And The Walls Will Come Tumbing Down

[Sammie]

The Contemporary North Wing "is" being demolished. I know, I know some are going to say, duh well that is obvious. Believe me nothing at Disney is obvious.

The reason, expansion to the Contemporary. Now whether that means DVC or not, is yet to be seen.

It could and then again it could not. It could be suites for the Contemporary resort and expansion for the new much expanded restaurants and shops.

Or it could be a combination DVC/Resort project.

Truly if I get anything I can share that is definite I will. Right now all that is definite is expansion is such that the North Wing is being removed.

[spiceycat]

Pictures - please - want to see the thing come down.....:goodvibes :goodvibes

[greenban]

Cool!

Sammie, Please tell your contacts that I need the CRV, really N - E - E - D it!

I know you can make it happen!

-Tony

[DVCconvert]

The Contemporary North Wing "is" being demolished.


:faint:

;)

:teeth:

[lenshanem]

Yep, although it is killing me - DH and I are holding out and passing on AKV in hopes for the Contemporary. popcorn::

[tomandrobin]

The Contemporary North Wing "is" being demolished. I know, I know some are going to say, duh well that is obvious. Believe me nothing at Disney is obvious.

The reason, expansion to the Contemporary. Now whether that means DVC or not, is yet to be seen.

It could and then again it could not. It could be suites for the Contemporary resort and expansion for the new much expanded restaurants and shops.

Or it could be a combination DVC/Resort project.

Truly if I get anything I can share that is definite I will. Right now all that is definite is expansion is such that the North Wing is being removed.

Literally right now? Or is going to be soon?

[lenshanem]

Ya, I'd really like a pic of that wrecking ball about right now. :surfweb:

[lenshanem]

Oh, and if anyone from DVC is lurking...
Guaranteed MK views like the BW views would be nice and can you pipe that Wishes music into the room, too? :idea:

[DC7800]

At the same time people can be excited about the prospect of expansion at the Contemporary, it is also a sad day in the history of the Contemporary and Walt Disney World - the (admittedly partial) demolition of one of the two original WDW resorts. Progress is generally looked on favorably, but the loss of history is lamentable.

The Crescent-shaped tower - assuming that is what is to be built - would have been far better suited for a different (monorail) location - as the design potentially appears to clash with (and undermine) the Contemporary theme of the rest of the resort.

[Mama2Matthew]

If only there was some hard evidence like a demolition permit to substantiate this rumor. ;)

[greenban]

Ya, I'd really like a pic of that wrecking ball about right now. :surfweb:


Here ya go .....

http://media.conviveon.com/sites/FDOT/content/live/9017303b307f00fce415fd26007c7f/1033/WreckingBall_Spot.gif

You can see the monorail support towers in the background!

-Tony

[mlill]

Yep, although it is killing me - DH and I are holding out and passing on AKV in hopes for the Contemporary. popcorn::

We're in the same boat! It's hard not feeling 'left out' with all of the AKV excitement. The bright side is, we have more time to save up for all those Contemporary points! :goodvibes It's all good!

-Michelle

[FriendsOfEeyore]

Here ya go .....

http://media.conviveon.com/sites/FDOT/content/live/9017303b307f00fce415fd26007c7f/1033/WreckingBall_Spot.gif

You can see the monorail support towers in the background!

-Tony


Tony - you are awful!

Actually, I was going to do something very similar.

[MinnieGirl33]

Oh, and if anyone from DVC is lurking...
Guaranteed MK views like the BW views would be nice and can you pipe that Wishes music into the room, too? :idea:

OMG! Love that idea!

[Lexxiefern]

Thanks for the info. I wonder when it will be torn down?

[3DisneyKids]

Loving all of this hot news today!

[keishashadow]

Yep, although it is killing me - DH and I are holding out and passing on AKV in hopes for the Contemporary. popcorn::

:banana: Thanks Sammie!:banana:

I promised DH I wouldn't do the initial add-on @ AK (he bribed me w/a cabin upgrade on next cruise;) I'm easy lol)...makes it easier to be strong.

:eek: must be strong...fight the force.:)

[BCV23]

Thanks for the news, Sammie. Like DVCconvert, I'm not surprised but I am very interested.popcorn::

[La2kw]

At the same time people can be excited about the prospect of expansion at the Contemporary, it is also a sad day in the history of the Contemporary and Walt Disney World - the (admittedly partial) demolition of one of the two original WDW resorts. Progress is generally looked on favorably, but the loss of history is lamentable.

The Crescent-shaped tower - assuming that is what is to be built - would have been far better suited for a different (monorail) location - as the design potentially appears to clash with (and undermine) the Contemporary theme of the rest of the resort.

I believe the wings were not original construction. From what I understand, the wings were added onto the original hotel after opening. Only the tower is the original hotel, so really, the new crescent shaped tower is only another alteration to the original resort.

