WILLING TO PAY MORE DUES....

[KNWVIKING]

As all OKW owners know,our resort pool has no slide which also means we are not required to have a lifeguard. I read approx a year ago at a membership meeting,DVC inquired of attendng members if they would be willing to pay higher dues in order to build the slide and pay lifeguards. The answer was a resounding NO. I'm just curious what the answer would be of members who post here.

[brittsmamabwv]

Don't want to add fuel to anything either but I heard thru Member Services thats why the transportation is somewhat poor at OKW due to the owners not wanting their dues raised. I couldn't vote in your pole due to my home being BWV's. Our dues is already high. :eek:

When you wish upon a star...DVC will take you far...anything your heart desires....will come your way

[baileybrad]

and priorities vary from person to person that being said I couldn't vote either (HH owner) in your poll because it would not be my dues that would possibly be affected by the changes but I really do wish that the main pool at OKW had a simple slide. Nothing too fancy. Maybe the money being saved at Hank's could be used to pay for a lifeguard. ;)

[Richyams]

Personally, I would pay extra to keep the slide away. There are many things I wouldn't support because of higher dues. I wouldn't support a slide at OKW pool because of the noise, rowdyness and just plain unsightlyness of the whole thing. Add to the gaudy slide a large lifegaurd chair and it is no longer the peaceful pool area that I bought nine years ago.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[SwampFox]

I always find these discussions interesting from the point that some seem to enjoy characterizing OKW members as unwilling to spend more on dues (cheapskates, tightwads, etc.).
The survey did not specifically ask "Do you want higher dues?", but described the slide/lifeguard/extra buses/etc/etc/etc and asked "Do you want these things?" When those who received the survey (not everyone did) responded (again... not all who received it even replied), they indicated that their preference was NOT to add these items....not necessarily that the dues were even an issue.

The bus question was about adding one more bus in the afternoon for Epcot and MGM. Most afternoon buses to those locations are already underused, so those polled (not at the annual meeting, but again through a written survey) again indicated that more buses would not really solve any transportation concerns- NOT that they didn't want dues raised.

Please don't assume that OKW owners are cheap- just assume that they see no need to add a slide. After all..we can pool hop to use the "clown" slide at BWV anytime we want! As for the buses, please don't assume that OKW owners are cheap- just assume they don't need one more bus...just a more efficient system altogether. The bus issue is not inherent to OKW- it is evident at every resort...and is probably better at OKW than at many others.

[Jison]

When we first joined and my kids were 1,4,5 and 7, I really wanted a nice slide. I was sad that most of the other resorts at WDW had cool pools. BUT we found that the kids did not swim that much. We go during Christmas week and Easter week. Sometimes it is very cool. Now that they are 9, 12, 13 and 15 I really don't want to pay more for a slide. We have only pool hopped on one trip and that one was in the summer. I might feel differently if we went in the summer but we do not.

If the majority of other memebers voted for a slide it would be okay with me. We enjoy the ones at Vero, Hilton Head and BWV.

<font color=#FF0066>DVC since '93
20 trips to the World since '91
1 WONDERful cruise and 1 MAGICal cruise</font>http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/mms.gif

[PKK/MJK]

Beautifully said, Swamp Fox!!!!!!!!! As an OKW owner of many years, I find it very annoying to constantly hear how those of us at OKW are "not willing to pay more dues." It is especially galling to hear that the transportation problems which occur occasionally at OKW are the members' fault because we won't pay more money. Enough already!!! Of course, it is important to keep our dues as low as possible. At the same time, I'm sure most of us would be willing to have a dues increase for things the majority feel are necessary at OKW. As of now, most of our members who were polled prefer things the way they are. Perhaps another poll would produce a different result--but until that time, people should know that OKW people are not a bunch of stingy tightwads.

Phil and Mary Jo
http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/vltdisney/dvclogo.gif
WDW--82,83,85,87,89,93,95,96, 97,98,99,00,01
DVC/OKW

[brittsmamabwv]

I find it interesting that you "assumed" I am referring to OKW owners as Cheap. I never said that. OKW was the first DVC (I had the pleasure of staying there back in 1992) AND back then the bus system was the worst that I had ever seen at WDW. But I'm sure that has changed now. Compared to the newer DVC resorts, it is very laid back. Everyone has there own vacation values. That is why you own at OKW and I picked BWV's. I didn't refer to OKW owners as cheap and I'm sorry if I offended you. As I stated in the original post ...I didn't want to add fuel....:rolleyes:

When you wish upon a star...DVC will take you far...anything your heart desires....will come your way

[This message was edited by brittsmamabwv on 04-09-01 at 11:42 PM.]

[Caskbill]

It's always been interesting looking at the discussions between the OKW 'fans' and the BWV 'fans' and this simple poll may illustrate it very well. I prefer OKW because it <u>is</u> laid back and slow paced. I'm also sure many of the BWV 'fans' prefer it there because of it's more activity based style, including the pool. I thoroughly enjoy the OKW pool the way it is, and the nice boat rides to DD, and the leisurely stroll on the path back and the generally easy lifestyle of OKW. It's the resort style I purchased because it's the style I prefer. Likewise the BWV buyers probably prefer the easy access to all the activities close by, including Epcot and MGM.

