Trying OKW for first time, how does it compare to BWV ? [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

joepoe

06-19-2002, 07:18 AM

You will see several threads here debating the relative values of OKW and BWV. We own at both. Both are fantastic in their own way. BWV rooms are a little smaller than OKW, but BWV is within walking distance of the restaurants and bars of the Boardwalk while OKW only has one restaurant. BWV has the convenience of a boat that will take you to EPCOT, YC, BC, Swan, Dolphin or MGM. OKW has a boat that takes you to DD. OKW is very convenient for golf on the LBV course. The OKW main pool is simple, no slides. Althought the resort is bigger, you are never far from a quiet pool. BWV has the Luna Park pool with a water slide and a quiet pool as well.
When we want to be closer to the action, we do BWV. When we feel like we want more seclusion, quiet and being laid-back, we do OKW, although we are never more than a bus ride from the rest of the World action.

It sounds like you will be going for two weeks. The change of pace should be fun if you stay at both, and you should not have a problem booking a 1 BR at OKW for January. (No penalties!)

Laura24

06-19-2002, 08:28 AM

There is a shoe for every foot, and having the luxury of trying other resorts are what makes DVC so special. I would not split your whole two weeks between the two. Give OKW a few nights since your dh is so keen on BWV. If you find you like it as much, then this is good info for *next* time. My home is BWV, we also wanted to try OKW, so we did the first two nights there and moved on to BWV. I personally did not enjoy my stay at OKW, but each of us has our reasons for liking and disliking something. My reasons were these... the lack of restaurants and feeling so far removed from activities. And that, again, is the beauty of DVC. Having the freedom to choose where we want to stay and also having this forum to give each other insight. :)

Merilyn

06-19-2002, 08:34 AM

We own at OKW but have stayed at BWV many times. We love them both for different reasons. When we want quiet or to stay in a GV we chose OKW. The GV are less points at OKW. When we want close excitement and don't mine the extra points we go to BWV. We like the room service at BWV because we have a handicapped brother and sometimes we just don't want to go out to get food. It is nice to have several places to eat on site. I know you will like them both. They are so different and both just great. Have a great trip.
Merilyn

mikesmom

06-19-2002, 08:35 AM

I spent a night at OKW about 2 years ago with DS and wasn't crazy about it. It was in the month of January and that particular January it was way too cold to swim. I felt really removed and the teenager wasn't too happy, either.

Fast forward to this summer, and four of us stayed for several nights(split the trip with BWV). On this trip it was warm weather and there were 4 of us in a 2 bdrm - myself, DH, DS and a buddy. We loved it! DH and I were both tired and stressed from work issues and DS had just finished his 1st year of college. The relaxed, laid back environment was just fabulous for all of us. We all spent plenty of time at the resort (all that space!) and even the boys spent one day just hanging around the pool. Truly a wonderful trip.

RweTHEREyet

06-19-2002, 08:41 AM

We own at OKW and stayed at the Boardwalk last year. I love both. I don't think I would say I would not want to stay at any of the DVC resorts as they are all first class. Having said that, I know many people have very strong feelings about one resort over another. I myself will gladly take whatever has availability for the timeframe I wish to go.

In your situation, I would suggest staying at OKW first and then moving to BWV for the last part of the trip. If he does not like OKW, he will have BWV to look forward to. If he likes OKW then it will be an added bonus. Also, if you pick OKW and get there and he just doesn't like it at all, you could see if you could move to BWV instead. When we stayed at BWV, we were scheduled for OKW and I simply asked at the front desk at BWV if we could stay there instead. Granted we only needed a studio and we were there in October, but we were given a boardwalk view with no problems--just used 6 extra points for our stay and it was all handled at the BWV front desk.

bres@westernMA

06-19-2002, 08:42 AM

I agree with almost everything that has been said. We own at both OKW and BWV. We like them both for different reasons. If you want some time to kick back, sit on your porch, or take a walk – OKW is your spot. You will need to take the boat, bus or your car to go anywhere. We always feel more relaxed at OKW. If you want to be in the center of it all – BWV is the place to be.
I have split a couple of vacations between both sites and found that it was like having two vacations in one. The Bell staff made the move fairly painless and the change was good for the soul.

