OKW - Nice? or need some help?

[Love That Stitch]

I have never stayed at OKW and in Nov we are staying there for first time. I have read some not so nice reviews regarding it. Here are some of them:

Not very clean - couches dirty, countertops show signs of burns on them

Check in time is at 4pm and some have said they have never gotten into their room before 4pm and most times they got in after 4pm.

Olivia's the food was okay and the service was not very good - slow.

Overall - not the same service you would get at other Disney resorts

This all said - does anyone have an opinion about it? I have never stayed there and I would like to know what you think. I know it is the oldest of the DVC resorts but Disney is very good about keeping things in good repair. The checkin time is a big deal to us because we usually arrive in the morning and enjoy (at other resorts) getting into our room in the early afternoon most times.

Any tips, advice or warnings about OKW would be appreciated!:) Thanks!

[elijahpep]

OKW is a delightful and peaceful DVC resort. It's a beautiful retreat with laid back appeal.

Every resort at some time or another will get a few bad reports but doesn't mean this is true all the time.

We stayed last year for the first time and loved everything about the resort except the bus service. That was the only thing that didn't appeal to us but other than that it's truely an exceptional resort, wonderfully themed.

The Main pool was awesome. The rooms were very nice and they have extraordinary balaconies. Dining there was very plesant, really like being able to get the fries and drinks so late at night by the pool.

AGain, keep in mind there are lots and lots of great trip reports about OKW.

Hope you will enjoy your stay and that it will be very MAgical for you and yours!~

~DW:3dglasses

[DisneyFreaks]

I have never stayed at OKW and in Nov we are staying there for first time. I have read some not so nice reviews regarding it.


We too are getting a bit nervous reading so many negative reports about OKW. We are staying there for the first time in October. I hope the OKW lovers on this board can set our minds at ease as well. We visited the resort during our last trip and thought it was so charming and quaint. I have really been looking forward to staying there.

[utahkennedys]

We own at OKW and love it there. Our 2BR villa on our last trip (and first trip as DVC members) was spotless, my Dad and his wife were with us and they couldn't believe it wasn't "brand new". We didn't have stains, dirt, etc. We checked in a few hours before 4 p.m. The staff/CMs were all wonderful and friendly, we felt like OKW was a neighborhood instead of a resort in a good way.

My Dad is a world traveler, staying at first class properties, etc. He just returned from the Masters, kind of jet sets everywhere, and he LOVED our villa. He just raved and raved and raved and raved. So, while I see some bad reviews, I didn't find OKW to be in need of any repairs or updates. I think at any hotel you can have maintenance issues, cleanliness mistakes, etc. but personally I find it hard to be disappointed in OKW as we found it absolutely charming and lovely.

[bobbiwoz]

We only have 2 OKW stays, 1 in a studio and 1 in a 1 bedroom and both villas were wonderfully cared for and clean.

In each case we got to OKW before 11 AM and both times we were in our villa right away, once it was a Sunday and the other time a Saturday.

We have seen long lines at check in but that wasn't a factor for either of our visits. It's a beautiful resort, and I hope you have a wonderful time there!

Bobbi:goodvibes

[OKW Lover]

I think you're probably seeing only posts where people have something to complain about. We love OKW (hence the screen name) and haven't had any such problems with the place. Just because it was the first DVC property and is thus 15 years old, doesn't mean that Disney just built and forgot this place. The resort is continously, and rigorously, maintained.

[jakenjess]

We've stayed at OKW once before and will be staying there again in Oct. Our 2 BR unit was lovely, and we really enjoyed the resort. I don't have any worries about our upcoming stay. You'll see bad reviews of every resort, and I think that's because people are more likely to report problems than they are a problem-free visit. There can be issues anywhere, but I think for the most part the DVC units are kept up very well.

As far as check-in, on our last visit we were able to get into our unit at noon, but that's hit or miss too, depending how full the resort is. Again, that doesn't really differ from any other DVC property.

Enjoy your trip!

[drakethib]

As it goes with any place, there may be issues at any place you stay.

We have always had good luck at OKW and the few problems we had were taken care of pretty quickly .

[starbox]

Lots of people say that OKW is their favorite of all the DVC resorts. I've got friends that are long time owners at VWL that prefer OKW. Why? Neat theming, spacious grounds, very good community hall activities, non-shared bus transportation, very large rooms and a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. It also is a deal in terms of point values.

Although SSR and OKW are technically the largest DVC properties, the fact that they don't share facilities with a large, deluxe resort causes them to have much, much, much lower occupancy. The result is resorts that give OKW/SSR the feeling of being in a removed, tranquil, quiet, resort setting.

