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

[sleepydog25]

So question for any DLR experts. @KAT4DISNEY. Not sure who else is on that coast beside Kathy. I'll be arriving (I hope) around noon to DLR on 3/26. I haven't booked air yet, but he flight I want lands at 10:30. That gives me a good chunk of that day, a full day on the 27th, & then I need to leave by 4:30 on 3/28. With such limited time should I bother making any dining reservations? The 26th is my birthday & it's a "big" one so if I was going to reserve something it would probably be this night. Would Napa Rose or a WOC dining package be worth my time or should I just stick to the parks & quick service?

I wouldn't call me an expert, but here is my opinion. As for the WOC, while it's a nice option, unless they've changed the setup, the best seats are NOT those reserved for WOC. To get those, you should get in line early and get down front. That being said, certainly the WOC package would at least set aside some space, though I believe you still have to jockey a bit for those spaces as there is no reserved seat, per se, just a section for those who have the package. If you want a nice dinner, however, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Napa Rose--it's a superb experience. Check the menu to see if it contains items you'd like to eat. I would definitely make a reservation as it's the premier restaurant at Disneyland.

 

[Corinne]

Di we’re going to miss you & Rich, it won’t be the same without you,but, as Jimmy stated, you’ll definitely be there in spirit. I know it’s disappointing to cancel but life does get in the way sometimes. I’m sure Rich’s surgery will go well and he’ll be up and about in no time!

 

[jimmytammy]

Got room #5517 a1 bed just off elevator to left in corner area. We can see pool to our right and GP off a little beyond pool. Great area! Loving being back home!
Had a very good conversation with a CM who checked us in. He spoke a lot about the Carolewood Pacific room, and knowing Stan very well.
He shot a video of Stans last Wonders of Lodge tour and celebrated his final day with him.

 

[sleepydog25]

Got room #5517 a1 bed just off elevator to left in corner area. We can see pool to our right and GP off a little beyond pool. Great area! Loving being back home!
Had a very good conversation with a CM who checked us in. He spoke a lot about the Carolewood Pacific room, and knowing Stan very well.
He shot a video of Stans last Wonders of Lodge tour and celebrated his final day with him.

Is that one of those big corner rooms? Sounds like the right spot. Love those rooms!

 

[horselover]

I wouldn't call me an expert, but here is my opinion. As for the WOC, while it's a nice option, unless they've changed the setup, the best seats are NOT those reserved for WOC. To get those, you should get in line early and get down front. That being said, certainly the WOC package would at least set aside some space, though I believe you still have to jockey a bit for those spaces as there is no reserved seat, per se, just a section for those who have the package. If you want a nice dinner, however, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Napa Rose--it's a superb experience. Check the menu to see if it contains items you'd like to eat. I would definitely make a reservation as it's the premier restaurant at Disneyland.

I'd probably go with the filet if I went. For me it would be worth going just for the wine list. Have you been to Steakhouse 55? That menu looked pretty good too.

Got room #5517 a1 bed just off elevator to left in corner area. We can see pool to our right and GP off a little beyond pool. Great area! Loving being back home!
Had a very good conversation with a CM who checked us in. He spoke a lot about the Carolewood Pacific room, and knowing Stan very well.
He shot a video of Stans last Wonders of Lodge tour and celebrated his final day with him.

We had that room the last time we stayed there! Awesome room. Congrats!

 

[sleepydog25]

I'd probably go with the filet if I went. For me it would be worth going just for the wine list. Have you been to Steakhouse 55? That menu looked pretty good too.

The menu at Steakhouse 55 does look good, albeit expensive. We didn't try it, though. I agree the wine list at NR is wonderful. Overall, I'd have to say the food experience at DL is a touch better than at WDW. Most venues seem. . .fresher. The salads at Redd Rockett's were especially crisp and fresh. The sides at Rancho del Zocalo were house made and tasted wonderful. Wine Country Trattoria had al fresco dining with good food, wine, and views of parades. You'll love it there.

