Hello WL groupies. Hope you don't mind a post that's long overdue!
I enjoyed my first stay at VWL in January (that's the "long overdue" part!). The stay was wonderful, but our room karma didn't come through this time. Like
horselover, we also requested a lake side, high floor room, but got assigned a 1st floor, bus side room. Okay, I get it. Nearly everyone probably asks for lake view, high floor, and coming from the west coast means a later check-in, so it wasn't meant to be. Perhaps
Kat can relate to that.
But to add to the disappointment, this was also an accessible room, which we don't need or want. I asked politely if another room was available, and at least got a 3rd floor room, but it was still bus side and accessible. I didn't waste much energy being upset about the assignment, as this was only a 2-night stay before moving to SS, and I know everyone gets rooms they don't want sometimes. Plus, I was just thrilled to be there! I do think I'd put up more resistance to an accessible room for a longer stay, as the shower flooding was a big annoyance. I ended up just using the tub (we had a 1-bedroom), but my husband's not much of a tub person.
Speaking of tub...
I loved that tub! So comfy, and I really like the older DVC rooms that still have the folding blinds to the bedroom. It was great to end a day at the park with a bubble bath to soothe my aching feet, a glass of wine, and the football playoffs on TV. Other things I loved about VWL were the Bambi pillows (so cute!) and best of all was the relaxing peace and serenity. Plus, of course, the Lodge itself. Enough said! Two nights weren't nearly enough, but we'll be back in May for a longer stay. That will be at CCV, a home resort, but I'd be happy to stay again at VWL (BRV) any time! My only "nit" about BRV (aside from this particular room assignment) was the tiny size of the safe. But that's a small complaint, as I'm not insistent that we lock up all valuables, only a few things, which did fit. But the safe size surprised me, and if it was important to lock up laptops or other larger items, it would have been more upsetting.
Kat, I agree with everything you said. I'm also crossing fingers that we'll see it one last time in late April/early May. I'm a bit concerned with that, given that Frozen Ever After dessert party hasn't opened up yet for April, which makes me wonder if it will actually end before we get there. Fingers crossed for one last viewing!!
Twinklebug, the same is true for me. We've been enjoying stays at WL since it opened, but I can't remember my first impressions as the stays do blend together. I will say that my first impression wasn't just the lobby, which is of course the big WOW!, but also the first drive down Timberline Lane. I felt instantly transported before we even got to the lodge, and still feel that way today.
Some of my favorite memories include:
- Being the "Flag family."
- Whispering Canyon with a waiter named Chuck Wagon, who pulled all the punches. I have a vague memory of my 8ish-year-old nephew being stood on a chair while Chuck tried to find him a girlfriend. He just went on and on with the teasing, and we all laughed until we cried that night.
- The old character breakfast at Artist Point, when my son and nephew danced with Meeko.
- Many amazing meals all around the resort.
- Having a waiter that made me feel special and remembered at Artist Point.
- Bike rides, boat rides, just "hanging out" at the peaceful lodge enjoying the views, fireplaces, and waterfalls.
- Always requesting, and finally getting, a lake-view room at the end of the south wing. That was the best.view.ever, and will now require a grand villa stay, which might be blocked by Geyser Point. We feel so lucky that we got that view at least once!
- The way we feel now when we're greeted with "Welcome Home!"
I'm on the 2nd floor. At least it's not 1st floor. I would have asked for a different room if it was.
It's been a few days. I'm at BWV now, but I'm so happy to say I'm officially in love with our home all over again. I really did not want to leave & I love being in the Epcot area during festivals. There is a tranquility there that is just magic. My room turned out to be peaceful & super convenient. I loved my stay so much I'm putting in a wait list for my two nights in May. I doubt they will come through at this point, but you never know.
