VWL Lovers & Groupies Thread: Meese-ka, Mice-ka MOOSE-kateers

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . We decided to do the new African Safari at AK and had a great time.

NEW African Safari? Boy, am I out of the loop! This past trip we did not do a safari at AK, just believing it was still my same old favorite. When did it change and what is new about it?

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi Everyone,

I have posted here a few times but just wanted to let you know it's official... I see my VWL points in the system! So I plan to call in the next few days to book Spring Break for next year and I have 3 quick questions. We stayed over in the Lodge in 2008 but not in the Villas (b/c we weren't DVC yet).

1. Are there any "booking categories" at VWL (other than studio, 1BR, 2BR) that I need to be aware of? I see discussions going on in other threads (ex: BCV, OKW) of booking categories that I hadn't even heard of before. So just wanted to make sure I am not missing some "secret category" at VWL

2. Are there any special requests I should make (I know, nothing's guaranteed) to ensure a quiet night's sleep? I am thinking maybe top floor?

3. Please refresh my memory. Where do the WL boats launch to?

Thanks so much for your help. Can't wait for our first stay!

Congrats on the official status of your points! Here's a to many years of great visits to our Lodge. Slainte! Your questions have been answered already, but I will toss in that I've never had a noisy room, either. One of my favorite things about the Villas is that they are so peaceful and quiet. However, I generally ask for a pool view as that tends to break up the slight monotony of the trees.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

NEW African Safari? Boy, am I out of the loop! This past trip we did not do a safari at AK, just believing it was still my same old favorite. When did it change and what is new about it?

Sorry - I may have been a bit confusing - we did the Wild Africa Trek which is the new paid tour they started doing in January. If you've done the Killamanjaro Safari in the past 7-8 months you might have noticed them building some suspension bridges out over the hippo and croc pools which are used in the tour. It's 3 hours long and you spend first part of that time treking past some of the animal pens and over the bridges. Then you get on a safari vehicle that drives you thru the normal attraction but you pull out every so often to view the animals. Finally you are taken to a new pavillion that they built in the savannah close to the flamingo pool. You stop there and have a small snack/lunch (very good btw) and are able to see the savannah with herd animals, the elephants, the rhino area, the flamingo's and they've just added a walkway that allows you a distant view of the lion pen although those guys were in definite nap mode when we were there. The guides spend the time talking about the various animals - facts, history, conservation etc.

They currently begin these tours at 8, 9, 10, noon, 1 and 2pm and we were told they were going to add a 4pm. I decided to inquire just three days before our trip when I was changing our plans around and got the noon tour. There were only 2 other people on it so it was a very intimate tour but I saw the ones before us and they had approx 10-12 people.

It's a pricey tour but I'm happy we did it....and it's cheaper than a trip to Africa!

 

[horselover]

Sorry - I may have been a bit confusing - we did the Wild Africa Trek which is the new paid tour they started doing in January. If you've done the Killamanjaro Safari in the past 7-8 months you might have noticed them building some suspension bridges out over the hippo and croc pools which are used in the tour. It's 3 hours long and you spend first part of that time treking past some of the animal pens and over the bridges. Then you get on a safari vehicle that drives you thru the normal attraction but you pull out every so often to view the animals. Finally you are taken to a new pavillion that they built in the savannah close to the flamingo pool. You stop there and have a small snack/lunch (very good btw) and are able to see the savannah with herd animals, the elephants, the rhino area, the flamingo's and they've just added a walkway that allows you a distant view of the lion pen although those guys were in definite nap mode when we were there. The guides spend the time talking about the various animals - facts, history, conservation etc.

They currently begin these tours at 8, 9, 10, noon, 1 and 2pm and we were told they were going to add a 4pm. I decided to inquire just three days before our trip when I was changing our plans around and got the noon tour. There were only 2 other people on it so it was a very intimate tour but I saw the ones before us and they had approx 10-12 people.