DeeP

06-19-2002, 04:52 PM

I agree with what others have said, both are very nice resorts but yet very different. OKW is more laid back, quiet and away from everything with large 1 BR villas, 1 restaurant and a condo type atmosphere. BWV is in the middle of the action, with many restaurants, parks close by but much smaller 1 BR and a deluxe hotel resort atmosphere. We have stayed at both but we prefer BWV because we like all the conveniences BWV offers. The first time I stayed at OKW, I was there for 10 days and that was way too long for me, 3 days would have been much better, but now I know. I would book the majority of nights at BWV and few nights at OKW (as another poster suggested) just to try it out and see if DH likes this resort. If you enjoy this resort then you could book at OKW for a longer stay the next trip. Enjoy your trip!

Desperado

06-19-2002, 06:16 PM

OKW would be fun to try. But if your husband likes BWV, the idea of OWK first and BWV 2nd sounds like a good one. It wouldn't be as much fun to be dissappointed in your accomodations. There's lots to do at BWV that won't be available at OKW.

Richyams

06-19-2002, 06:32 PM

I think that when your husband walks into the OKW unit, at first he will be agog. Then a misty look will come to his face as he drops to his knees. It may be embarrassing, but he could start balling like a baby when he realizes that he could have bought at OKW.

Many consider OKW to be the only 'true' DVC resort.

He will get over it, but don't be surprised when he demands OKW points also.

Dean

06-19-2002, 07:17 PM

Both are great resorts but different. OKW is more laid back, one approach would be to do BW first and be busy then have the OKW time to rest and take it easy.

Peterd

06-19-2002, 11:01 PM

Deb, he may like Okw. I would have to ask him, what does he really like about the BW, and doesn't want to do without? He may like the large rooms, and find the okw's larger rooms better. If it's the dining, nightlife, and location to the parks, it might be a tough sell. We own at both, our family prefers Bw, but when we would stay at the Okw, we would stay there the first week, then to the Bw the second week to end on a high note. We can't sell it to our family anymore, but at least we tried it. I would suggest the same in case he doesn't like it. If you find that he does indeed like it, you might be able to cancel the Bw the second part of the trip and still get rooms at the okw for the second half. That's the great thing about the DVC, is you can sample some of the older resorts, along with some of the newer ones.

"Many consider OKW to be the only 'true' DVC resort."

There was that one sign at the Okw (some call it imaginery), About Okw the only true DVC resort, I think it was located in front of the second or third restaurant, not sure, I heard they were going to replace it with a sign, DVC BEFORE BW. Maybe I read it on the rumours board. :rolleyes:

Good Luck with your choice.

AZKathy

06-19-2002, 11:16 PM

LOL, Rich!!! Too funny!

I love OKW, myself! I like the condo setting and the laid back atmosphere. I feel the setting is just lovely.

If your DH likes hustle and bustle and such and being able to get to Epcot in a heartbeat for a beavertail or a nice dinner at Le Cellier, then do most of the vacation at BWV!!! You may want to just do a few days at OKW to check it out! You may be surprised how much you both do like it and will include more of OKW in future vacations!

trishy

06-19-2002, 11:45 PM

Man, you guys are too funny!

My own personal preference would be to take in the hustle and bustle of BWV and when you're nearing the saturation point (about 5 days) head over to OKW for some much needed unwinding. It is so relaxing. I've only been to BWV twice and OKW once, but WOW what a difference! Both are wonderful in their own ways. Going back to BWV in exactly 11 days from now - then taking the cruise to *unwind*. Your dh will be pleasantly surprised at OKW. I was!

