VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.0) updated 21 June 2023

I still feel its maybe a bit out of place with the whole vibe of Ft Wilderness, but maybe, and again, giving way here, just maybe they have some thoughts of incorporating into the backdrop of the Fort. I sure hope so.

It works as well as a shiny new Mediterranean resort next to Caribbean bungalows I guess.......

Seriously though, I worry for FW. :(
 




So, there is new concept art out for the Reflections resort lobby area. I know it's just concept art, and I also know the final product won't look exactly this way. Still. . .well, I won't say anymore--go see for yourself. Just google "new concept art at reflections lodge." But, don't say I didn't warn you. . .

I don't love it - but I don't hate it either. I will wait to form an opinion until I see it in person. With the exception of what they did to Artist Point I am enjoying the new additions to WL. I didn't think I would - but I am.
 
I don't love it - but I don't hate it either. I will wait to form an opinion until I see it in person. With the exception of what they did to Artist Point I am enjoying the new additions to WL. I didn't think I would - but I am.

That's a good approach. From the concept art I'd say that I find it interesting. More interesting to me than Riviera design and theming, and I'll take the boats over the gondolas any day. But if they take advantage of the beautiful Bay Lake views, Reflections could be a very nice resort. I have no problem with the Pocahontas theming...and it will be fun to see what the final product looks like.
 
I like the pile of wood in the corner, but then my mind wanders to a dark place as I see a snake of some variety crawl out and me screaming out the door dressed like Cousin Eddie :rotfl2:
 
My long held issue with WL, and now with Reflections, is the impact on what Disney claims to be striving for--tranquility. I love my Lodge home. There's still a sense of wonder and awe I get when approaching through the archway and first walking into the lobby, and I appreciate the beauty of the grounds. I'll admit that Disney did a superb job with the cabins and their respective landscaping, too. Yet, they had to remove some of what made me fall in love with the Lodge--the wilderness. The sense of being able to step down a sandy trail and leaving Disney behind for a moment; of stopping to admire the lake from a beach rather than astroturf; of being able to blend into the trees sitting next to the quiet pool (we had a couple of our wedding shots taken in those trees); and of slipping into the old quiet pool area itself replete with actual trees, a bubbling pool, and an inviting hot tub. I miss those experiences a lot.

Reflections perhaps will be lovely and inviting in its own regard. Still, it's going to be an anathema to its stated "theme," a place to reflect, relax, and commune with nature. The location is going to crowd the space between FW and WL, and while the paved path may reopen, the increased traffic and loss of natural beauty will certainly happen. To quote Thanos: "I am inevitable." It's a bit ironic to build and pave and pour concrete in order to promote wilderness or to have us "reflect" on the beauty of nature. We lose as we get crowded, and I'm afraid I'm going to miss yet another small bit of what makes me enjoy my current Disney experience.
 
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I saw a article that the horse barn at the Fort will be rebuilt and it will be same scenario, where guests can see the horses and still see the wagon and things from Disney equestrian history. It made me sad to think all that was going away to make room for Reflections, but alas, it will be relocated. We enjoyed going for a walk along the trail from the Lodge to FW and seeing the horses and ponies, many times catching a meal at Trails End.
In addition, they will be continuing the trail rides and pony rides.
 
Stopping by to say hello!:wave: I need a quick respite....

In addition to the wedding in a few weeks, the soon-to-be newlyweds house hunt has not been successful, and their lease ends in August, so they’re moving in with us! Oh, and were also in the process of preparing my moms house for the market and moving her into assisted living. If any of you are so inclined, please send :wizard: pixiedust:For a quick sale.:flower3:
 
Stopping by to say hello!:wave: I need a quick respite....

In addition to the wedding in a few weeks, the soon-to-be newlyweds house hunt has not been successful, and their lease ends in August, so they’re moving in with us! Oh, and were also in the process of preparing my moms house for the market and moving her into assisted living. If any of you are so inclined, please send :wizard: pixiedust:For a quick sale.:flower3:

So the newlyweds move into your Mom's house. Two problems solved with one stone! :)

Okay, here's a Moose Dust dance for you and everything you are wishing for. :)

Moose Dance.gif
 
I saw a article that the horse barn at the Fort will be rebuilt and it will be same scenario, where guests can see the horses and still see the wagon and things from Disney equestrian history. It made me sad to think all that was going away to make room for Reflections, but alas, it will be relocated. We enjoyed going for a walk along the trail from the Lodge to FW and seeing the horses and ponies, many times catching a meal at Trails End.
In addition, they will be continuing the trail rides and pony rides.

Yes, I saw this one too.

Tri Circle D area refurb


I like the new rendering a lot.

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I do like the rendering of the Tri-Circle D, too. I'm happy, in fact, they're not getting rid of the whole complex. I was afraid it would go the way of the old quiet pool and the nature trail.

And that's a good segue into the following pictures. I mentioned how I hated the wilderness that had been lost over the years earlier, and these shots show some of that. They're from our wedding shoot six years ago. . .

The walkway to the boat dock. . .used to be lots of trees on the lake side. They've mostly cleared them out. The new look is fine, but I do miss those extra trees.
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We were walking out to the beach area from the main Lodge, and our photographer saw this serene and gorgeous spot in the trees. It's one of our favorite shots. This area is roughly where the rail car sits on the walkway on the back side of Reunion Station. Again, I miss the trees.
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Obviously, this is the old beach area, approximately where the astroturf grass now resides. It's mere steps away from where we shared our first kiss. Even though I think Geyser Point is lovely, I miss the simple, rustic nature of the beach. . .and the trees. ;)
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Corinne, sending prayers and Moose Dust for all the moves and matrimony to go smoothly and for you and Dana to get some much needed rest when its all done
 

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