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

Alrighty everyone. Sadly our first ever stay at Boulder Ridge is coming to a close today . I can’t say enough about the whole Wilderness Lodge Resort area though. I may be guilty of being a “the last place I stayed is always my favorite resort” kind of person but boy oh boy do I love it here! For the time being we’re fortunate to have access to points via family and a close family friend that has allowed us to experience DVC 4 times now. At this point in our life we simply can’t afford DVC responsibly even via resale but a contract here would be incredibly tempting.

Studio Villa worked out great for my crew. My 3.5yo DD loved the Murphy bed. I was a bit concerned she might struggle with rolling out or something but it’s been a fantastic option for her. We also found the room to have plenty of storage for our groceries and other items and even enough space for us to leave the double stroller up in the entry area at night.

The pools have been a lot of fun as well. I enjoy how peaceful the Boulder Ridge pool is but it is nice that the Copper Creek pool goes to 5ft deep on the one side.

I really hope we get to come back soon. My parents, who we travel with often, are big CCV fans so I’m sure that’ll be an option at some point in the future.
 
It's a $6 fee for each run the bellhop makes to your room with your grocery deliveries (not per bag). So, say you have a delivery from Nestle Waters, one from Amazon Prime Now, and one from Amazon Whole Foods (they're run separately), but you choose to have them all brought up to your room together, that is only one $6 fee.

Thanks for the information!
 
Alrighty everyone. Sadly our first ever stay at Boulder Ridge is coming to a close today . I can’t say enough about the whole Wilderness Lodge Resort area though. I may be guilty of being a “the last place I stayed is always my favorite resort” kind of person but boy oh boy do I love it here! For the time being we’re fortunate to have access to points via family and a close family friend that has allowed us to experience DVC 4 times now. At this point in our life we simply can’t afford DVC responsibly even via resale but a contract here would be incredibly tempting.

Studio Villa worked out great for my crew. My 3.5yo DD loved the Murphy bed. I was a bit concerned she might struggle with rolling out or something but it’s been a fantastic option for her. We also found the room to have plenty of storage for our groceries and other items and even enough space for us to leave the double stroller up in the entry area at night.

The pools have been a lot of fun as well. I enjoy how peaceful the Boulder Ridge pool is but it is nice that the Copper Creek pool goes to 5ft deep on the one side.

I really hope we get to come back soon. My parents, who we travel with often, are big CCV fans so I’m sure that’ll be an option at some point in the future.


Thanks so much for circling back with us to share your impressions of BRV and the Wilderness Lodge campus. I'm so glad to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed the resort and its amenities. I'm also glad to hear that you are being responsible about the DVC ownership decision...it is definitely a luxury purchase and shouldn't be purchased if it will mess up your family finances.

And your parents (the CCV fans) have great tastes in resorts! :thumbsup2




Most often that is the case, but due to scheduling vagaries, on occasion the bus will head to FW then to MK. That happened to me on our last trip back in March. It wasn't much of a detour, to be sure, but still worth noting that on occasion--perhaps a maintenance issue--it can happen.


Sleepy...thanks for posting this caveat about the buses to MK...that's good to know and share. This was our first trip to ever use the MK bus and we found it to be excellent. As with any bus route, changes can be made at any time but while we were there they went direct to MK and back. As you say, even with a FW stop it is a good option as an alternative to the boats.
 
Alrighty everyone. Sadly our first ever stay at Boulder Ridge is coming to a close today . I can’t say enough about the whole Wilderness Lodge Resort area though. I may be guilty of being a “the last place I stayed is always my favorite resort” kind of person but boy oh boy do I love it here! For the time being we’re fortunate to have access to points via family and a close family friend that has allowed us to experience DVC 4 times now. At this point in our life we simply can’t afford DVC responsibly even via resale but a contract here would be incredibly tempting.

Studio Villa worked out great for my crew. My 3.5yo DD loved the Murphy bed. I was a bit concerned she might struggle with rolling out or something but it’s been a fantastic option for her. We also found the room to have plenty of storage for our groceries and other items and even enough space for us to leave the double stroller up in the entry area at night.

The pools have been a lot of fun as well. I enjoy how peaceful the Boulder Ridge pool is but it is nice that the Copper Creek pool goes to 5ft deep on the one side.

I really hope we get to come back soon. My parents, who we travel with often, are big CCV fans so I’m sure that’ll be an option at some point in the future.
So nice to hear you had a great stay! Now that you've found WL, I know you'll be back. It's an addiction.
BTW, I think you would have loved the old BR pool, it was over my head at some points. #NotLettingItGo LOL

Most often that is the case, but due to scheduling vagaries, on occasion the bus will head to FW then to MK. That happened to me on our last trip back in March. It wasn't much of a detour, to be sure, but still worth noting that on occasion--perhaps a maintenance issue--it can happen.
Glad to hear I'm not the only one who has hit the non-direct to MK buses. In fact, every trip seemed to have that side trip built in. Didn't bother me much as I love the Fort too, but the parking lot is not the same as the campground itself.
 


