Help me plan our next trip - OKW????

[lizzie64]

Hi everyone,

Well we're back one month and already I'm in severe withdrawl. We'd like to do our next trip around the time of Christmas decorations.

There are 6 of us. DH, myself, DD who will be 16, DS 16, DS5 and DS3.

Our last trip we did 2 rooms at the Poly and then AKL concierge.
Those prices were pretty hefty.

We were thinking about Old Key West this time. I think we'd need a 2 bedroom.

Any opinions??

 

[floridafam]

When are you thinking about going, this Holiday season?

Are there particular reasons for choosing OKW? The size of the rooms?

I see a lot of posters on this board that love OKW and we actually had it booked for a while but I didn't want to have to hike or take a bus somewhere every time the kids wanted to do something or needed something. In an all enclosed hotel you can just run down the hall to an arcade or to eat, etc.

Have you thought about BWV? We really want to stay here sometime because it just seems to have something for everyone.
Great pool, the Boardwalk activities, larger villas that give you the space you want, easy access to Epcot, MGM and restaurants at the other resorts by Epcot.

It just seemed like it would be closer to the "Magic" than OKW. We will definately try OKW someday when we just want to relax and the kids are a little older.

 

[floridafam]

I don't want anyone to think I don't like OKW. It looks absolutely beautiful. Have you checked out the pictures on wdwig.com or ourlaughingplace.com?

If we were going at the holidays it would be hard not to stay at VWL because it just seems to be the perfect place to go for the holidays. The theming, decorations, etc.

OKW would be a nice stay especially if you were coming from somewhere cold.

 

[lizzie64]

Hi Floridafam,

Not this holiday season. 2004.

I think the room size has alot to offer.

Now your point about an all inclusive resort where everything is together - that's one of the reasons I preferred the AKL over the Poly. Everytime we wanted a drink or the kids wanted to go to the arcade it was a walk.

I'll have to look into the other villas. I just started this planning. Do they decorate for the holidays as well?

 

[mikesmom]

Best call ASAP. The DVC board is full of comments about no rooms available at VWL already. Of course, that may not be 2 bedrooms. (I know some dates in December are totally full for Studios). I'd call soon to get any choice.

 

[lizzie64]

Originally posted by mikesmom
Best call ASAP. The DVC board is full of comments about no rooms available at VWL already. Of course, that may not be 2 bedrooms. (I know some dates in December are totally full for Studios). I'd call soon to get any choice.

Goodness no -

I need at least a year to plan a disney trip. We are looking at 2004. But, isn't there a time limit as to how in advance I can book a DVC property

 

[floridafam]

Hi Lizzie,

You do have a lot of time to plan.

I would definately check out VWL-great place to be for the holidays. Also, have you thought about a deluxe room aka junior suite at WL? VWL will probably be very busy around that time but it's worth checking into.

It sounds like you will be going in value season which would make the rates a little cheaper than right at Christmas time. I would definately be on the look out for AP rates, etc. when it gets closer to that time.

BWV seems nice because there is so much to do right outside your door. I think our kids would enjoy the activities in the community hall. The BWV seems like it has a nice mix of things to keep all of your kids happy with a lot of activities for the little ones and plenty of things to do for the teens.

Not taking your smother-in-law?

Isn't the withdrawl awful? That is the part I hate about going to WDW. As soon as we leave, I want to go back.

 

[lizzie64]

NO SMOTHER IN LAW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Part of why I was looking into one of the DVC's. Since we are paying ourselves this time, I thought It might be more affordable than 2 rooms.

We also vacation in a villa in Myrtle Beach and I like having everyone together for some meals and tv time and what not.

I thought I might like having a living room and kitchenette there.

 

[floridafam]

Villa availability is always tricky.

You may find availability now because they keep a certain percentage of the rooms at each DVC property for regular reservations. You may find more availability as it gets closer to your trip because they tend to release more rooms at certain times.

Anyway, I've seen AAA rates, DC rates, AP rates and others for villas. You can always book and see if you can apply something later.

If you decide to take your smother-in-law you could go to BCV, they have alligators

 

[lizzie64]

Thanks,

I had my chance on the Sunrise Safari with the lions.

And there is no way she will ever come with us again.

 

[floridafam]

Planning is almost as much fun as going.

Have fun planning your trip and let us know what you decide on.

 

[FredS]

OKW would be a great choice. I HAVE stayed at OKW, as well as several other resorts onsite. It may well be our family's favorite. On each of our stays it has been less hassle to get to the store at OKW than the trek to the main area at BWV from our room! Transportation is great, rooms are bigger there and theming is beautiful. I think if you try it, you would love it.

 

[Lexxiefern]

I think you should try it, it looks like a beautiful resort. I am taking my mom there in January for 2 nights before we move over to BWV. It looks so peaceful and relaxing.

Are you thinking about renting points from a DVC member or going through CRO?

 

[lizzie64]

haven't even thought that far. I think I'll go through cro.

 

[springsteenmickey]

I have heard a lot of good things about the OKW but also a few negatives, the main being that it is away from quite a lot. However, seeing that you stayed at AKL then you know all about the bus schedules and so forth. Villas are great to look into as they offer a lot for a family with respect to comfort. Although the villas may be a few extra dollars you probably will save in the long run as you can have a few meals in because of all the amenities available to you and this is a money saver. However Lizzie, I believe that your math is wrong as I count 7 um, you forgot about me