VWL Construction December 2015

[Disney On The Bayou]

We have a trip planned for December 18-24 2015 at VWL. I was wondering if the construction of the new additions would be underway at that time. Do you think it would effect our trip? In what way? Pool closed? Marina closed? I can't find anything concrete out there so I want to hear your opinions.

 

[wdrl]

Its too early to say. Disney's application for a permit to build the lake front cabins has yet to be approved by the South Florida Water Management District, although I would be shocked if the permit is denied. Until the permit is approved, Disney can't begin work on the cabins and other water front construction.

Although not yet confirmed, it appears that Disney will also be converting some of the Wilderness Lodge hotel rooms to villas. No one outside Disney knows how many hotels rooms will be converted, nor which rooms will become villas. Could it be all the rooms on one side of the resort? Just a floor or two? And would any of this conversion impact someone staying at VWL? Who knows?

On top of all this, no one knows what the construction schedule will look like. Disney could start on the cabins ASAP, or it might decide to delay that part of the work while it concentrates on converting the rooms to villas. The renovations of the beach area might be one of the first things undertaken, or it might be the last. Once again, who knows?

Since you have an upcoming reservation at VWL, you might receive a letter forewarning you about construction that might be going on during your stay. When construction was about to commence at both Aulani and the Polynesian, Disney sent letters to guests with reservations alerting them to the construction at the resorts. We are staying at PVB in November 2015 and we received about the East Pool undergoing renovations.

 

[gdrj]

As far when it might start is anybody's guess at this point, and to what point a interruption or disturbance it will be is pure speculation. I would recommend looking at some of the Poly threads on that construction. As you may know it had (and is still having) highs and lows. To move to another resort might be prudent if you can. We are staying at Poly this Summer (DVC lake view). We were willing to take the risk and kept up with unofficial construction updates that at times seemed more accurate then official ones.

Based on the drawings it looks extensive with tree removal, new grading, temporary construction roadway. With it being Dec less likely to be swimming (I know there are exceptions), but it does not look like main pool (which was recently redone) will be impacted. I think potential construction noise would be the biggest issue and sightlines depending on room location. If I was staying there at that time I would want room facing main pool.

 

[Granny]

Based on the drawings it looks extensive with tree removal, new grading, temporary construction roadway. With it being Dec less likely to be swimming (I know there are exceptions), but it does not look like main pool (which was recently redone) will be impacted. I think potential construction noise would be the biggest issue and sightlines depending on room location. If I was staying there at that time I would want room facing main pool.

There are not any VWL rooms that face the main pool. Nor that afford any view of that pool.

We have a September trip lined up and I'm contemplating asking for a road side villa instead of a lake side villa. I have not received any correspondence from Disney but I'm sure there won't be anything until they have a firm construction schedule.

Or....they could just take the same approach as they did with BLT. New tower? What new tower (as it grew and grew each day).

 

[gdrj]

There are not any VWL rooms that face the main pool. Nor that afford any view of that pool.

We have a September trip lined up and I'm contemplating asking for a road side villa instead of a lake side villa. I have not received any correspondence from Disney but I'm sure there won't be anything until they have a firm construction schedule.

Or....they could just take the same approach as they did with BLT. New tower? What new tower (as it grew and grew each day).

Sorry I wasn't think DVC, just regular hotel room. Of course this is the DVC thread...duh

 

[Granny]

Sorry I wasn't think DVC, just regular hotel room. Of course this is the DVC thread...duh

No problem. Just wanted to make sure that if you stayed DVC side, that you didn't put in for that request.

I agree that the WL resort will probably be the quieter option, unless of course they are converting rooms to DVC villas there as well which is the rumor. We shall see!

 

[minniestheone]

We stayed at the VWL right At the beginning of the room refurbishing. They did not notify us at all and said it is because the DVC reservation system doesn't function the same as the regular reservation system. It was noisy. We planned on returning there in February with our grandson-rethinking that now

 

[Doodlebug25413]

I'm not a DVC member (yet). I do have a question to those who are members and deal with this construction stuff often.
Should I assume that by April 2016 the Wilderness Lodge and DVC villas are going to be under construction?
And if they are expanding the Villa's, does this mean they might open up selling DVC at this resort again?

 

[disneynutz]

I'm not a DVC member (yet). I do have a question to those who are members and deal with this construction stuff often.
Should I assume that by April 2016 the Wilderness Lodge and DVC villas are going to be under construction?
And if they are expanding the Villa's, does this mean they might open up selling DVC at this resort again?

I would guess that 2016 has a greater chance of seeing construction activity. Prior to the actual building they will be drilling hundreds if test holes mapping bedrock, then based on that survey they will modify their construction plans. All of this could take awhile.

The whole point of the expansion is to sell additional contracts.

Bill

 

[intertile]

I'm curious, would the new contacts after the cabins at VWL have a later expiration date

 

[disneynutz]

I'm curious, would the new contacts after the cabins at VWL have a later expiration date

We don't know what DVD is going to do until they do it!

Bill