posted 06-01-2005 20:03            

quote:

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Originally posted by Carl D:I completyely agree that the theme at OKW is the weakest of all Disney resorts. It is suppose to be "Old Key West". Disney does a good job of it, but there's just not much "theme" to work with.

Have you ever seen the Villas at Wilderness Lodge? Or the non-DVC resorts Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Polynesian?[/B]

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We have stayed at all of the DVC resorts and surprisingly, OKW is our favorite. That is the primary reason we sold our BWV contract. I much prefer the larger villas at OKW to the superior theming of VWL.

On the other hand, my wife loves AKL (savannah view). So we are staying at both next month!

Take my word for it, though, about EMH evenings. You are much better off skipping them and either going to a different park, or better yet going to that same park the next morning. Just don't tell anybody else or post it on a public bulletin board...

posted 06-01-2005 20:05            

Screwed up while editing. See post further down.

posted 06-01-2005 20:09            

quote:

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Originally posted by tsguru99:

We have stayed at all of the DVC resorts and surprisingly, OKW is our favorite. That is the primary reason we sold our BWV contract. I much prefer the larger villas at OKW to the superior theming of VWL.

On the other hand, my wife loves AKL (savannah view). So we are staying at both next month!

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I hope you have a great trip to AKL!

posted 06-01-2005 21:27            

quote:

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Originally posted by BocaBum99:
The only thing "laughable" is how Disney fanatics try to use "Theming", who owns a square foot of land, Mass transportation, credit card statements, extra hours in an even more crowded park and package deliver to justify the premium they pay for leasing DVC for 40 years vs. owning an alternative like FF Bonnet Creek forever.

The fact is that the cost of those little perks is in the thousands per week of usage. There is no objective analysis that can be used to prove it has more value. It's just rationalization at its best.

Once all the smoke clears, the reality is that Disney fanatics just like Disney because its Disney. Stop trying to justify these little perqs as worth it. That's nothing more than being penny wise and pound foolish.

I would respect Disney fanatics more if they just said, "yes, I tremendously over pay for what I actually get with Disney Vacation Club, but I don't care because I just love Disney and I don't care what it costs."

Isn't it ironic how Disney fanatics will argue that Bonnet Creek is not on Disney property when a DVC member doesn't even own any of the Disney land whereas the FF Bonnet Creek owner owns the land that the DVC members claim isn't "on Disney property". I guess that's why they call it Disney Property because it isn't theirs.

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Are you happy now?

I state the "tangible" benefits, not because they make up for the extra cost of DVC, but because many people here want to know what "tangible" benefits DVC members receive.
If I said the extra cost is worth it because of the "warm fuzzy feeling I get when I stay on property", that wouldn't cut the mustard with most people on this BBS. On Disboards it would.

Remember, you can do all the financial analysis, and run all the formulas you want- But until you find a way to enter personal happiness, enjoyment, and fond memories into your spread sheet, your "analysis" will never show the "true" value.

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DVC member

posted 06-02-2005 08:21               

Sure there is a way to work all those intangibles into your analysis: it's called your indifference curve mapping and we all want to achieve our highest indifference curve while staying within budget. For me that's Bonnet Creek, so while I can afford DVC it doesn't bring me as much pleasure (highest indifference curve) for my buck. However, someone else with my budget but a different set of indifference curves could very well choose DVC.

We all make these chooses everyday without even realizing it's our own little econometric modeling.

posted 06-02-2005 14:46               

I am glade Disney gives you a warm fuzzy feeling but, I would
rather take a hot bubble bath and not have to depend on Disney
for my vacations.

posted 06-02-2005 15:19               

quote:

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Originally posted by retailman:
I am glade Disney gives you a warm fuzzy feeling but, I would
rather take a hot bubble bath and not have to depend on Disney
for my vacations.

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From my perspective, the Disney Magic pretty much started heading south -- on TV, in movies, at theme parks, & for all I know at timeshare resorts -- about the time Uncle Walt's head went cryogenic.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.

posted 06-02-2005 16:47            

quote:

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Originally posted by AwayWeGo:
From my perspective, the Disney Magic pretty much started heading south -- on TV, in movies, at theme parks, & for all I know at timeshare resorts -- about the time Uncle Walt's head went cryogenic.

