Members ages at OKW? SSHHHH, we won't tell!!

[dtheboys]

It all boils down to this..........
We all love our resort, and only want the best for it......
That may the wants for a new pool, or leave it alone........
It may need updating, or it may not.......
Add a slide......or leave it alone......
The bottom line is....we are PASSIONATE about our resort....and in the end......that is what it is all about.....
No matter the opinions.........I'm glad that we as owners of OKW....care so much!!!
All this talk makes me homesick for Disney!!!.........
Thanks
Doug

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

From the numbers it looks like OKW members are NOT the same age as the rest of us- OKW has about twice the percentage of people clicking in over 50 as compared to BWV and 3 times as many as at VWL (by most recent check on the numbers)...
That is a rude statement, not to mention not factual, AARP is for anyone over 50. "Clicking in over 50" is bound to get a reaction and I believe you knew that.

Hey, maybe Disney knew what they were doing naming it OLD key west. Anybody who thinks over 50 should not be considered old should take it up with the AARP -which starts seniors discounts for members at age 55, I believe...

Can you tell me how that is NOT insulting?

These are a few of the many. Need I belabor this further?

 

[danicaw]

I am not old enough to vote in the poll but have been an OKW member since 99.

Post the thread again in 3 years and some change and I will vote.

In all seriousness I am 26 and DVC was one of the best things hubby and I have joined. I am looking forward to years of wonderful DVC vacations to share with family and friends...an sometimes not to share. Just hubby & I, a 1-bedroom and multi-day park hoppers...now, that sounds like a vacation!

 

[PamOKW]

Post the thread again in 3 years and some change and I will vote.

Or, we'll include a category for Under 30 on the OKW poll next time. (On second thought, let's not have a next time.)

I bet with vacations like you've got planned, you'll be celebrating a 50th Wedding Anniversary at OKW!

 

[danicaw]

I would love that.
Maybe do a vow renewal too. Ohhh. I am getting excited already.

I have to warn you PamOKW my hubby might not like you putting ideas in my head

 

[dtheboys]

Ok, Ok , I'm a rookie poster!!!
I tried!!!
I forgot about the LUCKY young owners.....Or am I just jealous of them?
I HATE YOUNG OWNERS!!! ( STOP: I am just kidding!!!!!)
I wish that I had bought into DVC much earlier than I did!!!!
Good luck to DANICAW, I hope you celebrate many anniv. at Disney!!!
Pam, I want your help, if I ever post another poll!!! OK?
Thanks
Hey, at least things have lightened up a bit!!!
Doug

 

[PKS44]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN


Can you tell me how that is NOT insulting?

These are a few of the many. Need I belabor this further?

Where is the insult?

First of all when you quoted me you added your words to my quote, by accident. (I have trouble with how to change the on/off quote dealie here, too.)

Second, I truly, in all honesty, meant no insult with "clicking in" when you vote on the internet you click on the little vote button...I swear to you that is what I was referring to. nothing more...this is an example of people reading an insult into something that was never there.

Is it an insult to be called older? Is it an insult to be over 50? Please explain to me... and my AARP reference was to an organization which supposedly represents "seniors" that is what they use as a definition for older NOT me...can someone tell me where they define that term?...I said I believe (and I believe I am correct on this) they define it at 55.. I don't think that is an insult. It is a definition a factual statement. You re reading into it.

The "Old" in Old Key West is an amusing irony -if the resort is made up of older people and it is called old, I think that is ironic, not insulting. And again I don't think calling something old is an insult. You seem to think it is...I am sorry that you feel that way.
If it is so insulting to call something old, why does the resort have that in its name?

Was it insulting when dianeschilt was "surprised" that OKW polling numbers were showing it was not polling older? Her implied impression was that OKW is made up of older people. But she loves OKW so it did not bother people.

Is it possible that given the passion that dtheboys talks about, some people get offended and see insults by anyone who does not share the love of the resort of their choice? For the record and is evident all over these boards--I don't like the pool, I think the resort is lovely. I think how people perceive the pool is colored by their life philosophy which by its nature varies by age...Gail, you even suggested that only when I am older will I share your views--so getting older does affect the way people approach such things according to your own statement....

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Paul,
Yes, the quote feature can be a problem, but, this time it was me, by accident and for that I do apologise.
AARP is not for the seniors but the retired (American Association for Retired People) the membership is open for anyone 50 and older. That never made it to the previous post.
I believe I said nothing about sharing my views, but, rather understanding.

 

[RickW]

Originally posted by PamOKW
I bet with vacations like you've got planned, you'll be celebrating a 50th Wedding Anniversary at OKW!

Only if they decide to extend the DVC contract, since our 50th will be in March of 2047 (a little over 5 years too late).

Originally posted by danicaw
I have to warn you PamOKW my hubby might not like you putting ideas in my head

Why would I do that? You have enough ideas in your head about things already that I certainly don't need to blame PamOKW.

 

[PKS44]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
Paul,
Yes, the quote feature can be a problem, but, this time it was me, by accident and for that I do apologise.
AARP is not for the seniors but the retired (American Association for Retired People) the membership is open for anyone 50 and older. That never made it to the previous post.
I believe I said nothing about sharing my views, but, rather understanding.

