A couple of weeks ago, a group of us decided to go to WDW for Mothers' Day. Unfortunately, we could get a studio at OKW Sat. night (5/7) and Mon. (5/9) but nothing was available anywhere (except for 1 or 2 BR) for Sun. So we moved 3 times during our trip (a breeze since Disney did the luggage transfer). Our stays at OKW were great as always. Roooms were clean and in good locations even when we checked in at midnight on Monday.
I have never stayed concierge so I decided to treat my friends to a night at the Yacht Club (concierge level). I now understand why people love concierge. I love my DVC but we also fell in love with the ambiance at the Yacht Club. I've stayed at the Beach Club but it's a different atmosphere at the YC (quieter). While one of our group took a nap, another friend and I went to Storm along Bay (just to stick our legs into the whirlpool). We were amazed at how many unsupervised children were in the whirlpool. I had to remind two boys (approx. 10 yrs old) that diving and jumping were not allowed, especially since their parents were no where to be seen. One last comment, when we do concierge again we are sticking around for all our meals!
One of the group flew in early so she took Magical Express both ways. All three of us took it back to the airport. Bambi (yes, that is her name) said it took about 1-1/2 hrs to get to OKW on Sat. morning. Since we all flew SW she knew she had to get her luggage and take it to the bus but she thought that 1-1/2 hrs was a bit long. Well, as a point of reference, we flew in late (plane landed at 9pm) and then waited 45 minutes at Alamo to pick up a car (needed it just for one day) so it took 1-1/2 hours to get to OKW! All three of us took the bus back to the airport and as far as I'm concerned, it went very smoothly. We picked up our bus passes at guest services on Tues. morning. Bus arrives at OKW approx. 20 minutes before every hour and if you are flying SW they put your luggage on the bus. Would I take it again, absolutely! And, folks, it's free! I can put up with some inconvenience when it's free.
You may have heard about the "new" Pal Mickey. The new Mickey interacts with a light up pin that CM's have (and I believe, you can buy). There is also a DVC shirt for the new Pal Mickey (not the old one). I asked about it at the Beach Club and they didn't know anything about it. At OKW, I was told I needed a certificate to get the DVC Shirt. You get the certificate in your welcome folder BUT it does not have the UPC symbol that shows up in the CM's book. I was persistent since the form says "use this certificate to claim your free DVC shirt for Pal Mickey" (or something to that affect) so I got one. There is also a AP shirt. A friend who works at BW told me that CM's are confused since there isn't a price on the shirts. They are free so be persistent.
We got to see Lucky the Dinosaur on Sunday. Since he will only be in the AK till sometime in July, I recommend taking the time to see him. There are posted hours when he comes out. He is amazing and so adorable! Does anyone know where he's headed next?
It was a great time to go - Warm and sunny days and manageable crowds.
Cyn
I have never stayed concierge so I decided to treat my friends to a night at the Yacht Club (concierge level). I now understand why people love concierge. I love my DVC but we also fell in love with the ambiance at the Yacht Club. I've stayed at the Beach Club but it's a different atmosphere at the YC (quieter). While one of our group took a nap, another friend and I went to Storm along Bay (just to stick our legs into the whirlpool). We were amazed at how many unsupervised children were in the whirlpool. I had to remind two boys (approx. 10 yrs old) that diving and jumping were not allowed, especially since their parents were no where to be seen. One last comment, when we do concierge again we are sticking around for all our meals!
One of the group flew in early so she took Magical Express both ways. All three of us took it back to the airport. Bambi (yes, that is her name) said it took about 1-1/2 hrs to get to OKW on Sat. morning. Since we all flew SW she knew she had to get her luggage and take it to the bus but she thought that 1-1/2 hrs was a bit long. Well, as a point of reference, we flew in late (plane landed at 9pm) and then waited 45 minutes at Alamo to pick up a car (needed it just for one day) so it took 1-1/2 hours to get to OKW! All three of us took the bus back to the airport and as far as I'm concerned, it went very smoothly. We picked up our bus passes at guest services on Tues. morning. Bus arrives at OKW approx. 20 minutes before every hour and if you are flying SW they put your luggage on the bus. Would I take it again, absolutely! And, folks, it's free! I can put up with some inconvenience when it's free.
You may have heard about the "new" Pal Mickey. The new Mickey interacts with a light up pin that CM's have (and I believe, you can buy). There is also a DVC shirt for the new Pal Mickey (not the old one). I asked about it at the Beach Club and they didn't know anything about it. At OKW, I was told I needed a certificate to get the DVC Shirt. You get the certificate in your welcome folder BUT it does not have the UPC symbol that shows up in the CM's book. I was persistent since the form says "use this certificate to claim your free DVC shirt for Pal Mickey" (or something to that affect) so I got one. There is also a AP shirt. A friend who works at BW told me that CM's are confused since there isn't a price on the shirts. They are free so be persistent.
We got to see Lucky the Dinosaur on Sunday. Since he will only be in the AK till sometime in July, I recommend taking the time to see him. There are posted hours when he comes out. He is amazing and so adorable! Does anyone know where he's headed next?
It was a great time to go - Warm and sunny days and manageable crowds.
Cyn
