Aug trip - VWL studio or OKW 1 BR

[DJmommy]

Please give me your opinions.

We are going to be staying at the BWV for the first 4-5 days of our August trip while our Ap's are still vaild. Then we will be spending another 3-4 days at DW to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We have 2 kids ages 9 and 6.

We currently are booked for the last 4 days at the VWL in a studio but are considering switching to OKW. We would have to pay for the last night cash but that is not really a deciding factor.

I thought it might be easier if we were away from the parks since we won't have tickets for those days (might do Sea World and a trip to the water park) to fill in those days.

We have never stayed at OKW but I love looking at pictures of that resort. The idea of sitting out on a lovely balcony seems very appealing. I just don't have any idea of what the resort is like. It seems very spread out but we will have a rental car and I do like the option of parking right outside the building.
What is the OKW pool like compared to the WL pool? What about the dining options? I am not particularly crazy about the WLV restaurants but can easily take the boat to the Contemporary or jump on the monorail there to the Poly to eat.

We stayed at the WLV last August for 4 days and did really enjoy it. But we might like a change. We are in the process of closing on a resale purchase for here and will be able to stay here many, many more times to come in the future.

What do you all think? I might call tomorrow to see what the availability is like for our stay.

Should I ask about the HH villas or is there an area that is much nicer?

Any help would really be appreciated.

TIA

 

[kda]

We own at VWL and love the atmosphere, but end up staying at OKW just as often. It's very peaceful and quiet and relaxing and uses less points. The boat ride to DTD is nice, and there's lots of restaurant choices there (we like Wolfgang Puck and House of Blues). If you're in the Southpoint area, it's a 10 minute walk to SSR and another 5 mintues to the West End at DTD.

It comes down to personal choice, IMHO...... and what you're in the mood for. Want to try something new or want something comfortable and familiar? If you're only staying a few days, this could be a good time to try something new.

Even for the 2 of us, we immediately decided that the space in a 1 BR at OKW is a true luxury.... over a 1000 sq ft. Love the big balcony with a table and 4 chairs. And parking right outside the door. We spend a lot of time relaxing at Disney and often go to the pool in the AM, have a leisurely late lunch some where, and then go to a park for a few hours. So, we're in and out of the room and can really appreciate how comfortable and relaxing it is in a 1 BR at OKW. You and DH can have some privacy!

There's a quick service counter with a few sandwiches/salad and some quick breakfast choices. Olivia's is a casual sit down restaurant with pretty decent food (basic food) although I don't think the choices are quite as good as they used to be. We have usually be able to get in there on pretty short notice. I love the cheesy potatoes they have at breakfast. It's a 5 minute drive to POR, which has another sit down restaurant and a food court. Also ~ 5 minutes to SSR, which has a sit down restaurant and quick service place that makes great flat breads.

The main pool has a large playground area and a slide. The Turtle Pond area has the largest quiet pool and also has a smaller playground area. The snack bar is open at times. Even if you're not close to the HH, you can get there pretty easily by getting on the first bus that comes (verify with the driver that there will be a stop at the HH). It's the last stop. When ready to return to the room, just walk across the street to the first bus stop (Peninsular Road), which is just a few minutes away and get on the first bus that comes.

Whichever you decide, it sounds wonderful!

 

[kato0627]

We have done both resorts a few times. I think that your kids may have more to do at OKW. They have a great recreation staff there. The way the main pool is set up, you can take the kids into the rec room and sit at the pool. If you get in the right spot, you can see the door to the rec room. We let the kids go in there alone if we can see them. There is also a basketball court and a ping pong table. If they are interested, there is a really fun fishing trip that leaves from OKW for the kids. I think it is 2 hours for 30.00. The kids go with the staff (no parents). My boys did that a few summers ago and loved it. I think they were 9 and 6. It is really a great place. The boat ride to SSR and DTD is lovely.
VWL is great too. It sells itself. I just think more for the kids at OKW.
Plus, larger unit for less points. Have a great trip and Happy Anniversary.

 

[jekjones1558]

OKW for sure. Ask for a HH villa so the kids have easy access to all of the fun options near there. The kids can sleep on the pullout and you and DH will have the king bed for your anniversary.

 

[DJmommy]

Thank you for your replies. I am going to call in a bit and check availability at OKW. I think not doing the parks for the last few days of our trip will allow us to really explore OKW and take the boat to SSR as well.

Can anyone tell me a good area to request in case there are no HH villas available?

Also, how is the pool slide. My youngest does not swim yet. Can she use the slide? How deep is it when you enter the pool? She is not too adventurous and is too scared to go down the BWV slide also.

Does anyone know if they have regular activities at the Community Hall? Is there some type of schedule?

If we are staying at OKW, can we use the Community center at SSR? We have never pool hopped but this might be one time we might do it. How is the SSR pool slide?

Thanks again.

 

[DJmommy]

Just made the change. It will be nice to move to a 1 BR after 4 nights in a studio. Since I had to book the last night on cash, and I did not want to switch rooms, I could not book the HH category.

I did put in a request to be near the HH and to have a water view.

Is this a valid request? Do some of the villas near the HH, but not considered that specific booking category, have a water view? I have to look closer at a map of OKW and see what it looks like.

If anyone has any additional things I should consider, please let me know.

I am so excited to be going to OKW and I think we will like it there.