The Orlando-based construction company originally hired to renovate Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has sued Disney Vacation Club Management for breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation.
Validus Construction Services has filed suit against Disney after being dismissed as contractor on the 2019 Saratoga Springs renovation project. A story in the Orlando Sentinel details the allegations against Disney. Trouble reportely began when Validus crews discovered fire code violations which dated back to the buildings' original construction in 2004. Rectifying these issues reportedly increased the cost and duration of the project, creating friction between Validus and Disney executives.
Disney is also accused of making a variety of mistakes during the refurbishment including purchasing the wrong model refrigerators and light fixtures which did not arrive on time.
Meanwhile Disney project manager John Gavin is accused of harrassing Validus owner Nicole Wickens both verbally and via text message.
According to the suit, all 18 buildings at Saratoga Springs were due to be completed between April 2019 and November 2020. By December 2019, only the four buildings in Saratoga Springs' Congress Park section had been completed. In late December, guests at Saratoga Springs and Disney's Riviera Resort were ordered not to use the new pull-down beds after reports of the beds coming detached from the wall. The problem was seemingly rectified several days later.
Three buildings in The Springs were in the midst of renovations when the project was interrupted in March 2020 due to COVID-19. According to the Sentinel report, Disney met with Validus execs on March 11 to request that all current projects be completed by April 11, at which time the contract would be terminated. Instead, COVID-19 forced an end to work as of March 17.
Disney has since hired one of Validus' former subcontractors to complete the project at a cost $13 million higher than the original $48 million deal.
Validus previously worked on projects for Disney including renovations to the cabins at Disney's Ft Wilderness Resort & Campground and guest rooms at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter.
The amount of damages were not specified.
For the complete story, check out OrlandoSentinel.com.
