Had a bunch of issues at OKW, thoughts please!

[BeantownDisneyFan]

Just returned from OKW (our home), and had a very enjoyable stay.

Came upon a few issues on this visit, which was our tenth stay at OKW. Overall, we are forever impressed with the vacation experience, upkeep, state of maintenance, and staff at OKW. I think the management team has done a very good job at OKW.

A few issues; thoughts please?

1. As had been the case in the past, we identified at the time that we made our reservation (11 months in advance) the buildings that we prefer to vacation in, including "upper floor" preference. We verified that this note was made in the record, a few months prior to our arrival. Upon check-in we were told that our Vacation Home was not "blocked" as had been past practice. We were told that OKW no longer pre-blocks Vacation Homes based on preference. We were told that Vacation Homes are now assigned at check-in. To me, this is VERY disappointing. NOTE: We were not looking for a particular Vacation Home, just a Vacation Home in our preferred "general vicinity."

In a conversation with one of the managers at OKW, I was told that OKW is no longer "blocking" Vacation Homes based on preference. I was told that there were a number of members that wanted to check-in when they arrived, particularly when they arrived prior to the 4:00 PM check-in time, and the process of "blocking" rooms interfered with the Front Desk's desire to make Vacation Home's available to guests when they check-in.

2. Our Vacation Home was in excellent condition, with a few exceptions. What struck us, was the very "sterile," and almost "prison-like" decor of our Vacation Home. There was nothing soft (not a pillow on the sofa, curtain, etc.) in our Vacation Home. Unlike our experience Marriott Vacation Club resorts, Four Seasons (ownership) resorts, and Club Intrawest resorts, there was nothing "Home-like" about the resort that seems to subscribe to a "Welcome Home" value. Between the one magazine on the coffee table, the wooden window blinds, the new couch and carpet that are made of "bullet-proof" materials, etc., our overall impression this time, for the first time ever, was that the decor of our OKW Vacation Home was more "sterile," and prison-like than ever before.

3. As in the past, we had almost no access to our cellular networks (Verizon Wireless, and Sprint PCS) at OKW. I know AT&T is a Corporate Sponsor of Disney, but I have to wonder if Disney's relationship with AT&T has kept Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS out. I would assume that there might be other OKW members who have run into the same difficulty. I wonder if this is an issue to bring to the HOA?

Again, we are proud OKW owners. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.

THANKS!

 

[WDWguru]

Originally posted by BeantownDisneyFan
3. As in the past, we had almost no access to our cellular networks (Verizon Wireless, and Sprint PCS) at OKW. I know AT&T is a Corporate Sponsor of Disney, but I have to wonder if Disney's relationship with AT&T has kept Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS out. I would assume that there might be other OKW members who have run into the same difficulty. I wonder if this is an issue to bring to the HOA?

I can't comment on the other issues, but we have Verizon service and have never had a problem with coverage at WDW. We were at OKW in April/May and had no problems, then at BWV and BCV just last week had good coverage. We have noticed that it drops in some areas on property, but it just depends on where the towers are. I think Disney limits the number of cell towers they have on property, which would explain the drop outs. When we had AT&T's service it was the same exact situation - some areas had great signal and others had almost none, so I don't think it has anything to do with the carriers aside from their network strength overall.

 

[Pa@okw95]

The new check in method will work for most people. When you check in you should be given a choice of where you want to stay. I think the new method will work if we all give a chance. I personally like the idea of having a choice and with any luck getting a unit when you check in instead of having to wait until 4 oclock to get the one that was pre assigned to you. This is the way it was done when I first became a member, I think all but a few will like this method.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

We used our Nextel phone without a problem. As for the room, we too just got back, I also own other timeshares (Towers at Mullet Bay in Sint Maarten and Vistana in Orlando) in my opinion, I think the rooms are perfect, the material on the couches will last a very long time, so no need to replace, as for curtains, the blinds were fine, easier to clean, curtains will collect dust and create a smell, collecting odors from cooking, smoking, etc. As for the one magazine, that didn't bother us at all. I think they are very smart and the materials used should keep the costs to a minimum (maintenance) but who knows! As for your request for a room, I can't see how they could block specific rooms, but a request for non-smoking and upper level shoudln't be a problem. I think anything other than that would be a reservations nightmare.

