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

[suse66]

suse66, I dont know how I missed your post, but a Big ol Welcome to the Groupies!!! is in order
Its exciting, getting that 1st trip booked as a member. We stayed at CCV in a GV one night this past trip and it was awesome!! The theming is quite different from our beloved VWL, but nicely done all the same, as WDW standards go these days. We too love SSR very much as we like to take advantage of proximity to DS while there. And Artists Pallete IMO is among the best food courts in all the resorts. I have only stayed in Kidani but really love the Savannah view. Great way to enjoy a cup o Joe in the wee hours as the animals wander out. Enjoy your 1st trip as a member and dont be a stranger here. We love when new groupies join in

Thank you for the warm welcome and the first hand info on SSR. AKL is familiar ground to me but this will be the first trip in a savannah view room. As Canadians, we celebrate on July 1st so I thought SSR would be a nice reprieve from the busyness of the parks over the holiday weekend. We will be going for dinner at the Boathouse, have brunch at Homecomin, enjoy Disney Springs and some quality pool time. I am so happy to be a new member and part of this friendly and welcoming group.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Yeah, we didn't work out a time beforehand, but perhaps tonight at Member event if you're going? (I think Horsey is.) It's been a relaxing couple of days. One of our views on the leisurely stroll back from Wine Bar George last evening. . .

I worked last night a 12 hour shift. Couldn't get out of it. I am about to drive over in an hour or so and meet up with Julie in Epcot. I will message u my cell. I am there today through Fri evening.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Maria...it is so good to have you drop in...and thank you so much for the pictures. Though you seem to have forgotten that we're all supposed to be aging!

Really, it is nice to touch base with you, and I hope you have nothing but Moose Dust moments all week long!

Aww thank you Granny! The photo with my Mickey ears is a filter......I have aged for sure! The years long relocation process to FL took care of that! LOL But we had a home built and moved in last June so things are definitely settling down a bit from what they were. It's a long (boring) story of how moving here was a more difficult life event than we had imagined. But thank you for the kind words Granny. Missed you all!

 

[sleepydog25]

Trip is going particularly well. It's funny how a reset of one's expectations can go a long way toward making a trip better or worse. We've slowed down, strolled more, and smiled a lot. What a difference!
- We've hit MK thrice, including last night for the DVC Member Magic. It was lovely and just as uncrowded as people claimed. . .with two exceptions. The free ice cream line is long, though it does move quickly; however, the lines to get your free meal at one of four places were humongous. We wound up at Pecos Bill, and it took a good half hour to get our food from the moment we stepped in line to finding a seat. We were going to do Columbia Harbor House, but that line was out the door and a good 100 feet down the esplanade. We'll go earlier next time.
- Epcot is a hot mess. We did two rides and left. We won't be back this trip. We didn't get into the World Showcase, though.
- Have been to DHS twice, and it's been fun. We rode all the rides we didn't last trip: RnR, HM, Slinky Dog, ST, and snagged a FastPass for Smuggler's Run. It was fun, perhaps because we both got to pilot the ship.
- Tomorrow is AK day.
- Disney Springs has been a constant each day, with at least one trip there each day, sometimes two. Yes, we walk.
- Crowds have been manageable to relatively light, not including DVC night when it was, as mentioned, uncrowded.
- Weather has been near perfect: mostly mid-70s to mid-80s and no rain. Windy tomorrow but still warm.

I'd post pics, but I recently updated my system, and now all my pics are posting sideways. If I turn them, then they post the way I turned them. . .except for straight up and they rotate a quarter turn left. Maddening. If I can figure out how to change that, I'll post the pictures.

On that note, time for the hot tub after dinner at Enzo's.

