Pool hopping?

[Peterd]

When the Beach club Villas open, do you think pool hopping will end? You would think no one from the Beach club will pool hop to another pool. They will probably close pool hopping to SAB because of the extra rooms there now. The new owners and guests would have a good gripe about overcrowding at a pool they pay dues or cash at.
The Wilderness lodge has a nice themed pool that most wouldn't want to leave to pool hop. The AKL won't let you pool hop there, so Where else is there left to pool hop? We used to pool hop at the Contemp. but we're not into driving to a pool anymore. The Poly and GF are ok, but if you wanted the pool there, why not stay there? If we are into trying a different pool these days, we'll pay cash at those resorts on the weekends. We do that at the Universal Hotels before and after our DVC stays.
The Boardwalk will eventually start to limit the pool hopping because of the closing of pool hopping at SAB, and overcrowding of the BW pool.
Is it really worth it anymore for DVC management or the members? Is it fair to the members staying at these resorts, to have the additional crowding at their pool?
We've heard so many times on these boards, buy where you want to stay. Does pool hopping really make a difference to anyone any more?

[Werner Weiss]

You would think no one from the Beach club will pool hop to another pool.
We've never done this, but others have posted that they enjoy heading over to the Poly pool during peak afternoon hours while spending a day at the Magic Kingdom. That actually sounds appealing -- regardless of which DVC resort you're staying at with points, even BCV.
They will probably close pool hopping to SAB because of the extra rooms there now.
Yes, there will be more people using Stormalong Bay (SAB) when BCV opens, even though BCV will add a new, atttractive pool to the Y&B Club complex. And the additional guests at SAB may lead to more restrictions on pool hopping to SAB. Others on this board have suggested that all DVC pool hopping to SAB will be eliminated when BCV opens. That could happen, but it would be a shame, and it would take away a benefit that DVC members were promised by many Guides (though not in the contract). Why not just continue to use the current pool hopping rules, which are supposed to restrict pool hopping only when there's a gebuine capacity issue?
The Poly and GF are ok, but if you wanted the pool there, why not stay there?
Because DVC members generally stay at DVC resorts with points. And, as I noted above, these pools provide a nice break on a Magic Kingdom day

[bjcgl]

Just returned from 4 days at OKW (it was great!). I attended the Member info meeting - where they said that there is always the possibility that pool hopping privileges (not a right, a privilege) will be taken away and that then only people staying at the Beach Club would be allowed to use SAB.
So it sounds like they are trying to get us used to the idea.

He also said that they think Beach Club will sell out faster than Wilderness Lodge (which was 13 months).

Didn't have much to say about the proposed Eagle Pines or Institute DVCs - except that the are "proposed"

[Dumbo]

If Beach Club Villas sells out faster than the Villas at Wildnerless Lodge, that would be quite a feat as it is much larger. Beach Club Villas has 205 units compared to 136 at VWL.


Dumbo

[Rock'n Robin]

I would be disappointed if this happened--we poolhopped to SAB one day on our trip last June. I didn't like Luna Park at all and looks like I'll be stuck with it.
Now if DVC members were told "no pool hopping at OKW or BWV unless you stay there" that would make sense, but to single out BCV is not fair.
Robin M.

[Dean]

Even with the points at BCV coming in the same as WLV and BWV preferred, I don't think there's any way to expect BC to sell out as fast as WL. It's larger as noted, the economy has slowed, there is a somewhat smaller pool of buyers, BW and even WLV points are finding their way to resale fairly easily at this point and the points costs will apparently go up in a few months. I know there are a group of people who have been waiting for BC to open sales just like there was for WL and there will be an initial push but I suspect at least 2 years if not more like 3.

I'll admit I was surprised that BCV has the same points structure. I predicted otherwise and was wrong. I'm glad I was wrong. I think I may have had a bet on this subject but don't have notes to that affect. I'll need to do a search and see if I can find it, best type of bet to lose if I did.

[Dumbo]

Dean,

I agree that it will take at least 2 years, if not more, for Beach Club Villas to sell out. Once they increase the price to $80 a point, the initial spike in sells should be over, and you will see sells drop off dramaticly.

What surprised me the most was the annual dues coming in at only $3.77 a point. I thought they would be well over $4. a point.



Dumbo

[TheWho]

I think the NEW POOL being built at BCV should not be discounted. It's not going to be as outstanding as SAB. But it is a new pool facility to accomadate the new guests at BCV.
I'm still remaining optimistic that the new pool will be the reason the BW guests will still be able to pool hop at SAB. (off peak of course)

[Uncleromulus]

We stay at OKW almost always--and pool hop mostly because the pools at OKW are so pathetic!! I cannot imagine anyone wanting to pool hop TO OKW-
Talk about limiting or ending pool-hopping infuriates me (tho I know it isn't a contractual "right"). My belief is that when OKW was built, they added the pool hopping perk because they KNEW that many people would be disappointed with the pool there (like I obviously am).
End pool hopping?? Then build a better pool at OKW first!!

[Dean]

Originally posted by Uncleromulus
Talk about limiting or ending pool-hopping infuriates me (tho I know it isn't a contractual "right"). My belief is that when OKW was built, they added the pool hopping perk because they KNEW that many people would be disappointed with the pool there (like I obviously am).
End pool hopping?? Then build a better pool at OKW first!! Sorry, better take your valium. You can assume that Pool Hopping will be severely limited or totally eliminated at SAB in the fairly near future. I can also guarantee you that there will be no new pool at OKW and no pool slide is likely, ever. You might want to buy at BCV.

[PinMan]

hi

[PinMan]

just trying to get my logo to work, this is a test.

[PamOKW]

My belief is that when OKW was built, they added the pool hopping perk because they KNEW that many people would be disappointed with the pool there (like I obviously am).

Disney Vacation Club AKA OKW was open for several years before pool hopping was added as a perk. Many people bought into the resort as it was built and don't necessarily see the need for slides. The pools are fairly small for the addition of a slide. To compete with SAB, Luna Park or CSR a whole new pool would need to be built. I don't see that happening.....and I wouldn't want to see it happen. Adding a slide at the main pool might be feasible but I don't think it would satisfy the pool lovers desire for a water park atmosphere like Luna Park.

Since many people enjoy pool hopping I would hope they could continue to allow that perk. It's possible they could eliminate SAB but continue to allow pool hopping at the other hotels....maybe adding AKL in its place.

[Uncleromulus]

The pool at OKW is strictly second rate--make that THIRD rate. No reason on this earth why, when OKW was first designed, they could not have built a better pool.
Oh, I know no changes will be made because I'm not happy. What puzzles me is how anyone can be happy with that poor excuse for a main pool they have now. I've seen better pools at Best Western Motels on I-95!!
Took my valium--am calm now. Think I'll take a swim.

[PamOKW]

To each their own....I think the Old Turtle Pond pool is beautiful and I love lounging there sipping a pina colada. Can't say that I miss a slide at all. ;) ;)

The total atmosphere at OKW is more adult. Of course, families and kids are in the units and it is Disney World but not everything here was geared to appeal to children. Original purchasers were grandparents (who had the $$$) who saw bringing their families here. Kids can certainly have a great time at OKW. They just don't have a slide. I totally disagree that the pools are comparable to motel pools. They look beautiful to me. :)

[Peterd]

Ok, now that we all know that eventually the SAB pool hopping will end. This will probably increase the amount of pool hopping to the BW or WL.
We have seen that the "selected" Okw owners have agreed that there will be no new pool or slide. They have strongly stated that there is no way that they will pay for a new slide or pool. Lifeguards, slides, all cost money, (dues?). Why pay for a slide or pool with your dues, when you can use the other pools that other DVC members are paying. Some or our famous Okw backers likes to expain why "size" is better, dues are lower, and the points are lower. They are right, the dues are lower for a reason. You can use the other resorts that actually pay for the extra things they are unwilling to pay for.
Is it fair, that the BW or the WL will have OKW members pool hop to their pool? It's Just something to think about. We own at both Okw and the BW. We never received the famous pool slide survey they only sent to the older members of Okw, we never had the chance to vote or express any sort of opinion. The Okw is a very nice resort with a very boring pool. As a member there, we would love to have a theme pool there, but as the older members state, NO WAY! That's why we will try to eventually sell, and get the nicer resorts with the nicer pools. After trying to get the Okw owners to think my way, that a nicer pool would be great, I've given up. I was wrong, they like the pool as it is, and don't want to pay the money for a new pool or lifeguards.
I now as a member hope the pool hopping does come to an end. If you don't want to pay the dues, stay at your home resort. You know SAB is just about over. So what's left? The BW, WL, moderates?
So, As these boards always say Buy where you want to stay, now it's stay where you want your kids want to play.
One last disclaimer, I really do like Okw, but to read on these boards all the time "we're not paying the extra dues that comes along with a better pool, but we hope they don't do away with pool-hopping", to me sounds like someone wants the best of both worlds.
"To each their own" is correct. The pool is cute for a more older crowd, (sorry don't mean to offend). My in-laws like quiet pools and like to read a book down by the pool also.
uncleromulus, I agree with you. I agreed with your opinion 4 to 5 years ago. Since we can't change the opinions of other Okw owners, and Pool hopping will come to an end at SAB soon, why should it continue at the other resorts also?

[Werner Weiss]

A few thoughts...

