Pool hopping?

[sgtpet]

PKS 44, why don't you stay at one of the "smaller" roomed DVC resorts if you are so upset at the OKW pool. Maybe the argument could be that they should make the rooms larger at BWV, VWL and BCV to compare to the grand daddy DVC OKW.

Each place has its own identity.

Some have better pools, some have smaller rooms...

That is one of the benefits of DVC.

 

[PKS44]

sgtpet wrote:PKS 44, why don't you stay at one of the "smaller" roomed DVC resorts if you are so upset at the OKW pool.

I do. Or I have...and I plan to in the future. I am not upset with the OKW pool. My family and I were sadly disappointed in it. We didn't think it was up to the rest of WDW standards. If it were better we would love to stay there...the resort is beautiful...I am glad others are satisfied with it- it's hard enough getting reservations at the 11 month mark at the resorts with feature pools. I admit that I have my own interests at heart in encouraging what I believe could be a better OKW, and not just so my family would want to stay there.

A better OKW would help relieve demand on the other resorts where I prefer to stay.

It would increase Disney's ability to market OKW to the public, making more money for DVC and for Disney. As a stockholder and a DVC member- that would be good.

It might make II trades easier.

If CRO had an easier time renting out OKW that might lead to lower Disney Collection point schedules, making those options more affordable points wise again...(I believe this is one of PamOKW's pet peeves!?!)

sgtpet also wrote:Maybe the argument could be that they should make the rooms larger at BWV, VWL and BCV to compare to the grand daddy DVC OKW.

Well-that would be a silly argument. Increasing the size of the rooms would be a much more difficult task as compared to improving one pool. Besides-look at what WDW does as they learn- as they build more DVC they build the rooms smaller than OKW AND with better pools...they must know something.

SwampFox wrote 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.

This shows why there is an argument- we can't even agree on what makes a pool "feature" A decorative lighthouse and sauna are not interactive pool elements...what do they do for the young and the young at heart in any interactive way? The lighthouse might be fun if kids could go up in it, maybe squirt water out of the top down below...but no. You can look at it though. It's about as much fun as my Granny's china cabinet. No, you can at least take out some of the smaller knicknacks and use them as hockey pucks.

And yes, it is not about slides...Look at All Stars- playful water features -not slides, SAB has much more than a slide, WL has a waterfall as does the Swan/Dolphin...
We can argue about whether OKW can or should improve the main pool, but please let's at least agree that as beautiful as it is-and it is lovely to look at-- when it comes to water fun at WDW resorts- it is bringing up the rear.

Paul

 

[SwampFox]

but please let's at least agree that as beautiful as it is-and it is lovely to look at-- when it comes to water fun at WDW resorts- it is bringing up the rear.

Looks like the only agreement here is that we disagree!

That's your opinion again! I guess it depends how you choose to define "fun". I'll take the theming, relaxing surroundings and the water anytime and have "fun" at the pool.

As for features, I'll still define the lighthouse and sauna as features. I guess I just don't need to "squirt" water at someone to enjoy myself!

To each his own!

 

[PKS44]

SwampFox wrote;I'll take the theming, relaxing surroundings and the water anytime and have "fun" at the pool.

So which of those does the OKW have that is not present in every other WDW pool? I would say that every resort has that-- yet OKW does not have what every other resort has- water activities for guest interaction.

Paul

 

[SwampFox]

yet OKW does not have what every other resort has- water activities for guest interaction.

Ummm...what about SWIMMING?

As I stated earlier, we'll have to agree to disagree. I'm not comparing OKW to other pools as you apparently want to. My point is that your definition of "fun" seems to include squirting water and using slides (I know, the slide isn't the point). ALl I'm saying is that I can have fun relaxing at the pool, using the jacuzzi and sauna and swimming. I don't really need to squirt anyone to enjoy myself.

I'll respect your opinion that a resort needs a slide (I know that's not the point) and the ability to interact using water (squirt other people) if you'll respect my opinion that pleasant surroundings and a place to swim can also be fun.

To each his own!

 

[PKS44]

SwampFox-I respect your opinion even if you keep misrepresenting mine. My point is not that you can't enjoy what others would call a boring pool, EVERY resort has a pool that offers that. I am not comparing the pool I am comparing the resort choices. My point is that OKW while doing what anyone would want of a pool- provide a clean and pleasant swimming experience. Unlike every other resort- it offers nothing more than that...I don't see how the sort of improvements suggested to one of the pools at OKW would change your ability to enjoy a relaxing swim at OKW. you could still find fun as you define it on site... But in NOT making those changes those who seek a different sort of fun at the resort are forced to accept your definition.

On a much more amazing note I actually have a correction for Webmaster Doc! This is a rare day indeed! He wrote: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!

Look in the Member Guidebook at the Resort Map for BWV -the pool next to Community Hall is labeled "Quiet Pool"

Paul

 

[CaptainMidnight]

The slide at Vero Beach Resort and the Pirate Ship for kids make it a very nice pool area.