I voted NO on the slide, but would easily vote YES on any issue that was necessary for OKW. The question of dues is not really an issue.

On the bus example, with our auto so close to our unit, we probably drive to the parks 70% of the time, usually because we want to go somewhere else after we leave the park and not go directly to our resort. Again, it's not a matter of dues, but what's important to us.

This is a great poll. It'll be interesting to see how it comes out.

Caskbill

[Richyams]

I wish they would have a poll about reducing bus service. The only bad part of OKW is that once in a while, you may be near a bus turnaround. Those busses can be noisy and disturbing.

I would vote to eliminate the busses altogether.

I have never been on a bus. I have had teen guests that have used the busses, but I would have been just as happy to drop them off somewhere. OKW is set up so well for having a car.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[Lesley]

I find this thread very interesting! Any BWV owners out there who would pay more to get rid of the clown? Not the slide...just the clown! LOL...personally I find it kinda creepy, but then again I've read too much Stephen King.

Maybe we can send him to OKW! :D :eek:


Lesley


1979 Contemporary
1992 Off-site
1994 Carribean Beach
1999 Fort Wilderness and Coronado Springs
2000 Polynesian and Old Key West
2002 Boardwalk Villas

[brittsmamabwv]

vote YES to get rid of the clown lol

When you wish upon a star...DVC will take you far...anything your heart desires....will come your way

[jennybobenny]

I love the BWV slide, but agree the clown is kind of creepy. Actually when I first saw the slide I thought of Stephen King. :eek:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/castle_moonlight.jpg
<font face="Class Garmnd BT"><font color="ff69b4"><big>Jennybºoº benny</big></font>
<font color="9400d3">~~DVC Member~~
Onsite: Poly '76, Contemp '98, BWV '99, CBR '00, BWV '00, CBR '01
Offsite: '74 '80 '82 '88
Next trip: BWV~June '01, ASM/BWV~Nov '01</font>
<a href="http://people.ne.mediaone.net/jsmith12/jillian&kylecharacterpage.html">Jillian & Kyle's Disney Character Website</a></font>

[KNWVIKING]

I'm actually very surprised by the result of the poll so far. Couple of points:
1: I understand that some people purchased OKW because of the lifestyle, I also know people bought OKW when it was the only resort and you basically accepted what was there.
2:A common thread on this board is Pool Hopping and an almost "how dare they not allow it at ...." I would hope the people who voted No on this poll aren't those same people because it would sound like you want the best of both worlds.
3: Just curious how many No votes are from members with young children. The cost of the slide is basically a one time hit,maybe some maintenance cost,but the real expense is life guards. Would you pay for the piece of mind knowing a lifeguard is on duty ?

Please, don't anyone take this poll or reply as an accusation on "cheapness". I personally would like a slide even though my kids are grown and I would propably only use it a couple of times.

[Richyams]

My daughter is 11 today. We bought in '92. We always have many similar aged and younger cousins with us.

I have absolutely no desire for a sldie and I watch my children in the pool. I never let my children guests swim without someone there, who would??? That is true wether there is a lifeguard or not.

I wouldn't want to see a lifeguard chair anymore then I would want to see a slide.

I don't really pool hop, have only done it once.

Again, some people really don't want a slide.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[Werner Weiss]

OKW has four pools. The one by the Hospitality House is the "feature pool," which is bigger. Right now, all pools provide a similar experience, so most people use the pool that's walking distance from their condo.

We usually request a condo near the Hospitality House when we make OKW reservations. We've only been successful a few times. (Over the years, each of the bus stops in OKW has been our closest stop.)

Presumably, if a slide were added, it would be only at the feature pool. Then, guests will be disappointed that they assigned to a condo near the "wrong pool" -- either bcause they want a slide or they want to avoid it.

It's easier, less expensive, and ultimately better for guest satisfaction to continue to provide what was offered when OKW was sold to members.

And, by the way, we're a family that would actually use the slide.

-----
Werner Weiss, Curator of Yesterland (http://www.yesterland.com), featuring discontinued Disneyland attractions

[This message was edited by Werner Weiss on 04-10-01 at 09:52 AM.]

[KNWVIKING]

Don't most of the larger resorts with a Theme Pool also have quite pools ? If it works for other resorts,why not ours ?

[Werner Weiss]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Don't most of the larger resorts with a Theme Pool also have quite pools ? If it works for other resorts,why not ours ?[/quote]
OKW covers far more land area than other "larger resorts." For example, a VWL, the main resort pool is a short walk from the quiet pool. But at OKW, the distances are much greater. There's a big difference between taking a short walk and taking a bus.

-----
Werner Weiss, Curator of Yesterland (http://www.yesterland.com), featuring discontinued Disneyland attractions

[KNWVIKING]

I was refering mostly to CBR, Dixie and Coronado. They are on a similar scale as OKW.

[Richyams]

If someone wants a slide at the main pool, they can stay at one of those hotels. If someone want a slide during their stay at a DVC resort, they can stay at BWV or VWL or soon BCV...do VWL and BCV have slides?

If someone wants to be able to lounge by the pool while the kids are participating at something in community hall and they want to spend that time quietly reading with a beautiful, serene pool in front of them, they can chose OKW.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[Werner Weiss]

CBR, Dixie and Coronado are not DVC resorts.

