Wilderness Lodge DVC additions - Copper Creek Villas & Cabins

[note2001]

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

I can see why folk might think TL is part of AP, I did too for the longest time. By the time I worked up my courage to walk in just to check it out I discovered that it's not. While the food served here is prepared by the Artist Point kitchen (a true bonus, try the flatbread!), the theme is entirely different than the Signature restaurant. There are wood carvings, exposed wooden beam ceiling, and maps everywhere, even the center ceiling is a map. The atmosphere is very casual (in the Disney sense of the word.)

 

[flyerjab]

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.

I agree with your opinion on this. And that is all that this is centered upon…opinion.

I love the Poly. I have been there before and after the transformation. I love pretty much everything that they did, even the bungalows that I will never be able to afford to stay in. Also, sitting outside on the deck at Trader Sam's with the waterfall rock and a view of the GF in the distance as the sun sets is so nice. I am very interested to see what the new pool area will be like now that it is getting its own eating options.

And I can't say enough about the Villas at the Grand Floridian. That is our home resort for DVC and the rooms are the best of any of the DVC rooms that we have stayed in. They are simply beautiful. For me, it added to that resort instead of subtracting from it.

I will be interested to see what is done here at the WL. I remember Spirit talking about this and indicating that Artist Point might be changed as a part of this DVC expansion/conversion. That is something I would definitely be in favor of as we have dined there several times and do not find it to be a signature dining experience. Actually, I can't think of one time that we all left there having just eaten and talked about how good it was. The service has always been slow and the food just meh.

Again though, this all comes down to individual opinion. I have no issues with people that are upset about this as I understand how things become special for different people. For example, I totally get the feelings that people had about the changes to the Poly lobby. I have not necessarily visited WDW as long as others have and do not have as deep a connection to certain places within the greater resort as others do. I am certain that in the future I will also experience bad feelings towards some change to something that I have held dear for many years.

 

[Rodan75]

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.

I looked it up and it is the place I remember. Definitely not on the same level as places like Trader Sam's or Top of the World.

 

[ABQ]

I looked it up and it is the place I remember. Definitely not on the same level as places like Trader Sam's or Top of the World.

I agree it's not like either of those places, but someone stated and adult lounge, I can't consider Sam's to be adult at all. Top of the World has a completely different niche it fills, based solely upon it's obviously unique location.

 

[note2001]

I looked it up and it is the place I remember. Definitely not on the same level as places like Trader Sam's or Top of the World.

Not sure how you've classified levels. Trader Sam's, while fun, is not a lounge I'd go to every day. The theme of WL is that of the old north west, and it carries into the lounge very well. The theme of the Top of the World is that of high-class, modern architecture, Again, that is what they created. Trader Sam's is a unique cutesy interactive place, but whereas they can get away with adding that to the Poly as it also is along the same theme as the Tiki Room, it has no place in WL. It would be like adding one to the Grand Floridian with talking queen animatronics. It just wouldn't work.

 

[Rodan75]

Not sure how you've classified levels. Trader Sam's, while fun, is not a lounge I'd go to every day. The theme of WL is that of the old north west, and it carries into the lounge very well. The theme of the Top of the World is that of high-class, modern architecture, Again, that is what they created. Trader Sam's is a unique cutesy interactive place, but whereas they can get away with adding that to the Poly as it also is along the same theme as the Tiki Room, it has no place in WL. It would be like adding one to the Grand Floridian with talking queen animatronics. It just wouldn't work.

Good points, what I guess I'm trying to say is that unless I'm staying at WL or eating at Artist's point I wouldn't see a reason to go to Territory Lounge. Unlike Trader Sam's or Top of the World where there is enough of a draw to pull you in from other resorts (which may be good or bad depending on your point of view). I'm not expecting WL to have a Country Bear Jamboree Bar or a Brother Bear style lounge. (I'm specifically removing the word Adult since bars at WDW seem to be fairly family friendly.) I would really just like to see something a bit bigger and more unique.

 

[RandySavage]

The primary waterfront views of the Grand Flo - before and after DVC - from my formerly-beloved Polynesian.

Added-on DVC buildings, IMO, have been an aesthetic and architectural pox upon the Deluxe Resort areas.

 

[halltd]

That's a great shot which shows the level of detail that Disney used to put into their resorts which just isn't in the current DVC properties. They're really big and really plain. The only DVC I've ever liked was the first addition to the Lodge. Obviously the jury is still out on the current expansion, so I'm hoping they continue the trend at that property.

The second shot does a great job in showing the cold blue Chinese LED bulbs that have been installed on the watercraft, too.

 

[note2001]

I have to agree that the DVC units are, for the most part, plain, and occasionally ugly. Even my beloved Kidani. What saves it is that from the interior it's to die for. You'd think they'd be able to match the existing structures.

 

[ToTBellHop]

I have to agree that the DVC units are, for the most part, plain, and occasionally ugly. Even my beloved Kidani. What saves it is that from the interior it's to die for. You'd think they'd be able to match the existing structures.

That's what shocks me. For example, I find the VGF to be god awful from the Seven Seas Lagoon but beautiful on the inside.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

The primary waterfront views of the Grand Flo - before and after DVC - from my formerly-beloved Polynesian.
View attachment 124627

Added-on DVC buildings, IMO, have been an aesthetic and architectural pox upon the Deluxe Resort areas.

Although the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are breathtaking on the inside, the exterior loosely follows the architectural design of the original resort. From photos, one will notice the lack of cupolas, dormers, and turrets. Regarding the stairwells, all are completely enclosed, even though the stairwells of the original lodges are either open or have floor to ceiling windows. Upon closer inspection, one will notice that the faux windows that adorn the top of the villas lack the center wooden dowel/finial found on the windows of the original resort.

