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

[Nicoal13]

Just had to share my excitment with my fellow groupies.

Packers going to the Superbowl!!!! So happy! I was freaking out and so nervous, but they did it!!! Woohoo!!

 

[Granny]

We are not heavy park people. We will go to the parks a few times but we like low-key family style activities, like bike riding, hiking, museum touring, etc. We have already spent a few hours visiting the WL area, riding bikes and hiking around the area. Can you suggest other activities in the WL area for our non-park times? There will be one sociable but quiet 13 year old female (yes, there is such a thing) and two tired, older parents, one who will be celebrating his birthday.

Many thanks,
kate

Kate,

VWL is a nice place to hang out even for those trips which aren't park heavy. In addition to the bikes and walks, you can also rent boats to take out onto Bay Lake and into Seven Seas Lagoon (near the Poly/GF/Contemporary and Magic Kingdom). We really enjoy the boating at WL though I don't think your daughter is old enough to drive one herself. Still, it is a beautiful way to spend time and enjoy beautiful Bay Lake.

In the evening there is the Electric Water Pageant. Makes for a nice evening down on the beach.

At the front desk (Guest Relations) you can get a sheet with clues to finding the many Hidden Mickey's throughout WL and VWL. Makes for a fun time, though you have to have a sharp eye!

You can also go on a Lodge tour which will give you some background on Wilderness Lodge's construction and some stories to go along with it.

You can check at the front desk upon check-in to see if you can be the flag family...the family that goes up on the roof early in the morning to help put up the American flag. Beautiful view!

Of course, WL is certainly not Old Faithful Inn, and the only buffalo you'll see is the topiary one out front. Still, we find WL to have a feeling that soothes us and welcomes us home in a special way.

I think you will really enjoy your stay. Have fun with the planning!

 

[Granny]

Thought I would share, we went to see the Glenn Miller Orchestra last night at the Carolina Theater. It has been opened since Halloween night, 1927. I told the kids it was like being stuck in the Tower of Terror for 2 hrs Not meaning that in a bad way, cause the band was great!! Love that music from days gone by, and they sounded like Miller himself would have wanted it to sound. The theater is very ornately built and is still very much like its original self. I guess thats why we are odd in liking HS so much, and find ourselves there a lot even though MK and Epcot have more to offer.

Jimmy...Sounds like a wonderful evening at the theater. Glad you enjoyed it some much. And our family tends to spend a lot of time at DHS too. I like all the shows and the theming of the park itself. We enjoy the restaurants and attractions there. Probably the favorite park of my family, truth be told.

Hi folks,

I just got back from the Inaugural sailing on the Disney Dream. I was there with three other Moms Panelists to help the PR team with the launch of the ship. Let me just tell you...the Dream is a beauty! For those of you who have a trip booked on the Dream, you are in for a real treat.

Cheer4B...what a great trip! Thanks so much for sharing the pictures and your impressions. DW is not a cruise person, so pictures and stories like yours are probably as close as I'll get to any of the Disney cruise ships. It's neat that your selection to the Panel includes such neat perks.

Greetings friends from the Carolwood Pacific room. I'm enjoying some nice quiet time here this afternoon. Epcot was fairly light this morning, as I got on Soarin' 3x with no more than a 20 min wait. I'm sitting here enjoying a snack after having recharged my phone battery. I've taken some new pics to share after I get home again... and I can 100% say, the topiary is still Minnie, dress & all.

Christopher...thanks for keeping us up to speed on our favorite place! Regardless of the topiary, I'm sure you're having a good time with the light crowds and fair weather. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Hello all my Groupies !

Maria...it really is great to see you back here. Sounds like you've had your share of challenges, including the grave yard shift you're pulling now. Glad that your husband's medical situation wasn't as bad as feared.

Isn't it nice to know that you can come back to the DIS after a hiatus and still find these Groupies hanging out? WELCOME HOME!

Just had to share my excitment with my fellow groupies.

Packers going to the Superbowl!!!! So happy! I was freaking out and so nervous, but they did it!!! Woohoo!!

Congrats to the Packers and Steelers fans. Should be a fun Super Bowl.

 

[eliza61]

Hi folks,

I just got back from the Inaugural sailing on the Disney Dream. I was there with three other Moms Panelists to help the PR team with the launch of the ship. Let me just tell you...the Dream is a beauty! For those of you who have a trip booked on the Dream, you are in for a real treat.

Here's a view of the ship while docked at Castaway Cay. The weather was a nice break from snowy New Jersey!

You lucky Duck What a great experience. I'm going to have to keep it on my wish list.


Totally OT:

Jack lalanne passed away. In another "boyo, I must be getting old" I remember watching him on TV when I was younger. The original fitness guru!
I remember watcing him on black & white in the jumpsuit.

RIP

 

[jimmytammy]

kid at heart

Welcome to the groupies!!

