? about OKW "in the beginning"

[Simba's Mom]

When Disney Vacation Club first began (wasn't it late 1991) and OKW was THE only place, were the accomodations there just for Disney Vacation Club members? The reason I wonder is that I just received a 1992 Birnbaum's Guide, and while DVC/OKW shows up in all the maps, the book doesn't discuss it in its accomodations section. I'm trying to figure out why this would be. It looks like, if I'd wanted to go to WDW in 1992, a place called "Disney Vacation Club" existed, but its accomodations weren't available to me. Is that so?

 

[RobDoc]

Yes, it was available for reservations thru CRO in 1992. Keep in mind that Birnbaum's (and most other guidebooks) go to press months before their release and are usually released the fall prior to the year listed. When the '92 book went to press, details about the resort were sketchy at best and the resort had not even opened at press-time. (It opened in October, 1991.) That book probably went to press in Summer, 1991.

I suspect that if you can find a '93 Birnbaum's, The Disney Vacation Club Resort will be described in full detail- including room rates. I think I have the '93 edition and will check when we get home.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

My thoughts exactly Doc and one can compare the lack of OKW coverage then to the limited info available on SSR in travel guides printed in 2003. I just took a look at the 2004 UG at the bookstore -- SSR is mentioned, but only about 1/3 the amount of detail as the other DVC Resorts. I'm sure the 2005 UG will have much more information.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Actually they were selling "points " then, but taking regular guests on a cash basis. MY parents went to WDW in Feb. 1992. Due to dietary concerns my mom needed a place with a kitchen, and the units over by Disney Marketplace were full. So they gave them a one bedroom at what was then just the Vacation Club.

As an aside, when they retutrned and described the place to us, we became interested and ended up buying in Sept. 1992.

 

[PamOKW]

It was available on a cash basis but, to me, it was kind of mysterious. Somewhere on property there were these very fancy condos that people would buy and stay at WDW. Must be something for very wealthy folks. There was a "blurb" about non-members being able to stay there if the members weren't using the units. Kind of an initimidating coment and the prices seemed awfully high. (I remember a section in the Magic Kingdom Club brochure in 1992.)

Who knew once I got my nerve up to go and find this magical place that I'd be joining the very wealthy. LOL!

 

[Pa@okw95]

The DVC is listed in the accommodations section of Birnbaum's 93 (I collect them) but it only explains the membership and how it works, leading on to believe that you can not stay there without being a member. In the price section for accomdations they are not listed, I don't think, they have 2 bedroom villas with king's in both bedrooms listed, it doesn't sound like OKW. I rented as a cash customer in 94 when the CRO told me about them, I thought she was making a mistake because I assumed they were only for members. At any rate they started to mention them in 93 plus they have Olivias mentioned in the dinning section.

 

[Pa@okw95]

just to add like Pam I thought DVC was for the very very rich, those earning millions per year. Was I surprised when I found out joining was about the price of a mid-sized car. I would have been a member from 91 instead of 95 if somewhere they had put up a sign about the costs.

 

[wanna-b-Tink]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
just to add like Pam I thought DVC was for the very very rich, those earning millions per year. Was I surprised when I found out joining was about the price of a mid-sized car. I would have been a member from 91 instead of 95 if somewhere they had put up a sign about the costs.

Same here. We went in 94 and 98 and saw info areas, but thought, "what kind of crazy deal is that??" Then when we had time to tour in 2000, we FOUND OUT what kind of crazy deal it was - we were crazy for not buying in 94!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
just to add like Pam I thought DVC was for the very very rich, those earning millions per year. Was I surprised when I found out joining was about the price of a mid-sized car. I would have been a member from 91 instead of 95 if somewhere they had put up a sign about the costs.

Being the curious one, I saw the lighthouse in Sept. of 91 and there was NO rest in me till I found out all the information I could.
Happily, it was not as expensive as I had thought it would be.
We purchased in Feb. 92. Sight unseen and via the mail.