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

[MiaSRN62]

Granny : When we checked in, there was a notice in our packet that no decorations of balconies was allowed. But then we saw several WL and VWL balconies with decorations. So I asked a CM about them, and he said something to the effect that if we put them up and nobody asked us to take them down, we should be okay. And that we never had the conversation. My takeaway was that officially it is not allowed but they won't make you take anything down unless it is offensive, dangerous, or a guest complains.

Interesting Granny....I know they've been opposed to outside door decor for a while now, but the balconies too ? Your balcony was decorated so nice. We last stayed in WDW in Dec in 2009. It was a last minute trip and we were able to get SSR. We used regular string lights but suction cup'd them to the inside of the sliding doors. It was a little tough opening and closing the doors but it worked. Here are a couple photos from our 12/09 trip to SSR :

and we were at BLT in early Oct and someone had a light up inflatable pumpkin on the balcony. We were at the Contemporary bus stop and this was the best my camera could zoom in on the pumpkin :

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

48 hours we'll be touching down at MCO!

Last Dec at BLT I had a lighted Mickey Head that I hung with suction cups in the window. It wasn't a lot but gave it a nice Christmas touch. 2 years before that I did bring lights to put up while we were at OKW. It was so simple there with the outdoor electrical outlet. When we got to BCV I didn't bother with the lights because there are only indoor outlets. We were part of the tree sharing so that was put up in the room. That was nice but I doubt I'd do it again - it took a fair amount of time to put up and then pack back up in the box and I get my fill of that at home. My little Mickey Head decoration pleased me just as much and was quick and easy! He has been hanging out in our OL waiting to hang out at BWV and VWL in a few days!

 

[Happydinks]

Tomorrow we go into the parks. Magic Kingdom at crack-thirty. Then back to BLT for maybe a BLT for lunch???
Then up to the lounge (nice place) to watch Wishes.

Then back to the room to watch the EWP. What fun! It was so strange watching it from way up high, but fun.

Hi Muushka!
Sounds like you guys are having fun - we just got back Sunday and miss it all!

We enjoyed the Disney Dream but we didn't have great weather on the cruise - cloudy and windy the whole time. Made us glad we only did the 3 day cruise. The Dream is amazing and the Aquaduck great fun!

We stayed at BLT- our first venture outside the Lodge in 10 years - and while it was nice, the lack of themeing left me feeling like I was just in a nice hotel. The pool area was very nice, TOW for fireworks viewing was great the two times we did it, walking to the Kingdom was the best part (esp after the Halloween Party - Bob wasn't forced to leave me behind having a meltdown waiting for a boat), and we have to admit, we like the Contempo Grill as counter service over Roaring Fork. HOWEVER, totally missed the warmth and serenity of the Lodge, so it's back there again next year for us (Bob got tired of hearing me whine about it).

We did see people decorating at BLT - lights on the balconies and one person on a ground floor room had lights/blowups/figurines. Guess no one was saying anything about taking them down.

We had an interesting experience, last Friday when we were trying to get back into BLT we had to wait 30 min on the road in line into the entrance to the Contemporary. When we finally got up to the gate we asked what was going on because there were police and reporters swarming. Apparently, the VP, Joe Biden was speaking at a fund raiser at the Contemporary so there were ID checks going on. So if you were trying to get back to your room it was a long process (and didn't make CM's happy who were trying to get to work!). Note to self - if we every decide to stay at BLT again - check the convention calendar to see who's going to be there!

 

[MiaSRN62]

48 hours we'll be touching down at MCO!

Last Dec at BLT I had a lighted Mickey Head that I hung with suction cups in the window. It wasn't a lot but gave it a nice Christmas touch. 2 years before that I did bring lights to put up while we were at OKW. It was so simple there with the outdoor electrical outlet. When we got to BCV I didn't bother with the lights because there are only indoor outlets. We were part of the tree sharing so that was put up in the room. That was nice but I doubt I'd do it again - it took a fair amount of time to put up and then pack back up in the box and I get my fill of that at home. My little Mickey Head decoration pleased me just as much and was quick and easy! He has been hanging out in our OL waiting to hang out at BWV and VWL in a few days!

So excited for you Kathy !

 

[Buckeye Fan]

I love the photos, guys! Lots of wonderful ideas for decorating. For the first time EVER, we'll be away from home over Christmas. We fly out 12/22 and return 12/30. I'm hoping I can make it special for DH and the kids, as they are not so sure about being gone over Christmas. We'll be in a 2BR lockoff at VWL with me, DH, (16), (9 - who still believes in ), and my mom and dad. As for me, I can't wait! I just hope the weather cooperates.

Since my mom and dad have only been to WDW once (for 3 days, several years ago), and we stayed at AS Sports, I really struggled over which resort to book. They are all so amazing, and at 7 months, I really had my pick. I considered a split stay, but in the end, I landed on VWL. It's been about 2 years since we stayed there, so I'm really excited to go back. Looks like we're at 48 days and counting!

