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

[WDWKOOK]

@bunnyman posted this imagery today on the WL/VWL thread:


I screen-captured this aerial image today:

 

[FoxC63]

Can anyone please tell me about the beach area, I see that it's closed off, but can we still view the Electrical Water Pageant from there or would my family be better served viewing from the docks? I was thinking about sitting down with a blanket and to watch the show. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Can anyone please tell me about the beach area, I see that it's closed off, but can we still view the Electrical Water Pageant from there or would my family be better served viewing from the docks? I was thinking about sitting down with a blanket and to watch the show. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

The entire beach area is closed, including the marina, but you can view the EWP from the dock area. In the two aerial images above, basically if you see dirt/sand, that area is closed off to the public.

 

[FoxC63]

The entire beach area is closed, including the marina, but you can view the EWP from the dock area. In the two aerial images above, basically if you see dirt/sand, that area is closed off to the public.

Wow! Thanks for the quick response and information! Odd I could not get the photos to upload on my laptop. I know the issue is mine, hmmm I think I need to fine tune this baby before something really bad happens.
Thanks again!

 

[cmdg]

Wondering if there are speculations yet on pricing for the cabins? I wonder if they will be astronomical like the Poly bungalows? Already thinking about our next trip to WDW!

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

Renting DVC points for the end of April 2017 and trying to decide between WL or Boardwalk villas. Anyone know or have a guess on what the construction status will be by then? WL will cost us more so I'm hesitant to book there if there if there is still a good deal of construction but the proximity to MK is a big plus. The theme at the Boardwalk doesn't appeal to me as much but it's also the only Deluxe resort I've never stayed at and a good deal cheaper. Proximity to Epcot/DHS is a huge plus. We will be traveling with a 3 year old & 6 month old. What would you do?

 

[sleepydog25]

Renting DVC points for the end of April 2017 and trying to decide between WL or Boardwalk villas. Anyone know or have a guess on what the construction status will be by then? WL will cost us more so I'm hesitant to book there if there if there is still a good deal of construction but the proximity to MK is a big plus. The theme at the Boardwalk doesn't appeal to me as much but it's also the only Deluxe resort I've never stayed at and a good deal cheaper. Proximity to Epcot/DHS is a huge plus. We will be traveling with a 3 year old & 6 month old. What would you do?

Construction almost certainly will not be done by April. Cabins aren't in; new DVC rooms are still down to bare bones; new pool hasn't been started; new restaurant still under construction. Since you haven't stayed at BWV, I'd do that just to take it off your "bucket" list for deluxe resorts.

As for points re: the new cabins, there has been plenty of speculation but no one knows (or those who do aren't saying is more likely). If the cabins are merely 2BRs, then the general thinking is it would be hard to charge "monorail deluxe" points for a non-monorail deluxe resort. On the other hand, if the cabins are 3BRs, then it has been argued that the cabins could be considered "nicer" than the Poly bungalows and thus they could charge along the same number of points. Stay tuned.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Renting DVC points for the end of April 2017 and trying to decide between WL or Boardwalk villas. Anyone know or have a guess on what the construction status will be by then? WL will cost us more so I'm hesitant to book there if there if there is still a good deal of construction but the proximity to MK is a big plus. The theme at the Boardwalk doesn't appeal to me as much but it's also the only Deluxe resort I've never stayed at and a good deal cheaper. Proximity to Epcot/DHS is a huge plus. We will be traveling with a 3 year old & 6 month old. What would you do?

I would stay at BWV especially since you will be able to walk to two parks with the stroller. And BWV is cheaper, so it is a better deal, too. The construction at WL is major and it won't even be close to being finished in 2017. There is just too much to do yet.

 

[AngieTank]

I'm hoping someone can put us at ease. We are staying at Wilderness Lodge in October and the construction has us a little down. I've seen pictures of construction inside which is not listed anywhere on the official announcements from Disney. And I really don't want to have a view of torn up ground from our room. If anyone can share some pics or some of their experiences it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[sleepydog25]

We were there in late Feb, and though you know construction is ongoing due to the fencing and the occasional noise, we found the experience to be just fine. They only work from roughly 9-5 (no weekends when we were there), and when in your room, the noise is barely noticeable. I can't say you won't have a view of construction, but such didn't bother us. Granted, we were in the Villas on the lake side so despite the work, we had great views of the lake and EWP each night. In fact, EWP was much louder than any of the construction noise. . .by a large margin.

Otherwise, all is well there: the boats still run to MK, CR, and FW; the music is still majestic; the lobby is still inspiring (yes, the south wing is shut down, but you hardly notice); the Mercantile is open; the restaurants are going full bore (just a bit less crowded); the main pool is open as is the kids' splash area; and the lanterns still flicker. Most guests report it feels less busy which makes sense due to the reduced number of rooms. While I may have issue with Disney messing with the "wilderness" in my Lodge, it was still a great experience. If you're completely opposed to any sort of construction, don't go. If you aren't in your room most of the day and like the ambiance of the Lodge, go. Hope this helps.

