SAB at OKW

[BenStone]

Goodness gracious that would bring the current OKW dues up from $3.20 to $3.68!!!!!!!!!! For members owning 500 pts that would be an increase of $240.00 a year

I say pony up. Our dues would still be cheaper than everyone else and we'd have the newest pool to go along with the biggest rooms! Everyone knows OKW has the room on site to do it, unlike all of the other more conveniently located pigeon holes.

BenStone

 

[PKS44]

Originally posted by Caskbill
Personally I'd be happier if DVC just suspended all pool hopping entirely.

Why? How would that improve your happiness? I understand it is something you don't use, but how would taking poolhopping away from others who do like to poolhop make a nonpoolhopper happier? I don't see how poolhopping affects non-poolhoppers at OKW in the least. (I am not trying to be nasty, I just really don't understand this statement...and I am surprised because Caskbill's post are generally so helpful...)

Paul

 

[PamOKW]

For members owning 500 pts that would be an increase of $240.00 a year

And why would I want to pay $240 a year for something I don't want ?

I'm also glad to see folks are so quick to spend other people's money. We see people complaining about leaving $1 for the maid at DVC but some consider asking OKW members to swallow a 15% dues increase "no big deal". I'd like to see what would be posted on these boards if a dues increase along those lines appeared in all DVC bills in December?

As I said, I would not be adverse to considering a change to the pools. But, I would want it to be something I see as a positive. Sticking a slide on the current pools is not a positive. Building a new pool with zero-entry, water current feature and some entertainment feature might be worth considering if it could be done at a reasonable increase.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by PamOKW
..(snip)...As I said, I would not be adverse to considering a change to the pools. But, I would want it to be something I see as a positive. Sticking a slide on the current pools is not a positive. Building a new pool with zero-entry, water current feature and some entertainment feature might be worth considering if it could be done at a reasonable increase.

Just curious, what would you consider a reasonable increase for what you describe above?

 

[Werner Weiss]

Beyond the simple issue of cost, there'e another problem with making a significant change to the OKW feature pool.

Whatever some people like, some other people won't like -- whether that's a water slide, zero depth entry, a wave pool, a rope swing, you name it... For some people, such changes would ruin the pool. And even people who want changes won't agree on what changes are good and what changes are bad. Zero depth entry is great for little kids, but awful for swimmers. A water slide is great for those who enjoy slides, but may actually reduce the appeal of the pool for those don't use the slide.

If OKW were a regular resort hotel, that wouldn't be a problem. Nobody has to come back year after year. You can stay someplace else if you no longer like the pool -- or if you no longer like any other aspect of the resort.

But OKW is a timeshare. People bought into OKW with with expectation of a consistant, high-quality experience until 2042 -- and with the expectation that the management company (Disney) will run the resort efficiently to minimize any increases in annual fees.

 

[PamOKW]

Originally posted by Werner Weiss
People bought into OKW with with expectation of a consistant, high-quality experience until 2042 -- and with the expectation that the management company (Disney) will run the resort efficiently to minimize any increases in annual fees.

This is exactly what I expect. I agree that any change to the pool would never please everyone. At the time I purchased, there was what I considered to be two very beautiful pool areas and another "plainer" pool The South Point pool was added later when that area was built. My thoughts about the pool were just in line with some of the changes Disney has made to other pools lately (GF/Poly). I would leave it up to their expertise to suggest changes that would be within the same lines of what we have....upgrading to stay with the times. I don't necessarily expect the pools to be exactly as they are in 2042 -- heck, how long does a pool last? I would have preferred to pay $.01-.02 more per year in dues and not have the towel and soap restrictions put into place or the Trash & Tidy reduced to Trash & Towel. My use of a slide would be zero. If it contributes to an overall remake/beautification of the pool area, I'd consider it a reasonable expense. I wouldn't want to see a SAB re-created at OKW. It just wouldn't fit in. However, something more along the lines of Vero's pool might fit in. Replace the bucket sand area with a wet play area and mini-golf....that type of change.

Carol, I couldn't say what I would be willing to pay because I have not seen any plan lately from DVC. If they were to ask do I want to pay $.02 or $2.00 to add a slide and lifeguard, my answer would still be no. I don't want to see a slide just stuck onto the existing pool. If they could present a new concept that might have a one-time fee and/or a cost spread out over many years plus only a minimal (roughly $.03-.09) per year for lifeguards and upkeep that might be worth considering.

Rich doesn't like the small rooms and long walks (his thoughts) at BWV so he rarely stays there. He doesn't ask the BWV members to contribute more to build additional elevators and to knock out a few walls and make the units bigger. If the pool at OKW is unsatisfactory to you, don't stay there. Don't disparage OKW members as cheap. For many of us it isn't about the money. It is about the way we like it (believe it or not).

 

[AZKathy]

Originally posted by PamOKW


Don't disparage OKW members as cheap. For many of us it isn't about the money. It is about the way we like it (believe it or not).