It's a pricey tour but I'm happy we did it....and it's cheaper than a trip to Africa!

That's a great way to look at it. I was contemplating it but after they raised the prices I decided against it. Maybe if it was only 2 people, but for all 4 of us I don't think so. Still you are correct. It's cheaper than going to Africa! Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Thanks KAT4DISNEY for that great description of the Wild Africa Trek! A definite To Do for DiznyDi and I to do during a future visit.

 

[Dizny Dad]

A few photos of the wonderful adventure DiznDi recently provided for me . . .

Starting the day out right . . .

Raising the Mickey Flag on the top of the Lodge with Ranger Jack . . .

Relaxing with a snack at Roaring Fork . . .

View beside the ol' watering hole . . .

View from our balcony . . .

 

[wildernessDad]

We are currently in Monument Valley, staying at The View Hotel. It's amazing, folks! We did the half-day Gouldings tour. That turned out nice, but it's cold here and somewhat rainy. More when I can.

 

[LisaS]

A few photos of the wonderful adventure DiznDi recently provided for me . . .

View from our balcony . . .

What room were you in? We were there until the middle of last week and had almost exactly the same view. We were in 3511 I think. I didn't take many pictures this trip and later regretted not getting one of our view. I will just "borrow" this photo if that's OK with you! It looks like you were a little further down the hallway from us but our view was very similar.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Great photos Dizny Dad ! Ranger Jack was so nice---I was chatting with him for awhile. Love your view !

WildernessDad....have fun ! Hope the weather improves !!!!

 

[Nicoal13]

Trish - hope you are having a wonderful trip!

Dizny Dad - nice pictures We were there at the same time as you.

I need to get around to posting a few pictures here.

Been busy around the house now that we're back into our normal routine. The weather is finally improving around here and I've been trying to get some yard work done. The previous owners never pruned anything or did any sort of weeding or anything, so I have my work cut out for me. DH is busy working on the master suite remodel and trying to build a swingset for DS.

This weekend we have a bday party for our friends daughters, then I have a Bon Jovi concert with some friends Sat. night. Sunday we're having a cook out with the inlaws.

 

[Corinne]

Hey Corinne! I check in to SSR late on the 27th... I'm there through the morning of the 31st - just FYI.

Stopher, we should meet! I have PM'd with Horselover, hoping we can meet at the MK for EMH. Since we will be at SSR from the 28-30 perhaps we can meet there. I will PM you!

Stopher & Horselover, we are doing the single digits dance!!!!!!!!!

On an exciting (for me haha) side note, today I booked a quick anniversary trip for me & dh in September. Long story, but we are spending 1 night at our beloved VWL, and 2 at the BCV. This is the first time in a while I have had 2 trips planned. I like it!

 

[horselover]

I have a Bon Jovi concert with some friends Sat. night. Sunday we're having a cook out with the inlaws.

Yeah, another Bon Jovi fan! I LOVE Bon Jovi. I've seen them a lot of times (kind of lost count). Even was fortunate enough to meet Jon & Richie once. Jon is even better looking up close & personal! Richie was not bad on the eyes either. He was very sweet & funny. Have a great time!

Stopher & Horselover, we are doing the single digits dance!!!!!!!!!

On an exciting (for me haha) side note, today I booked a quick anniversary trip for me & dh in September. Long story, but we are spending 1 night at our beloved VWL, and 2 at the BCV. This is the first time in a while I have had 2 trips planned. I like it!

Oh yes we are! Congrats on booking an anniversary trip. Those are the best kind of trips. See ya real soon!

 

[Corinne]

Oh yes we are! Congrats on booking an anniversary trip. Those are the best kind of trips. See ya real soon!

Thanks!! We just couldn't make it work last September for our 25th, so this will be really special.