 

[Lakegirl]

Trip is going particularly well. It's funny how a reset of one's expectations can go a long way toward making a trip better or worse. We've slowed down, strolled more, and smiled a lot. What a difference!
- We've hit MK thrice, including last night for the DVC Member Magic. It was lovely and just as uncrowded as people claimed. . .with two exceptions. The free ice cream line is long, though it does move quickly; however, the lines to get your free meal at one of four places were humongous. We wound up at Pecos Bill, and it took a good half hour to get our food from the moment we stepped in line to finding a seat. We were going to do Columbia Harbor House, but that line was out the door and a good 100 feet down the esplanade. We'll go earlier next time.
- Epcot is a hot mess. We did two rides and left. We won't be back this trip. We didn't get into the World Showcase, though.
- Have been to DHS twice, and it's been fun. We rode all the rides we didn't last trip: RnR, HM, Slinky Dog, ST, and snagged a FastPass for Smuggler's Run. It was fun, perhaps because we both got to pilot the ship.
- Tomorrow is AK day.
- Disney Springs has been a constant each day, with at least one trip there each day, sometimes two. Yes, we walk.
- Crowds have been manageable to relatively light, not including DVC night when it was, as mentioned, uncrowded.
- Weather has been near perfect: mostly mid-70s to mid-80s and no rain. Windy tomorrow but still warm.

I'd post pics, but I recently updated my system, and now all my pics are posting sideways. If I turn them, then they post the way I turned them. . .except for straight up and they rotate a quarter turn left. Maddening. If I can figure out how to change that, I'll post the pictures.

On that note, time for the hot tub after dinner at Enzo's.

so glad to hear your trip is going so well. Thanks for posting so we can live vicariously through your posts. Can’t wait...48 days for us.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Trip is going particularly well. It's funny how a reset of one's expectations can go a long way toward making a trip better or worse. We've slowed down, strolled more, and smiled a lot. What a difference!
- We've hit MK thrice, including last night for the DVC Member Magic. It was lovely and just as uncrowded as people claimed. . .with two exceptions. The free ice cream line is long, though it does move quickly; however, the lines to get your free meal at one of four places were humongous. We wound up at Pecos Bill, and it took a good half hour to get our food from the moment we stepped in line to finding a seat. We were going to do Columbia Harbor House, but that line was out the door and a good 100 feet down the esplanade. We'll go earlier next time.
- Epcot is a hot mess. We did two rides and left. We won't be back this trip. We didn't get into the World Showcase, though.
- Have been to DHS twice, and it's been fun. We rode all the rides we didn't last trip: RnR, HM, Slinky Dog, ST, and snagged a FastPass for Smuggler's Run. It was fun, perhaps because we both got to pilot the ship.
- Tomorrow is AK day.
- Disney Springs has been a constant each day, with at least one trip there each day, sometimes two. Yes, we walk.
- Crowds have been manageable to relatively light, not including DVC night when it was, as mentioned, uncrowded.
- Weather has been near perfect: mostly mid-70s to mid-80s and no rain. Windy tomorrow but still warm.

I'd post pics, but I recently updated my system, and now all my pics are posting sideways. If I turn them, then they post the way I turned them. . .except for straight up and they rotate a quarter turn left. Maddening. If I can figure out how to change that, I'll post the pictures.

On that note, time for the hot tub after dinner at Enzo's.

Glad you're enjoying this trip Sleepy! Sounds great!!!

(FYI - the picture thing is not with your system. It's something that's been happening with the DISboards for a few months now. I agree though - maddening)

 

[sleepydog25]

Glad you're enjoying this trip Sleepy! Sounds great!!!

(FYI - the picture thing is not with your system. It's something that's been happening with the DISboards for a few months now. I agree though - maddening)

Yeah, I knew there had been an issue, but before my Mac update, I could post pics with ease. Now, I can't. I didn't want to do the update but my iPhone was only uploading the occasional pic instead of all, sort of on its own whim. Now, it's loading them but then when I post, the dreaded Leaning Tower of Pizzcture. Speaking of leaning, why, oh why, did Disney allow such poor QC on the newer Soarin'. I've been wondering that ever since they replaced the old one. Did anyone not say, "Um, did anyone in your production group notice the film curves everything?"

