VWL? Worth trying?

[TerriBelle]

We are planning a trip for Feb. and were wondering if we should try the VWL. Our home resort is the BW so we might not be able to get anything but should we even try? On previous trips we have stayed:

2br BWV; GV BW; 2br BCV; 2br HHV (in July)

Before joining DVC we always stayed YC, BC, or Cont.

The kids so far are not interested. They really like the boardwalk at night, SAB (we have always used it since the early BW trips we could pool hop), walking to Epcot, etc. They think the WL is too quiet. We visited it in November to check out the decorations. The kids in Feb will be DD 10, DS 6, DS 6. I thought it might be fun to be closer to the MK. The only problem is that it will probably close early since it will be off season.

Anyone have any advice? Have you enjoyed the VWL after staying in the EPCOT area?

 

[goofy4dvc]

We stayed at BWV in April of 2002 when we took two of our grandchildren to WDW. DH and I stayed at VWL in December of 2002. We loved them both. We visited VWL and the grandkids said they would like to stay there sometime as well. They pool hopped at VWL. You could split your trip into staying at two resorts. DH and I don't really like that because we don't like to pack and unpack again, but the grandkids would love to stay in a different resort each night!! We figure we'll stay at all the DVC resorts sooner or later. You could also spend an evening or two roaming around the boardwalk if you decide to stay at VWL. The electric water parade comes by WL every evening. You can rent boats. You can walk (or ride) over to Fort Wilderness and ride horses. You'll have a great time wherever you are. That's the great thing about WDW!!!

 

[littlestar]

We love VWL. As a matter a fact, we stayed at BWV in February and we missed VWL, especially on the cold days! If the weather turns cold, you have two great lobbies to enjoy (with fireplaces) and checkers.

I think I remember seeing bedtime stories for the little ones in the Mercantile store at WL (I remember kids in PJs sitting around the fireplace). We also saw families doing the Hidden Mickey hunt around the lodge (I think the front desk gave them a sheet of paper and clues for this). Also as stated previously, the Electrical Parade each night (if it doesn't storm) on Bay Lake is great.

 

[Granny]

I love my VWL home, but if your kids aren't interested, why push them? Sounds like BCV would be the place for them....SAB and good access to the boardwalk.

My daughters love VWL....they feel very much at home there. But different strokes for different folks. That's the beauty of the various theming and locations of DVC.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

DS has often asked when will we be returning to the Wilderness Lodge. DS enjoyed exploring the lodge, swimming in the pool, seeing the EWP from our balcony, watching the geyser, raising the flags, etc.

 

[WDWLVR]

We tried VWL after our May 2002 trip and to be honest didn't care for it much. We had stayed at Wilderness Lodge before and loved it. The theming is great, but after staying at our Boardwalk home it just didn't do it for us. The rooms were a little too dark for my taste.

We hope to try Beach Club in the next couple of years - took the tour and I think we will really like that.
I agree with Granny - that's what makes DVC so great - different options for different people.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I'd stay at VWL just to try it once. Your kids may change their minds once they get there. They definitely won't want to stay there when they are older...unless they love the outdoors.

Things to do:

Hiking, biking, water mice, other boats, horse back riding over at Fort Wilderness...in fact you can attend the FW events if you want to. You are also in close proximity to the Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian....and the paraSailing is just on the other side of the lake.

At night there isn't much to do for kids but you could go over to one of the other MK resorts.

You said "in Feb". If you schedule your trip the week before President's Day MK will be open longer but you will still use off season points.

For what its worth my friends who own BWV frequently schedule split trips...they start with VWL then have Disney move their luggage over to BWV. If you do this I would suggest you make your trip at least 6 days.

 

[TerriBelle]

Thanks for all the great ideas!

After looking at the kids school schedule we have 2 options. Jan after MLK or Feb week before President's Day. Both of these weeks give us two days off and 2 days of out 3 1/2 hours early so they will not miss much!

Has anyone gone both in Jan & Feb? Which was better? We have been in Feb. We were there in 2000 for my sister's wedding. We had a great time and even had a few swimming days. We have never been in Jan.

The points are cheaper in Jan. so we are thinking of staying longer. Maybe we could try a few days at WL and then move to the BW or BC.

Thanks again!

 

[Dean]

VWL is a great resort and your children seem the perfect age to stay there, not that other ages wouldn't enjoy it as well. Variety is one of the advantages of DVC.

 

[jimmytammy]

We love VWL!! Our 9 and 10 yr olds love it too. They thought the main pool was very cool. It is very peaceful and relaxing yet you can get some excitement over in WCC. Try it and see.

 

[WDWguruDH]

We own at BWV and VWL. Love the BWV location, but knew that we would have withdrawal if we could not stay at VWL, especially during Christmas. VWL and AKL are still our favorite themed resorts. VWL is my nephews' favorite resort as well.

 

[Disney Doll]

DH and I have stayed at the WL hotel, and found it to be a lovely place. Very serene and peaceful.

In a couple of weeks, we are doing a long weekend at the VWL.

Obviously, in terms of location, nothing beats the BWV or BCV, right in the middle of the action. But, VWL could be a bit more of a laid back trip.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

There is some great advice here, but I would like to say one thing...... There is not an age limit on VWL/WL. I am 39, and my wife is 31. We don't have kids (we are trying), and VWL is our favorite resort. Then again, I get accused of being a 'grown up kid'.

Remember- Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional...

 

[KNWVIKING]

If there's anything I can do to help......

Back to OT: You'll love VWL and so will your kids. The pools are not SAB, but they're not the YMCA either. Kids like the geysor,they enjoy the Electric whatever Pagant at nite,riding the boats to MK & FW. You can walk thru the woods to FW, see some deer in the morning if your quite enough.Best boating options of all DVC resorts.Take the explore the lodge tour. Whispering Canyon is a blast to eat at-especially for kids.The whole place is just fun.

 

[gracelrm]

VWL is our home. We have three kids DD10, DS 7, and DS 3. They all love it there - but I must admit we haven't stayed at any other DVC properties on site. So there is nothing for them to compare it to! We've been to VB and HH and they love them too. I would like to try BWV and BCV, but don't know if I can ever talk my husband to staying anywhere but VWL! Maybe when the kids are in their teenaged years, we'll try BWV to be near the Boardwalk action. But for now, you'll find us at VWL

 

[JonHM]

We LOOOOOOOOVE VWL - you should *definitely* try it!!!

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Maistre Gracey
....... We don't have kids (we are trying)...

.......

 

[mickeys#1fan]

After all, how many times have you been to WDW and let the resort where you were staying ruin the whole trip? Each one has magic of its own, and that's why I encourage anyone to try them all. If the kids really have a bad time, they'll get over it. How many kids are out there that NEVER get to go to WDW, much less experience a letdown because of the resort they stayed in? If they can't be taught an attitude of gratitude at Disney World, they can't be taught it anywhere! Just enjoy yourself.