VWL Questions

[cg1200]

Hi I'm a DVC owner at BWV and will be trying VWL for the first time on our next trip in Jan. I've browsed the information thread in the resort section but it seems more focused on the WL. I wasn't sure if there were significant differences between the lodge and the villas.

I have basic questions like what part of the building should I request a room if I want a view of the lake? And how do most handle transportation? Looks like there are ferries but they are color coded and go different places...huh?

Anyway, we love the BWV but could not get a room for that weekend. VWL was the only other place that had 2BR so we figured we'd give it a shot but I feel very unprepared. I love the convenience of walking to DHS and Epcot but VWL looks so beautiful and it's proximity to MK seems nice. We are a family of 5 with 3 boys ages 10,6,4.

Any general tips would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We're new owners at VWL so I can't help a lot with the rooms but have stayed at WL a few times so I can help on the ferry's. There are two routes (the color codes which you'll see a sign at the dock). One route is direct to/from the MK. The other is transportation between the CR/FW and WL. We always do the boat ride but I have heard lots of good comments about the bus service to MK as well - the ride is less than 5 minutes. The boat access to other resorts is a nice convenience. There's also bus service to FW.

From what I've read the trees have grown a lot and block much of the lake view. Woods/trees are the majority of the views. We really like the water view so in order to try and get it on our first stay I requested an upper level pool view which is down towards the end that there are less trees.

Have fun!

 

[cg1200]

That's helpful, thanks. How did u find buses to the other parks? About how long to get to Epcot or DHS? What hotels share the bus route?

 

[disneynutz]

You can request a lake view but the view is blocked by trees. There will be signs for the boats, they leave from the left dock.

The DVC Villas are colored pink on the map. Here is the link:

http://www.dvcwishes.com/vwl_map.htm

 

[Deb & Bill]

The bus stop is directly adjacent to the villas. If you walk from the villas to the main lodge, there is a path to the left that goes to the bus stop.

 

[NDM#1]

Hi I'm a DVC owner at BWV and will be trying VWL for the first time on our next trip in Jan. I've browsed the information thread in the resort section but it seems more focused on the WL. I wasn't sure if there were significant differences between the lodge and the villas.

I have basic questions like what part of the building should I request a room if I want a view of the lake? And how do most handle transportation? Looks like there are ferries but they are color coded and go different places...huh?

Anyway, we love the BWV but could not get a room for that weekend. VWL was the only other place that had 2BR so we figured we'd give it a shot but I feel very unprepared. I love the convenience of walking to DHS and Epcot but VWL looks so beautiful and it's proximity to MK seems nice. We are a family of 5 with 3 boys ages 10,6,4.

Any general tips would be great. Thanks in advance.

My family stayed at the VWL just this past June. I looked into the room issue as well. I was told that you basically have two choices. You can request a room with a view of the villa's pool or you can request a view of trees. We asked for the pool. Our room ended up being an obstructed view of the pool, but it was a lovely view of a pretty walkway. Also, many (not all) 5th floor rooms have a balcony that is almost enclosed,

http://allears.net/acc/wlv122.jpg
http://allears.net/acc/wlv123.jpg
http://allears.net/acc/wlv125.jpg

so you may want to request another floor if that type of situation doesn't suit you.

As far as the boats go. Boats with blue flags travel between the Contemporary, the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. Boats with red flags go to the Magic Kingdom, and I believe they start running a half hour before the parks open. Our familiy LOVED the boats. We never had to wait a long time for one either. That being said, we took the bus on the days when we went to the MK. The ride is like 5 min. long, but one morning we did have to wait about 15 or 20 min. for a bus. The other option (which would be more for pleasure than efficiency) is taking a boat to the Contemporary and riding the monorail to MK or the Ticket and Transportation Center which could get you to Epcot.

I have three kids that are close in age to yours. We had a fabulous time at VWL. You should really love it.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

That's helpful, thanks. How did u find buses to the other parks? About how long to get to Epcot or DHS? What hotels share the bus route?

We always have thought the bus transportation was good. Typically the bus to Epcot makes a stop at FW so that ride would take approx. 20 minutes. However that means that on the way back WL is the first stop so that is a very quick ride. I think that it's the DHS bus (could be the AK bus though)that makes a stop at GF, but once again WL is the first stop on the return trip. Probably a 15-20 minute ride again. We figure by the time we got out to our car, drove to the park and parked again we'd be pretty even on time spent traveling.

 

[Anal Annie]

We tried VWL on a cash ressie last January and LOVED it! It's a beautiful property with a lot of character and personality. Very cozy & warm for fall / winter with all the wood and fireplaces etc. We used a combination of the buses and the ferry. One night a really bad storm came up while we were at MK and we got soaked (since it was January we got cold once we got wet) so we called it early and went back using the ferry. I think it was running really slow that night though because of the storm (lots of lightening). Of course when you JUST WANT TO GO it always seems slow. But for the most part, both the buses and the ferry were great options. The bus stop was closer to our room tho than the walk to the ferry...

WE really, really loved it there and can't wait to go back...I thought it was fabulous but we have to keep trying other resorts before we go back.

We had dinner at Whispering Canyon one night and while it's not the best food at Disney it was OK and it was a fun atmosphere - DS really had fun so we had fun watching him. It's a great place for kids to eat!

