BLT/ OKW Review

[justme0729]

I recently stayed in both a BLT two bedroom lake view and a BLT theme park view studio (separate trips) and an OKW two bedroom villa. I like reading reviews so I thought I would put my thoughts out there.

Bay Lake Tower
I did not expect to even like BLT but it has become one of my favorites. I had stayed at the Poly and GF in their regular rooms and a one bedroom villa at GF and they were/ are my favorite resorts. I thought their theming overall feel would be much better than BLT and I would miss it. People say BLT doesn’t have a theme but to me, it has a very strong theme that is Disney/ Mickey. Being able to see the castle from the elevators, sky bridge, and lobby entrance, mickeys in the hallway carpets, a big light up Mickey on the pool slide, a mickey shaped splash area, pictures of the castle and space mountain in the room, the views from my TPV room, and seeing the monorail coming by or through the CR made me feel like the resort was very themed and in the middle of all the action. The walk to MK was super convenient. It was so nice to be able to leave BLT 20 minutes before our MK fastpass time ended and make it on time because we could control how fast 2we get there and not consider the possibility of the monorail lines or breaking down and leaving extra time.

People also say the BLT studio is too small but I really loved our theme park view studio. The separate kitchenette area was nice to get ready at the little vanity there in addition to the bathroom and there was plenty of storage. I didn’t feel it would be too small for a family of 4 but I was only with my DH.

I’ve also read people don’t like CR’s/ BLTs pools but I really liked the bullseye pool at CR. Being right on the lake and hearing the boats was nice.

Old Key West
I am not a fan of SSR so I expected to not like OKW either. While OKW isn’t a favorite and I probably wouldn’t choose to stay there over most other DVC options, I did enjoy the resort and villa. The refurbed villas are super nice and I appreciated the huge jacuzzi tub and extra space in the living room. It took about 10 minutes to walk to the lobby but in warm sunny weather, I didn’t mind. The pool was nicely themed but a little crowded. Our room was right by the bus stop which was convenient. I also liked the theme of the lobby area and the architecture of the buildings. I will say that I would not stay here in colder months (December/January) because I wouldn’t want to risk walking 10 minutes in cold rain etc. to get to the lobby.

 

[yolie912]

Thank you for sharing your review.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Thank you. OKW is my home resort and also my favorite! I think the size of the 1 & 2 BD villas, the beautiful views (especially off of the balcony) and the tropical grounds lend themselves to make it a wonderful place to wind down from the "Disney" park experience. We've traveled with large parties and OKW is the best fit for that, it's my happy place!

BLT, didn't expect to like it either and as it turns out, it's now tied as my second favorite resort. I totally agree with you about its theming. For trips where the whole "brood" is not coming with, this is the perfect resort, especially if doing a bit of upscale dining! Can't beat TOWL!

 

[chalee94]

I will say that I would not stay here in colder months (December/January) because I wouldn’t want to risk walking 10 minutes in cold rain etc. to get to the lobby.

Alternatively, you could walk to the nearest bus stop and catch the first bus, as it will stop at the lobby/ Hospitality House before leaving the resort.