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

[Granny]

Happy Birthday Tammy !!!

 

[Granny]

Tom and I very much enjoy the new Soarin, and we'll be seeing FEA in September. The Frozen Sing along in DHS is a must do for us, at least once every trip! Of course we'll miss Osborn Lights a lot!! We bought the Passholders shirts that declare "it's a wrap" so we have momentos but it was sad to see them go. I think we went at least 3 times just before they left. The icy lights on the castle at MK are fabulous, they were not always there.

Hi Bobbi! We haven't gone to the Frozen Sing Along...DW thinks it will be just a bunch of little girls screaming and of course she isn't into singing herself. But it sounds like you find it enjoyable, so maybe I can talk her into a visit to that attraction. Or maybe I can get you talking about it at our Big Honkin' Groupie Meet and she'll change her mind. Sneaky, huh?

We will definitely miss the Osborn Lights in our December trip. Aside from Candlelight Processional, it was our favorite part of the Christmas season visit. If they ever drop CP, I don't see us going during that season.

 

[Granny]

Hi all! Just wanted to share my excitement once again...I'm at my 21 day mark...so excited I can hardly contain myself LOL....This trip for my DH and I is a much needed trip....taking care of my elderly, sick 86 year old parents is really stressful. My brothers told me to go and they will take care of everything!!! Please say a quick prayer that all will work out for me!!

I hope you and your DH have a really magical trip! In three weeks, the crowds should be about as low as they get at WDW and I am sure you will have the kind of vacation that relieves some of that stress. Thanks for popping in!

 

[sleepydog25]

I have stayed away because of the construction but on every trip I have visited our favorite place the Lodge.I was looking into booking for next 4th of July trip which will be our 18th year in a row but need to know how how far they will be so I am not looking at full blown construction like now.Any info would be great.

As KAT states, there is little reason to believe all the major construction will be done by July. While it is within the realm possibility, I would rank that right up with the belief that we did not go to the moon (as my junior high science teacher argued). The to-be-converted rooms in the main Lodge are still bare bones; the cabins are mostly unbuilt; the large new building on the beach is still under construction (and it's been up for months); and then there's the new pool which, again as KAT notes, is likely the last thing to go in as that parcel is the current staging area for everything else. Now, most report (as did I) that the construction wasn't terribly intrusive, and the Lodge is seeing fewer guests thus the experience is lovely. That being said, if you don't like construction one whit, then I'd continue to stay away.

Princess: Go and enjoy!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAMMY!!!

 

[circhead]

Hi everyone just a brief hello - work and life are a little crazy at the moment.

Hoping everyone is doing well - don't even have the time to try to catch up on what's happening - quiet time in October - I'll catch up then.

Anyway Miss Suzy Grace arrived 7-7-16 weighing in at 8 lbs 4 oz 20". Granddaughter #3 and parents are all doing well. Thank you God.

I have a last minute trip planned to Wilderness Lodge for end of September - taking a cousin who could use a vacation.
She and her husband have separated after 28 years.

Was not able to get a DVC resort surprise, surprise! but was able to get 3 nights at WL for 187 per night passholder rate, Ithink the last time I saw a deluxe resort that inexpensive was 2001, and 1 night at beach club for a decent rate but not quite as good as WL. Was able to get the member safari at AK though. We have a quick but fun trip planned - first night MNSSHP, then F&W, then AK member safari, finally HS and Disney Springs, then lounge by the pool until it's time to leave for the airport.

 

[twokats]

Pat, the baby is absolutely adorable. Congrats to you and the parents.

Happy Birthday, Tammy, hope it is the best!

We have had a nice slow rain today and cooler temps. A great day for us after 2 weeks of 3 digit days. Hope all groupies have a great week.

 

[TammyNC]

Thanks everyone for all of the birthday wishes that were sent my way!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi Bobbi! We haven't gone to the Frozen Sing Along...DW thinks it will be just a bunch of little girls screaming and of course she isn't into singing herself. But it sounds like you find it enjoyable, so maybe I can talk her into a visit to that attraction. Or maybe I can get you talking about it at our Big Honkin' Groupie Meet and she'll change her mind. Sneaky, huh?

We will definitely miss the Osborn Lights in our December trip. Aside from Candlelight Processional, it was our favorite part of the Christmas season visit. If they ever drop CP, I don't see us going during that season.

As far as Frozen Sing Along, a lot depends on the banter of the narrators, the official historians of Arendale. Some are better than others, but any would be worth seeing, then decide if you want to go again. Also, the visuals and inside experience is very good.

