Construction at Wilderness Villas?

[jenhelgren]

I was looking into a trip to Wilderness Villas the end of January 2016 and was wondering what to expect for construction, closure, and updates. We would be staying in a 1 bedroom unit. We have not stayed at WV since October 2012. Have the units been upgraded since then?
I also saw a few websites reports that construction will begin in October of this year. Should we expect the entire back of the Villas including the pool to be blocked off by January?
We stopped by for lunch last October and the Silver Springs Pool and Beach were completely blocked off. Has all that construction been completed since then? It was a mess and really noisy when we there for lunch and what we love the most about the Wilderness is the peacefulness away from the parks-so I am reconsidering the January trip now that I read all the conduction reports
Will Disney add any perks for staying through construction-like use of another resort pool?
Thanks in advance to anyone that can fill me!

 

[gdrj]

Lots of posts and news on WL construction but everything is speculation at this point as far as what will be impacted at what point. I think it is safe to say that there is a strong chance you will see construction, its a matter of what at that point. Will you see half constructed Bungalows, or the construction of the proposed new restaurant, or the revamping of the pool area. I think there would be minimal chance that they will expand pool hopping above what is allowed. Since the main pool which was recently refurbed there is no need to offer anything above and beyond.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I was looking into a trip to Wilderness Villas the end of January 2016 and was wondering what to expect for construction, closure, and updates. We would be staying in a 1 bedroom unit. We have not stayed at WV since October 2012. Have the units been upgraded since then?
I also saw a few websites reports that construction will begin in October of this year. Should we expect the entire back of the Villas including the pool to be blocked off by January?
We stopped by for lunch last October and the Silver Springs Pool and Beach were completely blocked off. Has all that construction been completed since then? It was a mess and really noisy when we there for lunch and what we love the most about the Wilderness is the peacefulness away from the parks-so I am reconsidering the January trip now that I read all the conduction reports
Will Disney add any perks for staying through construction-like use of another resort pool?
Thanks in advance to anyone that can fill me!

I've been contacted with a couple of phone calls plus letters because we have multiple rooms for a stay that is starting the day after construction does - on Oct 26th. They are expanding the Hidden Springs pool so that will be tore up for quite some time. They told me that work will start after 9am and may continue until 7PM. I was told that the work around the pool would be several months and so far people staying in January have also been contacted and asked if they wish to move. The letter states that "certain pathways including the Nature Trail will be unavailable. Hidden Springs Pool, the leisure pool at The Villas at Disneys Wilderness Lodge, is scheduled to close for enhancement in late October along with the beach, marina and playground. During this time, our recently renovated Silver Creek Springs Pool, featuring a 67-foot waterslide and water play area for the kids, will remain open for your use."

They continue on that they will host the nightly movie indoors and the bike rentals will be available to rent near the jogging trail. And you can use the FW or CR for boat rentals, playgrounds, evening campfires and Movies Under the Stars.

 

[wdrl]

The renovations being done last Fall on the Silver Springs Pool (WL's main pool) were completed in December 2014. From what I have read, the Silver Springs Pool and new kids play area will not be affected by this latest Wilderness Rehab project.

 

[Granny]

I was looking into a trip to Wilderness Villas the end of January 2016 and was wondering what to expect for construction, closure, and updates.

This may be a moot point. At this time, the Resort Availability Tool shows VWL completely unavailable for January.

I think it is safe to assume that yes there will be considerable construction going on. If you really want to stay there, I think you would need to contact MS. By doing that, I think Disney is making sure that any new reservations are being told up front about the construction. With that being told before a reservation is made, they would be justified in not doing anything in the way of freebies or perks to new reservation guests.

 

[jenhelgren]

Is the Nature Trail the pathway that connects the two pool areas? Will there be any beach access at all or will the construction block the entire beach area-even for viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant?

 

[Granny]

The nature trail is the path that leads to Fort Wilderness.

As for beach access, everything is pure speculation at this time but the guess is that there will not be any beach access. You can sit at the tables behind the main pool bar and get a great view of EWP.

 

[DVC Mike]

I would recommend avoiding a stay at any resort with serious construction under way.

 

[Tinkerbelljean]

I would recommend avoiding a stay at any resort with serious construction under way.

I need to vent. I have been booking VWL in the beginning of December for several years. I love to sit at the leisure pool and listen to Christmas music and read in the villa's lobby.This year I have been getting letters and calls from Disney about the upcoming renovations a VWL and I am so disappointed. I do not own VWL, I booked on the day the 7 month window opened. The only available resort to move to is Kidani, which is a nice resort, but not for this trip. I had my heart set on being around the VWL and relaxing before Christmas for a week. Now, with the construction, that won't happen. I have airline tickets and can't cancel my week easily. The VWL beach will be closed, all outdoor movies will be held nightly in the villa's lobby, and the leisure pool will be closed, the bike rental will be moved, bike trail closed. I can only imagine the mess and noise. If one more CM tells me this is for MY future enjoyment I think I will implode. I guess Disney thinks I have "stupid" written on my forehead. DVC Recovery is trying to work out some compensation, but I just get my stomach in knots thinking about it.

This is really not fair after you have booked a trip, Had I known about this renovation I would have reserved BLT 11 months in advance.

I was so looking forward to this week now I dread it.

BTW last trip with DH was May at the Poly. The construction there was awful, nothing like what was described. Huge pieces of machinery going past the villa all day. Noise, blocked sidewalks. Not too enjoyable or relaxing. I do not want to have the same experience again. I paid good money for this?

 

[TheIncredibles!]

I was just told they anticipate the beach not being available at all as well as the firepit etc. I had a reservation for my brother Nov 4th - 14th. The first time they called the offered to move him to BCV and we declined because it seemed that the disruption would be minor. I just got a second call today basically encouraging them to move to the point where they offered a free upgrade to a Treehouse Villa. They agreed to move - lol I was told it was going to be a big project, the entire pool was going to be removed and rebuilt, there would be loud construction equipment going from 9 am to 7 pm etc.