VWL Lovers & Groupies thread: It all started with a Moose

[eliza61]

Story????? Buddy, I have the video to prove it!!!

What a treat today was. Getting together with above mentioned. Getting to go on 2 Disney classic rides (Carousel of Progress and the People Mover)with several Groupies after a wonderful breakfast, arranged by Stopher, and then this afternoon meeting with everyone including Ranger Stan and Sweetie. I was able to record the story RS told about how he came to work at the Lodge. And I was also able to record what HAPPENED at the MSEP. If anyone wants more info, feel free to PM STOPHER!!

PS Stopher, it certainly was a treat watching MSEP with you tonight.

You guys are having waay to much fun!!

Hi groupies! We were at Animal Kingdom today and I wanted to steal the fur coats from a few of the animals there. It was COLD. Went to California Grill for dinner and even the 4h floor of the Contemorary is COLD with that hole in the wall. We were to go to 8 am opening at Epcot tomorrow but we changed plans to arrive in time to shop and get our 20% discount at Mouse Gear before noon. This is WAY too cold for me but we're trying to make the best of it.

Today was my first day ever on a scooter in the parks. Not something I was looking forward to at all, but the arthritis in my knees is acting up so bad that it was my only option for being able to do the park at all. My MIL is having her knee replaced at the end of this month and she is hurting a lot more than me. I convinced her to get a scooter too so my FIL wouldn't have to push her all day. We had a great time on the scooters and really enjoyed the park pain free! It made such a huge difference in our attitude, not having to limp from one end of the park to another. It's a great memory I now share with my MIL. And the people in the parks were great for the most part. I didn't notice one single glare and many people apologized if they walked in front of me. Maybe I was lucky but I have no horror stories of fellow guest being rude to report at all. We are going to get scooters for Epcot tomorrow so we will be able to handle that one pain free for the day, too. How wonderful that will be.

Way to go Ink!! Glad the scooters are working out.

 

[Inkmahm]

Way to go Ink!! Glad the scooters are working out.

I can walk in from the handicap parking area but my MIL was very thankful for the free wheelchairs to get to and from the lot. She was scared to death to get on a scooter but was all smiles when we tried them and they were fine. We never really went top speed (a whopping 2 miles an hour) as we wanted my husband and my FIL to keep up with us easily. I am still amazed at how much of a difference it made not to be limping by evening when we left the park. They are expensive to rent but worth every cent in terms of added enjoyment of the park. Now I'm going to have my MIL convince my own mom that she can do it, too. Pushing her in the wheelchair will be impossible for me now that my own knees are so bad. I know the nieces and nephew like pushing grandma but I really thing we'd do better if mom was on scooter next time we bring her, too.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I think we will be at Sea World again on Friday, but what time is everyone going?

Gosh, I don't know. I am so unprepared with this being a surprise trip that I don't even know what time it is at! Hope we can all see each other though!

 

[Muushka]

Gosh, I don't know. I am so unprepared with this being a surprise trip that I don't even know what time it is at! Hope we can all see each other though!

Oh! DLI, I just realized that we may be at SW on Thursday and might be able to do the Merry Mixer on Friday! It is at Cont, right? Anyone know what time????

 

[franandaj]

I can walk in from the handicap parking area but my MIL was very thankful for the free wheelchairs to get to and from the lot. She was scared to death to get on a scooter but was all smiles when we tried them and they were fine. We never really went top speed (a whopping 2 miles an hour) as we wanted my husband and my FIL to keep up with us easily. I am still amazed at how much of a difference it made not to be limping by evening when we left the park. They are expensive to rent but worth every cent in terms of added enjoyment of the park. Now I'm going to have my MIL convince my own mom that she can do it, too. Pushing her in the wheelchair will be impossible for me now that my own knees are so bad. I know the nieces and nephew like pushing grandma but I really thing we'd do better if mom was on scooter next time we bring her, too.

I know it's something that you probably don't want to have to think about, but about seven years ago my DP (who suffers from severe RA) broke down and got a little four wheeled scooter. It separates into four parts (for easy transportation in a sedan) and is lightweight, the best thing is that it was only around $800. In the past three or four years, I've developed arthritis in my foot, so I've taken the hand-me-down scooters. I'm so glad that someone else can understand what a big difference it makes. I'm one of those who people would look at and say, "What's her handicap?", but at the end of a day, it's much nicer not to walk around and stand on the arthritic foot, plus I can walk the next day.

If you're interested in more information on the scooter type and model, PM me. It could save a lot of money in scooter rentals in the long run.

 

[Muushka]

My parents are staying @ WL for 3 nights having arrived today, and they are staying in VWL for 3 nights in Jan. I'm jealous; my next trip to the World isn't until May...

I hope they have a wonderful stay! May will be here before you know it.

 

[jimmytammy]

Stopher Great meeting you as well as Wilderness Dad and family! And fess up, what really took place with the Stepsister, remember, you are among friends, you can tell us

Ate at Kona yesterday then off to MK with Annie T and her DH. Had a chance for Annie and Muushka to meet for a few mins after MK.

Biergarten for lunch today then over to HS to get in attractions not done yet. Here almost 2 weeks and have yet to hit everything Commando is def. not our style.

Back to Epcot Thurs., Le Cellier then MK or stay at Epcot and try to squeeze in CP and Illum. Depends on temps.

