Unveiling the Transformations at Walt Disney World's Resorts
Wilderness Lodge Room Reimagining
From mid-May 2025 to September 2025, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge will undergo refurbishment. While resort amenities remain available, daytime refurbishment work may be noticed. Copper Creek, with relatively recent rooms, is set for a soft goods refurbishment. The current standard rooms will likely see changes such as the replacement of the sofa sleeper with a combo sofa-bed that pulls down from the wall. Disney has also shown a defter design touch, and the interiors may be 'thematically streamlined'. The flooring, existing bed/headboard, kitchenette, and bathrooms are expected to remain unchanged, but the dresser and some artwork may be updated. Our expectation is that the room redo will improve the Copper Creek rooms significantly.During a previous room reimagining project at the main lodge a few years ago, only entire floors were taken out of commission during daytime hours. Guests staying at Wilderness Lodge during that time had to actively look for signs of the work. For those staying above or below the working floors and taking naps during the day, a simple room request to be on a different floor may be necessary. This mostly applies to guests in the Copper Creek Villas; those on the hotel side should be fine without requests.Wilderness Lodge Exterior Refurbishment
A construction permit was filed a few months ago for a lengthy and large-scale project at Wilderness Lodge lasting until December 2026. The permit was assigned to Adena Corporation and extended beyond the default 1-year timeline. While the project is being handled by Walt Disney World's Facility Asset Management (FAM) group, it's likely maintenance rather than a wholesale construction project. Various possibilities exist, such as converting more hotel inventory to Disney Vacation Club or refurbishing the pool. However, exterior refurbishment seems the most likely. The project started shortly after the permit was filed, and small areas of scaffolding have been spotted around the resort. Guests staying at Wilderness Lodge may be able to see the exterior work from their balconies, but the impact is expected to be minimal. Rooms near the scaffolding may be taken out of commission when the work reaches those points, and a simple room request can avoid any potential issues.Disney Lakeshore Lodge Construction
A couple of months after resuming, Walt Disney World officially confirmed that the project at the former River Country site has resumed under the new name Disney Lakeshore Lodge. Construction is underway, and a new mixed-use property is projected to open in 2027. During a recent stay, the author observed construction on boat rides to and from Magic Kingdom, with work starting early in the morning and on weekends. The construction site is closer to Fort Wilderness than Wilderness Lodge, so the impact on Wilderness Lodge guests is expected to be minimal. However, guests staying in the Cascade Cabins on the far end may be able to see and hear work. Guests at Boulder Ridge may also be able to see or hear work from their balconies. Overall, while the 10-story tower will be visible or audible at some point, it's not a major concern for hotel guests.In conclusion, there is a lot of current and upcoming work at Wilderness Lodge between now and 2027. While it may seem overwhelming, most guests will be fine with simple room requests. Even without a request, the chances of being within earshot of the work are low. For those planning a WDW trip, there are various resources available to help, such as Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews, Tips for Saving Money on Tickets, and What to Pack for Disney Trips.YOUR THOUGHTSThoughts on the construction at and around Wilderness Lodge between now and 2027? Excited for the room refurbishment at Copper Creek? Have you stayed at Wilderness Lodge since work began on the exterior or adjacent Disney Lakeshore Lodge? What was your experience? Did you even notice that these projects were happening? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation to make a room request rather than stay elsewhere? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback – even when you disagree with us – is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!Stay Updated on Humboldt County's Governance Meetings
Arcata City Council
Every month, on the first and third Wednesdays at 6 p.m., and a special meeting at 5:15 p.m. takes place at the City Hall Council Chamber on 736 F St., Arcata. During the special meeting, the council delves into the performance of the city manager and an existing lawsuit. In the regular meetings, they consider authorizing subsidy loans for Homekey partners not exceeding $260,000. The agenda can be easily accessed online at http://arcataca.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx.
These meetings play a crucial role in shaping the future of Arcata and ensuring the well-being of its residents. The discussions and decisions made here have a direct impact on various aspects of the city's life.
