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WebmasterDoc

10-17-2006, 07:47 PM

I had the opportunity to take a few photos of the CR North wing while dining at CA Grille. That area is now cordoned off with 8' fencing as well as water barricades in the lake around that section of the resort. There are large industrial dumpsters in place in the parking lot and apparently some activity going on inside the building at this time.

IMO, the barricade and construction permits might suggest something more involved than merely an interior rehab, so it will be interesting to follow what goes on there in the next few months. The views from the top of the CR are wonderful - and if a multi story building were to be built where the North Wing now stands, the views would be equally impressive.

From conversations with contacts within DVC, the new AKV will have Studio, 1BR, 2BR and GVs. Apparently the 1BRs will accommodate 5 with a recliner that converts into a single bed. The 1BRs will also have 2 bathrooms (and 2BRs will have 3 bathrooms). At this time, there are no point charts, floorplans available for public inspection at this time and no word on any sales date.

We hope to visit the SSR sales center tomorrow and will see if any other information is available. There are some exciting things coming that I'm not at liberty to share at this time too! :) Stay Tuned!!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/9488Epcot10-15-06_006-med.jpg http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/9488Epcot10-15-06_007-med.jpg

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/9488Epcot10-15-06_010-med.jpg http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/9488Epcot10-15-06_009-med.jpg http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/9488Epcot10-15-06_008-med.jpg

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/9488Epcot10-15-06_023-med.jpg http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/9488Epcot10-15-06_012-med.jpg http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/9488Epcot10-15-06_011-med.jpg

LIFERBABE

10-17-2006, 08:32 PM

Thank you Doc!!

Your photos made me kind of sad to see the NGW all abandoned and gated off :(

I think a demolition is in store. Who gates off a whole wing for rehab. Im sure the screens attached to the fencing will be next.

We visited the CR Sept 15 because every trip we visit the NGW and I take photos of the boys in front of that "Watch Me Grow" chart that is part of the playground you have a shot of in the courtyard.

I told them that this would probably be our last photo there and we would have to find another "Grow" spot to take photos.

I wish they would relocate that little playground, but its not really futuristic enough. Sorry to go on.........

Thanks again for taking the time to post. :wizard:

Mama2Matthew

10-17-2006, 08:43 PM

Thanks so much for the info and for the pics! I also expect the North Wing to be demolished... Can't wait to find out more!

BCV23

10-17-2006, 08:51 PM

I agree...bye bye North wing. It makes me sad that we never got around to staying there. We love the Polynesian so but on boat rides always thought the North wing rooms that faced Bay Lake looked wonderfully peaceful.

Since even the parking lot is barricaded off, I think CR DVC is on the way. Entire buildings at the Polynesian were closed for rehab at once but just with barriers around the buildings themselves.It appears they are making room for much more than that!

Thanks for the pictures, Doc and have a great vacation!

jemiaule

10-17-2006, 08:59 PM

Oh I hope they demo it. My mom, kids and I stayed there in June. After spending only a few hours in the room we called the front desk and begged to be put in the main tower. The view we had was lovely (we were at the end and facing the lake) but the musty smell of the room and the vibrations thru the walls anytime we (or anyone near us) closed their door got annoying really fast.

Tinkaroo

10-17-2006, 09:08 PM

Thanks for the detective work! :magnify:

Sammie

10-17-2006, 09:27 PM

There are some exciting things coming that I'm not at liberty to share at this time too!

You just had to tease us. ;)

Thanks for the photos. It does look like a major project, I wonder if anyone remembers what they did around the South Wing while they were working on it.

lisareniff

10-17-2006, 09:31 PM

From conversations with contacts within DVC, the new AKV will have Studio, 1BR, 2BR and GVs. Apparently the 1BRs will accommodate 5 with a recliner that converts into a single bed. The 1BRs will also have 2 bathrooms (and 2BRs will have 3 bathrooms). At this time, there are no point charts, floorplans available for public inspection at this time and no word on any sales date.

