FW expansion/upgrade ( long )

[proudmomof4]

We were there just this weekend and stayed in the 1400 loop. I did not pay attention to the loop # or location--but there indeed was one loop closed that was being worked on...I would have to assume extensively since it was closed entirely. It was one of the ones on Big Pine Drive (I think--the road you take to 1400..whatever that is called.)

Had I seen this thread earlier--I could have done a better job at being Sherlock Holmes.

I was there last weekend and the 1500 loop is closed (had some white gates across the entrance). The gates were open so I took a quick drive around in the golf cart, but not much was going on yet. There are bunch of supplies (dirt, coquina, etc) on a few of the sites, but no major changes yet. I'll be out there again next month and will see what progress/changes have been made.

So this info validates what I was told, this looks like good news for us FW fans.

 

[tim5055]

Permits Disney does no need to poll permits as you know them every thing is Reedy Creek which is a Disney owned city.

Actually, yes Disney does have to pull permits.

While I will admit Disney controlls the area, there are actually three local governmental bodies to deal with:

Reedy Creek Improvement District

City of Bay Lake

CITY OF LAKE BUENA VISTA


Building permits are issued by the Reedy Creek Improvement District Building and Safety Department and must meet both the local code (named the EPCOT Code) as well as Florida codes. The RCID Building and Safety Department consists of state licensed and certified inspection personnel and supporting permit processors, enforces the EPCOT Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas, Electrical, Energy Conservation and Accessibility Codes, applicable Florida laws, and other pertinent, local rules and regulations.


While in it's earlier days Disney was given the powers to do almost anything they wanted, through the years the surrounding counties have seen Disney take the lions share of tourist dollars. Due to this the State looks over Disney's shoulder all the time now, hoping to catch them doing something wrong. The counties help with this "oversight" , probably with the hope that if they catch Disney cutting corners they will be able to disolve the RCID and take over the area themselves.

 

[DisCamper]

You are right but all 3 are still owned by Disney. The permits they pull are no like permits you are I pull Disney controlls everything.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

You are right but all 3 are still owned by Disney. The permits they pull are no like permits you are I pull Disney controlls everything.

Actually, you are not correct. Disney has lost alot of power lately. Prior to any construction anywhere on property, Disney does environmental impact studies (to comply with Florida laws) and will get permits for such infrastructure as sewage, water, roads etc (also complying with Florida laws). These permits are flags as to what and where Disney is going to build next, and are public record.

 

[tderonne]

Hmmm, the refurbish plans sound great. Should keep Fort Wilderness as I know it. Just add my motorcoach park as mentioned above and everyone will be happy.

 

[mash]

This is exciting news. I sure hope it's true. Does anyone know of a way to contact Disney to show our support for a new, themed pool and to restore the Wilderness Swamp Trail?

 

[proudmomof4]

This is exciting news. I sure hope it's true. Does anyone know of a way to contact Disney to show our support for a new, themed pool and to restore the Wilderness Swamp Trail?

Try sending an e-mail to wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com, hopefully, if enough of us let them know how much we support these renovations, they will become our Dream Makers.

 

[auntie]

I am too understand then that the 1500 loop is being ..what expanded or it's not just the comfort station that is closed for refurbishment? The entire loop was closed. Possible widening of the sites then?..Also what kind of loop are the 1400 and 1500 loops currently...full or preferred?

 

[proudmomof4]

1400 loop is preferred and 1500 loop is partial hook-up.

It looks like they are definitely renovating the 1500 loop CS and maybe redoing some of the sites. I am not sure whether they are enlarging those sites though, I would think it more likely that they would enlarge some of the full hook-up and preferred sites as that is where the bigger rigs need to go.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I am too understand then that the 1500 loop is being ..what expanded or it's not just the comfort station that is closed for refurbishment? The entire loop was closed. Possible widening of the sites then?..Also what kind of loop are the 1400 and 1500 loops currently...full or preferred?

I thought it was just full. I thought the preferreds were up by Pioneer Hall.

We paid just for a full and got 1400...so I guess we were upgraded then if 1400 is preferred.