At CBR, Port Orleans and Coronado Springs, there's not an issue of what expectations were set when the buyers plunked down their money to buy into DVC. There's no long-term commitment to pay dues every year. There's no DVC member expectation that the facilities will offer consistency year after year.

-----
Werner Weiss, Curator of Yesterland (http://www.yesterland.com), featuring discontinued Disneyland attractions

[KNWVIKING]

Would you have bought at OKW had there been a slide ? Also, please don't don't read any attitude,sarcasim,argumentitiveness into my replys, there is none intended.

[Richyams]

Certainly, but I also would have bought if there were no main pool.....do you suggest getting rid of the main pool?

While that sounds sarcastic, I think that it goes to butressing Werner's point of mantaining what we bought. Personally, I have stated my reasons for prefering no slide. I am also glad that there are other reasons to keep it the way it is with no slide.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[KNWVIKING]

Why would I want to get rid of the main pool ? You also mentioned something about keeping what you paid for. While I agree with that, I also like to see things improved- ( I'm not saying a slide would be an improvement)- like the choice of a sofa in a studio rather then two queens,etc.
The point of my poll wasn't to convince people to get a slide, I wanted to know if money was the reason. You absolutely do not want a slide and money is not the issue-that's fine with me. I belonged to a pool association once.Every year the big debate was about the slide.Insurance companies charge higher rates for slides. Certain members always voted NO, even though it ment $2.00 a yr more in dues. The most popular item for the kids was the slide, and this place had diving boards,tennis courts,shuffle board,tether ball,basketball courts,horseshoes,volley ball court,etc. It really bothered me that $2.00 ment more then kids having a blast.

[Joeblack]

Geez. I am happier than ever for having bought at BWV.

Rich: I also rent a car every time I go to WDW, However I am sure a large percentage of people like (and need) to use the buses for transportation. Getting rid of them would not make much sense IMHO.

I believe a slide would be a great plus for OKW pool, since DVC and WDW are mainly a family destination rather than a retirement colony where silence must be the rule. Most children (and adults)enjoy slides greatly.

As for the clown in BWV, yeah, it might remind many of us of Stephen King's "It", but believe me, little children love it. My brother has a phobia with clowns so he hates it but I really really like the clown since it goes really well with the Coney island Fair Themeing.

[This message was edited by Joeblack on 04-10-01 at 12:07 PM.]

[DisneyCrazy]

I too vote for a slide, I personally see it as an enhancement. I agree with the poster that said this isn't a retirement community - I want to see people having a blast, even if I myself will never use it. I have no children, but travel with friends/family and they have children that would live it. I can't understand the chatter and laughter of children being more annoying than the noise from the boat motors - get rid of them instead and it will even out.

Sure, you can stay at another resort with a slide - but it will cost you (points) that you might not have. It is easier for those wanting quiet to go to a quiet pool at OKW than for those wanting a slide to stay at another DVC. A slide at one of the pools is the best of both world.

P.S. I actually tried to vote twice, since I own two contacts with my sister - she too would vote for the slide...

-Paul

[robinb]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
If someone wants a slide at the main pool, they can stay at one of those hotels. If someone want a slide during their stay at a DVC resort, they can stay at BWV or VWL or soon BCV...do VWL and BCV have slides?
[/quote]

Not always. It can be difficult to get reservations at other DVC resorts in the 7 month window. All other DVC resorts have slides.

I bought into OKW. I don't regret it at all, but a lack of slide will become more and more of an issue as my 2 year old gets older. We can, and do, pool hop. Howvere, it's a huge pain in the butt to get everyone in the car to go to another resort just to use the pool.


-- Robin

[DVCDAVE]

This is why I don't fully understand the pool hopping hooplah. In fact it is almost a burden, not a perk (and I am not joking either). As I see it the only an advantage if you own at OKW. If you own at one of the resorts with a themed pool you are basicaly subsidising OKW owners who come over to use your themed pool and lifeguard services. This creates for higher dues, noise and crowds for BWV and WLV owners, and keeps the dues and crowds down at OKW. I don't know of anyone yet on this board that said they leave BWV to pool hop at OKW. Don't get me wrong and jump all over me either, as I am not knocking OKW, I am merely trying to point out an obvious observation of economic reality.

http://houseofdisney.homestead.com/files/vacclub01.gif

WDW:
76,77,78,87,FW
92,Offsite
95 POL
96(2), GF,Offsite
97,GF
98,99,00,FW
8/00 DVC member @ BWV
3/01 BWV, FW
3/01 DVC member @ WLV
11/01 BWV !

[RamVA]

My kids are old enough now that the slide is not an issue for us, but there certainly was a time when I would have really liked for there to be a slide, and would have gladly paid an increase in dues to get one. We did try pool hopping when they were little once or twice, but it is a little bit inconvenient. What I have always wondered, though, is why a slide wasn't done in the first place, the same way I wonder why we don't have a food court. I mean the whole idea of the vacation club was to gear towards families with children. I love OKW, but it was the only option available when we bought; and I have thought for a long time that compared to all the other resorts it is pretty boring! (Don't kill me--my oldest son already beats me up enough for this!) The theming is the most"low key" of any I can think of(except maybe the Contemporary)no slide, and one small restaurant that closes at 10:00 p.m. I love it, I feel like I'm coming home, it is peaceful and quiet, and last year I vacationed alone, and felt so safe; but I really wouldn't mind if we could add a few things that would jazz it up just a little! Sorry, if I got a little off topic; and BTW Rich, since I flew in last year instead of driving from Va. by myself, I'd be real upset if we didn't have bus service! :cool:

Ruthie
DVC'92

[Jimbo]

On the rare times that we pool hop, we go to Stormalong Bay. Other than the slide BWV's pool isn't anything special at all. Your dues aren't subsidizing me.

