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

[DVC Jen]

CCV is quite a different feel than VWL. There are some really nice aspects to our 1BR villa, and a few drawbacks. But overall, it’s always great to be at WL.

.

I would love to hear your thoughts about the different feel - the pros and cons in your opinion.

 

[Corinne]

I would love to hear your thoughts about the different feel - the pros and cons in your opinion.

I’m not Granny (lol), but we stayed at CCV for one night prior to our stay at VWL. I am sure I’ve mentioned this before (hopefully Sleepy is not reading this )....but we really loved the rooms at CCV. We were in a 1BR and found it to be appointed very well. I’ll be honest, when we checked into VWL we were a little let down. I think CCV feels more modern and I just like the way they added things like the larger TV’s, lighted makeup mirrors and the overall feel is brighter. We had such a fantastic (courtyard) view at CCV, once checked into VWL, let’s just say, the view was not as nice. More importantly, we found the rooms just felt really tired, despite the fact they’ve been “updated”. The update consisted of the original brown cabinetry pained white and it just felt like the original rooms from 20 years ago. The refurbishments at BWV and BCV seem to be more in line with my taste. The room felt dark and there did not seem to be a lot of attention to detail.

Of course, none of this has deterred us from going back in December! It is still the WL after all!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I’m not Granny (lol), but we stayed at CCV for one night prior to our stay at VWL. I am sure I’ve mentioned this before (hopefully Sleepy is not reading this )....but we really loved the rooms at CCV. We were in a 1BR and found it to be appointed very well. I’ll be honest, when we checked into VWL we were a little let down. I think CCV feels more modern and I just like the way they added things like the larger TV’s, lighted makeup mirrors and the overall feel is brighter. We had such a fantastic (courtyard) view at CCV, once checked into VWL, let’s just say, the view was not as nice. More importantly, we found the rooms just felt really tired, despite the fact they’ve been “updated”. The update consisted of the original brown cabinetry pained white and it just felt like the original rooms from 20 years ago. The refurbishments at BWV and BCV seem to be more in line with my taste. The room felt dark and there did not seem to be a lot of attention to detail.

Of course, none of this has deterred us from going back in December! It is still the WL after all!

Oh dear. The dark room comment from a groupie!

Definitely not an issue for me! I’m happy they were able to still sneak in a bit o color before the World started buying only white paint.

Ok. I’ll add my 1 night comment. The CCV rooms are lighter and have updated lighting options above the bed and sofa that brightens things up. There are some nice little things about the rooms. Ours was a studio and I like the convenience of a master control switch for the lights by the front door so you didn’t have to bother with multiple switches all the time. A little thing but was convenient. I also like that they added a sliding barn door across the bathroom sink area so it can be private vs always open to the room. I disliked the vinyl flooring in the studio. It was a bit slippery when walking around with socks on and made the room more noisy than a VWL studio. I also spent too much time contemplating th design of the dresser and mis-matched knobs on it. It was nice to be back in the main building but I learned that I’ve become a Villas person with it’s quieter atmosphere. When given the choice it’ll be our dark, cozy VWL.

 

[Corinne]

Oh dear. The dark room comment from a groupie!

Definitely not an issue for me! I’m happy they were able to still sneak in a bit o color before the World started buying only white paint. .

I have smelling salts for you Kathy! I don’t like all white paint haha!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I ha pie smelling salts for you Kathy! I don’t like all white paint haha!

Whew!

 

[twokats]

Just a quick note. . .
I got a card that my vet made a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation that a tree would be planted in Chippewa National Forest as a tribute in memory of Maximus!
They have been amazing in remembering him and giving me comfort.