A slide makes a nice addition to a pool for our family given the age of our kids.

The pool is a factor in our choice of home resorts. However, I hope the pool hopping priviledge is not lost all together, even if SAB must be limited or eliminated. It does provide a nice activity to visit GF, Poly and Contemporary resorts with other than eating. The option of going to visit a nice pool after a day at the parks is a nice one. I have very fond memories of swimming with my 3 year old son at midnight at BW with the Swan and Dolphin in the background.

 

[Dean]

I think I've lost site of the discussion. Some like OKW pool and others do not. Some would want to spice up the OKW main pool and others would not. A portion of the members got a survey and there was a pretty overwhelming vote (if I recall the numbers something like 69%) voted not to change things for whatever reason. We don't know their reasons whether personal choice, cost or a combination. Then there are those that want to throw DVC (er OKW) out of the club or at least pool hopping because they don't like the pool and think most people wouldn't like to pool hop there. Other than some people feel OKW is the stepchild now, what are we discussion.

Overall, I really don't care personally. I don't pool hop and expect it's a benefit on the way out. When it's gone, I'll be sad for my fellow members that enjoy it but not feel personal loss. I simply wonder how some will feel when they can no long pool hop either to SAB or possibly anywhere. I also think it's petty to begrude the members at OKW (still the largest single group BTW) on this specialty perk.

 

[RobDoc]

Look in the Member Guidebook at the Resort Map for BWV -the pool next to Community Hall is labeled "Quiet Pool"

I stand corrected!

Thanks for pointing that out- I had never noticed it before!

Just curious, is that the name of that pool or is there any noise restriction posted in the area?

 

[PKS44]

Originally posted by Dean
I think I've lost site of the discussion.

I think the discussion should be several issues

1)What could be done? I understand the only option offered in the poll to OKW members was a slide/lifeguard upgrade. That is really not all the possible ways to enhance the pool area. I think Pam's pirate ship idea would be in theme and cool as would my dumping coconut tree. Any other Imagineers out there?

2)How would the change negatively affect anyone? Financially only or would there be an irreperable loss of the OKW atmosphere?

Once you define those issues-you decide if the positives outweigh the negatives...It appears most OKW people feel they would not, many or most non-OKW people feel they do. Of course OKW people should decide for OKW. Still, though they are the biggest group of DVC they are not a majority, so 69% of OKW might still be less than 50% of everyone else...I am not suggesting that outsiders dictate OKW plans, just that the poll numbers in the thread on PamOKW's Unscientific Survey (which appears to mirror the stats you quoted for the real OKW survey for OKW owners anyway) are not quite reflecting what they appear to reflect.

Paul

 

[Werner Weiss]

Actually, this discussion lost sight of the topic.

This thread started as a discussion of pool hopping.

It turned into a debate about the merits of OKW's current feature pool -- with some suggestion that OKW owners really don't deserve to pool hop because OKW's features pool is "boring" and lacking in... well... features; or perhaps that OKW owners are crowding the pools at BWV and VWL to get away from that oh-so-boring pool, somehow forcing BWV and VWL owners to subsidize the folks from OKW.

Never mind that the OKW feature pool is themed in a waterfront Key West setting, with tropical landscaping, sand play area, whirlpool spa, kiddie pool, bridge over the pool, sauna in a lighthouse, adjacent excercise room, shuffle board, tennis courts, bicycle and boat rentals, and snack bar.

Never mind that it's likely that more BWV owners pool hop than OKW owners because of the convenience of walking to Stormalong Bay. And it's likely that more BCV owners than OKW owners will pool hop to Luna Park for the same reason of convenience.

Never mind that pool hopping is about offering some variety to DVC members who visit WDW year after year, perhaps several times each year.

Never mind that any DVC members who choose to do so can take a break from a hot Magic Kingdom day and pool hop to one of the Monorail resorts.

Never mind that pool hopping is a one of the very few real benefits that's only available to DVC members and to no other WDW guests -- a benefit that recognizes DVC members as deserving special.

Never mind that pool hopping may actually reduce the number of people using the Luna Park pool because of the BWV guests who choose to pool hop instead of going to Luna Park.

Nope, those things don't matter. We gotta do something about that boring OKW feature pool before before a thousand OKW guests all try to go down the clown slide at Luna Park at the same time.

 

[PamOKW]

Good summary Werner! This thread sure went off on a lot of different tangents.

I was flipping through the guide book (to see what they call the OKW pools) and came upon the picture of the actual VWL pool. Now, that is a VERY simple pool.

The OKW pools are referred to as "Main Pool" "Turtle Pond Pool", "Pool" and "Pool" on the map.....none of them is designated "quiet".

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Originally posted by Peterd
SAB will stop pool hopping when it BCV opens.

When was this announced?

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by PamOKW
I was flipping through the guide book (to see what they call the OKW pools) and came upon the picture of the actual VWL pool. Now, that is a VERY simple pool.

