Could OKW use a new bridge?

[tor]

Wow we are only talking about a foot bridge on the River Country thread they are talking about adding entire buildings to OKW that would go over well here.

 

[La2kw]

The nice thing about DVC is that there are so many different resorts, no one ever needs to stay at OKW if it doesn't meet their needs. Instead of changing the aesthetics of the original DVC which has been around for about 20 years now (and has seemed to please many, many people the exact way it is built now), why not choose a different resort that has a closer pool area? Seems like the best solution to me, we love OKW but also enjoy staying at the other resorts as well. (Our biggest surprise was loving Kidani as much as we do.)

 

[tor]

The nice thing about DVC is that there are so many different resorts, no one ever needs to stay at OKW if it doesn't meet their needs. Instead of changing the aesthetics of the original DVC which has been around for about 20 years now (and has seemed to please many, many people the exact way it is built now), why not choose a different resort that has a closer pool area? Seems like the best solution to me, we love OKW but also enjoy staying at the other resorts as well. (Our biggest surprise was loving Kidani as much as we do.)

If nothing was ever improved just think of how far behind WDW would be. I think it would all be just like the carousel of progress. My favorite ride but desprately needing updating.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If nothing was ever improved just think of how far behind WDW would be. I think it would all be just like the carousel of progress. My favorite ride but desprately needing updating.

The difference is what you think is an improvement, others think is an eyesore.

COP is a Disney standard that shouldn't be changed in the opinion of many.

 

[tor]

The difference is what you think is an improvement, others think is an eyesore.

COP is a Disney standard that shouldn't be changed in the opinion of many.

I would say based on the line to get in to COP your definition of many and mine are far apart.

 

[WDWMom]

The nice thing about DVC is that there are so many different resorts, no one ever needs to stay at OKW if it doesn't meet their needs. Instead of changing the aesthetics of the original DVC which has been around for about 20 years now (and has seemed to please many, many people the exact way it is built now), why not choose a different resort that has a closer pool area? Seems like the best solution to me, we love OKW but also enjoy staying at the other resorts as well. (Our biggest surprise was loving Kidani as much as we do.)

The way I see it, some people like improvement, other don't like change. It's all in your perspective (I mean "your" as in anybody not PP)

I love OKW. The only time we don't stay there is when we can't get in (actually happened one trip) or when we want to try a new resort and only stay at the new the last 2 nights of our trip. Haven't found any place I want to stay for 10 night more than OKW. We have owned since 1998 with around 20 trips under our belts. Our kids have had more WDW/DVC trips than birthdays So please don't tell me your solution is for me to find another "home". I find that very offensive that you would propose for a family to find other place to stay, because you don't want something changed.

 

[dianeschlicht]

The difference is what you think is an improvement, others think is an eyesore.

COP is a Disney standard that shouldn't be changed in the opinion of many.

I couldn't have said it better!

 

[dianeschlicht]

The trouble with this thread is that I have the feeling a few are trying to force feed the majority of us into thinking their way, when we just don't feel it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The way I see it, some people like improvement, other don't like change.....

There is a big difference in change and improvement. Not all changes are improvements.

For example, the changes in how DVC views resale contracts beginning Mar 20. That appears to be a change that very view members see as an improvement.

Another one, no real coffee mugs and glasses in the studios. There was a giant uproar over that one. Very few members liked drinking their coffee out of a styrofoam cup instead of a real mug. And DVC backed off of that one.

Yet another, the Rule of 4. While some may have found it easier to manage, a lot of the members who have been around longer didn't like losing the ability to bank some of their points two months out from the end of the UY.

Still another, the HH booking category at OKW. Adding booking categories makes it more difficult to book a full stay in the same type villa as you get closer to your stay.

So change doesn't always mean improvement. Sometimes it just means change for the negative.

 

[dianeschlicht]

There is a big difference in change and improvement. Not all changes are improvements.

For example, the changes in how DVC views resale contracts beginning Mar 20. That appears to be a change that very view members see as an improvement.

Another one, no real coffee mugs and glasses in the studios. There was a giant uproar over that one. Very few members liked drinking their coffee out of a styrofoam cup instead of a real mug. And DVC backed off of that one.

