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

[Suzabella]

I thought all the announcements were...meh.

With all the issues with intoxicated adults at WDW that we've been hearing about, it's a great idea to put in another location that serves alcohol. I'm assuming a pirate themed type Oga's Cantina is what they have in mind for the Tortuga Tavern idea.

And I've read on the boards that there are rumblings that they're going to ramp up the construction (Reflections) of the DVC at Ft. Wilderness. I really hope those are just rumors.

 

[sleepydog25]

And I've read on the boards that there are rumblings that they're going to ramp up the construction (Reflections) of the DVC at Ft. Wilderness. I really hope those are just rumors.

At this point, I've actually flipped a little and wouldn't mind--more accurately, care--if they did resume work on Reflections. Why? I hated the idea when they started because I knew it would remove some of the wilderness feel to both the Lodge and FW. Further, it shut down the walkway between those two resorts and threatened to disrupt the tranquility of that stretch of property. Well, they've not reopened the space at all, and if it's going to languish in anonymity and disrepair, I'd prefer they actually put something in that space that would serve a purpose.

 

[GGGT]

At this point, I've actually flipped a little and wouldn't mind--more accurately, care--if they did resume work on Reflections. Why? I hated the idea when they started because I knew it would remove some of the wilderness feel to both the Lodge and FW. Further, it shut down the walkway between those two resorts and threatened to disrupt the tranquility of that stretch of property. Well, they've not reopened the space at all, and if it's going to languish in anonymity and disrepair, I'd prefer they actually put something in that space that would serve a purpose.

I agree. Loved the walk between WL and FW. Also, closing MBYBBQ was a blow to us. We would go every trip and our youngest 2 Grand Children were never able to experience it.

 

[Suzabella]

I don't have an issue with them building on that parcel but I wasn't exactly thrilled with the design. The theming was good with Pocohontas but building a very modern structure in that location seemed out of place. If I'm remembering correctly, it looks like the plans for Poly. I expect it the new rendition look very much like the cabins illustrations.

 

[mjlass11]

What kind of coffee makers at Wilderness Lodge? I will be stopping at target on our way and am wondering if I should pick up K cups or coffee with filters. Thanks my pants.

 

[DonMacGregor]

What kind of coffee makers at Wilderness Lodge? I will be stopping at target on our way and am wondering if I should pick up K cups or coffee with filters. Thanks my pants.

They are Keurig Duos. They have both a K-Cup side, and a brew basket side with carafe.

 

[twinklebug]

I don't have an issue with them building on that parcel but I wasn't exactly thrilled with the design. The theming was good with Pocohontas but building a very modern structure in that location seemed out of place. If I'm remembering correctly, it looks like the plans for Poly. I expect it the new rendition look very much like the cabins illustrations.

While I liked the interior, the exterior design had far too many stark angles to it. I grew up swimming at River Country in that location and had hoped the resort design would echo that same vibe: bring a focus to the movement of water and rock work (even if faked), not highlight man made beams just because they can.

Some have compared the design to Frank Lloyd Wright's designs, and I see that. But FLW has been incorrectly labeled as blending nature with structure and that's not what he did at all. His designs forced man's hand upon nature without modifying nature too much. I don't care for any of his designs as, to me, they're ugly and they miss the natural component that we've now learned to embrace.

 

[Granny]

And I've read on the boards that there are rumblings that they're going to ramp up the construction (Reflections) of the DVC at Ft. Wilderness. I really hope those are just rumors.

I'm okay with Disney resuming construction and finishing Reflections. Not because I think there is any real need for a DVC resort there, but hopefully it will accomplish two things that would make my VWL stays more enjoyable.

1. Once completed there will be no reason to keep the walking path closed between WL and FW. I'd love to see that open again.

2. I think if they are selling Reflections, they will bring back the Bay Lake boats. It will be another selling point for the resort, which is the only thing I can think of that will entice Disney into putting the resort boats back in service on Bay Lake.

 

[Granny]

Hi Groupies!
Hope you are all well. Quick question - are there any discounted 1 day passes available? We are going the day after Thanksgiving and the first (2) days are AP blackout days.

Corinne…I am not aware of any such discounts, but I don't think anyone answered this and I didn’t want it to get lost in the shuffle. Hopefully someone knows a site for discounted day passes.

 

[TCRAIG]

Hi Groupies!
Hope you are all well. Quick question - are there any discounted 1 day passes available? We are going the day after Thanksgiving and the first (2) days are AP blackout days.