Thanks for the info Doc. Sure is exciting! Do you have any clue as to what types of units will be in the lodge and if they will be using the whole 5th floor or only part?

There are some exciting things coming that I'm not at liberty to share at this time too! :)

Tease!

Sammie

10-17-2006, 09:38 PM

Lisa, I was told that concierge will be moving, so maybe they will have the entire top floors. I was told 5th and 6th.

cocoswife

10-17-2006, 10:20 PM

Hi Doc,

I hope you are enjoying your vacation :wave: . Thanks for keeping us up to date with all the latest news :goodvibes

spiceycat

10-18-2006, 07:53 AM

thanks for the great report.

we have stayed in the Cont tower and yes the views are beautiful. It definitely looks like something bigger than just a rehab.

:cool1: :cheer2: :banana:

hope so!!! :rotfl:

how do you get on the roof - I though they stopped people from visiting any higher than the 4th floor. Unless you are going to the restuarant?

Muushka

10-18-2006, 07:55 AM

2 bathrooms in the 1 BR!! Whoohoo :cool1: . That means that if we book a 1 BR we can invite guests for a couple of days! Now we have to book 2 BR in order to have guests!

riggins

10-18-2006, 08:49 AM

Thanks for the pictures Doc. I've been dying to see what they're doing. We are huge CR fans and I've been kind of depressed since the AKL announcement, but this gives me new hope!!

We stayed in the South Wing last December while they were rehabbing. Parts of the wing were closed and some parts had a fence around it, but nothing as major as this. From our room, we could see into the rooms across the grassy area that were being rehabbed. There was a small fence just outside the patios- about 5-10 feet out from the building and 6-8 feet high. It was chain link and had black "fabric" on it. The hallway in our part of the building had been remodeled, but our room hadn't. So, they were definitely able to keep sections of the building open while they were doing work. The fact that they've fenced off the entire north wing, plus a huge part of the parking lot would lead me to believe they are doing a lot more than just replacing paint, carpet, furniture, and fixtures. Or maybe, I'm just dreaming!

Anyway, thanks again for giving me new hope!!

disneymagic316

10-18-2006, 09:02 AM

Great pictures,Doc! Thanks! I hope you're enjoying your vacation. I can't wait to hear about the exciting things coming!

We,too, were disappointed whern AK was announced. We love the Contemporary and are our keeping our fingers crossed for CRV announcement soon. It look like things are pointing in that direction.

Olaf

10-18-2006, 09:06 AM

We stayed in the North Wing a couple of years ago, when they had the Shades of Green occupying it, and it was horrible. Everything was icky. The noise from the people upstairs, the carpets, bedding, etc--very run down.

MarieA

10-18-2006, 09:45 AM

We love the CR too. We have stayed there numerous times. We were there in Aug. 05 when they were rehabbing the South Wing. There were only gates up - no booms. From your pictures it appears that there is something bigger in store for the North Wing (demolition).

isyt

10-18-2006, 10:52 AM

I can't wait to stop by in November!!! Although you really are teasing us! Isn't there a press conference today in NYC? Anyone heard anything???

I am still planning on buying CR DVC :cool1: !!

spiceycat

10-18-2006, 02:59 PM

I am still planning on buying CR DVC :cool1: !!

you aren't the only one and a date of 2009 would be much better than now....

jekjones1558

10-18-2006, 04:34 PM

There are some exciting things coming that I'm not at liberty to share at this time too! Stay Tuned!!

You dirty dog!

WebmasterDoc

10-18-2006, 05:24 PM

Well, we went to a couple of wine seminars this afternoon (both were excellent - Chateau Ste. Michelle from WA and Rosenthal from Malibu, CA) and then headed over to SSR for the Member Update - only to discover that it was being held at Atlantic Dance on the BW :blush: - My bad! :(

Sooo, we went over to the DVC Sales center and were able to meet with our guide, Ken Bradshaw. Ken will be on the Member's Cruise next week along with about 40 other DVC staff including Jim Lewis. It was good to speak with Ken again (if anyone needs a great guide, don't hesitate to contact Ken).

