BWV studio vs. OKW studio

[seashorebride]

I am looking to stay at the end of August with my fiance in a studio. We want it to be quiet, but we don't mind a little noise either. I am just wondering which resort is better in anyone's opinion. Are the standard views at BWV really bad or at a noisy end of the resort? Can you walk to Epcot from OKW? If so, how long is the walk? Let me know the pros and cons!!!!

 

[Doug Wolfe]

Pro's on OKW:

Very quiet & relaxing.
Bigger rooms

Pro's on Boardwalk:

Closer to the "action" like Atlantic Dance & Jelly Rolls.
Better (more fun) pool.

 

[DebbieB]

I've stayed on the 3rd or 4th floor of standard view and never found it to be noisy. You can walk to Epcot & MGM from BWV (10 to 15 min), but not from OKW.

 

[Disney Doll]

For a couple, my suggestion would be the BWV, because of the location. It is a walk to Epcot(there's nothing more romantic than strolling the countries at night ) and there's Jellyrolls right there, in addition to the ESPN Club(great wings for a late-ish night snack!), the Big River Grill(good brew pub). Also, if you're in the BW area, check out some of the nice lounges in the Swan/Dolphin. The Swan has a piano player in the lobby bar(kind of through the lobby towards the back of the hotel) which is very nice. Depending on your room location in the BWV, it probably wont be noisy. If you don't mind a bit of a walk to the elevators, tell them you want an out-of-the-way, secluded room for a little "romance" .

OKW is great because of the size of the rooms, but it is a little more out of the way, you pretty much take a bus or car everywhere except to DD, where they have a little boat that runs that's nice. It is certainly not a terrible resort...as a matter of fact, DH and I have bought 2 contracts at OKW...but for a couple, being a little more near the action is probably better.

Of course, you'll probably use less points at OKW than at BWV, but sometimes it's not all about the points!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Don't know if it matters to you, but be aware that while OKW has 2 queen size beds in the studio, BWV has 1 queen and 1 sleeper-sofa. For 2 people that don't like to sleep together, OKW may be better. However, for a couple, I prefer having the sofa to sit on and watch TV.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

You can also walk to MGM from the BWV. You really feel like you are at WDW when you stay there.

HBC

 

[mickeyc]

We have stayed at both BWV and OKW studios and BWV were superior. Specifically, the location cannot be beat. As mentioned above you are walking distance to MGM and Epcot. Also, Jelly Rolls is a great place for night life. We had two standard view studios and they overlooked the front entrance. We were also close to the elevators. The units were quiet. If you enjoy using workout facilities the BWV is better than OKW. At OKW many use the Saratoga Springs resort spa, which you will pay a fee- -it is worth the fee.


OKW does not have elevators and the ice machines are located at the bus stops. In addition the resort is too spread out. It is quiet; however, we had to take the car to get to the lobby.

I hope this helps--enjoy your vacation!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

You can take the boat over to DTD from OKW and head to Pleasure Island. That's pretty active!!!! Then come home to peace and quiet.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Originally posted by mickeyc
We have stayed at both BWV and OKW studios and BWV were superior. Specifically, the location cannot be beat. As mentioned above you are walking distance to MGM and Epcot. Also, Jelly Rolls is a great place for night life.

OKW does not have elevators and the ice machines are located at the bus stops. In addition the resort is too spread out. It is quiet; however, we had to take the car to get to the lobby.

I hope this helps--enjoy your vacation!!

Mickeyc, I'm assuming you are referring to BWV as being "superior" based on the location (i.e. it's not within walking distance to a park). But it is a leisurely, (and can be romantic )boat ride away from Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island. I just feel the adjective "superior" is a little too harsh a criticism ?
I do agree that BWV is probably better suited for a young couple. They really don't need the extra queen bed for one.
I think the fact that OKW doesn't have elevators is part of it's charm. BWV is definitely more like a hotel set-up and OKW is more of a village-type atmoshere---thus the spread-out design & lack of elevators. The highest floor is the 3rd I believe. I think they are both beautiful resorts, and different and unique in their own right. But yes, BWV might make for a more enjoyable stay for her---especially since she mentioned a desire to be within walking distance to Epcot. Congrats on your engagement seashorebride ! Have a great time whatever you decide.

 

[spiceycat]

size wise these studios are close to the same - I love OKW - but go with BWV - my reason - room service - one morning or evening you aren't going to want eat out or cook - OKW only has pizza delivery - BWV has full room service.

No we like the standard view rooms over the preferred rooms - it does not hurt so much to spend extra points. the standard rooms are much closer to the parking lot on one side and the elevators on the other. Noise has not been an issue. Lack of wildlife is a issue. but if you don't like animals - you won't care.

however standard rooms unless you are getting it at 11 month - is not going to happen (now sometimes you get lucky - but don't count on it). would I spend preferred view at BWV? no - I always get stuck (when I request any view except the main pool) at the main pool. So if you are paying the points anyway I would go with BCV or VWL - BCV is great for visiting Epcot, VWL is to me one of the most romantic places at WDW.