[DVCDAVE]

Jimbo, I don't worry about it. I know what I bought, when I bought it, and how the system works, and who uses it. Frankly I don't blame you for going to Stormalong Bay, but I don't think that will be an option after BCV's open for business. I think pool hopping will be pretty much finished by then.

http://houseofdisney.homestead.com/files/vacclub01.gif

WDW:
76,77,78,87,FW
92,Offsite
95 POL
96(2), GF,Offsite
97,GF
98,99,00,FW
8/00 DVC member @ BWV
3/01 BWV, FW
3/01 DVC member @ WLV
11/01 BWV !

[PatOKW92]

I am not in favor of more dues however, what will eventually happen is that there will be a serious event, injury or death, to force something to happen. I don't want a slide but a lifeguard(s) would be nice.

[Werner Weiss]

If you look at other timeshare resorts, such as Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI) resorts, you won't find many slides -- even though these resorts also cater to families. Even the snazzy new Marriott Grande Vista resort in Orlando doesn't have slide.

I've always assumed that it's an effort avoid the insurance costs and lifeguard labor costs that would increase the owners' annual dues. Timeshare owners typically don't get daily housekeeping either, again to keep annual dues down.

The premise behind timeshares is that owners pay a lot up front, but then pay comparatively little in the long run. DVC annual dues are already much higher than other high-end timeshares in the continental Unites States (with Disney transportation undoubtedly being part of the reason).

-----
Werner Weiss, Curator of Yesterland (http://www.yesterland.com), featuring discontinued Disneyland attractions

[Peggy Sue]

We received the survey about the pool and extra afternoon bus service. We voted no for both, because we personally didn't see a need for the slide or increased afteroon bus service. We would not change our vote today.

As we all have debated here a million times, we all have selected a home resort that suits our vacation style. We own at OKW and BWV.

At OKW we always ask for a villa AWAY from a bus stop and near a quite pool. We enjoy the relaxing pace of OKW.

At BWV, the main pool doesn't do much for us (and I too dislike the clown because of the book IT by Stephen King!) and we frequent the quiet pool at BWV.

We don't pool hop. A slide has never been and never will be something we personally desire, so that is why we voted no. We always rent a car and very seldom take a bus. maybe once in a great while to the MK. We've never had a problem with the bus service at OKW and haven't used the bus service yet at BWV's.

In addition to our ability to pool hop to check out another resort pool, WDW has three wonderful water parks that are full of slides and fun things to do.

Have a wonderful day!

[PamOKW]

I have become suspicious of DVC surveys. Ever since the towel controversy it seems they are worded to justify something DVC is planning to do anyway. The bus question was worded oddly. It said something like "instead of the combined MGM/Epcot bus would you want a dedicated MGM bus?" Since in my experience there have always been two buses I regarded it as sort of a "trick" question. (Sort of a "When did you stop beating your wife?" phrasing.)

I wouldn't mind having a lifeguard at the two larger pools but I'm pretty neutral on a slide and wouldn't want one at Turtle Pond in any case. It seems that Disney has added a slide/improved pool to all the deluxe resorts so maybe they'll add one to OKW at their own expense to keep consistent.

[mrsdon]

I voted for no slide at OKW also. I think it would detract from the main pool. I love the size of the pool and would hate to see a lifeguard chair there as well.
We've only pool-hopped 4 times in the 7 years we have owned at OKW.

[KyBill]

I've never used any pool at OKW and never will but my grandkids do. I have been at the main pool in October with the grandkids and it was anything but "serene". A slide couldn't have made it more noisy.
With pool hopping available my DD takes the grandkids to other pools. They have only been in the main pool one time in three trips to OKW.
If I had got to vote I would say yes to a slide at the main pool as long as it wasn't an diaster to look at. As far as the busses are concerned, I have never used them but this past March some of my kids and grandkids used them three mornings and the service was excellent.
If OKW was being built today it would have a slide. All the other DVC resorts do(if you count WL as part of WLV).

[KNWVIKING]

Did Disney give any $$$ per point for a slide & lifeguard. I also agree that Disney ( and other companies) word surveys to get the response they want and make it look like it was your idea.

[WDWDad]

I voted yes on a slide. I'd pay anything if those kids would just stop yelling

MARKO -- POLO

MARKO -- POLO

Maybe if they had something to do like slide down a water slide they would just be quiet.But then there would be that loud squeaking sound as they came down. OH NO!