 

[floridaminnie]

That is interesting to know about the check-in. We went last weekend NOv 1st through Nov. 3rd and stayed in VWL. We arrived early, around 11am. We were told that our room was not ready. Originally we were suppose to be on the first floor, then at 4pm we ended up with a room on the fourth floor. I'm wondering how much of this policy is just something for them to say. Just a thought.

 

[Chuck S]

Originally posted by BeantownDisneyFan

1. As had been the case in the past, we identified at the time that we made our reservation (11 months in advance) the buildings that we prefer to vacation in, including "upper floor" preference. We verified that this note was made in the record, a few months prior to our arrival. Upon check-in we were told that our Vacation Home was not "blocked" as had been past practice. We were told that OKW no longer pre-blocks Vacation Homes based on preference. We were told that Vacation Homes are now assigned at check-in. To me, this is VERY disappointing. NOTE: We were not looking for a particular Vacation Home, just a Vacation Home in our preferred "general vicinity."

In a conversation with one of the managers at OKW, I wa
s told that OKW is no longer "blocking" Vacation Homes based on preference. I was told that there were a number of members that wanted to check-in when they arrived, particularly when they arrived prior to the 4:00 PM check-in time, and the process of "blocking" rooms interfered with the Front Desk's desire to make Vacation Home's available to guests when they check-in.

I'm a little disappointed in this, too. But so far, I haven't encountered this - we usually travel in "off season" . I don't see how this can completely work, especially when some members make floor/smoking requests for medical reasons. If course, I like to get into our room early - but if it isn't available early that's just the way it is. If however the resort isn't busy, and many rooms are available - I don't see a problem offering folks a choice at check-in.

2. Our Vacation Home was in excellent condition, with a few exceptions. What struck us, was the very "sterile," and almost "prison-like" decor of our Vacation Home. There was nothing soft (not a pillow on the sofa, curtain, etc.) in our Vacation Home. Unlike our experience Marriott Vacation Club resorts, Four Seasons (ownership) resorts, and Club Intrawest resorts, there was nothing "Home-like" about the resort that seems to subscribe to a "Welcome Home" value. Between the one magazine on the coffee table, the wooden window blinds, the new couch and carpet that are made of "bullet-proof" materials, etc., our overall impression this time, for the first time ever, was that the decor of our OKW Vacation Home was more "sterile," and prison-like than ever before.

Perhaps if members and guests would quit giving pillows and things a "ride home" with them, so our dues wouldn't have to keep replacing these items we could have a few more creature comforts. I think DVC is trying to control costs without substantially changing our experience - remember those COSTS are absorbed by members, not Disney.

3. As in the past, we had almost no access to our cellular networks (Verizon Wireless, and Sprint PCS) at OKW. I know AT&T is a Corporate Sponsor of Disney, but I have to wonder if Disney's relationship with AT&T has kept Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS out. I would assume that there might be other OKW members who have run into the same difficulty. I wonder if this is an issue to bring to the HOA?

Disney is the land owner, and they have as much right to refuse to have a tower anywhere on their property as we have to not have one in our backyard. There are other parts of the nation without good cell service - our phone didn't have any signal almost anywhere near Indio, California, while traveling - and you really WOULD think an area as mobile and upscale as California would have good cell service statewide. Remember, cell phones aren't considered a basic utility in most areas. Besides, you at WDW on VACATION - I realize a cell phone could be much cheaper to use than land lines, but it isn't a matter of "life or death" for most folks. You asked for opinions

 

[joepoe]

Anyone have any pictures of the new furniture at OKW?

 

[Figment2]

I have AT&T cellular service and have problems at most of the resorts - in the room. We usually go out on the front porch or the balcony to make calls. Better reception.

C.

 

[Doctor P]

We used our Sprint PCS phones extensively at WDW and specifically at OKW back in December and January. Had no more problems there than anywhere else I have been. It was not a perfect signal, but I had no real problems to speak of.

 

[jctwizzer]

Once you stated that the OKW interiors were "prison like", your thread lost all credibility -- at least for me. Obviously you have no basis for comparison or you wouldn't have made such a outrageous statement. Better luck next time>

 

[jctwizzer]

Once you stated that the OKW interiors were "prison like", your post lost all credibility -- at least for me. Obviously you have no basis for comparison or you wouldn't have made such a outrageous statement. Better luck next time>

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

The person stated they had stayed 10 times before. I think they were comparing what the room looked like previously to what it looked like after renovation...which was sort of confirmed by another poster. That said I wouldn't have found what they called "sterile" decorations sterile...having stayed in OKW in the spring. Perhaps basic would be a better description.

