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

[sleepydog25]

Never been to the Wilderness Lodge - I rented points for our upcoming April trip! Great thread you all have going here!



OHHHH. I booked 11 months out, and at that time, the quiet pool renovation was underway, or about to start. I have to say, over the past several months I've gotten more and more confused as I've heard more about the pool area changes (especially "the crane thingy"). Sleepydog25's post is the first explanation I've come across that kind of sheds light on the design decisions. Perhaps the timeline was a bit rushed?

I'm still excited to stay there! I've just been scratching my head over the quiet pool theme. Any guesses why they didn't go with a more Wilderness Lodge-y theme?

UrsulaTime! We're happy you found us! We think we have a great thread, too, as we often call it the friendliest thread on the DIS. Self-proclaiming doesn't make it untrue, either. As for my post regarding the old "crane thingy," I was merely repeating what I'd read elsewhere, though I'm certain a couple of those were official or semi-official sites so they should know. . .hahahahaha! I slay me sometimes. As for your question about why they didn't go with more of a Lodge-y theme, that's one of the great mysteries so far of the 21st century. I can speak for many of us on this thread in wondering why they didn't just extend the current theming. If you went back far enough in this thread (and that would be quite a tall task as we're one of the most long-lasting, highly visited threads on the DIS), you'd see us debating the need to change to--cough, cough--Boulder Ridge Villas which wound up causing more confusion than just leaving it at VWL (which is what we still call it). This whole "new" backstory regarding mining, boulders, quarries, and crap just doesn't make sense. Nevertheless, we're all thankful that the primary essence of the Lodge didn't change--serenity, intimacy, yet awe-inspiring. That's a difficult juggling act. Personally, I wish they had made the new pool more like a Hidden Springs classic complete with the bubbles. Miss those bubbles and miss the fact you could truly escape at the old pool--it was a throwback to quieter times. I think if you canvassed our Groupies, you'd find that while the majority salute the efforts to upgrade the overall Lodge resort, we're all a bit sad at what was taken away, and in a couple of instances (talking about you Boulder Whatever pool and RF) we're downright disappointed. Okay, I guess my coffee kicked in with a vengeance this morning! Again, welcome, and we hope you'll continue to join in. You can now officially call yourself a Groupie since our only requirement for membership is a love of the Lodge (and a non-refundable $50 fee which I'll discuss with you later--).

 

[rkstocke5609]

UrsulaTime! We're happy you found us! We think we have a great thread, too, as we often call it the friendliest thread on the DIS. Self-proclaiming doesn't make it untrue, either. As for my post regarding the old "crane thingy," I was merely repeating what I'd read elsewhere, though I'm certain a couple of those were official or semi-official sites so they should know. . .hahahahaha! I slay me sometimes. As for your question about why they didn't go with more of a Lodge-y theme, that's one of the great mysteries so far of the 21st century. I can speak for many of us on this thread in wondering why they didn't just extend the current theming. If you went back far enough in this thread (and that would be quite a tall task as we're one of the most long-lasting, highly visited threads on the DIS), you'd see us debating the need to change to--cough, cough--Boulder Ridge Villas which wound up causing more confusion than just leaving it at VWL (which is what we still call it). This whole "new" backstory regarding mining, boulders, quarries, and crap just doesn't make sense. Nevertheless, we're all thankful that the primary essence of the Lodge didn't change--serenity, intimacy, yet awe-inspiring. That's a difficult juggling act. Personally, I wish they had made the new pool more like a Hidden Springs classic complete with the bubbles. Miss those bubbles and miss the fact you could truly escape at the old pool--it was a throwback to quieter times. I think if you canvassed our Groupies, you'd find that while the majority salute the efforts to upgrade the overall Lodge resort, we're all a bit sad at what was taken away, and in a couple of instances (talking about you Boulder Whatever pool and RF) we're downright disappointed. Okay, I guess my coffee kicked in with a vengeance this morning! Again, welcome, and we hope you'll continue to join in. You can now officially call yourself a Groupie since our only requirement for membership is a love of the Lodge (and a non-refundable $50 fee which I'll discuss with you later--).

I still think think it would have been kinda cool if if one of the “Boulders” from Boulder Ridge would have rolled around and morphed into a Troll from the Frozen movie...but then I guess there would have been way too many folks stopping by to see it...

 

[ArielSRL]

Hmmm...well, I can say that if he is anything like me he probably likes predictability in things. I am a total creature of habit (and, Siri can confirm this — she tells me where I am going next all the time, just in case I forget). If I could, I would always stay at the lodge (or so I thought, until I went to California...) — my wife on the other hand keeps us hopping around. She loves AKV & Poly. So, for us DVC gives me Disney predictability & familiarity and my wife gets to choose different resorts & accommodation types — so it works good that way. Plus, I’ve been known to take some personal time on non-lodge trips to head on over to “get my fix” “and set for a spell”...