 

[Muushka]

Oh Muushka ! I am loving your plans and glad BLT is growing on you ! It did with us as well. Initially, if you all recall, we weren't going to buy there. Now we love it. I'm with you----the decor is not my fav, but the views and convience to MK and the lake (and TOW lounge !) are awesome ! Keep on enjoying your days in WDW

Funny Maria, because just today I thought about you and your purchase here at BLT. Thinking, what a great place Maria bought at!

Hi Muushka!
Sounds like you guys are having fun - we just got back Sunday and miss it all!

We enjoyed the Disney Dream but we didn't have great weather on the cruise - cloudy and windy the whole time. Made us glad we only did the 3 day cruise. The Dream is amazing and the Aquaduck great fun!

We stayed at BLT- our first venture outside the Lodge in 10 years - and while it was nice, the lack of themeing left me feeling like I was just in a nice hotel. The pool area was very nice, TOW for fireworks viewing was great the two times we did it, walking to the Kingdom was the best part (esp after the Halloween Party - Bob wasn't forced to leave me behind having a meltdown waiting for a boat), and we have to admit, we like the Contempo Grill as counter service over Roaring Fork. HOWEVER, totally missed the warmth and serenity of the Lodge, so it's back there again next year for us (Bob got tired of hearing me whine about it).

We did see people decorating at BLT - lights on the balconies and one person on a ground floor room had lights/blowups/figurines. Guess no one was saying anything about taking them down.

We had an interesting experience, last Friday when we were trying to get back into BLT we had to wait 30 min on the road in line into the entrance to the Contemporary. When we finally got up to the gate we asked what was going on because there were police and reporters swarming. Apparently, the VP, Joe Biden was speaking at a fund raiser at the Contemporary so there were ID checks going on. So if you were trying to get back to your room it was a long process (and didn't make CM's happy who were trying to get to work!). Note to self - if we every decide to stay at BLT again - check the convention calendar to see who's going to be there!

Whoah! Glad the VP is checked out! That would make me have a meltdown!

We had some very rough weather on our cruise on Sat (10/29) night. And then at Vero it was pretty rough. But our cruise was pretty lucky, only rain for one day on and off and then the rough patch.

I can't wait to try the Aquaduck! We should do a cruise together one of these days.

I love the photos, guys! Lots of wonderful ideas for decorating. For the first time EVER, we'll be away from home over Christmas. We fly out 12/22 and return 12/30. I'm hoping I can make it special for DH and the kids, as they are not so sure about being gone over Christmas. We'll be in a 2BR lockoff at VWL with me, DH, (16), (9 - who still believes in ), and my mom and dad. As for me, I can't wait! I just hope the weather cooperates.

Since my mom and dad have only been to WDW once (for 3 days, several years ago), and we stayed at AS Sports, I really struggled over which resort to book. They are all so amazing, and at 7 months, I really had my pick. I considered a split stay, but in the end, I landed on VWL. It's been about 2 years since we stayed there, so I'm really excited to go back. Looks like we're at 48 days and counting!

Have a magical Christmas at our beloved Lodge!

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Have a magical Christmas at our beloved Lodge!

We sure will! Though we've only stayed at the lodge (DVC section) once, we've visited and eaten there many times. The main lodge still takes my breath away when I walk in. I NEVER get tired of it, and it's one of the places I want to swing by every time we're at WDW. I bet it's absolutely gorgeous when it's decorated for Christmas, and I'm sure the pictures don't do it justice.

 

[twokats]

I finally uploaded a photo for y'all.
Let me introduce you to my babies AKA the puppies.

On the left is 'Maximus' and on the right is 'Jasmine'
Of course they are called Max and Jas (or Jassie) and if you have not figured it out Max is named after the sidekick horse in Tangled. Since they are Maltese and do not get very big it was a play with the word max and the long white hair that that breed is known for (and believe me they do get a lot of tangles). I know Princess Jasmine had long black hair, but DH liked that the nickname would be Jas or Jassie, plus she is just like a small delicate princess!!
Max was a born on 1-1-11 and Jas was on 2-14-11, I also thought that was a sign that they belonged with us. I had decided to only get Max, but one month later, DH decided that Max needed a playmate. It is amazing how fast you get attached to the pets. We got both of them before we lost Mom and she adored them.

 

[Muushka]

Awwww. TwoCats has 2 puppies! And very cute ones at that .

We sure will! Though we've only stayed at the lodge (DVC section) once, we've visited and eaten there many times. The main lodge still takes my breath away when I walk in. I NEVER get tired of it, and it's one of the places I want to swing by every time we're at WDW. I bet it's absolutely gorgeous when it's decorated for Christmas, and I'm sure the pictures don't do it justice.

Oh you are in for a rare treat. VWL is THE place for Christmas. As you look around the villa, you start to see everywhere!


Day 2 at BLT

We got up at crack-thirty as planned. Finally, after all these years, we saw the 'rope drop' at MK. I can now check that one off my list!

We did all of our favorites and then headed back to BLT for a late breakfast.
Saw the new graveyard area for Haunted Mansion. It was great! Got a little shut eye.