Oh, I did want to post that Disney has stepped up their game in terms of wiping down common surfaces, one assumes in response to the latest virus. People were scrubbing handrails at CR, and we've seen numerous CMs wiping down trash can openings. There are also more portable hand sanitizer dispensers in common areas than we've witnessed before. Of course, none of that means much if people aren't conscientious about washing their hands through the day. We've taken hand wipes with us each day and use them routinely, and we've been a bit more conscious about not using handrails and the like. Anyway, no panicking down here, at least for now.

 

[TCRAIG]

I’m having to live vicariously thru all you lucky Groupies at WDW...we’re not going back til May...and I definitely need a little WDW Magic this week...work has been a bit overwhelming this will and promises to continue as such thru the weekend - Taking these moments to close my eyes and join y’all walking down Mainstreet USA! And on a positive note - was able to grab 2 Christmas Goody upgraded Magic Bands for our Dec trip! Been trying since Last year!!

 

[Dizny Dad]

Good to read of the adventures of so many groupies! Good to hear from and about Maria and Julie! We are about 55 sleeps out from a 14 day magical rest at AK & VWL (oh, yeah, BR ). DiznyDi keeps the numbers up; I guess. DiznyDi had a great but short phone conversation with Mrs. Granny, but it got cut off due to new puppy issues! But still great to read about the Magic in everyone's lives. Thanks all for the moment away from business thoughts!

 

[sleepydog25]

Hello, Groupies!
We're spending our last night at the World for this trip. Long story, but last night was originally going to be the end; however, we needed to stay over another night and had booked a room at the B resort. We continued to check the RAT, and we were able to snag that one night in a savannah studio at Kidani. Gotta love DVC last-minute finds! Saved us a couple of hundred dollars! Anyway, we arrived around 1:30--room ready--and the location is superb, perhaps 50-60 feet down the hall from the lobby. From our balcony, we've seen numerous animals. They were very active all afternoon, and the feeding session was enjoyable to watch as well. As always, the theming here is spectacular, a reminder that Disney used to have imagination, that they provided "small" entertainment in the way they built resorts. Part of the fun factor used to be the theming.

Anyway, we truly enjoyed SSR, and it's moved up a few notches in our estimation. Below are some observations.
SSR
- Stayed in newly renovated CP studio: clean lines, all new, great storage. . .also very generic and bland. If you didn't know where you were, it could easily have been mistaken for Riviera or any non-Disney chain hotel.
- No actual colors outside of cream, brown, brass, gray, and black. . .or some variation thereof.
- Paper plates, plastic utensils, and regular drip coffee maker. No freezer in mini-fridge.
- TP remains awful, just like everywhere else at Disney.
- Location was awesome, as we were just steps away from quiet pool, five-minute walk to the main SSR area, and 10-15 minutes from pretty much any point in DS.
- Trash cans are lacking. Only two small ones, one of which is a dual purpose--half recycled trash, half regular. It has a lid on top and no plastic trash bag, so it's awkward to put refuse in there. Has to be a pain for the Mousekeepers.
- If you're all about your electronics, then this is a great spot. Big dresser with six drawers (they don't fit a lot and are cheaply made as they don't sit well in the dresser, but it's definitely an upgrade) that has power outlets and USB port on both sides.
- Also, there is a bedside table on both sides of the bed, and each has a power outlet and USB ports.
- TV is huge and you can use Roku or other such devices.
- Nice closet with full-sized safe (as in big enough for tablet, small laptop, etc.
- Almost no Disney touches in the room outside of one small print of a riding helmet with Mickey ears. If you enjoy theming, this is not the resort at which to stay.
Food
- Best: The Boathouse, CA Brunch, Toledo, HBD Lounge
- Average: Turf Club, Enzo's, Wine Bar George, D-Lux Burger, Chip n Dale
- Worst: Pecos Bill (at least it was free)
Parks
- Overall, clean. Bathroom maintenance continues to be an issue: empty soap or hand towel dispensers, trash not picked up, smelly at times
- CMs largely very good
- Crowds lower than expected
- DHS is much more organized now. Going back to a tiered system has helped reduce the feeling that it was a big waiting room, and wait times at non-Star Wars attractions were much better than December.
- Mickey and Minnie Train ride opened a couple of days ago. We didn't try to get in, and based on videos I've watched, doesn't seem worth waiting long for. But, it did help to draw down line wait times, it seems.
- Epcot is a hot mess of construction. In fact, a lot of Disney has walls and construction right now.

