Walt Disney World resort Files Permits for Expansion to Disney's Wilderness Lodge

It is being reported that areas of Wilderness Lodge will be closing on October 26, 2015-

(Credit to wdwdmagic.com)

Disney has started to advise guests arriving in the fall that a number of leisure and recreation amenities will be unavailable from October 26 2015.

The main impact will be to the Hidden Springs leisure pool, the resort beach, the playground and the fire pit. During the closure of the leisure pool, the main feature pool will continue to be open as normal.

The nature trail, boat and bike rentals, and spa treatments will also be unavailable from October.

The project will see the addition of 26 waterside bungalows, similar to the recently opened Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, although the Wilderness Lodge units are not built over the water. Also part of the plan is an expanded pool area, a new restaurant and recreation areas.

The project is expected to extend through to the end of 2017, although Disney has not yet given any details or announced the DVC expansion project.

Just got notification from our TA of just that...the week we arrive.

Does everything start October 26th? We're staying at the Lodge the 13th-20th. The nature trail, boat and bike rentals, and spa treatments just give an open "october" according to the post.

Do they really need 26 of them? Seems like they destroy the beach and the view...

Hammer;2463507 wrote: The project is expected to extend through to the end of 2017, although Disney has not yet given any details or announced the DVC expansion project.

This is what makes me angry. Now hotel guests have been notified but owners have not been told anything. While what they are doing is similar to Poly it's not the same, there are existing owners here whose memberships and dues are going to be affected.

badkitty;2463522 wrote: Do they really need 26 of them? Seems like they destroy the beach and the view...

Not to mention the fact that by ripping out all trees behind the villas seems to remove the "wilderness" theme.

I wish I had read this thread BEFORE I booked for early Nov. Ugh. Oh well, I'm sure it'll still be fun. I only wish that the person who took my reservation had told me since I originally inquired about the Polynesian and changed to Wilderness Lodge when I found out about the construction at the Poly.

I'm not a fan, but I am also not the target of this either. For their sake, and for the sake of the WDW property as a whole, I hope that a market is there for it. It isn't good for any guests for Disney to screw something up and have to eat their shirt.

I think what makes me the most upset is that I stayed at WL last Fall and the construction was AWFUL and we booked it this fall thinking no way would they do so much construction two falls in a row...

JanetMegan;2463621 wrote: I think what makes me the most upset is that I stayed at WL last Fall and the construction was AWFUL and we booked it this fall thinking no way would they do so much construction two falls in a row...

Janet, I keep hoping that they delay the work. Jersey week is the week right after you go and I know a lot of people stay at WL. They need the additional pool for that week at least.

Just thought I'd keep anyone updated that's interested:

It appears they are closing down all the lower rooms that face the quiet pool at both the villas (including members on points) and the lodge during the early stages of construction. People are being notified and relocated. For those members staying on points they are actually taking villas from CRO for the move.