BOULDER RIDGE VILLAS & COPPER CREEK VILLAS & CABINS: Wilderness Lodge DVC Expansion Thread

[Dean Marino]

Thanks Mrs Moon.... "" there was construction over the next 3 yrs .They said by Oct this yr the resort construction would be finished and the DVC villas would start". PRECISELY what I expected would happen.

MORE IMPORTANTLY - Folks, be sure to pay attention to that Oct 2015 "nature of construction" change date. IF you have vacations set up POST October? The inward (courtyard) facing rooms of the MAIN LODGE may INDEED be a VERY good choice.... even though right NOW the WOODS VIEW rooms are likely a better choice.

Can't wait until we see some new signs of WHERE in the beach area woods construction will occur.

 

[tiger4me2]

Welcome Home!



Thank you for your email!



We have noted your celebrations and you room request. At this time no construction has been announced for the Wilderness Lodge Resort. As a result, we do not have any information on if there will be any going on in September yet. . Please let us know if we may be of further assistance.



Have a magical day!





Happy Trails,

Lina


This is what I got just yesterday about the construction from IPO club level.

 

[tiger4me2]

A friend of mine got home yesterday & sent me her report on the construction at the WL/Villas


The big boat to the Lodge wasn’t full either – every was seated outside, either up front or out back. I was in the back, and while I don’t like these boats as much as the small ones, I still enjoyed the ride. There’s no sign of any construction being started for the beachside cabins that are planned. I didn’t see any sign of construction anywhere else, either.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Welcome Home!

Thank you for your email!

We have noted your celebrations and you room request. At this time no construction has been announced for the Wilderness Lodge Resort. As a result, we do not have any information on if there will be any going on in September yet. . Please let us know if we may be of further assistance.

Have a magical day!

Happy Trails,

Lina


This is what I got just yesterday about the construction from IPO club level.

Thank you for posting. The bolded is what I would expect the IPO to say since nothing has been officially acknowledged by Disney and construction hasn't even begun. Although, Lina did write, "we do not have any information on if there will be any going on in September yet."

A friend of mine got home yesterday & sent me her report on the construction at the WL/Villas

The big boat to the Lodge wasn’t full either – every was seated outside, either up front or out back. I was in the back, and while I don’t like these boats as much as the small ones, I still enjoyed the ride. There’s no sign of any construction being started for the beachside cabins that are planned. I didn’t see any sign of construction anywhere else, either.

DVC expansion construction isn't predicted to begin until September at the earliest. Disney still has not formally replied to the SFWMD's request for follow-up answers to their permit filing. This still has to be completed before work can progress. Disney has until September to reply or the application can be canceled.

Currently, there is work being done on the ground floor rooms, across from the VWL pool, in the South Wing. This is work not included in the DVC expansion permit with the SFWMD.

 

[TulipMom]

Ack! Just stumbled across this thread and we have reservations for WL from 9/19-9/25. We're traveling with two young kids and plan to be at the resort a good amount. Forgive me, but I'm a bit lost in information on this thread. The pool renovation was done previously and the current rumored construction is not expected to include any of that, right? But, we have a room with a woods view, so it sounds like we have a chance of seeing the sights and sounds of construction. :/ We really want to stay at the WL, but I'm sitting here wondering if we need to switch.

 

[kmorlock]

Yes, the main feature was refurbished in 2014. The proposed DVC expansion will include pool expansion of the current Villas "quiet" pool at some point. On page 1 of this thread, there is a Brown link under the pictures re: DVC expansion. At this point, with your dates of travel, you may not have impact as the project is likely to start late September, early October. You might just miss it. Keep in mind, right now, there have been reports of work ie.jack hammering in the South Wing that you may want to request to avoid. The link has a lot of good information! We're coming in December and keep second guessing between WL and CR GardenWing. Also, WL offers a lot of room types as well as the Villas so, that may help considering your party size/accommodation needs. The Villas anywhere are awesome! Love having a washing machine in room.

 

[Dean Marino]

Ack! Just stumbled across this thread and we have reservations for WL from 9/19-9/25. We're traveling with two young kids and plan to be at the resort a good amount. Forgive me, but I'm a bit lost in information on this thread. The pool renovation was done previously and the current rumored construction is not expected to include any of that, right? But, we have a room with a woods view, so it sounds like we have a chance of seeing the sights and sounds of construction. :/ We really want to stay at the WL, but I'm sitting here wondering if we need to switch.

My guess is? You are Golden . IF construction starts DEAD ON TIME, in Sept, I suspect the worst you're going to get is surveyors, planners, etc. And if they aren't done fooling around with the Main Lodge-South Wing? I'll be surprised.

