Allergies at okw?

[quandrea]

Whenever we stay at okw my dh has massive allergy attacks. It gets so bad that he is unable to function. Borders on flu like symptoms vthis has happened on the four occasions we've stayed there doesn't happen at any other resorts. I'm wondering if it is something in the ventilation system. Anyone else out there with a similar experience. Too bad bc we love okw but we never book it any more.

 

[glaserjm]

That's strange, I'm very prone to allergies, but have never experienced anything at OKW. That severe of a reaction sounds like something more than just a mold/dust reaction. Maybe he is allergic to some of the vegetation at the resort? My mom is allergic to some plant at the Tiki Room and experienced something similar to what you are describing.

 

[Chuck S]

My allergies are so bad at home, that I feel great at OKW. I would assume, though, that OKW probably has higher mold counts because of the vegetation being closer to the units and the Florida humidity. It may also be a floral fragrance left from a previous occupant, or maybe even a cleaning chemical.

 

[quandrea]

Thanks for the replies. Just wondered if anyone else had experienced this. The fact that it's happened on every stay, makes us feel it isn't fragrance from a past guest. It has to be something that is consistent around the resort. Doesn't matter which building we stay in. It's such a shame because we love OKW and the low point values. Got to thinking about it again, because we can book a week in December for so little, but it's not an option for us.

 

[DenLo]

I suspect it's mold. OKW is the oldest DVC resort and we're talking Florida--so mold is always an issue. And I expect all of the tropical foliage right next to the building even makes it worse.

I'm allergic to mold and the one time we stayed at OKW I had to take full dosage of my meds just so I could enjoy the parks. It didn't help that it was raining buckets the day we arrived (and had been for 3 days before). I feel for him.

But the other posters were right it could be just a specific plant that could be culprit.

 

[JeanfromBNA]

I saw ragweed on the boat ride between OKW and DTD, so it's out there, even though Disney tries to keep it in check.

 

[disneynutz]

Florida has mold problems, WDW is on a swamp, OKW has a river running through/around it and it has mature vegetation blocking air/wind movement. They have a known mold issue in and around the buildings. If you ever get a room that didn't have a guest checking out that day, the smell from the mold is unbearable due to the AC not being run.

OKW changes the HVAC filters regularly and does what they can but it is what it is.

On a side note VB has a known mold issue also. So much so, they set up de-humidifiers in the vacant rooms trying to remediate the issue.

Bill

 

[quandrea]

Florida has mold problems, WDW is on a swamp, OKW has a river running through/around it and it has mature vegetation blocking air/wind movement. They have a known mold issue in and around the buildings. If you ever get a room that didn't have a guest checking out that day, the smell from the mold is unbearable due to the AC not being run.

OKW changes the HVAC filters regularly and does what they can but it is what it is.

On a side note VB has a known mold issue also. So much so, they set up de-humidifiers in the vacant rooms trying to remediate the issue.

Bill[/QUOTE

Thanks Bill. I just booked animal kingdom for march and would have loved to have booked okw. Reading what you wrote reinforces the notion that okw is a no go for us given the mold. Low points or not.

 

[Queenie122]

This is interesting. I have severe allergies, especially molds. I was fine while I was at OKW but the day we left I started getting sick and by the time I got home I was reallllyyyy sick. I got asthmatic bronchitis and needed shots and all kinds of steroids. I chalked it up to pushing myself being on vacation. Maybe it was the mold.

 

[quandrea]

This is interesting. I have severe allergies, especially molds. I was fine while I was at OKW but the day we left I started getting sick and by the time I got home I was reallllyyyy sick. I got asthmatic bronchitis and needed shots and all kinds of steroids. I chalked it up to pushing myself being on vacation. Maybe it was the mold.

How long were you there? Dh is fine until day four and then it hits. Asthmatic bronchitis just like you.