Pool hopping?

[CarolAnnC]

Please do not post insulting, attacking posts on this thread. It is against DIS Posting Guidelines and it will force the locking of the subject, if it continues. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Windjammer
If I implied that I thought that DVC wanted to continue the program then I mispoke. I don't know if wthey want to continue it but they should. I think it is a valuable selling point with few downsides or costs involved from DVC's standpoint. If capacity at one pool is going to be too great it isn't much of a problem for DVC to temporarily stop hopping to that pool.

I guess this is where I have an inherent disagreement with many on this subject. I don't think Disney wants to continue it. I don't think they want to use it as a selling point routinely. I suspect it's far more hassle than it's worth. As a matter of fact, they can stop pool hopping and then sell BC as a way to use SAB.

 

[PKS44]

Pam OKW wrote: ncligs was just pointing out that some members, as hard as it is for some to believe, really do like the OKW pools just as they are..

I don't think anyone on this thread has disputed that some OKW members like the pools as they are- there was a question as to whether it was many or most but even the very angry threads calling for an end to poolhopping for OKW members only, never said that nobody liked the pools as they are...but those who do like them must admit that many people who stay at OKW do not like the pools as they are.

Pam wrote: The purpose of the pool is to provide a place to swim and relax. Suggestions were made that there are other places to find excitement and a water park atmosphere at WDW.

Again- suggesting people go elsewhere on property misses the point...it is not about water parks-For that matter, even SAB is no comparison to a real water park- it's a large, nice interactive pool...(I have never felt like some say that it is like a miniwater park)..
it's about offering similar choices--BWV, VWL, BCV- all offer people a choice AT the resort. OKW does not offer any choice at the resort... I think some of the tension is created by this asymmetry-

Pam wrote:The complaints sort of remind me of people who buy condos next to the firehouse and then lobby to get them to stop blowing the fire whistle. You knew, or had an opportunity to know, what the facilities were like at OKW before purchasing. Anything that was vitally important to your enjoyment should have been considered. Trying to force the resort to change now is unrealistic....

No argument- those who own there should be satisfied with things as they are and no one should be trying to force anything. That does not mean they should never try to change anything if they feel it can be better.

Pam wrote: I question again whether adding a slide would solve the problem. Heck, if it's a slide you want, there is no need to pool hop to SAB. You can go next door to POR (when it re-opens) or around the corner to CBR. I prefer BOTH larger OKW pools to either of these.

Misses the point- it is not about slides. I made several suggestions and Pam herself made an excellent suggestion of the pirate boat that had nothing to do with slides...hopping to CBR, POR or SAB is nothing like having a choice at the resort at which you are staying...again OKW is unique in that does not offer a choice.

Earlier Pam also wrote:I agree a waterfall would look pretty but does that satisfy UncleRomulus's desire for more action?

UncleRomulus wrote in a post BEFORE that question was posed by Pam-Paul:
Good points about OKW pool!!
As I said-it does have water. But Mrs. Uncleromulus just reminded me it is pretty shallow water.
Couldn't they just spring for an elephant to squirt water over my head?? (Like the one at Luna Park, where I often pool hop to swim). The dolphins might be altered to do that. At least they'd be doing SOMETHING!!

So there are people who like OKW pools as they are and those who do not- and we don't really know the proportions of either... it's not about slides or quiet or satisfaction--the questions are of CHANGE and CHOICE. I thought the posts about limiting OKW members hopping priveleges were out of line...saying members were too cheap to pay to bring their pools up to the rest of WDW resort standards...but what is the objection to the nonslide suggestions here, if not money?- I have yet to see an argument why members would not want to do anything to enhance the pool experience? If you like it the way it is, fine but why can't kids play with the dolphin fountain? How would that or any of the non slide suggestions ruin the pool for those like Pam and ncligs who are satisfied now?

