Could OKW use a new bridge?

[dianeschlicht]

Forgot one thing. As far as the HH booking category, we have tried the last 2 trips and it has been full. No room at the inn. Even requested buildings around the HH that aren't in the category and didn't get it. So you can't use that argument either, it's not a guarantee. I don't remember how far we booked, but it wasn't last minute.

That's hardly an argument for the bridge idea. If you can't get into HH category, you probably aren't calling early enough for a special category. That onus is on you, not us.

It appears from your posts that you are young enough to have school age children yet. You are probably also able bodied enough to walk as far as a bus stop if you aren't able bodied enough to walk the extra steps to the main pool. OR you could try the very nice neighborhood pools provided.

Would you agree that if a bridge created MORE steps it wouldn't serve your purpose? If so, you must know that a bridge where you propose isn't necessarily going to mean less steps. In fact, I think it will be more steps than just following the straighter path around the sidewalk.

Another bridge would require another crosswalk, and possibly another stop for buses. As pointed out earlier, such a bridge would need to be tall enough to allow boats, and thus would have to have ramping to also accommodate wheelchairs. The real estate needed for such ramping and bridging would be far greater than the small space of ground available between the bank of the canal and the roadway. That might mean the bridge would have to start on the other side of the road. Now while that might eliminate the need for a crosswalk, it would also mean the bridge would not be able to be accessed by buildings 28 and 29, but would mostly serve only the Turtle Pond area.

 

[tor]

That's hardly an argument for the bridge idea. If you can't get into HH category, you probably aren't calling early enough for a special category. That onus is on you, not us.

It appears from your posts that you are young enough to have school age children yet. You are probably also able bodied enough to walk as far as a bus stop if you aren't able bodied enough to walk the extra steps to the main pool. OR you could try the very nice neighborhood pools provided.

Would you agree that if a bridge created MORE steps it wouldn't serve your purpose? If so, you must know that a bridge where you propose isn't necessarily going to mean less steps. In fact, I think it will be more steps than just following the straighter path around the sidewalk.

Another bridge would require another crosswalk, and possibly another stop for buses. As pointed out earlier, such a bridge would need to be tall enough to allow boats, and thus would have to have ramping to also accommodate wheelchairs. The real estate needed for such ramping and bridging would be far greater than the small space of ground available between the bank of the canal and the roadway. That might mean the bridge would have to start on the other side of the road. Now while that might eliminate the need for a crosswalk, it would also mean the bridge would not be able to be accessed by buildings 28 and 29, but would mostly serve only the Turtle Pond area.

Why should somebody have to be stuck with the neighboorhood pools just because they can't make the long walk this is why the disabilities act is so important because people are more worried about saving a penny then including all??

The bridge wouldn't increase steps because the rise could run along the road in the direction of HH and then cross when the appropriate height is reached this solution would also protect the "wetlands" on the other side of the road that are being drained by this canal.

I also can't imagine this bridge needing to be any higher than the existing bridge further down the canal.

 

[Chuck S]

The ADA does not require a shorter route, it requires equal access. People that are not fully ambulatory would have far less distance to travel by using the bus system from their neighborhood stop to the HH than by walking or wheeling across the proposed bridge.

For the record, I've pushed a manual wheelchair from bldg 46 to HH and back. It is far easier to follow the relatively flat paths of the current sidewalk than to try to push a w/c up a ramp system. And we had other options, we drove, so we could have used the car, and we could have ridden a bus from the South Point stop...but it was a pretty day. No one is "stuck" at the neighborhood pools solely because of walking distance, given the bus option.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Why should somebody have to be stuck with the neighboorhood pools just because they can't make the long walk this is why the disabilities act is so important because people are more worried about saving a penny then including all??

The bridge wouldn't increase steps because the rise could run along the road in the direction of HH and then cross when the appropriate height is reached this solution would also protect the "wetlands" on the other side of the road that are being drained by this canal.

I also can't imagine this bridge needing to be any higher than the existing bridge further down the canal.

Have you stayed at OKW? Believe me, there isn't even room for a sidewalk width anything on that side of the roadway. Besides that, it would mean removing what I consider to be one of the most beautiful parts of OKW...the line of palm trees that I have so enjoyed watching grow up over the years. There would be no room to do the sidewalk without taking out those palm trees.

As for the height of the bridge...The current bridge does not have boats going under it. In fact, they couldn't go under it. Don't forget, you have lots of inexperienced boaters riding water sprites and paddle boats around there too.

