Nestled among the lush greenery and serene landscapes, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is set to welcome a remarkable addition this summer as it transforms into the newest Disney Vacation Club property – The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Disney Parks Blog recently revealed some behind-the-scenes of the construction of these new cabins and what it takes to bring this project to life!
The resort, beloved since its opening in 1971, is currently in the process of modifying its existing accommodations with over 350 new cabins as the resort joins the Disney Vacation Club family. As part of this transformation, Disney is also highlighting its collaboration with local businesses, contributing to Florida’s economic growth and showcasing local talent.
Among these local talents is Orlando small business owner, Juan Quiroga of JCQ Services. From his humble beginnings cleaning windows off skyscrapers, Juan’s latest venture finds him at the heart of one of Disney’s most anticipated projects. His company, alongside Friedrich Watkins Company, plays a crucial role in the construction of the new cabins, embodying the spirit of innovation and community partnership that Disney strives for.
Bringing the Cabins to Life
Deep within a discreet warehouse in Orlando, Florida, magic is happening. Here, the new Fort Wilderness cabins are taking shape under the watchful eyes of Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney World’s Facility Asset Management team. Unlike typical hotel renovations, each cabin is a standalone unit, requiring a unique approach to construction.
Dean Huspen, Executive Architect with Walt Disney Imagineering, explains, “We worked to develop a pre-fabrication strategy to allow construction of the components of each cabin off-site in Central Florida.” This innovative method minimizes disruption and ensures a high-quality finish for each cabin, which will be assembled on-site at Fort Wilderness.
A Nod to Tradition with a Glimpse into the Future
Guests familiar with the existing cabins will find comfort in the familiar, alongside exciting new features. Designed to sleep six, the new cabins boast larger, floor-to-ceiling windows inviting the Florida sunshine in, a stove in the kitchen for home-cooked meals, and artwork celebrating the legacy of Fort Wilderness and the former River Country water park. Plus, they’re dog-friendly, ensuring no member of the family misses out on the fun (unless you have three dogs like us).
Sustainability and Innovation at the Forefront
The project is a testament to Disney’s commitment to sustainability, with the construction process designed to minimize waste. Jeff Friedrich, owner of Friedrich Watkins Company, highlights their use of a cutting-edge machine that produces customized metal studs based on designs from Walt Disney Imagineering, reducing metal waste to less than 1%.
A Sneak Peek into the Cabins
In anticipation of the summer opening, Disney Vacation Club has released a 3D tour of the cabins, offering a glimpse into the thoughtful design and luxurious amenities that await guests. This virtual experience showcases the blend of rustic charm and modern convenience that defines the new cabins at Fort Wilderness.
Stay tuned to DVCFan.com for more updates as we get closer to the opening of The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort!
