VWL lovers, can you answer my questions!

[newmommy]

1 - What time does the main pool (I think it is called Silver Creek Springs) open in the morning for swimming? We would be going in September. This is very important to me as we currently have reservations at BCV but want to change because Stormalong Bay doesn't open until 10:00 am. By that time, my son is almost ready for lunch and his nap. It wouldn't leave us enough time for swimming.
2 - When staying in the Villas, do you still check in at the main resort check in lobby?
3 - How are the beds and sofabeds? Are they new?
4 - Any recommendations for location or requests? We would be reserving 2 studios.

Thanks in advance for your help! Sorry this got so long!

 

[jpeka65844]

I think the pools are open 24 hrs; there just might not be a lifeguard on duty at the time. SAB is different in that respect. Both pools are so awesome! The main pool was scheduled to be closed during our stay but opened early! YAY!

You check in at the main lobby.

Beds were fine (I could sleep on anything) but ours (room #4550) wasn't a pillowtop mattress like everybody is saying their's is. We have a p'top at home and this was NOT a p'top. We didn't use the sleeper BUT as a couch, it was very firm. And they're a double sleeper; NOT a queen and have the potential to be very short.

Our studio was a lock-off so I'm not sure where you'd go if you wanted 2 studios together. Isnt' there a link somewhere to a VWL map of rooms? We were #4550 and faced the woods and bus stop; about 4 rooms down from the dreaded dumpster view. Whew....dodged that one!

Hope this helps! I SO want to be back!!!




Denice T.
Olathe, KS

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Yes, both pools are open 24 hours. Just please be aware of the kids desire to scream at 6:00am!

There are never lifeguards at the VWL pool, and only during certain hours at the WL pool.

The beds are good, and new. Not sure about the sofa beds.

I would request the water side of the resort. Any room on the water "side" is fine, it doesn't have to be water "view".

Have fun at the Lodge!

MG

 

[bobbiwoz]

The VWL pool is so nice with the tiny spring bubbles, and yes, it's always opened...but BCV also has a villa pool that has the same hours, 24 hours, that is.

Bobbi

 

[newmommy]

I know there is a quiet pool at BCV also, I just think that for us, it might be frustrating to know that SAB is there... but not open when we want to swim (mostly from 7am to 10 or 11am). And, maybe I am completely wrong about this, but the BCV quiet pool doesn't seem to be "themed" at all, where both of VWL pools seem to be...

Is the reason for the lake side being better because of the dumpster rooms on the other side or is there another reason, too? Aren't there some studios on that side that don't have balconies? I'd rather have a balcony, even one over looking the dumpster, than none!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I know there is a quiet pool at BCV also, I just think that for us, it might be frustrating to know that SAB is there... but not open when we want to swim (mostly from 7am to 10 or 11am). And, maybe I am completely wrong about this, but the BCV quiet pool doesn't seem to be "themed" at all, where both of VWL pools seem to be...

Is the reason for the lake side being better because of the dumpster rooms on the other side or is there another reason, too? Aren't there some studios on that side that don't have balconies? I'd rather have a balcony, even one over looking the dumpster, than none!

I think you're right about the lack of theming at the BCV quiet pool. It's nice, but it looks like an ordinary pool you find at the YMCA.

The dumpster view is one reason for requesting the water side. Another reason is you won't see, hear, or smell any busses or cars. That has never been a big issue, but the potential exists. I also like the views better in general on the water side, but that's personal preferance.

MG

 

[bobbiwoz]

...

Is the reason for the lake side being better because of the dumpster rooms on the other side or is there another reason, too? Aren't there some studios on that side that don't have balconies? I'd rather have a balcony, even one over looking the dumpster, than none!

There's only 1 studio without a balcony or a patio. That room is 4533.

Bobbi

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

As far as location, we requested water side rooms during both of our visits, but ended up on the "bus" side both times. While I am still hoping for the water side room next time, I have to tell you that the bus side was not a problem at all. We could barely make out the bus through the trees and had no fume problems at all (and I hate fumes, so I would have noticed). One year, we were a little closer and could hear the bus brakes in the background if the sliding door was open, but it really wasn't bothersome to me. Basically, our view was of trees and nicely landscaped walking paths - very peaceful.

 

[lsutigger2]

I dont' remember the pool on the villa side of WL being "themed". It was a nice large pool but really no theming, ie - no slide etc.

If you choose to go to the larger pool at WL, remember that the ducks like early morning swims also! You may have to share space with them.

We've had several stays at VWL and loved everyone of them. We've had views towards the bus stop area - not a problem for us. And we've had a room that looked out towards Bay Lake and one that faced the lodge. I think I would be happy as long as I was at VWL

 

[Deb & Bill]

Lots of time they do the daily pool maintenance in the morning, so the pool is closed during that time. Signs will be up at the pool entrances letting you know that it is closed.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I dont' remember the pool on the villa side of WL being "themed". It was a nice large pool but really no theming, ie - no slide etc.

Please tell me you're kidding.
The quiet pool at VWL is extremely themed. First, just take a look around at the architecture and landscaping, then notice the bubbles (read hot springs) in the pool. The lighting, cement, virtually everything is themed to a tee... as is everything at WL/VWL.

There is no slide at the quiet pool, but that doesn't really affect theming.

In my opinion, WL/VWL, and AKL/AKV are the most themed resorts at Disney. The Polynesian is close behind.

MG

 

[HockeyKat]

Are there any 1-beds at VWL that don't have balconies??

We are staying there in May and would much prefer water to bus... I will definitely call and make the request.

Thanks!! (even though I wasn't the OP!)

 

[newmommy]

Thank you all so much for your help. I am going to try to change my reservation to VWL tomorrow!

 

[Granny]

Are there any 1-beds at VWL that don't have balconies??

We are staying there in May and would much prefer water to bus... I will definitely call and make the request.

Thanks!! (even though I wasn't the OP!)

All the 1BR villas have a balcony. As for the water view, that is a relative term. As is the "bus view".

Here's a picture of VWL from the bus stop.

Not exactly right on top of the buses! I can't imagine the noise or smells being an issue on this side of the resort, and have never experienced any issue.

As for the "water view", here's a look at that from the ground floor rooms:

The higher up your room, the better chance of getting a glimpse of some water through the trees, but really your view will be of trees in most of the VWL rooms.

I agree that if you can avoid the couple of rooms with the "dumpster view" you probably should.

Other than that, one of VWL's many benefits is that stressing out over the view is not a big thing. The setting of the resort is such that almost every room has a nice serene, peaceful view which completely matches its theming.

Enjoy!

 

[HockeyKat]

Thanks so much for the advice! We requested high floor, water side (to avoid dumpster).

I am getting really excited...

 

[goofydad621]

Great thread
We are stying at WLV for the first time in Sept/Oct WooHoo

 

[Merylj]

Great thread - we`ve just booked a night at VWL and hope to add more. We`re really looking forward to this, can I ask which rooms are the dumpster view ones? Just so I`m prepared

 

[wildernessDad]

Ahhhhhh! All of this talk about VWL! Now I need a VWL fix! Heeeeelp!