Fri. is home day

 

[jimmytammy]

L to R Steve Mr. Teapot, Chuck Mr. Muushka, Joy Teapot, Casey jimmytammys DS, Jimmy jimmytammy, Tammy TammyNC, Kristian jimmytammys DD, Barb Muushka, Carolyn Sweetie aka Ranger Stans DW, Ranger Stan, Leslie HappyDinks, Bob Mr. HappyDinks, Diane DiznyDi, Rich DiznyDad, and Christopher Stopher

Wilderness Dad and family had already left and sadly we didnt get them in the group pic.

 

[eliza61]

Oh, I am so jealous, you guys look like you had so much fun!! Thanks for sharing JT.

 

[horselover]

Thanks for the pics JT. Looks like a merry time was had by all. Hope everyone is having a great time. Stay warm!

 

[Inkmahm]

I know it's something that you probably don't want to have to think about, but about seven years ago my DP (who suffers from severe RA) broke down and got a little four wheeled scooter. It separates into four parts (for easy transportation in a sedan) and is lightweight, the best thing is that it was only around $800. In the past three or four years, I've developed arthritis in my foot, so I've taken the hand-me-down scooters. I'm so glad that someone else can understand what a big difference it makes. I'm one of those who people would look at and say, "What's her handicap?", but at the end of a day, it's much nicer not to walk around and stand on the arthritic foot, plus I can walk the next day.

If you're interested in more information on the scooter type and model, PM me. It could save a lot of money in scooter rentals in the long run.

Thanks,except we fly here and I don't know that I want to deal with the hassle of a scooter. Not sure how that works with airlines but I'm sure it can't be free and must be a pain. I'm hoping to convince my mom to use scooters from now on so we don't have to drag her transport wheelchair from home, but she isn't thrilled with the idea. My MIL is going to work on her.

I did HS today on foot and survived. It was somewhat painful but it is a smaller park so I had a chance to do it on foot. MIL was in a wheelchair since it is fairly flat and more easy for my FIL to push her there.

 

[Granny]

Jimmy...thanks for posting the meet pictures. Looks like a great group of folks! I know the weather is cold there but hope that everyone is having a great time!

 

[franandaj]

Thanks,except we fly here and I don't know that I want to deal with the hassle of a scooter. Not sure how that works with airlines but I'm sure it can't be free and must be a pain.

Actually it IS free and it is totally not a hassle. You can take it all the way to the gate and check it there, the only thing is that you should wait to get off the plane because it takes few minutes for the scooter to come up once you gate check it, otherwise, it is so not a hassle, in fact it is easier through security and because of ADA they can't charge you extra. Certainly it's up to you, but we've found in the long run, owning the scooter has saved us money and is more convenient overall.

 

[stopher1]

Morning Groupies! I'm back home again, and wishing I were still in Florida! 9 this morning. Brrrrrrrrr

Here are a few pics from breakfast this past Monday at WCC, followed by a visit to the MK...

But first, since Coke "isn't a breakfast drink"...

...and the refill, naturally...

Oh I do love WCC!! But I purposely did NOT ask for any ketchup that morning, despite really wanting some for my food.

Muushka & Mr. Muushka (Barb & Chuck)

Mr. tea pot & tea pot (Steve & Joy)

Dizny Di & Dad (Diane & Rich)

All of them are so charming... what a pleasure it was to enjoy that meal together. If only I'd thought to include Jimmy & Tammy and their kids, and too Leslie & Bob (but I didn't know/remember that they were there when first making the breakfast date)... kicking myself over that one now, but can't go back and change it.

Our tableside view...

Over to the MK for a quick visit

 

[Granny]

Christopher...thanks for posting those great photos. Looking forward to meeting more Groupies on future trips. And any photo of that tree in the lobby...always takes me back to my one Christmas trip to VWL with the family four years ago. Just awesome.

 

[jimmytammy]

Stopher

No prob about WCC. Barb had invited us several times, but on vacation, we are late risers. Life kicks in soon enough for me once Im home, early rise enough there Looks like yall had a great time, and MK looked like fun as a group as well.

We just saw Mr and Mrs Muushka in the lobby for a mini meet. Saw Mr and Mrs HappyDinks at mercantile last night and had a very good converse with them about how we both came to be VWL owners.

 

[Granny]

I browsed through the Twitter updates on the member meeting yesterday. One comment stood out to me:

Wild Lodge 2011: convert walkway to metal, exterior lighting and signage, guest laundry equip replace.

Surely they aren't going to change the beautiful wood walkway with some ugly metal thing???

 

[horselover]

I browsed through the Twitter updates on the member meeting yesterday. One comment stood out to me:


Surely they aren't going to change the beautiful wood walkway with some ugly metal thing???

I saw that too. Boy I hope not.

Great pics Stopher! Already starting to count the days until I can be at the Lodge for next Christmas.

 

[Granny]

I saw that too. Boy I hope not.

I read another person's update which indicated that the roof would become metal, not necessarily the walkway.

I shouldn't fret about it...I'm sure Disney wouldn't put up something that wouldn't work with the theming. We're just naturally nervous when they want to do anything to "improve" the perfection of VWL!

 

[stopher1]

I read another person's update which indicated that the roof would become metal, not necessarily the walkway.

I shouldn't fret about it...I'm sure Disney wouldn't put up something that wouldn't work with the theming. We're just naturally nervous when they want to do anything to "improve" the perfection of VWL!

That's what I was thinking when I first read your post Granny...just switching the shake roof for a metal one.