First time at OKW-any help?

[Disney*All-Stars*]

We are staying at OKW for the first time in February during president's week. Any good tips or suggestions for us? Also, are the rooms bigger than BW and WL? Thanks.

[Candace]

I am not sure about size of studios, but 1 and 2 bedroom villas are most definitely larger than VWL and BWV. I think the studios are shaped differently - they are longer and more narrow at VWL and BWV, and OKW studios have 2 queen beds only instead of 1 queen and a sofa bed. Some prefer the sofa and 1 bed setup as opposed to the 2 beds. Makes for more room during the day, I suppose. If your plans in February have you staying in one of the larger units, it will be extremely hard to *ever* stay in a studio again! OKW is wonderful - my kids actually prefer it to BWV, although some will argue with this. I really feel like I am on vacation when I am at OKW. Since this is your first trip there, just try to remember that you will be back many times before 2042, so relax and enjoy!!

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Thanks for the positive feedback about OKW. I was disappointed that we had to change our plans from Boardwalk (been there)and could only get OKW on short notice. It is growing on me!!

[Firefighter Mickey]

I like the kitchen layout at OKW better than BWV, and the OKW 1BR units are certainly larger. However, the studios at BWV have the advantage of the fold out couch (some people see this as an advantage because they seem to have more room when the bed isn't in use), where OKW has 2 beds.

Both resorts are great, and you can't really go wrong with either one. OKW is much more laid back than BWV, and because it is a condo type set up, you can end up doing more walking to get from one place to another - the plus side is that most buildings have easy/quick access to a nearby pool.

[spiceycat]

the views are OKW are woods, golf, and water (no parking lot views here). I like a water view, some people like a golf view - your choice.

If you have a car you will love OKW - the parking is close to the building - no walking from a distance parking lot.

there is only one restuarant - Olivia's. there are 2 snack like bars at 2 different swimming pools - turtle & HH. the one at turtle has very limited hours.

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Thanks for your help. We're driving.

[fkj2]

OKW is much quieter. I've never stayed in a studio but have all the larger size accommodations. Very, well, luxurious I think.

Since you'll have a car, transportation will not be a problem and as an onsite guest, you'll not have to pay the parks' parking fee.

[dianeschlicht]

You don't say what size unit you are staying in. The studios at OKW are larger, but have two queen beds and a small table with two straight back chairs instead of the small hide-a-bed that BWV has. The main difference is in the bathroom. The OKW studio baths are HUGE! We don't stay in the studio, but it is the same as the 2nd bedroom of a 2 bedroom lock off unit.

[PinMan]

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[dianeschlicht]

Pin man,
We'll see you! We arrive at OKW 1/20/02!

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Diane, Sorry I left out the size room we are staying in! That is important! We are going to be in a one bedroom. Some would think that is nicer to have 2 comfortable beds than a lumpy sofa bed, right? Thanks for your help.

[Firefighter Mickey]

My wife says I'm strange (and it's probably true, but...) Anyway, I think that the fold-out couches at OKW are more comfortable than the beds - just me I guess.

[dianeschlicht]

Our DS is a large person and has always enjoyed sleeping on the sofa bed in the 1-2 bedroom units. He even passes up the bed for it!

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Really?? Gotta take another look at those sofabeds.

[spiceycat]

the detergent that DVC gives you for the washer is Tide - I have a problem with Tide so I bring my own.

You will love the 1-bedroom at OKW - much bigger than BWV or VWL. The washer and dryer are full size - so is the kitchen. You can eat on the balcony for breakfast, it has a light so dinner is okay too. The whirlpool tub is much bigger too.

[bres@westernMA]

Things not to miss at OKW include taking the boat (and walking) to Downtown Disney, ordering out for Pizza delivery (call the front desk for the “best” place), driving everywhere except the Magic Kingdom, neighborhood (quiet) pools, kicking back on the porch with your favorite beverage, etc.
There are many more. Have a blast.

[CrazyBoutDisney]

We just spent the week after T-giving at WDW and our last night was in a 1 bedroom at OKW. Personally, I liked it the best!!! (1st nite was studio at OKW--it was superb and the 4 nites in the middle were 1 bedroom at VWL which was absolutely grand) I will have my DH post some pix of the room for you when he gets home later tonight -- I'm "electronically challenged" and can't figure out how to do it.........
Anyway, you have lots more room in the 1 bedroom at OKW and I just loved the pastel decor. The double bathroom is AWESOME!!

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Pictures would be awesome!!

[nezy]

Our "home" is BWV, but we always stay at OKW. I like the away from it all feeling atOKW. The BWV and VWL are in the heart of things. For our family we like to have that "down" time that just goes with staying at OKW. The kids love it because the pool area isn't as crowded. I also like that fact that it is not connected to a resort hotel where there are guests who are not DVC members. I guess that my be snobbish but I have found that DVC members are the best! They seem to be more friendly, less critical more relaxed.