Hope you have a wonderful trip to VWL!! Granny covered a lot of great things to do. Here are a couple other things to do around the Lodge...movies are played every night near the lake. It is hidden well, walk past the area where you rent boats. Usually a list is provided, with a good variety. Lots of pool games, and activities for all ages. Horseback riding at Ft. Wilderness(cost involved, plus would reserve to be on safe side)Slow ride through woods, see deer along the way, sometimes armadillos. Ft. Wilderness also hosts a campfire with marshmallow roasts every night, plus movies. Though it is pricey, Hoop De Doo Revue at Ft. Wilderness is lots o fun! Good food, show is a blast.

 

[lisah0711]

Hi Groupies!

Haven't been doing much posting but still reading. Prayers and to all who need them.

Hate to come on and admit that for the first time ever I am going to WDW and not staying at our beloved Lodge. But I am wondering if any of our Groupies are doing the Princess half next month? Besides me. The crazy one who decided to celebrate turning 50 by doing a half marathon!

 

[KeepSwimmingDory]

Hope all of you in the freezing cold are staying warm enough. Here's a warm Monday morning photo to warm you up. So where would you want to be at WDW if you were there today? By the pool? On the boat headed to MK? Walking by the geyser just enjoying the beauty? Heading in to Roaring Fork?

kid-at-heart - Welcome! You already have gotten the best ideas. I will add that if you do rent bikes ride over to Fort Wilderness campground and ride all the way through the campground. It is beautiful and there is so much to see. We saw deer on the pathway between WL and FW. What month is your trip? And thanks for the description and photos from Old Faithful Inn.

lisah0711 - Where are you staying when you go for the princess? I am in awe of you and hope you'll let us know about the experience! Happy 50th!

Congrats to all you Packers & Steelers fans. I agree it will be a fun Superbowl to watch! And sorry to the Jets and Bears fans. Those were good games. It is so much less stressful to watch playoffs when your team isn't in it.

 

[Muushka]

Hi Groupies!

Haven't been doing much posting but still reading. Prayers and to all who need them.

Hate to come on and admit that for the first time ever I am going to WDW and not staying at our beloved Lodge. But I am wondering if any of our Groupies are doing the Princess half next month? Besides me. The crazy one who decided to celebrate turning 50 by doing a half marathon!

So, where are you defecting to...er..um...I mean staying at other than our beloved?

Good for you doing a half marathon!! We're all rooting for you.

Just had to share my excitment with my fellow groupies.

Packers going to the Superbowl!!!! So happy! I was freaking out and so nervous, but they did it!!! Woohoo!!

Congrats to all Packers and Steelers fans!

Hello all VWL Groupies,
I am excited to share the news that we are planning our first trip staying at VWL (not our first trip to Disney but to VWL). A couple of years ago we visited Yellowstone and stayed in the Old Faithful Inn. It was awesome! We had a room which overlooked the morning grazing area for the buffalos. Our 11 year old daughter woke us each morning around 5:00 to watch them as the sun rose. Ever since that stay I have wanted to visit the east coast, dare I say, version of Old Faithful Inn. Last week when I was reminding my spouse we had points expiring in Sept he suggested we go for his birthday. After I came to from my faint (husband does not like to travel and we have already taken a 4-day Disney trip this year), I asked where he would like to stay and how long. Long story - short, we were able to snag a week-long 1-bdrm VWL. I thought Rob (spouse) would want to go for three nights, studio but he said maybe a week if we could get a 1-bd. I think spouse just might be turning into a mouse junkie like the rest of us.
We are not heavy park people. We will go to the parks a few times but we like low-key family style activities, like bike riding, hiking, museum touring, etc. We have already spent a few hours visiting the WL area, riding bikes and hiking around the area. Can you suggest other activities in the WL area for our non-park times? There will be one sociable but quiet 13 year old female (yes, there is such a thing) and two tired, older parents, one who will be celebrating his birthday.

Many thanks,
kate

Photos of buffalo and coyote seen from our Old Faithful room window.

Welcome kid-at-heart! You are in good company with all of our love for great Lodges. But you stayed at the Old Faithful Inn!! Wow! Love the pictures.

I see you got some great advice and answers to your questions. While waiting for your trip, visit often. We always have extra rocking chairs out on the porch, join us!

 

[Muushka]

Tomorrow is a TWO-FER!!!

Happy Birthday
Twokats
and
Claire_ont​

 

[Inkmahm]

Greetings friends from the Carolwood Pacific room. I'm enjoying some nice quiet time here this afternoon. Epcot was fairly light this morning, as I got on Soarin' 3x with no more than a 20 min wait. I'm sitting here enjoying a snack after having recharged my phone battery. I've taken some new pics to share after I get home again... and I can 100% say, the topiary is still Minnie, dress & all.

It's a beautiful sunny day, but windy. Nice to be out of the snow & frigid temps for a few days.

Have fun! We leave for your other love, the GCV and CGH, tomorrow morning. I think I finally picked the right location because the weather at DL is supposed to be wonderful for the rest of the week. High 70's and sunny! I am REALLY looking forward to getting out of these single digit temps in WI.

Last year we did WDW at this time of year and we froze to death. I want sun and warmth!

 

[Inkmahm]

Just had to share my excitment with my fellow groupies.

Packers going to the Superbowl!!!! So happy! I was freaking out and so nervous, but they did it!!! Woohoo!!

