New clubhouse, no mention of OKW slide...

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
No, it is not grasping at straws re: tennis and you have not been there with Dee and I (unfortunately). He plays mid day. And, the pools is not all that separated from tennis courts. Take a peek from the tennis courts sometime. It is there and sound does travel. I think if you played tennis, and I am assuming you don't, you would understand a bit better.

Yep, you are right I do not play tennis--I am much more of the sit at the pool/hot tub and get drinks and snacks from the pool bar type! LOL!
Thanks for the input from another's experiences. You make valid points. However I still think you are overestimating the amount of additional noise the slide is going to create. I swear, I am at WDW pools all the time with slides and I have really never been bothered by excessive noise from those using the slide. However I am not playing tennis either but unfortunately that is a bad planning decision on Disney's part when they put the tennis courts and the main pool/main hub of the resort in the same close proximity. I bet they never even thought of this aspect, you should point this out to Disney on one of those surveys they send when you get home. It makes a lot of sense and something they could take into consideration with further resort designs.
BTW, isn't there anything you can do to convince Dee to play tennis in the times of the day with lower heat and humidity?? I would have to kill him, LOL!! Plus then you could play tennis in the cool AM and join the rest of us lazy slobs lounging by the pool with a drink in our hand soaking up the rays! LOL!!!

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
I don't think anyone has said they mind the screams of kids, it was stated that it is a distraction when playing tennis. People who play tennis are members too and should they not have the right to play without noise? Or, because they are doing something you don't care about make it less a matter?

Was the tennis court near the pool when the resort was built or was it put in later on? I'm not an original owner.

If it was, then as tennis players you would have been aware of any possible noise from the pool when you purchased into DVC.

IMO I don't think it would be completely quiet anywhere you put a tennis court.

 

[lenshanem]

I don't know where the rest of you live but here in Atlanta most neighborhoods have the tennis courts built right beside the pool. It has been thsi way in the last three neighborhoods I ahve lived in. It is also that way in any other neighborhgoods aroudn here that I can think of. I ahev never heard of anyone complaining about the noise.
It wodul appear to me the playground right next to OKW's tennis courts wodul more noise than a slide woudl. I really don't grasp the argument a lot of screams are going to be coming form the slide. That si just pulling at straws IMO.

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by Richyams
Some people seem to think that who is paying for the slide will make a difference in the poll, I seriously doubt that and think it is a pretty dumb idea. We are talking about nothing in terms of cost either in the building or the ongoing mantainence. The bigger thing will be the ongoing mantainence anyway, its just silly to think that that would make a difference in the poll.

They didn't take another survey because they knew it would be voted down again and they have some other reason(to quell whiners) for doing it.

Changing the survey question and circumstances wouldn't change the poll results and is a dumb idea, huh? Gosh, I'll have to try to explain that to the research methods group I work with. And of course, in this case a poll that is over five years old and done before 3 other DVC results is suppose to be valid. Seems like the term "whiners" certainly applies to those complaining about the slide more than those pleased to see the improvement in the older OKW resort. If only repeatedly calling something "obnoxious" would make it go away, huh?

Face it, this is being done as a first step to eliminating pool hopping, and whining about it by claiming reverse whining won't change it. They aren't going to poll about eliminating pool hopping, so there's no need for a current, valid poll given current circumstances (and not 5 years old poll that asked people to incurr additional costs), because this first step is just to smooth over the no pool hopping step.

Besides, from what I've read in other threads, some people have the view that improvements need to be made at the older OKW resort to improve the demand for people staying at the larger resort, because thier experience is that it's easier to get reservations at older OKW than at other resorts. The larger rooms just don't seem to be the huge draw to the resort as some try to tout and repeatedly complain about in other resorts as a huge advantage.

Hay, it's a slide, it was announced by the president, take a chill pill, it's not that bad. The slide at Vero isn't that loud, and it can be fun to watch. If you don't like noise from kids, you probably picked the wrong timeshare, get a grip, it's Disney.

"MARCO!!" "POLO!!" "MARCO!!" "??????!!"

 

[Chuck S]

Besides, from what I've read in other threads, some people have the view that improvements need to be made at the older OKW resort to improve the demand for people staying at the larger resort, because thier experience is that it's easier to get reservations at older OKW than at other resorts.

And of course, the fact that OKW is currently the LARGEST DVC on-site property...with several times the number of rooms available as the smallest property, has nothing to do with additional reservation availability

I'm with sgtdisney, in the 12 years I've been a member I have never stayed at any property except OKW. The only other property I may have considered would have been VWL. BWV and BCV are NOT my choice for vacations (not that there is anything wrong with them), they are not my style. I have been to the Boardwalk Inn/villas 3 times 1)to see it after it first opened, and have dinner. 2) to see the models and 3)to attend the OKW meeting. Otherwise, I find the whole BW area too busy and noisy after spending a day in the parks.