I agree that without the CP, WDW would not draw us at Christmastime. I still would be going for NYE fireworks.

If Christmas with all its meanings, religious, fun, family celebration, I strongly recommend a November, December visit to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge TN. They really celebrate Christmas!

 

[Granny]

As far as Frozen Sing Along, a lot depends on the banter of the narrators, the official historians of Arendale. Some are better than others, but any would be worth seeing, then decide if you want to go again. Also, the visuals and inside experience is very good.

I agree that without the CP, WDW would not draw us at Christmastime. I still would be going for NYE fireworks.

If Christmas with all its meanings, religious, fun, family celebration, I strongly recommend a November, December visit to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge TN. They really celebrate Christmas!

Bobbi...we've never been to Dollywood. I knew it was in Tennessee so I was hoping it was relatively close to St. Louis. But when I looked it up, I see on a map that it is at the far eastern end of the state near Knoxville, so more than 500 miles away for me. That would be quite a hike. But you make it sound like a great experience during the Christmas season. Maybe we can do that sometime..thanks for the info!

And thanks for the additional info on Frozen Sing Along.

 

[jimmytammy]

Hass anyone seen the rumor that Stitchs Great Escape will be replaced with a Wreck It Ralph VR attraction based on the Sugar Rush races? This would be great news if true as I think most if not all of us agree, we like Stitch, but the current attraction needs to go

 

[Granny]

Hass anyone seen the rumor that Stitchs Great Escape will be replaced with a Wreck It Ralph VR attraction based on the Sugar Rush races? This would be great news if true as I think most if not all of us agree, we like Stitch, but the current attraction needs to go

Jimmy...I hadn't seen this rumor. I had heard this one, with a Frozen themed attraction taking the Stitch spot:

"As for the proposed storyline of this new "Frozen" -themed attraction for the Magic Kingdom, according to the Touring Plans Blog ..

Olaf's melting snow shorts out the lasers beams holding him prisoner, allowing Olaf to frolic with guests. Using the smell of carrots, the touch of cold water drops, and cutting-edge audio effects, Disney's Imagineers have planned an interactive attraction that feels as if Olaf is sitting right on the guests shoulders."​

I have to be honest, it's hard to believe they would use a Wreck-It Ralph attraction given that the movie isn't slated for sequels and additional versions like Frozen. But I would probably prefer the description you provided just to give a little more variety to the theming.

Of course, I have no idea how either of the ideas fits Tomorrowland theming. One is about arcade games (just about extinct) and the other is about a low-tech land without even automobiles. Neither conjures up a future...at least Stitch had a thin connection to sci-fi. At some point it will be interesting to see if they dump Tomorrowland as a park theme and just call it something else.

 

[Kathymford]

Jimmy...I hadn't seen this rumor. I had heard this one, with a Frozen themed attraction taking the Stitch spot:

"As for the proposed storyline of this new "Frozen" -themed attraction for the Magic Kingdom, according to the Touring Plans Blog ..

Olaf's melting snow shorts out the lasers beams holding him prisoner, allowing Olaf to frolic with guests. Using the smell of carrots, the touch of cold water drops, and cutting-edge audio effects, Disney's Imagineers have planned an interactive attraction that feels as if Olaf is sitting right on the guests shoulders."​

I have to be honest, it's hard to believe they would use a Wreck-It Ralph attraction given that the movie isn't slated for sequels and additional versions like Frozen. But I would probably prefer the description you provided just to give a little more variety to the theming.

Of course, I have no idea how either of the ideas fits Tomorrowland theming. One is about arcade games (just about extinct) and the other is about a low-tech land without even automobiles. Neither conjures up a future...at least Stitch had a thin connection to sci-fi. At some point it will be interesting to see if they dump Tomorrowland as a park theme and just call it something else.

Wreck It Ralph indeed IS slated for at least one sequel. http://www.ew.com/article/2016/06/30/wreck-it-ralph-2-officially-announced

I wish they would tear down that ride and build something from scratch. It's just uncomfortable ...

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kathy...thanks for the photos. Is that you with Donald? Those pictures must have been taken in the very early years of WDW!

For those who enjoy some nostalgia, DVC Mike just posted some old clips on his site. Unfortunately, this site is blocking any links to his site.

That is me! I think that was actually DL although I'd have to compare to few photos I know were early WDW. If those pics all DL then my first visit to WDW would have occurred in between the picture with Donald and the picture with my Sis and BIL on the teacups.