[rascalmom]

Does anyone else have a song stuck in their head?? :rolleyes1

Glad to hear the news - I think the exterior of the CR wings are an eyesore.

An add-on will be a tough sell to DH, but I will be working on it if we here a future confirmation fo CRV!

Love SSR - I can see alternating between those two resorts & being really happy!

[jimmytammy]

You know this makes me think,(and thats a scary thing for those of you who know me)even though the Contemp DVC has been a well longed for possibility from us, building AKV 1st makes sense from a business point. Those AKV units will be mostly ground up, new units while they are having to tear down wings of Contemp to prepare to build back. So with that in mind, I still have hope that the Contemp DVC is still in the works. And I believe they do listen to us, or monitor us here. Either way, I am looking forward to the options for the future of places to stay.

[dumbo71]

See I knew Sammie had "other" information after the DVC expansion thread.

[DC7800]

I believe the wings were not original construction. From what I understand, the wings were added onto the original hotel after opening. Only the tower is the original hotel, so really, the new crescent shaped tower is only another alteration to the original resort.

No - actually the wings were original and built at the same time as the tower (there are Disney publications with photographic proof). The convention facilities were, however, a later addition.

[Sammie]

Sorry some of you found this boring. I will share the next phase by PM to those interested. ;)

[spiceycat]

Sorry some of you found this boring. I will share the next phase by PM to those interested. ;)

I want on the list.;)

[BCV23]

I want on the list.;)

Me, too!

And Sammie, I don't think anyone was bored.

BTW do you mean the razing has actually begun or just that you've heard that it will actually happen?:scratchin

[lenshanem]

Sammie, please PM me any time you hear anything about the Contemporary. And I mean anything. I'm on pins and needles over here... :hyper:

Now about that pic of the wrecking ball Tony... :scratchin

[Boston5602]

I'll keep this on topic , please tell us here



THANK YOU Sammie :thumbsup2

[Sammie]

Oh gosh, I was just kidding.

Truly if I hear anything else, confirmed I will let you know. I will not however post rumors. My info might be slow at times, but my sources are very reliable and therefore they don't like to share info that is either not confirmed or extremely confidential. Confidential I won't share, I value their friendship too much.

Not based on anything I was told, but more what I was not told. I truly think the project there will be a joint venture between Resorts and DVC. I think that is why we keep seeing the Contemporary Suites mentioned.

As far as I know, the wrecking has not started.

[Slakk]

Sorry some of you found this boring. I will share the next phase by PM to those interested. ;)

When we were there last week we commented that it sure did not look like a remodel job...

[DVCconvert]

Oh gosh, I was just kidding.

Truly if I hear anything else, confirmed I will let you know. I will not however post rumors. My info might be slow at times, but my sources are very reliable and therefore they don't like to share info that is either not confirmed or extremely confidential. Confidential I won't share, I value their friendship too much.


No one is 'bored' Sammie...my post was intended as a subtle nudge suggesting a little 'late to the table'. -- but that's understandable in the context to your posting standards. :)

If you'd like to go out on a real limb however, you can tell us what your being told about a 5th gate!
( I'm assuming your 'contact' is really "Double Deep-Croaker"? )
:worship: :teeth:

[wisbucky]

Im eager to see what comes of this. Any renovations to the CR would be great.

[2goofee]

Me, too!

And Sammie, I don't think anyone was bored.

BTW do you mean the razing has actually begun or just that you've heard that it will actually happen?:scratchin

The razing has started. Watched the rooms closest to Bay Lake being knocked down today.

[lisareniff]

thanks for the info Sammie! Finally, it's happening.... well... soon.

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Thanks for the info Sammie. Keep all the inside info coming. My DW and I stayed there on our honeymoon in 1979. I guess I should tell the wife that it's all over (let her figure out what).;)

HBC

[maciec]

I don't know who I have more of a crush on now you or Greenban. :love:


Between the high potential now of CV and completely throws me off of my planning course. :faint:

[dis-happy]

Greenban and Sammie....now THAT would be a presidential ticket I would vote for!!!!

Thanks for sharing. :)

[dumbo71]

Greenban and Sammie....now THAT would be a presidential ticket I would vote for!!!!

Thanks for sharing. :)



I'd vote for that ticket!!!!! Only problem who'd be the pres. and who'd be the vice.?

[DC7800]

The razing has started. Watched the rooms closest to Bay Lake being knocked down today.

2goofee, I don't suppose you have a picture you could share ???

Not doubting you or anything - just anxious (I think...) to see for myself what's going on.

[BCV23]

The razing has started. Watched the rooms closest to Bay Lake being knocked down today.

Thanks for the update.

