Back when OKW was the only resort...

[Dean]

All of these locations have been discussed at the DVC Annual Meetings over the years.

At the December, 2007 DVC Annual Meeting , Jim Lewis devoted considerable time to the Ko Olina, HI resort and included concept art and aerial photos of the site itself.

Actually I was referring to the original HI investigations back in the 90's and at the same basic time as NY and CO, not Ko'Olina which has obviously been announced.

 

[Dean]

This step back in history has been very interesting. Thanks for posting the questions and the answers.

To add to the discussion - how long were free park passes one of the perks for staying at OKW? Also, how big was the uproar from members when they stopped the practice?

They were there from the beginning and expired by rule on 31 Dec, 1999. Originally they had ruled that borrowed 2000 points could not be used for free passes but changed this interpretation apparently in response to queries by a member who is also a lawyer and threatened them with legal action and they realized the POS did not support the original ruling. VB had free passes early on as well. At some point, maybe 1997, the free passes were removed as a perk for new members buying in but anyone who bought an eligible contract resale received that perk just like the original buyer did. These passes were originally good only at EPCOT and MK but when MGM came on board, the privilege was extended to all 3 parks. Unfortunately the same was not true for AK though they apparently did discuss it a fair amount and from my recollection garnered quite a bit of ill will due to that decision.

 

[RobDoc]

They were there from the beginning and expired by rule on 31 Dec, 1999. Originally they had ruled that borrowed 2000 points could not be used for free passes but changed this interpretation apparently in response to queries by a member who is also a lawyer and threatened them with legal action and they realized the POS did not support the original ruling. VB had free passes early on as well. At some point, maybe 1997, the free passes were removed as a perk for new members buying in but anyone who bought an eligible contract resale received that perk just like the original buyer did. These passes were originally good only at EPCOT and MK but when MGM came on board, the privilege was extended to all 3 parks. Unfortunately the same was not true for AK though they apparently did discuss it a fair amount and from my recollection garnered quite a bit of ill will due to that decision.

MGM opened on May 1, 1989, over 2 years before there were ANY free passes for DVC purchases. That park was included in the Limited Admission Program from the start. AK was not included - except for the day the other parks were closed due to Hurricane Flloyd and they did accept the DVC passes that day.

The Park admission program was always scheduled to end on December 31, 1999 so there was no surprise about the program ending. While the passes were issued to OKW and VB owners thru 1999 (while staying at OKW), it was never offered to HH or BWV buyers as an incentive. The sales incentive ended before HH opened and was available to OKW and VB buyers until late 1995.

 

[Dean]

MGM opened on May 1, 1989, over 2 years before there were ANY free passes for DVC purchases. That park was included in the Limited Admission Program from the start. AK was not included - except for the day the other parks were closed due to Hurricane Flloyd and they did accept the DVC passes that day.

The Park admission program was always scheduled to end on December 31, 1999 so there was no surprise about the program ending. While the passes were issued to OKW and VB owners thru 1999 (while staying at OKW), it was never offered to HH or BWV buyers as an incentive. The sales incentive ended before HH opened and was available to OKW and VB buyers until late 1995.

Thanks Rob for the clarification and correction. Certainly the program was time limited and specifically written for only qualified owners and their guests. I'm still thinking there was something included later in between but maybe it's just been a long week. Renters and exchangers were not afforded the perks technically but the truth is all renters I know of during that time did get the perk.

 

[jdvm]

Let's also mention some of the other great things when Old Key West was Disney Vacation Club and the only thing that changed was the logo with boats and mountains coming and going.

When there was a soup and salad bar in Olivia's in the shape of a boat. And the plates looked like Fiesta ware and they had napkin rings and kids' menus just for Olivia's with fish the little ones could color and cut out.

When there were only 8 buildings. When the Commodore House with neat aquarium was still there.
When Wanda was a waitress in Olivia's and Robby ran the Suitcase.

When Therese and Jim were always in the General Store and Cecily ran Community Hall.

Ah, much more important stuff than booking windows!
John

 

[Dean]

Let's also mention some of the other great things when Old Key West was Disney Vacation Club and the only thing that changed was the logo with boats and mountains coming and going.

When there was a soup and salad bar in Olivia's in the shape of a boat. And the plates looked like Fiesta ware and they had napkin rings and kids' menus just for Olivia's with fish the little ones could color and cut out.

When there were only 8 buildings. When the Commodore House with neat aquarium was still there.
When Wanda was a waitress in Olivia's and Robby ran the Suitcase.

When Therese and Jim were always in the General Store and Cecily ran Community Hall.

Ah, much more important stuff than booking windows!
John

You forgot the owners VIP check in desk, print shower curtains, real napkins, and many other minor but neat differences in the rooms themselves.

 

[RobDoc]

... and peach colored towels!

 

[3pirates]

Wow....I'd forgotten a lot of that stuff...(sigh)

My kids outgrew them about the time the fun kids meals went away, but they really enjoyed those when they were younger.

And the White Chocolate Key Lime Mousse at Olivias.

BTW, I agree with Doc. We always knew the free park incentive was to last until 1999, and were not too surprised when they announced they did not intend to extend it. (Disappointed, yes, but not surprised.)

 

[spiceycat]

really miss the VIP check in - express check in.

hope we (dvc) will get it back one day. especially since the Polyn concierge can do it now.