Desperado

06-20-2002, 01:48 AM

OKW to be the only 'true' DVC resort.
Nobody but the one poster thinks its the only true resort, it's just some silly line they repeatedly post, they've never been able to explain it when asked. Let us know what your husband thinks and if he starts crying on his knees and has to try to add points on at OKW. He probably won't need OKW points to stay there unless you want a GV, there is more availability for OKW at the 7 month window than any other DVC resort. If he does want points, the resale prices are lower than for any other WDW onsite resort because of the reduced demand/desirability, the market pretty much tells the story. We were looking at OKW but didn't like how removed it was from everything, if your going to travel everywhere by bus (except DTD) and not have hotel like amenities, you might as well stay at an offsight timeshare and use thier bus transportation, there are some nice ones very near WDW, especially with some of the slow bus service at OKW that people have complained about in the past. There are some owners with OKW purchase regret, who wish they owned at another DVC resort instead of OKW, although if they got in early, they sure paid less, more power to them. And, there are many who love it, and have many nice things to say about it. To each his own. There are OKW members who wait for the 7 month window to get into BWV, which happens more requently than the other way around as demonstrated by the 7 month window availability.

You may not be aware, but there have been a few threads recently with banter back and forth regarding which resort is the best one, to the degree to which square footage was calculated and compared and disputed, and many folks have expressed why thier home resort is better than the ones other's have choosen, they are all wonderful places to stay, and I think your approach of trying each resort to see for yourself is a great idea, perhaps we should consider doing the same. We'd like to try WLV and BCV, they look like a great resorts, probably the best after BWV.

So tell us what your husband thinks after your trip if he's willing to let you talk about his open crying, it'll probably start a big discussion. I hope he doesn't get stuck whining for half of your trip about how he wishes he were at the BWV because both of you could just walk to a few restaraunts and Jellyrolls in the evening, he doesn't like to go down a nice slide at the pool, does he?

As long as we are getting a discussion going, you are going to have at least 5 or more in a one bedroom and your dogs and swipe towels from the pool areas, aren't you? :smooth: Kewl.

Richyams

06-20-2002, 05:27 AM

There was another poster, kind of like you, who would get all bent out of shape also. One of his tirades included something like: "This attitude that so many people have of OKW being the only true DVC resort really bothers me"

It was news to me that "so many people" considered DVC the only true DVC resort, I certainly Don't, I use it as a tribute to that poster.

You are probably going to give me my next quote that I can turn around......I'm watching......

TheWho

06-20-2002, 06:40 AM

At OKW, it's great that your car is parked right in front. It gives you something to do. Maybe you can wash it, admire it, wash it again, admire it again.

sumessefui

06-20-2002, 07:07 AM

Both resorts are great. It's just a matter of personal taste. Book OKW for a couple of days to see if you like it, if you don't then don't go back. There are some who try to bash other resorts, so you just have to learn to ignore them and do what is best for you.

Laura24

06-20-2002, 07:08 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Desperado
[B]
To each his own. There are OKW members who wait for the 7 month window to get into BWV, which happens more requently than the other way around as demonstrated by the 7 month window availability.>

I have often found this point interesting when booking a stay. OKW always seems to have something available no matter the time of season, and just the opposite at BWV and VWL. Why do you think this is??? Where are the original OKW members all staying? Just curious without starting a huge debate.

RLevy29

06-20-2002, 07:42 AM

Laura24,
There is more availability at OKW because there are more villas. Here is a list of the number of villas at each DVC resort according to the Deb Willis website and the AAA guide:
WLV -136
BCV - 205
BWV- 383
OKW - 704

Personally I find both resorts to be wonderful. If you stay at both it is like you are having 2 different vacations. I think that you will enjoy both of them. Happy Planning!
:cool:

jmhillrph

06-20-2002, 07:42 AM

About this point of BWV availability whithin 7 month window, just how difficult is it? I have not bought yet, but my guide checked several dates for me and they were all available, at least as 1 BR pref. view. I would expect standard view and maybe studios to be hard to come by and I wouldn't be looking for a grand villa (would love it but just couldn't afford those points), and I'm sure some events may make for a hard ticket, such as the F&W festival-- but other than that-- could someone comment on 1&2 BR availability within 7 month window? As always, thanks.

Mike

fkj2

06-20-2002, 08:13 AM

Although it's been several years since I stayed at BWV, I recall them to be very nice accommodations but noisy. Living in a rural area, it was a bit much for me. Some people obviously like the hustle and bustle and I'd certainly stay there again some time for a change.