A little more information about AKV. I cannot confirm any of this with any official publication - so it is definitely still a rumor - but, the AKV 1BR villas will be larger than those at the other onsite resorts and still smaller than OKW. Perhaps along the lines of HH or VB size-wise? There will be at least some 1BR villas which will accommodate 5 - with bedding provided. I would assume (rumor, rumor) that this could be a confirmable reservation rather than a request and that there may also be some 1BRs at AKV that will still accommodate 4 (rumor, rumor). In addition, it may still be fun to speculate about a possible off-site (at least non-WDW) DVC as the next DVC to be announced.

Stay tuned! :smooth:

DVCconvert

10-18-2006, 06:38 PM

and then headed over to SSR for the Member Update - only to discover that it was being held at Atlantic Dance on the BW - My bad!

:scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

SCDizneyDawn

10-18-2006, 07:32 PM

In addition, it may still be fun to speculate about a possible off-site (at least non-WDW) DVC as the next DVC to be announced.

anybody else think DOC is hinting at his earlier drop about exciting things to come here?

DOC, hope you have a great time, we also loved F&W this year.

calypso*a*go-go

10-18-2006, 08:27 PM

In addition, it may still be fun to speculate about a possible off-site (at least non-WDW) DVC as the next DVC to be announced.

Stay tuned! :smooth:

:cheer2: C-A-L-I-F-0-R-N-I-A :cheer2:
I hope, I hope, I hope, I hope!!!

minnie61650

10-18-2006, 11:18 PM

jmatias

10-19-2006, 12:26 AM

:cheer2: C-A-L-I-F-0-R-N-I-A :cheer2:
I hope, I hope, I hope, I hope!!!

That is what I was thinking!

But...I don't think I could swing AKV and DVC at Cali add-ons

but still :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

Doc...keep the rumors coming :thumbsup2

Jen

liznboys

10-19-2006, 08:35 AM

Thanks for all the info!!

spiceycat

10-19-2006, 08:40 AM

Doc you have been to several of the wine tasting this year.

on my budget I can only afford one - which would you recommend?

keishashadow

10-19-2006, 12:05 PM

docs pics are way better than mine are, which are still on my memory card lol.

posted on another thread but, many of the sliding glass doors were open during our entire stay (ones facing the pool area), leads me to believe a demo is in order vs refurbishment to avoid bug infestation/damage from the elements.

when we asked the manager on duty (who was doing the meet 'n greet when we arrived) feigned surprise @ any such idea...what a card.

WebmasterDoc

10-19-2006, 12:58 PM

Doc you have been to several of the wine tasting this year.

on my budget I can only afford one - which would you recommend?

Pat, each day there are about 8 free wine seminars held in the Festival Welcome Center (the building where the Coke samples are offered). These are open on a first-come basis throughout the day and a daily schedule is posted outside at each end of the building. Each seminar (did I mention these are all free?), holds about 75 guests and are quite informative.

In addition, there are a number of wine pairings held at a variety of Epcot restaurants. We have been only to the one at Le Cellier - which was also excellent. Cost for that was $40 per person and included a light meal as well as wine for each course. Those must be arranged in advance, although there may be limited availability at the door.

There are also other events available. We are attending a dinner this evening at the Odyssey Restaurant (next to TT) . These are called Exquisite Evenings and are from 6:30 - 9:00pm on selected evenings - complete with dress code and high cost. The meal is a 5 course meal with wine pairings selected to compliment each course - very similar to V&A in many ways.

Definitely plan to take advantage of the free wine seminars, they are really great. There is also a beer seminar (also free ) offered next to the American Pavillion. There are also inexpensive wine tastings available ($7-8 for 4 sample glasses) at a couple of locations around WS.

spiceycat

10-19-2006, 02:18 PM

oh you made by day!!!! Thanks so much - free wine tasting!!!

