BWV (preferred view) vs. OKW

[apulk]

We're thinking about doing a January trip and we found 6 or 7 days together where we have some choices. Saratoga Springs and Old Key West are available for the entire 7 nights but we have no interest in Saratoga. Boardwalk Villas are available in the preferred view (more points though) but for only 6 nights. I thought we could stay there and move to 2 rooms at Pop Century on cash (assuming a good discount) and save the points. But moving is a pain. We haven't stayed at BWV for about 9 years now so wouldn't mind going back.

The OKW for 7 nights (2 bedroom) would be a no brainer but I have read so many negative comments about the housekeeping, staff and overall appearance/cleanliness of the rooms at OKW I am thinking it may not be worth it.

Are the things I'm hearing true about the OKW and should I avoid it??

 

[vandy]

We're thinking about doing a January trip and we found 6 or 7 days together where we have some choices. Saratoga Springs and Old Key West are available for the entire 7 nights but we have no interest in Saratoga. Boardwalk Villas are available in the preferred view (more points though) but for only 6 nights. I thought we could stay there and move to 2 rooms at Pop Century on cash (assuming a good discount) and save the points. But moving is a pain. We haven't stayed at BWV for about 9 years now so wouldn't mind going back.

The OKW for 7 nights (2 bedroom) would be a no brainer but I have read so many negative comments about the housekeeping, staff and overall appearance/cleanliness of the rooms at OKW I am thinking it may not be worth it.

Are the things I'm hearing true about the OKW and should I avoid it??

We have never had any of the problems you stated while staying at OKW and would not hesitate to stay there again. There have also been several posts stating the same decline in room conditions at BWV. My only concern is if you state you have no interest in SSR, why OKW? OKW is simply a more mature resort than SSR, but they are in the same WDW area and are both a multiple building, spread out resort. If it were me, I would take OKW. You may wish to go to BWV simply due to the lack of interest in SSR.

 

[CarolMN]

Don't let reports here influence your decision.

We get good & bad reports about all of the DVC resorts and they seem to come and go cyclically. Plus those who have a bad experience post far more often than those who have a good experience.

Murphys' Law: If you book BWV (or SSR or AKV or BCV or VWL or HHI or VB), 30 days before arrival you will see all sorts of very, very bad reports about the BWV (or SSR or AKV or BCV or VWL or HHI or VB) and wish you could change to OKW!

 

[jekjones1558]

I love BWV but hate moving. Have you ever stayed at OKW? If not, give yourself a treat and try it. The 2 bedroom units are just wonderful. Could you have an issue with mousekeeping? Maybe, but that could happen at any resort in WDW. If something in your room is not right, call and have it made right. Then settle into the great OKW 2 bedroom. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time!

 

[OKW Lover]

I don't know where you are seeing negative reports about OKW, but we've never had a problem there. Stick with it.

 

[mikesmom]

We love OKW. If you have never been there and are going for a 2 bedroom, you will be amazed. The space is HUGE - far larger than the 2 bedrooms in the other resorts.

 

[Daggett]

I would have to STRONGLY disagree with the fact that OKW has bad staffing and house keeping. It has been my experience that the folks at OKW will bend over backwards to help. Unless something has changed very recently, I would have to rate the OKW staff as the best staff of any (and yes, I said any) WDW resort. Be it DVC or regular. And I would also state that IMHO the Boardwalk management is one of the poorest.

Maybe I should plan a stay at OKW to check things out. It's my home resort, but I tend to stay at SSR because my DW likes the "Horse" motiff!!

But I always consider OKW my home away from home.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[jakenjess]

Murphys' Law: If you book BWV (or SSR or AKV or BCV or VWL or HHI or VB), 30 days before arrival you will see all sorts of very, very bad reports about the BWV (or SSR or AKV or BCV or VWL or HHI or VB) and wish you could change to OKW!

This is so true!! I remember in 2004 I was so excited as we were going to be staying at the Poly for the first time. A month or so away from our trip I started reading HORRIBLE reviews of the Poly! I got so nervous, we had really splurged and were staying concierge, and here I was reading all these terrible things. We went to the Poly and had an absolutely fabulous time. So take the negatives with a grain of salt.

We loved OKW and are staying there again in Oct. Our friends were there in April and had a wonderful experience. Enjoy!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I wouldn't avoid OKW based on what's been written here. I also agree with jakenjess and CarolMN, be prepared to read bad things here about whichever resort you do stay at!

However, I would pick BWV for a January trip, because it gets dark early and I like to walk around the boardwalk on January evenings. I also like to walk along the canal from MGM in the better temps.

Bobbi

 

[apulk]

Thank you -- Thank you -- Thank you. This is all very reassuring. I ran the idea by the family at dinner last night and when I mentioned one option was stay one place for 5 nights and MOVE for two the overwhelming reaction was -- NO WAY -- packing stinks.

I think we're going to do OKW. 218 points for a week is a relative bargain (we pay 165 pts for HHI prime time for 5 nights each summer) and I really do like the location. My wife and I stayed at OKW for 2 nights about 6 years ago (again, in January) when we had a without kids escape weekend. We were so busy doing the parks that we really didn't see much of the resort but liked what we did see.

I think we're going to make the plans today or tomorrow.

Thanks again all.

 

[dianeschlicht]

The OKW 2 bedroom will blow you away! Hope you have a GREAT time!

 

[AKV707]

Stay tith OKW. Remember that unhappy customers tell 20 people and happy ones tell 2. DW and I wil be staying in an OKW studio on our next trip. We are waitlisted at BWV and BCV, because of F&W. I know it it highly highly unlikely that that will come through, and I am kind of hoping that it doesn't just to try OKW.

 

[crisi]

And you know, there has NEVER been a negative room report about BWVs.

(In case you can't tell, that was sarcasm).

 

[jcpuppy.com]

We have never had any of the problems you stated while staying at OKW and would not hesitate to stay there again. There have also been several posts stating the same decline in room conditions at BWV. My only concern is if you state you have no interest in SSR, why OKW? OKW is simply a more mature resort than SSR, but they are in the same WDW area and are both a multiple building, spread out resort. If it were me, I would take OKW. You may wish to go to BWV simply due to the lack of interest in SSR.

I have not stayed at SSR, but have a few times now at OKW and I think your statement is a little off. Yes, OKW is a more mature resort as far as trees and such go, but the color scheme is also different. SSR (which I have been by and peeked at) is not very appealing to me at all. I like how a resort looks and feels and color is imprtant for me.
I suspect others feel the same way about SSR. I am NOT saying it isn't pretty and wonderful for others. many folks like VWL, but I found that one dark and depressing. I like light happy colors. Disney is smart in giving so many choices!!
We have stayed BCV, OKW, VWL and so far OKW is our favorite

 

[las3888]

Gosh, I feel out of touch...I get on these boards every couple of days, but I don't recall seeing alot of OKW bashing. We have stayed several times and just adore it. The units have some slight wear and tear, but really what resort doesn't have some minor wear and tear. Hopefully you will love it like we do. I also agree...we have no interest in SSR...but we LOVE OKW...the rooms are HUGE and the views are just wonderful. You will be spoiled there.

Good luck!

 

[apulk]

We did it. Booked a 2 bedroom at OKW from January 16th -- 23rd, 2008 so we're set and we're not looking back. We also just got a great rate on flights via Southwest. One minor concern is that we are waitlisted for one night in the middle of the stay. The cast member says we have a very very good chance of that coming through -- hope so.

Now we just need to figure out what we're going to do from approx. 4pm on Jan 16th until 11am January 23rd.

Thanks all.