River Country

[BayLake Campers 83]

Sorry for the confusion. The total area being cleared is 45 acres in phase 1 including the new horse barn, they will clear river country and cut down all the trees to get ready for construction. When that's finished they will open a new permit for phase 2 to begin building the resort and parking lots. It is a way to keep the new resort hidden from the public until they get the 2nd phase permits.

You can see this is what will be cleared and the new horse barn across the street behind the 700 loop.

[kadancer 82]

21 hours ago, Travisma said:

Why put up nice themed fences around a construction site, when they didn't even bother theming the fences around all of the previously wide open playgrounds.

They just threw up industrial inner city black chain link around the playgrounds, because parents are too busy on their phones to keep track of their kids wandering off.

At least they could've used split rail, picket fencing or even brown chain link.

Obviously the powers to be could care less about the dirty, sleazy campers.

Strip the place of it's charm and unique theming, pave over everything to look like a mall parking lot, and they'll still come with wads of $$$ in their hands, all because its Disney.

Hmm...I did not see the fences around the playgrounds yet.  Makes me want to buy rolls of paper, let kids in the campground create "artwork" and then cover the fences.  I would have to stop myself from adding, "Please pardon our mess while we think we are improving your guest experience." though.

[Grumpy and Grandma 740]

22 hours ago, Travisma said:

They just threw up industrial inner city black chain link around the playgrounds, because parents are too busy on their phones to keep track of their kids wandering off.

At least they could've used split rail, picket fencing or even brown chain link.

Because "That inner city fence" is what blends in better..

"White picket and natural wood fences may be more common, but garden fences painted black can be surprisingly effective in the landscape. Dark fences act as a stunning backdrop for bright green foliage, provide understated privacy where needed and make garden borders disappear. Take a look at these examples of how a dark hue can transform a garden fence, and you may be inspired to get out your paintbrush."

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

59 minutes ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

Because "That inner city fence" is what blends in better..

I'd agree the darker color fences blend in better. When we fenced the back yard for the dogs we went with inexpensive wire fencing as it wasn't going to be seen from the street. We had the option of the galvanized (silver) or the dark green.  Even though the galvanized was cheaper, we thought the dark green would blend in better.  True enough.  You can barely even notice the stuff most of the year.

For Disney the bonus of the dark wire chain link is that it doesn't rot and you don't have to paint it regularly. (Sorry Brown Paint Guy). 

[Travisma 1,317]

2 hours ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

Because "That inner city fence" is what blends in better..

"White picket and natural wood fences may be more common, but garden fences painted black can be surprisingly effective in the landscape. Dark fences act as a stunning backdrop for bright green foliage, provide understated privacy where needed and make garden borders disappear. Take a look at these examples of how a dark hue can transform a garden fence, and you may be inspired to get out your paintbrush."

To me at the playgrounds it sticks out like a sore thumb. it doesn't fit the theme of Fort "Wilderness" (but then again a lot at the Fort no longer does).

Plus I still don't understand why they had to fence in the playgrounds. 

Our kids played there for years then my grand kids and the playgrounds weren't fenced in. I could see maybe the one along Fort Wilderness Trail by 1300.  That is close to the main road.

But then again we actually played with them, interacted with them, and watched them, instead of posting selfies and instagramming.

[PGHFiend 140]

I think it looks fine.  It's a fence. 

I think the new resort will be a nice thing to check out, and I'm guessing will provide more options for dining and such. 

No matter what they do or change, it's the best campground there is IMHO. 

Remember, it's all a show. 

 

[ImDownWithDisney 342]

1 hour ago, PGHFiend said:

I think it looks fine.  It's a fence. 

I think the new resort will be a nice thing to check out, and I'm guessing will provide more options for dining and such. 

No matter what they do or change, it's the best campground there is IMHO. 

Remember, it's all a show. 

 

I believe (hope) you are correct. I am not too stoked on the proximity, though. I just wish it was being built a little further back from Pioneer Hall. I think the Settlement area is going to be way more busy. Carts will probably be banned from going in like they do now. And I really hope FW doesn't share a boat with Reflections.

[PGHFiend 140]

3 hours ago, ImDownWithDisney said:

I believe (hope) you are correct. I am not too stoked on the proximity, though. I just wish it was being built a little further back from Pioneer Hall. I think the Settlement area is going to be way more busy. Carts will probably be banned from going in like they do now. And I really hope FW doesn't share a boat with Reflections.

I'd like it to be somewhere else too, but to keep it out out view  from the other resorts like they do and use existing infrastructure it makes sense for them.   I think it will be well hidden, the settlement may become busier but will it be that bad? I guess I really can't say, and me saying anything is moot anyhow.  I'm not a cart person, so I wouldn't mind keeping them all out, but I'm not sure everyone feels that way.  If it shares a boat, it shares a boat. Hopefully it will be the bigger ones or more often.    

[ftwildernessguy 778]

If you think the campground has been treated like the red headed stepchild of Disney World before you ain’t seen nothin yet.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

6 hours ago, PGHFiend said:

I'd like it to be somewhere else too, but to keep it out out view  from the other resorts like they do and use existing infrastructure it makes sense for them.   I think it will be well hidden, the settlement may become busier but will it be that bad? I guess I really can't say, and me saying anything is moot anyhow.  I'm not a cart person, so I wouldn't mind keeping them all out, but I'm not sure everyone feels that way.  If it shares a boat, it shares a boat. Hopefully it will be the bigger ones or more often.    

I'm sure Disney could pave over the entire campground and open a KOA style campground in another location on property and there would be a lot of folks perfectly fine with that. 

I feel sorry for those who missed the Fort in its glory days and think what they're doing is fine. 

It's not  

TCD

[LONE-STAR 370]

Can't change it, can't stop it, enjoy it while you can, that's my plan.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

8 hours ago, LONE-STAR said:

Can't change it, can't stop it, enjoy it while you can, that's my plan.

Ditto

[PGHFiend 140]

9 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

I'm sure Disney could pave over the entire campground and open a KOA style campground in another location on property and there would be a lot of folks perfectly fine with that. 

I feel sorry for those who missed the Fort in its glory days and think what they're doing is fine. 

It's not  

TCD

Don't feel sorry for me, I don't live in the past. 

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

23 hours ago, ImDownWithDisney said:

I believe (hope) you are correct. I am not too stoked on the proximity, though. I just wish it was being built a little further back from Pioneer Hall. I think the Settlement area is going to be way more busy. Carts will probably be banned from going in like they do now. And I really hope FW doesn't share a boat with Reflections.

That's my thought.  It's not the new resort that I don't like... it's the fact that it took out the bike path our family loved so much and the fact that it will literally, blend into the Fort.  Kind-of like the new stores at DTD.  Think about it before and what it is now, that's kind-of how I see the Fort.  Lots of folks like the new DTD (Disney Springs), but I personally liked the old one.  Except the extra parking now is nice   My favorite time at the Fort, has always been sunrise (actually, it's my favorite time of the day anywhere ).  I loved walking around the Settlement, sitting down with my coffee, going out on the dock or sitting by the water.  Typically, I'd only see a couple other guests and one or two maintenance workers... it was always so quiet and peaceful.  The tough part about all of this growth... is that's what will change at the Fort.   The chance for those peaceful moments, will be really tough to come by.

13 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

I feel sorry for those who missed the Fort in its glory days and think what they're doing is fine. 

It's not  

TCD

I don't disagree with you there... but let's stand back and look at the parks.  Crowds (and heck, cost!) have ruined the Disney experience for us.  Disney let this happen and the generation coming in only knows chaos and mess.  It's hard when you've grown up (and/or watched your kids grow up), knowing how it was.  None of it is the same.  Sadly. 

4 hours ago, PGHFiend said:

Don't feel sorry for me, I don't live in the past. 

Oh goodness...  you're so much better at that, than I am.  I do live in the past.  Wish I didn't as really, what's the purpose?  I mean, I guess in some respects there's a good to it, because if you know (from the past), what good or great really is... then I guess there's a chance that you might be able to be a part of making that happen again.  Of course, not with Disney because... LOL, who am I to them? 

[Travisma 1,317]

7 minutes ago, twiceblessed....nacole said:

That's my thought.  It's not the new resort that I don't like... it's the fact that it took out the bike path our family loved so much and the fact that it will literally, blend into the Fort.  Kind-of like the new stores at DTD.  Think about it before and what it is now, that's kind-of how I see the Fort.  Lots of folks like the new DTD (Disney Springs), but I personally liked the old one.  Except the extra parking now is nice   My favorite time at the Fort, has always been sunrise (actually, it's my favorite time of the day anywhere ).  I loved walking around the Settlement, sitting down with my coffee, going out on the dock or sitting by the water.  Typically, I'd only see a couple other guests and one or two maintenance workers... it was always so quiet and peaceful.  The tough part about all of this growth... is that's what will change at the Fort.   The chance for those peaceful moments, will be really tough to come by.

I don't disagree with you there... but let's stand back and look at the parks.  Crowds (and heck, cost!) have ruined the Disney experience for us.  Disney let this happen and the generation coming in only knows chaos and mess.  It's hard when you've grown up (and/or watched your kids grow up), knowing how it was.  None of it is the same.  Sadly. 

Oh goodness...  you're so much better at that, than I am.  I do live in the past.  Wish I didn't as really, what's the purpose?  I mean, I guess in some respects there's a good to it, because if you know (from the past), what good or great really is... then I guess there's a chance that you might be able to be a part of making that happen again.  Of course, not with Disney because... LOL, who am I to them? 

Because todays music sucks!  The music in the past was sooo much better! 

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

Just now, Travisma said:

Because todays music sucks!  The music in the past was sooo much better! 

Haha... yes, there IS that 

[rtguy007 74]

5 hours ago, Travisma said:

Because todays music sucks!  The music in the past was sooo much better! 

Oh dont get me started.

[Grumpy and Grandma 740]

28 minutes ago, rtguy007 said:

Oh dont get me started.

But your parents grandparents probably said the same thing...😏

[PghBob 31]

I remember when Rock & Roll was described by some as the "Devil's Music".  If you get the chance, listen to the CD "Million Dollar Quartet" or see the show.

[PGHFiend 140]

On 4/26/2019 at 1:03 PM, twiceblessed....nacole said:

That's my thought.  It's not the new resort that I don't like... it's the fact that it took out the bike path our family loved so much and the fact that it will literally, blend into the Fort.  Kind-of like the new stores at DTD.  Think about it before and what it is now, that's kind-of how I see the Fort.  Lots of folks like the new DTD (Disney Springs), but I personally liked the old one.  Except the extra parking now is nice   My favorite time at the Fort, has always been sunrise (actually, it's my favorite time of the day anywhere ).  I loved walking around the Settlement, sitting down with my coffee, going out on the dock or sitting by the water.  Typically, I'd only see a couple other guests and one or two maintenance workers... it was always so quiet and peaceful.  The tough part about all of this growth... is that's what will change at the Fort.   The chance for those peaceful moments, will be really tough to come by.

I don't disagree with you there... but let's stand back and look at the parks.  Crowds (and heck, cost!) have ruined the Disney experience for us.  Disney let this happen and the generation coming in only knows chaos and mess.  It's hard when you've grown up (and/or watched your kids grow up), knowing how it was.  None of it is the same.  Sadly. 

Oh goodness...  you're so much better at that, than I am.  I do live in the past.  Wish I didn't as really, what's the purpose?  I mean, I guess in some respects there's a good to it, because if you know (from the past), what good or great really is... then I guess there's a chance that you might be able to be a part of making that happen again.  Of course, not with Disney because... LOL, who am I to them? 

Exactly....I'm a number to them.  Just pay the bill and buckle in for the changes!

OK,OK, I agree on the music...you guys have me there!

[geoffdaddy 33]

I don't have a problem with a new resort. I do have a problem when it:

A. Encroaches on the resort we know and love

B. Eliminates the amenities (Backyard BBQ - GONE, Horse barn - moved into the campground land, setbacks and greenspace - GONE, jogging path - GONE, beach - GONE).

C. The 3D renderings I've seen of the construction plans shows the edge of one wing of the resort building is practically right next to Pioneer Hall.

Not only that, at least with the old River Country DVC plans it looked like a Disney themed resort. This one looks like an Embassy Suites, it doesn't look special at all. It's hard to be positive when you see these types of changes. It would be another thing if they had left room to scooch the Fort futher east, but it is of course boxed in by the Canal and the other monstrosity (Four Seasons) on the other side. I expect in a few years the whole place will be razed for a Reflections expansion, and if/when that day comes it will be a shame.

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

Currently visiting the Fort today (breakfast at TE).  Spoke with Mark (management) in the barn....the new barn is going in behind the 700 loop.  They are scheduled to be over there, by September.  Pony rides are currently up front, but will come back down once the new barn is in place however...the pony paddocks are not being rebuilt.  The ponies will have room, in the new barn.  The new barn will be slightly larger to accommodate the ponies and each draft will have his own run out.

Mark also said that he’s been told that a new bike/jogging path between the Fort and the Lodge is supposed to be put in.

Currently two babies at the Fort (mamas are Cinderella ponies).  One was born 8 weeks ago and the other 3 weeks ago.  Older one is all white so she will be a Cinderella pony herself someday; the other had some champagne on her...so no castle days in her future.

[Travisma 1,317]

13 minutes ago, twiceblessed....nacole said:

Currently visiting the Fort today (breakfast at TE).  Spoke with Mark (management) in the barn....the new barn is going in behind the 700 loop.  They are scheduled to be over there, by September.  Pony rides are currently up front, but will come back down once the new barn is in place however...the pony paddocks are not being rebuilt.  The ponies will have room, in the new barn.  The new barn will be slightly larger to accommodate the ponies and each draft will have his own run out.

Mark also said that he’s been told that a new bike/jogging path between the Fort and the Lodge is supposed to be put in.

Currently two babies at the Fort (mamas are Cinderella ponies).  One was born 8 weeks ago and the other 3 weeks ago.  Older one is all white so she will be a Cinderella pony herself someday; the other had some champagne on her...so no castle days in her future.

The Cinderella Pony has been featured in the Disney Parks Blog pages.

I had seen another post that the path is going to be relocated (unverified).

[DaveInTN 3,247]

19 minutes ago, twiceblessed....nacole said:

Currently visiting the Fort today (breakfast at TE).  Spoke with Mark (management) in the barn....the new barn is going in behind the 700 loop.  

I like that the new barn will be built down in the general Settlement area, rather than out by the Outpost as was discussed 8 or 9 years ago.  However, the only reason they're doing it this way is because it can be advertised as an amenity for Reflections.  I bet they will push carriage rides, trail rides and pony rides, and perhaps even offer some grossly overpriced equine therapy sessions among the various spa packages they'll offer.  

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

9 minutes ago, DaveInTN said:

  However, the only reason they're doing it this way is because it can be advertised as an amenity for Reflections.  I bet they will push carriage rides, trail rides and pony rides, and perhaps even offer some grossly overpriced equine therapy sessions among the various spa packages they'll offer.  

Of course...Disney knows how to make money, no question.