VWL Refurbishment: Online Travel Site Reviews

[SpaceMountain77]

Hi everyone,

Last week, we booked our 2015 DVC reservation at VWL because we have not previously stayed there and the rooms were recently refurbished. Although I generally give online reviews little weight, because of the tendency to report negative stays more than positive stays, there is enough circulating about VWL to make me question our booking.

Is there truth to the reviews that claim that the refurbishment was poorly executed? Critiques of the paint and flooring seem to be the most common. I have copied and pasted a review below:

I've seen the rooms at WL, They threw a coat of paint on the cabinets, put down some cheap laminate flooring removed the theming from the room and replaced the unique bedclothes with off white ones which are distinctly inferior to those at the average Hampton Inn.

Six months out - The paint is bubbling off the cabinets and the laminate has already worn through, I don't pay MF's at THAT resort but I'd be VERY angry if I did.

Is this an isolated case or does it capture the general condition of the refurbished villas?

Thanks!
Jim 8O

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Unfortunately that is my position on the refurb.

We stayed in May so just a little more than a month after it was completed so didn't see the wear that is being talked about but I'd not be surprised that it's popping up. It was very poorly executed.

But I wouldn't go so far as to state it would keep me from staying there. It's just enough to bug me but not enough to turn me off from it.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

Unfortunately that is my position on the refurb.

We stayed in May so just a little more than a month after it was completed so didn't see the wear that is being talked about but I'd not be surprised that it's popping up. It was very poorly executed.

But I wouldn't go so far as to state it would keep me from staying there. It's just enough to bug me but not enough to turn me off from it.

Thanks, Kat, for your quick and thoughtful reply. I do appreciate it.

Jim

 

[JessLCH]

We stayed there last month, but only for one night so I didn't notice small flaws that I might see if there longer. I posted several photos on the DVC resorts forum if you want to see for yourself. frankly, I like the renovations. I thought the old furnishings and soft goods were very dated.

 

[DizMagic]

VWL is our home resort and we have stayed there 3 times this year alone. I am in the camp that likes the new refurb. It feels more modern and clean but keeping a lodge feel. All of our rooms were in perfect condition. No issues.

 

[disneynutz]

IMO most of the DVC refurbs have been a bust, They are taking away the original designs that gave the rooms character which made them somewhere special to stay. I know that plastic floors are easier to keep clean but I just don't care for their choice of materials and colors.

Bill

 

[JessLCH]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3341298

Here are some photos of a renovated one bedroom.

 

[DenLo]

Unfortunately that is my position on the refurb.

We stayed in May so just a little more than a month after it was completed so didn't see the wear that is being talked about but I'd not be surprised that it's popping up. It was very poorly executed.

But I wouldn't go so far as to state it would keep me from staying there. It's just enough to bug me but not enough to turn me off from it.

Good to know, thanks KAT4DISNEY. I wish DVC would understand that cheaper may not work with the wear and tear. And it sure does not work for a deluxe resort.

We stayed there last month, but only for one night so I didn't notice small flaws that I might see if there longer. I posted several photos on the DVC resorts forum if you want to see for yourself. frankly, I like the renovations. I thought the old furnishings and soft goods were very dated.

Thanks for the photos.

IMO most of the DVC refurbs have been a bust, They are taking away the original designs that gave the rooms character which made them somewhere special to stay. I know that plastic floors are easier to keep clean but I just don't care for their choice of materials and colors.

Bill

When stayed at VWL a few years ago I thought the theming was too much. Green cabinets are not in fashion even in cabins now, I am sorry to say as I love green. And the triple sheeting is a fact of life, there are very few hotels that have anything else. I am having trouble remembering the triple sheeting from our stay at Jambo House in May, but we just returned from Aulani and the top sheet was a denser weave than the bottom sheet. True, the top sheet was not as dense as the one we had at the Vancouver Pan Pacific where was stayed before our cruise to Hawaii, but that hotel is truly a deluxe hotel and Disney's top of the line are not in the same category IMO although Aulani, VGF and VGC are close.

I agree the theming was toned down, but it appears to be less chaotic and easier on the eyes IMO. The room is still rustic and still gives you the feel of a cabin in the mountains.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I own at VWL (bought it during presale) and now it looks so darned bland. It was supposed to be themed to the great NW lodges and now it doesn't look like them anymore.

This renovation was done very quickly and I think that will show in the near future. Just like painting the dining room and coffee tables at OKW.