Good point!!!!!

 

[AnnK]

I have tried to refrain from posting to this because it looks like the same old resort wars stuff, but I do want to address a few remarks

quote
"Rich doesn't like the small rooms and long walks (his thoughts) at BWV so he rarely stays there. He doesn't ask the BWV members to contribute more to build additional elevators and to knock out a few walls and make the units bigger. "

True, but he does remind us of the "tiny" rooms, higher dues and higher points.
Which is why many BWV owers are left to wonder if cheaper dues, and points are the only reason a person would own there.

Quote
"If the pool at OKW is unsatisfactory to you, don't stay there. Don't disparage OKW members as cheap. For many of us it isn't about the money. It is about the way we like it (believe it or not)."

I have seen this posted and that is NOT the point. I believe it was the GM at BCV is the one suggesting that an SAB like pool be built at OKW, NOT the BWV owners. He certainly has his reasons for making the suggestion and we can only speculate a to what they may be. I think that maybe the pool hopping days are numbered and DVC wants to offer similar pools to ALL DVC members staying at ANY DVC resort.
I also OWN at OKW as well as BWV and I would like to see the pool at OKW improved. I know there are other OKW members who feel the same way. I know they did a survey but that was a few years ago, people who purchased resales might be more interested in a themed pool.
It doesn't matter much to me. I leave the decision to DVC.

 

[PamOKW]

It's agreed that the original discussion started with the SAB reference from the chat/video. However, it soon started to turn to talk of why OKW members wouldn't pay $.02 more in dues to pay for the pool. So far, there has not been any comment, survey or anything else from DVC mentioning a major re-do of the pools. If they want to present something, I'd give it consideration.

As one poster commented -- he would like to see changes but he knows that it is really a decision for DVC and the OKW members. And that's really what it boils down to.

 

[PamOKW]

Going back to the original mention of building a SAB II at OKW --

The more I think about it, the more problems I see. The security would have to be extremely tight. If it weren't, the number of Orlando-area locals, offsiters, etc., who would come to OKW, park for free, take the bus to the parks and then come back and enjoy SAB would be overwhelming. Just look at the problems the orignal SAB has had with pool crashers. We've already had reports of folks using OKW as their "swim club"...imagine how happy they'd be to have a free water park.

An update to the pools that is in keeping with the resort might be nice....a la Vero's pool. I wouldn't want a SAB.

 

[DeeP]

AnnK,
I agree with what you said 100%.

Also, I would like to add: the GM at BCV not only stated they are considering adding a pool comparable to SAB at OKW but he also stated OKW has the most pool hoppers. I tried to address this 4 pages ago in this thread but people see what they want to see, but even though the OKW members that read the DIS(which is a small minority compared to the total # of OKW members) state they like the pool the way it is, do not force other people to spend money, etc there must still be a lot of OKW members pool hopping for whatever reason for the GM at BCV to have made this statement.

As for the statement made regarding RY, what does that have to do with anything???? How is that revelant to this thread? If he was the GM at OKW, yes maybe his opionion would be worth consideration, but really who cares where he stays, what he says, etc. It has no bearing on the orginal topic which was what the GM at BCV stated in regards to a pool being built at OKW and the fact that the majority of pool hoppers are OKW members.

In regards to the statement if you don't like OKW don't stay there, many DVC members that own at other resorts do try to avoid staying there and will only take a reservation at OKW as a last resort. Unfortunately because the other DVC resorts book up so fast and there is usually always availabilty at OKW sometimes you either have to change your trip plans (which for some people is not possible) or take a room at OKW.

I certainly hope I do not get jumped all over for this post or have people do searches of my past posts to try and label me as stirring up trouble. I have done nothing but address statements that were made in a previous post.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Perhaps this thread has run its course.

 

[PamOKW]

Perhaps this thread has run its course

I think you're right. At least I'll back out and let others continue the discussion if they like.

Just to sum up IMHO -- I very much enjoy OKW as it is. If DVC would like to present a new pool that would enhance my vacation experience, I would be glad to give it consideration. If they want to stick a slide on the existing pool, I'm oppossed. If they want to build a "mini-water park" a la SAB, I'm very much concerned about the other problems it woud create and the possibility it would detract from the current atmosphere. I look forward to being pleasantly surprised by Disney Imagineering developing something that appeals to the majority.

 

[Cris]

hey guys I think a few of you need to walk away from this thread, and relax a little.

 

[KNWVIKING]

... As a member of the "improved" pool delegation I will offer this "con" so to speak against it: OKW does not have a parking lot, at least not one any where near a pool. If an SAB type facility were built and everybody decided to hop to OKW, I don't want them parking in front of my studio ! I think a major refurb should be done at the main pool to include at least a VB pirate ship type area for the kids,(that should at least reduce the Marco-Polo noise).I like a slide but don't need one but I also look at my OKW ownership as a business investment sometimes and need to be concerned about it's resale value. At present I have no intentions or need to sell,but no one knows what the future holds. I think a- lets say- more interactive pool area would increase its value.

