Question on Rumor of OKW Slide

[DeeP]

Originally posted by Werner Weiss
The speculation about the possible end of pool hopping is interesting discussion, but it's really a side issue.

The real issue is that OKW owners will now pay year after year for something that wasn't there when bought and that the majority don't want.

I just hope it's a fun slide and that it fits in nicely with the OKW theme. (But I would have been perfectly happy if the OKW feature pool remained without a slide.)

So far, the coming of the slide has only been communicated at the DVC annual meetings. DVD/DVC management owes all OKW owners the full story as soon as possible.

But since DVC has not done a recent poll that anyone on this board is aware of; then no one really knows if it is still true that the majority of OKW members do not want a slide.

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by DeeP
But since DVC has not done a recent poll that anyone on this board is aware of; then no one really knows if it is still true that the majority of OKW members do not want a slide.

Yep, "no one really knows if it is still true," but the only published survey indicated that the majority of the surveyed OKW owners opposed a slide — and I don't know what would have changed since then.

The Disney management folks who made the decision to proceed with a slide at OKW have not communicated the reasons for their decision. Perhaps, if the OKW owners understood why this decision was made, there would be more support for it.

For example, if they could make a compelling case that their research indicates that a slide will improve the ability to rent out the inventory when members turn in DVC points for Concierge Collection, Disney Cruise Line and other Disney Collection options — and that this will lead to more favorable point charts for these options — then more OKW owners might support the decision.

Until then, this is a case where existing OKW members, who all bought knowing there was no slide, have every right to be disappointed by this decision if they have no personal use for a slide.

 

[DeeP]

Yep, "no one really knows if it is still true," but the only published survey indicated that the majority of the surveyed OKW owners opposed a slide — and I don't know what would have changed since then.

Not to play the devil's advocate but........ that survey was done at least 3 or 4 years ago, correct? Also was the published survey done before or after the newest buildings were added to OKW? In 3 or 4 years time there could be quite a few new members added and contracts that have changed hands during this time.

 

[RobDoc]

The survey results were published in 2000. OKW sales for the new buildings ended in Nov, 1999, so any results would have included the majority of even those owners. It would not have included anyone who purchased a resale or add-on since that time.

IMHO, it would be appropriate for DVC to inform all OKW owners of any changes to the resort that will force a resultant change in their maintenance fees. While they are certainly within rights to make these changes, an explanation to those affected would certainly be ethically positive. I find it peculiar that the OKW pool slide was announced at the BWV Annual Meeting.

I'm sure that by announcing the change at the annual meeting, all legal responsibilities have been met, but still feel that DVC has a responsibility to inform owners of a change to the physical layoput of the resort. I also feel that it is our responsibility as members to attend the annual meeting for information- even though we have no direct say in any of the proceedings.

.02

 

[CarolA]

I think this is the next step in elimination of pool hopping. I can see no other good reason, but now they can say. Everyone has a slide, no more pool hopping. (I can't say I blame them, it seems like more hassle every year!)

I am an OKW owner, I don't pool hop and I don't really want a slide. But.... I can see where they would need one with the elimianation (or reduction) in pool hopping.

I wonder if the survey results would have been different if the question had been worded "If there was not pool hopping would you want a slide at OKW" Considering the concern that people indicated about making sure they got a slide at Saratoga I think that the truth is most owners with children would want some access to a slide.

 

[DebbieB]

I find it peculiar that the OKW pool slide was announced at the BWV Annual Meeting.

The OKW & BWV meetings were held the same day. OKW in the morning, BWV in the afternoon. The slide was first announced in the OKW meeting in the morning, as Simba's Mom reported. I attended the BWV meeting in the afternoon and they mentioned it in a presentation of upcoming DVC resort changes. I think they recognize that many members own at both resorts or stay at both resorts (as I do). They presented it as a positive change for all members to know about, among other items in the presentation (mostly about SSR). But they appropriately first announced it in the OKW meeting. By the time I got back to the room and signed onto my laptop, word was already out from the OKW meeting.

Have any OKW members who are against this spoken to their guides or a DVC Manager?

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
I'm sure that by announcing the change at the annual meeting, all legal responsibilities have been met, but still feel that DVC has a responsibility to inform owners of a change to the physical layoput of the resort.

Yes, DVD needs to mail out the full story to OKW owners, including the reasons and a financial analysis of the long-term cost to OKW members.

It was very nice of Simba's Mom, DebbieB, and others to post the news on DIS, but we really should be getting this news from DVD/DVC.