One last note about our trip over to Gran Destino to visit Toledo. We enjoyed the restaurant--above average food, decent service, and lovely views. We weren't as impressed by the tower itself. While very impressive in an art deco way, it once again--much like all the new Disney builds--is rather soulless. In fact, if we didn't know it was a Disney hotel, you'd never know outside of signage outside. Again, much like Disney has been doing in the past few years, they've taken the excitement of staying at Disney and lowered the bar. It's pretty but not emotive. Artsy but not warm. Lots of stone, glass, and metal. Perhaps the rooms show more of the Disney spirit, but the lobby, elevators, common areas, and Toledo itself do not. It's a tall, imposing hotel with not much Disney imagination.

Time for bed as we have a long drive tomorrow. Have a great weekend, Groupies!

 

[twinklebug]

Hello, Groupies!
We're spending our last night at the World for this trip. Long story, but last night was originally going to be the end; however, we needed to stay over another night and had booked a room at the B resort. We continued to check the RAT, and we were able to snag that one night in a savannah studio at Kidani. Gotta love DVC last-minute finds! Saved us a couple of hundred dollars! Anyway, we arrived around 1:30--room ready--and the location is superb, perhaps 50-60 feet down the hall from the lobby. From our balcony, we've seen numerous animals. They were very active all afternoon, and the feeding session was enjoyable to watch as well. As always, the theming here is spectacular, a reminder that Disney used to have imagination, that they provided "small" entertainment in the way they built resorts. Part of the fun factor used to be the theming.

Anyway, we truly enjoyed SSR, and it's moved up a few notches in our estimation. Below are some observations.
SSR
- Stayed in newly renovated CP studio: clean lines, all new, great storage. . .also very generic and bland. If you didn't know where you were, it could easily have been mistaken for Riviera or any non-Disney chain hotel.
- No actual colors outside of cream, brown, brass, gray, and black. . .or some variation thereof.
- Paper plates, plastic utensils, and regular drip coffee maker. No freezer in mini-fridge.
- TP remains awful, just like everywhere else at Disney.
- Location was awesome, as we were just steps away from quiet pool, five-minute walk to the main SSR area, and 10-15 minutes from pretty much any point in DS.
- Trash cans are lacking. Only two small ones, one of which is a dual purpose--half recycled trash, half regular. It has a lid on top and no plastic trash bag, so it's awkward to put refuse in there. Has to be a pain for the Mousekeepers.
- If you're all about your electronics, then this is a great spot. Big dresser with six drawers (they don't fit a lot and are cheaply made as they don't sit well in the dresser, but it's definitely an upgrade) that has power outlets and USB port on both sides.
- Also, there is a bedside table on both sides of the bed, and each has a power outlet and USB ports.
- TV is huge and you can use Roku or other such devices.
- Nice closet with full-sized safe (as in big enough for tablet, small laptop, etc.
- Almost no Disney touches in the room outside of one small print of a riding helmet with Mickey ears. If you enjoy theming, this is not the resort at which to stay.
Food
- Best: The Boathouse, CA Brunch, Toledo, HBD Lounge
- Average: Turf Club, Enzo's, Wine Bar George, D-Lux Burger, Chip n Dale
- Worst: Pecos Bill (at least it was free)
Parks
- Overall, clean. Bathroom maintenance continues to be an issue: empty soap or hand towel dispensers, trash not picked up, smelly at times
- CMs largely very good
- Crowds lower than expected
- DHS is much more organized now. Going back to a tiered system has helped reduce the feeling that it was a big waiting room, and wait times at non-Star Wars attractions were much better than December.
- Mickey and Minnie Train ride opened a couple of days ago. We didn't try to get in, and based on videos I've watched, doesn't seem worth waiting long for. But, it did help to draw down line wait times, it seems.
- Epcot is a hot mess of construction. In fact, a lot of Disney has walls and construction right now.