Paul

 

[Peterd]

"I thought the posts about limiting OKW members hopping priveleges were out of line".
The comment comes from the past five years on these boards suggesting they improve the main pool, whether it be a slide or whatever. Then hearing over and over," no way, I'm not gonna spend the extra 1/4 of a cent per point for lifeguards, etc... We like our pool the way it is". Fine then stay there! Why should you upgrade your pool with a slight increase in your dues, when you can use other member resort pools?
When the Bw's dues are much higher, paying for lifeguards, extra towels for the pool hoppers etc... How fair is it? It's like the one renter who posted "why buy in, when she can get all the benefits of dvc by renting, including poolhopping?"
SAB will close for poolhopping, so why not the others? If I offended some of the Okwesters? Sorry, didn't mean to insinuate you were too cheap, just trying to raise the question of if hopping if discontinued at one resort should it be continued at the BW and WLV which will now be more crowded?

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

What is the incentive for DVC to change the pools at OKW???? The resort has been sold out for several years, and OKW DVCers got what they paid for. Most are happy there.

Maybe it was the free park passes that helped to sell OKW more than the atmosphere of the pools.

 

[baileybrad]

I am sure that this is a non-issue to some but does anyone really think that a totally stand alone new DVC resort being built today would have a "main pool" as average/staid/unkid friendly/non-descript as the OKW main pool???

There is no doubt that many members enjoy the OKW pools as are but that still doesn't change the fact that the pools offer very little in choice. They would all be called quiet pools at any other resort be that good or bad.

As for PH going away, the vast majority, per past polls, on the subject infrequently use the option. I do think that it really doesn't cost much if anything for any of the entities involved. Pool security still needs to be there, even stepped up, in some cases to keep true trespassers out. We all know that is still a very real ongoing problem at resort pools. So why do away with something that you can show as a priviledge without incurring any costs. The individual resorts such as SAB or AKL can always choose to not be involved or opt out periodically during busy times like SAB does or not at all as AKL has chosen.

I don't think that OKW members should be held to different rules. I do wish the resort offered one pool that had a little more going on besides dolphins that kids can't even enjoy. That display has and will never make any sense to me.

 

[PamOKW]

What is the special feature of the VWL pool (not the hotel pool)?

The drawing for the BCV pool looks like it will be very attractive but I don't see any special feature there either?

It seems as though the only DVC at WDW built with a slide has been BWV, even then it is sharing with a hotel as well.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by PamOKW
What is the special feature of the VWL pool (not the hotel pool)?

Why, the fact that it's at VWL, of course!

Just trying to lighten this thread a little. Seems like much ado about nothing to me. It seems to me that the OKW pool was there first, so it didn't take anyone by surprise.

I mean, imagine if BWV was the original DVC resort. Then OKW was built after BWV. I could see (just a little bit, but I could see it) where the BWV owners might feel they were being taken a little advantage of.

But the OKW pool was there first. We all bought with that pool already in place. I don't get why it's a big issue to some.

And I do realize that some are just posting some thoughts or suggestions that they think would make the pool more enjoyable. Nothing wrong with that, as long as it isn't tied to some veiled allegation that the OKW owners are "not holding up the DVC standards" and getting by on the cheap.

 

[PKS44]

quote:
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Originally posted by PamOKW
What is the special feature of the VWL pool (not the hotel pool)?

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Again this confuses the issue, which is about choice. The VWL pool is the quiet pool, the WL pool is the themed pool with the "special features" for the resort. Ditto for the BCV pool and SAB. BWV has Luna Park and then a quiet pool...Every resort, as far as I know, has a themed pool area and then nonthemed pools...every resort except OKW. The "themed" pool at OKW has a sauna shaped like a lighthouse and a hands-off dolphin statue area with a fountain you aren't supposed to get near, and a bridge you cannot jump off of. (I think PO-R pool is also pretty dull if I remember correctly.)

baileybrad is exactly right- the proof is in what DVC and WDW have done SINCE they built OKW. There is no way DVC or WDW will ever build a resort without a better themed pool than that again...VWL and BCV did not have to have them built, they were already there...Even HH and VB have themed pools. Eagle Pines Villas and Downtown Disney Villas will almost certainly have something more than the OKW pool or I don't think they will sell as well.