 

[AngieTank]

We were there in late Feb, and though you know construction is ongoing due to the fencing and the occasional noise, we found the experience to be just fine. They only work from roughly 9-5 (no weekends when we were there), and when in your room, the noise is barely noticeable. I can't say you won't have a view of construction, but such didn't bother us. Granted, we were in the Villas on the lake side so despite the work, we had great views of the lake and EWP each night. In fact, EWP was much louder than any of the construction noise. . .by a large margin.

Otherwise, all is well there: the boats still run to MK, CR, and FW; the music is still majestic; the lobby is still inspiring (yes, the south wing is shut down, but you hardly notice); the Mercantile is open; the restaurants are going full bore (just a bit less crowded); the main pool is open as is the kids' splash area; and the lanterns still flicker. Most guests report it feels less busy which makes sense due to the reduced number of rooms. While I may have issue with Disney messing with the "wilderness" in my Lodge, it was still a great experience. If you're completely opposed to any sort of construction, don't go. If you aren't in your room most of the day and like the ambiance of the Lodge, go. Hope this helps.

Thank you, that helps a lot. We have known about the construction since before we booked, but somehow my fiancee only seemed to start caring about it today. We are staying in the main building with a courtyard view and on another site they mentioned that those rooms are mostly unaffected. I'm sure it will still be magical and feel just like home!

Out of curiosity were you there at all when the main pool was being redone? last time we were there was when they were doing that so i am wondering how this round compares

 

[DebbieB]

Thank you, that helps a lot. We have known about the construction since before we booked, but somehow my fiancee only seemed to start caring about it today. We are staying in the main building with a courtyard view and on another site they mentioned that those rooms are mostly unaffected. I'm sure it will still be magical and feel just like home!

Out of curiosity were you there at all when the main pool was being redone? last time we were there was when they were doing that so i am wondering how this round compares

The rooms on the one side of the courtyard have been gutted and are being renovated. If you are facing the lake, it's the rooms on the right side. When I was there in May, you could tell the rooms and floors were completed gutted because you could see through the balcony glass all the way to the balcony glass on the other side. We were seated at the rail at Whispering Canyon for lunch, you could see all the floors on the other side of the lobby were boarded up, there was hammering and sawing. I can't remember how much noise on the outside.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thank you, that helps a lot. We have known about the construction since before we booked, but somehow my fiancee only seemed to start caring about it today. We are staying in the main building with a courtyard view and on another site they mentioned that those rooms are mostly unaffected. I'm sure it will still be magical and feel just like home!

Out of curiosity were you there at all when the main pool was being redone? last time we were there was when they were doing that so i am wondering how this round compares

We were. . .a couple of times. Obviously, the scope of the construction this time around is much grander and more encompassing as there is work going on the north side next to water (cabins), on the south wing (likely remaking into DVC villas), along the old beach area (new eatery one assumes), more cabins along the lake on the south side, and the Hidden Springs pool is no more as it's the staging area for all the construction. You'll definitely know construction is afoot; however, most who have kept their reservations at WL still enjoyed the experience as in some ways, it feels even more intimate. And, if it matters, they've been giving out pins to each room as a small means of an apology. They're cute if you collect pins.

 

[jon18uk]

I'm hoping someone can put us at ease. We are staying at Wilderness Lodge in October and the construction has us a little down. I've seen pictures of construction inside which is not listed anywhere on the official announcements from Disney. And I really don't want to have a view of torn up ground from our room. If anyone can share some pics or some of their experiences it would be greatly appreciated!

This might help http://blog.touringplans.com/2016/07/20/wilderness-lodge-review-construction-update/ Basically if you have a standard view room (as in the TP Blog) you will see torn up ground, if you have a courtyard view room you won't.

Also check out Humphreys Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Unofficialwildernesslodgepages/

 

[FoxC63]

Does anyone know of a place to post unwanted items from a trip or can it be posted here? For example I'll be bringing a nightlight for my room, when I leave it stays. A family with small children might find this item useful.

 

[FoxC63]

Double post - removed.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Does anyone know of a place to post unwanted items from a trip or can it be posted here? For example I'll be bringing a nightlight for my room, when I leave it stays. A family with small children might find this item useful.

I recall once seeing a thread for Poly like that, but not for WL. I would suggest you post to the WL/VWL thread with your offer and departure dates. The link is in my signature.

 

[AngieTank]

This might help http://blog.touringplans.com/2016/07/20/wilderness-lodge-review-construction-update/ Basically if you have a standard view room (as in the TP Blog) you will see torn up ground, if you have a courtyard view room you won't.

Also check out Humphreys Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Unofficialwildernesslodgepages/

I will definitely check out the first link, and I love the Humphrey's page!

 

[AngieTank]

We were. . .a couple of times. Obviously, the scope of the construction this time around is much grander and more encompassing as there is work going on the north side next to water (cabins), on the south wing (likely remaking into DVC villas), along the old beach area (new eatery one assumes), more cabins along the lake on the south side, and the Hidden Springs pool is no more as it's the staging area for all the construction. You'll definitely know construction is afoot; however, most who have kept their reservations at WL still enjoyed the experience as in some ways, it feels even more intimate. And, if it matters, they've been giving out pins to each room as a small means of an apology. They're cute if you collect pins.

We do like pins!

 

[Humphrey's Lodge]

I will definitely check out the first link, and I love the Humphrey's page!

Thanks! We do too.