Pool hopping?

[Peterd]

When the Beach club Villas open, do you think pool hopping will end? You would think no one from the Beach club will pool hop to another pool. They will probably close pool hopping to SAB because of the extra rooms there now. The new owners and guests would have a good gripe about overcrowding at a pool they pay dues or cash at.
The Wilderness lodge has a nice themed pool that most wouldn't want to leave to pool hop. The AKL won't let you pool hop there, so Where else is there left to pool hop? We used to pool hop at the Contemp. but we're not into driving to a pool anymore. The Poly and GF are ok, but if you wanted the pool there, why not stay there? If we are into trying a different pool these days, we'll pay cash at those resorts on the weekends. We do that at the Universal Hotels before and after our DVC stays.
The Boardwalk will eventually start to limit the pool hopping because of the closing of pool hopping at SAB, and overcrowding of the BW pool.
Is it really worth it anymore for DVC management or the members? Is it fair to the members staying at these resorts, to have the additional crowding at their pool?
We've heard so many times on these boards, buy where you want to stay. Does pool hopping really make a difference to anyone any more?

 

[Werner Weiss]

You would think no one from the Beach club will pool hop to another pool.

We've never done this, but others have posted that they enjoy heading over to the Poly pool during peak afternoon hours while spending a day at the Magic Kingdom. That actually sounds appealing -- regardless of which DVC resort you're staying at with points, even BCV.

They will probably close pool hopping to SAB because of the extra rooms there now.

Yes, there will be more people using Stormalong Bay (SAB) when BCV opens, even though BCV will add a new, atttractive pool to the Y&B Club complex. And the additional guests at SAB may lead to more restrictions on pool hopping to SAB. Others on this board have suggested that all DVC pool hopping to SAB will be eliminated when BCV opens. That could happen, but it would be a shame, and it would take away a benefit that DVC members were promised by many Guides (though not in the contract). Why not just continue to use the current pool hopping rules, which are supposed to restrict pool hopping only when there's a gebuine capacity issue?

The Poly and GF are ok, but if you wanted the pool there, why not stay there?

Because DVC members generally stay at DVC resorts with points. And, as I noted above, these pools provide a nice break on a Magic Kingdom day

 

[bjcgl]

Just returned from 4 days at OKW (it was great!). I attended the Member info meeting - where they said that there is always the possibility that pool hopping privileges (not a right, a privilege) will be taken away and that then only people staying at the Beach Club would be allowed to use SAB.
So it sounds like they are trying to get us used to the idea.

He also said that they think Beach Club will sell out faster than Wilderness Lodge (which was 13 months).

Didn't have much to say about the proposed Eagle Pines or Institute DVCs - except that the are "proposed"

 

[Dumbo]

If Beach Club Villas sells out faster than the Villas at Wildnerless Lodge, that would be quite a feat as it is much larger. Beach Club Villas has 205 units compared to 136 at VWL.


Dumbo

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I would be disappointed if this happened--we poolhopped to SAB one day on our trip last June. I didn't like Luna Park at all and looks like I'll be stuck with it.
Now if DVC members were told "no pool hopping at OKW or BWV unless you stay there" that would make sense, but to single out BCV is not fair.
Robin M.

 

[Dean]

Even with the points at BCV coming in the same as WLV and BWV preferred, I don't think there's any way to expect BC to sell out as fast as WL. It's larger as noted, the economy has slowed, there is a somewhat smaller pool of buyers, BW and even WLV points are finding their way to resale fairly easily at this point and the points costs will apparently go up in a few months. I know there are a group of people who have been waiting for BC to open sales just like there was for WL and there will be an initial push but I suspect at least 2 years if not more like 3.

I'll admit I was surprised that BCV has the same points structure. I predicted otherwise and was wrong. I'm glad I was wrong. I think I may have had a bet on this subject but don't have notes to that affect. I'll need to do a search and see if I can find it, best type of bet to lose if I did.

 

[Dumbo]

Dean,

I agree that it will take at least 2 years, if not more, for Beach Club Villas to sell out. Once they increase the price to $80 a point, the initial spike in sells should be over, and you will see sells drop off dramaticly.

What surprised me the most was the annual dues coming in at only $3.77 a point. I thought they would be well over $4. a point.



