VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.5) updated 2 February 2025

[KAT4DISNEY]

The new Villa suites are going into the south wing of the main Lodge, at least that's the money bet and I can't imagine anything different. Otherwise, the 26 new cabins will be split between a planned 12 to the north of the main boat dock along the shore and the other 14 south of the main boat dock, mostly paralleling the current Villas building. The building in the pictures above sits on what used to be the beach between the Trout Pass Pool Bar and the old boat/bike rental building (visible in the very first picture to the far right). Personally, to my unprofessionally trained eye, the new building looks to be to low and squat to be a new signature restaurant (or home to a relocated Artist Point), nor does it appear to be aligned to offer maximum viewing of the lake as it is perpendicular to the shore vice horizontal. Why have a new signature on the lake if your views are restricted to just a few tables. Thus, my guess is that this could be a new CS (or relocated Roaring Fork) or perhaps even a combo pool bar/QS a la Bay Lake Towers, and the covered area to the left in the pics above is outdoor seating vice an actual walkway. At any rate, that's my story and I'm sticking with it. . .for now.

I agree sleepy! I don't see the scope of the building being enough for a signature nor the orientation being ideal for maximizing views.

 

[Corinne]

Ok, Y'all are giving away your ages, LOL. Good to see I'm right in the middle of the group.

So over on the construction thread it was mentioned that the name of the new DVC is Copper Creek Cabins. What do you all think of the name? I'm picturing Copper from Fox & the Hound as the mascot. I like reading the name, but rolling it off the tongue is going to take some practice as I'm getting stuck on the 'B' in cabins.

I just noticed I liked twinklebugs post, and felt the need to clarify,
I was actually liking your comment about your age, NOT the name COPPER CREEK they better not be planning to change the name of VWL!

 

[Granny]

That is INDEED getting larger.... fingers crossed: it's starting to look like what it SHOULD be - a second WL Signature Restaurant. The "Red Roof Inn" (the Grand Floridian) has THREE - V&A, Citrico's, Narcoossee's. They all co-exist quite nicely . Given a really GOOD Water-side location? I'm personally going to be ANGRY if that wonderful structure ON the water turns into a combo Town Hall and Bagel Shop .

Dean...I'm afraid we'll have to talk you off the ledge on this one. I don't want to scoop DDad and Di's report, but we had a lengthy discussion with a CM at VWL who didn't know a whole lot about the entire new DVC project, but she seemed quite sure that the new building would be a quick service food location. We conjectured that it would include a nice patio area and possibly another bar. But it does seem destined to be something other than a sit-down service kind of place. Sorry.

 

[Granny]

I agree sleepy! I don't see the scope of the building being enough for a signature nor the orientation being ideal for maximizing views.

On DVC Mike's map of the new development, it appeared that there was something between the food service building and Bay Lake...maybe a concrete pad or raised patio area. If the area on the South side of the new structure ends up being an open air covered patio area, then I think it would have some very nice views of Bay Lake. Crossing the fingers anyway.

 

[Granny]

Hi
I've seen the discussion today on the name of the new dvc villas at wilderness lodge. Could someone explain where exactly they are building these?
Thanks

I think DVC Mike's map makes it easy to see the new cabin locations as well as the new pool and the food service building we've been taking pictures of lately.




They also appear to be converting part or all of the main Wilderness Lodge (green roof) south wing (nearest the current VWL building) to the new Copper Creek DVC villas.

 

[sleepydog25]

The more I look at DVC Mike's map, the more I think those folks staying in the farthest out cabins are going to have one heck of a walk back to the main Lodge for food, drink, gifts, boats to MK/CR, or just needing to talk to someone at the front desk. I don't think that would bother us, but the distance might not appeal to many. Then again, the point costs for those suckers will be so high, those who can afford to buy enough points to stay there might have their own personal assistants to do the errands for them.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The more I look at DVC Mike's map, the more I think those folks staying in the farthest out cabins are going to have one heck of a walk back to the main Lodge for food, drink, gifts, boats to MK/CR, or just needing to talk to someone at the front desk. I don't think that would bother us, but the distance might not appeal to many. Then again, the point costs for those suckers will be so high, those who can afford to buy enough points to stay there might have their own personal assistants to do the errands for them.

The distance from the furthest cabin to the main lobby looks to be longer than from the outermost area of the parking lot back to the last VWL room. Kidani may no longer have the distinction of the longest walks! Instead it will be the uber expensive cabins. Maybe that's why they're building the new food service so the cabin dwellers won't starve on their way to the boats. But if that's replacing Roaring Fork then the northern most cabins might have to have some problems getting over to refill their mugs.

 

[rkstocke5609]

Actually, if it is a quick service, it will be one of the nicest quick serve dining location in all of WDW Deluxe resorts and could all by itself be a huge draw to stay at the resort (a quick serve in a location that many expected a TS or Sig -- appeals to all budgets ). Also, I like the proximity to the new pool for grabbing soda's for the refill mug. Compare that to many spots and it is much better. Kinda like the Kidani pool where you can refill your mug...

