VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.0) updated 21 June 2023

[KAT4DISNEY]

Congratulations on your new granddaughter Jimmy and Tammy!

 

[sleepydog25]

DLI: Our thoughts go out to you and yours, hoping all health issues turn out well and your trip goes smoothly.

JT: Congrats to you and Tammy and your new family member! How wonderful!

Not as life-altering, but our news is we're headed to the World in December. Luv wondered aloud if there would be any rooms open just for a few days, a quick trip, just to see the decorations. It was that post on another site (I know JT saw it) with the tree being put up overnight at the Lodge that did it, planted that seed. She checked and there were a few options, including a 1BR at our beloved VWL, a 1BR at BLT, and either a studio or 1BR at SSR. We talked for a few minutes as each has its advantages. . .but, you Groupies know where we opted to stay. I mean, truly there was no other choice. We will go into a couple of parks, but may not actually ride anything--just to see the decorations and hear the music will be enough. All else will be gravy.

Luckily, we're just five hours away and can make this a quick trip. We had points to use, so why not? I guess I'll add our trip to Page 1.

 

[twokats]

Kathy...it's always great to hear from you. Hard to believe that the holidays are finally arriving...and I join you in wishing all a healthy and happy holiday season this year!

Thank you! I also am having a hard time believing the holidays are around the corner. Don't know how much holiday spirit I will get into. We are limited in what we can celebrate at church and not getting to go on a vacation this year has really put me in a Debbie Downer type of attitude.
I hope to change my attitude soon. I have to be a little upbeat for Kati.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Our VWL stay was extended to December 11. Any thoughts on meeting, perhaps by the outside CS? Haven’t eaten there yet, but it’s on our to do list!

Sadly, our December reservations, beginning in HHI and ending at WDW has been cancelled. We also cancelled our pre Thanksgiving Smoky Mountain/Dollywood trip with our Houston family. It seems too risky to us. We will have to be happy with face timing our grandkids!

 

[candyls1]

Hi all! We own at CCV but waitlisted (and got) Boulder Ridge for our Christmas stay because we've never stayed there and my husband didn't really like CCV.

We have a one bedroom and four people going, but my teenage son doesn't want to share a bed with anyone. Has anyone ever used an air mattress, etc in a one bedroom at Boulder and if so, where did you put it and was it doable?

Thanks in advance! And looking forward to trying Boulder at Christmas!

 

[Granny]

Hi all! We own at CCV but waitlisted (and got) Boulder Ridge for our Christmas stay because we've never stayed there and my husband didn't really like CCV.

We have a one bedroom and four people going, but my teenage son doesn't want to share a bed with anyone. Has anyone ever used an air mattress, etc in a one bedroom at Boulder and if so, where did you put it and was it doable?

Thanks in advance! And looking forward to trying Boulder at Christmas!

Candy (we tend to abbreviate names here)...welcome to the VWL Groupies thread!

We have used an air mattress in a 1BR at VWL (aka BRV) and had no problem. I think we ended up with one of my daughters on the sofa (didn't pull it out) and one on the floor on the air mattress. I think there is also room in the front hallway for the air mattress if you want to pull out the sleeper sofa. Either way, we used an air mattress for several trips before we broke down and started using 2BR accommodations when my daughters got older.

I am curious though...what didn't your husband like about CCV? After all, VWL (BRV) is located on the same resort campus. But VWL and CCV share the same resort amenities such as food service, pools and transportation. We prefer VWL because it is set apart from the main lodge, and has its own lobby and charm.

Regardless, I think you will love the lodge at Christmas time. It really fits perfectly with the Christmas decorations and they pipe Christmas music in to replace the usual western themed music. I'm sure you will have a great trip there. Thanks for dropping in!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Ugh went to link my reservations last night and all went well with linking BWV but it wouldn't let me link my VWL reservations. Called Disney and they said the reservation was cancelled. What? Sent a email to the person we bought our points through and we are waiting to hear back. Hoping it was just a simple snafu.

 

[candyls1]

Candy (we tend to abbreviate names here)...welcome to the VWL Groupies thread!

We have used an air mattress in a 1BR at VWL (aka BRV) and had no problem. I think we ended up with one of my daughters on the sofa (didn't pull it out) and one on the floor on the air mattress. I think there is also room in the front hallway for the air mattress if you want to pull out the sleeper sofa. Either way, we used an air mattress for several trips before we broke down and started using 2BR accommodations when my daughters got older.

