VWL pool refurbishment

[Msmithmd]

Here are yesterday's pics of the Wilderness Lodge main pool under construction.

 

[deakam]

Wow!!!! And they told me they were just putting in a fence. I had booked the WL but changed when I got the notice of the pool construction a week later. The cast member I spoke to said she didn't think it was a big deal. It is just a security fence. So glad we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge instead....even though I was not happy with it----it is better than the mess you took pictures of. Hopefully it is spectacular when they are finished.

 

[magicaldisney]

That looks like a major refurb.

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks for the pictures - which truly are worth a 1000 words!

It's so nice to have DIS DVC members on site reporting back to us. ESPECIALLY when they have a camera.

 

[Andrew015]

Thanks for sharing these pictures. I had originally booked VWL for our upcoming honeymoon trip, leaving next Tuesday, but once I got word of the pool refurbishment, I elected to change over to BLT. As much as I love the Lodge, I think we made the right call in switching resorts.

I'll try to get some pictures next week to share, although I doubt there will be much difference in progress. Surprised to see the roof off of Trout Pass, and curious to know if it's going to be replaced just as it was, or if there will be a new look to it.

 

[BlakeNJ]

Wowza that's some refurb! Can't wait to see the final result.

 

[twinklebug]

THANK YOU for the update pics MsSmithmd !!! For as much critique other threads give to Disney over the amount of time they take to do work, they always impress me. This is no small job. My sister had hoped for a bigger slide for her boys, it doesn't look like that's in the game plan for now. For as active as her boys are, VWL is still the place to be, even with a short slide on the main pool.

When the time comes to "install a fence" around the hidden springs pool, I hope they just leave the pool, deck and hot tub as is and run it around thru the wooded areas.

 

[MaryJ]

We were at VWL Oct. 3-6 for the ToT race and saw the pool construction then. We are returning for our first ever holiday trip Dec. 15-21. I know they say the construction will be finished by then, but that is a BIG refurb so I'm a bit concerned. If not, then Hidden Springs it is, even if it is a bit more crowded than usual.

 

[x5x5x5x5x5]

Wow!! I am shocked at the scope of the refurb. Thanks for the pictures. I feel bad for the people who booked without realizing the extent of what is going on. What a view :-(

 

[Msmithmd]

Two things on the plus side from our stay this week:

1. Hidden springs was surprisingly un-crowded. There were a few more people than usual, but we swam every afternoon or evening and it was quite comfortable and pleasant.

2. Trout pass is open as a kiosk and group of tables at the VWL, under the awning near the outside entry to the health club- back behind hidden springs. Thus, at least until late November, VWL has a full-service pool bar.

We missed the main pool a bit, however completely understand that such major work couldn't get done at all with the pool open. We certainly look forward to returning "home" next year after the pool update is finished.

Staff at the lodge didn't have any update on Disney's prior published timeline of re-opening on Thanksgiving day. I will be very impressed if it is indeed open by then, after seeing this degree of construction underway.

 

[bltman]

Where's the pool? Looks like everything was gutted and they are starting from scratch.

I would be surprised if they were done in 6 weeks (to hit their end of November target). I will be at WL Dec 3 to 10. Here's hoping they speed up to get this finished by then (I doubt it though).

 

[gratefulfred]

When I was there at the end of September I was told there would not be a fence, but they are putting in a kids splash pad

 

[jerseygal]

When I was there at the end of September I was told there would not be a fence, but they are putting in a kids splash pad

No fence? Surprised, too easy then for non resort guests to use!

 

[PetePanMan]

Wow!! I am shocked at the scope of the refurb. Thanks for the pictures. I feel bad for the people who booked without realizing the extent of what is going on. What a view :-(

I am surprised at scope too...what are they actually doing? Is it mainly plumbing type repairs or will there be enhancements?

 

[DenLo]

Wow, I had no idea they were doing such an extensive remodel for the pool at WL. Thanks for sharing the photos.

 

[Syndrome]

After looking at the pictures ................somehow I doubt they will be finished with this by our stay at VWL In early December .

Thanks for the pics !

 

[x5x5x5x5x5]

I am surprised at scope too...what are they actually doing? Is it mainly plumbing type repairs or will there be enhancements?

No idea - does anyone know? It looks like they've torn out everything.

 

[Syndrome]

No idea - does anyone know? It looks like they've torn out everything.

Rumor is that they are redoing the pool to add a zero entry.
By the looks of the pics .........it looks like its going to be a completely new pool design and everything. Hope they replace the pool heating system too ..........that pool always felt "chilly" to us !!!

 

[DisneyDad61]

Good morning All -

I read a note from another poster that questions were brought up to the CM recently during the Lodge Tour and here are the answers.
1 - There is NO Zero Entry Pool modification. The main pool will continue to have the same footprint AND water capacity. The main pool will recieve a new exterior coating that will advance to 4' from the pool (pool deck) for reduced chances of slipping, etc. Therefore, the main pool will remain the same except for a new and improved coating of the pool and the immediate pool deck area.

2 - A Kids Splash Zone with dumping buckets is being built in the area in which you see most of the construction taking place. (Please see recent Grand Floridian Kid Play Area). The footprint here is enlarged (as you can see from the pics) as the kiddie pool area has been removed.

3 - The whirlpool area is apparantly going to be ADA accessible. It would appear from earlier pics that the wooden walkway behind the pool (and in front of the geyser) has been pulled up for piping / routing etc. and if this will be ADA, then I expect a ramp or similar to be made near the pool deck area.

4 - The seating / deck chairs area will be expanded somewhat during the rehab.

5 - It would appear that the Trout bar will be remodeled in some way as most of it has been torn down during this construction. It might be due to the remodeled walkway / ADA access may force the Trout Bar to relocate a bit due due the other needs of this renovation.

Finally, in that the footprint of the pool will remain the same, I do not think that the construction will last beyond the end of November. I would really not be surprised to learnt that the pool renovation may actually open earlier than expected. All-in-all, I believe the new splash zone, play area for the kids will be a great addition to the courtyard area.

That is all for now

 

[Sammie]

And a fence.