Can't Decide-OKW or BWV

[Reeniebean]

We are a party of 12 (6 adults and 6 children under 5) and we'd like to stay in a grand villa at either OKW or the BW this October for 8 days/7nights. We are having trouble deciding which resort would be better for our family. The BWV requires 200 more points for our week-long stay, and we were wondering what the major difference was between the two (besides the themed pool at the Boardwalk).

Any information or advice is welcomed and appreciated!

Thank you!

Doreen

 

[montessori]

Well, my opinion is...stay at The Boardwalk!
I know many people on these boards really love OKW but I think the location of The Boardwalk can't be beat.
You can walk to Epcot and walk or take the boat to MGM.
You can also walk to all the other Boardwalk hotels.
Spoodles and the Flying Fish are two great restaurants right on the Boardwalk and they have entertainment at night. ESPN Sports Bar is right there too.
Many people love the dueling piano bar, JellyRolls, although it's not our cup of tea.
We do enjoy the Atlantic Dance Hall, we've seen a lot of good bands there.
The Boardwalk is our very favorite Disney Resort and I think it's worth the extra points to stay there.
Let us know what you decide!

(My husband is from Lakewood)

 

[CarolMN]

You may not have a choice. Grand Villa accomodations are limited and tend to book up quickly (11 months ahead of time), especially for weekday nights (Sun - Thur). If you haven't already made a reservation, you might be out of luck for October, 2003. Hope I'm wrong and you are able to find availability for your dates.

Good luck!

 

[DebbieB]

BWV only has 7 grand villas, so availability is very limited. OKW has 27.

 

[Samsma]

Stay at BW if you can. We stayed at OKW, and although it was gorgeous, we felt very isolated. We tended to stay there once we were there for the evening. Would have like to walk around and see something in the evening after leaving the park. Kids got a little restless knowing what was going on less than a mile away. A lot of bunnies to see though, bet they don't have those on the boardwalk!

 

[Simba's Mom]

It's so hard to predict which place is better, without knowing a little of what you like. If DH took your recommendation of BWV, he'd be miserable. He doesn't feel "isolated" at OKW, but relaxed and peaceful. He hates the Boardwalk area-too much "hustle and bustle" for him. After a busy day at the parks, he wants to be able to get away a little and unwind. I love the Boardwalk area-it's removed enough from the parks for me, yet I love to be able to just walk to Epcot. So which type is your family? In ours I take 2 trips a year, 1 to OKW with DH, and one to BCV alone!

 

[DeeP]

Both resorts are Disney Vacation Club resorts and both have beautiful accomendations--other than that they are completely different.
BWV are located in a fantastic location. You will be within walking distance to Epcot and MGM, numerous great restaurants, shops, and night time entertainment, the resort offers full deluxe resort amenities such as room service, valet parking, etc. The atmosphere at this resort is very up beat and there is a lot to do. It is a beautiful area and at night time it is especially beautiful. The main pool is very nice with a great water slide and life guards.
OKW is located around a golf course so the views are of the golf course. This resort is not located close to any parks and the guest must rely on either their own car or bus transportation to everywhere except DTD which has a boat shuttle that runs from noon to 10 PM. There is 1 restaurant and 2 snack bars for food. The main pool does not have a life guard or a water slide. Room service and valet parking are not offered but you can park in the parking lots that are located in front of each building. OKW is very quiet and laid back, after 9:00 PM you hardly see anyone out and about unless you go to the main building which houses the restaurant and the store. OKW is a huge resort so some of the buildings are very far from the Hospitality House which has the restaurant and the store.
Both are very nice resorts, it all depends on what appeals to you. If you want to be close to parks, restaurants etc in a upbeat atmosphere than BWV is the best choice. If you want a quiet atmosphere to relax in with not a lot happening then OKW would be the better choice.

 

[wdwphanatic]

... but I've visited OKW and stayed at BWV. Although my family really enjoyed the convenience of BWV, I have to say that it wouldn't be worth the huge price difference to stay there vs. OKW, which is a very attractive resort though a bit removed from the parks. If the kids in your group were older, however, it might be a different story. My kids are just getting to the age where Epcot and MGM are fun for them and where we'd be able to take them to Epcot for dinner and they'd get something out of it. The under-5 set wouldn't really benefit from being so close to Epcot or MGM. I also think that the pool at BW isn't that much of an incentive for young kids because the slide is pretty high and more for the over-5's... JMO, however. If you were comparing the pool at BCV, that would be a different story, however!

All that being said, BWV would be great for the adults! My favorite resort is BC/YC because of the convenience to Epcot and MGM, the fabulous pool and the relaxed atmosphere. For a group that large with so many little ones, however, I don't think I could justify the expense.

Wherever you decide to go, I hope you have a great time!

-- Sarah

 

[Beth]

I'm an OKW owner, and am very partial, but...

The Boardwalk GV can GUARANTEE you a BW view - something no other size accomodation at BWV can say.

In the first few years of the resort, we were almost always able to get a BW view upon request. The last few times we stayed there - it didn't happen. And, without that 11-month priority, I doubt we'll see it again.

I don't suspect we'll ever stay in a BWV GV - the points are just too high - but that BW view makes it tempting...

We <i>have</i> stayed in a GV at OKW 4 times, now. They are lovely - and a REAL point bargain!!

 

[Reeniebean]

I appreciate all of the feedback that you all have provided. We have decided to stay at the OKW grand villa this time due to the ages of are very young children and for its great value. We know we will be back again to try out the BWV in the future.

Thank you for all of the great information! It was very helpful in making our decision!

Doreen