To me it is both sad and exciting. My husband and I always said those very rooms near Bay Lake were the ones we would want to stay in if we were ever tempted to stray from the Polynesian. We never did but still....:sad:

And yet....CRV....here we come!:cool1:

[BroganMc]

Wow. I've only been a DVC member since May but it sure looks like I joined at a good time. Everything is happening so fast now.

Thanks for the tidbits Sammie! Keep them coming if you have them.

I'm most interested in Contemporary because I have a brother who swears by the place. He's actually going to pay cash for a Tower room this Fall when he could get a cheaper member's discount at SSR. (My dad and I did the super nice thing of adding all my siblings to our contract and therefore gifting them membership. They just haven't figured out how to use it yet.) A Contemporary Villa may see him finally dipping his toe in the DVC pond.

[Sammie]

Does anyone have any idea of how long asbestos containment would take for a building the size of the North Wing? That will determine when the actually take down begins.

[BCV23]

Does anyone have any idea of how long asbestos containment would take for a building the size of the North Wing? That will determine when the actually take down begins.

Sammie, see 2goofee's post...#33. The razing has started.

[mckryan]

I'm going in a couple of weeks, and I promise to bring back pictures!

[MinnieGirl33]

I truly think the project there will be a joint venture between Resorts and DVC. I think that is why we keep seeing the Contemporary Suites mentioned.


I agree. Especially since there has been no official DVC announcement, it would appear that Parks & Resorts would be the ones paying for whatever it is that they are actually doing right now (asbestos removal? prep for demo? whatever). Why would they agree to have those expenses come out of their budget if they weren't going to get a return on it later.

[dwelty]

The Contemporary North Wing "is" being demolished. I know, I know some are going to say, duh well that is obvious. Believe me nothing at Disney is obvious.

.

Great, maybe they can take the whole resort down. That is the ugliest resort on WDW property! Just as long as they move the California grill someplace else.

[unixadm]

Great, maybe they can take the whole resort down. That is the ugliest resort on WDW property! Just as long as they move the California grill someplace else.

I doubt you will see that.....the Contemporary and Polynesian were the original resorts back when WDW opened and were part of the originial design by Walt Disney. That would be like knocking down the castle......I just can't see that happening.

I have wonderful memories of my first trip to WDW in the '70's and seeing the "cool looking" hotel with the monorail going through it. I wanted to stay there back then, but it was way too expensive for my parents...We did eat breakfast there that is still a great memory. I stayed there many years later with my family. Sure, it could use a bit of a face lift, but don't knock it down!

[lenshanem]

I agree. Especially since there has been no official DVC announcement, it would appear that Parks & Resorts would be the ones paying for whatever it is that they are actually doing right now (asbestos removal? prep for demo? whatever). Why would they agree to have those expenses come out of their budget if they weren't going to get a return on it later.


Do you guys mean something like WL / VWL or BC / BCV? Or are you thinking of a different arrangement?

[spiceycat]

different - general VWL and BCV are for DVC members and guest - just a few paying guest through CRO.

this resort may be half and half - half for the DVC member and half for paying guests.

of course since DVC pays for itself. WDW might be removing the building - not the resorts. and the expensives go directly to the bottom line - maintence.

then the entire building could still be a DVC.

but the WDW resorts definitely need more suites. Now if they need them at the Cont is the question. Since the new rehab is a big hit - I really think the hotel could fill up half the building.

I do believe these suites will be different - most of the suites only have kitchennett not a full kitchen. I really think all of these will have a full kitchen - simply because later on if the CR sells out quickly - then DVC might get the rest of the building and it would make it easier to resell if the units contained the full kitchen.

of course if the Cont can rent them for rack rates - then DVC getting them might not happen.

[lenshanem]

Interesting.

Personally I have no need for a full kitchen. I'm not going be cooking on vacation. The kitchenette serves me fine, we typically eat only breakfast and snacks in the room, maybe a sandwich once in awhile.

[crazy4wdw]

I believe the wings were not original construction. From what I understand, the wings were added onto the original hotel after opening. Only the tower is the original hotel, so really, the new crescent shaped tower is only another alteration to the original resort.

I stayed in the CR North Wing in January 1972, just three months after WDW opened in October 1971. The wings were an origninal part of the resort. During the first few years of operation, the north wing was called "Bayshore" and the south wing was called "Lakeside". Each building of the Contemporary (Towers, Bayshore, Lakeside) had its own check-in desk. When you pulled up to the security gate, you were directed to one of the three buildings.

[minnie61650]

The Contemporary North Wing "is" being demolished. I know, I know some are going to say, duh well that is obvious. Believe me nothing at Disney is obvious.

The reason, expansion to the Contemporary. Now whether that means DVC or not, is yet to be seen.

It could and then again it could not. It could be suites for the Contemporary resort and expansion for the new much expanded restaurants and shops.

