OKW Pool slide (12/24) - New Info - New Photos

[Caskbill]

Before leaving WDW yesterday we had a chance to get some new pictures of the pool slide and also a chance to speak with one of the Disney people in charge of the project.

1. Slide/Pool will not open until after the New Year due to delays caused by both cold weather and rain delays. No specific date was given except that definitely not before Jan 1st.

2. Slide has fiber optics in it that will light up at night time, giving it a slight twinkle effect. In the photo where the slide has not been painted yet, the grey parts are where the fiber optics are and have yet to be painted around.

3. Slide will be all one color - beige (Sand color). Presently no plans to paint any other colors on it.

4. Basically no changes to the pool except some maintenance and cleaning.

5. The lighthouse was repainted.

6. The slide has two 'mickeys' on it. The slide exit (visible in the photo), and also one on the back side by the slide entrance.

7. The top of the slide has a flat area where you can stand and get a great view of the OKW resort area.

8. There are floodlights on the slide to help light up the pool area, giving better lighting at night time for both the guests and for the lifeguards.

9. The front of the slide directly faces the small bridge that divides the two halves of the OKW pool. Standing on the bridge makes a good place for taking photos of the slides and those using it.

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Photo taken earlier in the week using telephoto lens showing the completed slide prior to any painting.
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Photo taken 12/24 with telephoto lens showing slide mostly painted. Unpainted areas are where fiber optics are. The 'mickey' formed at the slide exit is clearly visible. One of the floodlights to light the pool area can be seen at the top of the castle. (Light partially obscured in photo by streetlamp in the foreground)
...

Photo taken as close as can get, from the back/side view. Shows the pool area. You can also see the lighthouse on the other side of the pool.
...

Another view, more of the back of the slide, showing the small bridge that leads to the slide's entrance.


Bill

 

[CarolMN]

So nice of you to post - thanks! Pictures really are worth " a thousand words."

The new slide must just be the thing to tempt me to try OKW.

Merry Christmas!

 

[Nanajo1]

Thanks for the updated photos. I'm really looking forward to seeing it.

 

[PamOKW]

Thanks for taking the photos and sharing them. Merry Christmas!

 

[amandaC]

That looks so cool as my boys would say. So many resorts to try and so few points to use!

Amanda

 

[goldilocks_63]

Thanks for posting them.

DD - 6 is very excited.

Merry XMAS to all, Goldi

 

[sarhenty]

Cool photos! It will make me want to stay at OKW too!


Thanks, Caskbill!

 

[JKLLady]

Thanks for the new photos!
We'll be there the weekend of Jan. 21st for DS 8th birthday; his choice was OKW in a 1 bdrm. ( "the one with the BIG kitchen, Mom") & I know he'll just love that slide!

 

[LIFERBABE]

I tried to get a better peak at the slide when we drove thru OKW this evening (Dec 25)

It is very impressive looking! Your photos are much better than the view I could get trying to peer over that wall! LOL

Thanks again,

 

[senecabeach]

Caskbill...

Many Thanks for taking the time from your OKW vacation to send us updates on the pool....

Great Photo's !!

 

[OneMoreTry]

As an OKW owner I have to say I'm disappointed at the appearance. I was excited when I heard about the slide, but this just doesn't fit the OKW theme, IMHO. It's too massive. Not tropical enough.

I hope they plant lots of trees around it.

Maybe it will look different when I see it in person. Or at night with all the fiberoptics twinkling.

 

[Good Deeds]

We are leaving for our first stay at OKW Jan 22nd. My girls will love the slide. Anyone heard when it will open... ?? Hopefully SOON! It will just be too tempting to see it and not be able to use it!!!

Thanks for the update and the pictures!!!

 

[MikeB63]

Thanks for the post and the pictures. I will be in the minority here I suppose. I think it looks terrible and doesn't fit with the resort theme, at least from what I can see in the photos. Hopefully it will look better in person. I think it ruins the area.

 

[Villainess]

I was so upset to hear they were putting in a waterslide, and am not impressed with the pics of it. It is too big and not "Key West" looking at all. I guess I will be heading to the quiet pools from now on.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I was so upset to hear they were putting in a waterslide, and am not impressed with the pics of it. It is too big and not "Key West" looking at all.

I agree that the sand castle isn't particularly "Key West looking." However -- without arguing the merits of having a slide -- I don't know how the slide could have been themed better to capture Key West. A Fort Zachary Taylor theme? A giant margarita glass theme? A cargo ship theme? A cruise ship theme? In the end, the sand castle theme is a beach theme, and that's appropriate for the Florida Keys and for the OKW feature pool area.

Any other ideas?

 

[spiceycat]

how about a pirate theme -but that might be to close to the CRB fort pool.

I guess since it was the first DVC the Castle theme - like Cindy's Castle - where wishes come true....is what they are going for?

 

[Disney Doll]

I think they went with the sandcastle theme because the children's play area is a sandcastle type themed area, and the slide sits over near that spot, so I think they just sort of continued that theme to the slide.

 

[chernabog]

Have any of you nay-sayers actually walked around to that area of the kiddie pool? The slide fits in perfectly with the rest of the sand castle making items (pail, shovel, small sand castle) located on that side of the recreation area! Well I guess the quiet pools will be getting quite a workout from all you negative nellies!!! Me, personally, I think it fits right in and I can't wait to see it in person!

 

[goldilocks_63]

Snooze.....

Maybe they can perk it up a bit....

Goldi

 

[MiaSRN62]

due to delays caused by both cold weather and rain delays.

Cold ? How cold are we talking ? My bil works construction (new homes) and they were working in 15 degrees last week (also rain/snow).....oh well, guess 40 is too cold for Floridians ?
Thanks so much for the pics Bill ! I really like the theme, color etc of the slide. My kids are excited about our trip next summer.