Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[momtwoboys]

Where are the dvc laundry facilities if staying in a studio? Also is there ping pong by the villa pool like they have at bwv? So any studios face the quiet villa pool? Thanks!!

 

[momtwoboys]

thanks for any info you can share! we are going to be renting a studio next April 15-22nd.

 

[Cotillard]

We are booked there in July. Does anyone recommend switching resorts? The scaffolding is a bit of a turn-off but major work would be a deal-breaker for me too. When will we know?

 

[Wood Nymph]

We are booked there in July. Does anyone recommend switching resorts? The scaffolding is a bit of a turn-off but major work would be a deal-breaker for me too. When will we know?

Disney has been mailing out construction notices to people who have reservations in the resorts that are under construction. I would think that if they are planning to start any construction by July then they would be mailing out notices soon.

 

[jen7233]

Scaffolding, I hope it won't be obstructive! We stay end of June.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I did a little more research on the companies that are involved in the Integrated Project Delivery contract for the "Wilderness Rehab Project". Here are some of the highlights:

GSB, Inc - Architect:
Glover Smith Bode provided planning and design services for the CSR convention center and provided Architect-of-Record services for AKL. As Architect-of-Record, Glover Smith Bode was responsible for transforming the dramatic vision of the design architect into a reality.


Interior Design Partner - Design Group Carl Ross:
Provides interior architectural design in the upscale and luxury markets of international hotel, resort, spa, restaurants, bars and branded residences. Specialties: Unlocking the hidden potential of unique properties.


Atkins North America - Civil Engineer Design:
Amongst MANY major projects, architect and engineer for WWOHP.


Hubbard Construction - Site Development Contractor:
The scope of Hubbard's work includes complex highway projects, site development, paving, utility and drainage systems, surveying and state-of-the-art bridge building.


Perry Becker Design - Landscape Design:
Planning, landscape architecture and thematic design firm that specializes in community planning, hospitality and resort planning. Local projects include: Bonnet Creek, Grande Lakes Resort, Grande Vista Resort, Renaissance Resort at Sea World.




I also reviewed recent permits issued by So. FL Water Mgt. Dist. and I came across a permit issued just before the NoC was issued:




These permits are more cryptic than the NoCs, but from what I can gather, the project involves 12.66 acres of the public water supply next to Wilderness Lodge. I cross-referenced land surveys that have been attached to other permits for WL improvements and those surveys show WL as being located at:
S (SECTION) 12
T (TOWNSHIP) 24
R (RANGE) 27

The water permits above show some different sections that seem like they would be next to/near WL. I checked some surveys for FW and these aren't FW locations.

Hopefully, someone else with more knowledge about these matters will chime in, but from what I can piece together, this appears to be new construction, from the ground up, to include in-water or very near to water structures.

It's been rumored for many years that DVC might be coming to FW, but no permits for that location have been filed that support this. I suppose it's possible that a new DVC will be built, with a Wilderness theme, next to/near VWL, possibly like Kidani. But, it will also offer concierge level, like Jambo. Again, I'm only speculating so please feel free to post your own theories.

 

[hill6]

Where are the dvc laundry facilities if staying in a studio? Also is there ping pong by the villa pool like they have at bwv? So any studios face the quiet villa pool? Thanks!!

We are here now. The laundry room is near room 1509 on first floor by the elevator.

I don't remember seeing a ping pong table out by the pool.

There are some studios that face the pool. Maybe three on our floor -3rd floor. We agreed we wouldn't want one of them as the pool is noisy in the afternoon.

 

[Circusgirl]

I did a little more research on the companies that are involved in the Integrated Project Delivery contract for the "Wilderness Rehab Project". Here are some of the highlights:

GSB, Inc - Architect:
Glover Smith Bode provided planning and design services for the CSR convention center and provided Architect-of-Record services for AKL. As Architect-of-Record, Glover Smith Bode was responsible for transforming the dramatic vision of the design architect into a reality.


Interior Design Partner - Design Group Carl Ross:
Provides interior architectural design in the upscale and luxury markets of international hotel, resort, spa, restaurants, bars and branded residences. Specialties: Unlocking the hidden potential of unique properties.


Atkins North America - Civil Engineer Design:
Amongst MANY major projects, architect and engineer for WWOHP.


Hubbard Construction - Site Development Contractor:
The scope of Hubbard's work includes complex highway projects, site development, paving, utility and drainage systems, surveying and state-of-the-art bridge building.