Alrighty everyone. Sadly our first ever stay at Boulder Ridge is coming to a close today . I can’t say enough about the whole Wilderness Lodge Resort area though. I may be guilty of being a “the last place I stayed is always my favorite resort” kind of person but boy oh boy do I love it here! For the time being we’re fortunate to have access to points via family and a close family friend that has allowed us to experience DVC 4 times now. At this point in our life we simply can’t afford DVC responsibly even via resale but a contract here would be incredibly tempting.

Studio Villa worked out great for my crew. My 3.5yo DD loved the Murphy bed. I was a bit concerned she might struggle with rolling out or something but it’s been a fantastic option for her. We also found the room to have plenty of storage for our groceries and other items and even enough space for us to leave the double stroller up in the entry area at night.

The pools have been a lot of fun as well. I enjoy how peaceful the Boulder Ridge pool is but it is nice that the Copper Creek pool goes to 5ft deep on the one side.

I really hope we get to come back soon. My parents, who we travel with often, are big CCV fans so I’m sure that’ll be an option at some point in the future.
So glad you had a great time at the place we all call "home." There is a certain magic about the place that's hard to describe and that you don't find at other resorts. Agree with Granny that you're smart not to take the plunge right now. As wonderful as DVC is, it's a huge financial commitment, especially those pesky dues. We hope you'll come back and check in with us often!

I've only checked in occasionally of late due to teaching and coaching, mostly the latter. I'm the girls varsity tennis coach, and though over half my team only picked up a racket for the first time back in late February, we managed to get through the district tourney as the #3 seed, so on to the regionals. Part of the reason has to do with my #1 seed girl who is undefeated this season and who just won the singles district championship (and MVP of the district) today. She might get to state playoffs, and she's only a junior. Anyway, I've traveled an hour and 20 minutes one way every day so far this week except Monday, so I'm a bit fatigued. Always love hearing of people who fall in love with the Lodge, though.
 
Sleepy - Pixie Dust for you and the Tennis Team! pixiedust: And by the way, a team never does well with a lousy Coach, so don't sell yourself short! Congrats and Good Luck! :cheer2:
 
I've only checked in occasionally of late due to teaching and coaching, mostly the latter. I'm the girls varsity tennis coach, and though over half my team only picked up a racket for the first time back in late February, we managed to get through the district tourney as the #3 seed, so on to the regionals. Part of the reason has to do with my #1 seed girl who is undefeated this season and who just won the singles district championship (and MVP of the district) today. She might get to state playoffs, and she's only a junior. Anyway, I've traveled an hour and 20 minutes one way every day so far this week except Monday, so I'm a bit fatigued. Always love hearing of people who fall in love with the Lodge, though.

This is so cool. I don't know how I missed that you were coaching tennis. Congrats on taking the team to the regionals!
In time you forget the travel and remember the joy (and associated heartache) of the games.
 


Just had to share my excitement with my groupie family. Two weeks from today we will begin our drive to WDW. Will stay 2 nights at POR (non park days - have always wanted to check it out). Then we move to BWV (first time there) for the next 10 nights. That is when our park days begin. Woohoo Can't wait. And now I really need to share a VERY proud Mom moment with my groupies. Not Disney related - but so exciting for my youngest daughter. The Austin band she is a part of was reviewed by MTV news today. A very NICE review. The song they mentioned and the video linked was choreographed by my daughter Emily. She is the dancer with the short dark hair pulled halfway back. http://www.mtv.com/news/3124397/bop..._Z3Vraq-3WvgZh-2qJJEBc48XzHQze9RRULavLZBzfVmY

OK - you have indulged me - now back to Disney. :D

Edited to add - the band name is TC Superstar
 
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Just had to share my excitement with my groupie family. Two weeks from today we will begin our drive to WDW. Will stay 2 nights at POR (non park days - have always wanted to check it out). Then we move to BWV (first time there) for the next 10 nights. That is when our park days begin. Woohoo Can't wait. And now I really need to share a VERY proud Mom moment with my groupies. Not Disney related - but so exciting for my youngest daughter. The Austin band she is a part of was reviewed by MTV news today. A very NICE review. The song they mentioned and the video linked was choreographed by my daughter Emily. She is the dancer with the short dark hair pulled halfway back. http://www.mtv.com/news/3124397/bop..._Z3Vraq-3WvgZh-2qJJEBc48XzHQze9RRULavLZBzfVmY

OK - you have indulged me - now back to Disney. :D

Jen...well, you just have exciting news at every turn!

