Wilderness Lodge DVC additions - Copper Creek Villas & Cabins

[LAKid53]

Two more permits today


901 Timberline Dr - Wilderness Rehab - Package #6 - Interior & Exterior Renovation

773-965 Timberline Dr - Wilderness Rehab - Construction of Cabins 8001-8026

Hopefully we will soon be able to see a design sketch of the cabins. I'm holding off purchasing more points in DVC until I see what they will look like. And I wonder if those of us VWL owners will have first choice of purchase for the new cabins. And if DVC will give us the option of extending our current contracts beyond the 2042 termination date. For a fee, presumably. It wouldn't be Disney otherwise, lol.

 

[Rodan75]

Hopefully we will soon be able to see a design sketch of the cabins. I'm holding off purchasing more points in DVC until I see what they will look like. And I wonder if those of us VWL owners will have first choice of purchase for the new cabins. And if DVC will give us the option of extending our current contracts beyond the 2042 termination date. For a fee, presumably. It wouldn't be Disney otherwise, lol.

The DVC sales folks on my last cruise said that the new points will be under a new resort and not VWL. They said it was following the AKL model. Their point was that buying additional at VWL wouldn't give me home resort privileges to the new wing and cabins.

 

[LAKid53]

The DVC sales folks on my last cruise said that the new points will be under a new resort and not VWL. They said it was following the AKL model. Their point was that buying additional at VWL wouldn't give me home resort privileges to the new wing and cabins.

Well, that bites.

 

[Rodan75]

The DVC sales folks on my last cruise said that the new points will be under a new resort and not VWL. They said it was following the AKL model. Their point was that buying additional at VWL wouldn't give me home resort privileges to the new wing and cabins.

Oh. And the price of add on points to VWL have gone up significantly in the last two years. Like nearly as much as the new builds.

 

[LAKid53]

Oh. And the price of add on points to VWL have gone up significantly in the last two years. Like nearly as much as the new builds.

Really?! I got my first contract for $125 and the second for $123. They didn't have the total # of points I wanted available at the time, which is why I ended up with 2 contracts. But the 2nd cheaper purchase had the greater number of points, so I wasn't going to complain. So if I wanted additional points in VWL, I'd be paying close to $160 for them. That REALLY bites! You'd think they would give existing owners a price break in purchasing additional points in their home resort, kind of a "thank you for being such a loyal and good customer" bonus.

 

[Rodan75]

Really?! I got my first contract for $125 and the second for $123. They didn't have the total # of points I wanted available at the time, which is why I ended up with 2 contracts. But the 2nd cheaper purchase had the greater number of points, so I wasn't going to complain. So if I wanted additional points in VWL, I'd be paying close to $160 for them. That REALLY bites! You'd think they would give existing owners a price break in purchasing additional points in their home resort, kind of a "thank you for being such a loyal and good customer" bonus.

I don't remember the exact number. But I bought it at 100 3 yrs ago and I remember the sheet showing either 135 or 145 back in October. It was enough to shock me out of an addition.

 

[LAKid53]

I don't remember the exact number. But I bought it at 100 3 yrs ago and I remember the sheet showing either 135 or 145 back in October. It was enough to shock me out of an addition.

Wow, I bought mine two years after you did. Wish I could have gotten them for $100. Would have purchased all the points they had to sell - I paid cash.

 

[Unplugged]

Seriously? You won't return until 2018? I could understand if you don't want to stay in the resort due to construction, but to bail for over two years due to tree removal is, IMHO, a tad silly. While our view from our DVC villa included the now treeless mud pit, we also got something we've never gotten before - an amazing view of the Lake.

Instead of bailing totally, why not use those points at another resort? Or, if you are really serious, I could use a few more points next year.....

A few reasons, it's not just tree removal. I know trees grow fast in FL as I indicated, but the entire setting of the lodge is what gives it the unique peaceful setting. We have looked at other options, but at the times we can travel, which are not peak times, there is little available for DVC. Not too mention that right now, after having dealt with multiple trips the past few years as more and more work has been taking place (which is great for the long term), the immediate value and enjoyment has decreased. I'm sure the WL will benefit from the enhancements long term, but this is a good time for a break to let the dust settle across most of WDW (except of course for DHS which will just be starting).

 

[note2001]

A few reasons, it's not just tree removal. I know trees grow fast in FL as I indicated, but the entire setting of the lodge is what gives it the unique peaceful setting. We have looked at other options, but at the times we can travel, which are not peak times, there is little available for DVC. Not too mention that right now, after having dealt with multiple trips the past few years as more and more work has been taking place (which is great for the long term), the immediate value and enjoyment has decreased. I'm sure the WL will benefit from the enhancements long term, but this is a good time for a break to let the dust settle across most of WDW (except of course for DHS which will just be starting).

All good reasons to hold off on visiting. I'm right there with you. So many trips in such a short time frame, that it's time to build up some of that magical awe again. I'm hoping by 2018 the grounds of VWL will be sitting pretty again.

 

[optjay]

A few reasons, it's not just tree removal. I know trees grow fast in FL as I indicated, but the entire setting of the lodge is what gives it the unique peaceful setting.the immediate value and enjoyment has decreased.).

Yes, the trees and wooded areas made the Wilderness Lodge a gem in WDW resort. I honestly believe the trees and brush will NOT be replaced with anything remotely close to what was there.

I'm sure the WL will benefit from the enhancements long term

Wilderness Lodge will NOT benefit from this destruction/construction. Lake views, fireworks views open area views are not what this resort needs. also do not need water front cabins.
Just my opinion.

 

[Unplugged]

Yes, the trees and wooded areas made the Wilderness Lodge a gem in WDW resort. I honestly believe the trees and brush will NOT be replaced with anything remotely close to what was there.

