OKW renos

[Chuck S]

That is exactly where I expected the TV, considering they have always been inside the island, and all the cable wiring and power is there.

The other option would be to rewire the units and wall mounts over the buffet area where the HSIA outlet used to be, or turn the island around to use it for kitchen storage and build a tall false wall on the living room side and hang it there, which would really make the living area look tiny.

 

[iluveeyore]

Yep, the tv has always been there - easy to see from sitting position on the couch, and when we have small kids with us they love to sit around on the floor playing with their toys and watching dvds while we make dinner or relax.

 

[Shadeaux]

Am I the only one totally dismayed by the placement of the new TV is in the living room? It is on floor level, people. And it is a teensy TV!. Floor level! What were they thinking?

From the pictures and videos, it looks like the tv is in the exact same place it's always been. I'm not sure what picture you've seen but to me it doesn't look "teensy". It fits into the cabinet.

 

[dianeschlicht]

That is exactly where I expected the TV, considering they have always been inside the island, and all the cable wiring and power is there.

The other option would be to rewire the units and wall mounts over the buffet area where the HSIA outlet used to be, or turn the island around to use it for kitchen storage and build a tall false wall on the living room side and hang it there, which would really make the living area look tiny.

That's exactly what I meant in my post on the last page. I think above the buffet makes perfect sense. Of course, it would have to a bit larger TV than they seem to have placed in the island. I just know that the old ones were hard enough to see down there, and the new ones do look to be more difficult at that level. I wouldn't even mind if they placed it on the counter of the buffet.

 

[delmar411]

Here's a video that i just made of our renovated 2 bedroom villa...we just came back on July 6th...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3-17xxuwPA

Thanks for the video. Good to see that the table and chairs are still in the 2nd bedroom.

 

[Chuck S]

That's exactly what I meant in my post on the last page. I think above the buffet makes perfect sense. Of course, it would have to a bit larger TV than they seem to have placed in the island. I just know that the old ones were hard enough to see down there, and the new ones do look to be more difficult at that level. I wouldn't even mind if they placed it on the counter of the buffet.

Except the area above the buffet also does not provide an unobstructed view from most of the main living room area, and people sitting on the love seat would have to turn their head 90 degrees to see the screen.

The best solution to accomplish both an unobstructed view, and not make the room look small would be to have it retract into the living room ceiling above the kitchen island, but that would be an expensive thing to install and problematic from a maintenance standpoint, as it surely would need a motor and track system that would be subject to break down. It would also require more cleaning from general airborne cooking oils and smoke.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Except the area above the buffet also does not provide an unobstructed view from most of the main living room area, and people sitting on the love seat would have to turn their head 90 degrees to see the screen.

The best solution to accomplish both an unobstructed view, and not make the room look small would be to have it retract into the living room ceiling above the kitchen island, but that would be an expensive thing to install and problematic from a maintenance standpoint, as it surely would need a motor and track system that would be subject to break down. It would also require more cleaning from general airborne cooking oils and smoke.

Yes, you're right. I guess the only logical option was to leave it where it is, like they did. I do know a couple years ago they were trying to think of what to do with the TVs. They were talking about eliminating the island completely.

 

[delmar411]

Yes, you're right. I guess the only logical option was to leave it where it is, like they did. I do know a couple years ago they were trying to think of what to do with the TVs. They were talking about eliminating the island completely.

One thing they could do is install the TV into the island on a pop up lift, instead of just put inside the cabinet.

 

[Supermom3]

We are planning on staying in a studio the first week of March 2011. I was going to request HH booking category, but would like to have a renovated room. I know that HH area is one of the last to be completed. Do you think I'll get a renovated room without requesting it? Or should I not book HH, and just request a renovated room? Thanks!

 

[dianeschlicht]

We are planning on staying in a studio the first week of March 2011. I was going to request HH booking category, but would like to have a renovated room. I know that HH area is one of the last to be completed. Do you think I'll get a renovated room without requesting it? Or should I not book HH, and just request a renovated room? Thanks!

I think you need to choose what's more important to you...renovated room or HH catagory. We don't know the exact schedule of renovations, but we have noticed that they seem to be doing it in the same order as they did the exterior renovations. Who knows.. they could be done by March, but we don't know that either.

