Wilderness Construction Update

[wdrl]

Today (October 26, 2015) is the day Disney is suppose to start the major renovation project at Wilderness Lodge.

Is there anyone at Wilderness right now that can give us an update on what is happening? I'm wondering if Disney is keeping to its original start date or if it is already encountering some delays?

 

[ryels]

I'm not there today, but we stayed there last week (and had a wonderful time, of course) and they were already beginning the prep work. I was a little bit annoyed because they had stated that most of this would start today. As of last Monday, they had already stopped doing movies on the beach and were doing them inside at the villas. I love the train room in the Villas, but watching a movie there isn't nearly as cool.

They were already putting up posts and scrims around the beach and DVC pool. I took some pictures of it and will post shortly.

 

[ryels]

Above are some pictures of the scrims up at wilderness from Saturday. I'm sure they've started closing stuff off today. My condolences to anyone staying there now. We lucked out leaving when we did, as it was really just a nuisance for us. Fortunately, the DVC pool was still open and the beach was still accessible if you walked down the path to the boat/bike rental shop.

Would love to see some more updates from anyone there now!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We were supposed to check in there tomorrow but they scared us off. I do plan on getting over there to verify whether that was the best decision or not though but it probably will be a little later in the week.

When I spoke with Guest Relations they had told me that fences and prep work would start anytime after Oct 1st and prior to the pool work starting on the 26th.

 

[sleepydog25]

I'm not there today, but we stayed there last week (and had a wonderful time, of course) and they were already beginning the prep work. I was a little bit annoyed because they had stated that most of this would start today. As of last Monday, they had already stopped doing movies on the beach and were doing them inside at the villas. I love the train room in the Villas, but watching a movie there isn't nearly as cool.

They were already putting up posts and scrims around the beach and DVC pool. I took some pictures of it and will post shortly.

Thanks for the pictures, though seeing them makes me a bit sad.

 

[ryels]

Thanks for the pictures, though seeing them makes me a bit sad.

I agree I was kind of bummed out when I saw them putting the posts up. I mostly felt bad for everyone who booked in advance not realizing how big the refurb would be. On the bright side, I am looking forward to seeing the finished product in a couple years.

 

[Syndrome]

We spent a good amount of time at the Hidden Springs pool (DVC Members) on Sunday 10/25 , just enjoying what was probably the last day to enjoy our most favorite pool in all of WDW.
Did not have time to check today (11/26) as we were leaving for our flight home in the AM . Seemed to be that most everyone swimming at the pool (10/25) was clueless that the pool was probably going to be closed on Monday for good (well, until a new one is built) . We were just enjoying some great memories of the pool area, and taking some pictures , before it gets demolished . Our family spent a lot of good times at that pool, and I still remember the kids when they were little enjoying that pool for hours (now they are grown) !

We did see some fences up around the Hidden Springs pool area and surrounding woods , but they left 2 areas open for walk through access to the pool that could easily be closed off with connecting fencing quickly. Strangely there was no fencing on the DVC side of the pool , only on the Lodge side .

Not sure if the HS pool was closed for good today (10/26) or not ........ wondering if anyone knows for sure .

 

[ryels]

We spent a good amount of time at the Hidden Springs pool (DVC Members) on Sunday 10/25 , just enjoying what was probably the last day to enjoy our most favorite pool in all of WDW.
Did not have time to check today (11/26) as we were leaving for our flight home in the AM . Seemed to be that most everyone swimming at the pool (10/25) was clueless that the pool was probably going to be closed on Monday for good (well, until a new one is built) . We were just enjoying some great memories of the pool area, and taking some pictures , before it gets demolished . Our family spent a lot of good times at that pool, and I still remember the kids when they were little enjoying that pool for hours (now they are grown) !

We did see some fences up around the Hidden Springs pool area and surrounding woods , but they left 2 areas open for walk through access to the pool that could easily be closed off with connecting fencing quickly. Strangely there was no fencing on the DVC side of the pool , only on the Lodge side .

Not sure if the HS pool was closed for good today (10/26) or not ........ wondering if anyone knows for sure .

I agree, the DVC pool is a great pool. It's never crowded and always seems warmer than the main pool. I'll miss the current version, but hoping that the new one is even better.

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

Would you avoid staying at vwl until all construction complete? Trying to decide our MK resort for May 2016 and we've done all but vwl and vgf(no availibility)

 

[sleepydog25]

Would you avoid staying at vwl until all construction complete? Trying to decide our MK resort for May 2016 and we've done all but vwl and vgf(no availibility)

The solution is subject to personal preferences. Will you mind some construction noise, the scrims, the lack of the Hidden Springs pool, possible lack of beach access, and the general sense of commotion and hubbub during your stay? If the answer is "yes" to any of these, you might be better off staying elsewhere. Conversely, if what you seek is the grandeur of the WL--the lobby, the architecture, the music--or the convenience of the boat to MK and easy access to FW, and if you can overlook the construction issues, then perhaps you can check VWL off your bucket list. Truly, only you can decide which option will work best for your situation. Good luck with your decision.