Hey Pam, don't drag us happy VWLers into your pool battle!

Besides, how simple can the VWL pool be? I mean, it requires a lot of constant maintenance that you won't find in your run-of-the-mill pools.

 

[Dean]

Pool hopping to SAB has not been removed but has been rumored and predicted to be stopped with or soon after BCV opens. It's just us talking for now though I think it's getting close to time to panic if one is inclined to do so. Even if it doesn't officially close, it's likely to be "at capacity" an awful lot of the time.

 

[PamOKW]

Granny -- I thought I'd send over one of the water spouting elephants for you! Maybe that'll keep the pine needles out of the filters.

 

[Granny]

LOL Pam!

You can keep your (white) elephant!

 

[PKS44]

Originally posted by Werner Weiss
Actually, this discussion lost sight of the topic.

This thread started as a discussion of pool hopping.

I think the reason that topic was abandoned is that there is no strong sentiment to want to take away poolhopping from OKW only as one person sugggested. Thank goodness, we do not need a Balkanization of DVC...

The reason the thread has gone on is this "The pool is lacking"..."No, it's not." "Yes, it is." "So what, you should be happy to have water." etc. etc exchange...The pool at OKW should be changed to improve the resort. Period. To bring the resort up to current WDW standards, not because it affects poolhopping.

Even Werner, who in my opinion is one of the absolute fountains of wisdom on these boards (and far more useful than that dolphin fountain, I might add) gives us this-

Never mind that the OKW feature pool is themed in a waterfront Key West setting, with tropical landscaping, sand play area, whirlpool spa, kiddie pool, bridge over the pool, sauna in a lighthouse, adjacent excercise room, shuffle board, tennis courts, bicycle and boat rentals, and snack bar....(text cut)

Nope, those things don't matter. We gotta do something about that boring OKW feature pool before before a thousand OKW guests all try to go down the clown slide at Luna Park at the same time.

Nope- First of all, I have a hard time seeing how tennis courts, bikes and boats, adjacent exercise rooms, nearby sand playgrounds or shuffle board are part of the swimming pool.

Second-The setting is lovely-no one denies it, but many find the rest uninvolving, boring and not up to the new standards at WDW. You are not wrong to like it and they are not wrong to find it lacks what they expect at a WDW pool.

Third-how would changing the pool make the resort worse?

Finally- who amongst those who oppose any change think that if Disney owned OKW outright, if Disney had to rely on renting out OKW to the public, who thinks they would leave the pool as it is? I don't think you can make a plausible case that they would. Look at the Contemporary, GF, Poly and every new resort they build. So I would challenge the OKW owners- why would you not want to adopt the same strategy that Disney itself would use if they owned the place. I don't think that is a bad standard to go by- nor is it unrealistic. And it is one that every DVC property should consider., not just OKW. As new and better entertainment ideas are developed (DVD players, anyone?)- we should embrace these improvements to our "home away from home."

Paul

 

[RWishbone]

The post on this thread were coming faster then I could read. I am a BW owner and I would be extremely disappointed if the pool hopping to SAB was eliminated. I intend to let MS know of my strong feelings and I hope that everyone who feels as I do will also petition MS accordingly.
In so far as the OKW pools are concerned, I have visited them and while the OKW owners may love their pool, it is as boring as a pool gets. My town pool has more to offer then the OKW pools. Therefore, no one will ever pool hop to OKW.On the other hand, pool hopping to the BW is rather heavy during the busy seasons. My point is that while the OKW owners have their opinions on the fate of the PH privilege, it must be understood that they lose less then BW owners if Pool Hopping to SAB is eliminated. The reason being that pool hopping to the BW will have to increase and because the primary place for BW people to pool hop is the (now potentially lost) SAB. Basically, in so far as pool hopping is concerned, pool hopping is give and take for BW owners but only take for OKW owners. As i write this, I can easily see that someone can interpret my post as anti-OKW but all I am really trying to say is that the Pool Hopping privilege affects OKW and BW owners differently.
In so far as the BCV are concerned, I certainly hope that if they eliminate pool hopping to SAB, then the pool hopping privilege is eliminated for people staying at the BCV. Most likely that will have little impact except to soothe my anger since I doubt anyone staying at the BCV will even want to pool hop.

 

[PamOKW]

RWishbone, I understand your concern and the logic that since SAB is the best pool to hop to and if that were closed that BWV would be "second best" in the pool hopping. I disagree somewhat on that point. I think if SAB were eliminated some people might not pool hop at all -- it's a hassle -- or they would try out the different pools around WDW. The new Poly & GF pools are enticing. They sometimes have characters at the Contemporary and the moderates might be used for hopping just because they are convenient. Many of them you can drive right up to the pool area. I don't think OKW members would flock to BWV in droves that would adversely effect BWV. Also, the same "call ahead" policy would be in effect as well.

I think pool hopping is important to many people and I agree with Dean that now is the time to make your opinion known to DVC.