The only thing that OKW has going against it, IMHO, is that there are not many options for food via. Goods to Go and there is lack of a place to eat the counter service food. When we were there last August there were only a handful of picnic tables (all occupied) and all out in the full-on midday August sun. :headache: I'd really, really love to see OKW do something with their CS dining area.

[CarolMN]

I've never stayed at OKW, but I've been around the DIS almost since its beginning, LOL.

Trust me, if you hang around here long enough you will see negative comments/reviews about every single WDW resort. Here on the DVC Boards, the negatives seem to come around in "random" cycles. We've had several "cycles" of the negative here for all of the resorts.

Go to OKW, don't worry and form your own opinion. You may get a great room or a not so great room. If you do encounter anything "not up to snuff" with your room, call and get it fixed. You will almost surely be impressed with how quickly they respond.

Enjoy your trip!

[Deb & Bill]

OKW is horrid and no one should ever stay there. (except me);)

[Dina]

I love love love OKW. Now, I did post on the one thread about mousekeeping lacking a little--- and honestly, I do think that may be true. However, that doesn't really bother me as there's a vacuum and I bring a few little cleaning supplies, and if it's really bad, you just call and complain and they'll fix it (and honestly, I don't think OKW is unique in the mousekeeping situation). It's an older resort, so everything isn't as bright and shiny as it may be at SSR. We were supposed to have a special cleaning due to my son's severe peanut allergy, yet we found peanuts in the pull out couch (so I was upset about that, and posted negatively about it on the thread I mentioned). However, I would not hesitate to stay there again, in fact I look forward to staying there again (while at the same time, I write letters and hope WDW improves the housekeeping-- that's all I can do)--- every resort has negative reports now and then. I try to stay away from Tripadvisor.com when booking a trip, because you will read the worst things about the most wonderful resorts. Don't let the negative reports deter you--- if it's bad when you check in, call down and it will be cleaned again (I just do it myself--- I bring some gloves, but that's me, and I don't really think a guest should have to do this, to me it's just easier and I can be really picky, so I hate to call for things that aren't really that bad, although I've never had a room that was really bad, just a few minor things here and there)-- no worries.

[mikesmom]

We love OKW. We have had every size room there except the GV and they were all lovely. We've had more luck getting into the room early there than at any other DVC resort. We've never had to go to the parks and check back (which happens a lot to us at BWV). That being said, we rarely get there very early and a lot probably depends on how busy it is when you arrive. If you are going in November, particularly Jersey Week or if the Food & Wine Fest is still going on, they may have a pretty full house so things could take longer.

We enjoy Olivia's very much. I wouldn't call the service slow at all. It is a sit down restaurant where the service is timed so you can enjoy your meal and visiting with your traveling companions. If you are expecting a food court in and out type of meal, it's probably not gonna happen!

I suspect you will have a great time.

[Dina]

I forgot to mention that we really love Olivia's! We thought the food was really good (we were just there in January)!

[kda]

[QUOTE=jakenjess;18137388]As far as check-in, on our last visit we were able to get into our unit at noon, but that's hit or miss too, depending how full the resort is. Again, that doesn't really differ from any other DVC property. QUOTE]


Very true. No one can count on when they get into their room, no matter which property. We've stayed at OKW 6 times and it's generally been ~ 2-3 PM. One time we had a choice of 2 BR's ready at 7:30 AM and once it was exactly 4 PM.

[2Princes2Princesses]

As with anything, people are more likely to report the bad and not the good. As my Doctor tells me "No news is good news, so if you don't hear from me, everything is fine!" I think the same goes for resort stays.

OKW is the oldest of the DVC resorts, so there are bound to be maintenance issues, but we had some of those at SSR, the newest, too. And things like that don't bother me, as long as someone comes out and takes care of them in a timely manner. Heck, we were put into a room that had not been cleaned (dirty towels all over, garbage full, beds unmade) in September at BWV. I called right away and housekeeping practically fell over themselves getting up there to take care of it, and we bought an add-on when we came home. :thumbsup2

I have yet to try OKW, but we rode through there in February and it took my breath away. It really is a beautiful resort, IMHO. We are currently booked at SSR for Feb of 08, but as you can see in my signature, I am hoping to get OKW at 7 months to give it a try. And all the bad reviews in the world won't change my mind. :banana:

[DisneyFreaks]

I for one would like to thank you all for your positive reviews of OKW. You have indeed set my mind at ease. It can be so frustrating to book a new resort for the first time and then read so much negativity about it. I should know better than to get upset. We fell in love with SSR after reading all of the bashing. Still can't figure out what that was all about. :confused3 I have to admit though that I am fussy about clean rooms so I think this is why I was turning into a nervous nellie. Thanks again for showing me the light and keep those great reviews coming. Pictures would be nice too. (hint hint)

[Dina]

I'll try and get some pics!!