Hass anyone seen the rumor that Stitchs Great Escape will be replaced with a Wreck It Ralph VR attraction based on the Sugar Rush races? This would be great news if true as I think most if not all of us agree, we like Stitch, but the current attraction needs to go

Hadn't heard that one Jimmy! My most recent ride rumor ended with GoG going into Ellen's at Epcot. Update to Ellen's - ok. GoG? Hmmmm......

VR rides often do not agree with me but Stitch should have been one and done but ended up two and done and I think it's long overdue for a change. I did like Alien Encounter back in the day although it was scary! Fun enough to visit periodically anyway.

 

[wildernessDad]

Hello, fellow groupies. Many of you remember me spouting about a potential job in Florida. Well, the position has finally opened, I applied and I was told that my resume is at the top of the list for interviews. I think I have one more great thing in me, and this will set us up for retirement mode in just a couple of years. It would be nice to have the move paid for, after all. But, we'll see what happens. I'm not counting my chickens yet. Who knows, maybe I'll get cold feet. I have been at my current job almost 17 years now. But I think it's time to make the move if things go well. The job is at the Cape, but I'm thinking about living in the Hunters Creek area.

In other news, I can't want to meet you all on December 12. I'm desperate to get those dancing men dancing.

 

[wildernessDad]

Nostalgia is definitely a big part of Disney and the parks for me. Taking away a lot of what they were does not increase the pull for me.

As you can guess I even still like and want to ride the stinky old Autopia!

Change is a given and I'm either pleased or at least happy for others with new, well integrated additions that may or may not appeal to me. It's the re-theming of popular or even relatively popular locations to market a "new" attraction that drive me a little bonkers. And closing things with no replacement?

I think it's safe to say that we all grew up with Disney. What Disney means to us, was probably formed when we were young. To me, the most Disney thing at Walt Disney World is walking into the Magic Kingdom and looking up Main Street, USA at the Castle. I am transported into another World, far away from the work-a-day mess we live in. I am also a big fan of their earlier animation. I think Pinocchio is the greatest animated movie of all time, due to its artistry. Every frame is a work of art - a level of achievement which will never be equaled, in my opinion. I could go on, but you understand. Disney means different things to different people. I just hope that The Disney Company realizes that before they tear everything down in the interest of newness.

 

[Granny]

Wreck It Ralph indeed IS slated for at least one sequel. http://www.ew.com/article/2016/06/30/wreck-it-ralph-2-officially-announced

I wish they would tear down that ride and build something from scratch. It's just uncomfortable ...

Interesting...I missed the announcement on the sequel. It sounds like it will be a theater release instead of direct-to-DVD in 2018. So that would make sense to have something themed with that for a few years anyway.

I'm with you completely...just tear it down and start over. We don't need to be poked, prodded and spit on any more!

 

[Granny]

I grabbed this photo from DVC Mike's site, and it's the first one I've seen with the new pool appearing to be framed out. So maybe they will start work on that pool sooner rather than later?





I think a few of the cabins are also under construction on the VWL side...aren't there multiple cabin roof structures also in this picture from the same site?

 

[Dean Marino]

I grabbed this photo from DVC Mike's site, and it's the first one I've seen with the new pool appearing to be framed out. So maybe they will start work on that pool sooner rather than later?

View attachment 188112



I think a few of the cabins are also under construction on the VWL side...aren't there multiple cabin roof structures also in this picture from the same site?

View attachment 188113

That would be the first piece of serious data that I have seen for quite a while in this thread. Sorry folks.... As we GO to the Villa's? How about some Villa Reports ?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

That would be the first piece of serious data that I have seen for quite a while in this thread. Sorry folks.... As we GO to the Villa's? How about some Villa Reports ?

In looking at the vacation list I see the last visitor to the Lodge was..........you!

I was noticing a few days ago that we are definitely concentrated on fall and spring visits with periodic winter trips and only a few summer sprinkled in.

 

[Granny]

That would be the first piece of serious data that I have seen for quite a while in this thread. Sorry folks.... As we GO to the Villa's? How about some Villa Reports ?

Like Kathy said, we don't have a lot people that visit WDW in the summer. What can I say...Groupies are a pretty smart bunch of people!

Things should pick up in the October - December time frame. Until then, not a lot of hard news coming out about the progress of CCV. If I see anything on any sites, I'll post them here (since I can't link to the site).