The good the bad the ugly of OKW renovations (update pg 13)

[dianeschlicht]

You know, it worked at BLT for the awful studio bathrooms. Maybe it will work at OKW. They really need to redo some of the mess they made.

Good point! I'm definitely going to write something for MS!

 

[MELSMICE]

When you decide where it should go, let me know, because I want to express some opinions too. I'm not bashing either....Just wish I knew why certain decisions were made. I LOVE the roman shades too, but I'm glad they didn't put those on the living room windows where the blinds are. The blinds are much easier to use. I never once opened our shade on the master bedroom door to the deck this trip, because it was too much trouble to deal with that mechanism twice a day. It's the first OKW trip where I never once used that door.

You know, I actually have an address at home in my DVC folder (we're in Florida still) that was given to me on a trip that when we had some room issues. It may just be the the Member Satisfaction address, but for some reason I think it was to someplace/someone else. I'll share it when we get home, but that won't be for a few weeks.

We only opened our master roman shades once also. Too much hassle.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You know, I actually have an address at home in my DVC folder (we're in Florida still) that was given to me on a trip that when we had some room issues. It may just be the the Member Satisfaction address, but for some reason I think it was to someplace/someone else. I'll share it when we get home, but that won't be for a few weeks.

We only opened our master roman shades once also. Too much hassle.

Thanks! That would be great!

 

[AKV707]

This is a small complaint about the OKW 2 BR we stayed in in Oct. It was our first time in anything larger than a studio at OKW. Why is the internet jack behind the end table in the living room? where do they expect someone to put their laptop?

I agree that the bed was very very comfortable.

 

[Chuck S]

This is a small complaint about the OKW 2 BR we stayed in in Oct. It was our first time in anything larger than a studio at OKW. Why is the internet jack behind the end table in the living room? where do they expect someone to put their laptop?

I agree that the bed was very very comfortable.

That, for some reason, is where the modem has always been, BUT it used to be connected to a port near the built in buffet cabinet. When the rooms were renovated, all the additional ports were removed, and now you have to plug directly into the modem. The modem for the studios is now behind the bed stand, no longer by the table and chairs. I have no idea why they removed the more convenient access ports.

It really makes it necessary to bring your own router.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

When you decide where it should go, let me know, because I want to express some opinions too. I'm not bashing either....Just wish I knew why certain decisions were made. I LOVE the roman shades too, but I'm glad they didn't put those on the living room windows where the blinds are. The blinds are much easier to use. I never once opened our shade on the master bedroom door to the deck this trip, because it was too much trouble to deal with that mechanism twice a day. It's the first OKW trip where I never once used that door.

I'd send it to Member Satisfaction. That's what I did after my first stay in a BLT studio last Feb. Mentioned a few items that were missing such as a full length mirror and of course the sink situation. Received a call and they said that they gather the info and pass it on to management. Apparently all the input did garner some results there.

That, for some reason, is where the modem has always been, BUT it used to be connected to a port near the built in buffet cabinet. When the rooms were renovated, all the additional ports were removed, and now you have to plug directly into the modem. The modem for the studios is now behind the bed stand, no longer by the table and chairs. I have no idea why they removed the more convenient access ports.

It really makes it necessary to bring your own router.

We were just in an unrenovated studio in Dec where the port in the studio was by the table. Was just perfect. So now they've moved it over by the bedstand???? I don't understand it. Who ever is making the decisions on ports recently doesn't seem to have considered people accessing them. And to change wiring to make it more inaccessible is just weird.

 

[Chuck S]

We were just in an unrenovated studio in Dec where the port in the studio was by the table. Was just perfect. So now they've moved it over by the bedstand???? I don't understand it. Who ever is making the decisions on ports recently doesn't seem to have considered people accessing them. And to change wiring to make it more inaccessible is just weird.

The modem itself is behind the bedstand, the port by the table is being removed...all ports are being removed and you have to plug directly into the modem.

Very inconvenient

 

[staceymay00]

We just returned from a week long stay in a dedicated 2BR. We were very happy with our renovated villa for the most part. It was our first stay at OKW and I have only seen the previous design in pictures. I actually like the new look better, although I can see how the original design was more in line with an old key west theme. I like the faux wood floor in the living room much better than carpet. Real hardwoods look nicer, but I can understand why they went with the faux wood for cost control and durability. The roman shade system did not bother us, although I did make a point of raising them only about two thirds of the way up and lowering them at night to about two thirds of the way down to save time.

The thermostat worked ok for us but I noticed it was hard to make small changes in temperature. There were times the villa was a little warm, for example, but when I bumped the temperature down by just one degree it then began to feel too cold.

My one criticism is that they did not clean up some of the existing things that remained. For example, it would have been nice if they had cleaned the interior of the cabinets really well and touched up the grout and tiles. Most of the tile and grout in our villa looked good, but some areas like in corners and near the toilet bases looked old and grimy. The metal window and door frames in the master shower were also a little gross. I think they could have cleaned up the gunk on the metal and re-caulked without much added expense. Issues like these were isolated and not much of a bother, it just seems they would have been taken care of during the refurbishment.