[KNWVIKING]

A common phrase among no voters is the piece and quite of the pool area as it is.I personally don't think kids playing in a pool make more or less noise if it has a water slide. Another is an unsightly lifeguard stand. I've been to many resort pools all over the country and never once thought " that life guard stand looks terrible". On the subject of lifeguards: If I had young children-say under 10- I would want to be at the pool watching them myself even if there was a lifeguard. But I wouldn't hesitate to let my 12 or 14 yr old go to the pool by themselves while I did something else if there was a LG there. If anything I think lifeguards prevent kids from getting a little over-rambuctious which usually leads to injury. I don't think anybody at the pool hasn't seen kids running around the pool on wet concrete.

[PamOKW]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>If anything I think lifeguards prevent kids from getting a little over-rambuctious [/quote]

That's kind of what I had in mind. ;) Not just kids but any large group that tries to monopolize the pool. If a slide is really important to a majority I don't have a problem with one. I just don't "need" one for my purposes. Just like all the planned activities. I've got plenty to do at WDW without activities at the resort.

[KNWVIKING]

Another common thread on this board is what do people do after they have done the parks for several years. A common response is to not do the parks-not even buy passes, but kick back and just enjoy the resort.I feel a slide would enhance this type of vacation.Some have commented they enjoy the quite at the pools.Even without a slide the main pool is the noisest place in all of OKW. There are 3 other much quiter pools within easy access to nearly all units.

[baileybrad]

I dislike that game (marco, polo) but you know the real gut of the matter is if you have 4 pools in a resort...what would be wrong with having one that has a slide. When you think about it, kids and pools do not and should not equal quiet. Yes, there is a difference between rowdy/obnoxious and just plain laughter/fun behavior. And since everybody has those cars parked outside their doors close by @ OKW it would be real easy for folks to drive over to one of the nearby quiet pools if one were not within walking distance. But I guess it won't happen because the slide wasn't there to begin with. I wonder if there would have ever been a DVC if Disney had stopped with 1 or 2 parks. And, yes I know the answer that has nothing to do with anything, there was no slide at OKW when "we" bought so things shouldn't change. Frankly, I am glad that things do change in the world.

[KNWVIKING]

Yes'es are slowly catching up.

[nickglover]

here is the answer (but don't ask me, my home is VB) - how about a bus with a pool slide built onto it - that way it could sit by the main pool and then when Richyams drove up, the bus would have to leave (just kidding Richyams)

[KNWVIKING]

Could drive thru the resort,ringing a bell like an ice cream vender,and pick up all the kids that want to play on the slide.This could work !

[Chuck S]

I just have no need for a pool slide. If you're buying today, you can choose a resort with a slide if you want one, or buy OKW through resale.

When I bought in 1992, OKW was the only choice available.Even when I've guests with kids along, we didn't spend a lot of time at the pools...and someone asked of I spend as much time at the parks as when I first bought...well, yes & no, I spend MOST of my time at Disney parks, my guests this year also want to go to NASA and Cypress Gardens. I often 'pop into' EPCOT just for dinner, after spending part of the day at another park. I relax and read by the pool if I happen to be staying in a studio, and I have to do laundry. :)

PS Richyams, I usually don't use busses either, Mom's in a W/C and our car has a special lift...but I'm sure glad they're there when I need them.

Chuck
DVC '92 (OKW)
http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/rainbow.gif

[SueOKW]

LOL! sqeeeeeeeeck...... or Marco
Polo..............

<img width="200" src="http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/disstuff/cleveland.gif">

[spruce]

We do pool hop and have been to almost every pool onsite. At OKW, I've done a quiet pool but have never been in the main pool. (Although my son,13, loves it. I'm not cheap, I own DVC (OKW & BWV, 228 total points) and 2 other timeshares neither of which has a slide but my dues in DVC is $267 and $354 more costly per year. One is even an RCI Gold Crown summer oceanfront.
DVC is my best timeshare except it's a leasehold (RTU) and not deeded forever. I don't want or need a slide at OKW and never will...spruce

Offsite 87,92,97,00
CBR 95
DI 98
Vero 98
BWV 98,99,00
OKW 99x2,00,01
DCL 98,01

[Dean]

If I recall, the 66% range against was about the same as the survey vote. Doubt it will get much closer than this. There's a lot more than just adding a slide. There's also the lifeguard requirements and I'm sure a lot of other issues. For liability reasons as well as initial construciton and upkeep, this would be a nightmare.

Dean

[nydizfan]

hey viking are u a MEMBER..... sorry for the caps but you use them liberly(sp)...thanks DAVE

offsite '71 contemporary '72 golf resort '76 village resorts '93 okw '94 okw '95 contemporary '96 okw '97(got married) okw '97 okw '99 okw '00

[KNWVIKING]

Yes I'm a member- OKW,1998. Pardon my use of CAPS but I'm on-line while at work. My work application only accepts caps so that's what I'm accostume to use and don't really pay attention when I bounce over here. When I bought at OKW, BWV was an option. I know what the DVC program was and virtually signed site-unseen, even though I was staying at Port Orleans. Honestly, I just assumed they had a slide,never even thought to ask about one. First time we stayed I actually went to the front desk wanting to know where the slide was because I didn't see one. Talk about looking stupid. 20-20 hindsite is usually perfect. To do it over today after knowing everything thing I now know about both resorts- I'd pick BWV, (but not just because of the slide).

[normr]

Actually us OKW owners aren't cheapskates, it's the owners at the other DVC resorts that are, they're the ones that won't pay to go to the waterparks, they prefer to "think" of their pools as miniwaterparks and probably tell their kids who want to go to Blizzard Beach that their slide is just like going to the waterpark so it's not necessary.