Pool hopping is not an issue of OKW vs. DVC resorts that are attached to WDW resorts that have waterslides.
Pool hopping is not just something that OKW owners do to get a away from OKW's "boring pool."
OKW has four very nice pools with attractive surroundngs. The main feature pool is particularly inviting and provides easy access to many resort services. True, the OKW pools were designed without waterslides.
DVC members don't pool hop just to get to a pool with a waterslide.
DVC members pool hop in order to experience more of the WDW Resort on their many return visits. For many members, pool hopping (perhaps combined with a restaurant meal at the resort where the pool is located) is better than going on Peter Pan for the 20th time.
Pool hopping is a way for DVC members to take a break from a theme park visit without returning all the way to whichever DVC resorts they're staying at.
I would guess that far more BWV owners than OKW owners pool hop to SAB, simply because SAB is so much more convenient to get to from BWV than from OKW.
BCV owners will also find it convenient to pool hop to BWV, not because they don't like SAB, but to enjoy something different.
Pool hopping is a documented benefit (but not a contractual right) that DVC sales people have touted over the years as a benefit of buying into DVC.
This is not an issue of cheap, self-centered, "older" OKW owners wanting to sponge off the dues of DVC members at other DVC resorts -- and I don't appreciate the implication that it somehow is.

[eva]

We always pool hop to SAB when we are staying at BWV. We are not very fond of that clown pool at BWV and love to be able to just walk over to SAB. When we stay at OKW we rarely pool hop. To much of a hassle in my opinion. We really enjoy the main pool and quiet pools at OKW. Even my 2 teenage daughters enjoy them. When the survey came out I voted that they add a slide at OKW, but that was right after we bought our membership. After using the pools there for the last couple years I think that I would change my mind now. We really enjoy the laid back atmosphere of the pools. Also after encountering a couple that lived in Orlando enjoying the main pool at OKW I decided that we don't need the added hassle of gate crashers at OKW pools. If OKW had a pool similar to SAB there would be large crowds of people trying to use the facility. I think that this would change the atmosphere at OKW. Something that I am definitely against.

[Uncleromulus]

Well,I do have to admit..the main pool at OKW does have water.

[Dean]

Peterd, you have issues dude. I won't go through the long list like Werner did but would like to chime in a couple of points. As you acknowledged, there was a survey and the no pool issue was voted down pretty soundly if I recall, for what ever the reasons were. That means we have a good representation of what the members want far better than just sqawking on this BBS. Frankly, I think it's a little unreasonable of you to think that most voted simply because of cost and that the same people are freeloading off the other resorts. I don't know the percent of members that pool hop but would venture it's pretty small and if you take SAB out of the picture, I'm sure it'll be a far smaller group still. I suspect the second most frequently hopped pool is BW and IMO, it's just not worth it. Frankly, I prefer OKW quiet pools to WL or BW pool.

Personally, it wouldn't bother me either way but I'd likely not use a large SAB type pool at the main area of OKW and therefore would prefer not to have extra costs but wouldn't be upset if it came about. I don't think it'd be that difficult to control freeloaders because of the one way in and out. We all end up paying for things that we don't use and others get the benefit of. I don't generally use the bus system and would be just as happy if it were gone, probably happier, but I'm not lobbying for it. Partly because it's not going to change and because many but not all fellow members do use the options.

I've had my issues with DVC over the years and seem to be one of the minority that takes a more realistic attitute toward this TIMESHARE ownership. It's still a great thing to own and utilize, just some things I think could and should be done better. I have always despised the "sell if you don't like it line" so if you would be happier selling, go for it. If not, lets have a beer by the pool.

[Poohjan]

I have to say I am among those who think the OKW pools are just fine. We ususally stay near Turtle Pond son that is the pool I almost always use. I rarely go to the main pool, and have only pool hopped to SAB about three times. I don't like the main pool at BWV. I find the pools at OKW great for reading, relaxing (yes, with those great pina coladas), and geting wet.

Jan

[PamOKW]

This is not an issue of cheap, self-centered, "older" OKW owners wanting to sponge off the dues of DVC members at other DVC resorts -- and I don't appreciate the implication that it somehow is.

Well said Werner.

The survey was not sent out to all members. DVC conducted a sample survey and I'm sure it included owners of all ages. I did not even receive one.

Fact is, they could take pool hopping away tomorrow and I would not be unduly upset. I like the "idea" that we could hop if we wanted but I've never actually done it. Heck, I hardly have time to use any of the pools when I'm at WDW.

Everyone seems to think the BWV is a better pool that OKW. So, why do guests feel the need to leave BWV and hop over to SAB? What's the point of upgrading OKW if people want SAB or nothing? A slide and a lifeguard aren't going to satisfy those who want SAB. Disney has already said that SAB is a nightmare to maintain and won't be repeated.

Dean is right that we all contribute towards things we don't use. You could take away all of the children's programs tomorrow and it wouldn't bother me in the least. He wouldn't miss the buses, but I most certainly would.

I don't understand the reasoning behind purchasing something and then demanding that it be changed and being angry if that doesn't happen. When you purchased, were you told that there were plans to change the pools at OKW?

[ncligs]

I agree with everything PamOKW and Dean has stated!!:D

[Peterd]

Dean, issues? no issues here dude. You mean to tell me that you have never read on these boards from the Okw owners that they will not pay the extra dues associated with a slide. Most of the opposition to a slide over the years on this board mention not paying extra dues for a slide, because that would mean paying a lifeguard, etc... Look Dean, I'm not trying to sell my okw to prove a point. It's that I never stay at the Okw anymore. We still make the resv. there, but exchange to Boardwalk at the seven month window. Which is becoming more and more difficult, and makes trip planning much harder than it was in the past.
As for demanding that something be changed and then being angry that it wasn't. I never demanded anything, and no I'm not angry that the Okw won't upgrade a pool. No one promised me that they would change the pools when we bought. We bought site unseen. Mistake! At the time Ny was not selling the BW. As for the survey, I've yet to meet anyone who got one. 12 DVC members at my work, noone got one. Good Sample survey!!!
When we were first stayed at the Okw, we liked the rooms. Within minutes, our kids were bored. The kids walked up," Hey look a dolphin fountain!" Then they were like," oh boy this is fun".
I just raise the question, Is it fair for Okw members who make it well known that they don't want to pay the extra dues to update their pool, be allowed to pool-hop to other DvC resorts that pay higher dues for their pools?

[spruce]

We pool hop almost every trip and have only not been to the pools at GF, Poly and the all Stars. We have enjoyed experiencing the other resorts in this way. Yes, we have our favorites and SAB is one of them. That's why we intend to do a small add-on at BCV. We also own at BWV and OKW and other then the snack bar at BWV, prefer the Millers Rd quiet pool at OKW.
We bought at OKW in 98 just before its 1st sell-out, so we are not "Old" OKW owners. We did get the survey and voted for no slide at OKW. If we want a slide, we go to Blizzard Beach because that's where the best pool slides are at WDW. I'm sure the increase in dues for a slide at OKW would be less then my families admission to BB so I don't think money and being cheap is the issue. I love the water, I don't need a slide to enjoy a pool. In fact, I rarely go down pool slides. My son is 15, he enjoys slides. In a few years, we'll vacation without him, what on earth do I need a slide for? So you can have one? That arguement doesn"t convince me.......spruce

[PamOKW]

Pool hopping is a perk currently offered to all DVC members. DVC benefits are the same for all DVC members.

Is it fair for Okw members who make it well known that they don't want to pay the extra dues to update their pool, be allowed to pool-hop to other DvC resorts that pay higher dues for their pools?

Let's break it down to simpler terms...Is it fair for OKW members to pool hop to other DVC resorts?

The answer is yes. All members of DVC are entitled to the same benefits. In one breath you say that most DVC members were never given the survey and in another you say they all are against the slide but do pool hop. The pool decision, like all other DVC decisions, was made by DVC management, not the individual members. I'm not privy to the research that tells me who wants what and who uses the pool hopping.

I believe the survey said that the lifeguard and slide costs would be only several cents. Well, then that must be roughly the portion of BWV dues that go towards the pool. BWV members pay $.05 more than OKW members so they should have pool hopping privileges? That doesn't make a lot of sense. VWL members and the new BCV members have pools without slides but are permitted to use the pools built by the original hotels. What portion of dues will actually go towards use of the main pool....once again only cents.

Your dissatisfaction with the pools points to a danger of buying sight unseen if you don't know exactly what you want. If your family has to have a slide to have a satisfactory vacation, that should have been a question. You are correct that if you are not happy with your purchase it makes sense to sell and purchase where you will be happy.

There are lots of "unfair" things in the system but hopefully they all balance out. Is it "fair" that people purchase only enough points to stay at BWV in a studio but then count on using OKW for trips when they need a larger room? Why don't they purchase enough points to stay at their own resort in the size room they need? DVC is about flexibility. I don't begrudge them being able to do that. Why should they begrudge a family or two a day using the pool?

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by Peterd
I just raise the question, Is it fair for Okw members who make it well known that they don't want to pay the extra dues to update their pool, be allowed to pool-hop to other DvC resorts that pay higher dues for their pools?
Peterd, what are you saying? Do you want to see pool hopping eliminated for all DVC members? Or do you think that pool hopping should only be eliminated for OKW owners as some sort of punishment for not having a waterslide? Or should it only be eliminated for those who took the survey and voted against a slide?

Do you honestly think that if there were waterslide at OKW, nobody would want to pool hop any more?

Pool hopping is a benefit that is available to all DVC members staying with points at any DVC resort. It's a way for DVC members to add more variety to WDW stays.

Why would any DVC member want to see the elimination of one the few benefits where DVC members are recognized as a special group of highly valued WDW guests? (Even if that DVC member seldom or never uses the benefit himself/herself.)

[PamOKW]

Why would any DVC member want to see the elimination of one the few benefits where DVC members are recognized as a special group of highly valued WDW guests? (Even if that DVC member seldom or never uses the benefit himself/herself.)

You put my feelings into words, Werner. I have never actually used pool hopping, but I like the idea that we are special enough that WDW invites us to use all the pools. There are many pool crashers on WDW property all the time....it's nice to know we are invited guests. If they pull up that welcome mat, it will have to be pulled up for everyone.