Well as I understand it AARP members get "senior citizen" discounts etc, and represent senior's political interests, assuming, as I have to the consternation of some, that as a group they can be thought of as thinking a certain way on issues.

doc wrote : Since you have opted to singlehandedly sustain an assault on OKW, using age as your method of attack, .

Doc-
Attack? Assault? Singlehandedly? Read some of the far more nasty posts calling OKW people cheap, calling them whiny, wishing to eliminate them from poolhopping privelges, etc...None of those were from me...and some were truly nasty and out of line --and I called them that.

I do want to thank Gail for the above post, I think this is a nice exchange of ideas, and I want to say I really really am not trying to offend anyone, no offense intended as they say. Let's all just get along. I am shocked that people get so irate to think of my musings about understanding the motives (attitude) behind why OKW may have a resistance to a new pool as an attack on OKW. That simply is not representative of what I feel or what I have said...that could be from my insensitivity to the use of certain words- and it could be perpetuated by people reading into things with a defensive attitude (sorry about that word if it is perjorative I was not aware the word attitude was a loaded word)... My posts are only occuring on multiple threads because that is where the discussion is- a discussion I and apparently others, have found interesting...
First of all- look, there is a difference in thinking about this pool issue and it breaks down by resort in Pam's poll on the question. (OKW is about 70% against a change in their pool, others are about 50-50 on it...) Could age play any role? I am not the one to raise this issue, this thread was not started by me...read the intro to this poll....I think maybe age contributes.
The other thing is people take offense if I noted that we were hearing from a contingent who by their own posts wanted to limit exposure to children. Not everyone, not even a majority. Some one else called this the "OKW attitude" by name, I never did. I called it an attitude that we were hearing and that I found a shame. Think of Floridians as a group, anybody have an image? Of an attitude, that it is mostly seniors? Well Florida is about 20-25% seniors, a minority. But a vocal and visible minority which gives a false impression of the whole. Now OKW was creating an impression as being "old, no fun, crochety, child hating" (as PamOKW said they were creating, not me)- here again a minority ends up giving an impression not representative of the whole. Look at the post about the meeting attended by the whining seniors- that was a bigger attack than anything I said. Minorities can dominate the impressions if they are very vocal and if they vote more...something the minority of USA seniors is famous for doing...they dominate politically because they tend to vote as a block and they just tend to vote in higher percentages...that is not an attack on anyone - it is an observation...Please let's keep this civil...

Paul

 

[PamOKW]

Rick -- I knew I was stretching past the deadline but I have faith in you guys and didn't want to stop at 25th Anniversary. I guess I'll have to PM with your wife so you won't know the wonderful plans she has in store for you over the years.

Paul -- It's true you were getting some heat for comments that were made by others. But, we continue to go round in round in circles on the pool issue with you. When people give their reasons for enjoying the resort you seem to want to tie those reasons into being based on age and the stereotypical assumptions about people in those age categories. I do not fit into the older category and I love OKW and the pools. Several other posters have said they are in their 30's and enjoy the pools. No one has said that we want to ban children but some of us have commented that we would like adult needs to be given equal consideration when designing the resorts amenities.

Based on some of the vocal derriding of the OKW pools I was surprised by the number of non-members who felt that a slide was not needed. Since only a total of 11 people have identified as being Over 60 they are probably of the younger variety. I just looked again at the numbers and the 51-60 category (not adjusted) stands at 17% of BWV members and 19% of OKW members. Based on your concern that older folks are more vocal and can demand change (or resist it) you might keep a lookout -- they could be taking down the BWV slide any day now.

 

[PamOKW]

Pam, I want your help, if I ever post another poll!!! OK?

LOL! I think we need a place to "test" our polls....I always leave something out! But, I'm swearing off posting polls at least through Lent!

 

[KNWVIKING]

I've read to about the middle of the 3rd page,just a few comments.

1) Gail, I really don't think PKS44 said anything rude or offensive. I actually like his sense of humor.

2) Gail,(not picking on you) you made a comment that the members had been polled about the slide and the vote was NO. When was there a vote, I bought in '97,no ones ever asked me other then on this board. Now that OKW is totally sold out,maybe there should be an official,full member vote,once and for all.

3) The "why'd you buy at OKW if you wanted a slide" argument is just plain foolish. If I was going to pay $15,000 for a pool, it would be in my backyard,not 1100 miles away. My choice of resorts at the time was OKW and BWV. I chose OKW due to size of rooms,parking at my front door,lower points required,golf course, etc. The slide would just be an added perk. Do I want one: yes. Do I whine because there isn't one: no.

4) I can't believe that in a resort the size of OKW that there isn't room for a "kids" pool with all the bells and whistles. Rather then raising everyones dues, maybe a system of an extra pt per nite for the priviledge to use that pool. Something could be worked out.

5) Food court,no. But something better then just Olivia's and Food's-to-Go(that is the name of the take out window,isn't it) should be built. On a scale of 1-10,if you asked 10 people about the food quality at OKW, I think you'd get ten different answers. Plus,our food prices at OKW are too high.

