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

[franandaj]

DC is one of my favorite towns. I'm lucky in that one of my older bros lives in Arlington Va so I'm always camp out at his house.
I've never done the archives as Philly has a it's own copy of the Declaration and Constitution at the National constitution center.

Two weeks from now we'll be in DC for eight days, we have Smithsonian museums planned, the spy museum, and some other tours in mind. Any suggestions from groupies of other "must do" things? What would be a nice CW Battlefield within 20-45 minutes of there, any ideas?

 

[sleepydog25]

Two weeks from now we'll be in DC for eight days, we have Smithsonian museums planned, the spy museum, and some other tours in mind. Any suggestions from groupies of other "must do" things? What would be a nice CW Battlefield within 20-45 minutes of there, any ideas?

I was stationed at Andrews AFB for five years, and though there may be a battlefield or two closer (I'm not sure there is), if you haven't visited Gettysburg, it is well worth the visit. The view from the high ground where the Union forces fought back Pickett's charge is sobering--the Confederate soldiers had something like a half-mile of open ground with no cover then had to charge uphill. Truly suicidal.

As for other places to visit, there is Mt Vernon just a few miles south of Arlington (I used to run the bike path that links Old Town Alexandria to Mt Vernon), the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and though quite emotional, the Holocaust Museum is unforgettable. Have fun!

 

[franandaj]

I was stationed at Andrews AFB for five years, and though there may be a battlefield or two closer (I'm not sure there is), if you haven't visited Gettysburg, it is well worth the visit. The view from the high ground where the Union forces fought back Pickett's charge is sobering--the Confederate soldiers had something like a half-mile of open ground with no cover then had to charge uphill. Truly suicidal.

My DP is a HUGE CW fan, we used to reenact until her disabilities prevented her from it. We've decided to save Gettysburg for a trip when we can spend a few days there. We move slow and she will want to see almost everything.

Thanks for the other ideas, I'll suggest them to her!

 

[wildernessDad]

Two weeks from now we'll be in DC for eight days, we have Smithsonian museums planned, the spy museum, and some other tours in mind. Any suggestions from groupies of other "must do" things? What would be a nice CW Battlefield within 20-45 minutes of there, any ideas?

You've got to check out the National Gallery. Great art. And don't forget to eat downstairs there at the 'Cascade Cafe.'

The closest Civil War battlefield is Manassas in Virginia, about a 45 minute drive. Antietam Battlefield in Maryland and Gettysburg Battlefield in PA would be VERY long day trips. You could drive south for about an hour in Virginia and see the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Battlefields.

 

[Granny]

Dont misunderstand me folks(dont want to get booted from the groupies), we love OKW and BWV. But make no mistake, my heart belongs at VWL. Its just cool to me that we have the choices we do. I think since Ranger Stan retired, something changed for me personally. So I have been willing to branch out, try other places with a broader mindset than before.

I guess it boils down to...I miss Stan a bunch

Jimmy...you're a charter member of the Groupies. No way you get the boot!

And we own at BWV too, and enjoy that resort quite a bit. But then again, I don't tend to post on the BWV Lovers thread.

Yesterday, DW and I checked in at BLT. This is the last of the WDW resorts that we have stayed at. Honestly, we didn't expect much based on the fact that the Contemporary Resort never wowed us. Too much tile, concrete and shiny surfaces I guess.

But BLT was a complete and wonderful surprise to us. We have a Bay Lake View room and that's a great view as we all know. And we were pleasantly surprised by the landscaping, the feel of the resort and the amenities.

VWL is still #1 in our hearts, but BLT rocketed up the DVC favorites list for us. I can't see us ever wanting to spend points on an MK view. Bay Lake is just such a sweet place to gaze out at and if someone wants to look at MK there are lots of observation decks.

All in all, a nice place to base out of for a WDW visit.

 

[blossomz]

Absolutely agree Granny! We loved our Bay Lake view too.. and the ability to walk to and from MK!

 

[Muushka]

Jimmy...you're a charter member of the Groupies. No way you get the boot!

And we own at BWV too, and enjoy that resort quite a bit. But then again, I don't tend to post on the BWV Lovers thread.

Yesterday, DW and I checked in at BLT. This is the last of the WDW resorts that we have stayed at. Honestly, we didn't expect much based on the fact that the Contemporary Resort never wowed us. Too much tile, concrete and shiny surfaces I guess.

But BLT was a complete and wonderful surprise to us. We have a Bay Lake View room and that's a great view as we all know. And we were pleasantly surprised by the landscaping, the feel of the resort and the amenities.

VWL is still #1 in our hearts, but BLT rocketed up the DVC favorites list for us. I can't see us ever wanting to spend points on an MK view. Bay Lake is just such a sweet place to gaze out at and if someone wants to look at MK there are lots of observation decks.

All in all, a nice place to base out of for a WDW visit.

Oh good! Sounds like our BLT choice for Nov was a good one!
Enjoy your time Granny, and let me know all the warm fuzzies you encountered at BLT!

