Just wanted to add our $.02. We know how many people just
love OKW, and we decided to try it for the first time ourselves in early May because of the rave reviews by loyalists, because the pictures looked beautiful, and because the points were low and we just want to try all of the resorts. We're staying there in October, too, but only because nothing else was available. That's because, all and all, we felt like the minuses outweighed the plusses, but here are our accounts of both:
PLUSSES: Well the size of the Studio as compared to the other
DVC Studios (and we only stay in Studios, so we noticed) did NOT disappoint. We thought it was
huge -- especially the bathroom. And having one of us sleep in a second
real bed instead of that disgraceful pullout was heaven. We also thought the room was one of the best kept/cleanest we'd been in (on par with VWL, and much nicer than BCV and BWV). Liked having the car within feet of our door! And, as I said, lower points was nice!
MINUSES: We thought it was very noisy, too. Doors slamming, people talking loudly outside. (Human nature, maybe, if you're not in an enclosed hallway but are still outside you just don't think to keep quiet?) Heard people through the connecting door (at 4:00 a.m. no less) and I never did at any of the other DVC rooms (luck of the draw?). "Bugged" us, too (pun intended), that the exterior doors with lights next to them meant mosquitoes and other bugs came in every time you came back to your room at night. Even though are car was close, we didn't like having to drive to the pool, restaurant(s), general store, etc., instead of just walking to them like at the other DVC resorts. But the biggest disappointment, is sort of intangible and tough to describe: We just felt there was no
"WOW-factor." It
did feel, as someone else said, that we were staying either off-site or, at best, at a moderate like Port Orleans (minus the plusses of the room size, etc., noted above). No WOW in the lobby like in the other resorts (VWL especially, but BCV and BWV too), where you walk in and really feel like you're in a 5-star hotel. Even before you get to the lobby, the drive-up/check-in area at the Hospitality House is small and unimpressive. Goods to Go was just a window, without the food selection, seating, or charm of a Roaring Forks at VWL or the new market at BCV. The whole "pier-like" (where Goods, the Fitness Center, etc., are) area seemed small and cramped, compared to having the Boardwalk right outside your room, or even VWL expansive lobby/eating areas.
Just our $.02. We felt a little underwhelmed and a little disappointed. Definitely not our first choice, but not anything we feel like we'd need to "avoid like the plague." We'll stay there in October, if our waitlist for one of the other resorts doesn't come through.
I guess that's why there are choices for everyone!
To each his own. We're heading to another "meager" studio tomorrow and couldn't be happier!
if the fact that you are in a 2 bedroom will make any difference about how you feel about OKW. Let us know!
) Seems kind of bold to assume we cant enjoy prepaid vacations if its in a DVC studio. I would stay in a BCV/WLV/BWV studio not only over any Value or Moderate, but also over a 1BR at either OKW or SSR. I will even go as far to say that I have a studio ressie at VWL for 4 of us XMAS week and a studio at BCV for next spring break and will NOT trade either for a 2BR or G Villa at OKW or SSR if MS called and offered it (or from anyone on this board). 
