Ko'Olina Hawaii---DVC breaks ground!

[denise]

Here is a link to the ground breaking held this past week in Ko'Olina at the new resort and DVC....can't wait to see it!!!

Hawaii television coverage of the ground blessing.
http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/11600/245/

:mickeyjum :stitch: :tigger: :donald: :goofy: :figment:

[Horace Horsecollar]

There are pictures of the Ko Olina event (including a new rendering that I've never seen before) at Yesterland, along with the full press release and some commentary.

http://www.yesterland.com/disneykoolina4.html

[bobbiwoz]

Oh my gosh!!! That's wonderful!

Bobbi:goodvibes

[bjakmom]

Thanks for posting those links!!!! We are in full planning mode for Hawaii!

[lsutigger2]

Oh yea, we'll be visiting there! DH and I took our honeymoon to Hawaii and it will be great to go back for our 20th anniversary.

Better start planning use of my points for the next several years to make sure we have enough :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Horace Horsecollar]

Here's a report about the ground blessing from a different TV station in Honolulu:

http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=9383406

Click on the video.

[gingermouse17]

Thanks for posting :goodvibes popcorn::

[Horace Horsecollar]

Today there's an article at MousePlanet, "Disney breaks ground in Hawaii." They had a writer and photographer covering the event.

http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm081125xx

[CarolA]

Breaking ground and getting to the finish line are a LONG way apart. And you can build very slowly LOL!

One of my clients was in dispute with a joint venture partner. The partner got a court to force the client to continue building..... so A constrcution worker showed up every day to "hammer" away. On a HUGE building LOL!

I wouldn't put it past Disney to build "slow" in this economy!

[jblrn2b]

How exciting!!! Thanks everyone for posting.

[Horace Horsecollar]

I wouldn't put it past Disney to build "slow" in this economy!
Anything is possible. However, Disney continues to state that the resort is scheduled to open in 2011.

Dragging out the construction would only result in higher costs overall because of carrying costs and potentially higher labor and material costs over time.

Disney won't make any money from the DVC side of the resort until they can sell DVC points for it. And they won't make any money from the hotel side and the restaurants until the resort opens.

Unless the current recession is the beginning of a long-term depression, the economy should be much stronger in 2011 than it is now. In fact, the timing of Ko Olina should be much better than the timing of BLT. They started construction of BLT when the Dow Jones was around 14,000, and they're now trying to sell points at a particularly bad time.

[Jaaron2]

We are already counting down the days until we go to Hawaii in 2011:beach:

The resort looks like it will be unbelievable! It will be our first trip to Hawaii and we are already trying to figure out how many points we might need for two weeks and wondering what availability would be like at 7 months? any guesses?

[mj2vacation]

Disney already has the funds set aside to build this resort. It is funny that some posters will claim that they won't build the resort up until the day that it opens.

Disney actually makes out better than projected, because they get better pricing from contractors to give them better prices, fuel costs have been halved, etc.

Disney thinks 5, 10, 20 and 30 years out, not 6 months.

This too shall pass, and besides, when China takes us over in a buyout of our debt, Hawaii is a lot closer for them than WDW....

[mkymsehi]

Disney breaks ground at Ko Olina

STORY SUMMARY | READ THE FULL STORY (http://www.starbulletin.com/business/20081120_disney_breaks_ground_at_ko_olina.html#ful lstory)
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts broke ground on its first Hawaii resort at Ko Olina yesterday morning, in a demonstration of confidence in the project's future success.
Plans for the resort, estimated at a cost of about $800 million, were announced more than a year ago, well before economic woes hit Wall Street.
The resort on 21 acres is expected to offer 350 hotel rooms and 480 time-share villas for Disney Vacation Club members, along with amenities such as a saltwater snorkel lagoon, wedding lawn and spa.
Disney says its research has shown Hawaii to be the top destination choice for its vacation club members, and that it is confident it will remain so when the project opens in 2011.
— Nina Wu (nwu@starbulletin.com)

http://media.starbulletin.com/designimages/blockedLine_onWhite.gif

FULL STORY >>
By Nina Wu (nwu@starbulletin.com)

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Nov 20, 2008
(Single Page View) | Return to Paginated View (http://www.starbulletin.com/business/20081120_disney_breaks_ground_at_ko_olina.html?pag e=1&c=y)

In a vote of confidence in the economy as well as Hawaii's potential as a destination, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts broke ground on its planned resort at Ko Olina yesterday morning.
DISNEY AT KO OLINA