I think you are most likely correct and my DH is very similar to you. I love the Lodge so I can see us having many trips there but I would really like to try BCV, BWV, Poly, and maybe eventually AKL and BLT. But we shall see. I think the hubs has heard good things about BCV so I plan to try for that in 2020, so that way we are close to DHS bc that will be our first big trip after SW:GE opens. But this year's June trip and next year's June trip will be at the Lodge for sure. I did consider trying CCV, but I think we will stick with BRV for now.

 

[DenLo]

Here's what I've found about the back story for the Boulder Ridge Pool in the Disney Parks blog...

A sweeping re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool area will help tell the richly layered backstory of Boulder Ridge. Boulder Ridge Cove will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool in what appears to have been an abandoned rock quarry.

Such rejuvenating transformations were common in the Pacific Northwest following the mid-20th-century fading of the Transcontinental Railroad, as locals turned rails into trails – repurposing everything from bridges and tunnels to cranes and quarries. A nearby “Boulder Ridge Railway and Mining Co.” water tower will be among the pool area’s landmark reminders of its pioneering past, while a vintage mine cart supports the mining theme with an affectionate nod to Disney history.
​

In looking for this information, I also found a rumor that some of the props for the pool area were taken from the old Catastrophe Canyon scene at the defunct Backlot Tour. If so, I am suddenly liking that rusty water tower and crane much more! However, I have looked at a lot of pictures from Catastrophe Canyon scene and don't see our rusting tank and crane.

We were told by a manager and a ranger that the crane is from the Catastrophe Canyon fire scene. Another repurposed item like Disney likes to do.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We were told by a manager and a ranger that the crane is from the Catastrophe Canyon fire scene. Another repurposed item like Disney likes to do.

Like Sleepy did I too have looked at both video and pictures of Catastrophe Canyon to locate these items but have seen nothing that looks like them. Maybe there was material kept and used from there when then demo'd it? It doesn't seem like they took actual props used there and brought them over - or at least haven't run across any pictures of those props.

 

[Granny]

We were told by a manager and a ranger that the crane is from the Catastrophe Canyon fire scene. Another repurposed item like Disney likes to do.

Denise...thanks for the additional information. I've looked at dozens of pictures of that Catastrophe Canyon fire scene and I just don't see anything that looks like the crane and/or the rusted water tower. This was the closest I found:




For reference, here is Boulder Ridge Cove:

 

[UrsulaTime]

UrsulaTime!

You can now officially call yourself a Groupie since our only requirement for membership is a love of the Lodge (and a non-refundable $50 fee which I'll discuss with you later--).

Wow, thank you!

 

[UrsulaTime]

Nevertheless, we're all thankful that the primary essence of the Lodge didn't change--serenity, intimacy, yet awe-inspiring.

As someone who has never stepped into the Lodge but who has seen a LOT of pictures and read a LOT about it over the years, this^^ reassurance from a WL expert is all I needed! I won't sweat the smaller stuff (see below)...

As for your question about why they didn't go with more of a Lodge-y theme, that's one of the great mysteries so far of the 21st century. I can speak for many of us on this thread in wondering why they didn't just extend the current theming. If you went back far enough in this thread (and that would be quite a tall task as we're one of the most long-lasting, highly visited threads on the DIS), you'd see us debating the need to change to--cough, cough--Boulder Ridge Villas which wound up causing more confusion than just leaving it at VWL (which is what we still call it). This whole "new" backstory regarding mining, boulders, quarries, and crap just doesn't make sense.

Hahahaha! "One of the greatest mysteries of the 21st century." I think I've said this here before, but I am just so relieved to not have to hide my confusion and disappointment about the pool and backstory (which I'm totally going to look into further, this time with a sense of humor).

 

[UrsulaTime]

Welcome to the groupies UrsulaTime!!!!

I didn't even see this at first! Thank you!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Adding my wishes, UrsulaTime!

Bobbi

 

[UrsulaTime]

Adding my wishes, UrsulaTime!

Bobbi

Thank you!

And may I just say, the amount of research churned out by various participants of this thread in the last 24 hours re: Boulder Ridge Cove is IMPRESSIVE.

I like it.

 

[Granny]

Thank you!

And may I just say, the amount of research churned out by various participants of this thread in the last 24 hours re: Boulder Ridge Cove is IMPRESSIVE.

I like it.

You're lucky you weren't reading last year as we followed the construction very closely. To the point where some of us (who shall remain nameless ) were taking pictures of progress going on EVERY DAY!

I agree with all that the overall ambiance of the Wilderness Lodge property is still impressive, though certainly changed. And while we miss the beach area, the view from Geyser Point with an adult drink and a little breeze coming in off Bay Lake...well, it's still something very special.

Welcome to our VWL Groupies thread, Ursula!

 

[RRB]

And while we miss the beach area, the view from Geyser Point with an adult drink and a little breeze coming in off Bay Lake...well, it's still something very special.

Welcome to our VWL Groupies thread, Ursula!

Agreed and welcome!

