First Time at OKW - Hints

[eporter66]

A week from today we will be arriving for our first stay at OKW in a 1 Bedroom. The only other DVC resorts we have stayed at so far are SSR (so I know the area well) and the Boardwalk. We have liked both so far for different reasons, so give me some tips for OKW

1. Should we request a specific area/building? We are renting a car if that makes a difference
2. Your opinion of Olivia's and the other eateries at the resort. We plan on driving over to DTD for a few of our favs (Rain Forest/Earl of Sandwich) and I want to eat at the Turf Club - I have not been since the renovation
3. I am a jogger - let me know if there are good trails, paths to run on.

Our first day (Sunday) we are just going to spend at the resort and DTD just hanging out and relaxing. We like doing that after getting up early for our flight to Orlando. We should be at the resort by 11:30 or so.

Thanks!
E

 

[marvali]

We will be staying at OKW for the first time this summer and would love to see what people have to say about the resort.

 

[eva]

We love the buildings in the Peninsular area. That would be buildings 23-26. They are very close to the bus stop and are usually the first or second pick up and drop off. This means no or less standing if the bus is packed. And with a short walk across the street you are at the HH and main pool area. But I should also say that in all of our stays we haven't yet had a really bad location. We were even in Building 49 (furthest from HH) this past trip and still really enjoyed it. The walk to the HH was still very doable.

We've eaten breakfast and lunch at Olivia's. Both times were pretty good. Their crab cakes are very good. But I wouldn't say that the restaurant is on our must do list. Now the snack bar has really good cheeseburgers. We try to make it a point to eat at least a couple of our lunches there. And be sure to stop by the Gurgling Suitcase for a frozen drink. DH and I love to sit in there and talk with the bartender.

There is a path by building 55 that runs along the waterway to DD and SSR. Be careful to stay off the golf cart trails. But it is a very nice trail and should give you plenty of run time. The resort itself is really nice to walk or run around too.

Most buses stop at the HH stop last before leaving the resort. So jumping on most any bus will give you a quick ride to the HH and main pool. Be sure to ask the driver before jumping on. I've been on buses that occasionally stop there first.

 

[Villainess]

We always request bldgs. 16, 62, 23 or 24
We usually have a lunch or dinner at Olivia's and the food is always good but not fantastic, KWIM. I enjoy a Pina Colada at the Gurling Suitcase!

We also like taking the boat to DTD or SSR for dinners and shopping; so relaxing and beautiful in the early evening.

Here is a map of OKW

My dad is the runner - when I talk to him I will ask about paths for you!

 

[La2kw]

1. Should we request a specific area/building? We are renting a car if that makes a difference

We like Turtle Pond, but any area is similar in views. We usually just ask for a water view. If you want to be near the main pool, ask for the Hospitality House area. We don't care as much for that area because most of the 1 BR units do not have the extra door through the laundry room to the bathroom.

2. Your opinion of Olivia's and the other eateries at the resort. We plan on driving over to DTD for a few of our favs (Rain Forest/Earl of Sandwich) and I want to eat at the Turf Club - I have not been since the renovation

Olivia's is okay. We like the Turf Club better, as well as Artist's Pallette. OKW needs an indoor fast food area. We like Turtle Pond because the Turtle Shack is there. Good's is also fine. We like taking the ferry to SSR and DD. It's nicer than driving.

3. I am a jogger - let me know if there are good trails, paths to run on.

The resort is set up like a neighborhood, so there are streets everywhere which are fine to jog. There is a running path on the map you can follow. We especially like the path from building 55 to SSR and DD.

Our first day (Sunday) we are just going to spend at the resort and DTD just hanging out and relaxing. We like doing that after getting up early for our flight to Orlando. We should be at the resort by 11:30 or so.

Thanks!
E

One of our favorite things to do at OKW is to enjoy the resort. It is truly what we consider home at WDW.

 

[kid-at-heart]

If I may ask a question - which area/bldg in OKW would be the quietest, least "busy" area/bldg?

 

[iluveeyore]

Our favourite buildings have been 24 and 33, mostly because we love the patio to sit on in our 1bdrm villa, and these had the most beautiful views of a pond and a golf green together - nice to sit and have my tea in the morning, or to have lunch and watch the kids feed the ducks that always come from the pond. Building 24 was better for being at the first bus stop and a quick walk to the bus stop. Building 33 was right beside a bus stop as well, and a quick walk to the nice quiet Turtle Pond pool. As far as trails, when my GRandma went with us a few years ago, you couldn't keep her from her walks early every morning! She'd come back by 7 am to have tea with me on the deck and report all the bunnies, birds, etc. she saw on her walk. The resort is beautiful and we like it no matter where we stay, but these are our favourites so far. We'll be there in June and look forward to getting our favourite views!!!
Enjoy!

 

[StayFLA]

1st DVC trip for us. We have a 2 BDR in HH. We can't wait. Forget airlines and times. Drivin' down. We're kickin' back and relaxing. Park tix are no exp. See what we see and no worries what we don't. The only hitch is that we see world showcase! No more commando, Vacation time (for the big people too).

Ralph

BTW, our 1st trip is in OKW (surprise me)

 

[Donald is #1]

When I was at OKW, I stayed at Miller's Road. I like the location but to be honest, I have only stayed there once.

On meals, we had breakfast at Olivia's twice and really enjoyed it but it was a bit slow. We also ate lunch at the snack bar once and I thought it was good.

However, I think that the breakfast offerings are a bit thin if you want counter-service. We mostly had bagels in our villa for breakfast.

 

[StayFLA]

Thanks, how do you get the pics in your sig? Nevermind, I figured it out.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Our favorite buildings at OKW are 46, 55, 56, 14, 20, 15, 16. Our favorite area is anything on South Point.

For those of you trying to request buildings 23-26 or 11-14, they are a guaranteed booking catagory now, and NOT a request. You have to book as HH catagory.