 

[Granny]

Patrick...great point about the walking distance especially from those cabins nearest the nature trail. When I look at the map I'm usually not thinking in scope and your comments are very valid. Those last few cabins in that area may become the cabins version of the Dumpster View or the Poly Bungalows near TTC.

Maybe that's why they're building the new food service so the cabin dwellers won't starve on their way to the boats.

Oh my, let the CCCV owner needling begin!

 

[jimmytammy]

Copper Creek...hmmmm?? My question, where is the creek? And are they going to stock it with Salmon? And are we going to be able to fly fish for said Salmon? Questions, questions!!

 

[horselover]

Julie if you care to share, which school in Burlington? My son spent four wonderful years there --it's an awesome place to visit. New Zealand and Australia! Cannot wait to see the photos!!!!

Hi Corrine. He's interested in Champlain College. DId your son go there or UVM? UVM doesn't have the major he wants.

I will definitely post some pictures. It may take awhile. If you're on FB feel free to friend me. Pictures will go there first. One week from today I'll be on my way to LA for the first leg of my journey!

I'll join in on the I don't get the new name conversation. Way too long & there is no creek. I too think the new structure on the beach will be some form of QS. Doesn't look big enought to be a signature restaurant to me.

 

[sleepydog25]

Copper Creek...hmmmm?? My question, where is the creek? And are they going to stock it with Salmon? And are we going to be able to fly fish for said Salmon? Questions, questions!!

I think you're on to something, JT! That area colored blue and running between the southside cabins and the current Villas building might be turned into an actual creek, and they could put salmon in there (or for cheapness' sake, those plastic fish they likely saved from 20,000 Leagues under the Sea ride at DL). Nothing says Alaska like plastic fish.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Just under the wire - It's May Day and it's also a birthday!

Happy Birthday franandaj!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday franandaj!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

I think you're on to something, JT! That area colored blue and running between the southside cabins and the current Villas building might be turned into an actual creek, and they could put salmon in there (or for cheapness' sake, those plastic fish they likely saved from 20,000 Leagues under the Sea ride at DL). Nothing says Alaska like plastic fish.

You may be right about the blue area, Sly! This would be a draw for families. I can see it now, the Dad teaching his son how to fly fish, and incorporate swimming all at the same time as the kids will have to jump in to put the plastic fish on the hook for Dad to pull out. Then again, its Disney, the fish may be Animatronic. Just hope no one tries to sneak one out and grill it on the BBQ

 

[wildernessDad]

The bungalows, I get. The views from the bungalows are great. But I don't get the cabins. What are the views of? An abandoned island and some boats coming by. Well, and the electrical water pageant. But nothing like the bungalows. Sorry that I ended a sentence with a preposition. It reminds me of a joke. There was a new student on the Harvard campus. He asked someone, "Could you tell me where the library's at?" The person replied, "At Harvard, we don't end our sentences with prepositions." The new student replied, "Okay, can you tell me where the library's at, a--hole!" Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[twinklebug]

Happy Birthday franandaj!!!!

I blinked and another one slipped by....

Happy birthday @franandaj !

And tomorrow is @loribell 's, Happy birthday!

 

[wildernessDad]

You may be right about the blue area, Sly! This would be a draw for families. I can see it now, the Dad teaching his son how to fly fish, and incorporate swimming all at the same time as the kids will have to jump in to put the plastic fish on the hook for Dad to pull out. Then again, its Disney, the fish may be Animatronic. Just hope no one tries to sneak one out and grill it on the BBQ

Maybe they can put in animatronic grizzly bears to try to catch the animatronic salmon.

 

[Granny]

You may be right about the blue area, Sly! This would be a draw for families. I can see it now, the Dad teaching his son how to fly fish, and incorporate swimming all at the same time as the kids will have to jump in to put the plastic fish on the hook for Dad to pull out. Then again, its Disney, the fish may be Animatronic. Just hope no one tries to sneak one out and grill it on the BBQ

Jimmy and Patrick...thanks for the laughs this morning! I think we have decided to stay at VWL after all for our December trip. Sitting in the lobby last week reminded me that the place still has a beautiful vibe.

 

[sleepydog25]

Maybe they can put in animatronic grizzly bears to try to catch the animatronic salmon.

Now, that's just darn funny! I lived in AK for four years, and there was a cheeky restaurant in downtown Anchorage that had stuffed animals and fake flora & fauna with a gurgling stream going through the middle of the restaurant. Maybe THAT'S what they'll do!

Funny joke, Dad! As for the view, perhaps you've not heard of the next DVC property, The Ghostly Villas and Spooky Cabins at Disney's Deserted River Country Island.

Happy birthdays to franandaj and loribell!