A car is a definate advantage. Also, do not miss the Winnie -the -Pooh character breakfast at Olivia's.

disney-*ALL STars*--enjoyOKW, but the Yankees are the team!
(Sorry--I couldn't resist!)

[dianeschlicht]

I think the character breakfast at Olivias has been discontinued. Some of our favorite things to do at OKW:
-eat on the patio
-use the quiet pools and hot tubs.
-walk to DTD.
-take the pontoon to DTD
-take the garden tour of OKW
-watch the wild life
-feed the birds
-watch the "duffers" er golfers:D
-enjoy the whirlpool and HUGE bathroom
-entertain in the main living area

[Princess Tess]

We'll be at OKW in just 2 weeks, hadn't planned on renting a car, but should we? Planned on using a transportation service from the airport that would stop at the supermarket on the way then using WDW transportation. We did this last January while at ASSP and I just found it to be easy. One less thing to worry about "how do we get there from here?"...lol
We rented a car when we were there in 92 and stayed outside the park, (Sheraton, Kissimee). We were guinea pigs for AAA, for a dirt cheap rate they gave us a nicer car with a navigational computer in it, they asked us to use the computer and fill out questionaires as we went along on our trip. Because the computer had a navigator in it all we had to do was tell it where we wanted to go. The only problem was that the designers/engineers of it didn't seem to take parking lots into account! The computer couldn't get out of a parking lot...pretty aggrevating then, pretty funny now.....
If we don't mind using WDW transportation and don't plan on leaving the park why would we rent a car? Tell me if I'm missing something....not trying to be flip, just want to cover all the bases....

[dianeschlicht]

Car rental is really a personal preferance. We have done it both ways. THe only time we really use a car is for grocery trips and to go to one of the other resorts for a dinner ressie. We never use the car for the parks. It is quite inconvenient to go to the other resorts by bus, though. You have to go to DTD and transfer or to a park and transfer. With the parks closing early, you will need to do at least one transfer through DTD to go to another resort. We find this to be VERY time consuming! We always feel the car is worth the cost just for getting to and from the airport and other resorts if we have more than 2 of us. If it is just the 2 of us, we usually do the shuttle.

[Disney*All-Stars*]

I think once you've done the car rental thing, you never want to go any other way. But money is always a part of the factor. If you have kids, it makes things soooo much better all around. Disney's transportation at the end of the night becomes so overcrowded, that we've had to stand in a line for an hour with cranky, sleepy kids. No choice but to wait. Driving, you get in your car and go. We like to arrive early at the parks (no need to wait for a shuttle!) and we always get a front row spot. Magic Kingdom, however, we found "difficult" either way-can't get around that one! Driving does save you A LOT of time!! :bounce:

[WDWguru]

FYI, in a pinch, you CAN get a taxi! We did this once when we got stuck at Epcot at closing sort of by mistake. At most parks they're right out by the bus stations - you may have to ask a CM. I think it was about $6-7 for dh and I to get from Epcot back to AKL.

Not necessarily something you want to do every time, but it's handy to know it's there.

[nezy]

We like to have a car, whether our own or a rental. When we arrive in Orlando we like to get settled in a bit before we go grocery shopping. We usually shop at a Publix or Super Wal-Mart for which we really need a car.

As someone said previously, a car makes going to other resorts more convenient--and we always pool hop.


When we stay at OKW we like to drive to BWV, take a bus to MK, spend most of the day there, take the monorail to EPCOT, stay late and walk out the side entrance to Boardwalk and stay even later.

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Nezy,

It sounds like we may end up liking OKW better that our home resort WL, too. Don't know how I missed it, but you can never tell a METS fan that the Yankees are IT... As my son says....METS rule, Yankees drool. OK, we'll have to wait and see.... :smooth:

Oh...since you mentioned Super Walmart...can you tell me where it is exactly? We can find our way around by car.

[Disney*All-Stars*]

CrazyBoutDisney,

Just wondering....did you find moving about from room to room, taking up alot of your time and could you "settle in" easily? We may have to move from a studio (1st nite) to 1 bdrm at OKW.

[DaveH]

My DW CrazyBoutDisney asked me to post these pics. I hope everyone enjoys.

