Back from OKW bad and good... (long..)

[loveit]

Well, after a long flight down (bad engine, changed gates, planes etc.) DH, DD (6) and I arrived at OKW on Sunday at about 12:00 am. Check in was painless, but as we were driving away on the luggage tram the girl at the front desk chased us down and told us that we were in a handicapped room, (studio) that she was sorry and knows that we specifically requested NOT to have one. Well, we was very tired and really not very happy, but she asked if we would like to switch rooms the next day when one became available. We said yes and continued to our room. We definately could not have stayed in that room more than one night!! Obviously the shower was just a shower (no tub) and we couldn't latch up the seat so DH had to tie a washcloth around it to keep it up so we could shower. With no tub and just a drain, the water would get everywhere on the floor. The sink and mirror were next to the shower so I had to sop up the water with our towels so we could get ready. Also the refrigerator was RIGHT next to my husbands head between the bed and the doorwall (they didn't have it in the kitchenette because of the space needed to roll under the sinktop)so he unplugged it because it was so noisy!! We called the bellhop the next morning to store our luggage while we went to EPCOT. I called the front desk before our return and our new room was ready that night. The move was pretty painless and our new room was much closer to the Hospitality House where we spent alot of time. Despite our first night fiasco, we really liked OKW! It was very laid back, loved the pool area and the whole theming. The weather was BEAUTIFUL and we had a great time. The parks were extremely packed, but we really problem with that. We did everything we wanted to do and just had a great, great time!!! Wish we were still there

Laura

 

[njzieglers]

Thanks for the post. I'm glad everything worked out well for you. I eagerly read any post regarding OKW, as we're staying there in our end of April trip. We've never stayed in this area and suck up any info about this resort.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Great Report!!

That was great that the CM made a point to tell you about the HA room even after you left the check in desk.

Lots of reports with crowds. Im not worried because we just plan to take it easy.

 

[JoEllen]

Your story is the reason we have given up staying in a DVC resort our first night. We fly from the West Coast and always arrive late. After numerous HA, Smoking and less than desireable room locations assigned to us we have chosen to stay off-site our first night and check in early the next day. It has made a big difference on having our requests granted.

Of course, the day of the week you check in makes a difference too.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Your story is the reason we have given up staying in a DVC resort our first night. We fly from the West Coast and always arrive late. After numerous HA, Smoking and less than desireable room locations assigned to us we have chosen to stay off-site our first night and check in early the next day. It has made a big difference on having our requests granted.

Of course, the day of the week you check in makes a difference too.

Don't assume it is only DVC that will have that result if you arrive late. We had a flight delay when we were spending a night at AKL before the start of our DVC stay. The only room available to us was a HA room. No big deal. It was one night, and we were in our wonderful 2 bedroom at OKW the next day. Now, if you think it is disappointing to get a HA on points, imagine paying AKL prices for one that you are only in for about 6 hours!

 

[Sammie]

I agree if I can't check in by 3pm, I stay off property that first night.

 

[OneMoreTry]

I wonder if this represents merely an exceptional CM, or an underlying understanding by DVC that HA rooms are truly undesirable to some people and DVC's conscious attempt to fulfill the non-HA requests.

 

[manning]

I remember a late check-in at the Poly years ago into a lagoon view.

Lagoon view was quite a stretch of the imagination. Didn't take long to get what I paid for........a lagoon view!!!

 

[NMW]

It was nice of the CM to tell you about the HC room and offer to move you the next day. After reading several posts from DVC members about this issue, it's nice to hear this.

 

[DebbieB]

Just curious - did they charge the $25 room change fee?

 

[loveit]

DebbieB - NO they did not charge the $25.00 fee, in fact, there was a note in the computer when we did change rooms specifically stating "no fee for room change"! I didn't even have to question the whole thing.

njzieglers - You will really like OKW. If you have children, they had a DJ on the weekends doing the limbo, dancing, singing and tossing bags of candy and gifts to the kids (I don't know if this is common every weekend but it was a lot of fun for my DD!!) by the main pool area. We found the staff to be extra nice and helpful. The bell hops were very entertaining and accomodating. Don't get frustrated with the bus system. It does take a while for some of the busses (it seemed like everytime we wanted a bus one day for Magic Kingom, 2 MGM busses pulled up, then the next day we wanted MGM and two Magic Kingdom busses pulled up!!! My husband chocks it up to "BAD BUS CARMA"!!!) I think you will enjoy yourself. Be prepared to have a laid back time, unlike the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk/Beach Club area.


Liferbabe - The crowds were definately HUGE, but we seriously didn't have any issues with that. We know how to use the fast passes and took our time and enjoyed the sights and every minute of our vacation in Disney!! I can see how it can get very frustrating, but it's all what you make of it.

 

[MomsGoneGoofy]

DebbieB - Don't get frustrated with the bus system. It does take a while for some of the busses (it seemed like everytime we wanted a bus one day for Magic Kingom, 2 MGM busses pulled up, then the next day we wanted MGM and two Magic Kingdom busses pulled up!!! My husband chocks it up to "BAD BUS CARMA"!!!)

LOL!!
We are members of that "BAD BUS CARMA" club. Glad you enjoyed your stay at OKW and didn't get fustrated over the wait for a bus, we don't let it get to us either. Hey I'd rather be at Disney waiting for a bus than at home/work.