 

[TCRAIG]

Our first exposure to VWL was over a December trip a few years ago. I had read so many comments describing the beauty of the resort during the Christmas season - we were staying at OKW but decided to visit to check out the resort. WOW - it did not disappoint - even with all the construction going on. I was determined to find and buy resale points then and there - especially for the Home Advantage first 2 weeks of December. I was able to find a good contract with enough points for 6 nights in a 1BR every other year at the Villas...(thanks TSS). It was one of my favorite purchases. The problem is - every other year isn't enough so I'm always on the look out for another similar sized contract so that we can go every year...it's just so amazingly beautiful...and the cherry on top of the Sundae that is WLV are the GROUPIES!!

 

[UrsulaTime]

You're lucky you weren't reading last year as we followed the construction very closely. To the point where some of us (who shall remain nameless ) were taking pictures of progress going on EVERY DAY!

I agree with all that the overall ambiance of the Wilderness Lodge property is still impressive, though certainly changed. And while we miss the beach area, the view from Geyser Point with an adult drink and a little breeze coming in off Bay Lake...well, it's still something very special.

Welcome to our VWL Groupies thread, Ursula!

Totally my style!

 

[sleepydog25]

As someone who has never stepped into the Lodge but who has seen a LOT of pictures and read a LOT about it over the years, this^^ reassurance from a WL expert is all I needed! I won't sweat the smaller stuff (see below)...



Hahahaha! "One of the greatest mysteries of the 21st century." I think I've said this here before, but I am just so relieved to not have to hide my confusion and disappointment about the pool and backstory (which I'm totally going to look into further, this time with a sense of humor).

I will say that the Groupies often hold court with tongues placed firmly in cheeks. While we are passionate about our resort, we largely know that change is inevitable and we try to roll with it (except for some guy who can't quite let go of the nature trail ). We do have quite a collection of knowledgeable folks here, as well, though we don't tend to post all the knowledge on the Page 1 as many other threads do. Ours is a bit more of a familial thread. However, if you ask a question, someone here can undoubtedly answer it. If you haven't been to them yet, there are two other threads that have more technical information and pictures: the WILDERNESS LODGE thread (under the main Resorts forum) and our sister thread, the COPPER CREEK thread under DVC Resorts. They're a great resource for doing more research, especially about the actual main Lodge itself. Also, I periodically remind folks that if you have any desire to be added to our TRIPS listing or BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY listing on Page 1, just let us know. I keep the Groupie trips & cruises updated, and KAT4DISNEY does the birthdays & anniversaries. Drop us a PM if you have any interest.

Our first exposure to VWL was over a December trip a few years ago. I had read so many comments describing the beauty of the resort during the Christmas season - we were staying at OKW but decided to visit to check out the resort. WOW - it did not disappoint - even with all the construction going on. I was determined to find and buy resale points then and there - especially for the Home Advantage first 2 weeks of December. I was able to find a good contract with enough points for 6 nights in a 1BR every other year at the Villas...(thanks TSS). It was one of my favorite purchases. The problem is - every other year isn't enough so I'm always on the look out for another similar sized contract so that we can go every year...it's just so amazingly beautiful...and the cherry on top of the Sundae that is WLV are the GROUPIES!!

Yeah, once you've visited WL during the holidays, it's hard to forget the beauty, how well its theme melds with the decorations. It's almost Rockwellian. And I agree, the Groupies make loving the Lodge even better. Who doesn't like to share memories with family?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Happy belated birthday Muushka! Miss you!

 

[jimmytammy]

I will say that the Groupies often hold court with tongues placed firmly in cheeks. While we are passionate about our resort, we largely know that change is inevitable and we try to roll with it (except for some guy who can't quite let go of the nature trail )

Passionate enough that we were at Revolution status there for awhile!!!! I had a picture some one took of us around here somewhere, let me see if I can round it up and I will get back to you.

Here we go!!

SleepyDog, our fearless leader is the fellow right in the front in the brown coat. If I remember correctly, it was around this time that said photo was snapped that Sleepy yelled out, "to the nature trail boys"!! It was the shot heard round the World(Disney World that is)

 

[sleepydog25]

Passionate enough that we were at Revolution status there for awhile!!!! I had a picture some one took of us around here somewhere, let me see if I can round it up and I will get back to you.

Here we go!!

SleepyDog, our fearless leader is the fellow right in the front in the brown coat. If I remember correctly, it was around this time that said photo was snapped that Sleepy yelled out, "to the nature trail boys"!! It was the shot heard round the World(Disney World that is)

I don't remember any photographers being there! We're standing near where the new fire pit is, and that's the south wing of the Lodge now holding CCV in the background.

 

[jimmytammy]

I don't remember any photographers being there! We're standing near where the new fire pit is, and that's the south wing of the Lodge now holding CCV in the background.

I believe you are correct on location. I vaguely remember seeing a photographer there but seems like the heat of the moment overtook us all. I think she was wearing a Photopass badge if not mistaken