OKW is more quiet, restful, peaceful. The accommodations there are just like BWV; exceptional. The atmosphere IS different however, just like the Polynesian IS different from the Contemporary. I'm sure that prior to buying DVC you've experienced hotels to which you'd return and others you wouldn't.

You may have already formed an opinion which may (or may not be) fulfilled, based on some of the postings you read on this site. Both resorts have a lot to offer in their own way and even if you find you don't care for OKW as much as BWV, you'll still have stayed at a wonderful resort.

KNWVIKING

06-20-2002, 08:18 AM

I've tried one time to get into BWV. Called at 7 month,asked for and got a standard view studio for the 2nd week in May. No need to try now as we just added at BCV.

Someone asked where the old timers at OKW stay because there is always availible units. Maybe after 10 years at WDW the OKW'ers are using points to go elsewhere. Maybe in another 5 years or so BWV owners will do the same thing.

Maybe BWV is hard to get into because BWV owners only want to stay there. Their style of vacation is hustle & bustle. I think it's easier for people who like a relaxed atmosphere to try a BWV type vacation then it is for a BWV type vacationer to try an OKW experience.

Your husband will not be disappointed with the accomodations but he may not like the location. Personally I'd like the OKW resort to sit right where Y & BC are now.

Johnnie Fedora

06-20-2002, 08:53 AM

We don't own at BWV or OKW, but I just don't see the big attraction for BWV. Maybe it's just the time of year we've traveled to WDW, but I have never seen the carnival atmosphere that is so hyped in the DVC video. Never saw a juggler, muscian or a stilt walker :confused: :confused:

If we couldn't stay at our home resorts (VWL/BCV), I think I would rather stay at OKW over the BWV, mostly because the points a cheaper. I also think OKW would be a nice contrast when compared to our home resorts. OKW is also a good option for those times you may be traveling to WDW and not buying $expensive$ WDW park passes. If we were spending time at other Orlando attractions, OKW is the perfect choice.

RLevy29

06-20-2002, 09:33 AM

The Who,
If you fly, you have a rental car. Who would wash a rental? I guess than you have nothing to do but watch the grass grow at OKW!:confused: LOL
Seriously though, the serene surroundings at OKW can be good for the soul. When I am at DW, we are always on the go and it is nice to relax on the balcony with a book or to watch the wildlife. ( Sometimes that includes the golfers!) ;)

CaptainMidnight

06-20-2002, 09:51 AM

At OKW, it's great that your car is parked right in front. It gives you something to do. Maybe you can wash it, admire it, wash it again, admire it again.
Got a good chuckle out of this one, great humor, nicely done.

Peter Johnson

06-20-2002, 10:26 AM

Originally posted by Debs Hill
We are travelling in Jan and we were going to book the whole trip at BWV 11 months out and then change a week to OKW at 7 months, can I do that? Any penalty? Will I have a problem getting a 1 bed in Jan?

Sure can. We just did that to split a trip between OKW (home resort) and VWL. We reserved the entire trip at OKW at the 11 month window, then changed half to VWL after the 7 month window opened (actually only 2 months in advance).

There's no penalty or other problems doing that.

We've never gone in January, so I don't know how crowded it will be.

SleepyatDVC

06-20-2002, 12:34 PM

I agree with Trishy about staying at BWV first and then OKW. Although, the other points about having BWV to look forward to in case your dh doesn't like OKW sound good too.

My thoughts are that people are usually in the go, go, go when they first arrive at WDW so BWV would be more ideal. Whereas OKW would be more ideal for the last few days at WDW to unwind & relax before heading back to work when you get home.

Things to consider about switching to OKW:

Will you have a car (rental)?
If so, it's great parking right in front of the unit. Just hop in the car to go anywhere in the world including anywhere outside of Disney. If you won't have a car, you might feel kind of trapped relying only on the buses since there's not much within walking distance. (Just DowntownDisney via boat or footpath)

Your use year, banking window, and/or next trip.
If you switch your ressies at 7 months from BWV to OKW, you should have no problems getting a 1 bedroom. But keep in mind that the points needed may be less. (Esp., if switching from a preferred view - I think the std. view is still 1 point less at OKW?) So, make sure you have time to either bank those points or use them during another trip before your use year. Or my favorite - upgrade to a 2-bedroom!

