VWL Owners (and lovers)

[Laurabearz]

I must admit, out of all the DVC resorts, VWL is the one I know the least about and we are staying there next month.

I have read up a bit, but still have a few questions.

How far is Fort Wilderness from VWL? On the map it looks far (the map in the back of Birmbaums guide) yet, in some posts, people have made it seem like heading over there to the petting zoo/ pony rides is a quick trip...... Thoughts?

Also, for this trip we are not doing any parks.... just going to enjoy the resorts. We are spending our first two nights at AKL, then switching over to VWL. Can you suggest cool things in the VWL area to do? Favorite walkways, hidden treasures (for example I read about the lawnmower tree at Fort Wilderness and for some reason I MUST see this! LOL)

Sooooo what are the little things you love doing at the resort?

Thanks bunches!

 

[floridafam]

I would definately go to the campfire at FW. We all loved this. You can purchase a little s'mores pack and roast marshmallows. Chip and Dale are there.

 

[spiceycat]

I thought it was a very easy walk - but one the FW maps says it is 1 1/2 mile -

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=125473

I love all the hidden places in both resorts - most of VWL is one the first floor.

WL has a nice place to overlook the resort on 4th and 6th floors - '

ask to be the "flag family" - if heights don't bother you

go on the tours that WL has - lots of information

the geyser is alot of fun

be sure at least one night to watch the EWP from the beach

go to the petting zoo at FW -

if the walk is too long for you - there are boats that connect WL to both FW and the Cont

 

[SteveS]

We like to ride the blue flag boat transportation around Bay Lake both during the day and at night. It's not a big boat but it is nice and enjoyable.

 

[Granny]

Well, the title of your post just seemed to call me by name!

floridafam, spiceycat and SteveS gave you some great tips. Here's some more I can think of...

The walkway to FW would be a bit of a trek for your group...but the good news is that there is a boat that SteveS mentioned that just bops around Bay Lake between Wilderness Lodge-Fort Wilderness-Contemporary. So it's very easy to get to FW. They have a nice animal petting area there, and I think a pony ride.

The beach is small but nice...kids just love that sand!

Make sure you eat at Whispering Canyon restaurant there. And don't forget to ask your waitress for some ketchup!!

Sitting in front of the 7 story fireplace in the main lobby is a very nice experience to calm everyone down. Likewise, the Iron Spike room at VWL has lots of seats and nooks to sit in and relax.

You could rent a pontoon boat from the marina and spend time hanging around Bay Lake and even go over into Seven Seas Lagoon.

The afternoon duck races are great too. They run a bunch of plastic ducks (like Duck Pond ducks) down the Silver Springs Creek and the person holding the winning number gets a nice little prize.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Jenn]

Get the Hidden Mickey list from the front desk and go on a hunt!

To get to Ft. Wilderness, you can walk, ride bikes (that you rent) or take the boat).

 

[timC]

Bay lake is excellent for renting water mice (mouses?), or pontoon boats for cruisers....and don't forget about the electric water pageant on the lake each night.

Also. Last trip I discovered a hidden treasure. If you're an early riser (crack of dawn), take a walk to Roaring Forks for a coffee, then head out to the boat launch to watch the sun rise over Bay Lake. The lake is still, and peaceful. As the sun crests the distance tree tops, the sky explodes into red and orange color, the lake sparkles, and nearby birds soar. It's an amazing perspective that I'm not sure you'll find anywhere else at WDW.

Aaaugh... Now that's relax'in.

 

[MaryJ]

Originally posted by Granny


The beach is small but nice...kids just love that sand!

Our children are teens and older now, but I noticed on our last trip that there is a nice little playground on the beach that my DD's would have loved when they were younger.

If you children are early risers, get out and take a walk around the resort. We saw an armadillo on our way to the boat dock last month! And the rabbits are plentiful too.