 

[mash]

Try sending an e-mail to wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com, hopefully, if enough of us let them know how much we support these renovations, they will become our Dream Makers.

Ok, I sent my email this afternoon expressing my support of a new, themed pool with a slide and the restoration of the Wilderness Swamp Trail. If I hear anything back I will let this board know!

 

[bradisgoofy]

This is all great news. I hope they are done (the 1500 loop) by the time we get there.

 

[auntie]

Ok, I sent my email this afternoon expressing my support of a new, themed pool with a slide and the restoration of the Wilderness Swamp Trail. If I hear anything back I will let this board know!

Me too....It would be great if they really follow through with some of the mentioned improvements.

 

[bradisgoofy]

Ok, it's been two weeks since the last post. Anyone been at FW since the 23rd to check on the 1500 loop?

 

[campingcorgi]

They've been redoing the electricity in the loops--a loop at a time. That and some general re-landscaping, a little tre-trimming, etc. Perhaps that is what is going on in 1500?

 

[mash]

Has anyone been to the Ft. in the last few weeks and had an opportunity to ask a CM about any improvements/rehabs?

 

[bradisgoofy]

Try sending an e-mail to wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com, hopefully, if enough of us let them know how much we support these renovations, they will become our Dream Makers.

On January 23, 2007 I sent an email to this address. Today, 2/12/07, I got a voice-mail (I work midnights so I was asleep) from Disney's Corporate office. They thank me for my email and she said she knew of no plans to upgrade the pool(s) at FW to any type of theme. She further stated that this is the first time she had ever heard this idea. In the same email I asked about the expansion but she made no comment on that. I my call her back and ask. BTW, I did not give them my phone number in the email. only my name, city & state and mentioned I was a DVC member. So they took the time to search for me in their database, and make the call.

 

[WorknFires]

I was there thru Feb 4th and DH & I walked thru the 1500 loop several times with our dogs. It was the same as stated before. Dirt and materials but no obvious improvements yet.

Every year it gets harder and harder to get ressies for the end of Jan and we've been denied Jan '08. Instead we've had to book for end of Feb '08 in the peak season. We're going back in a couple of weeks and plan on looking at other local RV parks and booking there. As much as we love WDW & FtW, we don't want to camp in Feb. and we have all the same problems that have been discussed here (i.e. sites too small, vehs & posts make it difficult to back in, no pull thrus) About the only "improvement" that I don't care about is the pool. Never use it so wouldn't matter to me if it was themed.

So I doubt if I'm the 1st or that I'll be the last, but that's money that will not be going to Disney because of their short-sightedness regarding larger rigs with slideouts and lack of sites because they refuse to expand.

I'm a DVC owner, annual pass holder, have sailed on both the Magic & the Wonder multiple times (7) and we usually make at least 4 trips to WDW each year with 2 of the trips a week long or more. We've been staying at FtW each year for the past 6 years (not long compared to some I know LOL) I spend a lot of money with Disney each year but this is one area that really ticks me off.

Sorry... just had to vent.

Cheryl

 

[big kahuna1]

I agree. All the land in the world and they have not expaned Ft. Wilderness. I am just as puzzled as everyone else as to the reason for no expansion. Upgrades would be nice but I truly believe they could also use some expansion.

 

[mash]

On January 23, 2007 I sent an email to this address. Today, 2/12/07, I got a voice-mail (I work midnights so I was asleep) from Disney's Corporate office. They thank me for my email and she said she knew of no plans to upgrade the pool(s) at FW to any type of theme. She further stated that this is the first time she had ever heard this idea. In the same email I asked about the expansion but she made no comment on that. I my call her back and ask. BTW, I did not give them my phone number in the email. only my name, city & state and mentioned I was a DVC member. So they took the time to search for me in their database, and make the call.

I'm glad that WDW contacted you. I sent an email on Jan. 22 (and included my phone number) but haven't been contacted by Disney. I really wish that they would do some sort of upgrade to the Ft. It is hard to get a reservation anymore and it seems that over the years so many of the features have been going away (swamp trail, petting farm, etc).