This "little" project some of you are proposing would severely change the whole feel of OKW. We would likely have to give up our water transport, our water toys, our palm trees (that totally say Key West), and maybe part of the canal itself.

I can respect some people needing fewer steps, but most of you commenting on this thread in favor of a bridge are not necessarily in the category. Chuck is the one here who WOULD benefit from fewer steps, yet he doesn't want this either. I find we are such a lazy society anymore. It's really no big deal to take a bus, and if you aren't able to get to a bus stop, how are you going to make it over a bridge or swim in a pool?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Just another comment that may get edited out, since it really doesn't address the bridge, but in a way it might. There is a blind family who owns at OKW and has guide dogs. I have run across them many times since they seem to vacation at similar times to us. They get around OKW just fine without any help, even though one of them also uses a cane. They consist of an older couple and their 30 something son and 3 guide dogs. I even helped them get on the ferry once, and they totally enjoyed the ride. I kept telling them what was along the side, and told them about the path to DTD that runs along the side etc. The son asked more about the path and asked if I thought they could take it. I said no, because it's rough and not lighted at night. He just laughed and said lights didn't mean anything to them anyway, because if it didn't have rails, they were falling in the canal!

I only related this story to point out that not everyone who is challenged by a limitation considers it to be a handicap worthy of special treatment. There are all kinds of physical limitations on many of us. Some are visible and some are not, but there is no way I think a bridge this thread proposes would serve any purpose.

 

[tor]

Have you stayed at OKW? Believe me, there isn't even room for a sidewalk width anything on that side of the roadway. Besides that, it would mean removing what I consider to be one of the most beautiful parts of OKW...the line of palm trees that I have so enjoyed watching grow up over the years. There would be no room to do the sidewalk without taking out those palm trees.

As for the height of the bridge...The current bridge does not have boats going under it. In fact, they couldn't go under it. Don't forget, you have lots of inexperienced boaters riding water sprites and paddle boats around there too.

This "little" project some of you are proposing would severely change the whole feel of OKW. We would likely have to give up our water transport, our water toys, our palm trees (that totally say Key West), and maybe part of the canal itself.

I can respect some people needing fewer steps, but most of you commenting on this thread in favor of a bridge are not necessarily in the category. Chuck is the one here who WOULD benefit from fewer steps, yet he doesn't want this either. I find we are such a lazy society anymore. It's really no big deal to take a bus, and if you aren't able to get to a bus stop, how are you going to make it over a bridge or swim in a pool?

How is it you know which category I'm in?? Perhaps those in my category like to walk as much as possible but just can't.

Just another comment that may get edited out, since it really doesn't address the bridge, but in a way it might. There is a blind family who owns at OKW and has guide dogs. I have run across them many times since they seem to vacation at similar times to us. They get around OKW just fine without any help, even though one of them also uses a cane. They consist of an older couple and their 30 something son and 3 guide dogs. I even helped them get on the ferry once, and they totally enjoyed the ride. I kept telling them what was along the side, and told them about the path to DTD that runs along the side etc. The son asked more about the path and asked if I thought they could take it. I said no, because it's rough and not lighted at night. He just laughed and said lights didn't mean anything to them anyway, because if it didn't have rails, they were falling in the canal!

I only related this story to point out that not everyone who is challenged by a limitation considers it to be a handicap worthy of special treatment. There are all kinds of physical limitations on many of us. Some are visible and some are not, but there is no way I think a bridge this thread proposes would serve any purpose.

If their guide dogs need a railing to not lead them into the canal it might be time for new guide dogs. Im not sure if it falls into special treatment but my dog is not allowed in the parks or on the bus or the ferry.

 

[dcamdad]

How is it you know which category I'm in?? Perhaps those in my category like to walk as much as possible but just can't.




If their guide dogs need a railing to not lead them into the canal it might be time for new guide dogs. Im not sure if it falls into special treatment but my dog is not allowed in the parks or on the bus or the ferry.

Is your dog a guide dog?

 

[Chuck S]

Another reminder to please keep this thread on topic, or it will have to be closed.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I personally prefer OKW the way it is. I would vote no additional bridge. I've booked HH several times and have always have gotten it, I usually book it if we have small children. I also booked once the bldng w/ the elevator for my aunt, she has trouble walking. I love the remoteness of some of the buildings, I love to walk and I really enjoy the aesthetic beauty of OKW, it's why I bought into DVC. I don't really care which bldng. I stay in but when necessary OKW has always met my requests/needs when I had friends /family who needed to be close to HH or needed a handicapped facility.