I am curious though...what didn't your husband like about CCV? After all, VWL (BRV) is located on the same resort campus. But VWL and CCV share the same resort amenities such as food service, pools and transportation. We prefer VWL because it is set apart from the main lodge, and has its own lobby and charm.

Regardless, I think you will love the lodge at Christmas time. It really fits perfectly with the Christmas decorations and they pipe Christmas music in to replace the usual western themed music. I'm sure you will have a great trip there. Thanks for dropping in!

I guess it's because we had a kind of bad first experience there... Upon check in (2 bedroom lockoff) the a/c unit was not working in the master/living room area but the a/c unit in the studio was working. We informed front desk and they said they would send someone to fix it. We went to the parks all day and when we came back that night it was still not fixed. They said they had to replace the unit or something, but never called etc to let us know that. Had to beg to move rooms when we discovered it after getting in late that evening. It was no big deal to most of the fam, but my husband is HOT natured and didn't feel like the front desk really cared too much about our situation (the customer service was less than stellar). Also, I think the modern asthetic of the rooms is not really his thing... Love the lobby of Boulder and thought it would be charming at Christmas. I love CCV, but then again there's not a dvc resort I don't like! Personally though, I think I am starting to really favor those resorts that are strictly dvc (SSR, OKW, Kidani, Bay Lake, etc). Not sure why...Hoping we love Boulder!

 

[sleepydog25]

I guess it's because we had a kind of bad first experience there... Upon check in (2 bedroom lockoff) the a/c unit was not working in the master/living room area but the a/c unit in the studio was working. We informed front desk and they said they would send someone to fix it. We went to the parks all day and when we came back that night it was still not fixed. They said they had to replace the unit or something, but never called etc to let us know that. Had to beg to move rooms when we discovered it after getting in late that evening. It was no big deal to most of the fam, but my husband is HOT natured and didn't feel like the front desk really cared too much about our situation (the customer service was less than stellar). Also, I think the modern asthetic of the rooms is not really his thing... Love the lobby of Boulder and thought it would be charming at Christmas. I love CCV, but then again there's not a dvc resort I don't like! Personally though, I think I am starting to really favor those resorts that are strictly dvc (SSR, OKW, Kidani, Bay Lake, etc). Not sure why...Hoping we love Boulder!

I echo Granny's We've a wealth of experience here, so any questions you might have I'm sure someone can answer it. Also echoing Granny, yes, there is room for an air mattress in a 1BR. A 1BR at VWL will seem a bit more spacious than at CCV. The latter has lovely rooms; however, like your husband, the modern aesthetic is not for me, either. While VWL needs a facelift if I'm blunt, I still prefer the actual theming elements there over the faux theme at CCV. I feel quite certain you'll enjoy your stay at VWL! Again, welcome!

 

[Granny]

I guess it's because we had a kind of bad first experience there... Upon check in (2 bedroom lockoff) the a/c unit was not working in the master/living room area but the a/c unit in the studio was working. We informed front desk and they said they would send someone to fix it. We went to the parks all day and when we came back that night it was still not fixed. They said they had to replace the unit or something, but never called etc to let us know that. Had to beg to move rooms when we discovered it after getting in late that evening. It was no big deal to most of the fam, but my husband is HOT natured and didn't feel like the front desk really cared too much about our situation (the customer service was less than stellar). Also, I think the modern asthetic of the rooms is not really his thing... Love the lobby of Boulder and thought it would be charming at Christmas. I love CCV, but then again there's not a dvc resort I don't like! Personally though, I think I am starting to really favor those resorts that are strictly dvc (SSR, OKW, Kidani, Bay Lake, etc). Not sure why...Hoping we love Boulder!

Candy...I can certainly see how a bad front desk experience could sour someone on a resort. Unfortunately (for your husbands peace of mind), you'll be using that same front desk for this trip. I'm thinking that you just ran into a bad situation that won't be repeated...over our 15+ trips to VWL we have had a number of issues that required help from the front desk, and we were satisfied each time with their service. Here's throwing some Moose Dust (our version of pixie dust) your way that you have a magical trip!

The lobby of VWL is indeed charming all the time, and especially at Christmas. But even before you get that far, you will walk along the covered walkway with the Christmas music being piped in. For me, that is always a big part of the charm. Sometimes it is hard to hear with the luggage wheels clunking along over the wooden planks of the walkway, but when you don't have luggage it is a lovely setting indeed. Enjoy!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I echo Granny's We've a wealth of experience here, so any questions you might have I'm sure someone can answer it. Also echoing Granny, yes, there is room for an air mattress in a 1BR. A 1BR at VWL will seem a bit more spacious than at CCV. The latter has lovely rooms; however, like your husband, the modern aesthetic is not for me, either. While VWL needs a facelift if I'm blunt, I still prefer the actual theming elements there over the faux theme at CCV. I feel quite certain you'll enjoy your stay at VWL! Again, welcome!