Or it could be a combination DVC/Resort project.

Truly if I get anything I can share that is definite I will. Right now all that is definite is expansion is such that the North Wing is being removed.

Sammie,

This is great news!
I am hoping at least part of the new section will be DVC.

At the very least with a new section to Contemporary there should more
Handicapped Accessible rooms with roll in showers. As far I know the CR tower only has 1 HA room with a roll in shower and that is located on the 12th floor in the Atrium Club.

It breaks my heart with a fellow DIS'ner posts on the resorts board or disABILITIES board asking where the CR tower HA rooms with roll in showers are located (hoping for a room with a MK view) and I have to reply that there is only 1 room on the club level and that it often booked a year in advance.

Thanks for posting the great news.
Please keep us updated.

[spiceycat]

Sammie,

the very least with a new section to Contemporary there should more
Handicapped Accessible rooms with roll in showers. As far I know the CR tower only has 1 HA room with a roll in shower and that is located on the 12th floor in the Atrium Club.

It breaks my heart with a fellow DIS'ner posts on the resorts board or disABILITIES board asking where the CR tower HA rooms with roll in showers are located (hoping for a room with a MK view) and I have to reply that there is only 1 room on the club level and that it often booked a year in advance.

Thanks for posting the great news.
Please keep us updated.

DVC will definitely put in several handicapped units. they plan on current DVC members getting old (not happening).:rolleyes1 If it is a DVC - hope so!!!!:banana:

[Longhairbear]

I just read on another site that a poster has seen pics taken yesterday of the north wing. They say the roof, and a few of the walls are down in the pics. Pics are not online yet from what I read.

[LIFERBABE]

I stayed in the CR North Wing in January 1972, just three months after WDW opened in October 1971. The wings were an origninal part of the resort. During the first few years of operation, the north wing was called "Bayshore" and the south wing was called "Lakeside". Each building of the Contemporary (Towers, Bayshore, Lakeside) had its own check-in desk. When you pulled up to the security gate, you were directed to one of the three buildings.

Very interesting and thank you for sharing!

Sammie, thanks for the info!:thumbsup2 I still believe CRV is a go. I just hope they save that little playground! LOL!

[lenshanem]

I also read a post today on another website that said they were given a map yesterday of the Contemporary and the North wing is not on it, only the South.

[Tink-n-Belle]

WoW!!! That is so exciting!! I do hope it has some DVC rooms!!

Thanks for the information.

[BuzzLightyearDad]

allearsnet has pictues of the walls going down

[maciec]

allearsnet has pictues of the walls going down

Could you please post the link? I can't find it on allears.

[La2kw]

I stayed in the CR North Wing in January 1972, just three months after WDW opened in October 1971. The wings were an origninal part of the resort. During the first few years of operation, the north wing was called "Bayshore" and the south wing was called "Lakeside". Each building of the Contemporary (Towers, Bayshore, Lakeside) had its own check-in desk. When you pulled up to the security gate, you were directed to one of the three buildings.

Yes, I must have confused the buildings that were added to the Poly after opening, as well as the new Convention Center added to the CR. That's interesting about the different check-in desks.

[Mama2Matthew]

Could you please post the link? I can't find it on allears.

Here is the link!!! Wahoo!!!:cool1:

http://allearsnet.com/news/rehabs_pix.htm

[kristytru]

I guess "soon" judging by these pictures...
http://allearsnet.com/news/rehabs_pix.htm
:scared1:

[Disney MAINEiac]

Subscribing....love all this (00) spy stuff:cool1: keep it coming popcorn::

[keys2kingdom]

The plot thickens........rehab schmeehab, they're making way for something big, 16 stories big I hope.

[GANUT4WDW]

Wow! They really are demolishing the North Wing! Thanks for the link to the photos! I love the DISboard!:disrocks:

[BroganMc]

At the very least with a new section to Contemporary there should more
Handicapped Accessible rooms with roll in showers. As far I know the CR tower only has 1 HA room with a roll in shower and that is located on the 12th floor in the Atrium Club.

It breaks my heart with a fellow DIS'ner posts on the resorts board or disABILITIES board asking where the CR tower HA rooms with roll in showers are located (hoping for a room with a MK view) and I have to reply that there is only 1 room on the club level and that it often booked a year in advance.

That's not true. My aunt stayed in a HC room with a roll-in-shower in March of '05. It was a two-bed on the 6th or 7th floor. Faced the bay though. We watched the EWP from her balcony and the Concourse from the hall.

No way did she book a year in advance. Perhaps a couple months.

[lenshanem]

And here is the link to the Contemporary map they are now giving out - minus the North wing -
http://forums.*************/showthread.php?t=141665&page=2

:cool1:


EDIT - Nevermind, I forgot you can't link to anything on here. :mad: