River Country

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Another thing....what will the impact of light pollution from those parking lots be on Loops 700 and 100 (and possibly 400)?  

Even worse, what about the light pollution streaming into the new horse barn?  If the barn is impacted, it will affect the quality of rest for the horses.  And while that might sound to many like a minor issue, I have to believe that Disney must care more about their horses than they do us low life campers.  I hope they are taking that into consideration.  

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Just now, DaveInTN said:

Another thing....what will the impact of light pollution from those parking lots be on Loops 700 and 100 (and possibly 400)?  

Even worse, what about the light pollution streaming into the new horse barn?  If the barn is impacted, it will affect the quality of rest for the horses.  And while that might sound to many like a minor issue, I have to believe that Disney must care more about their horses than they do us low life campers.  I hope they are taking that into consideration.  

Then again....maybe they can just convert those loops to more bungalows.  

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Should I assume at this point the tanker and covered wagon aren't coming back?  

[DaveInTN 3,247]

3 hours ago, BayLake Campers said:

On the bright side look at all of the new bus stops in the middle of c-108!!! Now we have direct access to all of the parks.. 

And C-109 certainly seems to confirm that the existing Settlement bus stop is being lost, as TCD pointed out earlier.  

I always liked that bus stop.  

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

What is making particularly sad at the moment is thinking what it's going to be like for the next 2-3 years as they build this abomination. Those ugly chain link fences are going to fence off the entire Settlement. And campers will be treated to nonstop construction noise. Ugh

 

TCD

[DaveInTN 3,247]

20 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

What is making particularly sad at the moment is thinking what it's going to be like for the next 2-3 years as they build this abomination. Those ugly chain link fences are going to fence off the entire Settlement. And campers will be treated to nonstop construction noise. Ugh

 

TCD

That, and the other thing making me sad is the loss of isolation.  At it's outset, the Fort was planned to isolate guests in a wilderness environment, free from the hectic nature of life including motor vehicles (other than those checking in and checking out).  Remember, back in the day most folks didn't even drive their vehicles every day during their stay...they used Disney trams, boats and  buses.  There wasn't as much golf cart traffic either.  It was a peaceful oasis.  And even now, although there's more vehicle traffic in the resort than there used to be, for the most part when you are at the Settlement there are no vehicles other than golf carts.  Non-guests visiting the resort still need to park out at the overflow lot.  There remains a sense that you are removed from the larger world.  But once this place opens, there will be a constant flow of cars in and out of those parking lots.  Just going to the horse barn, which has always been one of my favorite early morning things, you'll be crossing the main roadway into the resort used by cars and Disney buses.  Imagine a horse barn next to the parking lot at any of the existing Disney resorts.  Not very peaceful.  That's what we will be left with.  The sounds and smells of vehicular traffic in what has been to this point an isolated refuge.  That makes me sad.  

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

1 hour ago, DaveInTN said:

Should I assume at this point the tanker and covered wagon aren't coming back?  

Actually if we're ever going to see them again, this might be the time.  Remember those old BTMRR mine cars that mysteriously showed up when they were building the new WL DVC?  

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

3 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Yeah, but where's the golf cart parking?  I guess they can chop down the rest of those useless trees on the east of Pioneer Hall and we can park there.  Since they will undoubtedly give the DVC folks a bus to the MK, they can shut down the Fort marina too. That will cut down on the boat traffic going by those $3000 a night bungalows. 

TCD

I believe the golf cart parking is in the bottom right of C106

[ImDownWithDisney 342]

33 minutes ago, DaveInTN said:

That, and the other thing making me sad is the loss of isolation.  At it's outset, the Fort was planned to isolate guests in a wilderness environment, free from the hectic nature of life including motor vehicles (other than those checking in and checking out).  Remember, back in the day most folks didn't even drive their vehicles every day during their stay...they used Disney trams, boats and  buses.  There wasn't as much golf cart traffic either.  It was a peaceful oasis.  And even now, although there's more vehicle traffic in the resort than there used to be, for the most part when you are at the Settlement there are no vehicles other than golf carts.  Non-guests visiting the resort still need to park out at the overflow lot.  There remains a sense that you are removed from the larger world.  But once this place opens, there will be a constant flow of cars in and out of those parking lots.  Just going to the horse barn, which has always been one of my favorite early morning things, you'll be crossing the main roadway into the resort used by cars and Disney buses.  Imagine a horse barn next to the parking lot at any of the existing Disney resorts.  Not very peaceful.  That's what we will be left with.  The sounds and smells of vehicular traffic in what has been to this point an isolated refuge.  That makes me sad.  

I'm trying to stay optimistic about this crap, but I think this may be a deal breaker for us. I Tish on our last trip that we may only be able to see the Settlement another time or two before everything is changed. The proximity to the Settlement just plain sucks. Really wish they would have pushed this resort a little further along the shore to WL.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

1 hour ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said:

Actually if we're ever going to see them again, this might be the time.  Remember those old BTMRR mine cars that mysteriously showed up when they were building the new WL DVC?  

I 100% thought that would happen with the plans for this resort that were floating around 7-8 years ago or so.  It matched the general wilderness theming.  But this Maharisha Transcendental Downward Dog Commune With Nature Theming doesn't exactly scream "covered wagon".  

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

1 hour ago, ImDownWithDisney said:

I'm trying to stay optimistic about this crap, but I think this may be a deal breaker for us. I Tish on our last trip that we may only be able to see the Settlement another time or two before everything is changed. The proximity to the Settlement just plain sucks. Really wish they would have pushed this resort a little further along the shore to WL.

We all need to come to grips with the fact that this new resort is not proximate to the Settlement. It is on top of the Settlement. There will be no Settlement when they're done. The whole area we knew as the Settlement is now part of Reflections Colon Resort. 

TCD 

[Theed31u 10]

Here is a map I found today.  I liked all the coloring on it, seemed to give me a better idea of what it all is.  I am wondering since the resorts will practically be the same place, will guests be able to use pools and amenities at both?  I do like that it looks like they will have their own bus terminal.

 

https://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/reflections/4462-plans-reveal-new-details-on-reflections-resort#prettyPhoto

 

[Breezy2 18]

I've just got this gut wrenching feeling that when Reflections is complete Ft. Wilderness is going to be totally rebranded. We are seeing the beginning signs of it now, the Barn, Mickeys BBQ, the beach, and we are not putting two and two together, as this was a convenient time to start making those changes.I think that's why we are hearing so many rumors about new "premium upscale loops" which would be indicative of the current state of the camping industry and where the money is. The proof of that theory is how high the seasonal rates have become. Which brings up the question, are the bungalows at Clementines Beach really part of Reflections or will they be rented out as part of The Fort experience?  I'm also feeling there will be changes coming concerning golf cart rentals and usage, specifically bringing personal carts, tent camping, and definitely no more "approved" fire pits. Can't have that smoke smell permeate Reflections. Once again, most newer campgrounds no longer allow campfires and I see Disney following suit on this one. The Fort is definitely changing and evolving, as all the older Disney resorts have, but hopefully the new Fort will be one that we can all enjoy but just in a different way. 

[PghBob 31]

As noted by others, one of the benefits for staying at the Fort for us was the relatively quiet and serene experience vs. the noise and crowds at the parks and hotels.  Often, I have remarked to others that the Fort is actually the "un-Disney" part of WDW because of the calm usually found there.  We also feel that the new resort is going to crush the settlement area and change forever the characteristics that make the Fort, the Fort.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

On the topic of the bus stops...with the apparent loss of the Settlement Depot, I wonder where the internal Fort buses will unload?  I highly doubt it will be at Reflections, but I guess it's possible.  Or maybe they'll still use the existing Settlement bus loop for those routes, but eliminate the covered waiting area?  

[ftwildernessguy 778]

No worries regarding transportation.  The 3000 loop will offer courtesy rickshaw service pulled by such celebrities as Chewbacca, Goofy and Dave to name a few.  Be sure to reserve your site by sending me one of those green pictures of George Washington the government prints up.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

[Beckers 1,136]

53 minutes ago, ftwildernessguy said:

No worries regarding transportation.  The 3000 loop will offer courtesy rickshaw service pulled by such celebrities as Chewbacca, Goofy and Dave to name a few.  Be sure to reserve your site by sending me one of those green pictures of George Washington the government prints up.

😂

[Seals 111]

I haven't been to the Fort since 2013 (Gasp!). I have a trip planned for October, but now I'm wondering if it might not be better to just live with my memories. Rather than have those memories crushed under a big pile of gravel and concrete.  😢

[trushdisney 0]

On 5/6/2019 at 9:05 PM, DaveInTN said:

Whatever it is, part of it seems to infringe on the back of some sites in 100.   There is an existing canal of sorts there already, but I agree this doesn't look to be a canal.  

 

On 5/6/2019 at 8:53 PM, Tri-Circle-D said:

Does anyone have a guess what is depicted in the top right corner of the plans?

I don't think that's a canal. Is it a road?  For deliveries to the Trading Post?  Or is this for golf carts or something?

TCD

Hi guys, been following for a long time but haven't posted... until all this sad news about our peaceful Fort being encroached upon has come up. My hubby and I studied this picture for a bit yesterday, and I may be losing my mind, but at the very top center of C-106... is that not the Hoop de Doo and Trail's End? With the Settlement Trading Post across from it (it's very light, turn up your screen brightness)? If so, I would imagine that the very top right hand corner is depicting a new path to the right side of the marina (marina is at the top of the document, just out of sight), which would be our relocated beach.

I say all this to point out that if I've interpreted the map correctly, we won't lose our settlement, as some are claiming (though we may lose the peacefulness due to higher traffic, which is still tragic). I've seen a few comments, especially on other sites that have posted about this, that we are losing the settlement, which I don't see in the plans here. I can see that the stables and settlement depot will have to be relocated, but I am hoping that's not true for the rest of the Settlement.

Is this how you guys interpret it too?

 

I hate that all these changes are coming to a place that my family has used as an oasis from all the hustle and bustle. 😞

[geoffdaddy 33]

Just saw someone over on facebook posted video of them tearing down the Mickey's Backyard BBQ pavilion building with a backhoe. Heartbreaking.

[geoffdaddy 33]

We'll be there in a couple weeks. I'll take pics.

[fortpartyof4 108]

On 5/6/2019 at 10:58 PM, Starbuc71 said:

I know I can be a complainer and even a Debby downer a lot of the time, but this is just BS. What the hell are they doing?  They own so much land and they are purposely building this right on top of the fort. Iger ruined Disney.  He has no love for the fort, just money. I’m sure we can debate DVC all day here, but in my opinion it’s just another cash cow scam. This gets me so upset that the most peaceful and beautiful place in all of Disney is slowly going to the wayside.  I’m sure it’s just a matter of time until something drastic happens at the campgrounds. Can you imagine the people that will be going to the campfire and the meadows pool once this is built?  I’m sure there will be a card reader to get into the resort but nothing to get into the fort. So so sad. I’m glad we had the memories we did. Good luck faithful Disney campers. You’re going to need it

I also completely agree with your sentiments.

I am disgusted, sad, and very disappointed in the decisions that have been made which will result in spoiling the charm and tranquility that was once my beloved Fort Wilderness.

Fueled by greed and power, and certainly not made by anyone who has any real appreciation for what the Fort is to so many, much less having spent time there relaxing.

As you said, at least we have our memories!

[geoffdaddy 33]

After seeing that vid of the backhoe tearing down Mickey's Backyard BBQ and the pics of the beach I made the comment "I can relate to how those Na'vi felt in the Avatar movie now."

[keith_h 420]

20 minutes ago, geoffdaddy said:

After seeing that vid of the backhoe tearing down Mickey's Backyard BBQ and the pics of the beach I made the comment "I can relate to how those Na'vi felt in the Avatar movie now."

Are you suggesting that the Fiends should rise up, mount their golf carts and go to war?