During my one stay at CCV I kept wishing I was over in the original - VWL.

And I used to love staying in the main building! It's not like it's torture or anything but given the choice it's VWL every time even if it has that sad off the shelf leaf rug in the living room. (Oh please don't let them screw it up even more in the next refurb.)

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

During my one stay at CCV I kept wishing I was over in the original - VWL.

And I used to love staying in the main building! It's not like it's torture or anything but given the choice it's VWL every time even if it has that sad off the shelf leaf rug in the living room. (Oh please don't let them screw it up even more in the next refurb.)

I was just watching a video that compared the 2 and while CCV was fresh and new I couldn't help but think that it doesn't have the character of the Wilderness Lodge like VWL does. Even though it needs to be freshened up I'm glad I'm staying there.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Got the bugs worked out YAY!. Hey Sleepy can you update my dates? It will now be 4/24-4/27 at BWV and 4/28-5/3 at VWL. Thank you. Been a long time since I stayed at the lodge so if anyone can let me know the best location to request for a deluxe studio I'd appreciate it. I don't wanna end up looking at a dumpster lol

 

[twinklebug]

@candyls1 I can relate to a bad front desk experience at WL, in fact they're the only front desk ever to burn me at WDW, and it was the only complaint I've ever issued.

But, I still Love VWL-BR. A bad experience at the desk is just reflective of one person, not the resort.

Regarding using an air mattress, we've used one in the studio portion before they added the twin under the television.
What I learned: Those door hinges will pop the air mattress if they get too close.
That experience prompted the following words from my son: "Who travels with duct tape?!" (I do 🛠 )

 

[sleepydog25]

Got the bugs worked out YAY!. Hey Sleepy can you update my dates? It will now be 4/24-4/27 at BWV and 4/28-5/3 at VWL. Thank you. Been a long time since I stayed at the lodge so if anyone can let me know the best location to request for a deluxe studio I'd appreciate it. I don't wanna end up looking at a dumpster lol

You're all set on Page 1! As for the location, I suggest high floor near the elevator. Being near the elevator would take the dumpster view out of the equation were you to get that request. The high floor allows for better views of the water should you get lake view; if you get the KAT view @KAT4DISNEY instead, you'd still have a soothing and relaxing view of the woods.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

You're all set on Page 1! As for the location, I suggest high floor near the elevator. Being near the elevator would take the dumpster view out of the equation were you to get that request. The high floor allows for better views of the water should you get lake view; if you get the KAT view @KAT4DISNEY instead, you'd still have a soothing and relaxing view of the woods.

I'll take the Kat view over the dumpster view anytime lol. Thank you!

 

[jimmytammy]

DLI
I’m glad your trip is lining up! Like Sleepy, I would ask for high floor near elevator too.

Sleepy
I’m jealous! Lodge+Christmas=
I told T I could just be happy at the Lodge, hanging out, with the occasional pop over to eat at Epcot or another resort, hang out at GP and TL, just chillaxing. Y’all enjoy

 

[jimmytammy]

Candy
Welcome to the Groupies!!
We have spent many of a night at the Lodge with a blow up mattress in tow. Our DS would use it while our DD would use the pullout. We did this often in studio and 1 beds. We tended to put it in front of the pullout but as mentioned, the new TV and pull down might limit space
If this is the case, if participant is willing, couch could be kept intact and used like that and plenty of space will be there for blow up mattress. Not sure but hope this helps

 

[twinklebug]

Any recommendations for hotel suites that may be compared to a DVC unit in the area north west of Disney (Clermont)? I'll be traveling on family business.

I contemplated renting points and staying in a small room on Disney property where as I feel safe traveling alone, but not sure how that would work out with insurance paying for it.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

DLI
I’m glad your trip is lining up! Like Sleepy, I would ask for high floor near elevator too.

Sleepy
I’m jealous! Lodge+Christmas=
I told T I could just be happy at the Lodge, hanging out, with the occasional pop over to eat at Epcot or another resort, hang out at GP and TL, just chillaxing. Y’all enjoy

Thank you! I'm jealous of Sleepy too. I have been watching videos a lot and I was watching one earlier from the last couple days and oh the Lodge looks so beautiful being all decorated.