[Basser]

My wife refuses to stay anywhere else while at WDW. We have found that OKW has the largest rooms and most relaxing atmoshere. My only recomendation is to request a villa near to the HH.

[starbox]

Here are some pictures of the resort itself. For some reason, I did not take pictures of the OKW room. :confused3

Papa's Den: Kid Movie/Waiting Area
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/spring_break/img_3566.jpg
Outside the HH
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/spring_break/img_3567.jpg
Two shots of the large community hall:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/spring_break/img_3569.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/spring_break/img_3586.jpg
Sand area near pool:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/spring_break/img_3572.jpg
Walkway to Lobby/HH/Olivia's
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/spring_break/img_3622.jpg
Some landscaping:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/spring_break/img_3623.jpg
Early morning, looking onto HH/Pool area
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/spring_break/img_3619.jpg
Balcony view:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/spring_break/img_3953.jpg
More landscaping w/ happy kids:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/spring_break/img_3587.jpg

[tiggirl]

My in laws own there and it is really the only one I have stayed at; but I have toured the others and have bought into SSR. IMHO OKW is the best they aren't just resort rooms they are more like suites, much larger than an ordinary room and beautifully maintained. My DH and I request to stay there because it is quiet and friendly and feels more like home with plenty of room to spread out.

[DisneyFreaks]

Here are some pictures of the resort itself.

Wow! These are awesome starbox. Thanks so much. Those children are adorable too!

[dianeschlicht]

OKW is definitely the "best" in my book, but don't spread the word too much! Have we had maintenance issues? Yes, a few, but usually they have been taken care of right away with a well placed call to the proper department. In 20 some stays, I have only had one unit that I felt needed enough repairs to be disappointing. That means that most of the other times things were spectacular, and sometimes there were small glitches that could and were easily fixed. Just remember...When you stay at ANY DVC resort, if something isn't up to snuff, LET HOUSEKEEPING and MAINTENANCE KNOW!! That way it should be fixed for you and will definitely be fixed before the next person comes in. Calling the front desk is not the right thing to do, because when you make that call, you get a central station somewhere on WDW property, and not the front desk of the resort. Pushing housekeeping or maintenance on the buttons provided on your room phone are the best way to get things fixed.

[Karrie Davis]

We stayed at OKW in November and LOVED it. We rented points and at first were bummed we had to stay at OKW but now we plan on buying there.... we love how layed back it was. We loved that our car was right outside our "home". We were off in the back and it was great! I am not sure I want to stay anyplace else just because we like it being so quite and relaxed. Plus it was so big :) We like to lounge out on a couch a peice so we would be fighting at any other DVC resort - LOL

It was clean, in fine repair and I couls not find one thing wrong with it.:confused3

[lovinthemouse]

We just spent 1 night there in March and really fell in love. Our room was very clean. The grounds were beautiful. We decided to stay there for our July trip. I can see why people love it!!:goodvibes

[jekjones1558]

Although our recent stay had some pesky issues, nothing was bad enough to spoil our stay in any way. As others have stated, over the length of your membership you will have small issues just about everywhere. The World is not perfect, just magical! OKW rooms are just wonderful. No two ways about it. We have taken our family to BWV in the past but this time it will be OKW. Can't wait for them to see the difference in size in the 1 and 2 bedrooms at OKW in comparison to BWV. Have a great trip.

[dvc at last !]

We love OKW... that is why we bought there ! :cool1:

[go cowboys]

We love OKW too. Our first time was nov 05. After staying at BWV last Nov we are going back to OKW this next time. We had no problems and the room was spotless! In fact, when we were at BWV, we had so many issues that I tried to change to OKW the first night.

[pickles]

love your walkway to the lobby pic...the "goofy" person is just priceless. I may make this my new wallpaper..I am just 41 days away from going home and this pic just reminds me so of it

[Cee]

One of the few places in WDW that makes you feel like you're actually in
FLORIDA. :thumbsup2

[starbox]

love your walkway to the lobby pic...the "goofy" person is just priceless. I may make this my new wallpaper..I am just 41 days away from going home and this pic just reminds me so of it

I have no idea who the Goofy person is, but she is clearly a very big Goofy fan. :rotfl:

[Love That Stitch]

WOW! You guys are great! I am overwhelmed with appreciation for answering my questions and putting me at ease!

