OKW vs HHI.. and 'age factor'

[natt]

Recently I've read some posts regarding OKW showing signs of age or being outdated.... yet any post I read about HHI is so optimistic and motivating to make anyone want a shot at a reservation there...

My question is for OKW owners and/or heartfelt fans of the resort?... Do you feel this way, or is this feedback from newer DVC members who are comparing apples-to-apples. I've never stayed at any of the original DVC's (unless you count BWV)...I do have a ressie booked at HHI for next June and I'm excited for the change; however I do realize it might be different than what we've been used to at BCV.. but maybe it's a nice change for this particular DVC vacation.

I'm just wondering if DVC really is letting the older resorts slip through the cracks so they can promote/sell the new ones... or are newer members just not doing their homework before booking (and just looking at the lower points) to see that with time comes progress. Personally, I still would like to know that I have an option to save alot of points to stay at a very nice themed resort if there would ever be a time that I'd choose to just chill and not spend the extra $$$ on park passes..

Thoughts on this

 

[hakepb]

All DVC resorts have regular, scheduled refurbishment schedules, at least replacing all soft goods (i.e upholsery, carpets..) When I was at OKW in April, there was a section of buildings blocked off with many dumpsters as they were obiously doing a refurb. Since OKW was build in sections, there is probably a greater variety in finishes age than, say BWV.

That said, BWV is/was going through a major refurb right now and should be getting flat screen TV's in addition to (some say much needed) carpeting..

Overall, I thought my OKW unit was in good contition. You can tell it was designed years before AKV in items such as colors and tile (vs granite) countertops
(Although I really, really like most of the tile I see around WDW, you can tell they have employed many fine tile masons, and often use wonderful materials like hand-cut tiles)

 

[Deb & Bill]

I really don't care what a non-OKW owner says about my OKW. All I know is that this family really likes OKW just the way it is.

Funny, though, when your post said "age factor" I thought you were bringing up the OKW Retirement Village idea. So many of the members who bought into OKW in the very beginning are a bit older than those that buy into BLT or AKV.

 

[Sammie]

Not sure what exactly you are asking, do you mean do I think HHI has been taken better care of in reference to housekeeping and maintenance.

If that is the question, then yes I do, but then I think HHI has better maintenance and housekeeping staff than any of the DVC resorts at WDW. The turnover in staff at HHI is much less than WDW, the CMs there take great pride in their jobs.

I also think guests to WDW resorts, whether they be cash guests or members, are harder on the resorts than guests at HHI. The resort is small and I think guests that stay are mostly members and take great pride in ownership and taking care of the property. I have friends that work at both HHI and WDW and some that have worked at both and they save there is definitely more damage done to rooms at WDW.

 

[liznboys]

This year alone we've stayed at the brand new THV, and BLT, and also VWL, OKW, BCV and HHI. You can tell the older resorts are older, but what we saw made us feel like they are taking great care of them. Our rooms at OKW and HHI had fresh paint and fixtures, they were well cared for. And as I said, we also stayed in the brand spanking new THV and BLT the first months they were opened, so that's what we're comparing to. Yes, the older resorts look older, but they are in great shape from what we saw! We love all of the resorts we've stayed at and will go back to them.

 

[buzz5985]

I stayed at BLT 2 weeks ago in a SV studio. There were rust stains in the tub from improper screws being used in the hand hold (not stainless steel). Also no sealant around the hand holds, which allowed the water to get under the plate. My DH was very upset at this - he is a plumber. It made him wonder what other shortcuts were taken in the construction???

The way we look at DVC is this - Worn, dirty carpets. Old TV's, old appliances, granite - all cosmetic. Themes can easily be changed to something more modern if it's what the people want. You see rust stains in a tub of a place only open for 3 months - makes you wonder.

 

[loriss]

Hi,

As one of the first OKW owners, I still love it. I have read some replies that talk about "granite vs. tile" etc., but the whole theme and design of OKW is laid back & relaxed.

I have never found it to be anything than Disney magic! I have changed rooms due to location, but never due to an issue with the room.

I love all the space that you get at OKW.

Lori

 

[mommacat56]

Hi,

As one of the first OKW owners, I still love it. I have read some replies that talk about "granite vs. tile" etc., but the whole theme and design of OKW is laid back & relaxed.

I have never found it to be anything than Disney magic! I have changed rooms due to location, but never due to an issue with the room.

I love all the space that you get at OKW.

Lori

I am also an original owner (vintage 1991) and feel that it is very well maintained considering the high volume of vacation traffic each unit sees. You have to go into this knowing that you might not have a unit that has had a recent refurbishment, otherwise you will be setting yourself up to be disappointed if you happen to have a small (but insignificant) stain on the carpet or sofa. A stain does not affect your vacation enjoyment. I have never changed locations in all the times I've been there due to a unit being in poor shape. I've changed units once, but only because of extremely loud upstairs neighbors who never seemed to stop dropping things in the bathtub and screaming at each other all night long!! The rooms have always been clean and the soft goods in acceptable shape...they get a lot of wear and tear and a scuff or worn area on an otherwise clean sofa doesn't bother me. And, as Lori stated, the units have the added advantage of greater square footage to spread out and using fewer points than the newer resorts. I love it there and have never regretted buying in there. OKW is their flagship resort and will always be the best!