 

[Corinne]

We’re staying at CCV the first two nights....(had to pay cash - gulp), and moving over to VWL on Saturday. I cannot wait to be at our beloved Lodge!!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Happy Birthday, Walter Elias Disney!

 

[horselover]

@bobbiwoz how was Moonlight Magic?

 

[jimmytammy]

Is that one of those big corner rooms? Sounds like the right spot. Love those rooms!

It is! We love it!!

We had that room the last time we stayed there! Awesome room. Congrats!

It is a great room! We got lucky

Happy Birthday, Walter Elias Disney!

Sure is, BTW, we listened to a recent Lou Mongello podcast where he and Jim Korkis, who has a very deep history with the Disney Co. spoke about Walt, the man, not so much the persona but how he really was in his personal life, and a few things you wouldn't know about him. Very good podcast that I recommend

 

[bobbiwoz]

@bobbiwoz how was Moonlight Magic?

Hi! It was fun, but you know, of the 5 of us, only Tom and stayed, and at that, we left after the 11:45 fireworks! I used a scooter, Tom was walking, so we just made a sweep of World Showcase, stopped at Innovation area for snacks after going on the Mexico ride. Had not been on that in at least 15 years, and thought it was cuter than we remembered.

Snacks were plentiful, favorite is Mickey Bar, each had one. Fountain drinks, hot dog, chips, cookie all provided.

These are the only pictures I took. I love the idea of Everlasting Love which is depicted in the first. The display was in Mexico, and is connected with COCO. The tree in Epoct is gorgeous, and the finale of fireworks is a must do for me.

Thank you for asking!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hello! We are now on our 5th day at the world and having lots of fun! This is a girls trip with a friend from college and both of us are fighting colds but still getting out and about. Our poor housekeeper here on concierge level at Jambo House the first day though couldn't figure out when we were finally going to get moving and get out of our room! On Saturday we went over to SeaWorld, a place I haven't been in a very very very very long time so it was fun to see what they had going on there now. They really dress things up for Christmas! We took in two of their shows that evening, one on the Christmas story and then the Shamu Christmas show. Sunday was Epcot for Soarin and fireworks and the candlelight processional with Whoopi Goldberg. Wonderful as always! Yesterday we made it to Animal Kingdom, did Everest and the Safari and then got on flights of Passage. That is such an amazing ride! We have a FastPass again for today before we head over to the Magic Kingdom for the Christmas party. Last night was the moonlight magic event at Epcot which was very enjoyable. We took a look at Frozen which was open but the line was quite long at the start of the evening so we went over and rode Soarin and Living with the Land before getting a hot dog for a late dinner. Then it was back to world showcase for the fireworks! After that we were leaving, but thought we would check on Baymax and Joy and Sadness for photos and managed to get in some short line for them. I had really wanted to try and see Horace and Clarabelle and we ran across them as they were switching but the line was long so we watched for a minute then headed out which actually meant we almost closed down the party and were exiting at 12:50 a.m.!

A few pictures:

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I snagged a ticket to the exclusive wine tasting & meet & greet with Kurt Russell on 12/10!!! Gah!!! So excited & not just for the wine! I've always been a big fan of Kurt Russell. Now what to for my photo op is the question.

Have a great weekend groupie friends!

Can I say I am soooooooo jealous Julie! I debated long and hard about being here that weekend when they announced Kurt Russell for the CPP but it would have meant a split stay and my friend had a couple of things going on at home that it was nice for her to get back to. Then when I saw the meet and greet opportunity announce a few days ago! Ah well, tell him I said hi! Have fun!!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

@Corinne are you going to the MM event on 12/11? I wasn't sure if I was the only groupie to snag a ticket. Would love to finally meet you if you are going.

So question for any DLR experts. @KAT4DISNEY. Not sure who else is on that coast beside Kathy. I'll be arriving (I hope) around noon to DLR on 3/26. I haven't booked air yet, but he flight I want lands at 10:30. That gives me a good chunk of that day, a full day on the 27th, & then I need to leave by 4:30 on 3/28. With such limited time should I bother making any dining reservations? The 26th is my birthday & it's a "big" one so if I was going to reserve something it would probably be this night. Would Napa Rose or a WOC dining package be worth my time or should I just stick to the parks & quick service?