Well, back to reading the rest of the posts.

 

[PamOKW]

I wish I could remember when the pool survey was done. It wasn't a survey of all members but one that DVC sent out to a sample.

Unfortunately, the idea of an extra point to use the pool won't work. DVC is an all or nothing proposition in the use of the facilities and their upkeep. Points also have no value in the eyes of DVC....they are solely the means by which reservations are secured.

We never get to vote at DVC where it actually brings about a change. You can, however, always make your thoughts and opinions known to DVC management. They take what they hear into account. If they see renewed interest, they might give the pool consideration again and/or poll the members once again.

KNWVIKING -- Wanting a slide and still appreciating the good things at OKW is great. I also agree that I'd like better food options at OKW. I've been trying to express that to DVC for at least 7 years. We all bring up ideas -- some people like and some people don't. But, turning an idea into a vendetta against OKW and the people who enjoy being there and disagree with the suggestion is hard to take without finally raising "some Irish". Somehow this whole slide/age/OKW vs. BWV discussion got way out of hand! I think we all need a new topic to discuss.....

Anyone got an idea to "change the subject"?

 

[RickW]

Originally posted by PamOKW
I wish I could remember when the pool survey was done. It wasn't a survey of all members but one that DVC sent out to a sample.

I believe that it was in 1999. If I remember correctly, there was a question about the pool in a larger survey, and those results were shared at the annual meeting in December, 1999. (You know, the meeting where I labeled everyone a "whiner" )

One thing that I remember from that meeting was the comment that they should switch all of the OKW studios to king beds instead of the two queens since "we are all older and don't bring our kids anymore and we only need one bed in the room." (On the other hand, the person who made this comment did get a few "boo"s from the crowd.)

 

[PamOKW]

OKW studios to king beds instead of the two queens since "we are all older and don't bring our kids anymore and we only need one bed in the room."

I thought Seniors would need separate beds.

-- That means I'm kidding......

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Paul,
You are welcome.

Viking,
I don't feel you are picking one me, not in the least. The poll was in the late 90's, it certainly was not a vote. The vast majority polled did not want a slide or lifeguard or a slide and a lifeguard.
Personally, I think a life guard would be a good thing, since I have seen too many parents leave their kids at the pool to hang out at the Suitcase. Call me an old Fogie if you want, but, I do think parents should be with their kids around the pool (the kids referred to are under 9).

Pam,
Ah, yes, separate beds for the seniors, along with warm milk (uck). Don't know about you, but, this senior has absolutely NO intention of separate beds. Like fine wine, I have improved with age and all I can say is " let's party, all night long" !!!!!

 

[PamOKW]

Gail -- I think most of us on these boards -- not matter what age -- couldn't keep up with you! It always sounds like you know how to enjoy a vacation.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Pam,
Not just vacation, but life in general. Last weekend it was up to Cooperstown (area) to see my daughter, her husband and my three grandchildren. Lot of driving, but, I had a GREAT time.
It was the middle grandchild's birthday, I am so happy I could go.

 

[PKS44]

KNWVIKING

Thank you. It is nice to be understood and not misunderstood and misquoted, etc...I really appreciate your post- and your posts in the past, too.

Here is sort of a new topic- an idea that has germinated out of the current one a bit...I hope I am not offending anyone with these ideas- it is just bouncing thoughts into cyberspace not at anyone,(not a vendetta, for goodness, sake, please stop mischaracterizing my ideas)

anyhoo...Even the folks who love OKW just the way it is have expressed a desire for more attention to the adult activities...others desire the "bells/whistle" pool (me included if I am ever allowed near the place after these posts).

Would there ever be any interest in addressing both issues? Trying to please all parties? Making one of the resort pools more adult with a bar, maybe offer poolside massages, grown up food service, quieter atmosphere---I confess I don't know what else, I have never been on an adults only vacation, may be there is other stuff that goes on that I don't know about (and I am not being snide, I really,truly don't know)
I realize this is going to be misinterpreted by some but it is not meant as a joke or insult---it is just the name of this part of the resort---maybe that could be the Turtle Pond pool area. Maybe they could even try to book more grown ups only in that area--I have no idea if that is a nightmare for MS, it probably would be. But if they can do it with smokers maybe they could offer those who desire fewer kids around that option if they want that. (NO I am not equating smoking with not wanting kids around)

At the same time, the other main pool could get the update that some of us think it could use...Gail did make a very good point about the noise from this pool disturbing the tennis but maybe that would be a fair trade for the new Adults oriented stuff, but aren't there courts in the Turtle Pond area now? Or maybe the Turtle Pond pool could become the kids area since the Arcade is down that way...I don't really know the resort as well as most of you. But it looks like if you wanted to create a special adult haven that Turtle Pond area might be the easiest place to do it...

Now- I know this is just pie-in-the-sky stuff. I know some don't want any of the OKW tranquility to be changed...I note that is how the Member Guidebook describes the resort--though they show a kid jumping into the pool..I bet he screamed!

I hope this did not offend.

Paul