19 Year DVC'er

[Chic]

Does anyone know when the colors in the logo were changed? This watch is the only thing I have with the DVC logo in these colors.

Awesome watch! Just imagine what it will be worth in about 40 more years.

 

[jstarcze]

Ancient ones thank you for supporting DVC and making it a success. You have made it possible for us to all enjoy our Disney vacations too!

 

[KevinNYC]

I agree with Nancy that our resport was officially called DVC but many of us still thopught ot it as COnch Flats. Our first "stay" was in March 1992 and only buildings 14 -18 were open. We stayed in 14. I need to find those pictures and post them.
Everything was an experiment back then - including the bus. Our bus to the MK first went thru the figure 8 trail of the then Treehouse Resorts. That was long before they were updated. The fun part was sitting in the bus at 2 mph while it followed the treehouse trail behind the never ending familes of Peacocks that thrived there. Not allowed to honk bus horns at families - people or otherise. Hey, it was all part of the experience. We are on vacation - who needs to hurry.
What is now Saratoga Springs was formerly the Disney Institute and before that the Lake Buena Vista Gollf Resorts and Villas. In the main house was a really great steak restaurant called "Pompano Grill" or somethign like that - also great breakfast buffet. Anyway, for us new DVC'ers we could get there by the boat - and when we wanted to return we stood on the dock and pressed a button that alerted Rufus at Hanks. Remember Rufus? He was the first DVC boat driver and he blew a conch shell horn when the boat was approacing so we knew to get down to the dock. He is a really class act and asset to DVC.
Another fun fact, back then the boat ran back and forth to the Marketplace and other sites unless really bad weather. If it was cold or lightly raining, then Rufus had umbrellas and towels onboard.The boat ran. Back then we only used the more open flat pontoon boats - no real top- not the ones currently in use. Bu it was all part of the initial experience.
I should scan and post my pictures of Captain Wahoo. After a long run sitting in trhe last booth at Oliva's our Captain Wahoo was reassigned to a bar stool where he sat watching TV until he was called back to sea.
Anyone remember Bill the man who greated you as you arrived at DVC? He was always dressed in one of those great costumes with a whote pithe helmit, white jacket with brades and blue slacks. You could not arrive in cab, car or bus without Bill welcoming you and chatting.
Those are all part of the early charm on the then growing DVC. Its part of the basis of what make it all happen for the future.
Glad to have been there.
Maybe one day there should be an "old-timers" spot to share those early DVC memories. ( Maybe even the old secret bike path from DVC to the Wilderness Lodge )

 

[scot@dvcstore]

KevinNYC,
Great post, thanks for sharing with everybody especially new DVC Members.

 

[Simba's Mom]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! I admire you all for making such a smart move when DVC was in its infancy. I always wondered-when you first joined, OKW was the only DVC resort. It was 5 years before there was any other choice. Have other DVC resorts "grabbed your attention" or to you, is OKW still (as I once heard) the only true DVC resort?

 

[DopeyDave]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! I admire you all for making such a smart move when DVC was in its infancy. I always wondered-when you first joined, OKW was the only DVC resort. It was 5 years before there was any other choice. Have other DVC resorts "grabbed your attention" or to you, is OKW still (as I once heard) the only true DVC resort?

I think the "smartest" part of the "move" was the price at that time!! Yes, other resorts have grabbed my attention, but I haven't changed home resorts primarily due to the cost differentials. And I really haven't had much difficulty getting what I wanted at 7 months out! In fact, I don't even make reservations at OKW in the 11 month window any more, only to change them later. I guess I'm a pretty flexible guy!! I like to stay at different resorts each trip (depending on the purpose or theme of the trip), and when I do stay at OKW, it truly is like 'going home' again.

 

[friends with mickey]

I agree with Nancy that our resport was officially called DVC but many of us still thopught ot it as COnch Flats. Our first "stay" was in March 1992 and only buildings 14 -18 were open. We stayed in 14. I need to find those pictures and post them.
Everything was an experiment back then - including the bus. Our bus to the MK first went thru the figure 8 trail of the then Treehouse Resorts. That was long before they were updated. The fun part was sitting in the bus at 2 mph while it followed the treehouse trail behind the never ending familes of Peacocks that thrived there. Not allowed to honk bus horns at families - people or otherise. Hey, it was all part of the experience. We are on vacation - who needs to hurry.
What is now Saratoga Springs was formerly the Disney Institute and before that the Lake Buena Vista Gollf Resorts and Villas. In the main house was a really great steak restaurant called "Pompano Grill" or somethign like that - also great breakfast buffet. Anyway, for us new DVC'ers we could get there by the boat - and when we wanted to return we stood on the dock and pressed a button that alerted Rufus at Hanks. Remember Rufus? He was the first DVC boat driver and he blew a conch shell horn when the boat was approacing so we knew to get down to the dock. He is a really class act and asset to DVC.
Another fun fact, back then the boat ran back and forth to the Marketplace and other sites unless really bad weather. If it was cold or lightly raining, then Rufus had umbrellas and towels onboard.The boat ran. Back then we only used the more open flat pontoon boats - no real top- not the ones currently in use. Bu it was all part of the initial experience.
I should scan and post my pictures of Captain Wahoo. After a long run sitting in trhe last booth at Oliva's our Captain Wahoo was reassigned to a bar stool where he sat watching TV until he was called back to sea.
Anyone remember Bill the man who greated you as you arrived at DVC? He was always dressed in one of those great costumes with a whote pithe helmit, white jacket with brades and blue slacks. You could not arrive in cab, car or bus without Bill welcoming you and chatting.
Those are all part of the early charm on the then growing DVC. Its part of the basis of what make it all happen for the future.
Glad to have been there.
Maybe one day there should be an "old-timers" spot to share those early DVC memories. ( Maybe even the old secret bike path from DVC to the Wilderness Lodge )

I had forgotton Rufus's name but still remember him. I also remember they used offer a sunset cruise wih adult beverages and snacks, it was a great way to meet fellow OKW DVCers,

 

[robert@dvcstore]

How great to read all of the "older" members posts and remember the good old days at the Disney Vacation Club, now Old Key West. Those early days were special. I miss them.

Robert

 

[dizkidz2]

We went to DW in 1983 for the 1st time on our honeymoon, & have been there at least 25 times since.
We raised 2 kids, dd just graduated this past may from college & ds is in his 2nd yr. & NOW dh decides to buy into DVC. I think back on all the money we spent still well worth it but...if we only bought way back then.......