2 bedroom OKW or AK?

[alamode]

Once my resale is (hopefully) finalized, I'm hoping to book our first DVC vacation for end of next May for Starwars weekend (May 24 weekend in Canada).

My kids have asked my inlaws (NOT my idea) if they can come with us, which means I'll need a 2 bedroom: 2 inlaws, myself, 10 yr old son and twin 6 yr old girls.

I'll have 134 pts for this year, and from what I understand I can borrow my 130 from next year, so I'll have 264 pts total, enough for a week in a 2 bedroom at OKW, or a value or standard 2 bedroom at AK.

Having only online pictures to go buy, it's hard to tell which would be best for us. The value and even the standard at AK would be less points, but from the looks of things with OKW everyone would get to sleep in an actual bed, without the need for the pullout couches.

Remember also, although I'm not in the least materialistic, my mother in law definately is, so I don't want to give her any reason to complain, more than she usually does, which is constantly.

Any advice, suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[disneynutz]

What is your home resort? Booking at 11 months may be the deciding factor.

 

[JasonDVC]

AK. It is much more modern

 

[alamode]

My home resort will (hopefully) be SSR, so these would both be 7 month bookings. I don't have enough points for a week long 2 bedroom at SSR.

 

[5forDiz]

OKW is most spacious by far with largest balconies ( off living room balcony has full size patio dining table with at least 4 chairs fitting comfortable ). All 2 bedroom villas will have 2nd queen beds in 2 bedroom, even if it's lock-off villa.

Some OKW buildings have just undergone rehab and more are in progress &/or will be in upcoming months so you may want to keep an eye out for threads reporting which have or have not been done. If you do decide on OKW request a building numbered 30 or higher as these buildings have an alternate access through laundry room into the master bathroom; for buildings numbered under 30 you'd need to enter master bedroom in order to access master bathroom.

You can't go wrong with AKV either - and except for value category you would also have pull-out sleep chair in addition to pull-out sofa in living room and if you reserve at Kidani you will also have
3rd full bathroom off living room area which may be helpful to designate your inlaws their very own bathroom. Also, you do have the "new" factor in your favor at Kidani. We're OKW owners & while we absolutely love it I'd think I would go for Kidani for first trip with inlaws along - especially if you can do savannah view - I realize it is more points but you may want to consider getting a points transfer from a member to do SV or a split stay between resorts so you can try both - the grandparents & kids will long remember the uniqueness of viewing savannah from villa balcony and there's fun waterplay area at Kidani pool as well.

Best wishes & have fun planning.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

AKV is nice but w/ 6 people the 2 bedrooms are small. 1 king in Master & 1 queen in 2nd bedroom w/ a sleeper sofa and then the sleeper in the living room. Some villas at AKV have a sleeper chair which would probably work out for you too, it really depends on who doesn't mind sleeping with who. I might put your inlaws in the master, kids in the second bedroom, and you in the sleeper sofa/chair. That way the living room is still available when the kids are put to bed. For the sake of space to move around however, OKW is your best bet. No matter which resort someone will have to sleep on the sofa/sofas.

I haven't looked at the point structure but for Star War's week-end BWV/BCV are right next door to DHS.

 

[alamode]

I'm swaying towards OKW, with my inlaws in the master, my twins in one queen and my son and I in the other. The extra room would be good, and my father in law would be close to the golf course.

Plus at 7 months, I'm assuming OKW would be easier on availability.

 

[5forDiz]

I'm swaying towards OKW, with my inlaws in the master, my twins in one queen and my son and I in the other. The extra room would be good, and my father in law would be close to the golf course.

Plus at 7 months, I'm assuming OKW would be easier on availability.

Maybe. With addition of Kidani AKV is one of the largest too.

Take a look at this thread Post#3 by Webmaster Doc for breakdown of types/total # of rooms at each resort to get better idea.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2202457

And this link is to thread with info on some building's conditions & recent or underway rehab that you may find useful to note.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2204365


You'll have a great trip no matter where

 

[alamode]

Thanks for everyone's help. As I'm still going through resale ROFR, all this is still theoretical. I've never booked any DVC vacations yet. I'm SOO looking forward to our return to WDW.

 

[Iris]

I have stayed at both locations. With that many people my personal preferance would be OKW. There just seems to be a great deal more space. Even in the living room area.

If it were just a couple of people then I would prefer AK.

We just stayed at OKW last week but our original booking was for SSR. We waitlisted for OKW just because there were four of us (one adult and 3 grown teenagers) and I wanted more room in the living room!

I guess it depends on how much room you are wanting.

 

[toniosmom]

I just wanted to say have fun! We stayed in a 1 BR at SSR this past March and loved it. I saw a 2 BR model before I purchased my DVC membership at AK and it looked quite spacious. I know the 2 BR units at AK have 3 bathrooms, which sound amazing. We will be in a 2 BR at AK next March and I can't wait! Since I will have 4 teenagers and 5 year old with me, it'll be nice to be able to have my own space in the master!!!

 

[ShuisFan584]

We've gone to OKW and AKV 2 bedroom with 6 adults. OKW was nice, but I definitely much preferred AKV. Especially if you can get a Kidani room, there's 3 bathrooms as opposed to 2 which was definitely helpful with 6 people. I liked the style and layout of AKV over OKW.

 

[Disney Doll]

I prefer the themeing and size of OKW over that of the AKL & Villas. That's a personal preference though.

In your case, I think that OKW would be the better bet just because of the size of the villa....if you have 6 people, 2 of who are your in-laws who you don't seem overjoyed about having along , the more space the better, IMHO.

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

I'm swaying towards OKW, with my inlaws in the master, my twins in one queen and my son and I in the other. The extra room would be good, and my father in law would be close to the golf course.

Plus at 7 months, I'm assuming OKW would be easier on availability.

You could also just invite them for a few days. My inlaws did a longer trip with us, but said that was too long for them to be out of their routine, and when they come on future trips they would just come for a couple of nights. (they live in FL).

If you're not sure about spending your whole vacation with them, ask them if they would like to do half the time, so you can have some time with the kids to yourself. Just a thought. Extra family other than those that live in your house can be trying when it comes to vacation. I've read a lot about it on these boards, although sometimes the grandparents make the trip amazing. Go with your gut, and stick to it!!
(hey by the way, I'm still waiting for ROFR with you, submitted same day).
-mary

 

[DebbieB]

I'm at AKV Kidani right now, leaving tomorrow and have really enjoyed it. Hard to beat this for a view:

 

[mrsswat]

OKW - bigger!! But I'm also going with the idea of not having the inlaws with you the whole time