Dumbo

 

[TheWho]

I think the NEW POOL being built at BCV should not be discounted. It's not going to be as outstanding as SAB. But it is a new pool facility to accomadate the new guests at BCV.
I'm still remaining optimistic that the new pool will be the reason the BW guests will still be able to pool hop at SAB. (off peak of course)

 

[Uncleromulus]

We stay at OKW almost always--and pool hop mostly because the pools at OKW are so pathetic!! I cannot imagine anyone wanting to pool hop TO OKW-
Talk about limiting or ending pool-hopping infuriates me (tho I know it isn't a contractual "right"). My belief is that when OKW was built, they added the pool hopping perk because they KNEW that many people would be disappointed with the pool there (like I obviously am).
End pool hopping?? Then build a better pool at OKW first!!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Uncleromulus
Talk about limiting or ending pool-hopping infuriates me (tho I know it isn't a contractual "right"). My belief is that when OKW was built, they added the pool hopping perk because they KNEW that many people would be disappointed with the pool there (like I obviously am).
End pool hopping?? Then build a better pool at OKW first!!

Sorry, better take your valium. You can assume that Pool Hopping will be severely limited or totally eliminated at SAB in the fairly near future. I can also guarantee you that there will be no new pool at OKW and no pool slide is likely, ever. You might want to buy at BCV.

 

[PinMan]

hi

 

[PinMan]

just trying to get my logo to work, this is a test.

 

[PamOKW]

My belief is that when OKW was built, they added the pool hopping perk because they KNEW that many people would be disappointed with the pool there (like I obviously am).

Disney Vacation Club AKA OKW was open for several years before pool hopping was added as a perk. Many people bought into the resort as it was built and don't necessarily see the need for slides. The pools are fairly small for the addition of a slide. To compete with SAB, Luna Park or CSR a whole new pool would need to be built. I don't see that happening.....and I wouldn't want to see it happen. Adding a slide at the main pool might be feasible but I don't think it would satisfy the pool lovers desire for a water park atmosphere like Luna Park.

Since many people enjoy pool hopping I would hope they could continue to allow that perk. It's possible they could eliminate SAB but continue to allow pool hopping at the other hotels....maybe adding AKL in its place.

 

[Uncleromulus]

The pool at OKW is strictly second rate--make that THIRD rate. No reason on this earth why, when OKW was first designed, they could not have built a better pool.
Oh, I know no changes will be made because I'm not happy. What puzzles me is how anyone can be happy with that poor excuse for a main pool they have now. I've seen better pools at Best Western Motels on I-95!!
Took my valium--am calm now. Think I'll take a swim.

 

[PamOKW]

To each their own....I think the Old Turtle Pond pool is beautiful and I love lounging there sipping a pina colada. Can't say that I miss a slide at all.

The total atmosphere at OKW is more adult. Of course, families and kids are in the units and it is Disney World but not everything here was geared to appeal to children. Original purchasers were grandparents (who had the $$$) who saw bringing their families here. Kids can certainly have a great time at OKW. They just don't have a slide. I totally disagree that the pools are comparable to motel pools. They look beautiful to me.

 

[Peterd]

Ok, now that we all know that eventually the SAB pool hopping will end. This will probably increase the amount of pool hopping to the BW or WL.
We have seen that the "selected" Okw owners have agreed that there will be no new pool or slide. They have strongly stated that there is no way that they will pay for a new slide or pool. Lifeguards, slides, all cost money, (dues?). Why pay for a slide or pool with your dues, when you can use the other pools that other DVC members are paying. Some or our famous Okw backers likes to expain why "size" is better, dues are lower, and the points are lower. They are right, the dues are lower for a reason. You can use the other resorts that actually pay for the extra things they are unwilling to pay for.
Is it fair, that the BW or the WL will have OKW members pool hop to their pool? It's Just something to think about. We own at both Okw and the BW. We never received the famous pool slide survey they only sent to the older members of Okw, we never had the chance to vote or express any sort of opinion. The Okw is a very nice resort with a very boring pool. As a member there, we would love to have a theme pool there, but as the older members state, NO WAY! That's why we will try to eventually sell, and get the nicer resorts with the nicer pools. After trying to get the Okw owners to think my way, that a nicer pool would be great, I've given up. I was wrong, they like the pool as it is, and don't want to pay the money for a new pool or lifeguards.
I now as a member hope the pool hopping does come to an end. If you don't want to pay the dues, stay at your home resort. You know SAB is just about over. So what's left? The BW, WL, moderates?
So, As these boards always say Buy where you want to stay, now it's stay where you want your kids want to play.
One last disclaimer, I really do like Okw, but to read on these boards all the time "we're not paying the extra dues that comes along with a better pool, but we hope they don't do away with pool-hopping", to me sounds like someone wants the best of both worlds.
"To each their own" is correct. The pool is cute for a more older crowd, (sorry don't mean to offend). My in-laws like quiet pools and like to read a book down by the pool also.
uncleromulus, I agree with you. I agreed with your opinion 4 to 5 years ago. Since we can't change the opinions of other Okw owners, and Pool hopping will come to an end at SAB soon, why should it continue at the other resorts also?