Both are wonderful resorts, staying at both during one trip is the best of both worlds. From your husbands preference, BWV would be the better choice for the longer portion of your trip.

Laura24

06-20-2002, 08:04 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RLevy29
[B]Laura24,
< There is more availability at OKW because there are more villas. Here is a list of the number of villas at each DVC resort according to the Deb Willis website and the AAA guide:
WLV -136
BCV - 205
BWV- 383
OKW - 704>

Well, this puts it into perspective seeing the numbers. I don't recall calling OKW members old timers, as someone put it, *original member* is a much more suitable term. I was thinking, when I asked "where do you think they are staying," as more in terms of where is their first resort preference after OKW to book their stays. I know this is probably impossible to answer , but it is something to think about. As for me, I'm anxious to stay at VWL, but a little old ship called the *Magic* has gotten in the way of that for next season. :)

RLevy29

06-20-2002, 08:15 PM

Laura24,
We have only owned at OKW since September,1999. So far we have stayed at OKW, HH, and the Grand Californian at Disneyland. We are trying to get an exchange for a resort in Maine and plan to visit VB and OKW next summer.
Have a great time on your cruise and there is always the following year for your VWL stay. :)

Laura24

06-21-2002, 07:42 AM

RLevy29,
It sort of slipped my mind (oh gee) that we are staying the night before the cruise at VWL. I don't know how I'd forgotten that. A whole week would make more of an impression I guess! Looking forward to the cruise again. Went in 2001 and this time taking friends. The exchange option with DVC is great. I'm *dreaming* of one for Alaska some time down the line.

PamOKW

06-21-2002, 07:47 AM

Difficulty booking BWV has been compounded this year since they keep taking rooms out of the inventory for the repair work that's being done. Heck, the GV's were unavailable for several months.

RLevy29

06-21-2002, 07:57 AM

Laura24,
We are taking the Alaskan Cruise in August but we are not using DVC points. We had thought about it but decided not to because we would have to borrow points and we also wanted to do the train ride between Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks. When we come back I'll let you know how it was.
Wouldn't it be great if Disney decided to have their own cruise to Alaska?

PADVCmember@OKW

06-21-2002, 08:44 AM

I agree with many of the previous posts that it really is a matter of personal taste.

We enjoy the seclusion of OKW. We can have a Disney vacation and infuse as much or as little Disney excitement as we like.

We also enjoy the activity surrounding BWV. So much to do and only a short walk away.

For us, resort selection is made based on time of year and personal circumstances. As we are both educators, if we have a tough group of sudents, we tend to gravitate to OKW. However, it seems that when we have a less difficult group, we head to BWV.

Purely a matter of personal preference but BOTH should be experienced.

Caskbill

06-21-2002, 04:35 PM

Don't forget to watch your points.....

Depending on your use year, be careful with your points. If you make the entire reservation for BWV at 11 months and then later change 1-week to OKW, you will probably reduce the total number of points required since in most cases OKW units require fewer points.

Those points returned to you will be subject to banking deadlines if you're not going to use them for another trip. Or, if you borrowed points for the BWV ressie remember any refunded points due to an OKW change cannot be returned to the borrowed year so you would have to use them somewhere during your current use year.

Just a reminder....

DeeP

06-21-2002, 06:18 PM

Caskbill makes some Excellent points. If you had to borrow pts to make the BWV reservation and it is a PV, you could have anywhere from 5 to 52 points difference (for the week) depending on the size of the unit and the pts for view at BW to switch to a week at OKW. If the pts are not banked and can just be returned to your current use year with no penalities or banked till next yr, then it will be no problem. But if you have missed the banking deadlines and also have to deal with the restrictions of not using borrowed pts, it might not be worth it.

Debs Hill

06-22-2002, 06:39 AM

You guys have been so helpful with all your opinions! Now all we have to do is make a decision!