Developer: Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Estimated cost: $800 million
Size: 21 acres
Rooms: 350 hotel rooms and 480 time-share villas
Highlights: Expansive pool, waterway with tubes and slides, saltwater snorkel lagoon, spa, wedding lawn, convention space, and kids club
Jobs: 1,000
Projected opening: 2011
Source: Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Walt Disney Co. of Burbank, Calif., had announced plans for the resort on 21 acres more than a year ago, but only unveiled details last month. Disney's first resort in Hawaii, estimated at a cost of $800 million, is expected to open in 2011.
For Hawaii officials and the community, the symbolic groundbreaking signified Disney's commitment to the state, which will bring jobs, dollars and visitors.
"This Disney destination resort will provide a unique way for families to experience Hawaii," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "By blending Disney's high standard of guest service and creative storytelling, we'll create a place where all family members can discover the wonder of these special islands."
Rasulo said Hawaii is a place where he has often brought his own family for vacations.

http://media.starbulletin.com/images/video_front.gif Disney Breaks Ground In Ko’Olina
http://media.starbulletin.com/images/20081120_kitv_disney.jpg (http://www.kitv.com/video/18021262/index.html)

Despite the economical hardships many are facing, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts breaks ground for its newest resort addition.

[ Watch (http://www.kitv.com/video/18021262/index.html) ]



http://media.starbulletin.com/images/kitvcom.gif (http://kitv.com/)

Hawaii remains one of the top choices internationally for Disney Vacation Club members. All one has to do, he said, is look at the majestic surroundings, the state's rich beauty and natural culture, and it's no wonder that it's a top choice.
"We have long-term confidence in this location and in our product," Rasulo said.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts operates 38 resort hotels with more than 35,000 hotel rooms worldwide. Extensive research is done before breaking ground.
Highlights of the planned resort include a signature waterway featuring tubes and bodyslides through rockwork and an iconic caldera volcano, a wading pool, spa and saltwater snorkel lagoon.
There will also be a kids club, wedding lawn, convention center and two restaurants.
Two 15-story towers will offer 350 hotel rooms and 480 time-share villas for the Disney Vacation Club, while an open-air lobby designed like a canoe house will greet them.
Disney is also expected to bring 1,000 permanent jobs for cast members.
"You can't ask for a better economic indicator than Disney breaking ground in your neighborhood," said Attilio Leonardi, president of the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce. "We couldn't have asked for a better stamp of approval than Disney making a decision to come here."
Walt Disney yesterday also presented $100,000 to be divided among Campbell, Kapolei, Nanakuli and Waianae High School academic programs.

In a vote of confidence in the economy as well as Hawaii's potential as a destination, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts broke ground on its planned resort at Ko Olina yesterday morning.
DISNEY AT KO OLINA

Developer: Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Estimated cost: $800 million
Size: 21 acres
Rooms: 350 hotel rooms and 480 time-share villas
Highlights: Expansive pool, waterway with tubes and slides, saltwater snorkel lagoon, spa, wedding lawn, convention space, and kids club
Jobs: 1,000
Projected opening: 2011
Source: Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
Walt Disney Co. of Burbank, Calif., had announced plans for the resort on 21 acres more than a year ago, but only unveiled details last month. Disney's first resort in Hawaii, estimated at a cost of $800 million, is expected to open in 2011.
For Hawaii officials and the community, the symbolic groundbreaking signified Disney's commitment to the state, which will bring jobs, dollars and visitors.
"This Disney destination resort will provide a unique way for families to experience Hawaii," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "By blending Disney's high standard of guest service and creative storytelling, we'll create a place where all family members can discover the wonder of these special islands."
Rasulo said Hawaii is a place where he has often brought his own family for vacations.

http://media.starbulletin.com/images/video_front.gif Disney Breaks Ground In Ko’Olina
http://media.starbulletin.com/images/20081120_kitv_disney.jpg (http://www.kitv.com/video/18021262/index.html)

Despite the economical hardships many are facing, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts breaks ground for its newest resort addition.

[ Watch (http://www.kitv.com/video/18021262/index.html) ]



http://media.starbulletin.com/images/kitvcom.gif (http://kitv.com/)

Hawaii remains one of the top choices internationally for Disney Vacation Club members. All one has to do, he said, is look at the majestic surroundings, the state's rich beauty and natural culture, and it's no wonder that it's a top choice.
"We have long-term confidence in this location and in our product," Rasulo said.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts operates 38 resort hotels with more than 35,000 hotel rooms worldwide. Extensive research is done before breaking ground.
Highlights of the planned resort include a signature waterway featuring tubes and bodyslides through rockwork and an iconic caldera volcano, a wading pool, spa and saltwater snorkel lagoon.
There will also be a kids club, wedding lawn, convention center and two restaurants.
Two 15-story towers will offer 350 hotel rooms and 480 time-share villas for the Disney Vacation Club, while an open-air lobby designed like a canoe house will greet them.
Disney is also expected to bring 1,000 permanent jobs for cast members.
"You can't ask for a better economic indicator than Disney breaking ground in your neighborhood," said Attilio Leonardi, president of the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce. "We couldn't have asked for a better stamp of approval than Disney making a decision to come here."
Walt Disney yesterday also presented $100,000 to be divided among Campbell, Kapolei, Nanakuli and Waianae High School academic programs.

[gk90]

There are pictures of the Ko Olina event (including a new rendering that I've never seen before) at Yesterland, along with the full press release and some commentary.

http://www.yesterland.com/disneykoolina4.html

Thanks everyone for the stories and a special thank you to Horace H for this link--looking at this picture gave me such a lift!

http://www.yesterland.com/images-sidetrips/disneykoolina4_portecochere.jpg

[mkymsehi]

http://www.yesterland.com/disneykoolina4.html

http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm081125xx

[Launchpad11B]

SWEET! :thumbsup2

[mkymsehi]

Updated at 4:55 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2009
Disney begins preliminary site work for project at Ko Olina


Advertiser Staff


Walt Disney Parks & Resorts has begun preliminary site work at its first family destination resort in Hawai'i at Ko Olina. This work includes excavation, laying underground utilities and establishing where the foundations will be placed, said Djuan Rivers, vice president, Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawai'i.


"This is an important milestone for the project, as we continue to look forward to sharing the magic of Disney with Hawai'i's residents and visitors alike," he said.

The resort is scheduled to open in 2011. The new family-friendly destination is planned to include 350 traditional hotel rooms and 480 vacation villas dedicated to Disney Vacation Club, Disney's rapidly growing timeshare business.
Plans call for an expansive pool and water play area, an 18,000-square-foot spa, a wedding lawn, an 8,000-square-foot convention center, a children's club and two restaurants, one with an ocean view.

[ccigliano]

I'm at the Ko Olina resort, staying the Marriott Beach Club Villas and yes they were working today - trucks going in and out etc. The spot is on the 1st lagoon which twice the size of the other 3 lagoons. The mountainview rooms will have a nice view too and I'm sure worth the point difference, but I think I'll spring for the extra points to do an oceanview when I return in 2011. I can't wait - the Ko Olina Resort is really a nice spot - grocery stores nearby - chain restaurants as well as some local spots. Let's hope this economy doesn't slow the progress too much.

[Buckeye Fan]

I'm at the Ko Olina resort, staying the Marriott Beach Club Villas and yes they were working today - trucks going in and out etc.
Lucky you!!! :goodvibes

I've never been to Hawaii, and would love to see what the ocean/mountain views may look like. Can you take some pics from the Marriott and surrounding areas, and give us a sneak peak?

Going to Hawaii is DEFINITELY on my "bucket list." :goodvibes

[Horace Horsecollar]

I've never been to Hawaii, and would love to see what the ocean/mountain views may look like. Can you take some pics from the Marriott and surrounding areas, and give us a sneak peak?
The third article in Yesterland's Ko Olina series has ocean view and island view pictures from the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club: http://www.yesterland.com/disneykoolina3.html

[WDWLVR]

We stayed at Ko Olina back in Feb. 2007 and loved it! Definitely plan to buy when DVC opens it up for sale.

Below are a few pictures. The first one shows the lagoons from the air. The Disney property is shown at the top by the first lagoon. The other pictures are from the area including our view from the Marriott Beach club located at the bottom of the first picture on lagoon 3.




http://monorailgreen.info/hawaiiUP/KoOlina.jpg

http://monorailgreen.info/hawaiiUP/view.jpg


http://monorailgreen.info/hawaiiUP/resort2.jpg

http://monorailgreen.info/hawaiiUP/resort3.jpg


http://monorailgreen.info/hawaiiUP/resort4.jpg

[bjakmom]

WOW! Thanks for the links and photos and keeping us updated! DH and I are making our first trip to Hawaii in September:cool1:
Now I can start dreaming of a return trip with the rest of the family!

[MiaSRN62]

I found this on Youtube.....sorry if it's been posted before :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLO7-XyjsHs (it's a bit of a lengthy video and not always the best quality).


Maria

[nikkistevej]

Those pics look great- I want to go to Hawaii for my 40th bday in a few years. It will be open by that time!!

[denise]

Can't wait to see how it looks when we go in September.....We own at Marriott and with Disney building there we can trade our DVC to here and stay even longer.
It is wonderful here....
Love to swim in the lagoons each day but saw this and now will look before I swim....I always thought there was a net to prevent this..?:confused3

http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/13068/40/

:scared1: :scared1: :scared1:
This is lagoon 4 which is to the right of the Marriott.....

[ACDSNY]

I've never been to Hawaii, and would love to see what the ocean/mountain views may look like. Going to Hawaii is DEFINITELY on my "bucket list." :goodvibes
Watch out, once you go to one island you'll want to add the rest of them to the bucket list. We had our first trip last Oct to Kauai and fell in love, now I'm trying to squeeze in a trip to the Big Island next Feb and if all goes well Ko Olina in 2012.