Yet another, the Rule of 4. While some may have found it easier to manage, a lot of the members who have been around longer didn't like losing the ability to bank some of their points two months out from the end of the UY.

Still another, the HH booking category at OKW. Adding booking categories makes it more difficult to book a full stay in the same type villa as you get closer to your stay.

So change doesn't always mean improvement. Sometimes it just means change for the negative.

Very true, and by the same token, some unwanted changes end up being welcomed once we got used to them. I'm thinking especially of the pool slide. Perhaps this bridge would be like that, but for me it would not be if they had to take out any of those palm trees.

 

[tor]

Very true, and by the same token, some unwanted changes end up being welcomed once we got used to them. I'm thinking especially of the pool slide. Perhaps this bridge would be like that, but for me it would not be if they had to take out any of those palm trees.

I dont believe the palm trees would need to go. We are not talking about an interstate highway bridge just a simple foot bridge. There appears to be plenty of room between the trees and then if it need be there is ample room on the water side of the bank.

 

[tor]

Measuring on google maps the palm trees are 45 ft apart there is 20 ft of bank past the palm trees on the water side and the water is 80 ft across. So a bridge 6 ft wide would easily fit. As a reference the Saratoga Springs bridge is 350 ft long and about 8 ft wide not that, that style would be appropriate.

 

[ariel & eric]

I found this thread at an interesting time. Just came back from the World. 2 week magical trip with lots of family and friends. One night we were in the hottub with other OKW DVCers discussing how OKW hasn't changed much in the 20 years it's been around. There are been some changes - pool slide, addition of blds 62-64. I think there was approx. 15 adults in the tub. Someone actually brought up a bridge along the canal near the building being discussed here. Just a little foot bridge to ease the congestion of the area around the boat launch. FOr those going to the pool from South Point or Turtle Pond it would be convenient. Amazingly, everyone in the hottub agreed. We discussed how it would only need to be a little foot bridge; however, we did not get into the ADA and codes things like you all have. It was just a lively discussion along with a bit laughter and drinking.

Also in the discussion was the addition of a larger counter service area and larger bar. Not sure there is a "NEED" for that, but certainly serveral people were in favor for it. But I doubt that would ever happen and is not needed to be discussed here.

 

[Chuck S]

I found this thread at an interesting time. Just came back from the World. 2 week magical trip with lots of family and friends. One night we were in the hottub with other OKW DVCers discussing how OKW hasn't changed much in the 20 years it's been around. There are been some changes - pool slide, addition of blds 62-64. I think there was approx. 15 adults in the tub. Someone actually brought up a bridge along the canal near the building being discussed here. Just a little foot bridge to ease the congestion of the area around the boat launch. FOr those going to the pool from South Point or Turtle Pond it would be convenient. Amazingly, everyone in the hottub agreed. We discussed how it would only need to be a little foot bridge; however, we did not get into the ADA and codes things like you all have. It was just a lively discussion along with a bit laughter and drinking.

Also in the discussion was the addition of a larger counter service area and larger bar. Not sure there is a "NEED" for that, but certainly serveral people were in favor for it. But I doubt that would ever happen and is not needed to be discussed here.

But, were those people in the hot tub OKW owners who were willng to see their dues increase for the bridge?

Many people do not understand that timeshares are not hotels, and with SSR and OKW especially, there is not a hotel component to share those improvement costs. It would be born by members.

I am not opposed to improvements, I remember the herb garden and smaller Olivia's dining room. Herb garden was removed, Olivia's was enlarged. That was, IMO an improvement. The design change in the one/two bedroom units adding the extra bathroom entrance was, IMO an improvement.

A foot bridge would, IMO, not be an improvement. It would be an expense to shorten the walk to the HH, when that can already be achieved by using the bus system. Bus costs would not be reduced by the bridge, they would still run the same route to the parks and DtD. There is no cost offset.

As far as improved/larger counter service and larger adult beverage areas, those costs would either be financed by Disney, or DVD and then leased back to Disney Resorts/Dining. No expense to members there, but evidently Disney has no desire to do that.

 

[WDWDad]

wow Ariel & Eric thank you. Maybe it was you that we talked to last time as we discussed this in the hot tub once also with several other OWNERS. That is part of the reason that I was suprised to find such quick and powerful no responses here.