 

[Straughn]

My home resort is VWL. It is a great resort with lots of amenties. As for room views, I always request an upper floor with a view of the lake.The previous poster is correct in that the trees have grown up so much that there is no really good view of the lake-you can sort of see a little of it thru the trees. I don't know where the 2-bedrooms are located, but nothing is that far away from the elevators, as it is a small DVC property. The other view, which isn't bad, is of the bus stop. There are so many trees around the VWL that there really isn't a bad view-not like some of the resorts where there are views of roof tops and parking lots.

I don't think I have ever used the bus to the MK; I always take the boat. The longest I have ever waited for a boat is about 20 minutes, which is comparable, and sometimes shorter than the bus wait. I generally have a car, so MK is the only park that I use Disney transportation to get to.

There are lots of things to do at WL. The Hidden Mickey search (you get a list of clues from the registration desk), you can rent the small boats (water mice) on Bay Lake and take the kids for a boat ride, follow the animal footprints in the cement walkways, watch the geiser errupt, rent bikes and go to Fort Wilderness. The kids program there is very good if you and your spouse want an evening out.

I find the WL, along with the AKL, to be the best themed resorts at WDW. There is just so much to do for all ages.

 

[lisah0711]

Here is a link to a thread with lots of pictures of the Lodge.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1717127

We've stayed in January for several years. The ferries are clearly marked which is which and the boat drivers are happy to help you. It is very relaxing to ride the boat to and from MK.

Sometimes in January the buses are shared with Ft. Wilderness and, rarely, GF. We've never had a problem with a very long wait and it always seems like we just missed the bus we wanted!

Enjoy your stay at VWL -- it is a wonderful place!

 

[cg1200]

Thanks everyone for sharing. I am really excited to see this place. The DVC portion of the property looks quite small in comparison to other resorts. I've lived in the northwest for a few years so the theming here really appealed to me. I'm not a big fan of buses in general though I have to admit Disney transportation is pretty good. I love the Boardwalk because of the short walks to Epcot/DHS and the pleasant ferries.

As for places to eat - there are three here? Whispering Canyon, Artist Point and Roaring Fork? We tend to be pretty casual with eating and would wind up eating on the Boardwalk many nights. I assume VWL has somewhere to get take-out food or at least quick service meals?

 

[NDM#1]

Thanks everyone for sharing. I am really excited to see this place. The DVC portion of the property looks quite small in comparison to other resorts. I've lived in the northwest for a few years so the theming here really appealed to me. I'm not a big fan of buses in general though I have to admit Disney transportation is pretty good. I love the Boardwalk because of the short walks to Epcot/DHS and the pleasant ferries.

As for places to eat - there are three here? Whispering Canyon, Artist Point and Roaring Fork? We tend to be pretty casual with eating and would wind up eating on the Boardwalk many nights. I assume VWL has somewhere to get take-out food or at least quick service meals?

This is the one area that WL may fall short. Roaring Forks is the quick service eatery, but the selection is really minimal. I don't know that I would find a whole dinner's worth in this place. But if you have a kitchen, you could always make a meal if you weren't interested in Whispering Canyon Cafe. Artist's point is rather pricey.

 

[duffy]

Thanks everyone for sharing. I am really excited to see this place. The DVC portion of the property looks quite small in comparison to other resorts. I've lived in the northwest for a few years so the theming here really appealed to me. I'm not a big fan of buses in general though I have to admit Disney transportation is pretty good. I love the Boardwalk because of the short walks to Epcot/DHS and the pleasant ferries.

As for places to eat - there are three here? Whispering Canyon, Artist Point and Roaring Fork? We tend to be pretty casual with eating and would wind up eating on the Boardwalk many nights. I assume VWL has somewhere to get take-out food or at least quick service meals?

We stayed at the Lodge last Feb., and we all absolutely loved it.

We didn't eat at Artist Point, but did eat at Whispering Canyon and at Roaring Forks. Whispering Canyon is a fun place. Make sure you get seated in the main area and not off in one of the little side areas. Get one of your sons to ask for ketchup.

Roaring Forks is where you go to grab a cup of coffee, or a quick sandwich. It's a small cafeteria, you'll grab a tray and walk over to the cashier. There's a small eating area or you can go outside.

 

[The VWL Five]

As you can tell by our name we are VWL fans as well as owners. We also own at the BCV so we understand being so close to the action on a walks notice.

With 5 assuming you will be taking a 2br at VWL. The dedicated 2brs are mostly with tree views. There are a few that can have somewhat of a pool view. Any room would be fine as I have never been disappointed.

For food we do use Roaring Forks for quick bites and like a meal or two at Wisp Can. You also have choices at FW as well as the Monorail resorts which are a boat ride away.

You will enjoy I'm sure

 

[cg1200]

Good to know. Forgot all about the poximity to the monorail resorts for dinners.

One other thing - can u see the water parade from VWL? Clearly or do you need the hubble telescope to see anything?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Good to know. Forgot all about the poximity to the monorail resorts for dinners.

One other thing - can u see the water parade from VWL? Clearly or do you need the hubble telescope to see anything?

We saw a bit of it from our balcony a few years ago. But if you go out on the boat dock or on the beach area, you'll see it just fine.

 

[NDM#1]

Good to know. Forgot all about the poximity to the monorail resorts for dinners.

One other thing - can u see the water parade from VWL? Clearly or do you need the hubble telescope to see anything?

It is clearly visible from the beach, but my family enjoyed riding over to the Contemporary by boat and then watching it from that marina (then we watched the last half of a movie they were playing out on the Contemporary's beach . . . it was dreamy).