New Hawaii resort

[CruznLexi]

I am looking for info on the Hawaii resort. Does anyone know when in 2011 it will open? This will be our 10th aniv and plan on going to it. Aniv is not until Oct though. Any idea on when it will be open.
Lexi

 

[chalee94]

2011 is a long way off. especially in this economy.

they've barely broken ground at this point so right now the question is still "IF" and not "WHEN" DVC-HI will open...

 

[erionm]

Last I saw is the resort is projected to open in 2012.

 

[CandyMandy]

The last I saw work had pretty much been halted. Below is picture of the land the resort is supposed to be built on, taken last November. Not a single shovefull of ground had been turned and the fence around the construction site hadn't even been completed (it was started over a year ago but stopped for some reason last summer).

So I wouldn't start packing just yet.

 

[dvc_john]

The last I saw work had pretty much been halted. Below is picture of the land the resort is supposed to be built on, taken last November. Not a single shovefull of ground had been turned and the fence around the construction site hadn't even been completed (it was started over a year ago but stopped for some reason last summer).

Actually, they didn't start over a ago, and then stop. They made an announcement over a year ago. No construction or site preparation was started at that time. Then, last October, they had another big announcement, with Disney characters, an official groundbreaking, and blessing of the site. So it's not surprising that no construction was evident shortly thereafter.

 

[cheezNE1]

The last I saw work had pretty much been halted. Below is picture of the land the resort is supposed to be built on, taken last November. Not a single shovefull of ground had been turned and the fence around the construction site hadn't even been completed (it was started over a year ago but stopped for some reason last summer).

So I wouldn't start packing just yet.

wow.. looks nothing like Hawaii

 

[Minnie824]

At the doorway to dreams event they said Hawaii was scheduled to open in the fall of 2011.

 

[dianeschlicht]

wow.. looks nothing like Hawaii

Actually, it looks EXACTLY like that portion of Oahu. I'm not at all thrilled with the location. I wish they would have gone to one of the outer islands.

 

[cheezNE1]

Actually, it looks EXACTLY like that portion of Oahu. I'm not at all thrilled with the location. I wish they would have gone to one of the outer islands.

sorry, never been to Hawaii.... always pictured Hawaii with beaches and lots of resorts.

 

[dianeschlicht]

sorry, never been to Hawaii.... always pictured Hawaii with beaches and lots of resorts.

The lots of resorts part it has. Actually, it also has beaches, but the side of Oahu this site is on would not be my choice. The REAL beaches with surf etc are on the north side of the island and of course, we all picture Waikiki in our heads. THis will be better than that at least, but still not ideal.

 

[dvc_john]

Just keep in mind that this view is toward the back of the property toward Honolulu.

In the opposite direction are the ocean and swimming lagoons. This site has magnificent sunsets. I would assume that the units would all tend to face that direction.

Also, the view to the north is much more like what you'd expect for a 'Hawaiian view'.

And the Disney site is located between the JW Marriott Ihilani hotel and the Marriott Ko Olina timeshare.

 

[snackyx]

I will be staying at Marriott's KoOlina in early April, which is right next door to the Disney site. Will take some pictures of the "progress" and report back then. The site is about 20 miles from Honolulu but that is the benefit--Waikiki Beach is a crowded mess! This location really is beautiful--I've stayed there five times.

 

[gtrain219]

wow.. looks nothing like Hawaii

I thought so too. I guess Kauai has spoiled my minds eye of what the rest of HI looks like. Not that I wouldn't go if someone paid for it.

 

[buzz5985]

We had discussed with our DS 12 how much we would like to go to Hawaii some day. Our 25th is in 2010 and that was a goal (not likely now with economy) Well anyway, there was some show on the Discovery channel I think - Lifeguards of Hawaii. They showed people getting conked on the head by surfboards, shark attacks, huge waves with the undertows, etc. After the show my DS looked at me and said - What are you nuts wanting to go there?? LOL


Janis

 

[bellaphia]

received Disney Files Magazine today and it states they had a ground blessing ceremony at the resort site and the resort is scheduled to open in 2011 with construction activity now underway...

