We realized something important this trip

[glamdring269]

During the economic downturn we bought a contract sight unseen. We had never stayed at this property but had walked through it and thought it would be a nice place to stay if we had to. That location was Wilderness Lodge, now Boulder Ridge. We’ve actually been to WDW 3x since buying that contract and this was the first time we actually stayed at VWL. I was dead set this trip on visiting Poly and adding on either there or AK as I was sure we would love it there. But I was wrong.

We started this trip with 3 nights at Animal Kingom because I remember how much we enjoyed staying there a few years ago. There was nothing wrong with it this trip or anything but once we arrived at Wilderness Lodge we knew the answer to our add on questions.

It was actually a pretty amazing epiphany. You know how you know when you’re at the right place? When you ask yourself how anyone could prefer to actually stay somewhere other than the place you like. And we realized this trip that place is actually Wilderness Lodge for us. Hands down.

Now we do have a bit of an add on dilemma on our hands but that’s for another day.

 

[Chuck S]

I understand. I feel the same way about OKW. I stayed at the Polynesian last year, and it was nice. It is a lovely resort...but it didn't feel like "home." To me, OKW feels like home. I hope all DVCers are as happy with their home resorts.

 

[amccu18007]

It is pretty neat when you find that place. Our only problem is that my husband and I find different places to be "home". Our solution is to buy points at multiple resorts
Glad you found your "home"!

 

[pmaurer74]

During the economic downturn we bought a contract sight unseen. We had never stayed at this property but had walked through it and thought it would be a nice place to stay if we had to. That location was Wilderness Lodge, now Boulder Ridge. We’ve actually been to WDW 3x since buying that contract and this was the first time we actually stayed at VWL. I was dead set this trip on visiting Poly and adding on either there or AK as I was sure we would love it there. But I was wrong.

We started this trip with 3 nights at Animal Kingom because I remember how much we enjoyed staying there a few years ago. There was nothing wrong with it this trip or anything but once we arrived at Wilderness Lodge we knew the answer to our add on questions.

It was actually a pretty amazing epiphany. You know how you know when you’re at the right place? When you ask yourself how anyone could prefer to actually stay somewhere other than the place you like. And we realized this trip that place is actually Wilderness Lodge for us. Hands down.

Now we do have a bit of an add on dilemma on our hands but that’s for another day.

We felt that way the second we walked into the lobby at WL 7 years ago. 2 years ago WL became our home. No regrets, only joy.... and the need for more points.

 

[bwvBound]

Heh, heh. Sounds like the Wilderness Lodge holiday decorations stole your hearts.
Once that occurs, it won't matter what time of year you visit ... you will still visualize it decked out in all its splendor. Glad for your new love!

 

[disneyfan16567]

My home is AKL and I feel the same way everytime I walk in!

 

[portcityw]

Agreed. We have loved WL, since first time visiting. We became interested in DVC several years ago, stated looking into it. When rumors started about CCV, we really became interested. Bought a contract this year. Now we are interested in buying a resale BRV. This past visit, we checked out GF for the first time. It made my skin crawl, just being inside the lobby. Just not my cup of tea, but to each their own. The relaxing feeling of WL is truly home to use also.

 

[frabjous]

This past visit, we checked out GF for the first time. It made my skin crawl, just being inside the lobby.

Made your skin crawl? Really?? I don’t think I could say that about any of the deluxe resorts.

I admit WL looks very nice, and would love staying there. Only reason I’m not into it is that its a very common theme for resorts where I live (US midwest).

BTW do fireplaces have a purpose in Florida?

 

[Chuck S]

BTW do fireplaces have a purpose in Florida?

In December and January, yes.

 

[frabjous]

In December and January, yes.

I was at the beach during a trip once in January

 

[Chuck S]

I was at the beach during a trip once in January

It varies, it can be very pleasant, but it can also be very cold. It was cold earlier this month when I was there, first few days were great, then really, really cold.

 

[frabjous]

It varies, it can be very pleasant, but it can also be very cold. It was cold earlier this month when I was there, first few days were great, then really, really cold.

Ah that sucks. Hopefully you scored an awesome Disney sweater, at least.

 

[portcityw]

Made your skin crawl? Really?? I don’t think I could say that about any of the deluxe resorts.

I admit WL looks very nice, and would love staying there. Only reason I’m not into it is that its a very common theme for resorts where I live (US midwest).

BTW do fireplaces have a purpose in Florida?

Just felt like I didn't belong. Seemed too uppity for us.

 

[frabjous]

Just felt like I didn't belong. Seemed too uppity for us.

Yeah I can see that. Although I bet if you spent some more time there you might see it’s more relaxed and fun than you might perceive it to be. As an example of what I mean, one of my trips there, at V&A the harp player was playing stairway to heaven.

 

[portcityw]

Yeah I can see that. Although I bet if you spent some more time there you might see it’s more relaxed and fun than you might perceive it to be. As an example of what I mean, one of my trips there, at V&A the harp player was playing stairway to heaven.

Nice...Your probably right. Possibly at a different season, rather than Christmas

 

[glamdring269]

The WL lobby was definitely nice but honestly the overall scenery outside is what got us. Plus I love that outdoor bar area they have now, we had a great time watching some of the football games there.

As for GF, we get a similar ‘not for us vibe’. I do know when we went to see the Christmas decorations we were ready to get out of there almost immediately upon seeing the ginger bread house and tree. Not sure exactly what it is but just not the right people vibe for us.

 

[frabjous]

The WL lobby was definitely nice but honestly the overall scenery outside is what got us. Plus I love that outdoor bar area they have now, we had a great time watching some of the football games there.

Yeah that does look like a very nice hangout. Did you tour the cabins when you were out there?

 

[bumbershoot]

BTW do fireplaces have a purpose in Florida?

Once you’ve been there when it’s 25 degrees and the wind whipping across the swampland that is FL chills you to your bones, you’ll yearn for a fireplace.

If you’ve only gone when it's more temperate, then you’ll never know.

Just felt like I didn't belong. Seemed too uppity for us.

That’s how my cousin’s family felt. And that’s why we visit the lobby just about every time, to show them that there’s nothing snobby about it. One of those visits the band playing upstairs saw my little cousin loving the music (we are a very musical family and it’s especially strong in them) and they invited her to sit with them.

Now, I’m talking the main GF right now. (And if your skin crawls when that gingerbread display is up you might just be allergic to the smells they are pumping in)

There’s nothing uppity about the Dvc lobby. I mean, there are penguin statues in the fountain.

 

[portcityw]

We just visited the main lobby.

 

[Disney mac]

Just felt like I didn't belong. Seemed too uppity for us.

I know exactly what you mean. We visited it once during the summer and GF felt so uptight and stuffy. It felt like my kids were going to get yelled at by the librarian for having too loud of a conversation and a personality. My kids looked at me and said, “dad, did we leave Disney? I want to go back to Disney. “ Knew right then and there, never staying there.