I posted this over on the Wilderness FAQ Thread a few days ago on June 10th.
I'll get to the information related to the news from the Lodge, I did meet-up with Mark Newman the manager of concierge.
#1 The New Concierge Lounge is well under way but not complete...New ECD is July...No Photos because the contractor had left for the day and had locked the area...Marco one of the great CM actually picked the lock on the construction area so we could peek in but the electrical box was also locked so Mark was unable to turn any lights on. We took our tour with a few flashlights.
The new lounge The Old Faithful Club Room (concierge as we have known in the pass is being changed to the industries new Club Level) Concierge services for the resort per say will be handled by Guest Services.
The new Club Lounge will have two entries one to the left of the main elevators, the other entry is located off the main lobby area. A new reception podium will be installed along with new hardwood flooring as you exit the elevators. This will give the guest more of a formal reception area. The new lounge is being construction in an area previously unused. (Dead Zone) NO rooms or suites have been removed or changed (The Honeymoon Suite located closest to the elevators on the Southside of the Lodge has been taken out of service as well as two rooms under the new lounge area on the sixth floor due to the noise concerns)
As you walk into the new lounge there will be a wall of cabinets on the west wall with built in coffee machines and beautiful granite countertops that will extend up the wall as a backsplash, the flooring will be a natural stone and cut timbers are being installed on the ceilings as I type
thus the delay with the opening of the lounge
the timbers cant be cut on the 7th floor, they had a make-shift work area located out in the CMs parking lot, then the rain started and it was been raining here in Florida for the last few weeks. Mark said they where trying to come up with a covered area so the work can continue without interruption, hopefully it has now been accomplished and the timber cutting and fitting is being completed.
On the south side of the lobby balcony there will be a new area for children, a mini lounge area with miniature furniture and a plasma flat screen TV. (Disney Channel) On the north side of the lobby will be the new adult area with an adult setting area with an additional larger Plasma Flat Screen TV. (news or weather channel) New tables and chairs will be placed around the balcony so guest will still have the beautiful view to over look the main lobby.. Every morning a few guest will now have the best view on property as Mark as ordered new tables to be placed where the buffet sideboard is now.
Mark is hoping for a completion of the renovations by July, but due to unforeseen delays he cant give an exact date. It will be worth the wait. Think of natural elements used where ever possible timbers, granite, stone and hardwood flooring.
Now for other news
Starting in January 2006 the Lodge will start undergoing a complete renovation of all soft ware items. Mark said they would start on the 7th floor with new bedding, carpeting, and wallpaper. The Club Level rooms will have upgraded items similar to the style of the Lodge now but a little nicer then the other Lodge rooms.
Mark wasnt sure if the new items will be a totally new design, as they want to keep the look and feel of the Lodge. We will have to wait and see.
Also by August, the Wilderness Lodge will be completely upgraded to high speed internet access. All Disney Resorts should receive this upgrade by the end of the year.
The next year will be a busy one at the Lodge cant wait until my next visit, be sure that all of you keep us posted on your upcoming visits.
Hope this helps.
Beckie