 

[PamOKW]

As I mentioned, I have been having a surprisingly difficult time getting reservations at OKW through MS. For fun, I just put some random dates into the WDW reservation system. I used 2 adults and asked for Home Away From Home accomodations. I used random dates and lengths of stay in Feb., March, May, July, August & Sept. Of the 6 options, on 3 dates I was offered a 2 bedroom at OKW. For 2 adults at over $800 per night that's a little steep and an awful lot of space. The OKW 2 bedroom was available for 2/28-3/4; 5/1-5/7 and 7/3-7/7. No DVC resort was available for 8/15-21 or 3/15-18. BCV (also the 2 bedroom) was available for 9/1-9/4.

So, I would agree with Chuck that the size of the resort is the driving factor in availability. There are just more rooms to offer. I think Disney wants the slide for continuity of the resorts, not because there is any "problem" at OKW.

 

[BWVDee]

Changing the survey question and circumstances wouldn't change the poll results and is a dumb idea, huh? Gosh, I'll have to try to explain that to the research methods group I work with.

I thought precisely the same thing when I read this utter and complete nonsense. I deal with surveys and survey stats everyday at work and going with an approach/theory etc., with anywhere near this insane logic would be considered a BIG NO NO! And a real sure way to get your butt kicked out the door!

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by Chuck S
And of course, the fact that OKW is currently the LARGEST DVC on-site property...with several times the number of rooms available as the smallest property, has nothing to do with additional reservation availability

More availability than each of the other DVC resorts combined? Besides, even if OKW being larger is the reason ., I still think it would be great to increase the demand for the older OKW resort and hope to see additional improvements. The slide is a nice start and a welcomed improvement for many DVC members, including owners of other resort who would like to see OKW as a more attractive destination.

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by BWVDee
I can not think of a single time I have seen anyone playing on the tennis courts at any WDW resort during mid day when the temps are in the high 80-90's with humidity at 100%, but you do see many people in the pools at this time.

I can attest to the fact that Dee does play tennis in the heat of the day at OKW - as I have been on the receiving end of his serves, forehands and backhands. In September, after I left- exhausted and dehydrated- Dee went continued with a lesson with the Disney pro who drove over to OKW to meet him. I'm confident that Dee also helped the pro work up a sweat!

I have seen the OKW courts used throughout the day- without regard to the heat or humidity and can attest to the distraction caused by sounds from those nearby.

 

[deerh]

By Gail:Yes, there is a lot of noise from the kiddie pool and the playground (nothing like going for a point and have some child scream bloody murder cause he/she has to leave the play area).

I DO NOT own at OKW, but I have been to many resorts with pool slides, HHI,BWV, Hard Rock Hotel, etc, and I am curious--What kind of loud noises do you expect to hear from "the Slide"? Lot of kids hold there breath, or close their eyes, etc, I don't think there will be screams like "RockNRoller Coaster"? DO YOU????

I DO agree, they (DVC) should listen to the owners in the survey, I am concerned since we (DVCers") bought and own, they should listen to our concerns, etc...

I,personally do not have a problem with the slide, but then again, I have 2 kids, and teach HS students all day, I don't have a prob with it...

NOW, I may change my toon when I get in my 60's, or 70's, but now-Nope, not a prob!

DeerH

 

[PamOKW]

Originally posted by Desperado
More availability than each of the other DVC resorts combined?

Not more availability but 73% as large as all the other resorts combined. 531 units at OKW compared to 724 combined total for the other WDW DVC resorts. SSR is planned to have 552 units.

39% larger than BWV. 2 1/2 times the size of BCV and nearly 4 times the size of VWL.

 

[BWVDee]

I would agree with Chuck that the size of the resort is the driving factor in availability. There are just more rooms to offer.

I am sure Disney takes into consideration the number of rooms per resort when determining whether the resort is booked up at an acceptable occupancy % for it to be at what Disney considers an acceptable level for profit margins.
Just because OKW may have many more rooms vs BCV does not mean the acceptable occupancy %'s for Disney is based on the same number of rooms! It may very well be that Disney is finding a much lower % of acceptable occupancy at OKW then what is financially profitable. The cost of maintaining the number of rooms and buildings at OKW continues on whether the units are occupied or not.
Normally the empty/non booked rooms at DVC resorts are turned over to cash customers/trade ins etc. which then creates additional profit for Disney. Is this not correct?? Maybe the numbers of non DVC members (cash customers/trade ins from outside DVC) or non OKW members (other DVC home resorts) choosing to stay at OKW is just NOT happening and Disney is attempting to make this resort more attractive to a more varied group of guests and therefore more profitable for them.
I firmly believe the addition of a slide at OKW either has to due with too high of a % of unoccupied rooms on a regular basis or it is prelude to the ending of pool hopping. My guess is: it is a combination of both.

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by BWVDee

{snip} Maybe the numbers of non DVC members (cash customers/trade ins from outside DVC) or non OKW members (other DVC home resorts) choosing to stay at OKW is just NOT happening and Disney is attempting to make this resort more attractive to a more varied group of guests and therefore more profitable for them. I firmly believe the addition of a slide at OKW either has to due with too high of a % of unoccupied rooms on a regular basis or it is prelude to the ending of pool hopping. My guess is: it is a combination of both.

