OKW lovers thread !!!

[Chuck S]

We are staying at OKW early Sept with an RCI exchange. Of course, our paperwork does not have a reservation number so I can't do online check-in. Do I need to call the regular Disney number to get a reservation number?

In your RCI confirmation paperwork there should be a number to call for DVC Member Services. They should be able to help you with the confirmation number, and don't forget you need to pay the $95 in bound DVC resort fee.

 

[kreckl]

HH or bust if without a car?
We are planning a split stay in Sept, and the 4 nights I was hoping to try OKW only has 3 nights available near the HH. We wont have a car, and the weather may be a factor, so I thought that was the way to go.
We've never stayed here, but I am thinking its best to be near a place where food is available. We have a 10 year old who will likely want to be at the best pool for a kid his age, too.
Thanks!

 

[Checkers]

HH or bust if without a car?
We are planning a split stay in Sept, and the 4 nights I was hoping to try OKW only has 3 nights available near the HH. We wont have a car, and the weather may be a factor, so I thought that was the way to go.
We've never stayed here, but I am thinking its best to be near a place where food is available. We have a 10 year old who will likely want to be at the best pool for a kid his age, too.
Thanks!

Peninsular Rd. is very close to the HH but is not considered HH for booking purposes. We stayed in a studio there in Dec. and loved it -- just over the bridge, very short walk to the HH and the 1st bus stop coming back from the parks. If you don't want to ride the bus (picking up) through the rest of the resort, you can always get the bus at the HH which is always the last stop before going to the parks. The main pool near the HH is great with a great slide and I think your 10 yr. old will love it. We love OKW and will be there in Oct. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Chuck S]

Peninsular Rd. is very close to the HH but is not considered HH for booking purposes. We stayed in a studio there in Dec. and loved it -- just over the bridge, very short walk to the HH and the 1st bus stop coming back from the parks. If you don't want to ride the bus (picking up) through the rest of the resort, you can always get the bus at the HH which is always the last stop before going to the parks. The main pool near the HH is great with a great slide and I think your 10 yr. old will love it. We love OKW and will be there in Oct. Good luck and have fun!

Actually the Peninsular Rd buildings 23 to 26 ARE part of the near HH category. The other buildings are 11 to 14. The Peninsular Rd Bldgs 27 to 29 are not part of the near HH category.

 

[mzozzietj]

19 days for DD(4) and I! I'm on the fence about renting a car for this trip! I was not able to reserve a HH area room since it was a late booking. Thoughts? I'm traveling with her alone

 

[okw2012]

19 days for DD(4) and I! I'm on the fence about renting a car for this trip! I was not able to reserve a HH area room since it was a late booking. Thoughts? I'm traveling with her alone

The bus system is great, don't worry. Your daughter will likely enjoy taking the bus, my 8 year old son loves it! I suggest requesting the peninsular road area: your daughter will easily be able to walk to the pool and the bus tours will be shorter (just walk to HH when you want to leave the resort).

Perhaps the only attraction for which I'd call a cab is the Fantasia minigolf.

 

[Chuck S]

My last trip without a car, I stayed in the Turtle Pond area and walked to/from the store or Olivia's at least once per day. It is a bit of a walk, but it really is nothing compared to the parks. A normal, active 4 year old would probably not mind the walk. My friend's little girl, also 4, has more energy than any adult.

 

[mzozzietj]

Hmmm okay, now I'm even more torn. I was just able to book a car rental for only $42.22 total for the three night trip. I think I would break even on groceries etc so I might do it after all. I guess if we're closer to HH it'd be a bonus.

I've sort of been wavering on doing the DDP since I wasn't sure if we'd use the refills and CS as much if we were further away. If we have a car we could eat anyplace though. I'm not sure I'll ever stop being confused, lol

 

[okw2012]

Hmmm okay, now I'm even more torn. I was just able to book a car rental for only $42.22 total for the three night trip. I think I would break even on groceries etc so I might do it after all. I guess if we're closer to HH it'd be a bonus.

I've sort of been wavering on doing the DDP since I wasn't sure if we'd use the refills and CS as much if we were further away. If we have a car we could eat anyplace though. I'm not sure I'll ever stop being confused, lol

That's a great price for the car! Indeed you can save on groceries. But then why do the DDP? If you are only going to have breakfast at the villa you can order your grocery online from gardengrocer and save time! How much can you possibly save on four breakfasts?

 

[mzozzietj]

I don't think we will do the DDP with the car rental. Luckily I waited to add anything. Since its only 3 days I think we will munch on snacks or CS most meals lol. We can survive on popcorn, dole whips and mickey bars right?

 

[Idreamodisney247]

If the only rooms available are rooms not near HH, what are the very best buildings to request that are most convenient when traveling without a car? This is just become another possible option in order to save as many 2014 points as possible. We will be looking into a two bedroom.

 

[dmoore22]

It's probably been already mentioned so I apologize for the repetition. Buildings 62, 63, or 64 are somewhat convenient to HH. Also 23 and 26 due to proximity to the Bus Stop and a convenient walk across the bridge to HH.

 

[Idreamodisney247]

It's probably been already mentioned so I apologize for the repetition. Buildings 62, 63, or 64 are somewhat convenient to HH. Also 23 and 26 due to proximity to the Bus Stop and a convenient walk across the bridge to HH.

