What Changes At OKW?

[walter]

If you had in a say in matter, what positive changes would you like see implimented at OKW. This could be anything from housekeeping, events, food service, entertainment, transportation, etc.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Good question! I would hope that you would ask this of OKW OWNERS though, and not just those who own elsewhere, and "settle" for staying at OKW because they either want to save points or didn't plan ahead enough. If you don't own here, don't complain.

First of all, I think the bus service and housekeeping are great here. The only thing I could see as a major improvement would be elevators in all the buildings. The past couple of trips I have needed an ECV, and have either had to have a 1st floor room or one of the 3 elevator buildings. I like Olivias, and we are so close to DTD, there is no real need for other food service there. I would NOT like anything that would change the basic laid back feel of the resort. It is why we chose to do only OKW for our two contracts.

 

[Desperado]

Yes, I like the idea of having elevators for the building. Also, I'm glad to hear the pool will be improved with the addition of a slide. Room service would be great. If we are dreaming for anything, how about light rail service to Epcot, or a quick tram service to the Epcot monorail station with a dedicated bridge over the highway creating a more direct transportation route. Maybe instead of just adding on the the old, a new pool with "o" entry and a slide. Just ideas.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Not sure I would like the light rail or tram service, since that would reallly change the feel of the place. I do like the idea of a zero entry pool though. I don't care about a slide one way or another, but then I don't do much with any of the pools. I can't see room service here either, since it is not a hotel and is so spread out, it would offer some pretty big obstacles for rooms service. By the time food got to you, it would be cold!

 

[Chuck S]

Well, the only change I can think of that I'd really like...
a "real" ice cream parlor and sandwich shop...nothing big, like Olivia's, just a cozy place with about 3 tables and a few chairs (even open air seating would be OK)...sort of like the defunct Donald's Dairy Dip at DTD. Donald's had much better ice cream than Ghiradelli (IMO).

It could be somewhere near the main pool, or turtle pond pool--in fact, they could improve the snack bar at Turtle Pond and rehab it into this type of thing for very little money. Add some grilled sandwiches, too. Have it open from about 4pm to 10pm.

 

[walter]

I like Chuck S's suggestion of an ice cream/sandwich place. Maybe (on a smaller scale) a place like "Beaches & Cream", built around a little island beach like atmosphere. Although I may agree with elevators, the cost would be extreme.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by walter
If you had in a say in matter, what positive changes would you like see implimented at OKW.

I would like to see a "Hooters" restraunt next to Olivia's.
On a more seriuos note I think elevators would be really nice. They have elevators in all the villas at VB and that is really nice.

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
The only thing I could see as a major improvement would be elevators in all the buildings.

Keep in mind that each building has several sets of stairs because the walkways on the 2nd and 3rd floors don't connect (and aren't designed to connect).

It would take hundreds of elevators to provide elevator service to all condos in all OKW buildings. Talk about a huge special assessment and major increase in annual fees!

If stairs are a problem, the alternatives are to stay on the first floor or in one of the new buildings (the ones with building numbers in the 60's).

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
Good question! I would hope that you would ask this of OKW OWNERS though, and not just those who own elsewhere, and "settle" for staying at OKW because they either want to save points or didn't plan ahead enough. If you don't own here, don't complain.

I am sorry but I completely disagree with this thinking. OKW is part of the DVC, all the resorts are owned by the same company - they all fall under the same umbrella and are all part of the same package. Therefore every DVC member has a vested interest in all of the DVC resorts. Particularly at this time with the uncertainity of whether a merger will take place with Disney and if so with whom and then if this happens there is the question what will happen to DVC. Will the new company keep it intact as it is or sell it? If it is sold I am sure all the WDW DVC resorts will be sold as a complete package. So yes, all DVC members have a vested interest in all the resorts and should care that all the resorts are kept up to the very high standards that we bought into, that they are enhanced/remodeled to keep competitive and retain their value, etc. Until the time comes that Disney breaks away the resorts from under the one DVC umbrella every member that has money invested in DVC should care about each and every one of the resorts that make up DVC and not just their home resort(s).
To answer the OP, I am glad they are finally enhancing the main pool of OKW. I think at least another dining option at the resort for those that don't wish to have to go to DTD, would also be nice. I also think room service would be great but I have to agree due to how large and spread out this resort is, this would be difficult. These types of changes would add to the guest ameniites offered at the resort. It will make the resort more appealing and therefore more marketable to guests that are not currently interested in this resort. If a resort is more marketable it will increase it's value. I do not know about anyone else but I want all the DVC resorts to be worth the most top dollar they can possibly be, espcially if (heaven forbid) DVC ends up being sold as a result of a merger.

 

[jarestel]

quote:
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Originally posted by dianeschlicht
Good question! I would hope that you would ask this of OKW OWNERS though, and not just those who own elsewhere, and "settle" for staying at OKW because they either want to save points or didn't plan ahead enough. If you don't own here, don't complain.