 

[Halle]

We just got back from a one night stay at OKW and 6 nights at BLT.
We have been OKW owners since 1993 and BW since 2006. Our 1 bedroom in Bldg 18 was a huge disappointment, tile around shower cracked and some missing. We have never experienced this before and were upset to see it.
BLT, gorgeous! I was upset to see that the DR table had several large scratches which had to be intentionally done. I don't think the granite was sealed, several stains around the coffee maker.

 

[littlestar]

I think the gripes come from the fact that OKW hasn't had a "hard" refurbishment. Here's the brochures for some of the Sheraton Vistana's planned hard refurbishments to give you an idea:

Sheraton Vistanta Resort Renovation Brochures:

https://www.mystarcentral.com/CMS/en_US/svo_media/CMSMedia/PDF/misc/Cascades_Makeover_Brochure.pdf

https://www.mystarcentral.com/CMS/en_US/svo_media/CMSMedia/PDF/misc/Spa_Makeover_Brochure.pdf

I still really like OKW even though it's not up to the new resorts in Orlando. I like all the space - square footage. It has good bones so to speak.

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

I think the gripes come from the fact that OKW hasn't had a "hard" refurbishment. Here's the brochures for some of the Sheraton Vistana's planned hard refurbishments to give you an idea:

Sheraton Vistanta Resort Renovation Brochures:

https://www.mystarcentral.com/CMS/en_US/svo_media/CMSMedia/PDF/misc/Cascades_Makeover_Brochure.pdf

https://www.mystarcentral.com/CMS/en_US/svo_media/CMSMedia/PDF/misc/Spa_Makeover_Brochure.pdf

I still really like OKW even though it's not up to the new resorts in Orlando. I like all the space - square footage. It has good bones so to speak.

Thanks for the links! It was interesting to see the before and after pics!

 

[deerh]

I think the gripes come from the fact that OKW hasn't had a "hard" refurbishment. Here's the brochures for some of the Sheraton Vistana's planned hard refurbishments to give you an idea:

Sheraton Vistanta Resort Renovation Brochures:

https://www.mystarcentral.com/CMS/en...r_Brochure.pdf

https://www.mystarcentral.com/CMS/en...r_Brochure.pdf

I still really like OKW even though it's not up to the new resorts in Orlando. I like all the space - square footage. It has good bones so to speak.

OUCH!
Does anyone out there think that DVC will have a "HARD replacment" anytime soon? WOW, that is a lot of money, but it sure looks nice!!
But wow, people are griping about dues, could you imagine paying $2000 for a year for a 'new look'?? How many people would like that?

deerh

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I am also an original owner (vintage 1991)

Love it! I wish I could have bought then. OKW owner since 2000, I fell in love with it then and love it now for the same reasons. By the same token I've stayed at them all except BLT & THV and I have to say, my 2 br at BCV & BWV in 2008 were in much worse shape than anything I've ever encountered at OKW. In 2009 our BWV 2br, had not been redone but it was clean and freshly painted, however it did have the stove w/ only one functioning burner. My last two stays at OKW(2008/09) each unit had new couches and bedspreads. I think some DVC owners have an unrealistic idea of what a "timeshare" is and what their dues pay for as far as referbishments and maintenance etc.

I've read many post about OKW's lack of Disney Theming, I don't find BCT or BWV to have anymore Disney theming. Those resorts are near the Disney parks but their amenities/decor are no more no less Disney themed than OKW. Now the POP is Disney themed but I bought into DVC not to stay there!

 

[DisneyMim]

I too am an original owner (1991) and LOVE OKW just the way it is. We stay everywhere on property, but OKW is still our favorite. My kids love it and think of it as home. I don't care what others say about it and yes I've read it all and just laugh. I can't for the life of me figure out why people have to put down something. JUST DON"T STAY THERE!!! PLEASE, leave it for those of us who love it. There are soooo many other options. No, I don't think it is showing any more signs of wear than other resorts. The Poly is a real original, but it's still looking good IMHO. Some of the things people complain about are problems created by the people who stay there. Not everyone treats their time-share as their own home. We do and always have. They have updated over the years and will continue to. I think people have a problem with the atmosphere, or the decor or whatever, but that's what is so great about Disney. They have something for everyone.

Enjoy The Magic!!

 

[natt]

Thank you all for the responses! I've been away for a few days, but nice to see the replys!
I do see myself booking OKW at sometime in the next 5 years... we just haven't reached that point in time where it's just me and DH going for downtime and it not about making a magical time for (now) teen/adult children... but it's just around the corner!
I look forward to just hanging out and having DTD as the entertainment... with perhaps a one day visit to Epcot!