;)

I like OKWe just like it is, we don't need no stinken slides, the one and only time we stayed @ BW, the slide was closed for repair, it looked in such terrible shape, discolored fiberglass, and wood.

[Pa@okw95]

I am one that voted against a slide or for paying for life guards. I just wish that parents would stop their kids from jumping into the pools. As for the buses, they have always been horrible. I don't use the bus system at all. Who needs to pay more dues for that??

[Joeblack]

Sorry normr. I don't agree with your conclusion. A slide is a nice perk to have for children, and not a replacement for a water park as much as renting a surrey ar OKW is not a replacement for riding Rock n' Roller Coaster.

This was supposed to be a poll. Let's not make this another childish battle between different Home Resort's owners. We are all DVC owners. I find calling owners of a resort cheapskates based on whether they have or not a slide is one of the most ridiculous things I have read in this site.

[KNWVIKING]

The count has stayed pretty much 2-1 against a water slide but after reading all the post I truely believe OKW would be a better,more valueable resort if it had a slide.
On several threads people justify purchase into DVC as an investment in their family & children, but don't want to disturb the piece & quite at any of the pools a slide would cause. I've never seen a quite pool when kids are there-slide or no slide and I know kids would vote YES to a slide.
2: Read the "pool hopping mad" post. Ever hear of any one staying at BWV pool hopping to OKW because they hate the slide at BWV. Why is SAB so popular. What happens if & when DVC ends pool hopping priveledges.
3: When the idea of at least one of our 4 pools couldn't have a slide,a post stated that someone staying near the slide pool might want a quite pool and that's not fair to them. My experience when requesting a general location for a ressie has ben very good. If 2/3 of OKW don't want to be near a slide pool,MS would have 3/4 of the resort to accomodate there request, so this isn't even a valid issue.
4: Sorry,but I just don't believe a parent with children wouldn't feel safer with a lifeguard on duty,regardless of what the stand looks like.

Well,on to the next subject.This was fun.

[HorizonsFan]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I just wish that parents would stop their kids from jumping into the pools. [/quote]

Isn't that what pools are for?

Dave

http://members.home.net/tdkersh/horizonssignsm.gif http://members.home.com/tdkersh/puck.jpg

[baileybrad]

sorry to generalize, but no wonder some don't want a slide at OKW...when someone posts that parents should keep their kids from jumping into the pool, I give up. Thanks for the effort, KNWVIKING>

[Richyams]

I am just happy that it seems to be running 2 to 1 against the slide.

I am also happy that it was a pretty respectable margin against the slide when DVC asked the question on the survey.

That is because I believe, a slide would detract from the value at OKW.

I don't believe pool hopping is going away.

If a slide is all that important, there are two and soon to be three other DVC properties on site.

Wether you believe it or not, I wouldn't feel any safer with a lifeguard at the pool. When my daughter was small, I was in with her. Now that she is bigger, she can swim well and I don't have to worry about her. A lifeguard would not make me feel better, his whole area would only detract from the pool.

Nah, no slide, no lifeguard and I am happy the large majority agrees.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[Peterd]

We own at the BW and the OKW. We never received the famous survey about the slide. I guess we were not among the chosen older members.
We used to feel very strongly towards getting a slide at the OKW. We have a quiet pool at home with a slide, so another quiet pool was nothing special.
We felt that every resort in Disney except the All-stars had a slide (GF getting one soon), why not OKW? As for Disney putting in a slide for the OKW for free, Not happening!
As for slides at a pool leading to rowdiness, being a liberal, etc... GET REAL!
We always felt there are already quiet pools at the resort, why should the main pool be a quiet one too? As time has gone by, our attitude has changed. We used to really try to change people's attitudes about how nice a slide would be. Didn't work! New attitude, if the slide isn't that important to you and you don't want to pay the dues for it, stay where you pay!
I understand why some like the okw for not having a slide. When we first bought into DVC, we were all for the pool hopping too. We could care less now. We just stay where we own, and change the Okw points over to the BW at the 7 month window. I know it used to be one of the perks for all DVC owners, but who does it really benefit? (Now this is from an OKW/BW owner), who pool hops to the OKW? No one! Occasionally a BW owner will walk over to the Y and B, but after awhile it gets old. Who hops? people not paying the dues, that's who. It would be a shame for them to take away the Pool hopping, but with the BCV coming soon, and now with the WLV, the pools with the slides are getting overcrowded by the cash paying and dues paying members who are staying at THEIR resorts.
You can't change the Old timers who are the majority owners at the OKW who are against getting a slide. More power to them, their resort, their opinion. So, these same people can't complain when pool-hopping is taken away, and don't fool yourself, it WILL be the next perk to leave.
Pretty soon the "own where you want to stay" will really be put to a test.

[AnnK]

Good call Joeblack, it amazes me what some people will say. It's funny I have learned so much from these boards, now I know as a BWV owner I must be a liberal, less intellingent, ( because some people feel the "intelligent choice" is OKW) and now on top of that I am a cheapskate!
Let me just explain, when I bought my vcr/dvd bose sound system,( though it's LIKE the movies,) I didn't stop taking my kids to the movies. Enjoying a pool with a slide is not quite like going to a waterpark.