 

[Werner Weiss]

A few thoughts...

• Pool hopping is not an issue of OKW vs. DVC resorts that are attached to WDW resorts that have waterslides.
• Pool hopping is not just something that OKW owners do to get a away from OKW's "boring pool."
• OKW has four very nice pools with attractive surroundngs. The main feature pool is particularly inviting and provides easy access to many resort services. True, the OKW pools were designed without waterslides.
• DVC members don't pool hop just to get to a pool with a waterslide.
• DVC members pool hop in order to experience more of the WDW Resort on their many return visits. For many members, pool hopping (perhaps combined with a restaurant meal at the resort where the pool is located) is better than going on Peter Pan for the 20th time.
• Pool hopping is a way for DVC members to take a break from a theme park visit without returning all the way to whichever DVC resorts they're staying at.
• I would guess that far more BWV owners than OKW owners pool hop to SAB, simply because SAB is so much more convenient to get to from BWV than from OKW.
• BCV owners will also find it convenient to pool hop to BWV, not because they don't like SAB, but to enjoy something different.
• Pool hopping is a documented benefit (but not a contractual right) that DVC sales people have touted over the years as a benefit of buying into DVC.
• This is not an issue of cheap, self-centered, "older" OKW owners wanting to sponge off the dues of DVC members at other DVC resorts -- and I don't appreciate the implication that it somehow is.

 

[eva]

We always pool hop to SAB when we are staying at BWV. We are not very fond of that clown pool at BWV and love to be able to just walk over to SAB. When we stay at OKW we rarely pool hop. To much of a hassle in my opinion. We really enjoy the main pool and quiet pools at OKW. Even my 2 teenage daughters enjoy them. When the survey came out I voted that they add a slide at OKW, but that was right after we bought our membership. After using the pools there for the last couple years I think that I would change my mind now. We really enjoy the laid back atmosphere of the pools. Also after encountering a couple that lived in Orlando enjoying the main pool at OKW I decided that we don't need the added hassle of gate crashers at OKW pools. If OKW had a pool similar to SAB there would be large crowds of people trying to use the facility. I think that this would change the atmosphere at OKW. Something that I am definitely against.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Well,I do have to admit..the main pool at OKW does have water.

 

[Dean]

Peterd, you have issues dude. I won't go through the long list like Werner did but would like to chime in a couple of points. As you acknowledged, there was a survey and the no pool issue was voted down pretty soundly if I recall, for what ever the reasons were. That means we have a good representation of what the members want far better than just sqawking on this BBS. Frankly, I think it's a little unreasonable of you to think that most voted simply because of cost and that the same people are freeloading off the other resorts. I don't know the percent of members that pool hop but would venture it's pretty small and if you take SAB out of the picture, I'm sure it'll be a far smaller group still. I suspect the second most frequently hopped pool is BW and IMO, it's just not worth it. Frankly, I prefer OKW quiet pools to WL or BW pool.

Personally, it wouldn't bother me either way but I'd likely not use a large SAB type pool at the main area of OKW and therefore would prefer not to have extra costs but wouldn't be upset if it came about. I don't think it'd be that difficult to control freeloaders because of the one way in and out. We all end up paying for things that we don't use and others get the benefit of. I don't generally use the bus system and would be just as happy if it were gone, probably happier, but I'm not lobbying for it. Partly because it's not going to change and because many but not all fellow members do use the options.

I've had my issues with DVC over the years and seem to be one of the minority that takes a more realistic attitute toward this TIMESHARE ownership. It's still a great thing to own and utilize, just some things I think could and should be done better. I have always despised the "sell if you don't like it line" so if you would be happier selling, go for it. If not, lets have a beer by the pool.