Went to Epcot to see a little. Horrors of horrors. Off Kilter (our favorite band) had 2 new guitarists!!
The bass player and the lead guitar were 2 new guys. Way too much for me.
And the lead guitar had pasty white legs. Now I have pasty white legs. But I don't sing in a band on a stage in a kilt.
Nuff said.
The bass guy didn't sing like Mark did and the lead guy didn't play like Randy did. It was painful when they did their own music.
But when they did the standard Chuck Berry or BTO, the lead guy could play. I guess he just needs practice. I hate change.

Then, just when things are looking down (Off Kilter changing band members does that to us), we return to MK.
To the New Improved, Tiki Birds and WOW!! It is back to where it was before it was 'under new management'.
The world is good once again!

Tomorrow we skip parks. Mr Muush admitted that we could have skipped today and he would have been fine.
Anywhoo, we will do some poking around, take it easy and prepare to leave on Sat.

I am still loving BLT. If it was Dec, no way I would be here. But now? Love it!

PS I should say that I don't know if Off Kilter change is permanent or just today.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . VWL is THE place for Christmas. . . . . . . .

 

[horselover]

TwoKats - so cute!!!!

So I didn't make the cut for the Mom's panel. Got my thanks but no thanks email last night. Oh well, it was fun dreaming about it. Maybe I'll try again next year. I'm hoping a certain someone on this thread may have received better news then me.

Moving on. Time to start dreaming of my Christmas stay at my happy place.

 

[supernova]

Just wanted to say hi to everyone. Own 250 points at VWL and love the location. Yes, the rooms are in dire need of some TLC, but the rest of the buildings and themeing make up for the sad condition the rooms have slipped into. I visit once a year for five days in December. Looking forward to my trip in a month and a week!

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . So I didn't make the cut for the Mom's panel. Got my thanks but no thanks email last night. Oh well, . . . . . . .

Groupie hugs to you.

But how cool it is to always have a DVC trip planned!

 

[MiaSRN62]

horselover.....BIG HUG !!!! The panel's loss for sure ! And YAY to your upcoming Christmas stay at the Lodge !

Twokats....adorable pups !

Muushka.....too funny about the pasty legs comment ! I think it sounds like you might be scarred for life ! And I agree, for Christmas, WL/VWL is the ONLY place to be !

supernova ! Hi back and welcome !

 

[Muushka]

TwoKats - so cute!!!!

So I didn't make the cut for the Mom's panel. Got my thanks but no thanks email last night. Oh well, it was fun dreaming about it. Maybe I'll try again next year. I'm hoping a certain someone on this thread may have received better news then me.

Moving on. Time to start dreaming of my Christmas stay at my happy place.

I'm sorry about the Mom's panel.

Just wanted to say hi to everyone. Own 250 points at VWL and love the location. Yes, the rooms are in dire need of some TLC, but the rest of the buildings and themeing make up for the sad condition the rooms have slipped into. I visit once a year for five days in December. Looking forward to my trip in a month and a week!

Supernova, great screen name! Welcome to our merry band of Groupies. So, grab a chair and join us!
And if interested, grab yourself a Moosie Siggy! He would look very handsome on you!

 

[I Book He Pays]

Hi Groupies:
TGIF! Anyone have plans for the weekend?

Muushka ~ Glad you are having a great time! Enjoy and have a safe trip back home!

KAT4DISNEY ~ Have a blast!

twinklebug ~ Thanks for your feedback. Depending on how things are... I hope I can convince DH to go back to WDW in early Dec. 2013. We have other vacations planned already and that's the earliest we can return. It would be beautiful and so much fun seeing WDW decorated for the holiday season. Good luck planning your long weekend! I hope you go can go!

Happydinks ~ Welcome back. Do you have any pictures from the cruise? I would love to go on the Aquaduck... that would be a blast!

Buckeye Fan ~ Have fun planning your vacation!

twokats ~ Max and Jas are so cute!! Thanks for posting their pictures!

horselover ~ I'm so sorry that you didn't make the mom's panel.

supernova ~ Welcome!

 

[dismagiclover]

I have a question for the experts. We have an Epcot Around the World Tour scheduled for 8:30 am. We are supposed to check in by 8:15. How should we get there? When do the buses start running? How about the boats? (We could take a boat to MK and monorail over.) Or is our best bet to take a cab? Will there be cabs available or will we need to call for one? TIA

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Muushka When I saw Off Kilter earlier this week it was all the regular guys so I don't think they've made a change.

 

[Inkmahm]

Horselover, sorry about the moms panel. You still should be proud that you made it to the second step! Thats one step farther than most of us got to.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Twokats - Love the cute puppies!

Muushka - sounds like a great trip so far. Glad you've enjoyed each of your new accommodations!

Horselover - so sorry to hear about the Mom's panel.

dismagiclover - I think that buses run early enough to get people to epcot for tours and the character breakfasts but check with Concierge at WL. If not then I'd take a cab.

supernova - Welcome!

We're in the final phase of the countdown - T-12 hours and we had better be at our gate at the airport. I suppose I should start packing?!?!? Our timing for the trip couldn't be better. We had an inch of snow last night and it reached a high of 34. Sunny and 78 never sounded so good!!