Dizz42

10-19-2006, 04:56 PM

Dear Doc,
You are going to an Exquiste Evening?! Ooooooohhhh! Last year, we had one booked (and on my birthday too) but one month before our trip, our daughter found out we were going and said, hintingly..."Oh...so...you're going to Disney World this time without your grandchildren?" :rotfl: Well, needless to say, we cancelled our EE and managed to go from a BWV studio to a 2-bedroom. 'Course we had a wonderful vacation but one of these days, I would love to rebook an Exquiste Evening. Please let us know all about it, 'kay? :thanks:

OneMoreTry

10-19-2006, 05:14 PM

....

.... There are some exciting things coming that I'm not at liberty to share at this time too! :) Stay Tuned!!

....

Oh, come on, you can share with US. We won't tell. :teeth:

isyt

10-19-2006, 06:11 PM

I think I will have to book a trip without the kiddies during the f & w next year and do that free wine tasting. Those are two of my favorite words in one sentence :drinking1 !!!!!

WebmasterDoc

10-19-2006, 10:07 PM

"Free" and "Wine" do seem to attract attention ... and both are applicable to the F&W each year. I highly recommend finding all options where both are involved. ("Free" and "Beer" also work pretty well!)

We just returned from the "Exquiste Evenings" event at Epcot's Odyssey . The last time we "dined" at the Odyssey, we ate hamburgers. Tonite was a little different.

We met at Guest Services around 6pm and were transported, backstage, by limo (Cadillacs) to the event at Odyssey. We enjoyed a Ste. Michelle Riesling with a sampling of hors deurves before dinner. We were seated for dinner with personalized menus (a la V&As) where we enjoyed Squash Soup with a Pinot Gris pairing, followed by Sablefish with a Pinot Noir pairing, followed by Seared Ducking with a Meritage pairing, followed by an entree of cheese selections (delicious) with a Cabernet Sauvignon pairing and ending with a dessert trio of wonderful pumpkin offerings (a pumpkin shooter, pumpkin ice cream and pumpkin silk) paired with a Erotica Single Berry Reisling wine ($500 a bottle - but we did not have a whole bottle! :( )

The event was quite elegant and actualy reasonable considering the experience.

Unfortunately, we are nearing the end of our trip and are beginning to realize we have only two more days until our trip home.

All good things must come to an end. We have a Three Dog Night concert planned for tomorrow, I have a haircut planned at the MK in the morning and we have a dinner at Narcoossee's planned for our last nite. Looking forward to these activities and dreading the trip home to reality.

Fortunatley, we have another trip planned soon. :teeth:

Sammie

10-19-2006, 10:26 PM

Jermiah Was A Bullfrog,

Enjoy all of it and have a safe trip home. :thumbsup2

Dizz42

10-20-2006, 01:22 AM

Oooohhh how wonderful! Your Exquisite Evening sounds...er....well...exquisite! :cloud9: Thank you for sharing. :thumbsup2

jakenjess

10-20-2006, 04:38 AM

The Exquisite Evening sounds fabulous! Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!

minnie61650

10-23-2006, 08:25 AM

Today's (Monday Oct. 23,2006) Mouseplanet article keeps CR DVC rumors alive:

http://mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=wd061016

................

"I am delighted to announce that our members will have yet another place to call home with Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas," said Jim Lewis, President of Disney Vacation Club. "This begins another exciting new era for Disney Vacation Club as we continue to explore future destination possibilities both domestically and internationally."

The last statement by Lewis would seem to hint at what we further hinted at a couple of weeks ago, that the next DVC resort to be announced would be in California. He also seems to leave the door open for the possibility of DVC resort at other Disney resort properties near Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong. We're still pointing toward a new tower adjacent to the Contemporary Resort as the next property at Walt Disney World after the Animal Kingdom Villas are completed.
--------------------------

I am still hoping for a DVC at CR also! :wizard: