Bummed (Re: Disney)

We are starting to plan on next Disney adventure for Dec 2016--really want to do the Xmas thing. But our first choice resort (The Wilderness Lodge) will be undergoing construction...including a pool area. I know, first world problems, LOL!
If you have ever stayed at a resort while there was construction, was it ok? Did you feel like it was lacking?
We usually stay in a moderate but were going to upgrade this trip--besides the Grand Floridian or Contemporary, which resorts should we look at for the upgrade?
Tx!

Re: Bummed (Re: Disney)

We have stayed at the 2012 Poly & 2014 WL. And loved both. It was so cold the week were were there last year in early Nov, that a pool wasn't even a though (the pool was under construction at WL then too). The resort was still wonderful & didn't bother our trip at all.

I have to say though, we visited the poly while they had their construction in 2014 & the lobby wasn't beautiful like when we visited in 2012.

Our next trip we are leaning towards the contemporary, just to try a new place.

Message edited 10/7/2015 3:03:22 PM.

Bummed (Re: Disney)

We stayed at the poly and thought it was great (right before or as they started construction) the pool was open and the construction didn't interrupt anything for us.

Bummed (Re: Disney)

I would check on what renovations will be done at Wilderness at that time. From my understanding they are expanding the DVC portion and if you stay in the regular lodge you should have no issues at all.

Bummed (Re: Disney)

We stayed at AKL when the pool was under construction. It was too cold to swim anyway and our room was on the other side of the hotel so no issues at all.

Re: Bummed (Re: Disney)

We are actually staying at AKL for our next trip.

I haven't been there, but I loved the park and I've read so many positive reviews.

The CM also told me to save the money and just get a standard and not a savana facing room because you can still walk around all over and see the animals.

Plus we will be at the parks most of the day anyway.

Re: Bummed (Re: Disney)

They are adding more DVC units to Wilderness Lodge. The pool area that will be closed is the "quiet pool" not the main feature pool. the construction shouldn't interfere with the main lodge.

We recently stayed at the poly while they had construction. Aside from a few walkways being diverted, we weren't bothered at all. We are going back to the poly at the end of February. The quiet pool will still be closed. We don't anticipate a problem.

Re: Bummed (Re: Disney)

December 2016 is a long way off. It's hard to predict how bad the construction is going to be this far in advance.

Message edited 10/7/2015 7:11:37 PM.

Bummed (Re: Disney)

i was gonna say the same thing as a few other people said... the pool thats gonna be under construction is at the Villa section.... so the main pool will still be opened (it was just redone) so you'll be able to use that, and the new kids splash area, too.
we just stayed there the end of august and had an AMAZING time!!! is a gorgeous hotel!! go on disboards.com- and there are a couple threads about the construction...

Re: Bummed (Re: Disney)

Thanks everyone, I feel better now! I HATE having to talk to people on the phone and prefer to book on line but guess I will call and see if they can give me some more feedback. The website was very specific about construction being an issue for our dates.
This is my "dream resort" since I was a kid, LOL and this will be our last trip for awhile due to DD being in school FT.

Re: Bummed (Re: Disney)

Not a deluxe, but we just stayed at POR and I know they had construction going on but I feel like it wasn't even noticeable.

Re: Bummed (Re: Disney)

We stayed at the Beach Club in February while it was under construction and it the Animal Kingdom Lodge a few years ago during construction. We weren't bothered by it either time and enjoyed our stays.

Bummed (Re: Disney)

I think it depends on the level of construction. The WL construction is going to be huge. They are building over 20+ lodges and a new restaurant. even if they are not actually working on the main building the noise and "feel" of the resort would keep me away. It's a deluxe resort - you pay a lot of money to stay there. There are so many great hotels on Disney - I just personally would stay somewhere without the worry and headache.

Message edited 10/8/2015 10:59:38 AM.

Re: Bummed (Re: Disney)

We stayed at WL last year during some minor construction and it was great but the level of construction anticipated for 2016-2017 is going to be huge and in different areas of the property - villas, quiet pool, near the beach etc. when I called to make reservations and inquire about the WL for 2015 L, I was told to book somewhere else. Go to dis boards and check out the threads re: construction. I wouldn't go stay in the middle of the mess. They aren't even offering steep discounts! ESP since you have never been there before, wait until construction is over

Bummed (Re: Disney)

I have stayed at Disney resorts during construction. It really depends on where they are at at the time. Most of the construction should be the villas and it shouldn't impact your trip too much.

If you are not working with a travel agent I would love to help you navigate the construction issues and help you plan a magical Disney vacation!

Kerri Hill
Facebook.com/TravelKerri
[email protected]
Nominated for Best of Long Island 2016