College of the Redwoods Board of Trustees
On the first Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m., the board meets at 7351 Tompkins Hill Rd., Eureka. However, by the Times-Standard publishing deadline, the agenda for the Tuesday meeting was not posted. But you can still access the agenda online at https://www.redwoods.edu/about/board/index.php. These meetings are essential for the smooth functioning and development of the college.
The trustees discuss and make decisions that affect the educational programs, facilities, and overall growth of College of the Redwoods. Their work is vital for the future of the institution and the students it serves.
Eureka City Council
On the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. (with a closed session at 5 p.m.), the council convenes at the Eureka City Council chambers on 531 K St., Eureka. During the closed session at 5 p.m., they discuss four lawsuits. In the regular meetings, they cover various topics such as the annual Home for the Holidays decorating competition, hold a public hearing on the Harris Medical Center project, consider increasing the contract for sewer evaluations from $1.5 million to $1.7 million, and discuss the housing development agreement with the Wiyot Tribe. The agenda is available online at http://www.ci.eureka.ca.gov.
The Eureka City Council's meetings are a platform for addressing the local issues and concerns of the community. Their decisions have a significant impact on the city's infrastructure, services, and development.
Fortuna City Council
On the first and third Mondays of every month at 6 p.m. at the City Hall council chambers on 3 621 11th St., Fortuna, the council holds its meetings. They receive a presentation on PARS and consider a $65,000 supplemental budget request to cover planning services. The agenda can be accessed online at https://www.friendlyfortuna.com/agendas_and_minutes/agenda_packets_and_minutes/city_council/index.php.
These meetings are crucial for the development and management of Fortuna. The council's decisions help in shaping the city's future and addressing the needs of its residents.
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Every Tuesday (except for the fifth Tuesday of a month) at 9 a.m. in the Supervisors chambers at 825 Fifth St., Eureka, the board meets. They consider an exception to the hiring freeze for two hires in the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services. At 10 a.m., they receive a report on the implementation of Humboldt County’s County Coordinators grant program. At 10:15 a.m., they consider a development agreement for the North McKay Ranch subdivision, and at 10:30 a.m., they consider revoking a permit for Kernan Construction. The agenda can be accessed online at https://humboldt.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors plays a vital role in overseeing the county's affairs and making decisions that affect the entire community. Their work is crucial for the smooth functioning and development of Humboldt County.
Humboldt County Human Rights Commission
On the first Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the Humboldt County Courthouse on 825 Fifth St., Room 1A, the commission meets. Tina Taylor is a guest speaker and will discuss human trafficking. The commission also considers invitations from Queer Humboldt and Legal Observer. The agenda can be accessed online at https://humboldtgov.org/1308/Human-Rights-Commission.
The Human Rights Commission's work is essential in promoting and protecting human rights in Humboldt County. Their meetings provide a platform for discussions and actions to address various human rights issues.
Humboldt County Planning Commission
On the first and third Thursdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors chambers at 825 5th St., Eureka, the commission meets. They consider multiple requests from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. for permits covering tree removal and vegetation management in northern Humboldt County. They also continue to consider multiple cannabis industry permits. The agenda can be accessed online at https://humboldt.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
The Planning Commission's role is crucial in shaping the land use and development plans of Humboldt County. Their decisions have a long-term impact on the county's environment and urban development.
McKinleyville Community Services District
On the first Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Azalea Hall on 1620 Pickett Rd., McKinleyville, the board meets. They meet in closed session for labor negotiations and consider adopting a resolution that affirms support for the Redwood Coast Mountain Bike Association and the Mountain Bike Tribal Trail Alliance. They also consider adopting a resolution to affirm two new directors in lieu of an election. The agenda can be accessed online at https://www.mckinleyvillecsd.com/board-meetings.
The McKinleyville Community Services District's meetings are important for the local community. They address various issues related to community services and development.
Rio Dell City Council
On the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. (with a closed session at 5 p.m.) at the Rio Dell City Hall council chambers on 675 Wildwood Ave., Rio Dell, the council holds its meetings. They meet in closed session to discuss the employment of the chief of police and review the parks master plan community survey. The agenda can be accessed online at https://www.cityofriodell.ca.gov/minutes-and-agendas-.
The Rio Dell City Council's meetings are significant for the local community. They address local issues and work towards the betterment of the city.