 

[AKV707]

We had a very similar experience on our October trip. We were in building 13 in a dedicated 2 br. We also thought that the villa looked great. Of course, the only other stay that we have had at OKW was in a studion in 2007, our first DVC trip.

The OKW veterans here have a much better understanding of the differences that the renovations made. So I understand their ability to better critique the work.

We were very happy, and the master bath was in great shape.

 

[AKV707]

The modem itself is behind the bedstand, the port by the table is being removed...all ports are being removed and you have to plug directly into the modem.

Very inconvenient

It really is. I guess they are assuming that everyone will bring a wireless router? I made a laptop desk out of the high chair!

I can't believe that they moved the one in the studio. I hope they didn't do that at BWV. AKV is set up well for the web.

I guess it is time for a new router at home and our current one will live in our Owner's Locker.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The modem itself is behind the bedstand, the port by the table is being removed...all ports are being removed and you have to plug directly into the modem.

Very inconvenient

Oh - I understand better now and at least they aren't moving wiring. Still doesn't make sense when they have an existing port that is in a good location to close it off.

As you say - very inconvenient and not an improvement.

 

[edk35]

I requested a renovated 2br. for our trip in Jan. Maybe I should just remove that request. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm or see if SSR is available??

 

[dianeschlicht]

I requested a renovated 2br. for our trip in Jan. Maybe I should just remove that request. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm or see if SSR is available??

Now WHY would you even say that? OKW is still a marvelous resort. It's just that those of us who own there are a bit nonplussed about the renovations. They seem to have cheapened the place and weren't as extensive as many of us expected.

 

[jimmytammy]

Hey Diane

We will be staying at OKW for 2nd time in Mar. We are looking forward to being in a larger 1 bed than what we are used too at VWL. They have us staying near HH, any reason to stay away from that area?

 

[MELSMICE]

I requested a renovated 2br. for our trip in Jan. Maybe I should just remove that request. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm or see if SSR is available??

I would definitely still stay at OKW. There is nothing wrong with the rooms. They are beautiful. They are the largest of all the DVC units.

Also, I always believe that I have to experience something myself and then make my own opinion. A few years ago myself & 3 of my DD's stayed at POP. I would normally never stay there because we own DVC & are a family of 5, however, only 3 of us were going so this was my opportunity to stay there & form my own opinion.

Hey Diane

We will be staying at OKW for 2nd time in Mar. We are looking forward to being in a larger 1 bed than what we are used too at VWL. They have us staying near HH, any reason to stay away from that area?

I'm not Diane, but the HH is a nice place to stay. It can get a little busy at times, but it's very convenient.

If you're taking the bus home from the parks & they stop @ Peninsular first, it's best to get off there & walk instead of remaining on the bus though. It will take you longer to get through the resort & back to the HH stop than it is to get off @ Peninsular & walk.

Have a great trip!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Hey Diane

We will be staying at OKW for 2nd time in Mar. We are looking forward to being in a larger 1 bed than what we are used too at VWL. They have us staying near HH, any reason to stay away from that area?

Not as long as you don't need to have living room guests. That area does not have the private access to the bathroom, so living room guests can only access the bathroom by going through the master bedroom. To get that second door, you need to be in a building over number 30. HH area is buildings 11-14 and 23-26.

 

[AKV707]

I didn't know that! Thanks Diane.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I didn't know that! Thanks Diane.

It's the one little piece of information about HH category that is most important for those who use the living room as a bedroom.

 

[jimmytammy]

Not as long as you don't need to have living room guests. That area does not have the private access to the bathroom, so living room guests can only access the bathroom by going through the master bedroom. To get that second door, you need to be in a building over number 30. HH area is buildings 11-14 and 23-26.

Thanks for the heads up. We are looking forward to staying in a bigger 1 bed but that would have caused issues. Teens ares still in tow, so LR will be occupied. We do like that 2nd bath door. So made the call and asked for area with 50s(cant remember the name, south something?) When we booked, they asked if HH was OK, we didnt know difference, so we said yes. Boat to DTD would have been a plus, but we can hoof it to the docks if buses arent around, I need the exercise anyway

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks for the heads up. We are looking forward to staying in a bigger 1 bed but that would have caused issues. Teens ares still in tow, so LR will be occupied. We do like that 2nd bath door. So made the call and asked for area with 50s(cant remember the name, south something?) When we booked, they asked if HH was OK, we didnt know difference, so we said yes. Boat to DTD would have been a plus, but we can hoof it to the docks if buses arent around, I need the exercise anyway

50's buildings are South Point. The walk from buidings 55 and 56 to HH would be about 10 minutes. Maybe longer from buildings 49 or 50.