Beginning construction on Kidani Village?

[BCV23]

Last week, I was at AKL and arrived early so I wandered over to the accessible parking lot to see if I could see any activity.

Sure enough, just off that lot is what I guess to be the beginning of construction of Kidani Village. Last week, I could see a ramp and some exterior walls.

Sorry that I did not have my camera with me (don't know how to post pictures yet anyway ) but thought I would give a headsup for anyone scoping out the construction.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Is this what you saw? We were told the structure is actually the new animal barn for the DVC savanna. There did appear to be lots of clearing going on and some footing construction for the main building though.

 

[BCV23]

No, Diane. Not at all. This construction had walls that were the same color as the main building. It is also located in a totally different spot.

If you're facing the AKL from the main parking lot it is just to the left of the front of the AKL. I'm so surprised no one else has reported on it. It can't be seen from the lookout where the DVC desk is ...at least not yet. And the view from the main parking lot is hidden by foliage. At this point, you would need to walk through that accessible parking lot to see it although I did notice street lights over there when I was still in the main parking lot.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You mean like this? If so, that's the animal barn.

 

[BCV23]

No, not at all. The walls appeared to be the same stucco as AKL itself. Boy, I wish I had my camera. It was in my DHs backpack and he was at AK!

 

[dianeschlicht]

If it was an already completed building, I don't think it was anything from the new Kidani building. We were told nothing had been started yet, and our observations from the end stairwell looking toward where the new building will be would bear that out.

 

[BCV23]

If it was an already completed building, I don't think it was anything from the new Kidani building. We were told nothing had been started yet, and our observations from the end stairwell looking toward where the new building will be would bear that out.

It was very, very far from being completed. Some barrier walls, some exterior walls but not on all sides and a concrete ramp that I am guessing is the beginning of the underground parking.

I hope someone who is at WDW this week can visit and confirm. Again, you need to walk to the end of the handicapped parking lot which is to the left of the main entrance and cleverly concealed at that.

I don't know who told you that nothing had started, Diane but if it was a CM at the DVC booth, I'm not surprised. If you look at the map, the area of construction would not be visible from the observation area near Kudu trail. Not sure which stairwell you walked down but it could be hidden from that as well. Kidani Village will span a huge area. The section I saw will be the absolute furthest....South?...I think. Closest to the main entrance for sure if that helps.

 

[GoofyDad869]

It was very, very far from being completed. Some barrier walls, some exterior walls but not on all sides and a concrete ramp that I am guessing is the beginning of the underground parking.

I hope someone who is at WDW this week can visit and confirm. Again, you need to walk to the end of the handicapped parking lot which is to the left of the main entrance and cleverly concealed at that.

I don't know who told you that nothing had started, Diane but if it was a CM at the DVC booth, I'm not surprised. If you look at the map, the area of construction would not be visible from the observation area near Kudu trail. Not sure which stairwell you walked down but it could be hidden from that as well. Kidani Village will span a huge area. THe section I saw will be the absolute furthest....South?...I think. Closest to the main entrance for sure if that helps.

We'll be there in a couple of weeks - I think we'll be eating at Boma one night. I'll try to take a side trip to this "mystery jobsite" with my handy-dandy camera. I should be able to guess quite a bit from footing sizes, interior stud wall locations, and other clues; what sort of building this will eventually be...

 

[colleen costello]

We leave for WDW in 2 weeks and of course we have made reservations at BOMA; I am going to plan on doing some serious SPYING! It is very exciting when a new DVC is coming!

 

[BCV23]

GoofyDad and Colleen, great to hear. I'll be eagerly awaiting your reports!

 

[GoofyDad869]

GoofyDad and Colleen, great to hear. I'll be eagerly awaiting your reports!

Shhhhhhh. I'll be wearing the Groucho Marx glasses w/ mustache disguise. Colleen, you do the same... We might actually be up there the same day. We drive down to WDW on June 8 - hang around WDW until late on June 10, when we drive over to Vero Beach for the next week.

 

[BCV23]

Shhhhhhh. I'll be wearing the Groucho Marx glasses w/ mustache disguise. Colleen, you do the same... We might actually be up there the same day. We drive down to WDW on June 8 - hang around WDW until late on June 10, when we drive over to Vero Beach for the next week.

Happy sleuthing!

 

[colleen costello]

Now I am psyched for the MISSION! I will have my digital camera with me, not to mention my geeky hubby who knows how to post photos here (I do not). If it's going up, we'll see it!