Livingroom
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW01.jpg

Dining area
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW02.jpg

Kitchen and livingroom tv
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW03.jpg

Livingroom
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW04.jpg

Hallway to door from livingroom
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW05.jpg

Hallway to bedroom
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW06.jpg

Laundry room
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW07.jpg

Hallway from bedroom to front hall
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW08.jpg

Bedroom
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW09.jpg

Hottub
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW10.jpg

Closet by hottub
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW11.jpg

Sink by hottub
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW12.jpg

Sink in bathroom
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW13.jpg

Shower and throne(lol ;-) )
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW14.jpg

Glassware
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW15.jpg

View from our balcony
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW16.jpg

View from balconey
http://home.earthlink.net/~bankdp/OKW17.jpg

[spiceycat]

super walmart in Kissimmee

from OKW turn right on community drive when the road ends (close to sign for the disney institute) turn right (Buena Vista Drive). stay on this road until you are directly across from the Downtown Disney turn left at the traffic light (Hotel Plaza Blvd) (you will also see signs directly you to 535 and I 4 here) - when this road ends (across from Crosswalk) turn right (Apopka-Vineland Road also called 535) when this road ends turn left (US 192 also called Irlo Bronson Memorail Hwy) the Super Walmart is around 3 miles down pass the castle (Medieval Times) between milemarks 14 and 15 (those things that Kissimmee put up to make traveling easier).

before you turn left on your left is a shopping center there is a Publix in this place. (sometimes walmart does not have everything I need Publix generally does)

[Disney*All-Stars*]

My DH and I were also wondering if there is a boat (I assume there is) that takes you places and where? :bounce:

[WebmasterDoc]

There is a pontoon boat which travels between the OKW marina and DD - it starts in the early afternoon and makes it's last run at 9:20PM- weather permitting. It is also about a 15 minute walk to DD on the pathway which starts behind building 55.

Enjoy!

[DebbieB]

crazyboutdisney or Dave H,

Great Pics! What building # was that? Love that view!

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Bres, sorry I missed your post regarding this the boat question. I think I got the idea.

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Thanks Doc! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[CrazyBoutDisney]

The pix are from Bldg. 35, room 25, down on Old Turtle Pond Road. We didn't get into the room till about 10:30 at night and had no idea the view was so great till the next morning. Talk about getting lucky!!! Sure would have been nice not to have to check out so soon. Next time, I hope we can get the same place for our entire stay, I loved it so much.

In response to your question about switching rooms during our stay........since we knew about it ahead of time, we planned for it. We packed one bag for both of us for just the first night when we were in the studio at OKW. That way, we didn't have to go rooting through everything for just the one night and that bag became the "dirty clothes" when we checked out the next morning and went over to VWL. Figured it would be easier to go ahead and take the car and stuff on over there in the AM, before going to the parks. We didn't expect our room to be ready at 8AM but it was!! So we didn't have to leave our stuff "in storage" , we just took it on up, dumped it in the living room, oooohed and aaaahhed over the size of the place and headed on out! Since we were there for 4 nights, I did laundry and packed up our overnight bag again for our last night back over at OKW. It worked beautifully for us and we would do it again if we had to.

Since we didn't do any cooking, there really was no "settling in" when we changed rooms. It was just a place to sleep and shower, basically, cuz it was for just the one night. If you end up doing the studio for your 1st night, don't worry. You'll "settle in" on your 2nd night when you get to your 1bdrm!

Have a wonderful trip!

[nezy]

I haven't gone to the Kissimee Wal-Mart, but it sounds closer than the one I have gone to off of John Young Pkwy. Also, the Wal-Mart in Kissimmee sells discounted Park-Hopper passes, so I will go there next trip "HOME".

Thanks for the pics, Dave--it warms my heart to see the other "home". Great view! What was that location?

Disney"All-Stars"--Us Yankee fans are drooling all over the 26 World Series Championship rings that we have won!

[Disney*All-Stars*]

CrazyBoutDisney,
Sounds like Disney kept you in mind and gave you the first available 1 bedroom when you did the switch from the studio!! Sounds good.

Nezy, Sorry (with all sincerety) that the Yanks had to stop droolin' last season. My heart was still with NY while they were in the World Series. ;)

[nezy]

Thanks! Iwill admit I think that the Mets have heart and after9-11 I thought they were going to make it to some sort of championship game.

When are you headed for OKW? My children think OKW , Fla. and Disney all go together.

Another great thing about OKW is that you use less points. I always seem to settle there after looking into all of the other DVC resorts. I think we will got to VWL next Dec. We just purchasedadd-on points for VWL.
Nezy
Went to Irish night at Shea last summer--great time!

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Nezy,

We are going to be at OKW President's week. We had to make a complete change in our vacation plans after 9-11, so we ended up making those last minute plans at Disney World. (We originally planned to go to Disneyland). Of course, there were no rooms available (PRESIDENT'S WEEK!), so we got one day at a time and all that was available was OKW. The place has grown on me and I may actually prefer it over the other resorts because I love a bigger room. We also bought extra points at VWL in Dec to add to our home resort VWL. I agree, also, that the points you use at OKW are so much less!