Enjoy your upcoming visit to WDW! What type of room view category do you have at BWV? I'm sure you'll enjoy it quite a bit whereever your room is located.

And congratulations for your daughter. That's great to hear that she and her band are doing so well! By the way, the link you provided had several bands and videos...which one is your daughter's band?

Very exciting times for you...and have a wonderful trip! :)
 
Just had to share my excitement with my groupie family. Two weeks from today we will begin our drive to WDW. Will stay 2 nights at POR (non park days - have always wanted to check it out). Then we move to BWV (first time there) for the next 10 nights. That is when our park days begin. Woohoo Can't wait. And now I really need to share a VERY proud Mom moment with my groupies. Not Disney related - but so exciting for my youngest daughter. The Austin band she is a part of was reviewed by MTV news today. A very NICE review. The song they mentioned and the video linked was choreographed by my daughter Emily. She is the dancer with the short dark hair pulled halfway back. http://www.mtv.com/news/3124397/bop..._Z3Vraq-3WvgZh-2qJJEBc48XzHQze9RRULavLZBzfVmY

OK - you have indulged me - now back to Disney. :D

Jen, which video, as there are several on the page....

All good news for you! Very exciting! We love the BWV...I think we’ve probably stayed there and BCV more than any other DVC property.
 
We are staying at Boulder Ridge for the first time later this year. We are in a dedicated 2 bedroom. Any suggestions/recommendations on room requests? Traveling with 2 kids who like to swim.
 
Sleepy - Pixie Dust for you and the Tennis Team! pixiedust: And by the way, a team never does well with a lousy Coach, so don't sell yourself short! Congrats and Good Luck! :cheer2:
This is so cool. I don't know how I missed that you were coaching tennis. Congrats on taking the team to the regionals!
In time you forget the travel and remember the joy (and associated heartache) of the games.
Thanks, guys! I might have only mentioned the coaching in passing some time ago. Our season begins in late Feb when practices are first allowed--naturally, the weather at that time of year here in the mountains of southwest VA means that court time is hit or miss since they're all outside. Our first match takes place three weeks later--weather permitting--and then goes on for a long time given we have frequent postponements due to spring weather. Anyway, I have 9 core girls who lasted the whole season, and 5 of them had never picked up a racket in earnest until February. We compete in a small district, and my #1 and #2 seeds are good, especially #1. We managed to win enough matches, including a go or stay home match on the last day of regular season, to advance to district and guarantee a slot in regionals. By the way, the first 2/3 of my season I was also directing the spring play for the high school, so I was constantly on the run from rehearsal to practice or vice versa.

We are staying at Boulder Ridge for the first time later this year. We are in a dedicated 2 bedroom. Any suggestions/recommendations on room requests? Traveling with 2 kids who like to swim.
Welcome! I feel confident in saying you'll love your stay at VWL (sorry, as an old-timer, I prefer to use the original name pirate:)--it's quite unlike any other resort. As for a room request, there is no place at the Lodge that is far away from any other area such as the pools. Being that you're in VWL, then the new Boulder Ridge pool will be closest. . .by about a two-minute walk. ;) It is zero entry if that matters. If you prefer a slide, then you'll have to take that two-minute walk over to the main pool. I would suggest asking for a lake view room on a higher floor. That allows you to see the pool, the lake, and some cabins which means a great view of EWP each night. Some on here may suggest close to elevators which is a nice idea, as well, though to be honest, the hallways at VWL aren't all that long--nothing like, say, AKL. Again, welcome to our merry band of Groupies!
 
Welcome! I feel confident in saying you'll love your stay at VWL (sorry, as an old-timer, I prefer to use the original name pirate:)--it's quite unlike any other resort. As for a room request, there is no place at the Lodge that is far away from any other area such as the pools. Being that you're in VWL, then the new Boulder Ridge pool will be closest. . .by about a two-minute walk. ;) It is zero entry if that matters. If you prefer a slide, then you'll have to take that two-minute walk over to the main pool. I would suggest asking for a lake view room on a higher floor. That allows you to see the pool, the lake, and some cabins which means a great view of EWP each night. Some on here may suggest close to elevators which is a nice idea, as well, though to be honest, the hallways at VWL aren't all that long--nothing like, say, AKL. Again, welcome to our merry band of Groupies!

We have been to Whispering Canyon but have never stayed. I am excited to try it out. I think the kids will love it. Thanks for all the info and the recommendations!
 
