Just wrapping up our three night stay at VB. We stayed in a GVIR - 2339. This room is on the side and although you over look the parking lot, you also get a partial ocean view (I'll take it). I'll post pictures of the renovated rooms when I get a chance but overall, they did a very nice job. The furnishings are definitely more modern but still have a soft, seaside feel.
As someone who has stayed here 8-9 times over the past 10 years, there were a few things I wanted to point out/comment on.
- The new Wind and Waves restaurant has a similar menu to Shutters but is now much smaller (porch room has been cut off from the restaurant and is a sitting area and Sonias is now the Marketplace) and no booths. It is very open (DH said cafeteria-like...not sure that was what they were going for...lol). Due to the smaller space, they accommodate fewer guests and there is no Sonia's so it is the only option for sit down dinner. We were not able to eat here for New Year's Eve and had to go off property.
- The new Marketplace is convenient and reasonably priced for a quick meal (I had the roast beef one night, with two sides and it was 8.99 - DH had a cheeseburger made to order for 9.99). Coffee and tea are on the house, a very nice perk. Space wise, there is a lot of wasted space though.
- The new full service, outside Wind and Waves bar is a nice size and open more hours (The Green Cabin Room is now only open from 5:00 on) and had a good crowd most days, comfy patio furniture, etc. Disney is figuring out alcohol sells. We noticed this at Disney Springs the other day too.
- The Green Cabin Room - You can no longer get flatbreads here and it's not open for lunch. The menu (small plates) is very limited and while it may sound like a small thing, we always looked forward to getting our flatbreads there. ( You can still get them downstairs at the restaurant but not at the GCR). Also, no more wings, burgers or turkey club - other staples. I'm all for trying new things but why mess with the good stuff (or other choices to the now small restaurant or take out place). We were not the only guests disappointed. On the up side, the truffle popcorn is amazing. Also, there was no music there Thur-Sat nights...???
Typically we hardly leave the resort. We did find ourselves going out for food/entertainment for one lunch and two dinners/evenings.
