Holiday decorations are not the only new details recently installed at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Wood-like paneling has recently been added to the exterior of an under-construction building that occupies the former location of Tri-Circle-D Ranch; while nothing is confirmed, the new structure will likely be a Cast Member facility of some sort.

Panels Added to Possible Cast Member Building at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

We first noticed the framework of the new building peeking over a wall of scrim in mid-August. Roof tiles and other details were added in subsequent weeks, with discernible progress coming to a near halt in late October. The new paneling that wraps around the entire structure is the most significant construction update in some time.

The wood-like panels contain vertical lines, giving the structure the appearance of a wooden cabin and allowing it to fit the rustic and homey aesthetic of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Brown fascia boards have also been added around the roof, contributing to the building’s cohesive and thematic look. As we noted in a mid-October update, a portion of the roof is still missing ridge caps.

The building had no significant exterior theming before the panel installation, with the entire base of the structure having a plain white cinderblock appearance. Included below is a photo of the back of the building from early October.

Below is a recent photo from a similar angle. The wood-like panels have been applied around the entire facility.

Work continues in the large open area that’s fenced off behind the new building, as there are still construction vehicles and equipment scattered throughout the zone.

The under-construction facility sits on the site of the former Tri-Circle-D Ranch, which moved to a larger location at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground in 2020.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is a camping ground at Walt Disney World Resort that officially opened in November 1971, just narrowly missing the October 1 grand opening date shared by Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is situated on Bay Lake, a body of water near Magic Kingdom. It’s one of three resort hotels located on the lake, joining Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. A water taxi service connecting all three of the Bay Lake resorts by water returned on October 1, 2023.

Fort Wilderness is home to the famous “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” in Pioneer Hall. The quintessential dining experience has been a fixture of Walt Disney World since 1974. Live performers sing and dance in a Wild West stage show. Between skits, guests can enjoy fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, tossed green salad, baked beans, fresh-baked cornbread, and strawberry shortcake.

In September, Disney filed a permit for the new Disney Vacation Club cabins that will replace the current cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. These new cabins are projected to open in 2024 and will be the 17th DVC resort. They were announced in April of this year with concept art.

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground? Let us know in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.