If you stroll through the resort and keenly attend to the architecture, you will find that the villas more closely follow the design cues of the convention center rather than the original lodges.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

That's a great shot which shows the level of detail that Disney used to put into their resorts which just isn't in the current DVC properties. They're really big and really plain. The only DVC I've ever liked was the first addition to the Lodge. Obviously the jury is still out on the current expansion, so I'm hoping they continue the trend at that property.

The second shot does a great job in showing the cold blue Chinese LED bulbs that have been installed on the watercraft, too.

The architectural stylings of the DVC annexes have always puzzled me because they never seem to truly follow the cues of the original resort.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

That's what shocks me. For example, I find the VGF to be god awful from the Seven Seas Lagoon but beautiful on the inside.

The height of the villas building truly affects the views of the shoreline. Although it is not, from several vantage points, it does appear to be as tall as the main lodge. The original lodges range from 2 to 5 stories, including dormers. Moreover, all top floor rooms have dormer balconies.

The height should have followed the likes of Big Pine Key, Boca Chica and Sago Cay, with the highest floor having dormer balconies.

 

[note2001]

Worthy of noting here is that Both Wilderness Lodge and the Villas at Wilderness Lodge, as well as both Kidani and Jambo were all designed by the same architect, Peter Dominick (he also designed Disney's Grand Californian.) Although he passed away before they built Kidani, the design was kept almost as he envisioned, right down to the glass "flame" lamps found inside. I do not know if he designed the motel-8 appearance of the resort from the exterior as you drive up to it, although he was known for immense research and getting involved in every little detail. Flooring, wallpaper samples, even fabric swatches crossed his desk for approval.

That said, I'm curious as to who designed the GFV and the Poly bungalows. Who designed the new cabins to be built?

 

[SpaceMountain77]

Worthy of noting here is that Both Wilderness Lodge and the Villas at Wilderness Lodge, as well as both Kidani and Jambo were all designed by the same architect, Peter Dominick (he also designed Disney's Grand Californian.) Although he passed away before they built Kidani, the design was kept almost as he envisioned, right down to the glass "flame" lamps found inside. I do not know if he designed the motel-8 appearance of the resort from the exterior as you drive up to it, although he was known for immense research and getting involved in every little detail.

That said, I'm curious as to who designed the GFV and the Poly bungalows. Who designed the new cabins to be built?

Interestingly Disney's Beach Club Villas were designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern, who also designed Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.

It seems that there are several instances where the original resort architect oversaw the design of the DVC annex.

 

[ryguy]

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.

I respect your opinion. I would argue the changes have made the resort even more chaotic feeling. The second floor level by Ohana is a nightmare and feels like a subway platform. Trader Sam's although very cool, most will not be able to get in. I stayed at NIU building in September (slow season) and walked 200 yards at 3:55 (opens at 4) was told hour and half wait. Whats the point? Ohana forget about it getting a reservation. People from other resorts are constantly milling around or going to the beach to watch the fireworks. DVC adds larger groups or families. The resort has lost it's charm unfortunately and really isn't all that great for those staying there.

 

[Rodan75]

I respect your opinion. I would argue the changes have made the resort even more chaotic feeling. The second floor level by Ohana is a nightmare and feels like a subway platform. Trader Sam's although very cool, most will not be able to get in. I stayed at NIU building in September (slow season) and walked 200 yards at 3:55 (opens at 4) was told hour and half wait. Whats the point? Ohana forget about it getting a reservation. People from other resorts are constantly milling around or going to the beach to watch the fireworks. DVC adds larger groups or families. The resort has lost it's charm unfortunately and really isn't all that great for those staying there.

I think that is a fair point. A resort like the Poly is bound to bring in outside guests and without a mechanism in place to give first priority to resort guests, I can see where it would feel like you aren't getting your money's worth.

 

[note2001]

I respect your opinion. I would argue the changes have made the resort even more chaotic feeling. The second floor level by Ohana is a nightmare and feels like a subway platform. Trader Sam's although very cool, most will not be able to get in. I stayed at NIU building in September (slow season) and walked 200 yards at 3:55 (opens at 4) was told hour and half wait. Whats the point? Ohana forget about it getting a reservation. People from other resorts are constantly milling around or going to the beach to watch the fireworks. DVC adds larger groups or families. The resort has lost it's charm unfortunately and really isn't all that great for those staying there.

Most of the above situations described have nothing to do with the conversion of rooms to DVC at the Poly, but rather to the uptick in attendance. We are seeing more sightseers at all the resorts, even making it hard even to get into Sanna at Kidani at times. The only true addition to the resort were those bungalows, and I have yet to figure out who can afford to stay in those

As for DVC adding larger groups or families, I don't see that at all. All DVC people I know of, and I know many, are small traveling groups ranging from 1 to 4 people, which is exactly what you would have found before the conversions.

 

[COProgressFan]

The primary waterfront views of the Grand Flo - before and after DVC - from my formerly-beloved Polynesian.
View attachment 124627

Added-on DVC buildings, IMO, have been an aesthetic and architectural pox upon the Deluxe Resort areas.

I agree. I know it's the same tired conversation going on since BLT and GF Villas were built, but the new GF building just doesn't match the rest. I think I would feel much better about the DVC addition if the building actually matched the exterior specifications of the original buildings, as others have mentioned. Instead, it just looks too big, too boxy, and without much architectural detail. It looks like an addition. If done right, it would look like it always belonged there.

I long for the days when Wing Chao was still with Disney before he was forced into retirement, and wonder if BLT and GF villas would even exist in their current form if he remained with Disney.

 

[ToTBellHop]

For those visiting soon, about half of WL is now under refurb and included in this work, the lobby elevators are all closed. Only the elevators by Roaring Fork are available. Also, Christmas left last night.