DVC "virgin" help me please!!

[timandlesley]

I am highly considering renting points for our trip next summer. I must admit I am addicted to the WL and we LOVE it there, but it is getting so pricey.

The ONLY turn off of DVC to me is the lack of housekeeping (can we pay extra to get this??, if so how much?) and that the kids have to sleep on a pull out sofa (we could only afford studio)
I am leaning towards OKW because their studio has 2 beds which is appealing. I'll be traveling with a 3 and 5 year old, is OKW a good option? How is transportation service there? Do you share with lots of resorts? How is the pool, etc.? Do they have a food court like WL has roaring forks with refillable mugs/ light meals/breakfast items?
Would I regret staying there to save 800 bucks on an 8 night trip??

HELP!!!
Thanks!
Lesley

 

[TCPluto]

OKW is a great option. Some people complain about the busses, but many (and us) have never found it to be a problem. OKW doesn'r share its bus with any other resort.

Daily maid cleaning is, I think, $25 a day. The pool is great, with a new water slide at the main themed pool.

OKW doesn't have a food court but it does have a counter service and a sit down restaurant. You can get refillable mugs there.

You definately will not regret staying at OKW, even if to save only $100.

 

[timandlesley]

Thanks SOOO much that is so helpful. So they do have a counter service restaraunt?? Do they serve lunch and breakfast?

Sounds like a great option. I'm trying to picture where it is on property. What park is it closest too?
Lesley

 

[Deb & Bill]

The back side of OKW is across the road from the entrance to Typhoon Lagoon. The front entrance is opposite POFQ. It's closest to Epcot; in fact the start of the marathon (that starts in Epcot) is just outside the entrance to OKW. My husband and his friend walked to the start from OKW.

The food offerings at Goods to Go are somewhat limited. But you will have a microwave and undercounter refrigerator in your room.

The buses only service OKW. Transportation is good. There is aslo a boat over to DTD. You are about 8 min from MK at the main entrance to OKW.

Rooms are spacious and comfortable. Daily cleaning really isn't that necessary. We don't miss it in the least. Just make the beds like you do at home and you are good to go. Hang up your towels and you'll be fine.

 

[Peepster]

I just wanted to add that we thought not having housekeeping was going to be problem at first, too. However, after many trips to VWL, we've found we actually like the fact that there is no housekeeping. Just a bit more private, I think. We have stayed at OKW for the two beds but found the studios to be noisier that VWL. Just seems that VWL is quieter (guess that's why we chose it as our home!) Wherever you stay, have a great time!

PS The pull outs aren't that bad!

 

[timandlesley]

Thanks so much. I personally won't miss housekeeping but the kids love those stupid towel animals so much (oh well, they'll get over it I mean come on we ARE IN DISNEY!: ) Now just to decide on which DVC . . . .hmmmmm decision decision.

Lesley

 

[TCPluto]

Now just to decide on which DVC . . . .hmmmmm decision decision.

Lesley

After reading your trip report, I can't believe you're not a DVC member yet.

Check out the tour when you go next, you'll end up joining I'm sure.

 

[cobbler]

We too find that we don't miss housekeeping. In fact we went on a recent trip to see hubby's relatives in Alabama and stayed in a regular hotel room (that is another story ) but we kept the do not disturb sign out on the door for the entire 3 nights because we didn't want to have the housekeeping there. It's nice not having to be out of your room at a certain time, or wondering if they will be there if you come back in the afternoon.

 

[crisi]

Thanks so much. I personally won't miss housekeeping but the kids love those stupid towel animals so much (oh well, they'll get over it I mean come on we ARE IN DISNEY!: ) Now just to decide on which DVC . . . .hmmmmm decision decision.

Lesley

We've never gotten a towel animal. Not staying at the Poly or the WL or the AKL or CBR on cash, nor staying at BWV through DVC. I think if the only reason you want mousekeeping is for the animals, you may be really disappointed.

 

[timandlesley]

After reading your trip report, I can't believe you're not a DVC member yet.

Check out the tour when you go next, you'll end up joining I'm sure.

I know- we are seriously considering it, we just don't have the money for the down payment right now but we may take the tour next time. If you take a tour on a trip you have paid in full for do they use the money you paid for the room towards DVC membership. The monthly payment and maitenance fees worry me since we usually pay for most of our trip with some of our tax refund money, the monthly commitment is I guess what worries me. We could have paid for it by now with our past 3 trips which is frustrating though. Decisions decisions. . .

 

[timandlesley]

We've never gotten a towel animal. Not staying at the Poly or the WL or the AKL or CBR on cash, nor staying at BWV through DVC. I think if the only reason you want mousekeeping is for the animals, you may be really disappointed.

I know. . stupid reason. My kids are spoiled by the animals being posed when we come back to the room, turndown service with chocolates on the pillow and the adorable towel animals. We do get them every year (gotten them at Pop, WL for 2 years) but this is really no reason to avoid DVC. The MAIN reason I guess we have avoided it is the niceness of the bunks at WL and the pull out couches at DVC but I need to get over these things and just give it a try because there is such value there. Heck if I saved some money we could go to Disney MORE!!!
Lesley

 

[Deb & Bill]

We have had a towel creature or two staying at DVC resorts. But never any set ups on the beds even whhen we had the full cleaning. The housekeepers just don't have the time to do all the cutesy things. They have bigger places with more stuff to clean. Ovens, refrigerators, jacuzzis, etc. But you might find a few premade dolls or ducks in your bathroom.

 

[Deemarch]

At first we thought that this was not a good thing, but came to realize that we like the privacy, too. And we don't have to worry, every day, about whether or not the maid is in our room when we want to go in!!!

Good luck with your decision. We are thrilled with our DVC!!!

 

[Stitch1404]

I think you would love staying in a studio at VWL. I agree with TCPluto, after reading your trip report (wonderful!) and hearing your enthusiasm for Disney I can't believe you aren't a DVC member! Just take the tour, that should do it...

The sofa beds really aren't that bad for little ones. I tried sleeping on one once and it wasn't so great, but for little kids I don't think it's a big deal. Also, what we have done is to leave the sofa bed folded up and then put a double air mattress on the floor. The kids found that more comfortable than the sofa bed and that way we had somewhere to sit during the day. We brought sheets from home.

I love staying in the Epcot resort area. When I'm not there I feel like I'm missing something. That's why our next trip (leaving in 10 days ) which was originally planned at just Old Key West got 3 nights at the Beach Club added to it! The Epcot resort area feels like home to me. Because of this I think no matter how great OKW is you would be missing the lodge. I say rent points for VWL and use an air mattress.

Also, just wanted to mention that we have had towel animals at DVC resorts. They were always there when we checked in.