 

[WDWDad]

You are assuming not only facts not in evidence, but things that have never been proposed. Please stop fanning the flames and come down and have a rational discussion of the issues.

1) No one, and I mean no one has proposed, nor is anyone willing to accept the loss of boat transportation as a result of a new bridge.

2) No one is proposing , nor is any extra sidewalk needed alongside Millers Rd to accomadate the bridge that is being proposed. The natural slope of the bank and a slight curvature of the bridge to achievere a safe distance for the boats to pass. Anything else would be unacceptable even to me.

3) Please stop minimizing the challenge that each individual may face given their own unique circumstances. Rejoice in your own good health, but don't diminish the challenges that others may face. We are not lazy, maybe we are just on vacation and don't relish the extra hike that you do. Of course if you had to do it with a stroller ,a back pack, and a child on your shoulders at 7 PM after a day in the parks maybe you would feel differently.

4) I would love to know if that same couple may appreciate a chance to walk along a path that is shorter, and farther away from the busses than the current one.

Please stop treating this discussion as an attack on the American way of life. I love OKW as much as any of you, and would not be offering this discussion if I did not feel that it could be done in a manner befitting OKW, and Disney. As well as serve the enjoyment of many of the resorts guests.

 

[Deb & Bill]

In joining in the active discussion, I feel there is no need for an additional bridge that in my opinion would be a detriment to the appearance of OKW.

 

[mvc1997]

Forgot one thing. As far as the HH booking category, we have tried the last 2 trips and it has been full. No room at the inn. Even requested buildings around the HH that aren't in the category and didn't get it. So you can't use that argument either, it's not a guarantee. I don't remember how far we booked, but it wasn't last minute.

It is NOT that easy to get the HH booking category. We called at the 11 month window for a GV the last several trips. NO HH available.
We are not lazy, we do not want a scooter, we do not want a handicap room either, we are not getting any younger, we may have a heart condition that is not apparent from our looks. It's no ones business anyway. Sure you can take a bus from the back roads, which can add how much more time. But how do you get a bus back? If you go to the front of HH the buses are all going OUT, not back to Old Turtle Pond or South Pointe.

You are lucky to get the HH category, some not so lucky.
Only the good Lord know how Your health, or what the future holds for You.
Where is there compassion is this thread?

Anyway, bridge or no bridge, I think the people who want a bridge are half afraid to say so.
So I will reiterate, I would welcome a bridge.
But if it's not to be, I will continue to try and get the HH booking, just wish then that those that love the walking and the back roads would book them, and leave the HH to some that really want or need it.
OK, done!

 

[dcamdad]

I agree a GV HH may be tough to get even at 11 mos considering there are only 3 or 4.

Not all of the buses leaving HH are leaving the resort. There is an internal shuttle for OKW, or cross the street to Penninsular Road stop, which is the first stop returning, hop on any bus to your stop.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree a GV HH may be tough to get even at 11 mos considering there are only 3 or 4.

Not all of the buses leaving HH are leaving the resort. There is an internal shuttle for OKW, or cross the street to Penninsular Road stop, which is the first stop returning, hop on any bus to your stop.

Actually, there are only 2 GVs in the HH category and both are in building 25.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have done a little looking over this thread, and I counted 23 different responders. Of those, 16 say "no" to a bridge, 5 say "yes", and 2 had no definitive answer to the question.

I think all of us are making assumptions that may or may not be true. First of all, there is no way for us to know exactly what the ordinances are in the area where walkways, wetlands, or even bridges are concerned. Add to that the requirements for handicapped accessibility, and it could be a real can of worms. Because we don't know the ordinances, it could actually be MORE distance with a new bridge than with the existing one.

Those of us who oppose it seem to do so for monetary and esthetic reasons, while those who support seem to want a little less distance to the main pool from the south end of the resort.

I'm a bit too "green" to want to use resources and energy to build something that in my eyes would be redundant. As many have said, we already have buses, sidewalks and one bridge to accommodate people traveling from South Point, Turtle Pond and Peninsular road. I did read one comment about not wanting to take a bus from Peninsular Road bus stop to the HH pool. Frankly, the bridge being discussed would make MORE steps for someone going from the Peninsular road stop, since that area is already in the HH category and is available with the crosswalk.

 

[dcamdad]

Actually, there are only 2 GVs in the HH category and both are in building 25.

You're right, with all this talk about the bridge for 27-29 I had a brain cramp.