We have had this discussion with other families also around the pool area, and maybe that is the problem. Tor is right in that the Dis community here on the DVC boards does not make a scientific random sampling. Too small a sample and too non diversified to be representative. I believe younger families would be more apt to support something like this while those who spend less time going back and forth to HH would not.I only sought to facilitate discussion. I don't expect to make any decisions.

Also Geezer and Diane, no I do not have specific knowledge of local codes in Lake Buena Vista, but I do have 26 years of knowledge in construction, and I can tell you that local codes are mainly State codes, local jurisdictions do not come up with their own building codes. Additionally codes do vary state to state, but not by much. Enviromental factors mainly. We in Michigan don't build to wind factors as Florida would, but then again we have specific rules for roof loads due to snow accumulation that Florida wouldn't consider. But the basic construction of a bridge such as we are talking would not vary much state to state, and The ADA requirements would be consistent. Given the site conditions present and the heights needed to ensure safe boat passage I am very confident that this bridge could be built from a structural point of view in a manner consistent with the code, and within the parameters of theming that Disney is so famous for.

 

[ariel & eric]

But, were those people in the hot tub OKW owners who were willng to see their dues increase for the bridge?

Many people do not understand that timeshares are not hotels, and with SSR and OKW especially, there is not a hotel component to share those improvement costs. It would be born by members.

I am not opposed to improvements, I remember the herb garden and smaller Olivia's dining room. Herb garden was removed, Olivia's was enlarged. That was, IMO an improvement. The design change in the one/two bedroom units adding the extra bathroom entrance was, IMO an improvement.

A foot bridge would, IMO, not be an improvement. It would be an expense to shorten the walk to the HH, when that can already be achieved by using the bus system. Bus costs would not be reduced by the bridge, they would still run the same route to the parks and DtD. There is no cost offset.

As far as improved/larger counter service and larger adult beverage areas, those costs would either be financed by Disney, or DVD and then leased back to Disney Resorts/Dining. No expense to members there, but evidently Disney has no desire to do that.

Well, they were all OKW owners and we never discuss costs, only what it would cost to go get more drinks from TGS Actually most of the discussion about the bridge was to help alleviate the congestion around the actual HH front desk. On weekends and high arrival and departures dates the congestion is awful from the HH bus stop to Goods. Sometimes it is difficult to get from HH to the pool during lunch time around Goods. That's really what our discussion was about

 

[Chuck S]

Well, they were all OKW owners and we never discuss costs, only what it would cost to go get more drinks from TGS Actually most of the discussion about the bridge was to help alleviate the congestion around the actual HH front desk. One weekend and high arrival and departures dates the congestion is awful from the HH bus stop to Goods. Sometimes it is difficult to get from HH to the pool during lunch time around Goods. That's really what our discussion was about

Hmm, if the problem seems to be the number of people along the main walkway from the HH bus stop to the snack bar, in front of the front desk entrance, there is a much less costly alternative. They could open a short cut foot path through the delivery/receiving area. It would go from the HH parking area directly to the pool area by cutting behind Olivia's. I'm sure they'd need to dress is up a little for show, as it is the main receiving area for deliveries to the resort, but doable.

 

[tor]

Hmm, if the problem seems to be the number of people along the main walkway from the HH bus stop to the snack bar, in front of the front desk entrance, there is a much less costly alternative. They could open a short cut foot path through the delivery/receiving area. It would go from the HH parking area directly to the pool area by cutting behind Olivia's. I'm sure they'd need to dress is up a little for show, as it is the main receiving area for deliveries to the resort, but doable.

OMG who would pay the cost of this dressing up.

 

[Chuck S]

OMG who would pay the cost of this dressing up.

In truth, the dressing up would be a nice touch, but really optional, if you are going for function over ambiance. Many times in recent years we've exited the theme parks or shows through backstage areas, so Disney is kind of placing less emphasis on "the show."

 

[Fatalbie]

I didn't read all the posts so it may have been said. I'm not sure that bringing all that traffic through the pool area is a good thing for the relaxation factor that you get at OKW. It is currently separated out and has a very nice feel. My $.02

Jim