 

[jimmytammy]

Im still one of those folks who liked the old dark browns, greens and burgundy of the past VWL rooms. The recent changes, not so much. I wouldn't want it in my own home, but that was the beauty of it, we were on vacation, we liked sleeping in, taking it easy in the AM. So the dark colors, with curtains closed tight, held the light out, therefore, we got some good rests in those days.
The theming was spot on for a lodge lover!!
On the other hand, we own at BWV and I love the feel of the colors there, but for different reasons. BWV, OKW and BCV scream "get up and go" to me!! Its stuck between 2 parks, therefore, I feel the need to explore, take advantage of being so close. Weird, I know

 

[jimmytammy]

I don’t like all white paint haha!

Being a carpenter/contractor, I too don't like all white. Like to see a bit of color on the walls, not wild and crazy, but a tan, followed by white trim isn't crazy but isn't bland either. I build a lot of cabinets and there was one builder back in the day who built several spec homes and I built the cabinets for him. I asked my contractor Dad who likes things fairly simple, plain so to speak to come by one day to see the job, to see what we were doing for this builder. My Dad walked in, looked around and said(this guy was notorious for painting everything white, walls and trim, no distinction between the 2)"looks like a hospital"
I bout lost my lunch laughing

 

[GGGT]

Hey Groupies!

We checked in to CCV yesterday and spent a lovely evening with D Dad and Di. As always, it was fun and Geyser Point remains a jewel in the Wilderness Lodge amenities.,,,,,,,
.

Have a great trip!

 

[Granny]

I would love to hear your thoughts about the different feel - the pros and cons in your opinion.

Well, we are in a 1BR and the layout is very different which contributes to the different feel. And the decor is definitely lighter and more “modern” feeling than VWL.

I’m typing with one finger on an iPad so I won’t go into a lot of detail. Let’s just say that I like the kitchen galley style (which I thought I’d hate). And lots of storage in the living room area if someone is using that area to sleep in.

The main thing I don’t like is the lack of a closet in the main bedroom. There is a small armoire that can hang up about 5 garments or so, but the only real closet is the one by the front foyer. I will admit that there is more drawer space in the bedroom but I like to hang clothes up so all my stuff is in the hall closet. My wife says the armoire is fine but there is no way I could share it with her.

Lastly, and this is not a pro or con...it’s just an observation. The villa we are in is significantly noisier than any we have stayed in at VWL. We of course can hear people in the pool until 11:00 or later each night. And I wasn’t aware of how loud the geyser is and that it goes off all night long. And since we are much closer to the dock, we can more clearly hear the boat horns starting around 7:00 each morning. We do not mind the noise, but it is significantly different from VWL. My guess is that the noise would be much less if we were across the hall looking at VWL and the pool there.

Overall, I’d say that CCV is a great resort. A little lighter, more modern feeling and noisier than VWL but that part of being in the Lodge. I like the cozy seclusion of VWL but CCV is a nice change of pace while still enjoying the amenities of Wilderness Lodge.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Lastly, and this is not a pro or con...it’s just an observation. The villa we are in is significantly noisier than any we have stayed in at VWL. We of course can hear people in the pool until 11:00 or later each night. And I wasn’t aware of how loud the geyser is and that it goes off all night long. And since we are much closer to the dock, we can more clearly hear the boat horns starting around 7:00 each morning. We do not mind the noise, but it is significantly different from VWL. My guess is that the noise would be much less if we were across the hall looking at VWL and the pool there.

All night long? That's a change. It used to have a "sleep" time too afaik. More than once we stood around in the late evening to see the show only to find it was done for the day.

 

[DVC Jen]

Thanks for all of the opinions on CCV vs VWL.

I have to admit I am one who LOVED the old decor so much my house is pretty much decorated as closely as I could get it to the old VWL. Heck even our pool was designed to have the feeling of the old pool at the villas. The pool builder and landscaper thought I had lost my mind when I said I did not want ANY palm trees or tropical plants and NO "Texas rock" because the color was more of an orange or rust color. So we had to pay more to get rock brought in from Arkansas (blacks, grays, blues). But in the end we are very happy with it.

