July 2017 and Wilderness Lodge?

[richsole]

i so much appreciate the analyses of what "state" VWL will be in by next summer. It's our home resort and very much want to return to it. But if I'm not mistaken the sum of these analyses seems to conclude that the villas will still be witness to the continuing construction there. Add in that my wife has always preferred the smaller pool to the WL big one, and our understanding that the new and improved not as small, but still smaller than big pool, pool won't be open, what are the odds that booking there will still be not such a good idea?

All terrible grammar for "should we book WL?

 

[disneynutz]

VWL is one of our favorite owned resorts and we have removed it from rotation until construction ends plus one year. That will give time for everything to be finished and guests and CM's to settle down.

Bill

 

[Granny]

i so much appreciate the analyses of what "state" VWL will be in by next summer. It's our home resort and very much want to return to it. But if I'm not mistaken the sum of these analyses seems to conclude that the villas will still be witness to the continuing construction there. Add in that my wife has always preferred the smaller pool to the WL big one, and our understanding that the new and improved not as small, but still smaller than big pool, pool won't be open, what are the odds that booking there will still be not such a good idea?

All terrible grammar for "should we book WL?

The new pool may be the last thing that gets built as they are using the area for construction staging, equipment, etc. It would be challenging to open the pool before construction is complete. I would assume that the pool will not be available until 2018.

On as side note in reference to your comment, the drawings that have been circulated show that the new pool will be as large as the current main pool at WL. Disney has not given any indication but it could end up being a feature pool as well. The new layout is in this plan and you can see the size of the pool. We'll just have to wait and see.




VWL is my home resort and I plan on staying there later this year and next year. But I have no expectations of the construction being completed or of having the new pool complete. I'd book elsewhere if pool time is important to you. Good luck!

 

[richsole]

The new pool may be the last thing that gets built as they are using the area for construction staging, equipment, etc. It would be challenging to open the pool before construction is complete. I would assume that the pool will not be available until 2018.

On as side note in reference to your comment, the drawings that have been circulated show that the new pool will be as large as the current main pool at WL. Disney has not given any indication but it could end up being a feature pool as well. The new layout is in this plan and you can see the size of the pool. We'll just have to wait and see.

View attachment 187653


VWL is my home resort and I plan on staying there later this year and next year. But I have no expectations of the construction being completed or of having the new pool complete. I'd book elsewhere if pool time is important to you. Good luck!

 

[richsole]

Thank you. I wish you were wrong re the schedule but think you are right.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We've used our VWL points elsewhere, Aulani in Feb, for instance. However, we will book a meal at Artist Point, every now and just to have a reason to go and look.

 

[DVC Jen]

I saw a periscope stream yesterday from someone staying in the lake side of VWL. The scope was to show the construction. The pool has already been started. I even saw a few of the cabins had been framed - possibly more than framed but I can't remember off the top of my head.

 

[Littletylersmom]

I just had a stay last month, and it was absolutely amazing. We stayed in a one bedroom and loved it. There was zero construction noise. We went to the parks in the morning and came back at lunch time. The pool, after lunch, was not crowded. After dinner, we went back to the parks. The boat transportation is awesome and very relaxing. Have fun!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We too have deferred staying at our home resort. Planning for May 2018. I miss my DVC home

 

[Anna114]

Someone of FB had posted pictures of the new pool framed out. My husband and I found this encouraging. Like Granny had said it's unlikely that they would build the pool if there is more construction going on. I've been hearing rumors of early spring it will be done (God willing and the creeks don't rise) or at least most of it. We are headed down May 1-8. My husband will be a royal crankcase if it's not mostly done. I miss VWL, our last day there was the day they put up the construction fencing... it was so sad.

 

[Tiki Sean]

We stayed here for 2 nights in May and it wasn't too bad. We did have a view of the construction but it was only 2 nights. Bonus was seeing the Water Pageant from our room.

We might do a trip here in May even with the construction. Having the murphy bed here is a huge bonus for us.

 

[richsole]

We stayed at Kidani last month. It was very nice! Although getting to MK was a trek. But we did like it very much!

HOWEVER we went to our home resort, WL to have breakfast in WC. All I can say is that the instant we walked into the lobby I broke into a silly grin that covered my face the entire time we were there. We checked out the store, took our traditional pics by the totem pole, went to the Inglenook, as we always do, and then tried to scout the war zone.

Despite our disappointment in seeing the "desecration", we decided to roll the dice and book next July there. If it isn't done, it isn't done. We will enjoy all the other amenities that we admire so much.

On a different note, when we booked, the agent felt obligated to tell me re the construction. I thanked her. However she did hold out hope that they'd be done by then. Likely wishful thinking but I did appreciate the possibility.

 

[sleepydog25]

July 2017 would be an optimistic estimate given all that needs to be done. A year later would be a much safer bet (though I suspect somewhere in between those two dates is most likely). That being said, as many others have reported and we experienced a few months back, VWL is still a lovely resort if you can get beyond the pillaging of the trees and general "wilderness." If you hate construction to its core, don't go until everything is done and settled. If a little noise (very little in our case) and some fencing is okay, the go for it.