I can understand halting construction after 9/11 to wait it out to see if people return to flying and traveling, but I think evidence shows that not only did people return to flying, but attendance at Disney World has increased to record levels. I would think it would be a profitable time to finish construction.
Very true, but since the early 2000's, Disney's most profitable new construction at WDW has been new DVC properties. And right now they are engaged in a massive new project - Disney's Contemporary Villas (or whatever they wind up calling the new tower at the Contemporary).
So even IF Disney decided to finish the Legendary Years, it wouldn't happen until after DCV is done or mostly done, which would be another year or more.
Add to that the fact that DVC members have been clamoring for a property on the monorail so long that I think DCV will probably sell out in record time, promting Disney to look hard at the idea of building another DVC property on the monorail. It's impossible at Poly - the resort is hemmed in on all sides by the TTC, Seven Seas Lagoon, Grand Floridian, and the Magnolia golf course - so most likely they would build one at Grand Floridian. Imagine the posh, ritziness of a Grand Flordian Villa! There is lots of open lad to the north of GF that could be used, but it would be pretty far from the existing GF monorail stop, so they might even have to add a new monorail station.
This is all speculation and fantasy, of course. Personally, I think it would be a good and profitable move for Disney to complete the Legendary Years, especially if the old rumors about it being mostly or completely comprised of family suites turn out to have some truth; they'd increase the number of Value accomodations, but avoid having to retrofit the existing Value resorts to include family suites.
Or they could shock us all by creating Legendary Years as the first Value-level DVC property - all family suites, with lower cost for those who like to go to WDW every year but can't afford the more expensive DVC properties. Heck, even a notorious tightwad like me could be tempted by that prospect!
But then... of course... they might... if only... they certainly... it should... who knows... maybe... I guess... but only... as if...