Had a 80s flashback last night...we went to see Asia and Journey. Show was very good. I had seen Journey a couple times, and like before, they didnt disappoint. The only thing that could make them better, having Steve Perry back singing.
Asia, 1st time I have seen them. They were great! Carl Palmer who is the drummer(think Emerson, Lake and Palmer)is the best drummer I have seen, and I have seen a lot of them. That dude made the drum solo interesting to watch. Most drummers, its a yawn fest and people start going to the restrooms. No disrespect to drummers, its a tough, physical job, but the drum solo, not many are very interesting.
I know this isn't VWL related but like to share anywho
Plus the Wharf is an outside venue and the concerts are rain or shine. Makes me nervous to spend a good amount of money for tickets, and then risk that we may be sitting through a monsoon to use them. First world problems I know...
I haven't done tons and tons of research on Boulder Ridge just yet but we are also looking into resale here. A smaller contract (around 100 or so points) and I saw one for $85 a point and thought that was good. So I would think $81 would very good. But I am sure the experts here will weigh in and they certainly know better than me.
I did some research and for the prices we are looking at, we would make a profit by selling the rest of our points that we don't use, (or don't use any points) to Dave's Vacataion Club to be rented that year for 14 per point. So yes does seem like a good deal!
Knew I'd find it in MN! I had even looked for that Bobbi but no luck in the store for frozen either although I did not look at the store where we finally found the prepared pie. Lucky me though as the a place I figured would have the pie in MN did - in fact I had a choice between Rhubarb pie and Rhubarb crisp - went with the pie though. Best birthday pie ever!
I didn't even think about that...something to consider if I can't get a small contract.
I for one love the place. The ambiance of the place at night is probably my favorite time to be there. The lanterns flicker, crickets chirp, the western themed music playing faintly in the background, these things and more always come to mind as I daydream about the place. As a kid I loved playing cowboy so as an adult, it invokes memories for me. Its a majestic place too. When you walk in the lobby for the 1st time, you are in awe. They have great trails that lead too Fort Wilderness where wildlife are spotted often. The flowers that grow in front and around the main pool area, beautiful. I could go on and on. But others here have their own thoughts and Im sure will share as well.
A "good deal" is often in the eye of the beholder, and so it is with any DVC purchase. All things being equal, $81 does sound good but that would further depend upon a couple of factors, primarily whether the contract is stripped or loaded. If the contract you're pursuing has no points available until 2018 or even 2019, then the $81 pp loses some of its appeal. On the other hand, if it's loaded--points already available and plentiful--then the $81 price tag becomes a lot more attractive. Another factor to consider is that the VWL (aka BRV) contracts expire in 25 years, thus to some, it's not a good deal regardless of cost as you're only getting half the time of a typical contract. In the end, if you love VWL and its ambiance, and you'll get full use of your points over the next 25 years, then $81 pp is fine.
to the Groupies!
Thanks so much for the pictures of lobby! Does DVC have their own check in? Any dining near the DVC part? Thanks!Villas lobby:
Here is the link to Dave's buying price from DVC holders. https://www.dvcrequest.com/dvc-members.asp It's good to know if you don't use up points, that you can make money on rest! Adds security.
Thank you so much for that introduction! Around how busy would you say the pool areas get? Does the quick service get busy? Seems like a more relaxed resort, so that is a plus! Thanks!$81 a point sound good. We purchased when Villas at WL 1st went on sale in 2001 for $72 per pt, and purchased a 2nd contract at $75 per pt. Since that time we have added on twice at around $85 per pt. VWL(Boulder Ridge) has held its value pretty well over the years.
I think its going to be tough to find anyone here who wont feel they love the resort grounds
The new pool is basically back in the same area where former pool was. As you walk out back of lobby on Bay Lake side, you will bear slightly left and the pool is maybe 20 yards from that point. From what I can tell, they made the pool bigger. Another added feature which several of us ol timers really like so far is the new Geyser Point Bar and Grill. Its a great place to grab a bite or your favorite libation and just hang out. Even on a hot day, the breeze blowing through makes it comfortable.