OKW is now mostly owned by its members. If they wanted to, they could change the pool...It's like any other real estate you own- you can live with the bathroom the way it is- or you can remodel. If I had bought there back in the beginning and then later I saw how much more can be done with pool theming as it has been done at virtually every other resort on property, I would want to remodel. Surely, the value of OKW would not be decreased by a themed pool. I would look for ways to improve my property. That's just me- and I don't count, because it is not my property. I know many improve their property only because it increases the value for when they sell and of course we DVC'ers are not ever looking to sell. But some people improve their property to make it better for their own use.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Excellent point PKS44--couldn't have put it any better myself.
Uncleromulus has but one more thing to say.. I hear the term "quiet" pool used a lot and I guess we mean pools w/o slides and or lifeguards. But I'll tell you what--some of the most disgusting and rowdy behavior I've seen in all my trips to WDW has occured at these "quiet" pools. At the very small ones, sometimes one or two families will adopt them as their own--and behave as tho they were in the pool back home. Running when there should be no running-diving when there should be no diving--parents watching and laughing with uncontrolled delight as young Tammy or Timmy throw their food in the water!! I've also sat thru a barrage of thrown frisbees, softballs, baseballs and once (at the Turtle Crawl) four teenagers got in the pool and started throwing a football (and I mean a real football-not the small rubber ones). Another time at turtle crawl, another couple of teens brought their BOOMBOX with them--and until I decided to leave, I was serenaded by the lilting voices of Ice-T-Boyz Cubed in The 'Hood (or whatever they call themselves).
So "quiet" pools may sometimes not be all that quiet..all of what I described is worse than anything I've seen at Luna park or Stormalong Bay.
Like the Borg, Uncleromulus will adapt---

 

[RobDoc]

Does anyone know of a Disney reference to "quiet" pools? I can't seem to find such a term anyplace. I have seen the Turtle Pond, Miller and South Point pools referred to as "Neighborhood" pools, but not as "quiet"- except on this board...and especially in this thread.

The OKW main pool is certainly themed to match that of the resort. The Lighthouse, dolphins and sand area are consistant with the Key West concept. The "neighborhood" pools have no particular theme, that is obvious to me.

In any event, the "quiet" pools (there's that mysterious term again) probably have nothing to do with decibel levels at all. There is certainly nothing at those pools suggesting any limiting behavior- except the usual No Glass, No Running, etc.

I see the neighborhood pools as a nearby option for those in the adjacent buildings and nothing more.

 

[PamOKW]

Doc, I think you are right. The quiet pool term is used for the resorts but was not used for OKW.

I also agree with UncleRomulus that sometimes a large group will comandeer any of the pool areas at OKW. That isn't right but falls under the category of other things that "aren't right" various guests and members do. I'm not sure how upgrading pool areas would have any effect on this except for if the lifeguard were to also function as pool police. In fact, I wouldn't be adverse to having a lifeguard to serve this function. Might also help cut down on locals who enjoy the OKW pools.

And Paul, you are right about the upgrading of pools. OKW was not built on the cheap. It's pools were designed along the lines of all the other deluxe hotels at that time. None of the deluxe monorail hotels had slides either. In fact, the DVC survey asking about an upgrade came out at the same time they were putting in the new pools at GF and Poly (and shortly after Contemp had been redone). My feeling at the time was that they wanted DVC members to pay to bring the resort up to the same level for their own marketing of the resort to hotel guests.

I certainly want the pools to keep pace and be kept up and remodeled to stay with the times. The furnshings in particular should also be high quality. I also think a lifeguard would be a good expenditure. However, I agree with Doc that the pools are also themed to to the Key West feel of the resort and I would not like to see that changed dramatically.