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Forget about Walt for a minute, and let's look at recent stuff:
- Expedition Everest (E- ticket attraction, opening next spring)
- Wishes firework show- incredible
- Soarin' (new E-ticket attraction)
- New stunt show in Disney/MGM Studios (E-ticket quality)
- Mission:Space (E-ticket)

Going back 5 years, you could add many more things, such as the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

posted 06-02-2005 16:51            

quote:

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Originally posted by marvin:
Carl D:
Just wondering. Have you ever stayed at Bonnett Creek???
We are not owners, but have stayed there and love it! Probably most of all because it is not controlled by Disney.

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If you dislike Disney controlled things so much, why do you visit WDW?

posted 06-02-2005 16:52            

quote:

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Originally posted by retailman:
Carl D,

I am glade Disney gives you a warm fuzzy feeling but, I would
rather take a hot bubble bath and not have to depend on Disney
for my vacations.

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posted 06-02-2005 16:57            

quote:

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Originally posted by lisa1001:
Sure there is a way to work all those intangibles into your analysis: it's called your indifference curve mapping and we all want to achieve our highest indifference curve while staying within budget. For me that's Bonnet Creek, so while I can afford DVC it doesn't bring me as much pleasure (highest indifference curve) for my buck. However, someone else with my budget but a different set of indifference curves could very well choose DVC.

We all make these chooses everyday without even realizing it's our own little econometric modeling.

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I'm certain there are many people who prefer Bonnet Creek, regardless of the money.

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DVC member

posted 06-02-2005 17:25               

The last three times we were in Orlando, we did not even go to
Disneyworld and thanks for thinking of my Hygiene.

posted 06-02-2005 17:55               

Did you include the wait time in your times for Disney Transport?
We have never been so lucky to get to a stop just a bus is leaving.
If there is a line and you have to wait for the next bus, a 10 minute ride can take 45 minutes. My car is ready when I am..

Even with the resorts that are super close to one park (Y&B to Epcot = 5 minute walk) the trip to another is excessive (Y&B to MK = 30+ minute bus with many stops). None are short to all parks and none guarantee a seat at the end of a long day. My car does...

It is all a matter of opinion... I like to move around on my schedule and I don't ride crowded mass transit buses at home, why would I use them when they are jammed with tired kids and strollers, and I am on vacation to relax?

Same idea when I hear people say they got a great deal on a subcompact rental.... Why would I rent a vehicle that is smaller and more uncomfortable on vacation than what I drive everyday? When I am on vacation, I rent something roomy, comfortable, or even exotic that I can't afford to drive the rest of the year. In the same scenario, I could never imagine getting into timeshare and staying in a studio. I want a place that is big, comfortable, roomy with full kitchen, washer/dryer, and a jacuzzi...

If I am stepping down in comfort or convenience... Why go away?

I enjoy the theme based resorts of Disney and they did do a great job with the Poly, Contemp, Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdom Lodge, and I visit them all when I am there. But OKW, while a nice resort, is at the least, uninspired.

If I have to make a choice of:
A: a themed studio and riding buses
B: an upscale (but not themed) 2br full condo and driving a Lincoln/Caddy/Jag.....

I have to go with B...
Of course your mileage may vary and that is why Ben & Jerry's has so many flavors.

posted 06-02-2005 18:31               

I'm certain there are many people who prefer Bonnet Creek, regardless of the money.

[/B][/QUOTE]

It does have a theme. If I recall correctly, it's Carribean. The theme carries into the decor of the units. I've heard they're very nicely decorated.

posted 06-02-2005 19:27               

BTW do DVC members ever grow up and visit the adult world.

I suppose my problem with Disney is that it is mainly for kids and has some adult features, but the main reason is to go to theme parks.

Maybe if they added a Casino to Frontierland (Indian ownership - get it) I could see the long lasting benefit.

posted 06-02-2005 19:31               

thanks to all who have helped us to evaluate this new resort

however, the back and forth on DVC and on site was not the question.

