This may be the first sign of progress on the refurbishment of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge which Disney Vacation Club previously confirmed would take place in 2025.
On July 30, 2024, a Notice of Commencement was filed with the Orange County Comptroller for pending construction work at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The permit contains only the vague indication of "General Construction", however it fits the timeframe for a refurbishment of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins.
During the 2023 condominium association meeting, Disney Vacation Club executives indicated that Copper Creek was on target for a refurbishment in 2025. This would be a smaller-scale soft goods refurbishment or "refresh." During these updates, rooms typically see changes to floor coverings, wall coverings, upholstery, and some minor furnishings and fixtures.
In recent years, DVC has been installing the popular pull-down Murphy Beds during a refresh. It is not known if Copper Creek's status as converted hotel rooms could pose any issues with installation of the Murphy Beds. In One and Two Bedroom DVC villas, the main living space is narrower than most resorts. This left Disney unable to install a separate pull-down twin in the living room, capping occupancy at just 4 guests for a One Bedroom and 8 for a Two Bedroom. Most DVC resorts have the separate twin or a sleeper chair, allowing 5 and 9 guests in villas of similar size.
Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas was renovated in 2022 but failed to include the Murphy Beds.
The Wilderness Lodge permit has an expiration date of 12/25/2026, longer than the default period of 12 months. Assuming this document is related ot the Copper Creek refresh, work may be several months away from beginning. Disney Vacation Club has yet to publish any alerts regarding construction disturbances at the resort.
A full renovation of all DVC rooms at Disney's BoardWalk Villas recently wrapped-up after nearly 10 months. A full update to Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort is set to begin in September 2024 and last for at least a year. Both buildings at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas are also slated for an update sometime between now and 2025.