 

[jimmytammy]

Two weeks from now we'll be in DC for eight days, we have Smithsonian museums planned, the spy museum, and some other tours in mind. Any suggestions from groupies of other "must do" things? What would be a nice CW Battlefield within 20-45 minutes of there, any ideas?

Fredericksburg, VA is about 1 hr. South of DC. There are 4 major battlefields in that area including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Also encompassed in that park system is Guinea Station(house where Stonewall Jackson passed). We did it in one weekend, but wouldnt suggest. All have their uniqueness in how battles played out. If you have time, I suggest at least visiting Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. FB has a nice museum, stonewall where many Union soldiers sadly lost their lives, angel of Maryes Heights, house just across Rappahonock where Lincoln visited troops, and where Red Cross was considered birthplace.
CV was a signifigant battle in its where Lees army won under innumerable odds, he lost Jackson, but his confidence led to the next major battle, Gettysburg. Spotsylvania and Wilderness are both worth seeing, but time may prohibit.

Mannassas also worth seeing. 2 major battles fought on same grounds. 1st earned Stonewall nickname, made people realize this war would last long time. 2nd much more deadly as weapons advanced quickly in a year.

Antietam (Sharpsburg) in MD worth the drive. It has been restored to more like it would have been in those days, less pavement, less modern intrusion. It is considered the single bloodiest day in American history.

Gettysburg, one everyone has at least heard of. This is the ultimate hallowed ground. Lincolns speech here was a beginning of healing, though the war continued on. I have seen many battlefields, and been emotional at them, mainly the stonewall at FB, where so many men lost their lives foolishly based on a political move by a general who followed orders. But Gettysburg moved me to tears.

As you can tell, I am passionate about the subject, but I grew up studying it, knowing ancestors on both sides were involved. It shaped our Nation, for better or worse. No matter where you go, I would be interested in your trip. American history in general fascinates me.

 

[horselover]

Guess who's going on an unexpected anniversary trip to the World Memorial Day weekend?! I've been watching airfares for a couple of days but didn't like the prices. Last night I found a good fare so I booked it. It will be another super short trip (Sat.-Tue.) but I'm very excited.

So now I have a question for DizneyDi or Dad (or any SSR experts). I have no doubt when I call MS at 9:00 they will tell me the only thing available is SSR. Am I correct in thinking that the Congress Park area has a quiet pool? We're all about the quiet pool. A DTD view would be a nice bonus too. We'll have a car so I'm not too concerned about bus stops. Thanks for any input.

Happy Friday Groupies!

Edit: Nevermind Di & Dad. I got OKW! Anyone have a suggestion on location for there? Last time we stayed in the North Rd. section. Really nice quiet pool, but far from HH. Any other areas that have a quiet pool, but aren't too far from HH?

 

[DizGirl20]

Hi All - It will still be a few more weeks before our points get into the system, but I am thinking ahead to December. DH & I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary December 21st. There is no way we would go that late in the month so close to Christmas, but what I am wondering is... do you think we might a chance of getting a studio towards the beginning of December? I know that is a busy month for the Lodge. Just curious what your experience has been... Thanks so much. Enjoy your weekend!

 

[horselover]

Hi All - It will still be a few more weeks before our points get into the system, but I am thinking ahead to December. DH & I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary December 21st. There is no way we would go that late in the month so close to Christmas, but what I am wondering is... do you think we might a chance of getting a studio towards the beginning of December? I know that is a busy month for the Lodge. Just curious what your experience has been... Thanks so much. Enjoy your weekend!

Robyn - I've only booked at exactly 11 mos. so I'm not sure. I think Sleepydog had good luck booking for early Dec. maybe in June? I believe he had to w/l but did eventually get what he wanted. Never hurts to try. Happy pre-anniversary! We're celebrating our 15th this year too hence the last minute trip on Memorial Day weekend.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi All - It will still be a few more weeks before our points get into the system, but I am thinking ahead to December. DH & I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary December 21st. There is no way we would go that late in the month so close to Christmas, but what I am wondering is... do you think we might a chance of getting a studio towards the beginning of December? I know that is a busy month for the Lodge. Just curious what your experience has been... Thanks so much. Enjoy your weekend!

Horselover is correct! We closed on VWL 20 Apr of last year, had points in the system a few days later, and immediately tried to make a reservation there for 4-9 December. We were unable to get a complete stay at VWL, but did manage to do a triple split stay between VWL and SSR then back to VWL. We went on two waitlists, and to cut to the chase, wound up with our entire trip being in a 1BR at VWL. I make two caveats, however. First, I think studios are among the toughest to get because the point totals are lower. Second, the final piece of our waitlist didn't come through until late September as I recall, so it took a lot of patience and many (many, many) phone calls to wind up with what we did. However, if you are willing to be flexible re: dates and room type, I do think you will able to snag something. We were willing to do a split stay within VWL, so for a few weeks, we had a 2BR for a couple of nights and a 1BR the rest of the time before catching some serious pixie dust. Good luck!