I’m not aware of any discounted 1 day tickets (I’ve only seen 2 days or more on the usual sites) unless they’d be offered as some type of ‘freebie’ as part of a non-DVC time share presentation…

 

[Jasmine9828]

2. I think if they are selling Reflections, they will bring back the Bay Lake boats. It will be another selling point for the resort, which is the only thing I can think of that will entice Disney into putting the resort boats back in service on Bay Lake.

I was just coming to ask about these, and I believe this answers my question. I assume this means the boat between contemporary and wilderness lodge is still not running?

I have my first stay at Boulder ridge in November and am so very excited about it. I was hoping to take my family to top of the world lounge to watch fireworks but am worried about dealing with the transport back to WL afterward (won’t we be dealing with MK crowds?). So was hopeful for the boat between the 2 resorts but sounds like that’s not an option?

 

[CarolynFH]

I was just coming to ask about these, and I believe this answers my question. I assume this means the boat between contemporary and wilderness lodge is still not running?

I have my first stay at Boulder ridge in November and am so very excited about it. I was hoping to take my family to top of the world lounge to watch fireworks but am worried about dealing with the transport back to WL afterward (won’t we be dealing with MK crowds?). So was hopeful for the boat between the 2 resorts but sounds like that’s not an option?

Unfortunately, that’s correct, the boats to CR haven’t yet returned. And yes, you would be dealing with MK crowds, but TOTWL won’t close immediately after fireworks, so you could probably stay there for a while, seated in comfort, until the crowds lessen.

 

[Jasmine9828]

Unfortunately, that’s correct, the boats to CR haven’t yet returned. And yes, you would be dealing with MK crowds, but TOTWL won’t close immediately after fireworks, so you could probably stay there for a while, seated in comfort, until the crowds lessen.

Thank you, Carolyn! So very helpful and much appreciated.

 

[Corinne]

I’m not aware of any discounted 1 day tickets (I’ve only seen 2 days or more on the usual sites) unless they’d be offered as some type of ‘freebie’ as part of a non-DVC time share presentation…

Corinne…I am not aware of any such discounts, but I don't think anyone answered this and I didn’t want it to get lost in the shuffle. Hopefully someone knows a site for discounted day passes.

Thank you so much Granny and Tricia, I was pretty confident this was the case. It’s going to hurt to pay for a one day pass, but I don’t want miss the first day of our grandsons first visit!

 

[Corinne]

Looks like there are some nice long trips coming up in October for a few of our Groupies! So awesome!

 

[jimmytammy]

I'm okay with Disney resuming construction and finishing Reflections. Not because I think there is any real need for a DVC resort there, but hopefully it will accomplish two things that would make my VWL stays more enjoyable.

1. Once completed there will be no reason to keep the walking path closed between WL and FW. I'd love to see that open again.

2. I think if they are selling Reflections, they will bring back the Bay Lake boats. It will be another selling point for the resort, which is the only thing I can think of that will entice Disney into putting the resort boats back in service on Bay Lake.

I'm with you on this Granny, for the same reasons. I wasn't real keen on the idea of a DVC resort at FW, especially the design. But bringing back the walkway and boats would be nice.

 

[jimmytammy]

Some have compared the design to Frank Lloyd Wright's designs, and I see that. But FLW has been incorrectly labeled as blending nature with structure and that's not what he did at all. His designs forced man's hand upon nature without modifying nature too much. I don't care for any of his designs as, to me, they're ugly and they miss the natural component that we've now learned to embrace.

Being in the building industry, FLW plans and designs have never appealed to me. We have one in our city that is an eyesore IMO. Stands out like a sore thumb.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

So much excitement at MK today with the bear. I think it was looking for the WL and got lost lol

 

[bluecastle]

So much excitement at MK today with the bear. I think it was looking for the WL and got lost lol

Perhaps it hoped to audition for the “new” Country Bears show

 

[Beachmom0317]

Our waitlist for 1 night came through for 11/12. I'm so excited to stay in a new studio! We own at Copper Creek but love the WL and the privacy at VWL. Is there a history of dates they put the Christmas decor up at WL? 11/12 is kind of early but you never know

Edited: on the resort page I found these dates for when decor went up:
2018: 11/21
2019: 11/19
2020: 11/12
2021: 11/11
2022: 11/22