 

[CandyMandy]

Actually, they didn't start over a ago, and then stop. They made an announcement over a year ago. No construction or site preparation was started at that time. Then, last October, they had another big announcement, with Disney characters, an official groundbreaking, and blessing of the site. So it's not surprising that no construction was evident shortly thereafter.

Construction preparation did start last year. As I stated earlier, a fence was started to wall off the entire construction area (standard first-phase practice in these types of projects) last summer. But work on it abruptly stopped in the fall when the project came to a sudden halt. Proof:

Wall construction in progress last summer from beach:

Partially completed wall on street side of property in photo taken last November. Note how close the scenic parking garage of the resort next door will be:

Unfinished wall area...complete with authenitc Hawiian fire hydrant:

 

[dvc_john]

All I can say is that the wall you have a picture of dated November, was definitely not there in October.

I visited the site October 14 2008, and there was no sign of any wall, construction, or any site preparation. The only evidence of any activity was the presence of some surveyors, and a few executive types walking around.

This was before the official ground breaking that took place a short time later.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

I just got my Disney Files today, and there is an article on the new Hawaii resort. The information in it says it is still expected to open in 2011.

 

[CandyMandy]

I just got my Disney Files today, and there is an article on the new Hawaii resort. The information in it says it is still expected to open in 2011.

I found the article (authored by DVC President Jim Lewis) to be shall we say a wee bit evasive regardiing a hard opening timetable. Quote: "I am pleased to share a few new details about the project, which will continue to evolve as we work towards our targeted opening date in 2011."

Translation of corporate-speak: here's some more hype, but given the financial pressures the enterprise is under, we ain't commiting ourselves to anything specific at this point - including whether this even happens.

 

[dvc_john]

This from another post on the Mouscellaneous board:

On TripAdvisor, folks are complaining about construction noise while staying at the JW Marriott. The new DVC resort is next to the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina (see this old thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1847620)

Review Dated Mar 1, 2009
"The hotel itself is very nice but the construction noise next door was horrible. They are building a new Disney resort right next door. All you hear all day long is the beep of the dozer trucks backing up. So if you don't get an ocean view room it probably will be extremely noisy. They also have added a couple more beach condo towers to the development since my 2007 trip so there are a lot more people at the resort than before. The pool area seemed crowded with kids and it was difficult to find a lounger. It isn't the sleepy Hawaii hotel that I had experienced a couple of years ago. Overall, the hotel is very nice and comfortable. Just be prepared for lots of kids, noise and expensive parking. On the plus side: a great lagoon experience, beautiful views, a wonderful walking trail, away from downtown, nice rooms, great bedding, good food (but expensive), awesome customer service, and only about 1/2 hour to the airport"

Review Dated Feb 28, 2009
"Note: The side of the hotel we stayed on - with only ocean views, faces private property where some nights, there are parties and lauaus. They can be quite loud, starting after dusk and finishing around 10. However, only 1 event over the 11 days was really too loud. Mountain view rooms might hear the construction from the disney resort next door."

Review Dated Feb 13, 2009
"CONSTRUCTION WARNING - There is construction going on right beside this hotel in 2009. In a "mountain view" room all you see is trucks and dirt and there in constant noise from the work. I assure you, this will ruin your vacation. As of now, you don't hear the construction on the ocean side, so if you are going to stay here, make sure you get a room facing the water. I would call first to see what the status is."

Review Dated Jan 6, 2009
"There is a new Disney hotel about to be constructed about 50 yards away. Watch for this, because when construction begins you don't want to be anywhere near the Ihilani."

Review Dated Jan 3, 2009
"One other note is to be aware that they're just starting construction of a Disney hotel next-door to the Marriott. For now, it's not an issue and you wouldn't notice it unless you're using the beach. However, I can envision a different story once they break ground on a large high-rise structure. Might be worth calling ahead to check teh status in the future. I would definitely recommend this place as a pleasant alternative to the noise and congestion of Waikiki."

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