I'd have to go alone with this assessment as well, good post. I hate to see pool hopping go, but I do anticipate it and see the slide as a first step in that direction. Hope that's not the case.

 

[Desperado]

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
I can attest to the fact that Dee does play tennis in the heat of the day at OKW - as I have been on the receiving end of his serves, forehands and backhands. In September, after I left- exhausted and dehydrated- Dee went continued with a lesson with the Disney pro who drove over to OKW to meet him. I'm confident that Dee also helped the pro work up a sweat!

I have seen the OKW courts used throughout the day- without regard to the heat or humidity and can attest to the distraction caused by sounds from those nearby.

I never for a moment doubted Gail when she said her and Dee play tennis in the height of the day's heat and humidity.....but....I would still have to do my darnest to convince him for an earlier court time and then spending the afternoon by the pool! LOL!!
I have really never seen anyone playing on any of the WDW courts mid day. I am certainly not saying it does not happen, just that I have never seen it. Live and learn! Next time I get a standard view room at BWV by the tennis courts, I will now make sure to take notice. LOL!

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by PamOKW
As I mentioned, I have been having a surprisingly difficult time getting reservations at OKW through MS. For fun, I just put some random dates into the WDW reservation system. I used 2 adults and asked for Home Away From Home accomodations. I used random dates and lengths of stay in Feb., March, May, July, August & Sept. Of the 6 options, on 3 dates I was offered a 2 bedroom at OKW. For 2 adults at over $800 per night that's a little steep and an awful lot of space. The OKW 2 bedroom was available for 2/28-3/4; 5/1-5/7 and 7/3-7/7. No DVC resort was available for 8/15-21 or 3/15-18. BCV (also the 2 bedroom) was available for 9/1-9/4.

So, I would agree with Chuck that the size of the resort is the driving factor in availability. There are just more rooms to offer. I think Disney wants the slide for continuity of the resorts, not because there is any "problem" at OKW.

In playing around with the reservation system, I've found that it always kicks up the highest price room available when you first request a resort. You have to come down and hit the "view/edit detail" button to get lower priced rooms (tricky aren't they ).

I don't think there's a "problem" at OKW as far as DVC goes, I just don't think it attracts non-DVC families who do not visit WDW on a regular basis. It's not within a short distance to a park, there's no major pool area, no food court, rooms larger than studios are expensive, which makes it hard for CRO to rent to non-DVCers. Friends and coworkers often come to me asking about resorts they have in mind to stay at, no one has ever mentioned OKW as one of their choices. They do mention the Y & B and Stormalong Bay. DVCer's have discovered how great OKW is but not the general public.

 

[PamOKW]

Debbie -- I did hit the detail button on one of the options and nothing else came up. I will, in the future, keep that in mind that sometimes I may see alternatives by hitting that option.

I have not seen any evidence that there is any problem with the occupancy level at OKW. Of course, without access to the registration records, none of us can prove our point one way or the other. I can just say, anecdotedly, that I am having a much more difficult time securing reservations than I have had in the past 11 years.

Many people are not aware of OKW. It is not really seen on the beaten path and there isn't a need for Disney to advertise heavily since it is a sold-out DVC resort. It's true that it remains somewhat of a hidden gen among WDW resorts. When I first heard of Disney Vacation Club (aka OKW) I didn't have a clue where it was located. Of course, being fairly green at WDW I also couldn't tell you how to get to the Crossroads Shopping Center and could barely find my way to the Marketplace (now DD). Heck the Boardwalk/Y&B are highly visible from Epcot, yet many people don't really have a clue when you talk about those resorts either.

I think the addition of the slide is just to help Disney in their overall advertising. They have put in slides and/or updated slides at every resort in the last few years. Once a slide is in at OKW they can say that all the Deluxe and Home Away from Home resorts have slides. Heck, the GF went without a slide for many, many years and was still the flagship resort of the WDW resort. I don't see an occupancy problem at OKW and I don't think adding a slide would generate enough interest to correct a problem if it did exist. Maybe it is the end of pool hopping but I don't forsee that happening before next year. And, if it is, I think it's a small loss.

 

[Cris]

well simply said I don't want a friggen slide!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Sammie]

Beauty of a slide is all in the eye of the beholder. What is appropriate to some will be an eye sore and nuisance to others. Just because Disney will build it, does not mean it will appeal to all.

I agree it should have been put to a recent vote by those that own at Old Key West. In fact I really do not see where anyone unless you own there have a legitimate arguement about this subject.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by MELSMICE
Was the tennis court near the pool when the resort was built or was it put in later on? I'm not an original owner.

If it was, then as tennis players you would have been aware of any possible noise from the pool when you purchased into DVC.

IMO I don't think it would be completely quiet anywhere you put a tennis court.

Yes, it was there and at that time I did not play tennis. Not all tennis courts are a quiet zone, many places have basketball courts nearby and the noise can be quite loud.
I would think that anyone who joined at OKW would have been aware of the fact there was no slide at the pool, right?