I agree with everyone that you always hear about the bad and never the good. I think it will be a great trip! No worries now! We decided to stay there because it has the most square footage and lowest points! There will only be 4 of us (2 couples) so we will have plenty of room in a 2br villa. I can't wait!

One question? - Someone mentioned that the OKW has non-shared bus transportation. What do you mean? Scenario - leaving MK and OKW bus only stops at OKW? or does OKW bus share with SSR? At Downtown Disney does OKW share a bus with SSR or does it have it's own? That is a huge advantage in my opinion if it has it's own transportation. That is one thing I hate about staying at BW or BC, YC, Swan, Dolphin - they share the bus going from Downtown Disney, Typhoon Lagoon. It really makes me mad. What a waste of time! It once took me and hour to get from Downtown Disney Marketplace to BW! We will have a car so I am not too worried about it.

Thanks again for great responses!

[dianeschlicht]

WOW! You guys are great! I am overwhelmed with appreciation for answering my questions and putting me at ease!

I agree with everyone that you always hear about the bad and never the good. I think it will be a great trip! No worries now! We decided to stay there because it has the most square footage and lowest points! There will only be 4 of us (2 couples) so we will have plenty of room in a 2br villa. I can't wait!

One question? - Someone mentioned that the OKW has non-shared bus transportation. What do you mean? Scenario - leaving MK and OKW bus only stops at OKW? or does OKW bus share with SSR? At Downtown Disney does OKW share a bus with SSR or does it have it's own? That is a huge advantage in my opinion if it has it's own transportation. That is one thing I hate about staying at BW or BC, YC, Swan, Dolphin - they share the bus going from Downtown Disney, Typhoon Lagoon. It really makes me mad. What a waste of time! It once took me and hour to get from Downtown Disney Marketplace to BW! We will have a car so I am not too worried about it.

Thanks again for great responses!
OKW buses go directly between each park and OKW with no stops at other resorts. The only exception is that the bus between OKW and AK stops at Blizzard beach. There are 5 bus stops within OKW, so you are bound to be near one. The last bus stop is Hospitality House, so if you have any business there or want to have dinner at Olivia's or use the main pool, you can hop ANY bus for ANY park and get off at HH before it leaves the resort.

Bus service to MK, Epcot and MGM is great and quick, but the bus to AK takes a bit longer because of the stop at Blizzard beach.

[Love That Stitch]

Thank you so much for your response!

What about Downtown Disney? Is there a bus that goes from DD to OKW and that is it? We will have a car but for future reference - does the OKW bus stop anywhere else? I would think it would double with another resort but not sure.

Anybody?

[Deb & Bill]

The OKW DTD bus only goes to DTD and TL when it is open. OKW doesn't share any buses with other resorts. There is also a boat that goes to DTD on a regular schedule.

[pycees312]

such greats news!! 6 more days till i get ot OKW

[andreadoiron]

We own at OKW and love it there. Our 2BR villa on our last trip (and first trip as DVC members) was spotless, my Dad and his wife were with us and they couldn't believe it wasn't "brand new". We didn't have stains, dirt, etc. We checked in a few hours before 4 p.m. The staff/CMs were all wonderful and friendly, we felt like OKW was a neighborhood instead of a resort in a good way.

My Dad is a world traveler, staying at first class properties, etc. He just returned from the Masters, kind of jet sets everywhere, and he LOVED our villa. He just raved and raved and raved and raved. So, while I see some bad reviews, I didn't find OKW to be in need of any repairs or updates. I think at any hotel you can have maintenance issues, cleanliness mistakes, etc. but personally I find it hard to be disappointed in OKW as we found it absolutely charming and lovely.
I'm wondering what building you were in and did you request that specific one?

[marathonmommy]

I recently came back from my 1st trip at OKW. I'm sad to say, I don't think I will go back. The carpet was filthy. If I had bare feet, they were black after a few minutes of walking on it. You could "feel" it was dirty. KWIM? Anyway, I don't like the location either and felt it was too spread out and big. I will try to stay at BWV as often as possible. I prefer the location and atmosphere. But that's what is great about DVC. There is something for everyone . . . and now an extra room for OKW lovers! :love:

[jjpenguin]

Still, the carpet is clean now!! ;)

[jarestel]

I think it's quite nice. OKW is one of our favorite DVC resorts. But as with any of the resorts (and I have stayed at them all) occasionally "issues" pop up. This isn't unique to OKW though and reflects more on the current state of decline in housekeeping/maintenance at DVC in general.

I wouldn't be too concerned though. In all likelihood you will have no issues.

Have a great trip!

[marathonmommy]

Still, the carpet is clean now!! ;)

Because the dirt is on my feet? :rotfl: