First trip to OKW - need tips!!

[momoftwogirls]

We just joined DVC this month(BWV). We are making our first trip in just about two weeks. I have never planned a trip in such a short amount of time.
We have never been to OKW - any adivce? We are staying in a studio.
What supplies are provided in the studios? What do we need to bring?
How is the pool? Are there life vest/noodles/etc for the kids to rent or are they free to use?
What is the HH? Are there scheduled activities for kids during the day?
What about laundry facilities - where are they located - are they free to use since we are in a studio?
Any other helpful hints about OKW?
THANKS!!

 

[ccw]

WELCOME!!! I have been a DVC member for a long time and often stay in OKW studios to save points. Big splurge last year was a GRAND VILLA with girlfriends and that was awesome...but you can't beat the studios for the points. You really shouldn't need to bring a lot other than your clothes. Grocery stores are close so if you have a car, you can just make a run to get what you need (that would be coffee, water and wine for me!). The washers and dryers are next to the quiet pools so you should not be far from one. They are free to use but you will need to supply detergent and dryer sheets if you use them. TIP-I like to go VERY early in the morning to do laundry...never any problem wiht getting machines then.

There are planned activities for adults and children at the Hospitality House (HH) and pool area. But there is also plenty to keep kids busy without the planned stuff. My boys like the pools (exp. now that there is a slide), and since they are older, they enjoy basketball, tennis, and playing ping pong by the pool. I think there is also a pool table in the check in area but I am not sure about that. On our last trip, we rented a boat and loved being out on the water for an hour or so.

OKW is our home and also my favorite DVC spot because it is relatively quiet and peaceful...bus transportation has always been very efficient and we like just relaxing on the porch early in the morning and in the evening. By the way, there is a path to Downtown Disney and Saratoga Springs and that is a nice perk, too. (We walked to the spa and fitness center at SSR...you can use SSR fitness center and pool free if you are a DVC member. Their fitness center is better equipped than OKW's)

Have fun! I'll be back at OKW in November in a studio and can't wait!

 

[momoftwogirls]

ccw - thanks so much for the info!

Are there plates, glasses, silverware,etc in the studios or should I bring paper products from home? What about paper towels and dish soap?

 

[dianeschlicht]

ccw - thanks so much for the info!

Are there plates, glasses, silverware,etc in the studios or should I bring paper products from home? What about paper towels and dish soap?

The studios will have real glasses and cups, but paper bowls and plates and plastic table ware. There are paper towels in the unit. Anything that you run out of can be had by just calling Mousekeeping. There will be a small bottle of dish washing liquide (Polmolive) and 1 starter pack of coffee as well as a few sugar/sweetener packets.