I think it would be great if DVD built an SAB at DI and let all DVC members hop there. It would be of greatest benefit to OKW owners as we should be able to hop on a boat and head over.

'nuff said on the subject.

 

[PamOKW]

In regards to the statement if you don't like OKW don't stay there, many DVC members that own at other resorts do try to avoid staying there and will only take a reservation at OKW as a last resort

Just to clarify. I didn't mean it as an insult or a negative to anyone. The example I cited was just the reverse of what you're saying. Rich finds many aspects of BWV objectionable to his tastes. Sometimes, he must either live with those problems and stay at BWV or make other arrangements. In his case, BWV is sometimes the "last resort" that he must find a way to tolerate. I'm just saying those who find the pool situation at OKW intolerable can also make the same decision. Those who find something to love at all the resorts do, of course, have the most options for using our points.

 

[crisi]

2 points, neither of which have anything to do with pools....

1. Someone made the comment that "we've had this discussion many times before." Please keep in mind that this is a pretty public board and the "we" is continually shifting. Its possible that someone who joined the board recently and hasn't seen this discussion is interested in participating. Its even possible that they have new insight into the "same old same old." If you aren't interested, don't read the thread.

2. Likewise, if you feel the discussion is over, leave and stop reading the thread. Don't declare it over. It looks like you are trying to get the last word in and shutting everyone else down. (Unless you are a moderator and are closing the thread, then you get to declare its over).

Thank you.

 

[PamOKW]

I just listened to the video. The manager doesn't say the majority of pool hoppers came from OKW. He says "a lot of the folks" were from OKW. He also says that the new pool "that he would like to see built" would have to be funded by member dues.

Crisi -- If you're talking about me I didn't intend to shut down the thread. I just backed out when it seemed we were going in circles. I stopped commenting so that others would jump in. I would very much love to hear from "new blood" about their thoughts on every aspect of DVC. I don't think we've heard from many, if any, VWL owners about how they feel about the loss of pool hopping. I would love to hear from other OKW owners (and non-owners who stay there) about how the loss of SAB influences how they feel about OKW's pools and the possibility of change.

 

[DeeP]

For the vast majority of times a member staying at BWV, BCV & WLV have to actively seek a reservation at these resorts, since they are for the most part hard resorts to get into especaially at the 7 mo or less mark. Not that I care nor does it have any bearing on this topic, but since you keep using RY as an example, if I am not mistaken the time he stayed at BWV he chose that resort because of the excellent location to the Food and Wine festival, so this was not him taking this resort as a last resort, he chose this resort. Most folks do not have to take BWV, BCV, WLV resorts as the only place available for the dates they need, these are resorts they have chosen to stay at for various reasons.. This is not the case with OKW, it has 148 more units than BWV and even more than that at BCV, WLV, so this is one of reasons OKW is usually available even at very short notice. I can't even tell you the number of times I have tried to get into BWV at less than the 7 mo window and have been told there was no room there nor at WLV but there has always been room at OKW. I am sure the same will hold true now with BCV being open. Many times I do change my dates to get into a DVC resort I prefer but for some people this is not possible, also there are times I can not change my dates either so it is either stay at OKW or pay cash for another WDW resort. Most times I will get an great AP rate at another WDW resort and save my points for another trip when I can stay at BWV , WLV or now BCV, but again sometimes I can't get a good AP rate, I must go to FL for business and OKW is the only game in town. This is truely taking a place as a last resort.
Not that this has anything to do with the orginial topic of the thread but I was just addressing your previous post.

 

[wdwsos]

Originally posted by PamOKW
I would love to hear from other OKW owners (and non-owners who stay there) about how the loss of SAB influences how they feel about OKW's pools and the possibility of change.

You asked for it.

I'm an OKW owner who also just purchased an add-on at BCV. When we initially purchased in 1995, my boys were 13, 9 and 8. We had stayed at the YC a few times and, for us, pool hopping was a big factor in our decision to buy into the DVC. We didn't want to give up SAB.

As the kids got older (now 20, 16 and 15), we found that we pool-hopped less and less. It really became unimportant. The boys love the whole laid-back atmosphere at the OKW (we live in Boston and have enough excitement at home) and the hassle of packing up our stuff to swim elsewhere just wasn't worth the trouble. In the past few years, we found that the only time we wanted to pool hop to SAB was when staying at the BWV. I really don't like that clown pool, and the walk to SAB was easy.

Our decision to buy at BCV had little to do with BCV/SAB and much more to do with the $70/pt deal. We're staying for a few days in August, and I'm sure we'll use the pool (I mean c'mon - it's August!) but the quiet pool is enough for me.

I guess my answer is that taking away SAB didn't affect me one iota in the way I feel about the OKW pools. I love them the way they are, but also wouldn't much care one way or the other if reasonable changes were made. There will always be a quiet pool somewhere for me.