[PamOKW]

I kind of think the people who don't want a slide probably don't pool hop either. The slide just isn't that important at OKW or elsewhere. I like the idea of pool hopping but have never used it and won't be terribly upset if it goes away. I don't really care if there is a slide or there isn't a slide. If DVC thinks it would enhance the resort then I'll pay my share. I'm not going to campaign for a slide nor complain if one goes in that fits with the rest of the resort.

My comment about Disney putting in a slide at their expense just means they will do it if they want to have it. Of course, it would then become part of maintenance fees at OKW and not a "gift" to OKW. Just like they paid for the slide at BWV and now charge members for upkeep.

[Peterd]

As for people not wanting a slide because of the dues, and then pool hopping for a nicer pool, I'm NOT saying it's everyone,but there are plenty of people who do just that. Who pool hops? and why? It's the people with the Borrrrrrrrring pool. When we used to stay at the Okw, our kids first saw the dolphin spurting out the water at the pool, and they ran up to the pool,said wow, let's check it out. Then they would see it, and go is that it? The pool has the feel of a pool in Saratoga NY in the late 60s or 70s, with a Jimmy Buffet greatest hits CD playing non stop.
We usually stay at a moderate or now the Hard Rock before checking into our DVC resort because they offer a nice change. The kids love the pools, and it's very relaxing their also. At the CBR in Oct,there was a nice band playing at the pool, the hard rock had radio broadcast simultaneously, the Contemp. a DJ, and so on.
I remember bringing this up three to four years ago on these boards, and the MAIN complaint WAS more dues for the lifeguards, insurance, and the slide. No one is saying that everyone feels this way about the dues, but years ago, it was the major reason.

Pam, I don't remember reading anywhere that Disney paid for the pool, and we pay the upkeep. Did Disney pay for the spitting Dolphin and okw has to pay for the upkeep? Just kidding. I figured it was what we paid for, when we bought into it with the higher prices. If you thought I was taking a shot at you for saying Disney wouldn't put a slide into Okw just to be nice, didn't mean it to sound that way. Sorry if it came across that way. I was just implying that Disney doesn't do anything for free. Why should they? They don't have to try to attract more people to the OKW. They're already sold out. If anything will change for the better at the Okw, Okw owners will foot the bill.
As for the people who don't want a slide, who don't necessarily pool hop, I would guess the majority of those people are in their late 40s to early 50s, maybe older. I would guess pool hopping at that time of my life would not be a priority either. Of the people who do pool hop, I wonder why. Now I know some just don't pool hop, so let's don't hear from the ,I never pool hop and don't want a slide people. We know you're there.
We all know some people just don't want a slide, and DON'T pool hop. If so many people don't pool hop, and we're hearing of all the overcrowding at the nice pools. Why do we still have it?
Fine, Don't put in the slide at the Okw. We know it's not gonna happen, until there's a large turnover of members, BUT You shouldn't be able to have it both ways. Don't pay dues on a slide, why should you. You can use the Boardwalk, Beach club, or Wilderness lodge, let those DVC members pay for the upkeep. It would be interesting to see how many people staying at their resorts, are not able to get a chair by their pool because non guests are utilizing the pool hopping perk. We used to like the pool hopping, but now sometimes wish it would be abolished.

[KNWVIKING]

I am convinced the NO voters don't want higher dues for a slide they don't want-fine,(which means it really is a money issue). Maybe an answer would be a resort-inside the-resort.Convert one of the quite pools into a world class theme pool.Allow members who want to use that pool reserve the condo units that would surround it,but charge maybe 1 extra point a weekday,2 for fri-sat.Only those guest could use all the pools.The extra points would pay the expense & not take money from those who just don't like slides.

[Peterd]

I think it's a great idea, but some people will go nuts over the thought of change. You could probably raise it a few more points, and lower the points that are further away from the main pool. Nawww ,it would never happen, wouldn't want to ruin their, I mean our resort.

[PamOKW]

I don't think age has anything to do with whether you pool hop and/or want a slide. I think it has to do with whether or not you have children who spend a lot of time at the pool. Parents come in all ages from 20's to 50's and then you have grandparents as well who are entertaing the grandkids. I honestly spend very little time at any pool whenever I'm on vacation. I enjoy it but it isn't crucial to my having a good time. But, I also don't have any small children with me, just older teenagers and other adults.

I really have no idea why people do pool hop. It seems like a lot of hassle for very little enjoyment. There is so much else to do at WDW. I don't think DVC folk are overcrowding the pools. I think it's a combination of too many non-resort guests using the pools and too many people in the rooms at the resorts. I'm guessing on any given day there are probably less than 10 families from DVC who are pool hopping.

I would be concerned about BWV's pool being accessible. They should probably put in stricter monitoring like they've done at SAB. More and more people are being drawn to the Boardwalk area and many will be bold enough to just plunk down at the BW pool for the day. Now, it's even possible to walk over MGM as well as from Epcot. It sounds like people are already parking at BW to "save" the parking fee and soon they'll figure out they can get in a swim as well.