When I saw the photos of the decor from CCV I was not in love with it. It is OK - but has never pulled at my heartstrings like the old decor from our villas did.

Now with that said - I am sure we will try CCV in the future - but there is just something special about our quiet little corner of WDW.

 

[Corinne]

So I feel I need to explain myself. I have and always will LOVE the WL. The theming, IMO, is one of the best on property. I think the stay at CCV followed directly by the VWL stay made us realize they did not “modernize” the rooms when they refurbished....i.e. larger television screens, the silly, but important to me lighted makeup mirror (I’m old I need magnification to put on makeup)!

We’re here at the World now, staying at BLT in a LV Studio. First impressions....we waited forever for our room. We checked in at 10:AM yesterday and by 3:30 we had not received the text so decided to inquire. It actually wasn’t quite ready, but within 10 minutes it was. I understand they technically have until 4:00, but even the CM at the front desk said, “oh you checked in at 10!”

The room is on the 7th floor and feels very small, I think mostly because we do not normally stay in studios, but it’s fine for just the two of us. I am thinking I’m going to need to waitlist a 1BR for December though. The view is lovely! I’m typing from our balcony this morning enjoying my coffee and the sound of the fountain, and the gorgeous sunrise! They are doing a lot of painting here so many workers will be starting their day soon.

Yesterday we went to the MK for a while - I love how accessible it is from BLT. In the evening we rode Soarin and had dinner at Via Napoli. After dinner we went to see Don Felder perform. He was absolutely fantastic! Honestly, one of the best performances we’ve seen at Epcot!

Today we’re headed to Studios and Groupie Meet tonight!

 

[sleepydog25]

I’m not Granny (lol), but we stayed at CCV for one night prior to our stay at VWL. I am sure I’ve mentioned this before (hopefully Sleepy is not reading this )....but we really loved the rooms at CCV. We were in a 1BR and found it to be appointed very well. I’ll be honest, when we checked into VWL we were a little let down. I think CCV feels more modern and I just like the way they added things like the larger TV’s, lighted makeup mirrors and the overall feel is brighter. We had such a fantastic (courtyard) view at CCV, once checked into VWL, let’s just say, the view was not as nice. More importantly, we found the rooms just felt really tired, despite the fact they’ve been “updated”. The update consisted of the original brown cabinetry pained white and it just felt like the original rooms from 20 years ago. The refurbishments at BWV and BCV seem to be more in line with my taste. The room felt dark and there did not seem to be a lot of attention to detail.

Of course, none of this has deterred us from going back in December! It is still the WL after all!

Yeah, you thought you could sneak this one by me, Corinne! Actually, I mostly agree with you on your observations of room differences. We stayed in a studio for four nights back in March, so although I'm also not Granny, here are my thoughts. The rooms are definitely nice and newer, and in some instances, that's a good thing. Certainly, the cleaner look is appealing. My primary issue is that this "cleaner lines" look sacrifices that overall lodge-y feeling. There are some minor touches, but without the view off your balcony, I could wake up in this studio or most any other of the newly finished/refurbished studios and not be totally sure where I was. At VWL, the rooms are a bit dated and tired to use Corinne's term. They could definitely use a freshening--the last refurb four years ago (?) was mostly a slap-dash affair, and it probably won't get much better in future redos since VWL's contracts run out in 23 years. That being said, there is a homey feel to VWL that CC simply can't give you. CC certainly puts you closer to the "action," too. You're steps from the main lobby, shopping, eating, and closer to the boat dock. If you like to be near the center of attention at a resort, then CC is the way to go vs. VWL. Conversely, we enjoy the stand alone VWL vibe, as well as the ability to get to Sturdy Branches much more easily. We also felt the main lobby was much noisier than in the past, likely due to the increased crowds waiting to get into the Snow White character meal from 4 to 9 p.m. While it didn't bother us in the room, to be fair, once outside the room, it just had more of a clamor to it. Obviously, hanging around the VWL lobby is much quieter, though anyone can use that lobby. Finally, and this is a criticism I've read a few times, the hot water at CC was annoying. I timed it each morning, and it would take between 8-10 minutes to get warm water for a shower. While that's not a deal breaker, it was disappointing. And for a corporation who prides itself on conserving resources and the environment, that's a huge waste of water if repeated numerous times in numerous rooms over the course of a year.