One last note about our trip over to Gran Destino to visit Toledo. We enjoyed the restaurant--above average food, decent service, and lovely views. We weren't as impressed by the tower itself. While very impressive in an art deco way, it once again--much like all the new Disney builds--is rather soulless. In fact, if we didn't know it was a Disney hotel, you'd never know outside of signage outside. Again, much like Disney has been doing in the past few years, they've taken the excitement of staying at Disney and lowered the bar. It's pretty but not emotive. Artsy but not warm. Lots of stone, glass, and metal. Perhaps the rooms show more of the Disney spirit, but the lobby, elevators, common areas, and Toledo itself do not. It's a tall, imposing hotel with not much Disney imagination.

Time for bed as we have a long drive tomorrow. Have a great weekend, Groupies!

Have a safe drive home!

(LOL @ Cheap TP report)

 

[jimmytammy]

Sleepy and Luv
Safe travels, and thanks for keeping us updated in your travels!

 

[sleepydog25]

We are back! Have to say this is one of the best (top 3) trips ever for us. Traffic going and coming back was good. . .for the first time in recent memory. Busy, yes, but busy flowing at 75+ mph. No traffic tie-ups outside a slow down in a couple of spots heading north on I-4. Gotta say, though, I don't see any plans for expanding that stretch of I-4 (immediately north and south of Disney), and it is so often a barely moving parking lot. Anyway, we had few issues with traffic.

Park crowds were hefty but not overwhelming. More ECVs and strollers than ever (that issue is going to have to be addressed by Disney at some point in the future), but fewer overwhelmed and angry children, perhaps because it wasn't 95 degrees with 95% humidity. And that brings me to the next point: great weather! 70s and low 80s every day except two. Our departure yesterday saw us heading out at a brisk 54F. Two days earlier, they were breaking records with a day in or around 90-92F. Still, that lacked the serious humidity that usually accompanies such temps.

The parks themselves were operating largely well except for Epcot. We never made it to the WS, and only hung around the rides there long enough to do Soarin' and Spaceship Earth. Otherwise, most things were up and running. No HM this trip because it was down for 2-3 days, both times when we went, unfortunately. However, we rode pretty much all else we wanted to ride.

We adjusted our attitudes for this trip, and that made all the difference, truly. We gracefully dodged people, tried to smile when someone committed the grand sin of standing in the opening of door or entryway, etc. We let others run ahead of us knowing we'd get our turn. We were calm. Sure made for a more pleasant experience. I will say, however, that we still observed the total lack of situational awareness and personal space for so many. For example, I can't say how many times we walked up to a FP entrance only to have it completely blocked by people waiting to enter but too early. Standing to one side is really easy. But, we politely excused ourselves and slipped by.

Food was overall solid. The real star was CA Brunch. Expensive, but such a great experience with excellent food and service. The Boathouse was also excellent as usual, and with it lovely outside, that's where we ate. Finally, we opted for Toledo the last night and liked it quite a bit. It could be more inviting--it's a bit indifferent feeling due to its massive size and furnishings (the table was gray and big)--but the food was quite tasty.

Finally, as I've stated earlier, the rooms were all nice, in particular the location of our SSR studio. Our last night we spent at a savannah view studio at Kidani, and it was so much fun to watch all the animals outside our balcony--at least a dozen different species. The theming, of course, is still second to none. When you wake up in a room there, you know you're at a Disney resort. I can't say the same about SSR, though the room was shiny and new.

Anyway, I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say we're happy to be home as work looms tomorrow and it was 34F when we got home last night. Still, it was a memorable trip and a safe one. Thanks for all the feedback and safe travel comments! Now, it's time to start "adulting" again. . .

 

[bobbiwoz]

What a nice report, Sleepy!