 

[Supermom3]

I think you need to choose what's more important to you...renovated room or HH catagory. We don't know the exact schedule of renovations, but we have noticed that they seem to be doing it in the same order as they did the exterior renovations. Who knows.. they could be done by March, but we don't know that either.

Thanks for the insight. Decisions, decisions.

 

[DenLo]

I just saw an article on the Disney Blog indicating they would be showing photos of the renovations at OKW soon. The following article confirms that the countertops are granite. Here's the blog's link. http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ampaign=Feed:+DisneyParks+(Disney+Parks+Blog)

 

[5forDiz]

We are planning on staying in a studio the first week of March 2011. I was going to request HH booking category, but would like to have a renovated room. I know that HH area is one of the last to be completed. Do you think I'll get a renovated room without requesting it? Or should I not book HH, and just request a renovated room? Thanks!

I'd opt for renovated villa. Buildings in Turtle Pond area is currently undergoing renovations with many completed; it's still convenient walk to HH area but you can take the bus from there, that stop is in close proximity to most buildings, Hospitality House will always be last stop the bus makes before the bus exits OKW property. Turtle Pond pool is very nice too with small arcade and small counter serve as well.

See this link to video that DIS poster Puente 0629 recenly took of renovated Turtle Pond 2 bedroom villa, it shows TP pool area towards end. jmho with 3 kids along a 1 bedroom is much more family friendly than studio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3-17xxuwPA




Best wishes planning

 

[Allisonjane]

I know its been asked before but does anyone know which buildings have been refurbished and which haven't?
I'm due to pay my balance next week and originally requested HH area, but have decided a refurbished villa is more important to us, mainly due to the sleeper chair (my DD's won't have to share a bed) but we wont have a car so don't want to be too far away from everything.
I'm thinking buildings 30-35 might be good, have these all been finished, or does anyone have any recommendations. We are on dining plan to wanted to be able to walk to HH, and kids want refillable mugs so want to be near drink station.

 

[TINKERIFIC]

Has Turtle Pond area been completed? If so, what other areas are they currently working on?

We are in a studio, but I just requested a renovated room, preferably in a quiet building...water view.

Any idea what building would fit that description?

 

[Supermom3]

I'd opt for renovated villa. Buildings in Turtle Pond area is currently undergoing renovations with many completed; it's still convenient walk to HH area but you can take the bus from there, that stop is in close proximity to most buildings, Hospitality House will always be last stop the bus makes before the bus exits OKW property. Turtle Pond pool is very nice too with small arcade and small counter serve as well.

See this link to video that DIS poster Puente 0629 recenly took of renovated Turtle Pond 2 bedroom villa, it shows TP pool area towards end. jmho with 3 kids along a 1 bedroom is much more family friendly than studio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3-17xxuwPA




Best wishes planning

Thanks. I think I agree, and would prefer a renovated room over the HH.

We won't have all 3 kids in the room, too many for a studio. My parents are coming too, so the plan is for 2 studios with one of the kids with them. I'm happy that they are adding a sleeper chair to the 1 bedrooms. That will be great for future trips.

Any word on when the renovation is scheduled for completion?

Thanks!

 

[barrysprot36]

Thanks. I think I agree, and would prefer a renovated room over the HH.

We won't have all 3 kids in the room, too many for a studio. My parents are coming too, so the plan is for 2 studios with one of the kids with them. I'm happy that they are adding a sleeper chair to the 1 bedrooms. That will be great for future trips.

Any word on when the renovation is scheduled for completion?

Thanks!

I was told last month by a Concierge CM that it was all scheduled to be finished by March 2011.

Caron

 

[Candy Orlando]

If you request a refurbished room on your reservation you might get one.

 

[Supermom3]

I was told last month by a Concierge CM that it was all scheduled to be finished by March 2011.

Caron

If you request a refurbished room on your reservation you might get one.

Thanks!

 

[Minnie J]

OMG thank you for posting this pictures!! 12 More days until OKW. They look very nice too. I love how you showed the opening of the couch beds. Now I know where and how to fit my family!!