What would be the point of eliminating OKW from pool hopping privileges anyway? To force them into building a slide? For many members I don't think it is a matter of money. Hard as it is for others to believe, they like the pools the way they are. :)

Some people on these boards can never get past the small size of the rooms at BWV and appreciate the other benefits of that resort. It looks like others can't get past the "no slide at the pool" for OKW and appreciate the many benefits to be found there. To some, no slide IS actually a benefit. ;)

[dvcdudes]

Now Now... lighten up a bit...:jester:
We've always stayed at BWV and like to hop over to SAB. We've done Poly and GF too.
I would be VERY disappointed if they did away with Pool Hopping, especially SAB.
I really really hope they keep it.
I have an opinion like something else everyone has and here it is. They will wait and see the impact on SAB and if it's not too bad we will keep Hopping privleges there. If they get even more complaints from the guests staying at Y&BC, they will have no choice but to take it off the list.
I wouldn't mind being turned away on occasion if the pool is too crowded but wouldn't be happy if they eliminated it all together.

[Dean]

Dean, issues? no issues here dude.Sorry, your previous note seems to suggest otherwise, at least on this subject.
you mean to tell me that you have never read on these boards from the Okw owners that they will not pay the extra dues associated with a slide. I have but think it's the minority. Besides it's irrelevant as others have pointed out.
paying extra dues for a slide, because that would mean paying a lifeguard, etc... Look Dean, I'm not trying to sell my okw to prove a point. It's that I never stay at the Okw anymore. And that's the way I read your first post. Simply pointing out that one of the canned answers sometimes people come up with is sell if you don't like it; I hate that answer.
As for demanding that something be changed and then being angry that it wasn't. I never demanded anything Sorry, I personally read otherwise in your first post. I got the impression you were saying OKW owners should be eliminated from pool hopping because they were too cheap to pay for a "better" pool. Maybe I misunderstood.
I've yet to meet anyone who got one. There are a number on this BBS that received it. I thought there was a poll previously but it wasn't listed in Doc's poll links.
Is it fair for Okw members who make it well known that they don't want to pay the extra dues to update their pool, be allowed to pool-hop to other DvC resorts that pay higher dues for their pools? No more or less so than any other DVC member who pool hops.

[Peterd]

If they cancel pool hopping at SAB for DVC members, where are they gonna go? WLV, BWV, Poly, and GF. No, that won't cause overcrowding. I know the BW and WL pools have been getting more and more crowded each year. This past trip, with a lot of rooms closed for renovation at the BW it was still crowded. Now when they stop the hopping at SAB it will be even more crowded.
If they eliminate Pool hopping for SAB, why not eliminate it for all the DVC resorts. BC owners will be able to pool hop to other DVC resorts, but you can't hop to theirs. Someone mentioned that people poolhop to Okw. I haven't met one yet, but I read once that they exist.
It's just my opinion, that If you don't want to spend the money to upgrade your pool, either stay at one of your 4 quiet pools, you can try the All-stars, (the last time I checked, they're the only other resort on property without a pool slide) or you can use the extra points to stay at that resort. Pretty soon, we're gonna have to have someone at a gate to make sure noone pool hops at the Boardwalk. I hope my dues don't go up. Naw never mind, it would be worth it.

[cswans]

We felt like the new WLV pool contrasted nicely with the original WL pool. Ie, new one quieter, smaller, no slide, so you could pick what fit your needs that day. Since YC/BC already have quiet pools, does anyone know if the new BCV pool will be a more "active play" pool or a quieter sort? :cool:

[PamOKW]

I'm getting confused. Now, the concern is that if they stop pool hopping at SAB that there will be more people hopping to BWV and WL? There probably will be more people at BWV since the members that are staying there who prefer to walk over to SAB will no longer be permitted to do so. They'll have to stay at their own resort and deal with the clown (I hear just about as many people complaining about the clown as complain about no slide at OKW.)

I don't follow that OKW members are the problem preventing pool hopping. I think the "problem" is that DVC is getting too big with too many members. It's one thing to tell 25,000 members and their guests to go and enjoy the pools. If 10% take them up on it, that's 2,500 families in a year. If there are 80,000 members that 10% goes up to 8,000....a signficant difference.

I'm not really following the point of the story beyond the desire to have a more active pool scene at OKW and the concern that pool hopping might be eliminated and somehow the two are connected. I do not agree with that reasoning.

I think there are lots of pools that are appealing throughout WDW that it would be nice to have the option to continue to visit. As Werner mentioned, hopping to a MK resort is one way to spend the heat of midday. That sounds appealing to me. And, as someone else also mentioned, there are fabulous water parks in WDW that are available for people to use as well.

[PamOKW]

Dean -- I thought there was a poll about hopping too but it's not in Doc's list. I seem to recall that the majority were of the "don't take it away but we don't actually use it much" camp.

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by Peterd
BC owners will be able to pool hop to other DVC resorts, but you can't hop to theirs.
Although there's been speculation on this board that pool hopping to SAB will be eliminated when BCV opens, there's been no such policy announced. Many of us hope that the current policies will continue, and that pool hopping to SAB (and any other WDW resort pool) will only be restricted when there are genuine capacity issues.

Even if pool hooping to SAB is eliminated or further restricted, that doesn't mean that other DVC members won't be able to pool hop to BCV. In fact, there's going to be a large new pool at BCV just a short walk from Epcot's International Gate. Imagine that you're at Epcot on a hot Florida afternoon. As a DVC member, you have your hand stamped, walk over to the new BCV pool, show your resort ID indicating "DVC member," change, rinse off, and enjoy an hour or two at the new BCV pool -- whether or not SAB has capacity issues that day; then you return to Epcot rested and refreshed.

Please note that in the example above, the presence of a waterslide or the lack thereof is not an issue. Although peterd somehow equates pool hopping to waterslides, many people enjoy pools for reasons other than sliding down a wet chute.

And new BCV owners should enjoy pool hopping to other pools throughout the WDW Resort. In fact, that might even provide a little more capacity at SAB. The pool hopping benefit applies to all DVC members.

Originally posted by Peterd
It's just my opinion, that If you don't want to spend the money to upgrade your pool, either stay at one of your 4 quiet pools, you can try the All-stars, (the last time I checked, they're the only other resort on property without a pool slide) or you can use the extra points to stay at that resort. Pretty soon, we're gonna have to have someone at a gate to make sure noone pool hops at the Boardwalk. I hope my dues don't go up. Naw never mind, it would be worth it.
I don't understand this fixation with OKW owners who "don't want to spend the money to upgrade your pool." The pools at OKW were designed by Disney without slides. And Disney continues to manage OKW to provide the services and facilities that members were promised when they bought. They're very nice pools.

Actually, I agree with peterd on one item. Boardwalk should "have someone at a gate" to make sure that people are using the Boardwalk Luna Park pool legitimately. But the reason to check for IDs should be to keep out the hundreds on pool crashers who are locals, or are staying at motels in Kissimmee, or anyone else who is not a guest at BWV or BWI or a DVC member staying at a DVC resort with points -- not to keep out a few cheap, evil OKW owners who would dare use the DVC pool hopping benefit even though OKW doesn't have a waterslide.

It makes no sense for a DVC member to advocate the elimination of a pleasant, no-cost, legitimate benefit that's available to any DVC member who chooses to take advantage of it.

[AnnK]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Werner Weiss
[B]


Even if pool hooping to SAB is eliminated or further restricted, that doesn't mean that other DVC members won't be able to pool hop to the BCV. In fact, there's going to be a large new pool at BCV just a short walk from Epcot's International Gate. Imagine that you're at Epcot on a hot Florida afternoon. As a DVC member, you have your hand stamped, walk over to the new BCV pool, show your resort ID indicating "DVC member," change, rinse off, and enjoy an hour or two at the new BCV pool -- whether or not SAB has capacity issues that day; then you return to Epcot rested and refreshed.

Now , let's just say you CANNOT pool hop to BCV but still want to enjoy this scenerio, what pool IS available for pool hopping? That would be the BWV pools, so now what pool is getting too crowded? ( and yes they will just have to DEAL with the CLOWN).


Actually I am not all that concerned, mainly because IF BCV and SAB are closed for pool hopping it will not be long before BWV will close too, many times it is the second to close "due to capacity", can you all imagine that, with that "clown to deal with" and that horrible 200 ft slide, the longest on Disney property??

[Dean]

Peterd, I think I read your post as saying that DVC owners would be able to pool hop to other DVC locations even if "pool hopping" were eliminated. I don't think this is the case. To my reading of the paperwork, no pool hopping means you only have access to the pool at the resort you are a guest at. As others have noted, especially Pam, we really don't have any real info to go by to evaluate the impact of pool hopping, OKW pool upgrades, etc. To think that BW will see a large influx of pool hoppers is giving the pool there way too much credit. Pam's point that there would be BW guests at the BW pool instead of at SAB is a good one. As I understand it BW has been checking ID's lately fairly ofter, I think this is a reasonable options and worth the minimal cost, regardless of the pool hopping program.

I'd agree that OKW should have relatively few pool hoppers but the more sedate pools is only part of the equation. OKW is off to itself and a closed environment.

I guess I did interpreted your initial post correctly that you would prefer to drop OKW from the club unless they upgrade the pool to one that would be good enough to entice you to pool hop there. You're certainly entitled to feel this way. Even if a majority of the members wanted to do that, there's no way to make it happen. The addition of a Mickey Mouse (pardon the pun) water slide is about the best that could be done at the current main pool.

As for eliminating pool hopping totally, I suspect you will get your wish eventually. If SAB is eliminated, I think you'll see the benefit die a slow and quiet death.

