First time at OKW-any help?

[Disney*All-Stars*]

We are staying at OKW for the first time in February during president's week. Any good tips or suggestions for us? Also, are the rooms bigger than BW and WL? Thanks.

 

[Candace]

I am not sure about size of studios, but 1 and 2 bedroom villas are most definitely larger than VWL and BWV. I think the studios are shaped differently - they are longer and more narrow at VWL and BWV, and OKW studios have 2 queen beds only instead of 1 queen and a sofa bed. Some prefer the sofa and 1 bed setup as opposed to the 2 beds. Makes for more room during the day, I suppose. If your plans in February have you staying in one of the larger units, it will be extremely hard to *ever* stay in a studio again! OKW is wonderful - my kids actually prefer it to BWV, although some will argue with this. I really feel like I am on vacation when I am at OKW. Since this is your first trip there, just try to remember that you will be back many times before 2042, so relax and enjoy!!

 

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Thanks for the positive feedback about OKW. I was disappointed that we had to change our plans from Boardwalk (been there)and could only get OKW on short notice. It is growing on me!!

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

I like the kitchen layout at OKW better than BWV, and the OKW 1BR units are certainly larger. However, the studios at BWV have the advantage of the fold out couch (some people see this as an advantage because they seem to have more room when the bed isn't in use), where OKW has 2 beds.

Both resorts are great, and you can't really go wrong with either one. OKW is much more laid back than BWV, and because it is a condo type set up, you can end up doing more walking to get from one place to another - the plus side is that most buildings have easy/quick access to a nearby pool.

 

[spiceycat]

the views are OKW are woods, golf, and water (no parking lot views here). I like a water view, some people like a golf view - your choice.

If you have a car you will love OKW - the parking is close to the building - no walking from a distance parking lot.

there is only one restuarant - Olivia's. there are 2 snack like bars at 2 different swimming pools - turtle & HH. the one at turtle has very limited hours.

 

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Thanks for your help. We're driving.

 

[fkj2]

OKW is much quieter. I've never stayed in a studio but have all the larger size accommodations. Very, well, luxurious I think.

Since you'll have a car, transportation will not be a problem and as an onsite guest, you'll not have to pay the parks' parking fee.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You don't say what size unit you are staying in. The studios at OKW are larger, but have two queen beds and a small table with two straight back chairs instead of the small hide-a-bed that BWV has. The main difference is in the bathroom. The OKW studio baths are HUGE! We don't stay in the studio, but it is the same as the 2nd bedroom of a 2 bedroom lock off unit.

 

[PinMan]

 

[dianeschlicht]

Pin man,
We'll see you! We arrive at OKW 1/20/02!

 

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Diane, Sorry I left out the size room we are staying in! That is important! We are going to be in a one bedroom. Some would think that is nicer to have 2 comfortable beds than a lumpy sofa bed, right? Thanks for your help.

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

My wife says I'm strange (and it's probably true, but...) Anyway, I think that the fold-out couches at OKW are more comfortable than the beds - just me I guess.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Our DS is a large person and has always enjoyed sleeping on the sofa bed in the 1-2 bedroom units. He even passes up the bed for it!

 

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Really?? Gotta take another look at those sofabeds.

 

[spiceycat]

the detergent that DVC gives you for the washer is Tide - I have a problem with Tide so I bring my own.

You will love the 1-bedroom at OKW - much bigger than BWV or VWL. The washer and dryer are full size - so is the kitchen. You can eat on the balcony for breakfast, it has a light so dinner is okay too. The whirlpool tub is much bigger too.

 

[bres@westernMA]

Things not to miss at OKW include taking the boat (and walking) to Downtown Disney, ordering out for Pizza delivery (call the front desk for the “best” place), driving everywhere except the Magic Kingdom, neighborhood (quiet) pools, kicking back on the porch with your favorite beverage, etc.
There are many more. Have a blast.

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

We just spent the week after T-giving at WDW and our last night was in a 1 bedroom at OKW. Personally, I liked it the best!!! (1st nite was studio at OKW--it was superb and the 4 nites in the middle were 1 bedroom at VWL which was absolutely grand) I will have my DH post some pix of the room for you when he gets home later tonight -- I'm "electronically challenged" and can't figure out how to do it.........
Anyway, you have lots more room in the 1 bedroom at OKW and I just loved the pastel decor. The double bathroom is AWESOME!!

 

[Disney*All-Stars*]

Pictures would be awesome!!

 

[nezy]

Our "home" is BWV, but we always stay at OKW. I like the away from it all feeling atOKW. The BWV and VWL are in the heart of things. For our family we like to have that "down" time that just goes with staying at OKW. The kids love it because the pool area isn't as crowded. I also like that fact that it is not connected to a resort hotel where there are guests who are not DVC members. I guess that my be snobbish but I have found that DVC members are the best! They seem to be more friendly, less critical more relaxed.

A car is a definate advantage. Also, do not miss the Winnie -the -Pooh character breakfast at Olivia's.

disney-*ALL STars*--enjoyOKW, but the Yankees are the team!
(Sorry--I couldn't resist!)

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think the character breakfast at Olivias has been discontinued. Some of our favorite things to do at OKW:
-eat on the patio
-use the quiet pools and hot tubs.
-walk to DTD.
-take the pontoon to DTD
-take the garden tour of OKW
-watch the wild life
-feed the birds
-watch the "duffers" er golfers
-enjoy the whirlpool and HUGE bathroom
-entertain in the main living area