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
I also feel that it is our responsibility as members to attend the annual meeting for information- even though we have no direct say in any of the proceedings.

Most DVC members aren't in a position to schedule a special trip to Florida just to attend an annual meeting. Perhaps, if the meeting could be made available as a live or on-demand Webcast — or at least as transcript that can be viewed on line or requested by mail — more members could benefit from the annual meeting.

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by Werner Weiss

Most DVC members aren't in a position to schedule a special trip to Florida just to attend an annual meeting. Perhaps, if the meeting could be made available as a live or on-demand Webcast — or at least as transcript that can be viewed on line or requested by mail — more members could benefit from the annual meeting.

A transcript could be easily provided, since the meeting is already scripted and the board members merely read from that script for the actual business portion of each meeting. Providing the transcript online wouldn't involve any cost and would give everyone a look at the details fo the meetings.

I also agree that most members aren't in a position to attend the meetings and DVC would need to use a convention center if all member/owners decided to attend any of the meetings. Imagine if all 40,000+ OKW members came to the meeting!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by DeeP
Not to play the devil's advocate but........ that survey was done at least 3 or 4 years ago, correct? Also was the published survey done before or after the newest buildings were added to OKW? In 3 or 4 years time there could be quite a few new members added and contracts that have changed hands during this time.

Since there have only been resales since that time, I doubt the balance of membership would have changed much since the last survey. You must remember, Dee, there are a lot more OKW owners than there are other DVC owners. I suspect it accounts for nearly half of all DVC members. It would be interesting to see what a survey now would look like.

Doc, I agree that they need to notify all OKW members of this decision. Kind of discouraging that they announce it to such a small select group. We hope to be down for next year's annual meeting.

 

[twinmomplus2]

I understand this issue from both sides, I love OKW the size of those units can not be beat with several traveling children. However My kids generally take turns picking which resort we stay at, And OKW is never a choice for them as there is no slide. So therefore my kids are away from the pool area. I understand this can be seen as a plus for some OKW owners
Less draw for children, less children in the area in general. Yes it's Disney there are tons of kids. But I always thought OKW was more of a quiet place for those who required that.
Thats why they bought OKW, I would think.
I have an Aunt who is a grandparent who ONLY will stay at OKW. She is not happy about the slide, for the above reasons I have just mentioned.
My other Uncle her brother also OKW owner, says he couldn't give a rats fanny as he doesn't swim.
As for me it will make me more apt to stay there.

 

[spiceycat]

I think a slide at OKW is a good idea - I wanted one when I brought at OKW in 93 - I was told then it was not happening.....

I don't use a slide (scarey cat!!!) but my friends and family do - they don't like to pool hop - some of my family members don't understand using a car to go anywhere once you arrive at WDW.....

OKW is nice and quiet and I think that most WDW guests who demand a pool and so won't stay at OKW - would love it if they tried it....

getting a slide is just adding to making OKW more like the other deluxe resorts - plus if all the kids are using the slide they certain won't be at all the quiet pools.....

the BW owners can't be saying that OKW is more a moderate or a value resort because there is no slide at the main pool.

Now as far as the points going down on the WDW resorts - hey all DVC owners are charged the same amount of points. OKW is certainly not being charged more points for using any of the outside choices.

for years - the deluxe resorts (in off season) were 22 points a night and I was told I was crazy to use them - but we did - no regrets...

I make the mistake of mentioning on this board that they were a bargin and especially the moderate resorts (they were less on the weekend than any studio including OKW) - guess what less than 3 months later that changed big time!!!!

but then you couldn't get the concierge period. Now you can - so take the good with the bad....

from 1993 to 2001 the points for the WDW resorts did not change - they should have when the WDW resorts started being over $300 a night to rent - but we were luck - being DVC owners at the time we were staying at this great places for less than $10 a point - now it is reversed and we are being overcharged. but considering that DVC has to work a contract with the WDW resorts for us to even use the WDW resorts - I think they do a good job....

I would expect WDW resort to kept going up - just go look at what they charge per night for a room - the rates are easily to look up - just go to the WDW site, then get the resorts, then deluxe, then the resort you are interested in, one of the thing you can pick is rates....

with some of the new systems - AOL has problems - use another online operating system - of course if you do you would never go back to AOL - all the things AOL accused Microsoft of doing - AOL is doing......

give netzero a try.

 

[DeeP]

Since there have only been resales since that time, I doubt the balance of membership would have changed much since the last survey. You must remember, Dee, there are a lot more OKW owners than there are other DVC owners. I suspect it accounts for nearly half of all DVC members. It would be interesting to see what a survey now would look like.