 

[Jon84]

I am guessing I'll here when It's in full swing (Thanksgiving 2016). We have a Woods View booked, are they both North and South sides, or just North, and which floors?

 

[Dean Marino]

I am guessing I'll here when It's in full swing (Thanksgiving 2016). We have a Woods View booked, are they both North and South sides, or just North, and which floors?

VERY likely, as it's 2016 . If it's any consolation? As soon as DVC lets us, Sandy and I will be booking Nov 2016 . We'll be in the Villa's - and we're going even if dynamite is involved .

All of this is a GUESS on my part - I suspect BOTH the N and S sides will be affected. Again - a guess, but I suspect two teams working in tandem will be deployed, one coming in from the N parking lot staging area, and one coming in from the S parking lot (still to be built) staging area. Could be wrong ... WDW may not be able to get that big a team.

 

[kmorlock]

Rep. In WDW Reservations confirmed WL DVC construction notice was released to them today. Waiting for GS now, will follow up later.

* Follow-up: transferred from River in Reservation to Brandon in GS who was so not helpful but did say letters should start going out in "waves" soon. Also, public confirmation he said actually starts tomorrow 7/10. FYI - GS Reps Wilson and Winston are superstars!!!! They were so nice earlier this week that I hope they are rewarded for outstanding magical kindness somehow! Funny how you can talk to 10 reps and get 10 very different answers.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Rep. In WDW Reservations confirmed WL DVC construction notice was released to them today. Waiting for GS now, will follow up later.

* Follow-up: transferred from River in Reservation to Brandon in GS who was so not helpful but did say letters should start going out in "waves" soon. Also, public confirmation he said actually starts tomorrow 7/10. FYI - GS Reps Wilson and Winston are superstars!!!! They were so nice earlier this week that I hope they are rewarded for outstanding magical kindness somehow! Funny how you can talk to 10 reps and get 10 very different answers.

Thank you so much for the official announcement details, @kmorlock! I'm very surprised though considering that the SFWMD request for follow-up answers hasn't been acknowledged yet by Disney or at least the response hasn't been filed/publicly posted yet. I assumed it wasn't an official "go" until that last step was completed successfully. I hope someone will post their letter soon

 

[kmorlock]

Thank you so much for the official announcement details, @kmorlock! I'm very surprised though considering that the SFWMD request for follow-up answers hasn't been acknowledged yet by Disney or at least the response hasn't been filed/publicly posted yet. I assumed it wasn't an official "go" until that last step was completed successfully. I hope someone will post their letter soon

Me too WDWKOOK! We have received a few construction letters in the past and they are typically kind of vague as one would expect. The GS rep said the letter we receive should detail what proposed impact would be per the time of travel? This would be nice for U.S. travelers but in my mind, not super realistic. So, until people start posting once they get a letter, and post how Disney responds to questions/requests, we are in a holding pattern.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Can't post much now, but I wanted to make sure everyone here saw the big update over on the WL/VWL thread HERE on this page. I'll check back here later...​

 

[WDWKOOK]

Here is the breaking news summary I posted to the WL thread:

~@MrsSkellington posted a link to a wdwmagic.com article which provides breaking news details. Here are the highlights:

~Recreational and leisure amenities are due to be impacted/closed beginning 26 October. This does not mean that work will not begin earlier, but this seems to be a closure date for many amenities.

~ Major impact will be to the VWL pool and the beach, to include the fire pit and playground. The Teton Boat and Bike rental and nature trail that begins just behind it will also be closed. The spa treatments located within Sturdy Branches will also close. I suspect that the spa closure is due to the noise that will occur right in front of the treatment rooms in the pool area. I assume Sturdy Branches will remain open.​

 

[WDWKOOK]

MUCH more breaking news!

Big thanks to @TheLodgeLady for just posting to the WL thread even more information on the expansion from Orlando Theme Park News. The original post is located HERE.
​

Friday, July 10, 2015 | Posted by OTPN Administrator

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will be undergoing multiple refurbishment projects through 2017. Work will begin in October, with the Hidden Springs leisure pool area, resort beach, playground, and recreation fire pit closing for renovation as early as October 26, 2015. To best assist Guests with planning their vacations, a team of Cast Members will advise Guests of the work taking place and assist with their questions. Guests will also receive a pre-arrival letter.

Take a look at the following frequently asked questions for more information about this project:

1) What are the refurbishment dates? When will work be complete?
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will be undergoing multiple refurbishment projects beginning in October 2015 and continuing through 2017.

2) How will this work impact my stay?
Throughout this project, Disney is committed to providing a great Guest experience. At certain times of day, there may be some noise and we may have alternative paths of travel throughout the resort. Construction related noise will likely take place between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to insure minimal impact to Guests.