Bottom line, IMO, you can't go wrong buying here! VWL has always been popular around Dec as Christmas approaches, and having that 11 month window to book here, a big plus. Though anytime of the year is a nice stay here, Dec., well I am partial to the place to start with, but I think its the best place to be!
Thanks for the welcome! The VWL seem like an awesome place to stay! I'll be sure to ask you more questions when the time comes.A "good deal" is often in the eye of the beholder, and so it is with any DVC purchase. All things being equal, $81 does sound good but that would further depend upon a couple of factors, primarily whether the contract is stripped or loaded. If the contract you're pursuing has no points available until 2018 or even 2019, then the $81 pp loses some of its appeal. On the other hand, if it's loaded--points already available and plentiful--then the $81 price tag becomes a lot more attractive. Another factor to consider is that the VWL (aka BRV) contracts expire in 25 years, thus to some, it's not a good deal regardless of cost as you're only getting half the time of a typical contract. In the end, if you love VWL and its ambiance, and you'll get full use of your points over the next 25 years, then $81 pp is fine.
As much as I love my DVC home, I would urge a little caution if you've not actually spent much time at the Lodge. Even if the remaining years on the contract are limited, buying a DVC contract, resale or direct, is a long-term financial commitment. I would want to be absolutely sure that this particular property is the one that speaks to my heart more than any others whether it's a good deal or not. That being said, as JT so lovingly details, there is much to love about the grounds of the Lodge--I've not found another resort so relaxing and so serene as my "home." Hopefully, the new construction won't detract from that too much. In closing,
All check ins take place in the main Lodge lobby--there is no alternate desk in the VWL lobby. Also, no dining there, either, as all the eateries are over in the main Lodge: Whispering Canyon Cafe, Artist Point, Territory Lounge, and once reopened, Roaring Fork. Geyser Point, I suppose, could be considered closer to the VWL section once construction is finished on the new Copper Creek cabins and that area is once again open from the back entrance of the VWL lobby.
In the past, the main pool area has gotten quite busy during the summer months, and I've no real reason to think that will change. The old Hidden Springs pool (the pool associated with DVC) rarely got incredibly busy since it had no "wow" factor for kids (though my daughter loved the bubbles). With the new pool being substantially larger and, well, newer, I suspect it, too, will get quite busy during the warmer months. Many of us who have loved the tranquility of VWL are holding our breaths that the new pool, along with Geyser Point, won't mean a sharp increase in the amount of noise coming from that area. Roaring Fork was always busiest at meal times, and that won't change, but with the advent of Geyser Point, perhaps it won't be quite as busy, especially at lunch. From what I've heard, several people have said GP gets quite crowded at meal times, and having visited GP myself, I will say there isn't a whole lot of seating there.
As much as I love my DVC home, I would urge a little caution if you've not actually spent much time at the Lodge. Even if the remaining years on the contract are limited, buying a DVC contract, resale or direct, is a long-term financial commitment. I would want to be absolutely sure that this particular property is the one that speaks to my heart more than any others whether it's a good deal or not. That being said, as JT so lovingly details, there is much to love about the grounds of the Lodge--I've not found another resort so relaxing and so serene as my "home." Hopefully, the new construction won't detract from that too much. In closing,
I was invited by the tourism board to attend their annual agent meeting. I'll be there app. 10 days I think. I don't have the itinerary yet but I know I need to be in AU on 10/4. I'll be attending workshops, meeting suppliers, touring the Barossa Valley visiting wineries & drinking wine, and visiting one of the wildlife sanctuaries that lets you hold a koala! I love my job! 
I think I'm most excited about holding a koala. That's a bucket list item for me. Super excited but it means postponing my F&W trip or not going at all. I'll probably rent my BCV studio I have reserved for 10/4-10. I have no doubt I can get top dollar for that coveted reservation. I did book a back up trip for later in the month, but of course I couldn't get BCV. Bummed about that. Originally all I could get was SSR but yesterday a Poly studio popped up with my dates available so I switched. I've waitlisted BCV & BWV but I have little hope either of those will come through. PVB is not my favorite but I'll take it over SSR (sorry SSR lovers!). PVB has the better location for my needs.