Our next stay is in a one bedroom PV Saratoga. I will request CP. That has the pool that I really like.

 

[sleepydog25]

What a nice report, Sleepy!

Our next stay is in a one bedroom PV Saratoga. I will request CP. That has the pool that I really like.

Yep, that's a great pool. Quiet and nicely located. Huge hot tub which was never crowded during our stay (nor was the actual pool). Love the longer hours, too. A couple of ducks found the pool a welcome respite one evening, as well. I think we're going to request that same building and location next time we stay there.

 

[jimmytammy]

Yep, that's a great pool. Quiet and nicely located. Huge hot tub which was never crowded during our stay (nor was the actual pool). Love the longer hours, too. A couple of ducks found the pool a welcome respite one evening, as well. I think we're going to request that same building and location next time we stay there.

We will be staying in CP we hope since preferred room was only thing available at booking. When you say location, can you be more specific? I have always trusted groupies when it comes to room locations throughout the years as I never have been steered wrong.

 

[sleepydog25]

We will be staying in CP we hope since preferred room was only thing available at booking. When you say location, can you be more specific? I have always trusted groupies when it comes to room locations throughout the years as I never have been steered wrong.

We were in the building you see below, although it was turned right side up when we stayed there. Specifically, we were in room 2123 which was the room immediately to the left of the door you see tucked back into the portico in the middle of this picture.

We think that the buildings on either side would also be a good choice which I believe are 1501-1836 (also close to the pool as we were) and 2501-2836 which is slightly closer to the main area. They appeared to still be working on some of the units in the latter building currently. May be hard to see, but we were in the area denoted in red at the bottom right of this map below.

 

[jimmytammy]

We were in the building you see below, although it was turned right side up when we stayed there. Specifically, we were in room 2123 which was the room immediately to the left of the door you see tucked back into the portico in the middle of this picture.

We think that the buildings on either side would also be a good choice which I believe are 1501-1836 (also close to the pool as we were) and 2501-2836 which is slightly closer to the main area. They appeared to still be working on some of the units in the latter building currently. May be hard to see, but we were in the area denoted in red at the bottom right of this map below.
View attachment 479698

Gotcha! Thanks Sleepy!! We are really hoping for CP area, though I am aware there is on more area considered preferred(maybe grandstand?)but at many rate, just like you say, its an attitude thing, and we hope to go with the right one ourselves. We cant wait to get away. We are meeting up with a former CM who worked at Territory Lounge for many years for his Bday. He is now at Chef Mickeys and we had lost touch with him for several years. We were able to reconnect by leaving him a note in his locker at CM. He was one of those guys who embodied the spirit of the Lodge back in the old days, so its nice to still have that friendship in tack.

 

[sleepydog25]

Yep, I think it's Grandstand, as well. I don't know that those are totally refurbished yet, but it is a prime location. Luv stayed there once last year and was in the building closest to the main area, thus closer to DS. She liked it a lot. Love that you're keeping in touch with a past acquaintance. Those sort of things are rare anymore.

 

[Granny]

Hi Groupies...back from a silent retreat the past few days, and looking forward to getting immersed back in the real world!

Sleepy...thanks for the trip report and reviews. I'm glad you've seen the real beauty of DVC ownership is to enhance vacations by having nice accommodations, and ease of mind in the knowledge that we will be back so no need to stress over anything during a particular trip. I have always thought that most of the "magic" that people experience at WDW is due to their own attitude, and lower expectations can certainly contribute to more pleasant surprises.

We are really hoping for CP area, though I am aware there is on more area considered preferred(maybe grandstand?)

Jimmy...the Preferred View areas at SSR are Congress Park and The Springs areas. Congress Park has the best access to Disney Springs, and The Springs has the best access to the resort main pool and restaurants. So anyone booking PV at SSR will be placed in one of those two areas.

Based on a great tip from @Dizny Dad & @DiznyDi , we stayed at Grandstand last year and found it combined easy access to both Artist Palette and Disney Springs. If you're not staying PV, I'd recommend Grandstand.