There used to be one at the Beach House
and one at Big Murggie's. When they took the one out of the latter, I don't know if it wound up replacing the one at the former or not, though the BH one sat outdoors for years (albeit under the covering) so wasn't in great shape. And, yes, getting people to leave the lobby area at the start of quiet hours there was an issue. However, the easy solution was to put away the balls and sticks each evening which they did at one point. My guess is just wanted to turn the den into more of a meeting/gathering spot than "pool hall." I do hate the table in BM's was removed, though.
The adjacent rooms consist of two 1BRs and two studios, as well as an office space. That office space was once a break room, but it was converted to an office space back in early '22. I assume it's still the same now.
I'm with you. I hate it when a beloved resort changes to what I feel is to the detriment of the feel and theming. While I think the cabins at WL are lovely, to make way for those they took away the nature path and natural beauty of. . .the "wilderness" Lodge. Some people now love the character dinner at WL, but when I bought in there, it was Artist Point, one of the best signatures on property. Change is hard.
I don't 'personally' miss the pool table. I did play a bit with the very young kids. My now 40 somethings played when they would come. We have a long history at DHHIR resort with first visit being in 1997, about 25 Thanksgivings spent there, some Xmas and Easter visits, summer beach visits, and now mostly fall and winter visits. I also used to bookend many of our WDW trips with a night or two either going or coming depending on time.
I don't see having the table at the Beach House as a substitute (funny - I do remember a ping pong table there) since the Beach House closes at 8 (usually unless there is a function?). It was something to do, especially on darker nights after having or returning from dinner. It's too bad they didn't just move it over to the pool area under cover or to Community Hall in lieu of that ping pong table. Maybe there wasn't enough room, I'm just second guessing.
Big Murgie's Den used to have more activities, mostly centered around a certain character. I know the appeal had dropped as time passed as I remember going on a couple of visits and no one showed up. On one occasion I was dismissed and on another later visit I was entertained a bit until I left. Hopefully they will eventually come up with an idea to bring in some sort of entertainment that appeals to some of the adults and maybe a Rec led idea that is fun for kids, not necessarily character based. Not everybody wants to just hang out at the Big Dipper pool all evening and sometimes it's just too cold.
My 4 grands who range from 2 months to 9 years have been visitors since age 6 months for the oldest. They even traveled alone with me in the January to April timeframe when it was easier to pull them out of preschool after my retirement. They still love this resort and will be going later this year.
Change is hard, I agree, especially when something is a hit like Artist Point used to be. I had several great meals there with family. However, have to admit it wasn't on my rotation for a long time, so much so that I missed it was gone for some time and actually thought the character meal was an addition. Really paying no attention and had no need for character meals.
Now wondering was there a decline in attendance that caused a reimagining?
During stays at Wilderness Lodge back when I wasn't afraid of a fall, riding a bike to the Fort was an event. Youngest DD eventually was old enough to ride alone and would come back reporting on deer, turkeys, armadillo on the path.
We also tent camped there for a couple nights on some resort trips and I once used excess points to book the old cabins. Last December stayed in the new cabins and loved them! Now I'm stalking to add a couple nights to one of my trips!
Also I may be one of the few people who enjoy the Fort yet are waiting for LL to be opened. Won't buy but will stay.
The day we had originally planned to come home had incredibly high prices when the Southwest schedule came out yesterday. Out of curiosity, I checked the next day, and it was so much cheaper I was amazed. So by staying an extra day, we're saving $530 for 2 people! And an extra day at HHI.