Wilderness Lodge will NOT benefit from this destruction/construction. Lake views, fireworks views open area views are not what this resort needs. also do not need water front cabins.
Just my opinion.

I completely agree with you. My statement is based on my understanding that this project was supposed to add another restaurant near the water front (would have been in front of the tree line and on the water) and enlarge what was the Hidden Springs pool. I figure with re-growth after planting, it will take a few years to get even close to what we loved about it. Overall, I am trying to stay positive with this post. If you read my prior posts in this thread, I'm not convinced either, but I'm not going to sell off my points just yet. I want to see if it turns out to be a genuine disaster or not. Of course at the going rate for WLV points, I can either make a small profit and walk away after years of enjoyment, or purchase points at a different resort. It;s a tough call with all the changes they are making. You really have NO idea what you're in for until they finish each phase.

 

[Rodan75]

I completely agree with you. My statement is based on my understanding that this project was supposed to add another restaurant near the water front (would have been in front of the tree line and on the water) and enlarge what was the Hidden Springs pool. I figure with re-growth after planting, it will take a few years to get even close to what we loved about it. Overall, I am trying to stay positive with this post. If you read my prior posts in this thread, I'm not convinced either, but I'm not going to sell off my points just yet. I want to see if it turns out to be a genuine disaster or not. Of course at the going rate for WLV points, I can either make a small profit and walk away after years of enjoyment, or purchase points at a different resort. It;s a tough call with all the changes they are making. You really have NO idea what you're in for until they finish each phase.

I have confidence that trees will be replanted...even if they are younger, they will grow. After visiting the Poly this past trip, I have faith. And hope that WL gets an appropriately themed adult lounge.

 

[note2001]

I have confidence that trees will be replanted...even if they are younger, they will grow. After visiting the Poly this past trip, I have faith. And hope that WL gets an appropriately themed adult lounge.

WL already has a wonderful, appropriately themed adult lounge: Territory Lounge.

 

[ryguy]

Really?! I got my first contract for $125 and the second for $123. They didn't have the total # of points I wanted available at the time, which is why I ended up with 2 contracts. But the 2nd cheaper purchase had the greater number of points, so I wasn't going to complain. So if I wanted additional points in VWL, I'd be paying close to $160 for them. That REALLY bites! You'd think they would give existing owners a price break in purchasing additional points in their home resort, kind of a "thank you for being such a loyal and good customer" bonus.

Ha Ha Ha Disney has been in the business of shafting it's best customers for 20 years. Just ask any Annual Pass holder, DVC owner,Tables in Wonderland, Magic Kingdom Club members etc... They only really care about the one and done's. And of course suckering people out of $50,000 for DVC.

Sorry for those who really loved the Lodge, now you will know how it feels for us Poly lovers.

 

[PhilharMagician]

Ha Ha Ha Disney has been in the business of shafting it's best customers for 20 years. Just ask any Annual Pass holder, DVC owner,Tables in Wonderland, Magic Kingdom Club members etc... They only really care about the one and done's. And of course suckering people out of $50,000 for DVC.

Sorry for those who really loved the Lodge, now you will know how it feels for us Poly lovers.

Shafting is a harsh word. Disney likes to offer options to their pixie dust entranced guests before their wallets close.

 

[Tuvalu]

Sorry for those who really loved the Lodge, now you will know how it feels for us Poly lovers.

I thought the same thing! And as a lover of both resorts, I am feeling the pain twice .

 

[optjay]

I have confidence that trees will be replanted...even if they are younger, they will grow. After visiting the Poly this past trip, I have faith. And hope that WL gets an appropriately themed adult lounge.

NO!!
Every resort they touch they now destroy! Especially Poly. They just keep removing beauty and cramming in crap. Those eye sore bungalows!, the Poly lobby! The GF Villas, Bay Lake Tower! Heck, even the Beach club Villas building.
The WL should be left alone, as is. I guarantee some tree replacement, but also open barren areas replacing the seclusion that was the Wilderness lodge.
By the way, DVC member since 1997

They only really care about the one and done's. And of course suckering people out of $50,000 for DVC.

Sorry for those who really loved the Lodge, now you will know how it feels for us Poly lovers.

Agreed!!
Poly is very sad. Was so disappointing when I visited in Oct.

 

[Rodan75]

WL already has a wonderful, appropriately themed adult lounge: Territory Lounge.

I may be remembering it incorrectly, but it seemed more like a small sitting area for the restaurant there.

 

[ABQ]

I may be remembering it incorrectly, but it seemed more like a small sitting area for the restaurant there.

Not really, though they certainly are connected, mostly by the restroom hallway, and you do pass the lounge on the way to being seated in the Artist Point, but the restaurant and the lounge are distinct entities.

 

[Rodan75]

NO!!
Every resort they touch they now destroy! Especially Poly. They just keep removing beauty and cramming in crap. Those eye sore bungalows!, the Poly lobby! The GF Villas, Bay Lake Tower! Heck, even the Beach club Villas building.
The WL should be left alone, as is. I guarantee some tree replacement, but also open barren areas replacing the seclusion that was the Wilderness lodge.
By the way, DVC member since 1997

Agreed!!
Poly is very sad. Was so disappointing when I visited in Oct.

I watched on these boards for months as folks bemoaned the changes to Poly. So we made a point of spending time there on our last trip a few weeks ago. The lobby is lovely, it may not be the original lobby, but it is very well done and feels like it matches the overall placemaking of the resort. Trader Sam's is a gem and the patio is wonderful.

Change is happening,which can be uncomfortable and in the end I may not agree with all of it, however, I feel that largely WDW has been improving their execution of these changes over the last few years and has created net positive experiences. My only real negative point of contention with the overall leadership of WDW now has to deal with Transportation leadership, specifically how the bus and monorail systems are run.