WL vs VWL

[studog100]

Is there any difference between these two? We were thinking of staying at VWL(we are DVC members) Dec 18-26 and want a great xmas experience since we never did Disney during the holiday season. We have never stayed at WL or VWL and hear that they are somewhat separated. Will I still get the wonderful xmas experience if we stay at a villa?

Or should we just stay at OKW and bus over to get the experience and save points?

 

[NCRedding]

The villas are connected to the hotel by a covered walkway that is a short stroll. The WL is gorgeous at Christmas. I can imagine that the villas would be too--there is a very nice gathering room at the villas. The buses are actually closer to the villas than to the WL.

I love to save points, but if I were splurging on a Christmas trip, I would pick the VWL. (and I LOVE OKW)

 

[simpilotswife]

Stay at VWL. It is an amazing resort and you won't be sorry.

 

[Suzanne74]

I love OKW too but if I were to go during christmas I would want the VWL. Very rustic winter feeling and the boat going to MVMCP is supposed to be decked out too. Rent points to me and I will go with you

 

[bobbiwoz]

The villas have a huge Christams tree set up in the lobby, there are rocking chairs and chairs, in nooks and crannies, some by fireplaces, at the villas. The Villas are where we're staying for our December trip this year. We added on points so we wouldn't have to wait until 7 months to make our ressies because we've invited some family and friends. When my mom and sister, who both LOVE the Boardwalk area, came with us last year to see the WL, both agreed that this would be the place to stay the next time they come in December.

Bobbi

 

[JimC]

Stay at the villas. You get the best of everything. The villas are not any more separated from the lodge than BCV from BC. Actually I think VWL to WL might be closer measured from main lobby to main lobby.

 

[Scoootch]

Is there any difference between these two? We were thinking of staying at VWL(we are DVC members) Dec 18-26 and want a great xmas experience since we never did Disney during the holiday season. We have never stayed at WL or VWL and hear that they are somewhat separated. Will I still get the wonderful xmas experience if we stay at a villa?

Or should we just stay at OKW and bus over to get the experience and save points?

Okay...as to your 1st question about is there a difference between WL and VWL.....

WL is the regular hotel portion of the resort - so you're talking about just a regular hotel room with beds,TV, bathroom & a balcony.

VWL on the other hand is the DVC resort portion where you will have a kitchenette, slightly larger bathroom, pullout sofa bed and a queen bed (with a studio - the smallest size villa) or in a 1bdrm and larger you'll get in room washer and dryer,king bed,jacuzzi tub in the bathroom, full kitchen and a balcony.

So there's quite a difference. Since you say you are DVC members are you planning on staying on points? If so and you're talking about staying THIS Dec. you best call ASAP because that is an extrememly popluar week for all of DVC and VWL in particular will probably be difficult to get at this point as it is one of the smallest DVC resorts and is quite popluar (esp. for Chirstmastime). Also...if you're planning on booking with pts. you can only book the VWL not WL. They will not allow us to book any of the WDW non-DVC resorts on points that are already attatched to a DVC (these being WL,BC and BWI) as they already have a DVC portion right in the resort. You'll definetly get the Christmas fun experience though no matter where you stay in WDW IMHO As for should you stay at OKW...it's really a matter of taste and which theming you're in the mood for. I'd go by which has availibility at this point.

Best of luck and pixie dust!
~*~*~*~* *~*~*~*~

 

[dianeschlicht]

My vote is to stay on less points and visit! We usually visit all the resorts for the holiday decorations, but we love to stay at OKW, because we live in a log house, and going to Florida, I want to feel like I am in Florida and not Minnesota.

 

[studog100]

Yeah I want to book now but SSR is my home resort and I have to wait til the 7 month point to book. It sucks! I hope I can get it

 

[DVCLiz]

I think you'll need to go on a waitlist at 7 months. I believe I read on another thread that VWL was completely booked for Christmas week already. This may have just been for one category of room (ie 1 BR booked but others still available - sorry I can't remember!) but it may also have been the whole DVC portion of the resort. They go VERY quickly at the 11 month mark for VWL owners!!!

 

[Pinmaniac]

After hearing all of the great things that have been said about the VWL at Christmas (both here on DIS and by CM's at WDW) we decided to add on for the 11 month advantage as well. Our dd's birthday is the first week of Dec, and we have made it a family tradition to visit WDW for at least a few days near her birthday. This Dec we have a 1br villa reserved.

 

[jwhaley]

We just returned from VWL and they were wonderful. My DD was dissappointed because she didn't get bunk beds in the villas, (which she had at WL in 2000) but if that is the only complaint...I am happy!!!

 

[Safari Queen]

We've spent the week before Christmas at WDW for three years now and always spend a wonderful day touring the resorts to look at the decorations. We do breakfast at one, tour a couple more, have lunch at the next, do some more touring....for as long as we like. There are comfortable seats in all the lobbies, refreshments always nearby, plus the special features of each resort, like rockers by the fireplaces, animals, sandy beaches, arcades -- what more could you want? It makes for a relaxing and lovely day away from the parks. So don't worry about missing out. You can still have the experience.