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I agree completely with BWVDee. Most DVC owners don't buy with the idea of staying exclusively at their home resort. I have read many posts on this board from OKW members who bought for the lower dues but attempt to book the 7 month window at the other resorts whenever possible. So I don't think non-OKW ownwers should be excluded from voicing opinions on matters that ultimately affect all of DVC.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by BWVDee
I am sorry but I completely disagree with this thinking. OKW is part of the DVC, all the resorts are owned by the same company - they all fall under the same umbrella and are all part of the same package. Therefore every DVC member has a vested interest in all of the DVC resorts. Particularly at this time with the uncertainity of whether a merger will take place with Disney and if so with whom and then if this happens there is the question what will happen to DVC. Will the new company keep it intact as it is or sell it? If it is sold I am sure all the WDW DVC resorts will be sold as a complete package. So yes, all DVC members have a vested interest in all the resorts and should care that all the resorts are kept up to the very high standards that we bought into, that they are enhanced/remodeled to keep competitive and retain their value, etc. Until the time comes that Disney breaks away the resorts from under the one DVC umbrella every member that has money invested in DVC should care about each and every one of the resorts that make up DVC and not just their home resort(s).
To answer the OP, I am glad they are finally enhancing the main pool of OKW. I think at least another dining option at the resort for those that don't wish to have to go to DTD, would also be nice. I also think room service would be great but I have to agree due to how large and spread out this resort is, this would be difficult. These types of changes would add to the guest ameniites offered at the resort. It will make the resort more appealing and therefore more marketable to guests that are not currently interested in this resort. If a resort is more marketable it will increase it's value. I do not know about anyone else but I want all the DVC resorts to be worth the most top dollar they can possibly be, espcially if (heaven forbid) DVC ends up being sold as a result of a merger.

BUT, Dee, you don't pay dues here. Why should what members who own elsewhere want effect the dues of those who own at OKW? I would never suggest a change to BWV that would effect your dues. As a DVC owner, there might be a time in the future when we might not have the option to stay at anything other than our home resort. If that happened, I would be paying for the amenities that people who own elsewhere and pay dues elsewhere wanted. I don't happen to think that sounds fair either.

BTW, I know it is an unreasonable thougth, Werner, to have elevators in each building, but this was a dreaming thread.

I think the ice cream parlor is a great idea, but we have something similar for sandwiches at Turtle Pond and Gurgling Suitcase, but could certainly be updated and have more variety for the whole family.

 

[Chuck S]

Since not ALL DVC owners pay DUES at OKW, why should they voice an opinion...I could not care less about what improvements are done or aren't at BWV...it wont affect MY dues. Unless of course, those other owners are offering to subsidize all the improvements and related increases in OKW dues.

Diane, did they upgrade the turtle pond area? Last time I stayed there it was only cold sandwiches and I think hot dogs, salads and drinks. I was talking about adding a grill, if they don't have one.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by Chuck S
Since not ALL DVC owners pay DUES at OKW, why should they voice an opinion...I could not care less about what improvements are done or aren't at BWV...it wont affect MY dues. Unless of course, those other owners are offering to subsidize all the improvements and related increases in OKW dues.

That was my point, exactly, Chuck. I know a lot of DVC owners from the other resorts stay at OKW, but WE pay for our resort amenities, and they don't.

 

[jarestel]

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Quote:
That was my point, exactly, Chuck. I know a lot of DVC owners from the other resorts stay at OKW, but WE pay for our resort amenities, and they don't.
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dianeschlict, my point was that many OKW owners stay at my home resort to enjoy the amenities that I pay for ( not them ), so why shouldn't I have a say in the amenities that OKW provides?

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
That was my point, exactly, Chuck. I know a lot of DVC owners from the other resorts stay at OKW, but WE pay for our resort amenities, and they don't.

Well, OKW owners don't have to pay the entire cost of the new OKW slide. Also, certainly I read plenty of posts from OKW owners talking about things they don't like in non-OKW resorts like small rooms, they see no limits or exclusivity to providing excessive repeated commentary.

Give me a break, it's just a discussion. Anyone can participate, given the original posters question. Paying for it can be an entirely other thread. At least one poster in another thread about the slide has stated that cost has nothing to do with it. Guess they were wrong, huh?

Ice cream shop sounds like a great idea. Does OKW have a business center? That can be a big help for completing a project.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'm not saying you can't stay at my resort. I am saying you shouldn't have the ability to chose what amenities I have to pay for at my resort. BTW, I do not stay at your resort either.

 

[Chuck S]

Jarestel,
1) I think you will find that overall far more members stay at their home resorts than book at other resorts.
2) Each resort can, upon the vote of their membership, withdraw completely from the DVC program and/or DVC can withdraw the privledge of staying at any other resort other than our home resort. Hence the advice, buy where you want to stay.
3)Most OKW members bought not knowing whether any other DVC resort would become available, or even if OKW would be fully finished as planned. We knew what we were buying and were happy with the amenities available at the time of our purchase, just as you knew what amenities would be available at your home resort when you purchased.
4)OKW is much more of a condo/community style resort...it would not be practical to offer hotel style amenites. Upon hearing these concerns from potential members the DVC resorts that were "attached" to hotels and their available amenities were designed. But OKW was designed as a free standing, non-hotel, true Home Away From From Home environment. That is WHAT OKW members bought into, not a full service hotel.

 

[jarestel]

Where you choose to stay is not the point. DVC is an inclusive program consisting of 7 resorts at which all DVC members are welcome to make reservations. I just think there should be a certain commonality and consistency no matter which one a member stays at. ( am now climbing down from my soap box )

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
you shouldn't have the ability to chose what amenities I have to pay for at my resort.

Again, OKW owners are not burdened with the full cost of the OKW slide, so the above aurgument is clearly moot. And also, we really don't get to choose anything here, we're just discussing OKW improvements in a friendly thread. Your welcome to start the same thread about any of the other DVC resorts if you choose.

How about a better children's playground area and better more exciting kid friendly putt putt course. How about child care services like at BCV and Poly?

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by Desperado

How about a better children's playground area and better more exciting kid friendly putt putt course. How about child care services like at BCV and Poly?

You might want to be more specific about what improvements you want made to the children's playground- as OKW already has a nice play area.

I wasn't aware that BCV has it's own child care facility. Please elaborate on it's location within the DVC addition to the BC.

(Just shows how much you can learn on this site.)