VWL Fireplace

[LilGMom]

Not sure where to put this so since it is a question about VWL I figured I'd try here.

In December we stayed at VWL but had to visit one of our favorites, VWL, just to soak in the atmosphere and eat at WCC. There was one of the nicest gentleman sitting in front of the VWL fireplace and he pointed out a little mouse that was carved into one of the VWL lobby beams and didn't get too annoyed with DH, my two young boys and me disturbing his peace for a few minutes. While there I took a picture of the fireplace and then noticed the mantle. The mantle leans up from left to right and if you stand to the side of the fireplace the mantle looks like it is also warped from front to back. Since this is WDW and not the company that built my house I know that the leaning mantle has to be leaning on purpose. I'm curious as to why and what the story is behind it. If anyone can clue me in I'd really appreciate it! TIA!

 

[Donna M]

I think someone made a boo-boo there!

 

[highlander]

If you tilt your head to the left, it levels out.

 

[Muushka]

What a fun post! That mantle has bothered me since it was built! We have a thread (the VWL Groupie thread) and we have discussed it there too. I don't think anyone came up with anything though.

Pose that question and great pic over there if you don't get an answer here. More people have joined that thread and maybe someone new has an answer!

 

[KeepSwimmingDory]

If you tilt your head to the left, it levels out.

I think you are right.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'll bring a level with me when we go in May. I'll check the mantle.

 

[ccigliano]

No need for the level - its definitely crooked. I checked by standing next to it and its off a couple of inches. I just figured it was an ooops as well but there maybe something to it. Those imagineers are always imagineering so what could we be missing.

 

[LilGMom]

I'll bring a level with me when we go in May. I'll check the mantle.

It is definately crooked. If you look at the mortar there is more at the top on the right side than the left. And when I stood on the left side of the fireplace looking across the mantle it almost looks like it is warped. I just don't believe that this is an accidental building oops. If anyone finds out please, please, please let me know. Thanks!

 

[wildernessDad]

The backstory of VWL is that it was built by the people who built the early railroad. I don't know for sure, but it could be that the quality of their workmanship was a little off in places. Perhaps it was to bolster the backstory.

 

[Granny]

I'll bet Stan the Ranger could answer this one!

 

[eliza61]

If you tilt your head to the left, it levels out.

Or spend a little while at the Territory Lounge. A couple of apple martinis later, viola!!

 

[jimmytammy]

I am a carpenter and that mantle has bugged me for years now. And it is getting more crooked as time goes. I have noticed that they replaced one of the mantle blocks with a thicker one, and added mortar.

Now my theory is just based on trade knowledge, thats all, and I may be way off base. But here goes...wood that thick will warp. If you have wood stained cabinet doors, especially custom cabinets, look really close at the middle panels, you will see variances in wood tone. That is where different pcs of wood have been put together, for the very reason that the bigger the wood, the more it will shrink, crack, bend, warp, etc.

We go under some old homes sometimes, and it is not uncommon to see these long 6x6 timbers used for floor beams twisted from one end to the other.

And that mantle is a huge chunk of wood. But I imagine someone knew it would do that over time, so it is part of the character of the place.

Hope this helps!

 

[hakepb]

Wow, that is very oddly un-Disney.

Is that mantle "built into" the masonry?

If they could take it out, a good woodworker should be able to make the correct kerf cuts to even it out, or they might be able to "dress it out" as a distressed rustic beam that looks more appropriatly warped. or plane it out even..
I'm sure the fireplace heat does not do the natural warping process any favors though..

 

[Peepster]

Oh, great!!!! You had to point that out to me...Me, the daughter of the woman whose last intelligible words were "Straighten that picture"! (And I do not lie!)

Never again will I be able to pass that mantle without cringing.

But, I guess, it's still better to be home at VWL even with a crooked mantle than shoveling snow here at home. I'll learn to live with it although I might try the Territory Lounge suggestion....

 

[twinklebug]

Best answer vote:

I am a carpenter and that mantle has bugged me for years now. And it is getting more crooked as time goes. I have noticed that they replaced one of the mantle blocks with a thicker one, and added mortar.

Now my theory is just based on trade knowledge, thats all, and I may be way off base. But here goes...wood that thick will warp. If you have wood stained cabinet doors, especially custom cabinets, look really close at the middle panels, you will see variances in wood tone. That is where different pcs of wood have been put together, for the very reason that the bigger the wood, the more it will shrink, crack, bend, warp, etc.

We go under some old homes sometimes, and it is not uncommon to see these long 6x6 timbers used for floor beams twisted from one end to the other.

And that mantle is a huge chunk of wood. But I imagine someone knew it would do that over time, so it is part of the character of the place.

Hope this helps!

I honestly think the only ones who know it would do that over time were the guys who placed it there. Architects aren't materials scientists... as my bil says about his degree: it's an arts and crafts degree

Or spend a little while at the Territory Lounge. A couple of apple martinis later, viola!!

OK, so I have 2 favorite answers... *grin* I think we all need to kick back, grab a couple drinks and say "What the heck, it's only a mantle." Now if it were the washer that was off I'd be worried

 

[disneynutz]

The mantle in question is in the Carolwood Room at VWL. It was installed that way but I can't remember the whole story.

I attended a nice session with a Disney Train Engineer in the Carolwood Room. It's held one day a week, lasts 2-3 hours and there is no charge. He is very knowledgeable about all things Disney, and he talked about the mantle. If I can find my notes, I will post additional info.

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

ok I don't own at VWL or even stayed there but I would guess the mantle is made from an old railroad tie if it follows the theme about being built by the same people who built the early railroad. That would explain the uneveness & warping.