[TDC Nala]

The location and SAB are my primary reasons for buying into BCV in the first place. If I am able to pool hop, I'd probably hop over to BW sometimes, to the Poly or to CSR (I love CSR's pool!) if I have a car.

I still don't understand why they don't allow pool hopping to AKL. There's nothing particularly special about the AKL pool, except that it's large.

Maybe if DVC decides there shouldn't be any more pool hopping to SAB, they will throw in AKL as an option? I've stayed at AKL a couple of times and don't remember seeing big pool crowds.

[PamOKW]

They left AKL off the pool hopping because they wanted acclimate the animals (I guess DVC people would scare the poor little critters). They said there was the possibility it would eventually be added but so far it's still off limits. Remember, at first they tried to keep AKL closed to everyone but resort guests. Of course, the bottom fell out of tourism at about the same time so they are now glad to welcome anyone who wants to stop by with cash for a meal or whatever. ;)

If I were to pool hop as Werner describes on a visit to Epcot, you'd find me laying by the beautifu pool on the BWI side of the resort. Relaxing, reading a book, sipping a drink, talking with traveling companions, are all poolside activities that don't require a slide. :D :D

[Peterd]

Still the overflow will go to A BW pool instead of SAB and BCV. We know it's not just a slide thing, we like the people to think the BW is a loud and undesirable place, with scary clowns and slides you're forced to go down.Please don't let our secret out about our other pools.:rolleyes: :p

[PamOKW]

:crazy: :crazy: :crazy: The clown doesn't make it undesireable. It's those little, itty bitty rooms. :crazy: :crazy: :crazy:

Please no flames --- so far I love all my DVC resorts....just poking a little fun since I endured an attack on my OKW pools. ;)

[nuthut]

Stop to think about it. My last stay at the Boardwalk, I never used the slide. In at least 10 stays, I have used it once. And the slide at SAB, once was enough for me, And I have hopped over there countless times. I with you Pam, forget the slide, just give me a margarita and some sun at the turtle pond pool and I can forget all the other commotion.

[Windjammer]

I hope we are all making a mountain out of a molehill. In my opinion the 205 units at BCV will not require a wholesale elimination of pool hopping at all resorts and DVC properties. I do not think that the number of people from BCV who will spend a day at SAB will necessitate the end of pool hopping 365 days a year at all DVC properties and resorts.

After all, as Werner said, part of the attractiveness of pool hopping is not that one pool is "better" than another, but rather that they are "different." If we hop to SAB it is not just for the slide, but to spend the afternoon, walking around, getting some ice cream etc. If we hop to the polynesian, it is to swim after going to Ohana's for breakfast and perhaps a visit to the gift shop and a ride on the monorail. If we hop to Riverside, it is after a morning of cane pole fishing and lunch at the cotton mill. Next trip we plan on visiting the pool at CSR and having dinner at the pepper market. I can foresee that we will hop to OKW as well. After all, our kids don't use the slides 100% of the time we are at the pool. They swim, play with other kids, throw a ball, etc.
It is an easy, enjoyable, inexpensive way to immerse our kids in the different theming of each resort.

We rarely swim for long, nor do I feel we negatively affect others at the pools. At most, we will share one or two chairs.
BCV owners will act similarly, I think. They will swim at SAB but will also swim at BCV's own pool and will hop to BWV and other resorts.

Lets all remember that one of the perceived negatives of time share resorts is the feeling that one will get bored visiting the same place year after year. Pool hopping, in my opinion, is a major perk and selling point. No matter how good my resort's pool is, I would get bored if that was the only pool I could visit for 40 years.

The elimination of pool hopping would be a serious blow to the flexibility we feel we have when we visit Disney, and at least for us, would reduce the enjoyment and value of our DVC membership.

Continued pool hopping will continue to be a selling point for DVC and for those members that will sell their interest at some point. It keeps the value of the points up. I don't see any need to discontinue pool hopping based upon there being a potential problem at SAB. First, the problem of pool crashers should be dealt with. Then, if restrictions need to be put in place they should only be a last resort and should be the least restrictve restrictions possible, tailored only to redress the immediate problem. We should not concede that elimination of pool hoping to SAB is a foregone conclusion. I sure hope they don't eliminate it merely as a sales tool to induce people to buy at BCV. That would not be fair.

[ncligs]

Windjammer,

Very well said, and I am sure mostly all of DVC owners would agree with you 100%.:D

[Dean]

Windjammer, I agree right up to the point where you seemed to think DVC wanted to continue the program. Unfortunately, it's already an ever eroding perk even before the BCV opens. I truthfully hope you're right but I fear you are not. We don't pool hop but I'd prefer this perk to continue for my fellow members sake. Don't confuse my predictions with my desires, they are frequently not the same.

[PamOKW]

Hey Nuthut, let's forget the OKW slide and see what we can do about having someone "bring us our drinks by the pool". ;) Maybe a few appetizers as well???

[Granny]

Pam....you're making good sense as usual. But let's not restrict that perk to the OKW pool!!! :D

I've been doing my best to stay out of this and the "rent for profit" threads, but I think I do have one point that I don't remember anyone mentioning about pool hopping.

DVD is just now opening BCV. Evidently, they will soon (2003?) be opening up the new DI Villas. And supposedly, the EPV is still out there somewhere.

Pool hopping is a nice selling tool, and DVD has a bunch of points to sell just in BCV and DIV. While the restrictions may grow somewhat, I think it is in their own best interest to keep pool hopping alive in some form while they continue to sell new Villas.

And ultimately, what is in their best interest will always supercede what is in the DVC members' interest.

I would hope that the suspension of pool hopping at certain locations or times would be on an "as needed" basis. I don't see any reason for Disney to make blanket pool hopping restrictions (though they already have) when they can just handle on a day to day basis.

Okay...back to the lurk mode. :smooth:

[ralphd]

Wonder if anyone has an opinion on pool hopping?

Interesting subject. Maybe we can start a debate on the merits of continuing the benefit.

By the way, I agree with you Granny.


ralphd:confused: :confused: :confused:

[PKS44]

Is this too complicated a question for a poll? How about it? I don't even know how you creat a poll but I would be curious how much hopping actually goes on- Maybe just how many days a year do you pool hop? That can be one poll- then we can find out if people hop mostly to one pool (SAB?) or if they mostly hop from OKW,etc...

Ok- now I get to give my opinions FWIW:

1)Pool hopping costs Disney NOTHING and at the same time can be used as a selling point- I agree that as long as they need to sell timeshares- they WILL want to continue this perk at as many pools as possible. If they ever stop having resorts to sell- then good bye any perk not in the contract.

2)How many DVC people are on site at any time? How many are pool hopping any given day? 40? 50? 10? I doubt it affects capacity much most of the time.

3)OKW is pretty with the Lighthouse, the bridge, the dolphins, but beyond looking nice - there is nothing there to engage the swimmer beyond swimming ...I think that there really is nothing compelling to make anyone want to hop to the OKW pool...all the other resorts already have quiet pools. Meanwhile, BCV will have SAB, BWV has the longest slide, VWL has the waterfall and slide at WL, but the pool "theming" at OKW is pretty dull. It could be better, and you wouldn't have to add a slide--just make it more INTERACTIVE. This would not require a huge amount of money-Why can't kids at least play around with those dolphins?...

or I will play Imagineer here---turn the dolphins to squirt water out towards the pool...or add a device shaped like a palm tree which is actually a fountain, water goes up the trunk and out along the leaves into 3 or 4 large coconut shaped buckets which fill and dump water intermittently on the happy laughing swimmers below...I've seen a hotel enhance their boring pool with a simple little water fall with a grotto kids could go into under/behind the waterfall (this consisted of a platform raised above the surface of the pool over the top of which water ran....at night they had lights on the water which changed colors...simple yet delightful-the kids loved it...I doubt most of these would add considerably to the dues--but I honestly don't know...

For those who love OKW just the way it is-please don't flame me- I was just thinking of ways it might be changed...

Paul

[Uncleromulus]

Paul:
Good points about OKW pool!!
As I said-it does have water. But Mrs. Uncleromulus just reminded me it is pretty shallow water.
Couldn't they just spring for an elephant to squirt water over my head?? (Like the one at Luna Park, where I often pool hop to swim). The dolphins might be altered to do that. At least they'd be doing SOMETHING!!

[dianeschlicht]

Some of us like the quieter slower atmosphere of the OKW pools. To each his own.

[Windjammer]

Dean:

If I implied that I thought that DVC wanted to continue the program then I mispoke. I don't know if wthey want to continue it but they should. I think it is a valuable selling point with few downsides or costs involved from DVC's standpoint. If capacity at one pool is going to be too great it isn't much of a problem for DVC to temporarily stop hopping to that pool.

Steve

[PKS44]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
Some of us like the quieter slower atmosphere of the OKW pools. To each his own.

Diane (and others who feel this way):

I guess that's why they call it OLD Key West! :D

Seriously- every resort has "quiet" pools-that is what they are for ...the question is whether there should be a difference at the OKW main pool so that there is a choice at EACH of the resorts. As it is, by your own description- OKW does not offer that choice-it only has quiet pools. I would think that any one of my suggestions would enhance OKW, not eliminate the "quiet" options and not raise dues much if at all after the initial investment...Every Disney Resort (I don't know All Stars-never been) on site offers themed pool and nonthemed pool options-EXCEPT OKW-it's Themed pool is really just a quiet pool with some decorations. This cannot be disputed--your own description is that it is slow and quiet...

The problem is there is no reason to do this UNLESS OKW members want it. GF added a pool to sell more rooms. DVD doesn't have to and can't sell OKW so why should they do anything to it? They won't unless members who own 98?% of it want to make the change. From the responses we have seen here- most of the people who own there are not interested. But it seems that was more specifically a rejection of slides (and lifeguards)- I wonder if my simple enhancements would be met with the same disinterest/antagonism. Again- how about letting the kiddies play in the dolphin fountain at least!