 

[WDWMom]

That's hardly an argument for the bridge idea. If you can't get into HH category, you probably aren't calling early enough for a special category. That onus is on you, not us.

It appears from your posts that you are young enough to have school age children yet. You are probably also able bodied enough to walk as far as a bus stop if you aren't able bodied enough to walk the extra steps to the main pool. OR you could try the very nice neighborhood pools provided.

Would you agree that if a bridge created MORE steps it wouldn't serve your purpose? If so, you must know that a bridge where you propose isn't necessarily going to mean less steps. In fact, I think it will be more steps than just following the straighter path around the sidewalk.

Another bridge would require another crosswalk, and possibly another stop for buses. As pointed out earlier, such a bridge would need to be tall enough to allow boats, and thus would have to have ramping to also accommodate wheelchairs. The real estate needed for such ramping and bridging would be far greater than the small space of ground available between the bank of the canal and the roadway. That might mean the bridge would have to start on the other side of the road. Now while that might eliminate the need for a crosswalk, it would also mean the bridge would not be able to be accessed by buildings 28 and 29, but would mostly serve only the Turtle Pond area.

I wasn't using the HH category as a means of arguing for the bridge, I was using it as a means of telling the poster that he/she couldn't use it as means of arguing against it. Not everyone can get into HH area all the time. We called last year 10-11 months out I think and it was booked for 1 bdrm. If there was a bridge, there would be more room that could be booked as a HH/pool category, thus more people could get their requests. And I honestly think it is rude to tell people "that this is on you, not us." You don't know anyone's circumstances or when they called, or the size of villa. Someone else posted they called at the 11 month window for a GV and couldn't get on in the HH area. Would you be rude about that?

This isn't just about the pool. We use the tennis courts, bball courts, shuffleboard darts, and the pool. Can't find those things by the quiet pools. Again, you don't know that we don't use the quiet pools.

As far as actually construction of the bridge, do you have any knowledge of construction? If not, than you have no credibility as to how a bridge should be built. DH is in construction and is familiar with ADA compliance and building codes. ADA is a federal code not a state code so there is no difference from one state to the next.

 

[dianeschlicht]

2) No one is proposing , nor is any extra sidewalk needed alongside Millers Rd to accomadate the bridge that is being proposed. The natural slope of the bank and a slight curvature of the bridge to achievere a safe distance for the boats to pass. Anything else would be unacceptable even to me.

How did Miller's Road get into this discussion now? I thought we were talking about a bridge to accommodate the people across the canal from the main pool on Peninsular Road.

 

[WDWMom]

Have you stayed at OKW? Believe me, there isn't even room for a sidewalk width anything on that side of the roadway. Besides that, it would mean removing what I consider to be one of the most beautiful parts of OKW...the line of palm trees that I have so enjoyed watching grow up over the years. There would be no room to do the sidewalk without taking out those palm trees.

As for the height of the bridge...The current bridge does not have boats going under it. In fact, they couldn't go under it. Don't forget, you have lots of inexperienced boaters riding water sprites and paddle boats around there too.

This "little" project some of you are proposing would severely change the whole feel of OKW. We would likely have to give up our water transport, our water toys, our palm trees (that totally say Key West), and maybe part of the canal itself.

I can respect some people needing fewer steps, but most of you commenting on this thread in favor of a bridge are not necessarily in the category. Chuck is the one here who WOULD benefit from fewer steps, yet he doesn't want this either. I find we are such a lazy society anymore. It's really no big deal to take a bus, and if you aren't able to get to a bus stop, how are you going to make it over a bridge or swim in a pool?

I think the bridge they are referring to is the one that connects the DTD/OKW walkway and the THV. It is a very nice bridge (we have walked over it despite the CM only sign - Yeah, I know, I broke the rules. Big deal) A bridge like that one is very nice, and ramps off and on are very minimal. Boats go under it 100 times a day.

 

[dianeschlicht]

As far as actually construction of the bridge, do you have any knowledge of construction? If not, than you have no credibility as to how a bridge should be built.

Actually, our household does know a lot about construction. ADA compliance is one thing, but an even greater one is the local ordinances for bridges and walkways etc.

As for the tennis courts etc. There are tennis courts along Turtle Pond in addition to the ones near the main pool. Of course, that does not cover the other things, but this discussion is not about what you or I do on our vacations, but rather if an additional bridge is appropriate or needed for OKW.

Oh, and the bridge I was referring to is the one that already exists over the canal between Peninsular Road bus stop and HH. That bridge on the walkway is meant for golf cart traffic, so no real need to comply with ADA or anything else.