[KNWVIKING]

As bold,rude and disrepectfull as people have gotten over the years,Disney has got to start checking resort ID's. With the Epcot resort areas having easy access to MGM and Epcot your going to see these parasites taking advantage of facilities ment for paying guest.I ust wonder how many people just drive & park at DD,hop on the resort of their choice bus and then spend the afternoon lounging by the pool.We used to show ID's when getting on the buses,I don't know why they stopped,( probably slowed up loading as parents had to drop kids,strollers,diaper bags,umbrellas,souveniers,etc to try and find the ID's). I think it would also educate cast members about "pool hopping",they seem to make up the rules as they go on that issue.

[vernon]

Viking while I admire your tanacity on the subject, I don't agree that not wanting to pay for a facility you don't want makes it a money issue, many people just DON'T WANT A SLIDE. If you were to ask would you pay more NOT TO HAVE THE SLIDE, I think you'll find a lot of people would agree to that ( although the logic of charging NOT to add something, is kinda hard to argue).

No one has actually touched on this point, WHERE WOULD YOU PUT IT?? Unless you filled in some of the canal/Marina there simply isn't the room to put a slide around the main pool (which get busy enough as it is and doesn't have the room to lose space for a "run off area" for the slide. Neither does the secondary pool ( unless you did away with the circular drive, which I guess we don't need as Rich doesn't use the busses LOL :) ) and ALL the "quiet" pools are far too small and inbetween buildings so no room there either.

IMHO the logistics of building a slide are too difficult, there is one possibility and that would involve ripping out the kiddies pool, sandcastle playarea and the beach volleyball court. It would be an ugly area, an ugly slide and wouldn't be in the theme of the resort.

I like slides but I don't think there is a place for one at OKW that would be in keeping with the resort JMHO

[CaptainMidnight]

I think a lifeguard at the pool is a good idea. They can explain to the kids who shouldn't be jumping into the pool why there is no slide....

They could also guard the pool towels .....

If there is a slide installed, those families who have 5 in a room listed for 4 should designate one person who is not allowed to use the slide...

I wouldn't have guessed this thread would get this much volume.

Kidding aside, DIS is a wonderful place....

[KNWVIKING]

Your right about the logistics of the slide,never really gave that much thought, I'll have to take a closer look in May. Just trying to picture the area- I'd probably eliminate the spitting dolphins nduse that area. Maybe it can't be done but it also doesn't need to be on the scale of SAB. Port & CBR have decent little slides, something along those lines maybe. The reason I said it's a money issue is because, with few exceptions, I don't buy most of the posted reasons for not wanting one. Quite area- with kids-I don't think so. Family would never use it- what kid-or parent- wouldn't use it if it were there.Don't want to pay for something I don't use-how often do you see the gym or sauna get used ? We all pay for them. I don't believe the cost per point would be that much- I asked if those surveyed were given a $$$ figure but nobody replied- and I'd vote NO if it were a buck-a-point but I'm thinking more like 0.10 - 0.20. and that would probably drop in a year or two after the slide construction was paid for. I've already got an idea for my next topic post, just waiting for this topic to die a slow death :-)

[Jimbo]

You know, I'm reading a lot of theories in this topic about what OKW members are thinking. That they want to pay low dues and pool hop to somewhere nicer. Or that there's some sort of anti-kid streak running through many of us.

We weren't surveyed about the slide, but had we been we would have voted no. Here's our story: When we first visited OKW, we fell in love with the place. And that's why we bought a membership there. Anything that would change the character of the place holds no appeal for us.

And I think the reality is that the 66% of the members that voted no (both in the DVC survey and the one on this board) like OKW just the way it is. They must like it a lot, too, because they committed to the place for as much as 50 years.

[dznymom1]

You know, I was going to stay out of this one, but I'm tired of biting my tongue ;)

We are pool hopping OKW owners since 1991 (save your flames please) and HH owners since 1999. I voted No for a slide simply because I don't care if they add one or not. I dislike when a resort is torn up for construction, so I'd prefer not to deal with that again after the years of waiting for OKW to be completed. When we Pool Hop, we are actually Resort Hopping. We generally choose a resort that we'd like to spend some time at including having lunch, taking a swim and enjoying whatever other amenities that particular resort offers. We do not specifically pool hop to resorts with slides. One reason we resort hop is that with my family there are times when a Food Court is what we feel like for a particular meal, and after dining the kids enjoy a swim. We have enjoyed the pools at WL (prior to VWL), Poly, Cont, SAB, PO, Dixie, CS and even All Stars. Each has their own unique feel, and checking them out and comparing them is fun.

It's funny, but we always seem to pool hop more when we stay at BWV since SAB is so convenient and we love Beaches & Cream and Hannahs. Also, we find the BW pool area to be much more congested so when we do use the pool at BW it is generally the one near Community Hall. Besides, we can't stand that nasty clown ;).

It wouldn't break my heart if there was a slide at OKW, but I am perfectly happy with things the way they are. Given my ambivalence, it seems more sensible to vote NO and spend the few dollars I would save over the years on MORE POINTS! ;)

Chris ;)

[This message was edited by dznymom1 on 04-15-01 at 10:44 AM.]

[Halle]

When we purchased at OKW back in 93 we were concerned about the lack of a lifeguard at the pools. Our kids were young at the time and we always watched them at the pool but it is a bit comforting to know that in the event of an emergency there is a trained lifeguard.