 

[sgtpet]

Everybody get so defensive about the pools at their home resorts. Relax folks. SAB is the best pool, after that it doesn't really matter. If you want a slide, pay the bucks and go to a water park for the day.


Each DVC has its own wonderful personality. It all depends on what you like in a timeshare.

 

[ncligs]

sgtpet,

I second what you just said in your post!!!!!!

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
Does anyone know of a Disney reference to "quiet" pools? I can't seem to find such a term anyplace. I have seen the Turtle Pond, Miller and South Point pools referred to as "Neighborhood" pools, but not as "quiet"- except on this board...and especially in this thread.

Doc, I took your challenge and found the following on the official DVC site.

Swimming: Use of Stormalong Bay, a three-acre mini water park featuring a "ship-wreck" water slide, hot tubs, and whirlpools, 3 quiet pools. Poolside Gifts: items available include miscellaneous sundries and pool toys; pool tube rentals; Walt Disney World® approved flotation devices available at no charge.

I found this in the Accommodations/Amenities section of the BCV section. I find it very confusing...makes it sound like the SAB area has 3 quiet pools? But it's the only reference to swimming I could find in that section, and we know BCV will have at least the one pool that is pictured.

Anyway, here's an official Disney use of the words "quiet pool".

 

[PKS44]

Originally posted by sgtpet
Everybody get so defensive about the pools at their home resorts. Relax folks. SAB is the best pool, after that it doesn't really matter. If you want a slide, pay the bucks and go to a water park for the day.


Each DVC has its own wonderful personality. It all depends on what you like in a timeshare.

This suggestion has nothing to do with the issue...It is not about slides. It is about having a resort with a WDW-worthy pool. There is not a single resort in WDW that has a less notable pool than OKW. In other words, OKW pool "personality" is not only NOT up to date with other DVC, it is not up to the rest of WDW pool amenities. If every OKW membership (not family member, just per contract) paid for the price of one admission for one person to one day at one waterpark once a year-I bet OKW could afford to make a pool that would be the envy even of SAB. And no one is suggesting that they need to go that far...

In other words- I don't think it is really about money- I think it is about people willing to accept change. Even if you think you NEVER would use a more up to date pool, how would such a change negatively impact you? If OKW did make a change it might cost a tiny bit more (maybe $20/year per contract average). That is not going to break anybody. Those who oppose it would be out a few bucks but they would still have "quiet" options. AND for those wanting something more- they would finally have the same options every other WDW resort guest has AT THEIR RESORT...without having to pay a separate admission, without having to get in their car or even put on shoes to go visit...with the ability to come and go with ease to a fun pool. As it is now such funseekers at OKW are not given that option-- and going to a water park does not satisfy it, either.

Paul

 

[PKS44]

Originally posted by Granny
I find it very confusing...makes it sound like the SAB area has 3 quiet pools?

YC quiet pool
BC quiet pool
BCV new pool -"quiet"
3 quiet pools AT the resort.

Doc was questioning the use of the term at OKW, I think...

 

[RobDoc]

Actually, I've never seen any of the resorts refer to "quiet" pools. They all seem to have a name or some other description. The only place I've actually seen the term in print is on this board!

 

[SwampFox]

There is not a single resort in WDW that has a less notable pool than OKW.

Whoa! That may be your opinion, but certainly is NOT an indisputable fact.

The OKW pool has a Lighthouse and a sauna- both features which are absent from many (if not most or all) other WDW resorts. The ONLY feature OKW doesn't have is the slide, which you keep insisting isn't important anyway.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
Actually, I've never seen any of the resorts refer to "quiet" pools. They all seem to have a name or some other description. The only place I've actually seen the term in print is on this board!

Doesn't it count that I found the term in print on the Official DVC Site? Man, I thought I finally had one.


And PKS44....thanks for the clarification on the three quiet pools at BCV.....duh, I get it now.