Interesting info about new OKW slide...

[twocjsmom]

I just got off the phone with member services to book our trip in May, and as I was putting in a last minute request (and I know requests are only requests) for the villa to be near the main pool, the CM (Stan I think his name was) told me that not only will there be the new slide, but that they are redesigning the entire main pool, including adding a zero entry area. I had thought that the construction was to just add the slide in, not a total redesign (not that I'm complaining). Has anyone heard anything like this?

 

[kweaver]

I don't remember reading anything beyond adding a slide...but considering that they are closing the entire pool area...I'm not surprised.

Can't wait to hear some details and see some pictures!

 

[lillasmom]

Originally posted by twocjsmom
but that they are redesigning the entire main pool, including adding a zero entry area.

Boy that would be great! I would love to know if anyone has heard anything too!

 

[MOMO2DK]

Wow- a whole new pool, that sounds great- I can't wait!!!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Sounds good, but it could be just a rumor too, but I can't imagine that they would ONLY do a slide.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

It makes sense though. I always thought that whenever new construction took place on an older structure that the whole thing had to be updated to meet current ADA requirements. Maybe that's why the zero entry is being added? It would be nice for guests who before were unable to use the pool.

HBC

 

[Simba's Mom]

I know that at SAB, the zero entry area is beach sand, like walking into a lake, or the ocean. Do you think there's any chance of this being beach sand? A small thing, but I love it, squishing the sand under my toes.

 

[MiaSRN62]

This IS interesting......hope it's true and not just rumor. Thanks for that bit of news Twocjsmom

 

[rinkwide]

Originally posted by Simba's Mom
Do you think there's any chance of this being beach sand?

Take a look at the AKL pool, that's probably what to expect.

 

[donald...really]

I heard that the sand on the bottom of SAB is a big headache in the challenge to keep the pool clean and it would be the last time they would use sand like that. I believe the above post is correct and it will be more like AKL or the Poly (if the rumor of a zero entry is correct).

 

[BuzzandWoody]

Since the slide will sit about where the kiddie pool is now, it does make sense. Otherwise little one's would be very limited on using the pool.
Can't wait till May 05 to see it. (our next trip to okw)

 

[OneMoreTry]

Hopefully they will redo the fitness room, too.

 

[MinnieGi]

I hope that is true! Zero entry is wonderful with little ones.

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by BuzzandWoody
Since the slide will sit about where the kiddie pool is now, it does make sense. Otherwise little one's would be very limited on using the pool.
Can't wait till May 05 to see it. (our next trip to okw)

The slide will sit between the kiddie pool and main pool and won't interfere with either. While I'd be happy to see a zero entry pool, I doubt it could be completed within the time frame goal already offered by DVC (to be completed before the end of this year). In addition, there has never been any announcement from DVC of any change to the pool itself- only the addition of a slide.

Stay Tuned!

<img src="http://disneydoc.homestead.com/files/okwslide01.jpg">

 

[SueM in MN]

There are other options for handicapped accessibility besides having a zero entry pool. They could add a set of "bump" steps. Those are the strange looking steps that are at a lot of other pools. The steps starts at wheelchair height and goes down toward the pool. The wheelchair is parked next to the step, the person transfers to the top step and then "bumps" down the steps one by one to get into the water.
I haven't seen anything on the drawings that look like bump steps, but there is something that looks like it might be a zero entry area on the picture Doc posted at the bottom of the right side of the drawing.

If they do have zero entry and it's like the main pool at Saratoga Springs, I will be very disappointed. The zero entry there is nice for small children and people with mobility problems who can walk down a ramp better than down steps, but the pool has a maximum depth of 3 feet. It's too shallow to swim in, so most of the people at SSR were just sitting in the pool when we stayed there in July.
Nd, it actually would not be much good for people who need to be wheeled into the pool. Someone coming in with a beach wheelchair or being carried or walked in needs much deeper water. For example, my DD is 5 feet tall and weighs 85 pounds. She has cerebral palsy and needs to be carried or walked into the water with someone completely supporting her and holding her up. To bring my DD into the pool, we need to get into water that is about 4 1/2 feet deep to have enough boyancy for her to float, to avoid her legs and feet hitting the bottom constantly, and for me not to have to be leaning over in a way that is dangerous to my back.
So, I guess we'll find out what we get when it's finished.

 

[Nanajo1]

Sue, I was thinking the same thing. A zero entry pool doesn't help me. I have big time balance problems and I need water well over my waist to keep me upright. The zero entry would be great for small children though. I believe there is a ramp or bump down steps at the Turtle Pond pool.

 

[dianeschlicht]

there is something that looks like it might be a zero entry area on the picture Doc posted at the bottom of the right side of the drawing.

I was going to point that out too, Sue. I do think the time frame is a bit short to do all of that AND the slide though. Time will tell. We will be there in both October and December, so it will be fun to see the progress. I hope there is a way to see above the wall!

 

[MAC3]

Originally posted by Happy Birthday Cat
It would be nice for guests who before were unable to use the pool.

HBC

In 2003 while @ OKW with my BIL (paralyzed) we were all in MK and he decided to stay @ the resort. He got a chair by the pool, laid in the sun for a bit then decided to take a dip when he got too hot.

Couldn't get in the pool, No zero entry, No bump down.

When I received my survey card in the mail I was sure to mention it.

I'm glad they are doing this. I hope it's true.

 

[lenshanem]

I wonder how long it took to revamp other pools into the zero depth style such as GF and Poly? (Would those be the only two to have undergone rehabs to switch over to a zero entry style?)

Might be a question to ask over on the resort board, like how long were those areas down for rehab. I'll go over and post now.

I would be thrilled to see a zero depth entry pool. Although, my youngest is now three and the zero entry isn't that important now, I personally like the look of it and being able to sit in the shallow water while the kids swim.

Regardless, I'm just happy about the slide! My oldest is already looking forward to our spring break trip after seeing the pics of it.

I would be surprised though, seems like this would have been something they would have mentioned?!? Seems every pool they have rehabbed now they have added the zero depth, though. Seems like a style they are after, such as at AKL and SSR, which both have beautiful pools, despite the small size of SSR.

 

[smjj]

OK all, now that construction has started, lets start getting on those getting ready to go down and request pictures!!..smjj