Sad.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I do not like the new look...have decided not to stay there this December.

 

[tjkraz]

I own at VWL (bought it during presale) and now it looks so darned bland. It was supposed to be themed to the great NW lodges and now it doesn't look like them anymore.

If you research those lodges in the Northwest, you'll find that many of them have been upgraded in recent years with more neutral palettes and subtle theming.

Among Peter Dominick's inspiration for the Wilderness Lodge are Lake McDonald Lodge and The Ahwahnee. Here's what their guest rooms look like today:

Now Disney's Wilderness Lodge post-refurb:

Heck, some other NW lodges I've seen look more like Bay Lake Tower than VWL. Loud prints and palettes featuring dark reds greens just aren't in style ANYWHERE these days.

 

[JessLCH]

If you research those lodges in the Northwest, you'll find that many of them have been upgraded in recent years with more neutral palettes and subtle theming.

Among Peter Dominick's inspiration for the Wilderness Lodge are Lake McDonald Lodge and The Ahwahnee. Here's what their guest rooms look like today:

Now Disney's Wilderness Lodge post-refurb:

Heck, some other NW lodges I've seen look more like Bay Lake Tower than VWL. Loud prints and palettes featuring dark reds greens just aren't in style ANYWHERE these days.

Love these, very soothing.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

If you research those lodges in the Northwest, you'll find that many of them have been upgraded in recent years with more neutral palettes and subtle theming. Among Peter Dominick's inspiration for the Wilderness Lodge are Lake McDonald Lodge and The Ahwahnee. Here's what their guest rooms look like today: Heck, some other NW lodges I've seen look more like Bay Lake Tower than VWL. Loud prints and palettes featuring dark reds greens just aren't in style ANYWHERE these days.

For myself it's less about the colors and more about the item and design choices. And the poor workmanship. A little over a month ago I stayed at Camp Curry in one of the few lodge rooms and they also have had the same makeover involving the lighter colors and made me think of VWL - except about how much better the theme had been done. What's so sad is that used to be Disney's strong suit but it's all just being done on the cheap these days IMO. The other part is I was talking with a furniture store owner approx a month ago while looking from some rustic themed items. She started disparaging what is coming out as western themed from younger designers - it's more urban rustic. And that's what clicked for me as having happened at VWL.

I should add that Camp Curry is located in Yosemite national park for those that don't know - meant to mention that before .

 

[disneynutz]

To me theming is important and the original design and colors are important. If I wanted a modern lodge, I would vacation there.

What's next, let's modernize mickey and change his colors to pastels!

Bill

 

[bobbiwoz]

When I went to Lake Mac Donald, the rooms looked like this.

http://www.usparklodging.com/glacie... mcdonald lodge&utm_campaign=Glacier Opt USPL

That's the look we both prefer. However, the lobby of both the DVC building and the lodge itself still have the charm we love, at least, I hope they didn't mess with the lobby of the DVC!

Bobbi

 

[DizBub]

We have never stayed at VWL, never felt the need to and the pictures we saw just didn't appeal to us. Maybe I like bland and boring but this refurb has really piqued my interest in staying there. Looks classy and cozy all at the same time.

 

[disneynutz]

We have never stayed at VWL, never felt the need to and the pictures we saw just didn't appeal to us. Maybe I like bland and boring but this refurb has really piqued my interest in staying there. Looks classy and cozy all at the same time.

Here is a slide show of what the place looked like before the refurb.

http://www.dvcwishes.com/resorts/vwl/vwl_one_bed.htm

Bill

 

[DizBub]

Here is a slide show of what the place looked like before the refurb.

http://www.dvcwishes.com/resorts/vwl/vwl_one_bed.htm

Bill

Wow Bill, thanks for the link.

I stand by my prior statement......not impressive at all. That improvement was needed. Those rooms looked sad. I much prefer the refurbished rooms.

 

[disneynutz]

Wow Bill, thanks for the link.

I stand by my prior statement......not impressive at all. That improvement was needed. Those rooms looked sad. I much prefer the refurbished rooms.

Guess I'm old school, I like the original. Same with SSR.

Bill

 

[dan and scott]

Just like the god awefull light fixture in the Boardwalk studio-which looks like DVC got from a discount store on clearance.
Clearly they didn't consult any of us gays on their selection because it had to be a straight man's choice!!LOL!