First Trip to OKW -- looking for some help and suggestions

[DisneyFamilyof10]

Our family just bought into DVC last month, and will be taking our first trip as members next January. We'll be staying at OKW because we need a Grand Villa, as we are a family of ten. We're very much looking forward to our trip, especially after reading all of the praises everyone on this board has for OKW and DVC in general.

We're planning on calling to make our reservations this week, and thought we would ask for some help from all of you DVC veterans. We're looking for some idea of what buildings we should request when making our reservations. We would like to be within walking distance of a swimming pool, though it doesn't have to be one of the larger pools. We would also like to be within walking distance of a playground and/or sandbox. Bus stops don't matter, as we will be renting cars. But we do want a building that has good parking, and is perhaps a little quieter. (Although once our family moves in, it might not be so quiet anymore! ) And, of course, a nice view would be good too, but is not necessary.

Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[Basser]

First, let me say "Welcome Home". The best thing for you to do is to tell MS what you want when you call. I would suggest something near the HH and main pool or the Turtle Pond area. Parking at OKW is right outside your door in most cases. I hope this helps you.

 

[RobDoc]

Welcome Home.

Rather than asking for a specific building, you should probably just let MS know about your requests when you make the reservation, as there are only a few GV's and most buildings don't have one. Just ask to be near a quiet pool. There are no buildings too far from a bus stop.

Keep in mind that GV's do go quickly, so call right at 7 months for your reservation. Good Luck!

 

[drise]

We just got back from our first visit as DVC members at OKW on June 8. We had a 1 bedroom in the Turtle Pond area - great location. A tip if you plan to cook, the pots and pans are a plain metal - your food will stick in the frying pan, we tried to cook eggs and they just stuck. I would bring a small nonstick pan in my suitcase next time. A great place for dinner is Boma's at the Animal Kingdom Lodge - buffet and fabulous food!! Have fun!

 

[BillM]

If you can't get a GV ask to be wait listed for one. Then book a 2 BR and have them link a studio with it so you can all be close together. Also pull up a map on this site for OKW and pick out a group of buildings that you like. Don't worry about the parking. It will be right outside the building.
We will be at OKW last of January. I'll look for a group of ten.

 

[Disney Doll]

Ask for one of the newest buildings...they have elevators to get you to the upper floors, which beats schlepping your luggage up and down the stairs when you arrive and leave! I know building 63 and 64 are two of the ones with elevators, but there are more as well. They are close to the Conch Flats area (right across the street, actually) so you'd be within walking distance to the main pool, gift shop etc.