Paul

[PamOKW]

I think the distinction of a quiet pool is whether there are other activities and the snack bar. In that sense, I consider OKW to have two "main" pools.

The idea of decorative enhancements is fine but I don't think it serves much purpose. I agree a waterfall would look pretty but does that satisfy UncleRomulus's desire for more action? Those who love the pools now will love them more but those who don't like the pools probably won't be satisfied by anthing less than a slide.

An idea to make it more fun for the small children might be to put in something like the pirate ship at Vero. This could go over by and/or replace the big sand pail area.

[ncligs]

For the people who like slides,excitement,etc...............try Blizzard Beach............:smooth:

[Peterd]

......and don't pool hop. oops, Sorry thought you wanted to say that, but left it out..:rolleyes:

[PKS44]

Originally posted by ncligs
For the people who like slides,excitement,etc...............try Blizzard Beach............:smooth:

Having a pool at the resort is nearby and convenient, easy to use for short or long periods of time and free of charge. Water parks are none of the above. Here are some similarly unhelpful remarks on the topic...

1)Why not just enjoy your jacuzzi in the 1BR and up?
2) Just go on Splash Mountain!
3) Play in the jumpy water things at Epcot!
4)Play at the Boneyard at Animal Kingdom! No water but there is a slide!
etc etc... let's have some real and/or helpful suggestions.

[ncligs]

quote....by PKS44

This kind of comment is completely irrational and useless. I suppose it is supposed to be funny-- but it is so unrelated it's not even that.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Did you ever hear of "Freedom of Speech"????? Lighten up and get a life;)

[PamOKW]

ncligs was just pointing out that some members, as hard as it is for some to believe, really do like the OKW pools just as they are. The complaints sort of remind me of people who buy condos next to the firehouse and then lobby to get them to stop blowing the fire whistle. You knew, or had an opportunity to know, what the facilities were like at OKW before purchasing. Anything that was vitally important to your enjoyment should have been considered. Trying to force the resort to change now is unrealistic. I agree that the pool should be kept up and modernized as needed. But, modernization doesn't necessarily mean a slide.

The purpose of the pool is to provide a place to swim and relax. Suggestions were made that there are other places to find excitement and a water park atmosphere at WDW .

I question again whether adding a slide would solve the problem. Heck, if it's a slide you want, there is no need to pool hop to SAB. You can go next door to POR (when it re-opens) or around the corner to CBR. I prefer BOTH larger OKW pools to either of these. I also prefer OKW to the original pools at the Contemp, GF or Poly. I haven't seen the new pools yet to compare.

[ncligs]

Thank You PamOKW,

Nobody forced anybody to buy into DVC or whatever Resort they picked as there home resort.:rolleyes:

[CarolAnnC]

Please do not post insulting, attacking posts on this thread. It is against DIS Posting Guidelines and it will force the locking of the subject, if it continues. Thank you in advance for your cooperation! :)

[Dean]

Originally posted by Windjammer
If I implied that I thought that DVC wanted to continue the program then I mispoke. I don't know if wthey want to continue it but they should. I think it is a valuable selling point with few downsides or costs involved from DVC's standpoint. If capacity at one pool is going to be too great it isn't much of a problem for DVC to temporarily stop hopping to that pool. I guess this is where I have an inherent disagreement with many on this subject. I don't think Disney wants to continue it. I don't think they want to use it as a selling point routinely. I suspect it's far more hassle than it's worth. As a matter of fact, they can stop pool hopping and then sell BC as a way to use SAB.

[PKS44]

Pam OKW wrote: ncligs was just pointing out that some members, as hard as it is for some to believe, really do like the OKW pools just as they are..

I don't think anyone on this thread has disputed that some OKW members like the pools as they are- there was a question as to whether it was many or most but even the very angry threads calling for an end to poolhopping for OKW members only, never said that nobody liked the pools as they are...but those who do like them must admit that many people who stay at OKW do not like the pools as they are.

Pam wrote: The purpose of the pool is to provide a place to swim and relax. Suggestions were made that there are other places to find excitement and a water park atmosphere at WDW.

Again- suggesting people go elsewhere on property misses the point...it is not about water parks-For that matter, even SAB is no comparison to a real water park- it's a large, nice interactive pool...(I have never felt like some say that it is like a miniwater park)..
it's about offering similar choices--BWV, VWL, BCV- all offer people a choice AT the resort. OKW does not offer any choice at the resort... I think some of the tension is created by this asymmetry-

Pam wrote:The complaints sort of remind me of people who buy condos next to the firehouse and then lobby to get them to stop blowing the fire whistle. You knew, or had an opportunity to know, what the facilities were like at OKW before purchasing. Anything that was vitally important to your enjoyment should have been considered. Trying to force the resort to change now is unrealistic....

No argument- those who own there should be satisfied with things as they are and no one should be trying to force anything. That does not mean they should never try to change anything if they feel it can be better.

Pam wrote: I question again whether adding a slide would solve the problem. Heck, if it's a slide you want, there is no need to pool hop to SAB. You can go next door to POR (when it re-opens) or around the corner to CBR. I prefer BOTH larger OKW pools to either of these.

Misses the point- it is not about slides. I made several suggestions and Pam herself made an excellent suggestion of the pirate boat that had nothing to do with slides...hopping to CBR, POR or SAB is nothing like having a choice at the resort at which you are staying...again OKW is unique in that does not offer a choice.

Earlier Pam also wrote:I agree a waterfall would look pretty but does that satisfy UncleRomulus's desire for more action?

UncleRomulus wrote in a post BEFORE that question was posed by Pam-Paul:
Good points about OKW pool!!
As I said-it does have water. But Mrs. Uncleromulus just reminded me it is pretty shallow water.
Couldn't they just spring for an elephant to squirt water over my head?? (Like the one at Luna Park, where I often pool hop to swim). The dolphins might be altered to do that. At least they'd be doing SOMETHING!!

So there are people who like OKW pools as they are and those who do not- and we don't really know the proportions of either... it's not about slides or quiet or satisfaction--the questions are of CHANGE and CHOICE. I thought the posts about limiting OKW members hopping priveleges were out of line...saying members were too cheap to pay to bring their pools up to the rest of WDW resort standards...but what is the objection to the nonslide suggestions here, if not money?- I have yet to see an argument why members would not want to do anything to enhance the pool experience? If you like it the way it is, fine but why can't kids play with the dolphin fountain? How would that or any of the non slide suggestions ruin the pool for those like Pam and ncligs who are satisfied now?

Paul

[Peterd]

"I thought the posts about limiting OKW members hopping priveleges were out of line".
The comment comes from the past five years on these boards suggesting they improve the main pool, whether it be a slide or whatever. Then hearing over and over," no way, I'm not gonna spend the extra 1/4 of a cent per point for lifeguards, etc... We like our pool the way it is". Fine then stay there! Why should you upgrade your pool with a slight increase in your dues, when you can use other member resort pools?
When the Bw's dues are much higher, paying for lifeguards, extra towels for the pool hoppers etc... How fair is it? It's like the one renter who posted "why buy in, when she can get all the benefits of dvc by renting, including poolhopping?"
SAB will close for poolhopping, so why not the others? If I offended some of the Okwesters? Sorry, didn't mean to insinuate you were too cheap, just trying to raise the question of if hopping if discontinued at one resort should it be continued at the BW and WLV which will now be more crowded?

[Johnnie Fedora]

What is the incentive for DVC to change the pools at OKW???? The resort has been sold out for several years, and OKW DVCers got what they paid for. Most are happy there.

Maybe it was the free park passes that helped to sell OKW more than the atmosphere of the pools.;) ;) ;)

[baileybrad]

I am sure that this is a non-issue to some but does anyone really think that a totally stand alone new DVC resort being built today would have a "main pool" as average/staid/unkid friendly/non-descript as the OKW main pool???

There is no doubt that many members enjoy the OKW pools as are but that still doesn't change the fact that the pools offer very little in choice. They would all be called quiet pools at any other resort be that good or bad.

As for PH going away, the vast majority, per past polls, on the subject infrequently use the option. I do think that it really doesn't cost much if anything for any of the entities involved. Pool security still needs to be there, even stepped up, in some cases to keep true trespassers out. We all know that is still a very real ongoing problem at resort pools. So why do away with something that you can show as a priviledge without incurring any costs. The individual resorts such as SAB or AKL can always choose to not be involved or opt out periodically during busy times like SAB does or not at all as AKL has chosen.

I don't think that OKW members should be held to different rules. I do wish the resort offered one pool that had a little more going on besides dolphins that kids can't even enjoy. That display has and will never make any sense to me.

[PamOKW]

What is the special feature of the VWL pool (not the hotel pool)?

The drawing for the BCV pool looks like it will be very attractive but I don't see any special feature there either?

It seems as though the only DVC at WDW built with a slide has been BWV, even then it is sharing with a hotel as well.

[Granny]

Originally posted by PamOKW
What is the special feature of the VWL pool (not the hotel pool)?
Why, the fact that it's at VWL, of course! :)

Just trying to lighten this thread a little. Seems like much ado about nothing to me. It seems to me that the OKW pool was there first, so it didn't take anyone by surprise.

I mean, imagine if BWV was the original DVC resort. Then OKW was built after BWV. I could see (just a little bit, but I could see it) where the BWV owners might feel they were being taken a little advantage of.

But the OKW pool was there first. We all bought with that pool already in place. I don't get why it's a big issue to some.

And I do realize that some are just posting some thoughts or suggestions that they think would make the pool more enjoyable. Nothing wrong with that, as long as it isn't tied to some veiled allegation that the OKW owners are "not holding up the DVC standards" and getting by on the cheap.

