Why no OKW reno?

[wrighter]

I was just admiring the photos on another thread of the BWV renovations. It made me wonder: Where is poor old OKW's renovations?

Clearly OKW is the oldest and most tired of the resorts. We love it there for many reasons, but I don't think anyone can argue that it isn't in bad shape - especially when you compare it to the other DVC resorts. Is there any hope that it will get a much needed facelift any time soon?

Thoughts?

 

[Chuck S]

I just returned from OKW. Building 50, where we stayed, appeared to be in good shape, and bldg 64 was fenced off for renovations.

 

[wrighter]

Hey! Good to know!

By any chance does anyone know if current OKW work is being done on the inside of the villas, as well as the outside? For example, BWV is receiving new carpet, curtains, upholstery, appliances, flat screen tvs, and some new furniture. If OKW received this kind of upgrade you'd never get us to go anywhere else!

 

[Chuck S]

I doubt we'll see flatscreens at OKW until the next major rehab cycle, the current CRT TVs were replaced not too long ago. The carpet in our studio room was in really good shape, as were the appliances, and I think all the beds have been replaced and are now "firm." Some of the sofa sleepers at OKW have been replaced, but they are close in color to the original, but don't exactly match the still original love seats. Our curtains/drapes could have used replacement. The dining room table & chairs we had lin a one bedroom last December were repainted, not new, but redone, and the appliances were new. The chairs in the studio needed to be redone.

Whatever they do at OKW, I think they will stay as close to the original color schemes as possible.

 

[pampat]

We were in OKW in building 55 in May and we had a new cooker and fridge, new sofas. There was new patio furniture and everything was bright and shiny. No complaints from us. There was another block that was roped off for renovations and redecorations. They must be getting around to them all.

Pam

 

[Kim&Chris]

We were in a one-bedroom in bldg 53 a few weeks ago. Nothing really looked brand new, but it didn't really look worn or in bad shape either. On a scale of 1-10, I would have given it an 8!

 

[TDC Nala]

stayed in OKW a few times over the past 8 years since I joined DVC - even recently have seen nothing wrong with the studio rooms except the one that had a plumbing leak under the kitchenette sink. I would not categorize it as "in bad shape."

I haven't had any interest in the type of TV until last year after the Adventurers Club closed - before that it was just something to peek at the Weather Channel on - so I can't say I've noticed who had flat screens and who didn't.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We were at OKW last year on Trumbo Canal and our building had new appliances, fresh paint, new bed, new sleeper sofa, etc. It looked great.

But, in my opinion, that carpet they installed at BWV has got to be the ugliest stuff I have ever seen. My goodness, it is UGLY.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

...But, in my opinion, that carpet they installed at BWV has got to be the ugliest stuff I have ever seen. My goodness, it is UGLY.

Oh my goodness did this ever crack me up! I don't know why, but it really hit me funny. Now, I'm on the hunt to see the new BWV carpet!

As for the OKW decor, I think it's very outdated. It screams '80s to me. I do hope when it's time for an overhaul, they make some big changes, but stay true to the theme.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Oh my goodness did this ever crack me up! I don't know why, but it really hit me funny. Now, I'm on the hunt to see the new BWV carpet!

As for the OKW decor, I think it's very outdated. It screams '80s to me. I do hope when it's time for an overhaul, they make some big changes, but stay true to the theme.

You can see it right here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2201734

Compliments of DisneyJen.

 

[Chuck S]

You can see it right here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2201734

Compliments of DisneyJen.

Ewwwww! Just Ewwww! Looks like left overs from Mardi Gras.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

But, in my opinion, that carpet they installed at BWV has got to be the ugliest stuff I have ever seen. My goodness, it is UGLY.

It is ugly but I also think it fits in nicely with Stephen King's "The Shinning Theme" over at the Boardwalk (long hallways, <evil> clown pool, creepy flower people chairs in the lobby, etc.). Dont get me wrong, I love the Boardwalk resort but it definately screams (pun intended), Stephen King.

 

[Anal Annie]

You can see it right here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2201734

Compliments of DisneyJen.

Looks a lot better than the old stuff to me.