Since there are so many OKW owners and it is the oldest DVC resort so therefore people have been members for longer periods of time, it is very possible that the number of resales over an almost 4 year period could very well be higher than what one would imagine.
I agree it would be very interesting to see what a survey now would look like, but at this stage another survey is really a moot point since it appears the slide is being built regardless of whether the majority of OKW owners want it or not.

 

[DeeP]

Originally posted by spiceycat

the BW owners can't be saying that OKW is more a moderate or a value resort because there is no slide at the main pool.

As a BWV owner that compared OKW to a moderate/value resort in regards to location and amenitites, I must clarify. I said the location and ease of convenience of OKW to major theme parks was no better than a moderate resort--this obviously has not changed. I also said that the amenities at a moderate and value resort were greater than what is offered at OKW. The amenities I was speaking of included: life guards, pool slide, food court, and room service (at CSR). With the addition of a pool slide and life guards at OKW the amenities at OKW will be more evened out with the amenities offered at the moderate and value resorts.

 

[disneyokw]

Thank you for everyone replying. I could not locate the post about the pool.

My family (65, 61, 37 and 34 yrs old) bought into OKW back in 97. There was still availability for the Boardwalk but my parents did not purchase it because of the slide and the noise. OKW has a laid back, relax feeling. That is until they blast the music. Back in May my parents were staying at OKW and did not like the music so several times took a bus to one of the quiet pools which they felt was a pain. My family do not want a slide because of (1) the noise, (2) we feel it would take away from the relax feeling (3) parents will even more not control their kids (who we have seen several times dive into the pool and jump from the over head bridge with their parents clapping. My mother would speak to the parents and then if it continues she does report it). (4) the increase in fee. My mother and I have not told my father yet who is already complaining about the next years dues (230 points).

Does anyone think that if once a pool is installed if Disney would increase the points for each day stay? I will be e-maililng and calling Disney with our negative feelings about the slide.

After each trip we have received a postcard about taking the on-line survey and each time we do mention that we like that there is NO SLIDE (along with how great Angelo and Eddie are).

 

[JoeH]

First off, disneyokw, I must agree with you about Angelo and Eddie. They are truly a couple of great CMs and go a long way to make our stays at 'Home' more pleasant.

To get with the thread, it looks like I am in the minority when I say that we are pleased to see a slide coming to OKW. Yes, we did buy into DVC, and specifically the OKW, knowing there was no slide at that resort. But when we bought in, we were also allowed to pool hop to the BC. And in our view at least, that was an acceptable alternative. Now that pool is off limits unless we are staying there. Personally, I like the space provided by the OKW, but DD really likes the ability to play at a pool with a slide. We didn't think that was going to be such a big deal when we bought in, but it has become one. Let's not say I want to get in and make changes to the resort, but that our needs and desires have evolved over the past couple of years and this is a welcome addition. At least in our view.....

 

[dianeschlicht]

Does anyone think that if once a pool is installed if Disney would increase the points for each day stay?

The total points for a resort can not change. They can make some days more points, but then they have to make some less to even it out.

 

[Keggy]

disneyokw - I agree with your post. My family purchased at OKW while we were vacationing at BWV. We enjoyed OKW over BWV because of the peacefulness there.

Kelly

 

[goldilocks_63]

I am taking my MOM and Step-Dad (retirement - Grandparents) to OKW in Feb.

THey are first declined the free trip, because they didn't want to go to disney (I have previously taken them to Y&BC).

I promised them that OKW feels like old Florida (my mom lived near West Palm - A1A - Hypolexo island - Anyone heard of it

and that they wouldn't even know they were in disney.

My DH and DD will be going to the parks alone.

So will have to see if they like it. I hope we don't lose that relaxed feel.

Goldi.

 

[spiceycat]

OKW is a big resort - you can easily avoid staying near the HH (where the main pool is) - so I don't see a problem with noise - I might be wrong - but I personally think that the noise at the other pool will greatly decrease (expect for the drunks and the silly adult clowns) because most of the kids will want to swim where the slide is ----

I mean how often do you eat at Olvia's - if you are using the exercise room then walking over there is not a big chore - the same for using the tennis, basketball, or renting a bike.

if I am wrong please correct.

DeeP - the other DVC resorts don't offer a food court and if you really want one - PO is not far at all from OKW you can easily walk or drive over there.

room service I have wanted room service at OKW from the start - but it is not going to happen - very, very expensive - much more than the slide (with the lifeguards). OKW has gotten better - now you can order anything on the menu at Olivia but it is take out not room service (very close though).