Perry Becker Design - Landscape Design:
Planning, landscape architecture and thematic design firm that specializes in community planning, hospitality and resort planning. Local projects include: Bonnet Creek, Grande Lakes Resort, Grande Vista Resort, Renaissance Resort at Sea World.




I also reviewed recent permits issued by So. FL Water Mgt. Dist. and I came across a permit issued just before the NoC was issued:

View attachment 96476


These permits are more cryptic than the NoCs, but from what I can gather, the project involves 12.66 acres of the public water supply next to Wilderness Lodge. I cross-referenced land surveys that have been attached to other permits for WL improvements and those surveys show WL as being located at:
S (SECTION) 12
T (TOWNSHIP) 24
R (RANGE) 27

The water permits above show some different sections that seem like they would be next to/near WL. I checked some surveys for FW and these aren't FW locations.

Hopefully, someone else with more knowledge about these matters will chime in, but from what I can piece together, this appears to be new construction, from the ground up, to include in-water or very near to water structures.

It's been rumored for many years that DVC might be coming to FW, but no permits for that location have been filed that support this. I suppose it's possible that a new DVC will be built, with a Wilderness theme, next to/near VWL, possibly like Kidani. But, it will also offer concierge level, like Jambo. Again, I'm only speculating so please feel free to post your own theories.

Kook, you rock!

 

[momtwoboys]

thanks! we are looking forward to our future stay at WLV! the ping pong by the BWV villa pool was something my guys thought was fun. wasnt sure if WLV had one too. we will request ground floor close to laundry then thanks!

 

[WDWKOOK]

We are here now. The laundry room is near room 1509 on first floor by the elevator.

I don't remember seeing a ping pong table out by the pool.

There are some studios that face the pool. Maybe three on our floor -3rd floor. We agreed we wouldn't want one of them as the pool is noisy in the afternoon.

Thanks for posting on vacation

For the OP: The ping pong table is located next to the marina bike rentals. The photo is in the RECREATION section of the thread, POST 18.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Kook, you rock!

Awww, thank you. And, to answer your question, I can fully appreciate not wanting to stay at a resort during construction. Let's just wait and see if we can get a better idea of where this construction will actually take place before full-on panic mode.

 

[bamastar]

I'm glad to see this thread. Love the pictures and lots of information. A little bummed about possible construction but that's life. We are bringing the kids to WDW 10/3 to 10/8 and staying at the WL. This will be the first Disneyworld trip for the kids and they are beyond excited. Can anyone tell me how crowded the lodge and their pool areas are at the beginning of October? I'm assuming the pools are heated since I hear about people swimming all year.

 

[wmoon]

Wdwkook thanks so much for your response.

We won't do a split stay as you can't take advantage of the free dining for both resort stays as part of the UK offer. We will just do as others and keep an eye on the situation.

Thanks again.

 

[momtwoboys]

thanks for that info on the ping pong table ! cant wait to try out WLV!

 

[Circusgirl]

Awww, thank you. And, to answer your question, I can fully appreciate not wanting to stay at a resort during construction. Let's just wait and see if we can get a better idea of where this construction will actually take place before full-on panic mode.

You are right and wise to suggest waiting to see what the reality is before making any changes. Fingers totally crossed that I'll be happily tucked into the 7th floor come late August!

 

[rainboots]

Thank you, Kook! Your efforts are much appreciated! Ditching my full on panic mode now!

 

[sunnysideup3]

4 1/2 more days until we are at Wilderness Lodge...AHHHH

 

[scanne]

Can you add us?
10/31 to 11/6 - OFC
Thank you!

 

[mrsap]

**Post on wdwmagic today regarding new Waterside DVC villas addition at WL, including new pools, upgrades to existing pools, recreation center and new restaurants!!

http://m.wdwmagic.com/resorts/disne...illas-at-disney's-wilderness-lodge-resort.htm

 

[wifey]

**Post on wdwmagic today regarding new Waterside DVC villas addition at WL, including new pools, upgrades to existing pools, recreation center and new restaurants!!

http://m.wdwmagic.com/resorts/disne...illas-at-disney's-wilderness-lodge-resort.htm

Thanks for sharing this , it looks interesting and will most likely be a noisy and messy project whilst the work happens but will look good when finished. Just hope we can enjoy our vacation before the construction work commences!!