I am sure most would appreciate responses being a little more to the original topic and not this back and forth off topic persoanl op-ed pages

posted 06-03-2005 06:47               

quote:

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Originally posted by marvin:
Just wondering. Have you ever stayed at Bonnett Creek???
We are not owners, but have stayed there and love it!

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My next door neighbors stayed there last week for two days on their way back north. They said it was "awesome".

posted 06-03-2005 09:06            

The main pool area includes a large zero-entry pool, hot tub, a lazy river with floating inner tubes and a very nice children's play pool area with spouting and falling watersprays. We saw many children having a wonderful time playing at the pools! This pool area overlooks the lake and is set next to the bar/grille (which was open) and a covered patio for shade.

There's an indoor kids club with supervision for 2-4 hours per child during the day. Other activities are scheduled for school age and pre-teen kids. The video arcade offers air hockey and a few arcade games. Across the hall, another family/community room has a billiard table, sofa & TV, checker/chess tables, board games, etc.

High speed internet is available in your room with your own equipment and there's also a PC for guest usage near the front desk. The fitness center has Nautilus, treadmills, ergometers/bikes, stair masters and cross country ski machines.

The resort model in the sales center shows what they plan to have at build-out. They will add two more nice pool areas, playgrounds, basketball, picnic/BBQ, mini-golf, saunas and a health club. These are not available yet and I don't know if any of them will be ready by Feb 2006 for your stay. The lake will eventually be surrounded by buildings, landscaping and a nice paved walking path. This pathway is in place and landscaped for the building sections that have been completed so far. It will be very pleasant to walk or jog around the lake when it's done.

posted 06-03-2005 09:26               

quote:

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Originally posted by Lisa P:

The resort is pretty with music by the pool area that made me think of the movie, Casablanca. The landscaping around the pool and activity area seemed more lush than you usually see at a brand new resort. As I've said before, the photos don't do it justice and our family would LOVE a vacation there. Enjoy your stay!

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Oh no! Music, Casablinca type atmosophere, landscaping AND large upscale rooms? This almost sounds like a theme similar to the next door resorts but with better accomodations. I think Disney has a patent on the lobby theme so FF had better stop it immediately or start charging much higher purchase cost and annual fees so their neighbors won't look bad. Maybe it's the different dirt that allows better features at less cost?

Seriously, Bonett Creek is everything that any upscale resort offers and more. It is set within the property that houses RTU units that cost much more yet equals or betters the unit experience. I'll admit the theme isn't quite up to Disney standards, but it's not far off either. I prefer a better and larger unit over a better, larger lobby. I can enjoy the lobbies elsewhere on my own I don't need to pay big to stay there. You & your family will find FF a great stay and more than enough to do on site if you wish.

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John Chase
Use Email Icon above for contact address

posted 06-03-2005 10:58            

quote:

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Originally posted by PeterS:
Carl,

Did you include the wait time in your times for Disney Transport?
We have never been so lucky to get to a stop just a bus is leaving.
If there is a line and you have to wait for the next bus, a 10 minute ride can take 45 minutes. My car is ready when I am..

Even with the resorts that are super close to one park (Y&B to Epcot = 5 minute walk) the trip to another is excessive (Y&B to MK = 30+ minute bus with many stops). None are short to all parks and none guarantee a seat at the end of a long day. My car does...

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I figured the time you wait for a monorail/boat/tram to the parking lot, would be a wash with me waiting for a boat to Wilderness Lodge.

As you know, when you take your car to other parks, you must still walk/boat/tram ect... Again, I figured that was a wash.

That being said, I always have a car at WDW. I eat dinner at many of the resort hotels, and resort to resort transportation can get ugly.

posted 06-03-2005 11:00            

quote:

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Originally posted by retailman:
thanks for thinking of my Hygiene.

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DVC member

posted 06-03-2005 11:05            

quote:

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Originally posted by robnsunny:

It does have a theme. If I recall correctly, it's Carribean. The theme carries into the decor of the units. I've heard they're very nicely decorated.

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DVC member

[This message has been edited by Carl D (edited 06-03-2005).]