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

[Sammie]

I was there in 2010. Anyone notice that when they painted the outside of the buildings they painted all the vents closed?

This was quickly noticed when we showered. We could steam up the whole studio. Which was odd as you could hear the fan running. One day I tried a piece of tissue paper and noticed that although running it wouldn't suck it up. The next day as we were going out to the parks I realized that the outside of the building had fresh paint, I checked the vents and sure enough painted shut. Opened up mine and presto, no more problem. I looked around and all the vents in my building were painted shut -- including the next door 1 bedroom's dryer vent (which was running!).

Yep, after our first load of laundry wouldn't dry this past December I went outside and found the vents painted shut. Upon opening the vent and restarting the dryer the entire upper walkway was covered with dryer lint. I immediately found a maintenance person and showed him the mess. He radioed for a crew to come clean the mess and inspect the rest of the vents. We were in bldg 45 so those should be open now I'm not sure about the other buildings.

Not only a mess but a fire hazard.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I would simply because it reveals an attitude of not doing things first class in the rehab.

I got the online survey today, and I was able to address the dishwasher and cabinet issues in that. One of the questions was if everything was in working order in the unit. I was able to expound on it in the essay part of the answer. The fact is, I doubt anyone really sees those things.

 

[Supermom3]

We have 4 studios booked March 6-11 in HH category. My sister called yesterday to inquire about renovated buildings, and was told that buildings 23-26 were all shut down for renovations at this time, and they wouldn't know when they would be complete. Does anyone know the current status of these HH buildings 23-26? Thanks so much!

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have 4 studios booked March 6-11 in HH category. My sister called yesterday to inquire about renovated buildings, and was told that buildings 23-26 were all shut down for renovations at this time, and they wouldn't know when they would be complete. Does anyone know the current status of these HH buildings 23-26? Thanks so much!

When we were there last week, 23 was being renovated. they were moving countertops in etc. I didn't notice that 26 was also included. It looked to me like it was just 23.

 

[Anna114]

I go home last night. We spoke with bell services on the way out. He said there are only 3 buildings let to renovate and should be done in the next 2 months. I loved the 2 beds but would really have preferred a couch instead. I hate sitting on a bed.

 

[Deb & Bill]

.... I loved the 2 beds but would really have preferred a couch instead. I hate sitting on a bed.

Then you have the choice of staying somewhere else than OKW. Those of us who like the two beds don't have that choice.

 

[Supermom3]

When we were there last week, 23 was being renovated. they were moving countertops in etc. I didn't notice that 26 was also included. It looked to me like it was just 23.

Thanks for the info.

 

[hakepb]

The fridge was not only old, but was a "left handed" opening fridge in a right hand facing kitchen....VERY inconvenient to say the least.

Seems every one-sided fridge I've seen is actually "convertable" and can have the hinges placed on either side by the installer or a maint person....

 

[Anna114]

Then you have the choice of staying somewhere else than OKW. Those of us who like the two beds don't have that choice.

I get that. I do, however, like the resort and would like the option AT Old Key West. Lucky me, I have so many choices.

 

[Chuck S]

I get that. I do, however, like the resort and would like the option AT Old Key West. Lucky me, I have so many choices.

Just remember, the more booking categories there are at a resort, the lower the overall availability.

For instance, say someone calls and needs a room with 2 beds because they may be an adult child and parent of opposite genders, if 20 % of the studios were converted to bed/sofa, that drops their chances of booking by 20%.

No thanks. I'm a firm believer in the fewer room categories there are, the better.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...No thanks. I'm a firm believer in the fewer room categories there are, the better.

You and me, Chuck.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

We checked in last Friday (checked out on Monday). We were originally assigned bldg 18 - I asked if it was renovated and the CM said no. I asked if any reonovated rooms were available. She pulled out a map of renovations and gave me choices of buildings. It said 79% completed. I will have to pull out my notes and type which buildings were not completed. I quickly took notes for my Dis friends.

We ended up in building 39 (Turtle Pond), and overall liked the location.

 

[Lost in Neverland]

We are just back from a wonderful week at OKW in a renovated 2BR. Is it just me or are the Roman Shades on the patio door a pain? I hated to open them early in the morning because they were so loud I was afraid I would distrub the people above us. I liked the rest of the changes but there has to be another option that is not so loud or such a pain to open and close.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We are just back from a wonderful week at OKW in a renovated 2BR. Is it just me or are the Roman Shades on the patio door a pain? I hated to open them early in the morning because they were so loud I was afraid I would distrub the people above us. I liked the rest of the changes but there has to be another option that is not so loud or such a pain to open and close.

LOL, you obviously didn't read the whole thread! Yes, most of us HATE those pulls!

 

[MELSMICE]

I get that. I do, however, like the resort and would like the option AT Old Key West. Lucky me, I have so many choices.

We also prefer the one bed & sofa bed & would be happy if it was an option at OKW.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We also prefer the one bed & sofa bed & would be happy if it was an option at OKW.

And the rest of us like two queen beds. So they'd have to do that at all the other resorts. And it would make a booking nightmare.

 

[MELSMICE]

And the rest of us like two queen beds. So they'd have to do that at all the other resorts. And it would make a booking nightmare.

I'm sure there are some that prefer 2 beds & some that prefer the bed/couch combo. It's probably not "the rest" of the membership.

When just DH & I are going on a trip we choose not to stay at OKW if possible because we prefer the couch option. When we stay at our home resort (OKW) with our DD's we get a 1BR.

 

[dcamdad]

We also prefer the one bed & sofa bed & would be happy if it was an option at OKW.

I beleive this has been discussed before. If I remember correctly there would be legal issues if the studios were converted to 1 bed with sleeper couch, I think Chuck or Dean pointed out the POS and how if the change happened it would no longer be represetative of how OKW was sold.

 

[DeerIsleDisney]

We recently spent 6 days in a renovated 2-BR at OKW (bldg 30) and loved the changes. I found the colors, flooring, etc very pleasant and an improvement over the previous decor. Our 10-yr old daughter was very comfortable on the pull-out chair. The sofa bed was still uncomfortable - we were hoping those would be replaced as well. I think they must have just recovered them. The sofa beds at SSR and VWL are much better.

I thought the roman shades were attractive, but I agree with previous posters that they were noisy and a hassle.

We appreciate the two beds in the studio portion, but that's just what works best for our family. I can see how a sofa and bed would be much nicer for a couple.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I get that. I do, however, like the resort and would like the option AT Old Key West. Lucky me, I have so many choices.

Well considering all the issues the two types of second bedroom categories that were created at BCV, I'm glad OKW has 2 beds in the second bedroom. My solution to your problem would be to get a 1 bedroom instead of a studio.