The main possibilities I'd recommend are Napa Rose but it is a longish dining experience, a Fantasmic dining package at Blue Bayou where you'll have a reserved section to be in (sitting on the ground but the Blue Bayou pkg gives you a cushion) or else what might be my top choice is the WOC dessert party where you actually have a seat at a table! The WOC dining isn't worth it IMO because it's standing just like a regular FP and being shorter you still may not be able to see the lower effects if you have people in front of you. There are quite a few very good quick service at DL so dinner isn't usually a problem and reduces the time spent dining although there are good sit down options too. Another place we've had good meals is Carthay Circle! And if you did decide a WOC dining package I wouldn't recommend Wine Country Tratoria. It's fine, just nothing special.

 

[aoconnor]

Made a thread in the Mousecellaneous forum but figured I'd link it here. Per WDWNT, Reunion Station (the supposed community hall for CCV/BRV) will offer a paid lounge experience for DVC members.

Thread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...odge-to-offer-paid-lounge-experience.3651681/

 

[sleepydog25]

Made a thread in the Mousecellaneous forum but figured I'd link it here. Per WDWNT, Reunion Station (the supposed community hall for CCV/BRV) will offer a paid lounge experience for DVC members.

Thread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...odge-to-offer-paid-lounge-experience.3651681/

Thanks for the link! As I stated on that thread, it doesn't appear to be an option in which we'd be very interested. DVC already is a huge financial commitment, and paying even more for some experience only tangentially connected to my ownership seems, well, expensive.

 

[ArielSRL]

Hoping everyone at the World is having a wonderful time. Been a few weeks since I’ve been on the boards. Today was 180 days out for our mostly resort only June trip so I booked our dining: BOG dinner, Sanaa dinner (my DH’s favorite meal), Hoop Dee Doo and WCC for breakfast. We are planning a few QS at RF or GP and one at Polite Pig in DS.

I read that there is a Moonlight Magic event scheduled for June (11th I think), just FYI. We can’t participate as we are resale owners plus we are only doing 4 nights this trip.

Also planning a short 2 night trip in October to do MNSSHP but that will probably be at Pop as we won’t have any points to spare (I already need more!).

 

[ottawagreg]

Confessions of a VWL Groupie. Today I modified a Villas at WL 1 BR, eight night reservation (summer 2018) and moved to Copper Creek 1BR. I feel like a turn coat. But I did it anyway. We honeymooned (1997) there for four or five nights after returning from Royal Caribbean cruise. Eastern Caribbean which was excellent, but I digress. We stayed in the south wing and our balcony had a truly “wilderness” view. When our daughter was six years thru twelve we always stayed in the lodge and we miss it to be honest. Well I do mostly. Anyway I am feeling guilty and will miss the boardwalk to the octagon in our villas. Hopefully this not disqualify me from the group although I would understand if I have forfeited my voting privileges!

By the way. 17 nights until we are back home again. Christmas is coming fast.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Confessions of a VWL Groupie. Today I modified a Villas at WL 1 BR, eight night reservation (summer 2018) and moved to Copper Creek 1BR. I feel like a turn coat. But I did it anyway. We honeymooned (1997) there for four or five nights after returning from Royal Caribbean cruise. Eastern Caribbean which was excellent, but I digress. We stayed in the south wing and our balcony had a truly “wilderness” view. When our daughter was six years thru twelve we always stayed in the lodge and we miss it to be honest. Well I do mostly. Anyway I am feeling guilty and will miss the boardwalk to the octagon in our villas. Hopefully this not disqualify me from the group although I would understand if I have forfeited my voting privileges!

By the way. 17 nights until we are back home again. Christmas is coming fast.

Hey, they are still the Villas at Wilderness Lodge. Just because DVC makes a distinction, does not mean we have to.