We watched it, too. My family is from WI so they are all Packer fans. My DH is from PA so his family is all Steeler fans. Should be an interesting game!

 

[stopher1]

Have fun! We leave for your other love, the GCV and CGH, tomorrow morning. I think I finally picked the right location because the weather at DL is supposed to be wonderful for the rest of the week. High 70's and sunny! I am REALLY looking forward to getting out of these single digit temps in WI.

Last year we did WDW at this time of year and we froze to death. I want sun and warmth!

Have fun! I wish I could go too! It was -4 when I left Indy. Windy here on Sat making it COOL. Today is fabulous!

 

[Granny]

Jack lalanne passed away. In another "boyo, I must be getting old" I remember watching him on TV when I was younger. The original fitness guru!
I remember watcing him on black & white in the jumpsuit.

I saw that notice too. And yes, I remember him well. For many years, his name was referenced often when talking about fitness. I had lost track of him, and was glad to hear that he lived a ripe and pretty healthy 96 years. That's a pretty good run for anyone. May he rest (if he ever really does that) in peace.

 

[lisah0711]

lisah0711 - Where are you staying when you go for the princess? I am in awe of you and hope you'll let us know about the experience! Happy 50th!

So, where are you defecting to...er..um...I mean staying at other than our beloved?

I will be at AK Jambo in a savannah studio -- it's the next best thing to being at VWL.

Tomorrow is a TWO-FER!!!

Happy Birthday
Twokats
and
Claire_ont​

Happy Birthday Twokats and Claire_ont!

Have fun! We leave for your other love, the GCV and CGH, tomorrow morning. I think I finally picked the right location because the weather at DL is supposed to be wonderful for the rest of the week. High 70's and sunny! I am REALLY looking forward to getting out of these single digit temps in WI.

Last year we did WDW at this time of year and we froze to death. I want sun and warmth!

Enjoy! Hope you get to hear the World of Color from your room every night you are there!

 

[kid-at-heart]

Kate,

VWL is a nice place to hang out even for those trips which aren't park heavy. In addition to the bikes and walks, you can also rent boats to take out onto Bay Lake and into Seven Seas Lagoon (near the Poly/GF/Contemporary and Magic Kingdom). We really enjoy the boating at WL though I don't think your daughter is old enough to drive one herself. Still, it is a beautiful way to spend time and enjoy beautiful Bay Lake.

In the evening there is the Electric Water Pageant. Makes for a nice evening down on the beach.

At the front desk (Guest Relations) you can get a sheet with clues to finding the many Hidden Mickey's throughout WL and VWL. Makes for a fun time, though you have to have a sharp eye!

You can also go on a Lodge tour which will give you some background on Wilderness Lodge's construction and some stories to go along with it.

You can check at the front desk upon check-in to see if you can be the flag family...the family that goes up on the roof early in the morning to help put up the American flag. Beautiful view!

Of course, WL is certainly not Old Faithful Inn, and the only buffalo you'll see is the topiary one out front. Still, we find WL to have a feeling that soothes us and welcomes us home in a special way.

I think you will really enjoy your stay. Have fun with the planning!

Thank you Granny. I think we will enjoy the WL tour and the hidden Mickey search. I also am sure we will be far more comfortable staying in a room at VWL than we were in our room in the Old Faithful Inn. While we enjoyed the character of the O.F. Inn, the walls were very thin and we could hear our neighbors very well.

kate

 

[kid-at-heart]

Welcome kid-at-heart! You are in good company with all of our love for great Lodges. But you stayed at the Old Faithful Inn!! Wow! Love the pictures.

I see you got some great advice and answers to your questions. While waiting for your trip, visit often. We always have extra rocking chairs out on the porch, join us!

Muushka,

I certainly will visit this site often. I am a rocking chair on the porch style of person.

Staying at the Old Faithful Inn was a dream of mine for many, many years. When our daughter was in the 5th grade I decided if we were going to make the trip we need to do it soon before the dreaded restrictions of middle/high school fell upon us. Thus we stole a week in May during her 5th school year and visited Yellowstone, the Badlands and Devil's Tower. Hindsight, I wish we had taken a longer trip but at least we managed to go on our trip during a non-busy national park time. Our daughter Sarah learned more in that one week about our national parks and the history of their creation than she had in all her years of formal schooling. I do not feel she lost anything by missing that week of school.

After our VWL visit I will try to pop back in here with some "comparison" photos - just for fun.

 

[franandaj]

Have fun! We leave for your other love, the GCV and CGH, tomorrow morning. I think I finally picked the right location because the weather at DL is supposed to be wonderful for the rest of the week. High 70's and sunny! I am REALLY looking forward to getting out of these single digit temps in WI.

Last year we did WDW at this time of year and we froze to death. I want sun and warmth!

Hope you have a great time, we'll be out there Wednesday night for dinner. You've got to love this California weather!

 

[Inkmahm]

Hope you have a great time, we'll be out there Wednesday night for dinner. You've got to love this California weather!

I am really looking forward to warmth tomorrow! Wed night we are at Napa Rose for dinner. Yum!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday Twokats and Claire-Ont

 

[Inkmahm]

Happy Birthday Twokats and Claire-Ont

Ditto!