My DH likes BWV because it's so close to everything and is more of a 'happening' resort. When we stayed a week at Wilderness Lodge he found it a bit remote after BWV, so maybe a week would be too long at OKW. We could try it for 5 days and see how he gets on. He loved our stay at the Yacht Club and likes the look of the Poly(although we've never stayed there) to give you some idea of his tastes.

We are going to be using our points from 2002(243pts) which we have already banked. Then we will be using 2003 pts(250) and borrowing some from 2004 so shouldn't have a problem with losing any if we change our reservation.

Laura24

06-22-2002, 06:41 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RLevy29

We are taking the Alaskan Cruise in August but we are not using DVC points. >
I will look forward to a trip report. I enjoy seeing the world through others *eyes*. I have also thought about not using DVC points for cruising in the future.The value is definitely not there. This trip in Feb. was a little overboard. (pardon the pun)My dream is to have a DVC ship!I would also put Italy on that list with Alaska. If rumour is true about a third ship, the appropriate name as mentioned with that rumour is perfect......Dream(s).:D

BenStone

06-22-2002, 06:44 AM

I've tried one time to get into BWV. Called at 7 month,asked for and got a standard view studio for the 2nd week in May. Difficulty booking BWV has been compounded this year since they keep taking rooms out of the inventory for the repair work that's being done. Heck, the GV's were unavailable for several months. That seems to the standard refrain. You need that 11 month booking to get into BWV. I don't think so. I just finished calling MS and booked my hypothetical vacation anywhere from 3-6 months from now and can get a 1 or 2 BR with ease.

We don't own at BWV or OKW, but I just don't see the big attraction for BWV. Maybe it's just the time of year we've traveled to WDW, but I have never seen the carnival atmosphere that is so hyped in the DVC video. Never saw a juggler, muscian or a stilt walkerThis is true. However the $8 for a hot dog and 3 onion rings vendor is still there.

BenStone

DeeP

06-22-2002, 11:14 AM

Ben,
When did you book the hypothetical vacation times, let us know there may be people that would really want those dates.
As for the $8.00 hot dog they must have lowered the price or something because I got a sausage sandwich and an order of onion rings (which were WAY more than 3 onion rings BTW, I could not even eat them all) and it was about $6 and change! This was about 3 weeks ago.
We also saw all kinds of nighttime entertainment, jugglers, magican a rolling piano player, etc then a special event for Discovery was set up with booths, games, a DJ!:rolleyes:

ripleysmom

06-22-2002, 03:32 PM

"I just finished calling MS"

And they answered on a Saturday? Lucky you!!

"booked my hypothetical vacation anywhere from 3-6 months from now and can get a 1 or 2 BR with ease."

September, October and November (which is when that 3-6 month window falls) are, of course, traditionally lower attendance times at WDW.

BenStone

06-22-2002, 07:17 PM

And they answered on a Saturday? Lucky you!!No they didn't. It was on Friday. I thought you would have known they weren't open on the weekends. Silly you. September, October and November (which is when that 3-6 month window falls) are, of course, traditionally lower attendance times at WDW. If you must know all the details ( which I know you do) MS said I could have ... and here is a quote ... " I could have anything I wanted, standard or preferred view, it's my choice." Then I asked if there were any times that were booked and was told "no". I could book anything I wanted during that time. When did you book the hypothetical vacation times, let us know there may be people that would really want those dates. I called under the premise I could vacation whenever I wanted. This way, the MS castmember gave me much more information about booking problems. Alas, there weren't any.

So much for that overfilled Boardwalk.

BenStone

PamOKW

06-22-2002, 07:32 PM

September, October and November (which is when that 3-6 month window falls) are, of course, traditionally lower attendance times at WDW.

Except when booking DVC -- October and November tend to be busy with folks coming to the Food & Wine Festival. And haven't we also heard how October has become a big convention month?

I think the point is that it's luck of the draw with all the DVC's. If you want to guarantee availability, call at 11 months. But, in practice, people are also quite successful calling to book at just about any interval of time. In fact, it's sometimes easier to get something with a month or two notice than it is to get something at 9-10 months. You'll most likely get what you want if you call at 10 months, but you may have to hang on the wait list for a bit.