 

[jaysue]

Given that it is the two of you, I would recommend BWV

Thanks
jaysue

 

[mickeyc]

MiaSRN62:

My evaluation of BWV over OKW is strickly subjective. I do think that BWV is superior because of the location and convenience. The ice machines are close by, the workout facilities are better, and it is walking distance to EPCOT and MGM. When staying at an OKW studio you have to go to the bus stops to get ice--again not very convenient.

I think OKW is nice; however, it lacks some basics. I guess if you feel the lack of an elevator is charming--it is okay with me. ( smile). We were on the third floor and carrying groceries and suitcases up three flights of stairs--lacked charm.

I don't mean to offend any OKW dieharts--the resort is nice. However, it is my last choice when staying at DVC properties. For an opportunity to go to Disney I will stay even at OKW. (smile)

Enjoy!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Originally posted by mickeyc
MiaSRN62:

I think OKW is nice; however, it lacks some basics. I guess if you feel the lack of an elevator is charming--it is okay with me. ( smile). We were on the third floor and carrying groceries and suitcases up three flights of stairs--lacked charm.
Enjoy!!

Thanks Mickeyc.....we do enjoy OKW. Pretty much the 3rd floor is the only time I think one might miss an elevator (though even this doesn't bother us personally). Getting to park right outside our door and not treck through lobbies or down long hallways is the trade-off I feel
Again, I'm pretty certain since you put this resort last on your list, you must prefer the hotel-atmosphere.....which is fine with me. I just thought your use of that one word--"superior"--was a little harsh.....that's all
The lack of elevators is "charming" only in that it's really not needed in my opinion. Specifically, the lack of an elevator isn't charming, but rather the fact that this is the feel of the resort ? Maybe I didn't explain it well, or maybe you misunderstood what I was trying to say ? The layout is just not the same as the hotel-like feel of the other DVC resorts. But, the bellhop service would be more than happy to carry groceries up to a 3rd floor if anyone asked. Usually when staying in a studio I don't really buy much anyway. Only when I'm in a 1 or 2 bedroom do I really shop. And in those cases, the ice machine aren't even an issue because of the full-size refrigerator.
BTW, I love all the DVC resorts (well, haven't been to BCV yet), each for their own reasons. We usually stay at OKW because of the larger rooms---they are significantly larger in my opinion and we like to spread out. So it's wonderful that there is something for everyone. And I did agree that this couple would probably prefer the BWV---for location to Epcot.

 

[Dean]

Both are great choices. Will you have a car? If not, go with BW. If you will and don't mind using it, OKW will be a better chocie for some. What's best for you may or may not be best for the next person. Hopefully all the answers will help. Also, if yo're looking at BWV, think about BCV as well. I think it's unlikely to get a standard view studio in August this short of notice but you can only try.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I think it's unlikely to get a standard view studio in August this short of notice

Just curious how easy or not is it to get a preferred view at BWV in August at the 7 month window ? Is there more inventory of standard vs preferred or is it about even.
Thanks

 

[Dean]

We've heard anywhere from 10-20% of the units are Standard view but it's definitely no more than 20% or so. It never hurts to ask just that the original question in not a likely scenario for August (3 months away).

 

[seashorebride]

Thanks for all of your comments!!!!

 

[mickeyc]

It is my understanding there are more preferred view studios. I think you should be able to get a studio at the 7 month window. If what you want is not available I would get on the wait list. The wait list has always come through for me. However, my request is usually at least three months prior to check-in.

I have a standard view studio at BWV for the end of July, which just came through approximately three weeks ago. I had preferred view and wait listed for the standard view. As it stands now I may have to alter those plans since my son is starting dental school in Florida early August. We are hoping to still get to Disney! Enjoy and good luck! I think something will come through.

 

[DeeP]

I just thought your use of that one word--"superior"--was a little harsh.....that's all

When resorts are ranked through travel organizations such as AAA, etc., many factors are considered to make a resort a 4 diamond resort, a superior resort etc., and things like location and ease to entertainment, attractions, shopping, restaurants, nighttime entertainment, and resort amenities like valet parking, 24 hour room service, enhanced pools, etc are BIGGIES. Although both BWV and OKW are very nice resorts with VERY different atmospheres when you rank both resort by the very common and accepted criteria of what makes one resort rank higher than the other, BWV clearly scores more pts. OKW does have larger rooms especially the 1 BR, but on all other scores regarding the availability of deluxe/luxury amenities offered to guests, OKW can not even begin to compare to what is available to the guests at BWV, BCV and VWL. In this respect, BWV, BCV and VWL are superior, it is not being harsh it is just the way it is. The rankings in the hotel/resort industry are not based on personal preferences, likes, dislikes, or on what one considers charming etc., they just are what they are based on what is offered to the resort guest.

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
Just curious how easy or not is it to get a preferred view at BWV in August at the 7 month window ? Is there more inventory of standard vs preferred or is it about even.
Thanks

Preferred is easier to get. Here are the numbers:
BWV
97 Dedicated Studios
130 Dedicated 1Bdrm
0 Dedicated 2Bdrm - 149 Lockoffs
7 Grand Villas = 383 Units / 532 Max. Available Rooms


Standard View
Studios 22% of total 241 studios
One Bedrooms 23% of 272 total one bedrooms
Two Bedrooms 25% of 145 two bedrooms