Anyway, back to OKW - I think a lot of the problems with OKW has to do with the generally poor cleanings that the Mousekeeping staff seems to do. If they would take a little pride & put in a little extra effort to keep things clean & looking new it would help a lot to extend the life of things. Our unit when we stayed there could've definitely been cleaner. It's like taking the time to sort your laundry right. If you throw your whites in with the colors they will eventually look dingy. But if you spend a few min. extra to sort them out separately they will stay bright. If they don't take the time to clean properly it will eventually show up as wear & tear.

I still don't understand why the quality level of Mousekeeping seems to vary from one DVC to another but it apparently does and I've seen enough comments about OKW to feel it is less than acceptable there and that it should be reviewed by upper management. We've never had a dirty unit anywhere else like we did at OKW.

 

[wdwnut]

The BWV carpet seems to have something that looks a bit like hot air balloons and seems to be in keeping with the boardwalk/carnival theme. Hopefully, it will look better in person. The original boardwalk carpet first appeared kind of "cheesy" to me, but it did grow on you; I missed it when they changed to the current one. The new stoves at OKW are nice; I'll be glad to not deal with the screwy burners on the BWV stoves. Everything changes.

 

[dan and scott]

We are getting old and used to make fun of OKW as a retirement village--now were at that same point with the BW. I don't like some of the new changes at the BW weve been members for 11 yrs. The original hallway plank flooring carpet was the best but I am glad there replacing the ALWAYS DIRTY looking 2nd generation carpet. Hate the yellow(could be any hotel- anywhere) striped wallpaper. But do have high hopes for the (inside villa units)+ 3rd generation carpet and also the hallway carpeting.
I guess I just get used to my home being a certain way but it is good that Disney sees the changes to be current on what the members expect.
It truley is amazing how BW was the top dog in 96 on themeing and design and now the furnishings/facilities at the new DVC resorts are getting upgraded as new resorts come on line.

Scott

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Just got back from a OKW-BWV splitstay. June 7th at OKW, 2BR Bldg. 27 3rd Floor (yes, I need to lose a few pounds). Room, Walls all in all quite clean, no mildew in bathroom and paint looked fresh. New couch and love seat. However, Mousekeeping forgot to replace Sponge, Dish Soap, coasters etc., we had none. Also, no vacuum, broom or dust pan which would have come in handy to remove the 2 snack bag full of crumbs in the sofa bed. I've never had such a lack of response from Mousekeeping in all of my many stays at OKW. Asked for a vacuum at 7pm, it never came , called again, the housekeeper said that there wasn't one to be had even though they weren't to capacity. After dinner housepeeping came over (11:00pm) and brushed the crumbs off onto the carpet! and then she went in to get the broom & dust pan, which I already knew weren't there or I would have gotten the crumbs myself. There was no TV remote in the bedroom nor plastic bags for laundry. I complained to the manager the next morning, OKW really needs a new cleaning crew. The mousekeepers at the BWV have it all over the ones at OKW.

Our 2br at BWV was immaculate and overstocked w/ coffee, tissues, soaps/shampoos and it was great.

P.S. no Crumbs!

I still love OKW it's my all time favorite, in fact going in Oct. but they really need to do something about their less than enthusiastic mousekeepers. With so many people out of work, you can't tell me that their aren't people out there who would love the job and take pride in it and do it well!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I just returned from OKW. Building 50, where we stayed, appeared to be in good shape, and bldg 64 was fenced off for renovations.

Chuck, they were renovating that building when we were there last month.

 

[mrsR123]

OT-- I like the BWV carpet-- it's period appropriate. And the teacup table lamp is to die for.

On topic, we haven't had any problems with run-down rooms with the exception of a leaky A/C unit (the ONE time we took friends and family with us) in January '07.

 

[MouseMomx2]

OKW has had regularly scheduled renovations throughout it's history. Personally, in more than 20 stays at OKW, we have never noticed it looking "run down". Our villas have always been in great shape with everything in working order.

 

[Disney Doll]

I have been staying in OKW at least yearly since 1997 and truthfully, in all that time, I have had 1 villa that I thought was in need of some renovations, I told the housekeeping manager my concerns, I got a follow up call when I got home to let me know that my concerns had been addressed. I like the themeing, I like the color scheme, I like everything about OKW, frankly.

I also like all the other DVCs that I have stayed at. I am sad to see the hallway paining at the BWVs go...I loved that look of a fenced running along the wall...made me feel liek I was really on a Boardwalk. I do love that teacup lamp though, and those seashell-inspired wall lamps are cute too.