Overall, CC is going to feel like a new car, albeit one with not as much character as one you might love but is getting older. We'll gladly stay in CC again, but VWL is still our sentimental favorite.

Edited to add: Oh, yes, I'm not a fan of galley kitchens (see pics below)--just a personal preference. Luv is fine with them. And storage is a bit tight, though far better than VGF since you can actually slide your suitcases under the bed. But, given the existing "bones" that the designers had to us, then the rooms at CC generally are smaller; however, it wasn't terribly noticeable since we are just a couple.

 

[Granny]

Just to be clear, the CCV decor is far from white. You can see the nice green cabinets and wood features in this photo







And the headboard for the king bed is certainly the most unique item in the villa:





There is a nod to the Groupies favorite animal:





So overall I am okay with the decor.

 

[Granny]

But this is what they have for closet space in the master bedroom. Just doesn’t cut it for me.

 

[twinklebug]

But this is what they have for closet space in the master bedroom. Just doesn’t cut it for me.

View attachment 399296

Thanks for the pics Granny, some of the better ones that I've seen (and I've seen a lot)
I don't hang up much, but that closet is different, not sure I like having my clothes stacked in a line like that. I like the spaces for shirts, pants or even shoes though.
I thought I saw that there are a couple of larger closets out by the entryway? One for jackets and quick grab to go items (like umbrellas) and the other with the vacuum in it.

 

[DenLo]

You have drawers under the TV too in the Master bedroom, which I like. I am not sure why Disney thinks we don't need a closet to hang up some of our clothes. We all don't always wear only tee shirts and shorts. Maybe they need to make the master bathrooms smaller? LOL -- just kidding.

The headboard is really unique, it fits in with the Wilderness theme. I really like the window between the bathroom and the bedroom. Before CCV opened, the lights were left on in the bathrooms and you could see the bathroom window while standing in the courtyard area near the main pool. They were gorgeous. It looked like a slice of quartz.

 

[Tigg’s gramma]

I’ve been enjoying the comments on your board and I’d like some advice from the people who know Wilderness Lodge the best. My family stayed in the villas in 2013 and liked it very much, especially the quiet. We thought about Copper Creek this time because the Boulder villas haven’t been refurbished. How likely is it to be able to secure enough points to rent a two bedroom as well as a one bedroom villa for May 2020?

 

[sleepydog25]

I’ve been enjoying the comments on your board and I’d like some advice from the people who know Wilderness Lodge the best. My family stayed in the villas in 2013 and liked it very much, especially the quiet. We thought about Copper Creek this time because the Boulder villas haven’t been refurbished. How likely is it to be able to secure enough points to rent a two bedroom as well as a one bedroom villa for May 2020?

Largely, it depends on how much you are willing to pay. Are you renting points or paying cash? If it's the former, then of course you'll have to contact a broker or a CC owner direct and get the rooms booked next month (the 11-month point). While there will be some availability at Copper Creek after that, I'm not sure how long you can wait and still get both of those requests.

The going rate through most brokers is around $18 a point, though you might find some less expensive. For a week in a 1BR at CC, you'll need 255 points. For a 2BR during that same time, you'll need 318 points. You can do the math from there. Of course, if you're not staying an entire week, then your cost will be less. The points for a weekday stay (Sun-Thu) is 35 pts a night for a 1BR, 44 pts per night for a 2BR. Weekend (Fri and Sat) nights are 40 and 49 points, respectively. Now, if your question is can I actually find that many points, my guess is "probably so" as long as you're ready to commit sooner rather than later. Hope this helps!