWL on our next visit to WDW we will just have to use the 7 month window.

 

[DVCDAVE]

We own at BWV and stayed there this past March. Our CM called us the day before we came down and asked if we would be interested in touring at WLV. We met him several days later and he showed us around the WL resort, and toured the WLVs. I must say that I thought they were great ! We did add there and signed the paperwork on the spot. I will admit that the atmosphere is differant than BWV. But, my wife and I asked ourselves do we always want a BWV atmosphere. Our answer was NO ! Sometimes, we just feel like we want to be away from the action and noise, and want some peace and quite. That is what WLV offers. I find nothing wrong with the style or decor. The boat to MK is as desireable as any 10 minute walk to EPCOT or MGM that BWV offers. OKW in my mind offers nothing other than larger rooms, but I respect anyone who bought there for those reasons as they feel they received greater value for their purchase.

WDW:
76,77,78,87,FW
92,Offsite
95 POL
96(2), GF,Offsite
97,GF
98,99,00,FW
8/00 DVC member @ BWV
3/01 BWV, FW
3/01 DVC member @ WLV
11/01 BWV !

 

[BetsyB]

Thanks for all the great replies. It sounds great!! I wish we had had the foresight to tour last month, but we had no intentions of adding on. It's funny how all of a sudden it just hits you to buy more. (I think it's just coincidental that we happened to run out of points at the same time!)

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Great point about the boat ride to Magic Kingdom. That also put you on the monorail to anywhere. Have to check out VWL

 

[jfulcer]

As new owners at OKW, we actually stayed our first stay at VWL. We were very happy we did this. We've stayed at the WL twice before, and the villas just extended our great feelings about the resort. We almost wish we had waited and bought there instead. You cannot go wrong with VWL.

MaryJ - It must be amazing coincidence, but during our stay March 26-Apr 5, I talked with a nice lady from Indiana about DVC with a party of five staying in a 2br on cash. Was that you?

Jeff <img height="80" width="55" src="http://www.angelfire.com/art/jfulcer/goofhead07.gif"> <img height="80" width="125" src="http://www.angelfire.com/art/jfulcer/vacclub01.gif">
8/95 WL - Honeymoon!
3/97 Offsite
3/99, 3/00 Offsite - Premier Vacation Homes
11/99 Offsite (Tampa!)
8/00 Wilderness Lodge
9/00 Offsite - MOWC
3/01 VWL (DVC points)

 

[GrammieMame]

Just bought there, primarily because we stayed at Ft. Wilderness and loved the peace and quiet after the crowds and chaos of the parks. One big advantage is easy access to Ft. Wilderness, with nightly Chip & Dale sing-alongs & movies; biking trails; Hoop-de-doo Review; nice beach; River Country. We just love the general area, and the access to MK by boat sure beats the bus. As long as grandkids are small, that's my choice; but am thinking of buying into Beach Club when it's available.

 

[tarzanman]

I have to say that with another price increase probably on the way and VWL selling like crazy it would be kind of nuts not to get some points there. My DW and I visited VWL on our one day after our DCL vacation before we flew back. We loved right away. The debate became how many points. As of today, we are the proud owners of 200 VWL points. I can't wait to use them.

some trips as a child
DxL 4/00
DVC member 4/00
BWV 9/00, 12/01
VB 9/00, 5/01
DCL 1/01, 12/01-1/02 New Years Cruise
OKW 1/01

http://gennaroworld.topcities.com

 

[TeresaNJ]

DH and I stayed there last May for our belated honeymoon. We really fell in love with it. Honestly, our mouths dropped when we walked into the lobby. We had never seen anything like it, the pictures just do not do it justice. The thought of curling up on a couch, reading a book in front of one of those hidden fireplaces on the uppper floors while visiting during November or December is so inviting! Also, the views from the large windows and patios on the upper floors are breathtaking. We loved the landscaping in the courtyard area, one of Disney's best. The pool area was lovely, and the water rushing over the rocks into the pool is a nice touch. The pool was never overcrowded while we were there in May, and they were checking guests resort ID's. We haven't seen the Villas yet, and are really looking forward to that when we go "home" next month. I think you will love it there.

<font color=blue><font face=Disney Print>Polynesian 1985, 1990, GF 1992, BC 1995, 1997, BWI 1998, PO 1999, BWV 1999, WL 2000, OKW 2000, AKL\VWL May 2001, VWL Oct 2001, DIS CON. POR\VWL Nov 2001</font></font>