We're prepping our trips for the fall here. Multiples as my daughter and I will be hitting up Food & Wine/MNSSHP for the first time ever in Oct, and then in December I have s 5 day trip for my son and his wife - having them stay club level at Jambo. I have a standard room booked for myself so that I can get to see them that once every year... or so, if I can keep hold of the trip. (Still job hunting... it all hinges on landing something soon. I could wallpaper my house with printouts of all the rejection emails I've gotten. )


Thanks, guys! I might have only mentioned the coaching in passing some time ago. Our season begins in late Feb when practices are first allowed--naturally, the weather at that time of year here in the mountains of southwest VA means that court time is hit or miss since they're all outside. Our first match takes place three weeks later--weather permitting--and then goes on for a long time given we have frequent postponements due to spring weather. Anyway, I have 9 core girls who lasted the whole season, and 5 of them had never picked up a racket in earnest until February. We compete in a small district, and my #1 and #2 seeds are good, especially #1. We managed to win enough matches, including a go or stay home match on the last day of regular season, to advance to district and guarantee a slot in regionals. By the way, the first 2/3 of my season I was also directing the spring play for the high school, so I was constantly on the run from rehearsal to practice or vice versa.

That is amazing. It's such a great personality building exercise to reach out of one's comfort zone to try something new. Teams seem to be the best way to go for that. Let us know how the kids do in the regionals!
 
Alrighty everyone. Sadly our first ever stay at Boulder Ridge is coming to a close today . I can’t say enough about the whole Wilderness Lodge Resort area though. I may be guilty of being a “the last place I stayed is always my favorite resort” kind of person but boy oh boy do I love it here! For the time being we’re fortunate to have access to points via family and a close family friend that has allowed us to experience DVC 4 times now. At this point in our life we simply can’t afford DVC responsibly even via resale but a contract here would be incredibly tempting.

Studio Villa worked out great for my crew. My 3.5yo DD loved the Murphy bed. I was a bit concerned she might struggle with rolling out or something but it’s been a fantastic option for her. We also found the room to have plenty of storage for our groceries and other items and even enough space for us to leave the double stroller up in the entry area at night.

The pools have been a lot of fun as well. I enjoy how peaceful the Boulder Ridge pool is but it is nice that the Copper Creek pool goes to 5ft deep on the one side.

I really hope we get to come back soon. My parents, who we travel with often, are big CCV fans so I’m sure that’ll be an option at some point in the future.
Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay! We here are sorta partial to the place too:goodvibes Dont be a stranger as we are not a select group, our only requirement is a love of the Lodge:thumbsup2
I've only checked in occasionally of late due to teaching and coaching, mostly the latter. I'm the girls varsity tennis coach, and though over half my team only picked up a racket for the first time back in late February, we managed to get through the district tourney as the #3 seed, so on to the regionals. Part of the reason has to do with my #1 seed girl who is undefeated this season and who just won the singles district championship (and MVP of the district) today. She might get to state playoffs, and she's only a junior. Anyway, I've traveled an hour and 20 minutes one way every day so far this week except Monday, so I'm a bit fatigued. Always love hearing of people who fall in love with the Lodge, though.
Congrats Sleepy!! How very cool that you guys made it to regionals!!
Just had to share my excitement with my groupie family. Two weeks from today we will begin our drive to WDW. Will stay 2 nights at POR (non park days - have always wanted to check it out). Then we move to BWV (first time there) for the next 10 nights. That is when our park days begin. Woohoo Can't wait. And now I really need to share a VERY proud Mom moment with my groupies. Not Disney related - but so exciting for my youngest daughter. The Austin band she is a part of was reviewed by MTV news today. A very NICE review. The song they mentioned and the video linked was choreographed by my daughter Emily. She is the dancer with the short dark hair pulled halfway back. http://www.mtv.com/news/3124397/bop..._Z3Vraq-3WvgZh-2qJJEBc48XzHQze9RRULavLZBzfVmY

OK - you have indulged me - now back to Disney. :D
Exciting!! I will check out the video::yes::



We are staying at Boulder Ridge for the first time later this year. We are in a dedicated 2 bedroom. Any suggestions/recommendations on room requests? Traveling with 2 kids who like to swim.
We love the corner rooms in the atrium near the elevators, mostly because of the awesome layout.
 
Jen...well, you just have exciting news at every turn!

Enjoy your upcoming visit to WDW! What type of room view category do you have at BWV? I'm sure you'll enjoy it quite a bit whereever your room is located.

And congratulations for your daughter. That's great to hear that she and her band are doing so well! By the way, the link you provided had several bands and videos...which one is your daughter's band?

Very exciting times for you...and have a wonderful trip! :)


We have a one bedroom - boardwalk view. And sorry - they are TC Superstar. In my excitement for them I must have forgotten to mention that. LOL
 
Jen, which video, as there are several on the page....

All good news for you! Very exciting! We love the BWV...I think we’ve probably stayed there and BCV more than any other DVC property.

Sorry TC Superstar
 

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