 

[franandaj]

SleepyDog, WildernessDay, jimmytammy, thanks for all the excellent suggestions, Fredericksburg is sounding good four our battlefield experience on this trip. We'll save Gettysburg for it's own trip. It's getting exciting making all these plans, I just hope our government learns to get along before we arrive and some of these places we plan to visit will remain open!

And I can't believe that we have a trip to the world just on the heels of this other trip! After so many years of sporadic traveling all of a sudden we are on overload!

 

[Muushka]

Fredericksburg, VA is about 1 hr. South of DC. There are 4 major battlefields in that area including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Also encompassed in that park system is Guinea Station(house where Stonewall Jackson passed). We did it in one weekend, but wouldnt suggest. All have their uniqueness in how battles played out. If you have time, I suggest at least visiting Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. FB has a nice museum, stonewall where many Union soldiers sadly lost their lives, angel of Maryes Heights, house just across Rappahonock where Lincoln visited troops, and where Red Cross was considered birthplace.
CV was a signifigant battle in its where Lees army won under innumerable odds, he lost Jackson, but his confidence led to the next major battle, Gettysburg. Spotsylvania and Wilderness are both worth seeing, but time may prohibit.

Mannassas also worth seeing. 2 major battles fought on same grounds. 1st earned Stonewall nickname, made people realize this war would last long time. 2nd much more deadly as weapons advanced quickly in a year.

Antietam (Sharpsburg) in MD worth the drive. It has been restored to more like it would have been in those days, less pavement, less modern intrusion. It is considered the single bloodiest day in American history.

Gettysburg, one everyone has at least heard of. This is the ultimate hallowed ground. Lincolns speech here was a beginning of healing, though the war continued on. I have seen many battlefields, and been emotional at them, mainly the stonewall at FB, where so many men lost their lives foolishly based on a political move by a general who followed orders. But Gettysburg moved me to tears.

As you can tell, I am passionate about the subject, but I grew up studying it, knowing ancestors on both sides were involved. It shaped our Nation, for better or worse. No matter where you go, I would be interested in your trip. American history in general fascinates me.

I love what you wrote Jimmy. We need to do this tour. Hey, next time you head up for a Civil War fix, let us know. We could have a tour guide!

 

[Granny]

So we went to the Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr show today...part of the Flower Power concert series at EPCOT during the Flower & Garden Festival.

All I can say is...WOW.

Two thumbs way up!

It is really hard to believe that she is 67 years old. And he is 72 years old. I expected, realistically, to see them up there propped up by a lot of backsinging and straining to hit the easy notes.

But they really sounded awesome. Marilyn still has amazing range of voice and Billy belted out the Sam Cooke classic "Change is Gonna Come". We were so pleasantly surprised at the quality of the singing and of course the short concert just left us wanting more. So impressive to see them singing so very well at their age.

Just thought I'd share with the groupies. They can put "One Less Bell to Answer" on the WL soundtrack now.

 

[sleepydog25]

So we went to the Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr show today...part of the Flower Power concert series at EPCOT during the Flower & Garden Festival.

All I can say is...WOW.

Two thumbs way up!

It is really hard to believe that she is 67 years old. And he is 72 years old. I expected, realistically, to see them up there propped up by a lot of backsinging and straining to hit the easy notes.

But they really sounded awesome. Marilyn still has amazing range of voice and Billy belted out the Sam Cooke classic "Change is Gonna Come". We were so pleasantly surprised at the quality of the singing and of course the short concert just left us wanting more. So impressive to see them singing so very well at their age.

Just thought I'd share with the groupies. They can put "One Less Bell to Answer" on the WL soundtrack now.

I'm way too young to know who they are. . .

 

[Granny]

I'm way too young to know who they are. . .

It occured to me last night after posting this that I didn't mention that these two were the lead singers of the 5th Dimension. Big songs include "Wedding Bell Blues", "Up, Up and Away" and "Age of Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine". They were popular in the 70's and Marilyn & Billy are married for 43 years now.

Planning on heading to our beloved Lodge today for some lunch before hitting the parks later on. They are predicting record highs the next two days in the low 90's.

Hard to believe 92 degrees would be a record but that's what those reliable TV weather people were saying.

 

[Nicoal13]

4 more weeks and we will be on a plane on our way to the Lodge!!!

 

[Inkmahm]

Happy Saturday morning, everyone! I haven't had much time here lately with being back to work as a consultant for my old company. I promised them 2 days each week and last week I worked 34 hours in 3 days! Not leaving much time for my regular job search. But I keep thinking that every hour I work is more money to ensure I still can be taking vacations this year.

Anyone else book any of the new 2012 Disney cruises yesterday? We switched a dummy cruise I had booked for December this year to one of the 5 day Canadian cruises in August, 2012. They seem pretty expensive to me so I'll probably still research other cruise lines for similar cruises but so far, I like the one we have. I was hoping I'd like the Hawaiian one but there is way too much time at sea and not enough in the islands for my taste. I'll get my husband to Hawaii some day, but it won't be on next April's cruise.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I'm way too young to know who they are. . .

I remember who they are because as a little girl, my mom played their music. I think Age of Aquarius was her favorite song ! She played it over and over.... I was in grade school I believe.