 

[DiznyDi]

LisaS, We were in room 4531, a corner room. The view DDad posted was looking to the left from the balcony. When looking straight ahead, we were able to see Bay Lake through the trees. We were at the Lodge the 5th through the 14th. It would have been nice to have met both you and Nicoal. Perhaps on a later visit. Please feel free to 'borrow' the photo.
Hopefully the hot tub will have had some maintenance for any headed to the Lodge soon. The jets didn't have much power and the water movement wasn't much more than the photo shows. Yes, we did mention it to a CM; the air intake gets clogged.....

WildernessDad enjoy what remains of your western adventure. Maybe the sun will shine for you tomorrow!

Thanks Kathy for your description of the Wild Africa Trek tour. It does sound like it was informative and allows for an 'up close and personal' perspective. An added bonus was that you had it practically to yourselves! I agree with DDad, we will have to try to schedule this on a future trip.

DizGirl20, Congratulations on your Lodge points! If you are planning to stay in a studio and a balcony is important to you, make sure 'balcony' is noted on your request. Not all studios have a balcony - which we became aware of during our past December trip and was a huge bummer for me.

Corrine, Stopher and horselover, Oh Boy, another Groupie meet! What fun! Sounds like a great time. Take lots of pictures!

 

[DiznyDi]

.....

NO booking category at VWL.....there is ONE studio that does NOT have a balcony though ! It's # 4533 !!!! If you're assigned to this studio, ask for a change if possible.
The WL boat launch is on the "woods" side of the the main WL. You have to walk past the pool and geyser on the WL side.

Maria, I just saw this. DDad checked and sure enough, we were in 4533! I didn't know there was only 1 and assumed some of the lock-off studios had the balconies only with the 1-bedroom portion. Hhmmm.

 

[stopher1]

Stopher, we should meet! I have PM'd with Horselover, hoping we can meet at the MK for EMH. Since we will be at SSR from the 28-30 perhaps we can meet there. I will PM you!

Stopher & Horselover, we are doing the single digits dance!!!!!!!!!

I got your PM Corinne! I so want to do this. I'm looking forward to it already... I hope it works out.

 

[Dizny Dad]

What room were you in? . . . . . . .

4531 - first room on the left down the far hall from the elevators; right next to the dreaded Studio without a balcony!! (4533 - which we had last December!)

 

[horselover]

Had to share this with my groupies because I know you'd understand. So our trip next weekend is a pretty short one. Didn't think we'd have time to fit in a visit to the Lodge. But, I'm having a meet with a friend of mine from another board & she just booked an AP rate room at WL. No way I could pass that opportunity by so we've arranged to have our meet at VWL's quiet pool. That quiet pool is my absolute favorite of all the DVC resorts. Can't wait!

 

[Nicoal13]

horselover - yay for a quick trip to the Lodge! Yes, I'm a big Bon Jovi fan too, I've also lost count of how many times I've seen them in concert. Have not met him though, I'm jealous! No Richie on tour for us this time since he is in rehab. Really looking forward to this show. Last time they came to Milwaukee I had great seats, but had to cancel at the last minute when I got the flu.

 

[tea pot]

Corinne, Stopher and Horselover
Happy Single Digit Countdown Dance
Have a great groupie meet and don't forget to post pics

Corinne isn't fun to always have a few trips Planned
I just can't bear leaving "The World"
not knowing when I coming Back..

Di and Dad Great View! So glad you got to enjoy it.
I'm big balcony fan too
out there early morning and late at night with my tea..
so thanks for the heads up I didn't even know there was a studio with No Balcony

DizGirl Congrats and Welcome Home

Kathy Thanks for the info on the Wild African Trek. Did you get to walk over the suspension bridge?
Sounds like one for my New Disney To Do/Bucket List The Segway tour is another.

W Dad I can't wait for the pictures! Enjoy!

Nicoal Congrats on your weekend trip. Sept is a good time to go

Well Groupies I"m trying to stay positive in this 2nd week of no Sun
So I'm getting plenty here


Stay Well and you all are in my prayers