I think Disney has a problem other timeshares don't. Any appropriate or expected decoration would most likely also be a collectable.

And with regard to Verizon...I have America's Choice and had no problem with coverage Halloween...weirdly I was traveling with a party that also had America's choice and every call was roaming...go figure.

 

[BeantownDisneyFan]

Thanks to all for their replies.

The cellular coverage with both Sprint PCS and Verizon Wireless were very spotty at OKW, for us. We had little difficulty with cellular coverage in the parks, Downtown Disney, Lake Buena Vista, etc.

"jctwizzer" your thoughts are quite thought provocative; thank you for your comments. As I know these Boards, they are a place where people express their opinions, and only a few cast judgement of others credibility, or the credibility of their comments. I just so happen to be a Forensic Psychiatrist, with full Professor rank at an Ivy League medical school. In the course of my practice, long after my colleagues have abandoned their clinical practice, I still travel to a medium size prison twice a month, where I oversee our residents in their Forensic Psychiatry training. So, I think it is fair to say that I am sufficiently capable of drawing comparisons between a prison environment (spartan, industrial grade furniture, clean and neat) and our Vacation Home at OKW.

My strategy through life has been to always take the high road. In so far, I will reserve any further professional or personal opinion.

 

[ez]

That explains alot!

 

[CarolA]

Well, I was in a unit with new furniture just this weekend. The family I took with me was VERY impressed with the furniture and decorations and I did not really notice the changes. We did get the first floor we requested for medical reasons (the mother-in-law has mobililty issues and stairs are a problem!) and the non-smoking room and they did not check in until 7:30p.m.

As for cell phones between us we had Sprit, Verizon and something else (Ican't recall) and at various times we all had issues (we were using them in place of radios!)

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by Chuck S

Perhaps if members and guests would quit giving pillows and things a "ride home" with them, so our dues wouldn't have to keep replacing these items we could have a few more creature comforts. I think DVC is trying to control costs without substantially changing our experience - remember those COSTS are absorbed by members, not Disney.

Isn't that the truth? I can recall many different items that lended a more 'home' like appearance to the villas when we first bought in over 10 years ago. Things like silk plants on the table and in the corner and different little touches, including the infamous peach colored towels! However when these things started to grow legs and walk out of the units it started to cost too much to replace them and because of these they were removed.. So sad. This is probably the same reason the placemats, napkins and coasters have also been eliminated at OKW.

I too would love to see what the new furnishings look like. We were at OKW last in July and our room had the old furniture which was sorely in need of replacing. The couch was threadbare in spots and the dishwasher basket was litterally falling apart. I would love to see how they redecorated our 'home.' Does anyone have any recent pics of the new furnishings?

 

[Disney Doll]

With regard to #1-I generally don't make a request with regard to room, other than if I am going to be in a 2nd or 3rd floor unit, I request the building with te elevator. It's not a huge deal if I don't get my request though, as it might be for someone who had a medical issue and needed a 1st floor or elevator room based on that.

With regard to #2-The last time I was there(January 2002), I thought the decor was great. If there have been changes since then I can't comment because I haven't seen them. I'd be interested to see if any other DVCer has pictures of the new decor?

With regard to #3-I've stayed in units at OKW where I had great cell phone reception, and I've stayed in units where I've had lousy cell phone reception. I think, as another poster mentioned, that it may just depend on the unit's location in proximity to the towers etc. I know that my own home is located in the worst possible spot in my hometown for cell phone reception, but if I go up the street 2 blocks, it's as clear as a bell...go figure! I have a Verizon contract, which in general, I find to be pretty good in terms of reception in many areas(except my own house ).

Thanks for taking the time to post your observations.

 

[CarolA]

By the way, I don't think they have finished replacing everything. Our dishwasher was older and on trash and towel day the housekeeper told us that the unit was scheduled for a new dishwasher and dining table when we checked out.

The couches were VERY new (still fairly stiff!) but the kids said the bed on the couch was comfortable.

 

[DVCajun]

When I used Sprint I too found the coverage to be very bad at WDW. I couldn't use my phone in any building, even Mouse Gears or my motel room near a window. Once I stepped outside I was able to make a call, but don't go too near a wall!

I now have AT&T and when I was there this past weekend the coverage seemed better to me.

We use our cell phones to keep in touch with one another when we separate. I think it's a bit over the top to assume someone is frantically keeping up with business at home if they're using a cell phone while on vacation.