Monorail Purple&Gold
How do you do? Mighty glad to meet you! Pretty goo
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2008
- Messages
- 583
Well just back from 5 nights at the lovely grounds of OKW. I'll give generics first about the trip then specifics on the resort.
First on the week in general:
Arrived Sunday May 30 around 1:30pm, got stuff from online check-in (which we love!), dropped stuff in our room, then headed to MK. Crowds were swelled (somewhat) but manageable that day and on Monday Mem. Day at AK. Rest of the week was easy going for crowds, did all of DHS in 1 day with only 1 FP (which was for TSM but we really didn't need it) and spread Epcot and MK over 2 days. DTD was pleasant by night as usual, otherwise a great visit to our "Home Away from the Other Place We Live!"
On OKW:
The Good:
1) Grounds are beautiful, nice easy-going feel to the whole place. Although some spots are remote, the resort still managed to have an intimate feel to it--I think the landscaping helps that.
2) Rooms are spacious, and we liked the layouts of the rooms.
3) Location is pretty central to everything else in the world, bus rides not too long to any one place.
4) Bus service was spot on, waited max 20 mins. only once.
5) Community Hall rocks--practice makes perfect I suppose!
6) Main pool and slide (best slide award!) are great!
7) I liked being able to park near my room (as the primary packer)!
What we didn't care for:
1) Missed not having a grab-n-go for bakery goods, were on QSDDP so missed being able to use our snacks for what we're used to at BF.
2) QS option at resort limited on entrees.
3) Took the boat from DTD near Rainforest to the resort, didn't realize had to change boats--just take the bus.
4) Beds were super firm for my ailing back (just preference--I don't expect Disney to cater to the millions of different backs they host).
5) Laundry room for studio folk at HH pool is small. Even my small DW had trouble manuevering in there. We usually do 1BRs but this was a last minute trip.
What we learned:
1) We are "hotel-style" accomodation folks, plain and simple. Prefer the air-conditioned hallways connected to amenities, so OKW will be an every-once-in-a-while for us.
2) We understand why people love this place, the grounds and atmosphere screams laid back and I'll get 'round to it later.
Summing it up:
OKW is a great resort and we know why the faithful return there, but we're not in that number. Now, OKWers don't flame me, it just isn't for us like VWL didn't feel right for us. Of course take into account that DW got SPOILED for BLT in Feb.!!! OKW reminds me of the CBR with toned down colors and less dining options. If I could take those room layouts with me I could. The resort was great (construction was a bummer), but just not our diggs, that's all.
First on the week in general:
Arrived Sunday May 30 around 1:30pm, got stuff from online check-in (which we love!), dropped stuff in our room, then headed to MK. Crowds were swelled (somewhat) but manageable that day and on Monday Mem. Day at AK. Rest of the week was easy going for crowds, did all of DHS in 1 day with only 1 FP (which was for TSM but we really didn't need it) and spread Epcot and MK over 2 days. DTD was pleasant by night as usual, otherwise a great visit to our "Home Away from the Other Place We Live!"
On OKW:
The Good:
1) Grounds are beautiful, nice easy-going feel to the whole place. Although some spots are remote, the resort still managed to have an intimate feel to it--I think the landscaping helps that.
2) Rooms are spacious, and we liked the layouts of the rooms.
3) Location is pretty central to everything else in the world, bus rides not too long to any one place.
4) Bus service was spot on, waited max 20 mins. only once.
5) Community Hall rocks--practice makes perfect I suppose!
6) Main pool and slide (best slide award!) are great!
7) I liked being able to park near my room (as the primary packer)!
What we didn't care for:
1) Missed not having a grab-n-go for bakery goods, were on QSDDP so missed being able to use our snacks for what we're used to at BF.
2) QS option at resort limited on entrees.
3) Took the boat from DTD near Rainforest to the resort, didn't realize had to change boats--just take the bus.
4) Beds were super firm for my ailing back (just preference--I don't expect Disney to cater to the millions of different backs they host).
5) Laundry room for studio folk at HH pool is small. Even my small DW had trouble manuevering in there. We usually do 1BRs but this was a last minute trip.
What we learned:
1) We are "hotel-style" accomodation folks, plain and simple. Prefer the air-conditioned hallways connected to amenities, so OKW will be an every-once-in-a-while for us.
2) We understand why people love this place, the grounds and atmosphere screams laid back and I'll get 'round to it later.
Summing it up:
OKW is a great resort and we know why the faithful return there, but we're not in that number. Now, OKWers don't flame me, it just isn't for us like VWL didn't feel right for us. Of course take into account that DW got SPOILED for BLT in Feb.!!! OKW reminds me of the CBR with toned down colors and less dining options. If I could take those room layouts with me I could. The resort was great (construction was a bummer), but just not our diggs, that's all.
Fortunately he went straight to DW outside (without my knowledge) so my worst fears were averted. 
Needless to say--the longest 90 seconds of my entire life! 