[PKS44]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by PamOKW
What is the special feature of the VWL pool (not the hotel pool)?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Again this confuses the issue, which is about choice. The VWL pool is the quiet pool, the WL pool is the themed pool with the "special features" for the resort. Ditto for the BCV pool and SAB. BWV has Luna Park and then a quiet pool...Every resort, as far as I know, has a themed pool area and then nonthemed pools...every resort except OKW. The "themed" pool at OKW has a sauna shaped like a lighthouse and a hands-off dolphin statue area with a fountain you aren't supposed to get near, and a bridge you cannot jump off of. (I think PO-R pool is also pretty dull if I remember correctly.)

baileybrad is exactly right- the proof is in what DVC and WDW have done SINCE they built OKW. There is no way DVC or WDW will ever build a resort without a better themed pool than that again...VWL and BCV did not have to have them built, they were already there...Even HH and VB have themed pools. Eagle Pines Villas and Downtown Disney Villas will almost certainly have something more than the OKW pool or I don't think they will sell as well.

OKW is now mostly owned by its members. If they wanted to, they could change the pool...It's like any other real estate you own- you can live with the bathroom the way it is- or you can remodel. If I had bought there back in the beginning and then later I saw how much more can be done with pool theming as it has been done at virtually every other resort on property, I would want to remodel. Surely, the value of OKW would not be decreased by a themed pool. I would look for ways to improve my property. That's just me- and I don't count, because it is not my property. I know many improve their property only because it increases the value for when they sell and of course we DVC'ers are not ever looking to sell. But some people improve their property to make it better for their own use.

[Uncleromulus]

Excellent point PKS44--couldn't have put it any better myself.
Uncleromulus has but one more thing to say.. I hear the term "quiet" pool used a lot and I guess we mean pools w/o slides and or lifeguards. But I'll tell you what--some of the most disgusting and rowdy behavior I've seen in all my trips to WDW has occured at these "quiet" pools. At the very small ones, sometimes one or two families will adopt them as their own--and behave as tho they were in the pool back home. Running when there should be no running-diving when there should be no diving--parents watching and laughing with uncontrolled delight as young Tammy or Timmy throw their food in the water!! I've also sat thru a barrage of thrown frisbees, softballs, baseballs and once (at the Turtle Crawl) four teenagers got in the pool and started throwing a football (and I mean a real football-not the small rubber ones). Another time at turtle crawl, another couple of teens brought their BOOMBOX with them--and until I decided to leave, I was serenaded by the lilting voices of Ice-T-Boyz Cubed in The 'Hood (or whatever they call themselves).
So "quiet" pools may sometimes not be all that quiet..all of what I described is worse than anything I've seen at Luna park or Stormalong Bay.
Like the Borg, Uncleromulus will adapt---

[WebmasterDoc]

Does anyone know of a Disney reference to "quiet" pools? I can't seem to find such a term anyplace. I have seen the Turtle Pond, Miller and South Point pools referred to as "Neighborhood" pools, but not as "quiet"- except on this board...and especially in this thread.

The OKW main pool is certainly themed to match that of the resort. The Lighthouse, dolphins and sand area are consistant with the Key West concept. The "neighborhood" pools have no particular theme, that is obvious to me.

In any event, the "quiet" pools (there's that mysterious term again) probably have nothing to do with decibel levels at all. There is certainly nothing at those pools suggesting any limiting behavior- except the usual No Glass, No Running, etc.

I see the neighborhood pools as a nearby option for those in the adjacent buildings and nothing more.

[PamOKW]

Doc, I think you are right. The quiet pool term is used for the resorts but was not used for OKW.

I also agree with UncleRomulus that sometimes a large group will comandeer any of the pool areas at OKW. That isn't right but falls under the category of other things that "aren't right" various guests and members do. I'm not sure how upgrading pool areas would have any effect on this except for if the lifeguard were to also function as pool police. In fact, I wouldn't be adverse to having a lifeguard to serve this function. Might also help cut down on locals who enjoy the OKW pools.

And Paul, you are right about the upgrading of pools. OKW was not built on the cheap. It's pools were designed along the lines of all the other deluxe hotels at that time. None of the deluxe monorail hotels had slides either. In fact, the DVC survey asking about an upgrade came out at the same time they were putting in the new pools at GF and Poly (and shortly after Contemp had been redone). My feeling at the time was that they wanted DVC members to pay to bring the resort up to the same level for their own marketing of the resort to hotel guests.

I certainly want the pools to keep pace and be kept up and remodeled to stay with the times. The furnshings in particular should also be high quality. I also think a lifeguard would be a good expenditure. However, I agree with Doc that the pools are also themed to to the Key West feel of the resort and I would not like to see that changed dramatically.

[sgtpet]

Everybody get so defensive about the pools at their home resorts. Relax folks. SAB is the best pool, after that it doesn't really matter. If you want a slide, pay the bucks and go to a water park for the day.


Each DVC has its own wonderful personality. It all depends on what you like in a timeshare.

[ncligs]

sgtpet,

I second what you just said in your post!!!!!!:D

[Granny]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
Does anyone know of a Disney reference to "quiet" pools? I can't seem to find such a term anyplace. I have seen the Turtle Pond, Miller and South Point pools referred to as "Neighborhood" pools, but not as "quiet"- except on this board...and especially in this thread.
Doc, I took your challenge and found the following on the official DVC site.

Swimming: Use of Stormalong Bay, a three-acre mini water park featuring a "ship-wreck" water slide, hot tubs, and whirlpools, 3 quiet pools. Poolside Gifts: items available include miscellaneous sundries and pool toys; pool tube rentals; Walt Disney World® approved flotation devices available at no charge.

I found this in the Accommodations/Amenities section of the BCV section. I find it very confusing...makes it sound like the SAB area has 3 quiet pools? But it's the only reference to swimming I could find in that section, and we know BCV will have at least the one pool that is pictured.

Anyway, here's an official Disney use of the words "quiet pool".

[PKS44]

Originally posted by sgtpet
Everybody get so defensive about the pools at their home resorts. Relax folks. SAB is the best pool, after that it doesn't really matter. If you want a slide, pay the bucks and go to a water park for the day.


Each DVC has its own wonderful personality. It all depends on what you like in a timeshare.

This suggestion has nothing to do with the issue...It is not about slides. It is about having a resort with a WDW-worthy pool. There is not a single resort in WDW that has a less notable pool than OKW. In other words, OKW pool "personality" is not only NOT up to date with other DVC, it is not up to the rest of WDW pool amenities. If every OKW membership (not family member, just per contract) paid for the price of one admission for one person to one day at one waterpark once a year-I bet OKW could afford to make a pool that would be the envy even of SAB. And no one is suggesting that they need to go that far...

In other words- I don't think it is really about money- I think it is about people willing to accept change. Even if you think you NEVER would use a more up to date pool, how would such a change negatively impact you? If OKW did make a change it might cost a tiny bit more (maybe $20/year per contract average). That is not going to break anybody. Those who oppose it would be out a few bucks but they would still have "quiet" options. AND for those wanting something more- they would finally have the same options every other WDW resort guest has AT THEIR RESORT...without having to pay a separate admission, without having to get in their car or even put on shoes to go visit...with the ability to come and go with ease to a fun pool. As it is now such funseekers at OKW are not given that option-- and going to a water park does not satisfy it, either.

Paul

[PKS44]

Originally posted by Granny
I find it very confusing...makes it sound like the SAB area has 3 quiet pools?

YC quiet pool
BC quiet pool
BCV new pool -"quiet"
3 quiet pools AT the resort.

Doc was questioning the use of the term at OKW, I think...

[WebmasterDoc]

Actually, I've never seen any of the resorts refer to "quiet" pools. They all seem to have a name or some other description. The only place I've actually seen the term in print is on this board! ;)

[SwampFox]

There is not a single resort in WDW that has a less notable pool than OKW.

Whoa! That may be your opinion, but certainly is NOT an indisputable fact.

The OKW pool has a Lighthouse and a sauna- both features which are absent from many (if not most or all) other WDW resorts. The ONLY feature OKW doesn't have is the slide, which you keep insisting isn't important anyway.

[Granny]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
Actually, I've never seen any of the resorts refer to "quiet" pools. They all seem to have a name or some other description. The only place I've actually seen the term in print is on this board! ;) Doesn't it count that I found the term in print on the Official DVC Site? Man, I thought I finally had one.:D


And PKS44....thanks for the clarification on the three quiet pools at BCV.....duh, I get it now. :p

[sgtpet]

PKS 44, why don't you stay at one of the "smaller" roomed DVC resorts if you are so upset at the OKW pool. Maybe the argument could be that they should make the rooms larger at BWV, VWL and BCV to compare to the grand daddy DVC OKW.

Each place has its own identity.

Some have better pools, some have smaller rooms...

That is one of the benefits of DVC.

[PKS44]

sgtpet wrote:PKS 44, why don't you stay at one of the "smaller" roomed DVC resorts if you are so upset at the OKW pool.

I do. Or I have...and I plan to in the future. I am not upset with the OKW pool. My family and I were sadly disappointed in it. We didn't think it was up to the rest of WDW standards. If it were better we would love to stay there...the resort is beautiful...I am glad others are satisfied with it- it's hard enough getting reservations at the 11 month mark at the resorts with feature pools. I admit that I have my own interests at heart in encouraging what I believe could be a better OKW, and not just so my family would want to stay there.

A better OKW would help relieve demand on the other resorts where I prefer to stay.

It would increase Disney's ability to market OKW to the public, making more money for DVC and for Disney. As a stockholder and a DVC member- that would be good.

It might make II trades easier.

