OKW Refurb

[myshakarol]

Does anyone know if there is a way to get dates for the Sandcastle Pool refurb like you can the parks? We are going 12/31 - 1/9 and trying to figure out if we can use the sandcastle pool for part of out trip.

 

[smidgy]

I called today, I was told the sandcastle pool will be closed from dec. 28 - feb 24. so sorry

 

[Donald - my hero]

In the e-mail i received notifying me of the pool closure there was this information

During the refurbishment of our feature pool area, we invite you to use our leisure pools located at Old Turtle Pond, South Point and Miller's Road. Transportation will also be provided to Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa where you can make a splash at the High Rock Spring Pool featuring cascading waterfalls, a zero-depth entry point and a 128-foot waterslide built into the rocks.
We apologize for any inconvenience this work may cause. Please know that we are making every effort to ensure your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. If you need assistance with your reservation, please contact your original booking agent as listed on your confirmation letter.

If you booked your stay through Disney Vacation Club®, please contact Disney Vacation Club Member Services at 800-800-9800 or 407-566-3800 between the hours of 9:00am-7:30pm (ET) Monday through Friday or 9:00am-5:30pm (ET) Saturday and Sunday.
If you booked your stay through Walt Disney World Resort or have general questions, please call 407-939-2760 between the hours of 7:00am-11:00pm (ET).
Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
David Belrose
General Manager of Disney's Old Key West Resort

I have no idea what they will do for you if you call any of those numbers!

 

[Andreas Mom]

How firm are those dates for the pool closure.....december 28-February 24??

 

[BillPA]

We just returned last night from a stay at OKW. It may NOT be the final design. Many that have seen the units have complained about the lack of theming. Took an unofficial tour of the new units, studio/1 BR. Looks nothing like Key West, more like it belongs in BLT. Stainless steel appliances, look nice, white cabinets in a shaker style, white counter tops. The island has been expanded to hold a 55 inch TV, the back side, facing the sink has storage shelves and in normal counter height. The furniture is the same old stuff just with new plain fabric. The big tub is gone, replaced with the same as BCV tub, but again the complaints indicate they will keep a whirlpool tub. The shutter between the Master bed and tub has been removed and is now a solid wall. Big screen TV added with a wall mount in Master BR. New tile in bath, gray wood look long tiles on floor. Shower has all glass sides and door. Studio side has new carpet, larger TV but nothing else that stood out. All paint color is light gray not at all Key West feel. The Key West photos are gone, more generic photos have replaced them.
The unit looks very nice, but just nothing looks like a beach or Key West theme.
Again, it is NOT final as they get feed back from owners and their designers changes are being looked at. I could not take photos as it is still "a work in progress"

 

[Donald - my hero]

Curious if it would be possible to request a renovated room? I don't really care about the design (ok, yes i do a little bit ) would really like a "new-ish" room

 

[BillPA]

It could be 9-12 months before any are ready, the rehab isn't to start until next spring.

 

[Donald - my hero]

It could be 9-12 months before any are ready, the rehab isn't to start until next spring.

Thanks for quick response I'm in the stupid loop of figuring out the Disney Math involved with the discount that was dropped this morning ... our kids are all joining us (but staying at different resorts!) and in that confusion i forgot the dates for the OKW refurb!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Took an unofficial tour of the new units, studio/1 BR.

I had to laugh at the "unofficial tour" comment. I know you wouldn't really do this, but "unofficial tour" sounds like "We knocked on doors and if no one was there, we broke in and looked around"

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think DVC is going with keep the outside themed, but anything goes inside.

 

[BillPA]

I had to laugh at the "unofficial tour" comment. I know you wouldn't really do this, but "unofficial tour" sounds like "We knocked on doors and if no one was there, we broke in and looked around"

I guess I could have said that better. It was in an unmarked location in as existing building. It was with the OKW manager.

 

[Kim&Chris]

I think DVC is going with keep the outside themed, but anything goes inside.

Well, that's good news. I think I'd probably cry if they changed the look of the buildings (outside). While the insides desperately need updating - especially the bathrooms - I will be sad to see the colors changed. Sounds bland.

 

[zorro77]

Will dig into what i can find out about remodel starting in 2017. Head to OKW soon and plan to set dates for our spring visit.

 

[SGMCO]

I just booked a 1st week in Oct. and hoping maybe to get a new refurbished room.
Is there a thread or News updates with the refurbish schedule or eyewitness statements of buildings being refurbished?

 

[Donald - my hero]

Just got home on Friday night and they had buildings 11 and possibly 12 completely out of commission.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I just booked a 1st week in Oct. and hoping maybe to get a new refurbished room.
Is there a thread or News updates with the refurbish schedule or eyewitness statements of buildings being refurbished?

It's not scheduled to start until late spring or summer. And will take two years. There might not be many buildings done by early October.

 

[SGMCO]

Why are buildings 11 & 12 closed off if they haven't started on refurbish?

 

[Donald - my hero]

Why are buildings 11 & 12 closed off if they haven't started on refurbish?

Need to take into account that we've never stayed there before & I didn't take pictures to share of the massive construction walls that are clearly blocking off something. SO i pulled up the map and studied it to try and figure out just would be behind those walls and to ME it appears to be at least building 11 using Google earth there's no way it could be more than 1 building. Is it possible that they are hiding all the equipment and materials being used for the massive renovations to the main pool and tennis courts? Could be, but there was lots of that in some of the parking spots making it hard to find a spot for breakfast on the day we were returning the car.

Hopefully someone else will have the presence of mind to actually TAKE pictures of the area!! This would clear up the issue of what is only word of mouth, sorry if i added a level of confusion to the discussion

 

[ldo]

Goon get in early April. So, is the pool going to be open then? What bldgs have construction stuff? I want to request an area away from that.