3) Why are they removing the current Hidden Springs leisure pool?
As part of the resort enhancement project, the Hidden Springs leisure pool area will be expanded to include a larger pool and more deck space, as well as a hot tub area.

4) I like the pool the way it is now because it’s smaller and more intimate than the feature pool. Why are you changing that?
Muliple DVC Members and Guests stated that they would like to see enhanced offerings at the resort. As a result, the resort will be increasing the pool area, including a larger pool and more deck space, as well as a hot tub area.

5) How long will the Hidden Springs pool be closed? Is there another pool available?
The Hidden Springs pool will be closed for an extended period while the area is under construction. However, the Silver Creek Springs, the resort feature pool, is available and features a water slide, hot tub, and children's water play area.

6) Will the Teton Boat and Bike Rentals close? Will there be an alternative?
Teton Boat and Bike Rentals will be closed in late October while refurbishment work is completed in the area. As an alternative, bikes will be available for rent near the jogging trail. If you would like to rent a boat or enjoy some fishing, you are welcome to visit the marina at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

7) Will the beach and playground area close? Any alternatives?
Yes. The beach and playground area at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground remain available throughout this refurbishment work as an alternative.

8) Will the nature trail close?
Although the nature trails at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground are closing in early October, Guests do have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors on the paved New Balance jogging trail which connects Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with Disney’s Fort Wilderness & Campground on a 2.5 mile path.

9) What about the fire pit? Will it be closed as well?
The recreation fire pit will be closing in late October while we complete refurbishment work in the area. As an alternative, Guests are able to visit the Meadow Trading Post area of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground for Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long, which includes a nightly campfire followed by a movie under the stars.

10) Will there be a nightly movie under the stars at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge?
The recreation staff will host a nightly movie movie indoors in the Carolwood Pacific community room in the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for Guests.

11) Why are the spa treatment rooms at Sturdy Branches Health Club closed?
In order to preserve the tranquil spa experience, treatments at Sturdy Branches Health Club will be temporarily unavailable from late October through early February due to construction noise in the area. Spa treatments are available at a number of locations at the Walt Disney World Resort, including nearby at Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

12) Is watercraft transportation available during the refurbishment?
Yes. Watercraft transportation will continue to operate as normal.

 

[Dean Marino]

Here is the breaking news summary I posted to the WL thread:

~@MrsSkellington posted a link to a wdwmagic.com article which provides breaking news details. Here are the highlights:

~Recreational and leisure amenities are due to be impacted/closed beginning 26 October. This does not mean that work will not begin earlier, but this seems to be a closure date for many amenities.

~ Major impact will be to the VWL pool and the beach, to include the fire pit and playground. The Teton Boat and Bike rental and nature trail that begins just behind it will also be closed. The spa treatments located within Sturdy Branches will also close. I suspect that the spa closure is due to the noise that will occur right in front of the treatment rooms in the pool area. I assume Sturdy Branches will remain open.​

Now - before everyone panics . You might notice that the above is pretty much a revelation of the impact for the ENTIRE PROJECT.
So - a question.... is EVERYTHING go to be done ALL AT ONCE, in October 2015? I personally don't think that will be the case .

So - what's missing that is likely to be of MAJOR IMPORTANCE to anyone staying at the WL during the construction?

A construction time table.

Folk's, I strongly doubt WDW is going to give us this . For one thing, that timetable (what gets worked on, where, when) MAY be up to the contractors involved. We have no idea if the Pool gets wacked FIRST (in October 2015), or LAST (in 2017).

So how do we find out? I would suggest that there is one, and ONLY one answer: First Hand Observation by our dedicated Member Community. These would be the same folks that let us know in the FIRST place that "something was going to happen", LONG before an "official announcement" .

Sandy and I are already booked for Nov 2015, and April 2016. As soon as DVC lets us? We'll book for Nov 2016 . We'll commit to being snoops while we are there - focusing on WHAT AREAS are being worked on. If others will help? I suspect we will ALL have a very effective construction time table that will allow OTHERS to make plans.

 

[mrs moon]

my booking is 19th -29th Oct...Would you try and switch?????

 

[Dean Marino]

my booking is 19th -29th Oct...Would you try and switch?????

All this is just my opinion.... I would KEEP what you have. Given the rate at which Disney does stuff? They are not going to be bulldozing the Lodge by the second half of October, 2015 . You MIGHT see scrims by then...

 

[kmorlock]

Food for thought, the East pool at Poly was to be closed in April. It's now July and the pool is still open. Anything can happen, change, modify, etc. when refurbishments and construction are involved.

 

[branv]

The 2nd map available on the wdwmagic other site showed a bunch of numbered sites, with the only descriptive thing being "Boring Legend" (though I couldn't find a match to their color coded terms). Any clue what that map is showing us?