Thank you!

 

[Deb & Bill]

It's probably been already mentioned so I apologize for the repetition. Buildings 62, 63, or 64 are somewhat convenient to HH. Also 23 and 26 due to proximity to the Bus Stop and a convenient walk across the bridge to HH.

62, 63 and 64 are usually reserved for medical needs since they have elevators. 23 through 26 are HH area buildings. 16 is right next to 62. 15 is right next to 64. 27 is right next to 25 and the bus stop.

 

[dianeschlicht]

If the only rooms available are rooms not near HH, what are the very best buildings to request that are most convenient when traveling without a car? This is just become another possible option in order to save as many 2014 points as possible. We will be looking into a two bedroom.

I like the buildings near the Miller's Road pool/ bus stop. They are easy access to HH, and I like that the bus stop is right before HH. Also, when coming back into the resort, it's easy to get off the bus at the first stop and walk back to the Miller's Road area. You'll get there LONG before the bus does.

We also LOVE buildings 45 and 46 along the canal, and they are a quick 5 minute walk to HH.

 

[tb1972]

Don't worry, we are generally 6-8, so it's always a 2bd and with that many, living space becomes rather important! OKW was the 1st vacation club and with it the "Powers at be" figured out pretty quickly that they you could make them considerably smaller and thus produce more villas, studios etc.

BCV is considerably smaller and when I travel I prefer a dedicated rather than a lock-off, we're looking for beds more than anything, and unfortunately neither BCV nor BWV have the sleeper chair. So I seldom book these, it's either OKW or Kidani (smaller footprint too, but comes with a spiffy 3rd bathroom and the sleeper chair, real handy w/ 4 teenagers).

Realistically most people spend little time in the actual villa so you shoudl be fine!

You have to try every DVC to really understand why OKW is the best!

Our kids liked the pool, however, as I said in my TR (see the TR thread) the area has the feeling of an upscale hotel versus a "home". The quiet pool is nice....not as nice as Turtle pond, IMO, but "homier" than the big pool.

I am in no hurry to go back there....OKW is home.

che

Thanks Beaslyboo and Che. I'll report back after the split trip! We do love the feel of OKW and are currently in ROFR for a small add on there. We're at the 25 day mark and are getting anxious.

 

[islandtimect]

Can someone clarify which buildings are categorized by DVC as near HH? Have read conflicting posts. Thanks

 

[Deb & Bill]

Can someone clarify which buildings are categorized by DVC as near HH? Have read conflicting posts. Thanks

11, 12, 13, 14 and 23, 24, 25 and 26.

 

[Wenny]

I am in a quandary and I'm hoping the experts can weigh in. .


We are fairly new OKW owners and have stayed in HH for 3 trips, all in bldg 14 in a 1BR in October.

Based on recommendations on this thread, we booked non-HH for this coming Oct. I'd planned to request canal view because we love the DTD ferry. We've been known to ride it for fun. I like a higher floor, for the view, so that was going to be a secondary request.

This year, we've invited DH's son and his family to stay in a studio we've booked for them. They can only stay the first night of our seven night trip.

Our daughter-in-law uses a wheelchair, so steps aren't an option. Yet she despises HCAccessible rooms. We want them to be able to access our room for meals or just hanging out. We'd consider a lock-off 2BR for one night to be unexpected pixie-dust, but would be really happy if we could score a studio and a 1 BR in the same bldg, on the same floor.

If it were you, would you request a 1st floor canal view (45/46) or request one of the elevator bldgs (62 - 64) with a medical need stipulation and a higher floor?

Or, would I be greedy to ask for either and should I just request to have their room in the same bldg, same floor, regardless of location?

 

[Chuck S]

I am in a quandary and I'm hoping the experts can weigh in. .


We are fairly new OKW owners and have stayed in HH for 3 trips, all in bldg 14 in a 1BR in October.

Based on recommendations on this thread, we booked non-HH for this coming Oct. I'd planned to request canal view because we love the DTD ferry. We've been known to ride it for fun. I like a higher floor, for the view, so that was going to be a secondary request.

This year, we've invited DH's son and his family to stay in a studio we've booked for them. They can only stay the first night of our seven night trip.

Our daughter-in-law uses a wheelchair, so steps aren't an option. Yet she despises HCAccessible rooms. We want them to be able to access our room for meals or just hanging out. We'd consider a lock-off 2BR for one night to be unexpected pixie-dust, but would be really happy if we could score a studio and a 1 BR in the same bldg, on the same floor.

If it were you, would you request a 1st floor canal view (45/46) or request one of the elevator bldgs (62 - 64) with a medical need stipulation and a higher floor?

Or, would I be greedy to ask for either and should I just request to have their room in the same bldg, same floor, regardless of location?

I'd request canal view, first floor for medical reasons. I'll be assuming it is a standard, non-electric wheelchair? My mom used one for years at Disney, and I pushed her to/from the HH area to bldg 55 a few times. It wasn't all that bad unless it was in the hottest part of the day. That said, Mom was fairly lightweight by today's norm, weighing 140 pounds at her heaviest point. Make sure Member Services lists their room reservation as "traveling with" your reservation, and vice-versa. That should put you pretty close to each other.