If CRO had an easier time renting out OKW that might lead to lower Disney Collection point schedules, making those options more affordable points wise again...(I believe this is one of PamOKW's pet peeves!?!);)

sgtpet also wrote:Maybe the argument could be that they should make the rooms larger at BWV, VWL and BCV to compare to the grand daddy DVC OKW.

Well-that would be a silly argument. Increasing the size of the rooms would be a much more difficult task as compared to improving one pool. Besides-look at what WDW does as they learn- as they build more DVC they build the rooms smaller than OKW AND with better pools...they must know something.

SwampFox wrote The OKW pool has a Lighthouse and a sauna- both features which are absent from many (if not most or all) other WDW resorts. The ONLY feature OKW doesn't have is the slide, which you keep insisting isn't important anyway.

This shows why there is an argument- we can't even agree on what makes a pool "feature" A decorative lighthouse and sauna are not interactive pool elements...what do they do for the young and the young at heart in any interactive way? The lighthouse might be fun if kids could go up in it, maybe squirt water out of the top down below...but no. You can look at it though. It's about as much fun as my Granny's china cabinet. No, you can at least take out some of the smaller knicknacks and use them as hockey pucks. :D

And yes, it is not about slides...Look at All Stars- playful water features -not slides, SAB has much more than a slide, WL has a waterfall as does the Swan/Dolphin...
We can argue about whether OKW can or should improve the main pool, but please let's at least agree that as beautiful as it is-and it is lovely to look at-- when it comes to water fun at WDW resorts- it is bringing up the rear.

Paul

[SwampFox]

but please let's at least agree that as beautiful as it is-and it is lovely to look at-- when it comes to water fun at WDW resorts- it is bringing up the rear.

Looks like the only agreement here is that we disagree! :(

That's your opinion again! I guess it depends how you choose to define "fun". I'll take the theming, relaxing surroundings and the water anytime and have "fun" at the pool.

As for features, I'll still define the lighthouse and sauna as features. I guess I just don't need to "squirt" water at someone to enjoy myself!

To each his own!
:rolleyes:

[PKS44]

SwampFox wrote;I'll take the theming, relaxing surroundings and the water anytime and have "fun" at the pool.

So which of those does the OKW have that is not present in every other WDW pool? I would say that every resort has that-- yet OKW does not have what every other resort has- water activities for guest interaction.

Paul

[SwampFox]

yet OKW does not have what every other resort has- water activities for guest interaction.

Ummm...what about SWIMMING?

As I stated earlier, we'll have to agree to disagree. I'm not comparing OKW to other pools as you apparently want to. My point is that your definition of "fun" seems to include squirting water and using slides (I know, the slide isn't the point). ALl I'm saying is that I can have fun relaxing at the pool, using the jacuzzi and sauna and swimming. I don't really need to squirt anyone to enjoy myself.

I'll respect your opinion that a resort needs a slide (I know that's not the point) and the ability to interact using water (squirt other people) if you'll respect my opinion that pleasant surroundings and a place to swim can also be fun.

To each his own!

[PKS44]

SwampFox-I respect your opinion even if you keep misrepresenting mine. My point is not that you can't enjoy what others would call a boring pool, EVERY resort has a pool that offers that. I am not comparing the pool I am comparing the resort choices. My point is that OKW while doing what anyone would want of a pool- provide a clean and pleasant swimming experience. Unlike every other resort- it offers nothing more than that...I don't see how the sort of improvements suggested to one of the pools at OKW would change your ability to enjoy a relaxing swim at OKW. you could still find fun as you define it on site... But in NOT making those changes those who seek a different sort of fun at the resort are forced to accept your definition.

On a much more amazing note I actually have a correction for Webmaster Doc! This is a rare day indeed! He wrote:Actually, I've never seen any of the resorts refer to "quiet" pools. They all seem to have a name or some other description. The only place I've actually seen the term in print is on this board!

Look in the Member Guidebook at the Resort Map for BWV -the pool next to Community Hall is labeled "Quiet Pool"

Paul:smooth:

[CaptainMidnight]

The slide at Vero Beach Resort and the Pirate Ship for kids make it a very nice pool area.

A slide makes a nice addition to a pool for our family given the age of our kids.

The pool is a factor in our choice of home resorts. However, I hope the pool hopping priviledge is not lost all together, even if SAB must be limited or eliminated. It does provide a nice activity to visit GF, Poly and Contemporary resorts with other than eating. The option of going to visit a nice pool after a day at the parks is a nice one. I have very fond memories of swimming with my 3 year old son at midnight at BW with the Swan and Dolphin in the background.

[Dean]

I think I've lost site of the discussion. Some like OKW pool and others do not. Some would want to spice up the OKW main pool and others would not. A portion of the members got a survey and there was a pretty overwhelming vote (if I recall the numbers something like 69%) voted not to change things for whatever reason. We don't know their reasons whether personal choice, cost or a combination. Then there are those that want to throw DVC (er OKW) out of the club or at least pool hopping because they don't like the pool and think most people wouldn't like to pool hop there. Other than some people feel OKW is the stepchild now, what are we discussion.

Overall, I really don't care personally. I don't pool hop and expect it's a benefit on the way out. When it's gone, I'll be sad for my fellow members that enjoy it but not feel personal loss. I simply wonder how some will feel when they can no long pool hop either to SAB or possibly anywhere. I also think it's petty to begrude the members at OKW (still the largest single group BTW) on this specialty perk.

[WebmasterDoc]

Look in the Member Guidebook at the Resort Map for BWV -the pool next to Community Hall is labeled "Quiet Pool"


I stand corrected! :)

Thanks for pointing that out- I had never noticed it before!

Just curious, is that the name of that pool or is there any noise restriction posted in the area?

[PKS44]

Originally posted by Dean
I think I've lost site of the discussion.

I think the discussion should be several issues

1)What could be done? I understand the only option offered in the poll to OKW members was a slide/lifeguard upgrade. That is really not all the possible ways to enhance the pool area. I think Pam's pirate ship idea would be in theme and cool as would my dumping coconut tree. Any other Imagineers out there?

2)How would the change negatively affect anyone? Financially only or would there be an irreperable loss of the OKW atmosphere?

Once you define those issues-you decide if the positives outweigh the negatives...It appears most OKW people feel they would not, many or most non-OKW people feel they do. Of course OKW people should decide for OKW. Still, though they are the biggest group of DVC they are not a majority, so 69% of OKW might still be less than 50% of everyone else...I am not suggesting that outsiders dictate OKW plans, just that the poll numbers in the thread on PamOKW's Unscientific Survey (which appears to mirror the stats you quoted for the real OKW survey for OKW owners anyway) are not quite reflecting what they appear to reflect.

Paul

[Werner Weiss]

Actually, this discussion lost sight of the topic.

This thread started as a discussion of pool hopping.

It turned into a debate about the merits of OKW's current feature pool -- with some suggestion that OKW owners really don't deserve to pool hop because OKW's features pool is "boring" and lacking in... well... features; or perhaps that OKW owners are crowding the pools at BWV and VWL to get away from that oh-so-boring pool, somehow forcing BWV and VWL owners to subsidize the folks from OKW.

Never mind that the OKW feature pool is themed in a waterfront Key West setting, with tropical landscaping, sand play area, whirlpool spa, kiddie pool, bridge over the pool, sauna in a lighthouse, adjacent excercise room, shuffle board, tennis courts, bicycle and boat rentals, and snack bar.

Never mind that it's likely that more BWV owners pool hop than OKW owners because of the convenience of walking to Stormalong Bay. And it's likely that more BCV owners than OKW owners will pool hop to Luna Park for the same reason of convenience.

Never mind that pool hopping is about offering some variety to DVC members who visit WDW year after year, perhaps several times each year.

Never mind that any DVC members who choose to do so can take a break from a hot Magic Kingdom day and pool hop to one of the Monorail resorts.

Never mind that pool hopping is a one of the very few real benefits that's only available to DVC members and to no other WDW guests -- a benefit that recognizes DVC members as deserving special.

Never mind that pool hopping may actually reduce the number of people using the Luna Park pool because of the BWV guests who choose to pool hop instead of going to Luna Park.

Nope, those things don't matter. We gotta do something about that boring OKW feature pool before before a thousand OKW guests all try to go down the clown slide at Luna Park at the same time. :)

[PamOKW]

Good summary Werner! This thread sure went off on a lot of different tangents.

I was flipping through the guide book (to see what they call the OKW pools) and came upon the picture of the actual VWL pool. Now, that is a VERY simple pool.

The OKW pools are referred to as "Main Pool" "Turtle Pond Pool", "Pool" and "Pool" on the map.....none of them is designated "quiet". ;)

[Horace Horsecollar]

Originally posted by Peterd
SAB will stop pool hopping when it BCV opens.
When was this announced?

[Granny]

Originally posted by PamOKW
I was flipping through the guide book (to see what they call the OKW pools) and came upon the picture of the actual VWL pool. Now, that is a VERY simple pool.
Hey Pam, don't drag us happy VWLers into your pool battle! :D

Besides, how simple can the VWL pool be? I mean, it requires a lot of constant maintenance that you won't find in your run-of-the-mill pools. :rolleyes:

[Dean]

Pool hopping to SAB has not been removed but has been rumored and predicted to be stopped with or soon after BCV opens. It's just us talking for now though I think it's getting close to time to panic if one is inclined to do so. Even if it doesn't officially close, it's likely to be "at capacity" an awful lot of the time.

[PamOKW]

Granny -- I thought I'd send over one of the water spouting elephants for you! Maybe that'll keep the pine needles out of the filters. ;) ;)

[Granny]

LOL Pam!

You can keep your (white) elephant! :D

[PKS44]

Originally posted by Werner Weiss
Actually, this discussion lost sight of the topic.

This thread started as a discussion of pool hopping.


