Big thumbs up for OKW (Long)!!

RuthnPaul

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Joined
Jun 29, 2001
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677
DH, DS, DH’s daughter, and I just spent 8 days/7 nights in a 2 bedroom unit at OKW and absolutely loved it! This was our first visit to WDW as DVC members. Initially, we were a bit disappointed that we were unable to book at BWV, one of our home resorts. In retrospect, we are quite happy that we had the chance to “sample” OKW and would not hesitate to stay there again! We received many “Welcome Homes” – everyone from the security guards to the front desk personnel, even the lady in the priority seating kiosk at Disney/MGM!

After arriving at OKW about 2:00 p.m. on 10/16, we were able to check in immediately although the room was not ready until 4:00 p.m. The person who checked us in was friendly but fairly new to his position and we later found out that he had messed up our charging privileges. He also made some comments about his salary that we thought were inappropriate. Besides that, everything went without a hitch!

By the time we had lunch at Olivia’s and looked around the gift store, our room (6222) was ready. We loved the location! It took only a few minutes to walk to the gift store and Olivia’s or to catch the buses. Even though we had a car, we used the bus service much more than we had in recent trips. The buses were prompt and made it easy to get around. The spaciousness of the unit made it very conducive to hanging out there more! In fact, we had breakfast in about half the time! Everything in the unit was new (or at least looked that way)! The only problem we had was a slow-draining master shower which was corrected when we were out for the day. Our balcony faced the lagoon/canal/lake (not sure what to call it!) with a golf course to the right. Of course we had to feed the ducks and egrets.

Because my DH’s daughter has never been to WDW, we tried to cover a lot of territory in our 8 days – hit Animal Kingdom once, all the other parks twice. Saw all the parades (except at Disney-MGM Studios), Fantasmic, Wishes, & Illuminations. Although the crowds were definitely smaller than we’ve seen at other times of the years, it was a bit more crowded than I expected! For the most part, we did not have to wait too long for any of the rides or shows. DS took the surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon and really enjoyed that! We did not spend as much time as we would have liked at the Wine & Food Festival; this is something we’ll have to experience in a few years after DS goes to college and mom & dad can get away on our own!! Special treats included dinner at LeCellier in Epcot/Canada, Fantasmic dinner package at the Brown Derby, Ohana’s for supper and a character breakfast, Cirque du Soleil (this show never ceases to amaze – well worth the money!). We also had dinner at Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge then walked over to the villas. Since it was fairly late by this time, all we could do was walk through the lobby/common area. And, of course, we hit DD several times to do some shopping! Low point of the trip – throwing up immediately after getting off Mission Space!!

All-in-all, it was a spectacular trip – can’t wait to go back at Christmas and stay at BWV!
 
We love to stay at OKW. We became DVC members in 91 without seeing the property, just the pictures of it. We have stayed there at least 3 times each year and it has never changed, always clean and very comfortable. We also like BCV and the Wilderness. I have not been to SSR but on our trip in Dec. we hope to get there.
A double thumbs up to OKW>:hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:
 
Thanks for your report - your trip is the way I like to go...parks daily and doing everything in sight! We also came back from a week there and only went to the theme parks 3 times and Typhoon Lagoon twice (we brought our 1 1/2 year old grandson).

We have BCV, and I have resisted staying at OKW because of having to use the bus for all parks. I really need to rethink it. Sandie
 

Glad you enjoyed your first OKW stay! We were there at the same time and just across the street from you! Well, and down just a bit. We were in a GV in building 15, so we walked past your building every time we went to HH.

We found the crowds to be very low, but then we always go to the least crowded park each day and avoid the early entry park. It was the best tactic for us this trip with 12 in our group!
 
Glad you had a wonderful 1st trip Home with your family. Thank you for posting!
 
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Sounds like you had a great trip, thanks for posting.

We are going to Cirque this Dec. and can not wait. We have never been before.

How would you rate the Brown Derby. We are also going to be doing the Fantasmic package in Dec. Is it a nice restaurant and did you find the package to be worth the money. Thanks .:)

We love OKW too!
 
Thanks so much for the report!! We leave for our first trip home in less than 2 weeks. After reading your report, I am even more excited if that is possible:crazy:
 
Glad you enjoyed your trip! Aren't thoses 2 bedrooms at OKW awesome? Sorry about the MS fiasco, I have extreme motion sickness so I would never try it, but DH and DD13 love it.
 
Queenof4Hearts:

Price of the Fantasmic dinner package at the Brown Derby was $36.99 (adults). Your choice of appetizer/soup/salad, entree, and dessert selected from their regular menu (we went to Mama Melrose's last year and were offered limited selections for the Fantasmic dinner package). Several of us had the Spiced Grilled Filet Mignon, DH had the pork tenderloin -- all very good! The atmosphere was first-class as was our waiter. We had a booth that allowed all 4 of us to face out towards the dining areas. It was also a lot of fun to look at all the celebrity caricatures on the walls! And, of course, no waiting in line for reserved seating at Fantasmic!! Think you will enjoy it!
 
Thanks Ruthnpaul,

I chose the Brown Derby because it sounded a bit more upscale than Mama Melrose's. My husband gets picky. Sounds like you enjoyed it.
 
Ruth....I am so glad you had a WONDERFUL time!!! I am also glad you got to go hang out at WL...I'm sure that just felt wonderful to be an owner there!!!

:wave:

Beca
 
Ruth,

Sooo happy you guys had a great time. Your trip sounds a lot like how we do it. You guys also hit some of our favorite place, i.e., Le Cellar, O'Hana's, etc.

Can you believe we still haven't made ressie yet! We can't decide if we want to go in mid June, right after school, or wait until August 16th when the point edge down. Needless to say I'm ready.

Ruth, post what building you were in. Where you guys were also sounds like where we'd want to be. Looking at the OKW map I'm thinking 12,13,14,or 15.

Write back soon.

Mike
 
Originally posted by carlos1117

Ruth, post what building you were in. Where you guys were also sounds like where we'd want to be. Looking at the OKW map I'm thinking 12,13,14, or 15.
Mike, we were in building 62 which is in the same general area as the buildings you mentioned (<a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/okwmap.jpg" target="_blank">Old Key West building map</a>). We did not request a specific building and, from what I've gathered from other threads, it is better to make your requests more general (close to Hospitality House, golf view, no smoking, etc.) than to request a specific unit/building. Have fun planning that first visit!! BTW, I think we are always going to be park commandos no matter what!!
 
Ruth,

Thanks, I'll take your advise. It seem you may have lucked out because building 62 is in a great location.

Mike
 















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