I think the reason that topic was abandoned is that there is no strong sentiment to want to take away poolhopping from OKW only as one person sugggested. Thank goodness, we do not need a Balkanization of DVC...

The reason the thread has gone on is this "The pool is lacking"..."No, it's not." "Yes, it is." "So what, you should be happy to have water." etc. etc exchange...The pool at OKW should be changed to improve the resort. Period. To bring the resort up to current WDW standards, not because it affects poolhopping.

Even Werner, who in my opinion is one of the absolute fountains of wisdom on these boards (and far more useful than that dolphin fountain, I might add) gives us this-
Never mind that the OKW feature pool is themed in a waterfront Key West setting, with tropical landscaping, sand play area, whirlpool spa, kiddie pool, bridge over the pool, sauna in a lighthouse, adjacent excercise room, shuffle board, tennis courts, bicycle and boat rentals, and snack bar....(text cut)

Nope, those things don't matter. We gotta do something about that boring OKW feature pool before before a thousand OKW guests all try to go down the clown slide at Luna Park at the same time. :)

Nope- First of all, I have a hard time seeing how tennis courts, bikes and boats, adjacent exercise rooms, nearby sand playgrounds or shuffle board are part of the swimming pool.

Second-The setting is lovely-no one denies it, but many find the rest uninvolving, boring and not up to the new standards at WDW. You are not wrong to like it and they are not wrong to find it lacks what they expect at a WDW pool.

Third-how would changing the pool make the resort worse?

Finally- who amongst those who oppose any change think that if Disney owned OKW outright, if Disney had to rely on renting out OKW to the public, who thinks they would leave the pool as it is? I don't think you can make a plausible case that they would. Look at the Contemporary, GF, Poly and every new resort they build. So I would challenge the OKW owners- why would you not want to adopt the same strategy that Disney itself would use if they owned the place. I don't think that is a bad standard to go by- nor is it unrealistic. And it is one that every DVC property should consider., not just OKW. As new and better entertainment ideas are developed (DVD players, anyone?)- we should embrace these improvements to our "home away from home."

Paul

[RWishbone]

The post on this thread were coming faster then I could read. I am a BW owner and I would be extremely disappointed if the pool hopping to SAB was eliminated. I intend to let MS know of my strong feelings and I hope that everyone who feels as I do will also petition MS accordingly.
In so far as the OKW pools are concerned, I have visited them and while the OKW owners may love their pool, it is as boring as a pool gets. My town pool has more to offer then the OKW pools. Therefore, no one will ever pool hop to OKW.On the other hand, pool hopping to the BW is rather heavy during the busy seasons. My point is that while the OKW owners have their opinions on the fate of the PH privilege, it must be understood that they lose less then BW owners if Pool Hopping to SAB is eliminated. The reason being that pool hopping to the BW will have to increase and because the primary place for BW people to pool hop is the (now potentially lost) SAB. Basically, in so far as pool hopping is concerned, pool hopping is give and take for BW owners but only take for OKW owners. As i write this, I can easily see that someone can interpret my post as anti-OKW but all I am really trying to say is that the Pool Hopping privilege affects OKW and BW owners differently.
In so far as the BCV are concerned, I certainly hope that if they eliminate pool hopping to SAB, then the pool hopping privilege is eliminated for people staying at the BCV. Most likely that will have little impact except to soothe my anger since I doubt anyone staying at the BCV will even want to pool hop.

[PamOKW]

RWishbone, I understand your concern and the logic that since SAB is the best pool to hop to and if that were closed that BWV would be "second best" in the pool hopping. I disagree somewhat on that point. I think if SAB were eliminated some people might not pool hop at all -- it's a hassle -- or they would try out the different pools around WDW. The new Poly & GF pools are enticing. They sometimes have characters at the Contemporary and the moderates might be used for hopping just because they are convenient. Many of them you can drive right up to the pool area. I don't think OKW members would flock to BWV in droves that would adversely effect BWV. Also, the same "call ahead" policy would be in effect as well.

I think pool hopping is important to many people and I agree with Dean that now is the time to make your opinion known to DVC.

[Dean]

Originally posted by RWishbone
TMy point is that while the OKW owners have their opinions on the fate of the PH privilege, it must be understood that they lose less then BW owners if Pool Hopping to SAB is eliminated. The reason being that pool hopping to the BW will have to increase and because the primary place for BW people to pool hop is the (now potentially lost) SAB. Basically, in so far as pool hopping is concerned, pool hopping is give and take for BW owners but only take for OKW owners. Rich, I think most of us agree with your take, at least to a certain extent. The biggest point you made and was made earlier is that the BW pool will be the most affected. Not because a hoard of people are going to PH to BW but because many of those that are staying at BW now PH to SAB. Still, I dont' think anyone would disagree that BW will have more people pool hop than OKW but more because of location than the pool itself.

Many of us also agree that to a certain extent, the pools at OKW are boring. Some of us like boring pools, less kids running around screaming, etc. Yes I know that BW has quiet pools as well, I just don't like them as well.

[CaptainMidnight]

It makes sense that pool hopping to SAB might be a thing of the past. Perhaps more stringent entrance requirements to the pools would also keep out locals. BCV owners shouldn't have to hassle with excessively crowded pools due to pool hopping and locals pool crashing. The priviledge could still be available to other WDW pools as pool capacities allow. Those who want to use SAB can make reservations at the BCV within the 7 month window. After the initial sell period, there will probably be adequate availability at BCV in the 7 month window, isn't that what WLV is experiencing now? It was difficult to get in at first, but now it is easier? Besides, those who bought at WLV and BW I'm sure are fine with their pools and it sounds like OKW folks are. If not, they can always lobby to have the OKW pool upgraded. In a recent vote, I believe that was voted down. OKW folks like thier pool just how it is.

It is nice to have an excuse to visit the other resorts that is not all about eating, pool hopping does provide that. Now, SAB probably won't be an option, but perhaps the others will stay. Part of the decision may come down to how much the priviledge is abused and how much of a hassle it is for Disney to fool with.

Happy swimming all.....

[baileybrad]

PKS44,
Your most recent post got right at the heart of the matter with the OKW property and its "featured pool". Really good post.

As for the "quiet pool" designation, no matter what the decibel level or if the term actually exists in the DVC world, everybody knows what one looks like when they see it ie., Potter Stewart. Most are trying to be nice without calling a resort pool boring.

[Joeblack]

Hi there.

I am the one you lost the bet against ;-).....guess you owe me a few beers. I am also glad that point structure is the same as the other DVC resorts, but it couldn't have been otherwise. I'll be in WLV and Marriot's Grande Ocean at HH next July. I'll forget about the beers in exchange for some helpful tips on Hilton Head.

My prediction about pool hopping is that, at least for the next 2 years, it will not change either. If they suppress pool hopping at BCV, they will do it also at the other DVC resorts, but I just don't really believe that will happen.
The PH option, of course, will remain subject to availability of the pools. You will have to call before pool hopping anywhere and restricted dates might be added, but the option, IMHO, will remain the same.

[PamOKW]

Joe, I think we had some kind of bet going to do with the opening of BCV, too -- but I can't remember what it was!!! I'll buy you a beer anyway. ;)

[Joeblack]

Hey Pam:

So good to see you. I returned yesterday from a short trip to Cancun and Boca Raton, but unfortunately, I could not make it to Orlando to check the BCV. I am pretty sure I would have ended up adding-on.

My stance on BCV was that they would sell for about 75-82/pt and that the point schedule would be the same as WLV. I guess my prediction was right, and I hope my prediction about pool hopping is right too. I bet Dean on it and he lost. Now he owes me some beers by OKW's poolside (what else could you do there anyway? ;-) As for you Pam...I'll take you on that beer offer and will even plan a trip to OKW just to have it.

Abot a water slide, I don't think that if OKW board decided to build one, it would raise dues much...it probably costs less than the printing of a yearly member booklet.

[Dean]

Originally posted by Joeblack
Hi there.

I am the one you lost the bet against ;-).....guess you owe me a few beers. I am also glad that point structure is the same as the other DVC resorts, but it couldn't have been otherwise. I'll be in WLV and Marriot's Grande Ocean at HH next July. I'll forget about the beers in exchange for some helpful tips on Hilton Head.

My prediction about pool hopping is that, at least for the next 2 years, it will not change either. If they suppress pool hopping at BCV, they will do it also at the other DVC resorts, but I just don't really believe that will happen.
The PH option, of course, will remain subject to availability of the pools. You will have to call before pool hopping anywhere and restricted dates might be added, but the option, IMHO, will remain the same. Joe, I didn't have your bet down but I'm sure we had it, I just don't remember specifics. I'm very happy to buy beers to have the BC points not go higher than BW/WLV. The other bets I have are that pool hopping will make it to 19 April for a pizza if I lose vs dinner at Artist Point or Narcossee's if I win with RoutemanDan. One fresh Disney Dollar with WDW_Fan with me losing if there is another DVC resort after Disney institute or if Eagle Pines really happens. It was one large or 2 smaller ones post BC for me to lose. The last one I had down is with Vernon for Dinner for four with he and I with spouses at the top Eagle Pines Restaurant with me winning if the expiration is NOT 2042. I hope I lose them all except the EP expiration which I sincerely hope is 50 years from the start or something along those lines. At this points looks like I might be 1-2 and who knows. Money well spend IMO.

[Granny]

Originally posted by PamOKW
Joe, I think we had some kind of bet going to do with the opening of BCV, too -- but I can't remember what it was!!! I'll buy you a beer anyway. ;) Uh, Pam, I think that bet must have been with me. Don't remember the details (since there weren't any), but if you're buying the Buds, I'm there! :cool:

[dvcdudes]

:D That's one thing we can do at the OKW main pool. Relax and sip a BUD! :D