How are the Grand Villas at OKW?

[4mcbjCtr]

Our home resort is SSR and those grand villas are absolutely exquisite. We are going to have a large group and are just brand new, so don't have a lot of points yet. I noticed the OKW GV are a lot less points than SSR. Are the GVs at OKW still really nice? Any input would be appreciated. THanks.

 

[4mcbjCtr]

One more question too. Is it very hard to get into OKW in July at a GV if that is not my home resort? I am new to DVC, just joined, so I will be a regular here. You all are a wealth of knowledge, so I figured this is the best place to come.

 

[Candace]

The GV at OKW are fabulous. I have toured the ones at SSR and they are a more elegant feel. OKW is more tropical and they are larger as well. Living room area is much larger, as I recall. Kitchen too. They are great and I can't wait to stay in one again. As far as July, I would make my ressies for SSR since it is your home resort, and then try to change to OKW at the 7 month window, day by day.

 

[AFMom]

There are some wonderful pictures at allearsnet.com in the accomodations section of the website - look for the Old Key West resort - have fun!

 

[Chuck S]

OKW GVs can be hard to book at the 7 month window, it all depends on season and demand. I agree with Candace, try to book at SSR then change to OKW at the 7 month mark.

OKW GVs are huge. However, if you have anyone in your party needing special assistance like a wheelchair, you should know that OKW GVs have no access to the second floor bedrooms for wheelchairs, and most OKW GVs don't have wheelchair access at all, as most are on the 2nd & 3rd floors in non-elevator bldgs. Other than that, they are beautiful and well worth trying to book at the 7 month wndow.

 

[spiceycat]

I though one of the new building 62-64 had a GV for handicapped???

could be wrong.

SSR is very sophisticated.

OKW is more relaxed feeling - home-like.

go look at the DVC site

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/guest/resorts/resortGuestDetail?id=OKGuestAccommodationDetailPage

look at the 360 degree view at both OKW and SSR.

 

[Chuck S]

I though one of the new building 62-64 had a GV for handicapped???

There is a GV in one of the new bldgs with elevator access, but it still only allows wheelchair access to the first floor of the GV, the upstairs bedrooms still don't have elevator access, as far as I know.

 

[Simba's Mom]

If anyone wants to know the exact room # for that HA GV, it's #6322.

 

[beccasmom]

OKW's GV's are wonderful!!! We've always booked them for May; I imagine July is really tough. One caveat: because the first floor is not fully carpeted, noises can "carry", especially with the cathedral ceiling. Might be a bit annoying for late, light sleepers on the second floor. Otherwise, it's a dream!

 

[pumpkinboy]

Oh NO; don't reserve an OKW GV. It's not at all what you want.

Leave them available for me to reserve instead; thx

 

[Disney Doll]

They are huge. They are great!!! There is no HA access to the 2nd floor, like there is in SSR. You would need to request one in an elevator buidling, because they usually are on the 2nd & 3rd floors, so if you have a handicapped person, the elevator is a must. But of course you would tell MS that when you called.

Theme-wise they are a bit more tropical & relaxed than SSR, but still very nice.

Getting one in July---hard to say. DVC busy times tend to be a bot different than regular WDW busy times due to point values for off-seaon, so it may be easier than you think.

 

[ccw]

I have not stayed at Saratoga but have just returned form a stay at an OKW Grand Villa. What's not to love?????? HUGE villa and you will especially love the vaulted ceiling in the living area which makes the space seem even larger. Great porch, comfy beds, pretty bathrooms...truly HOME AWAY FROM HOME! We rented a car but rarely used it. Bus transportation was very efficient PLUS we were towards the back of OKW (Bldg 49) so could walk to Downtown Disney and the Spa at Saratoga (which we did!). Bell Services was wonderful, the staff at every turn went above and beyond for us. Nice pool close by, great view of the golf course and woods, 6 minute lovely walk to the Hospitality House (which we did frequently so we could justify sampling another treat at Food and Wine!) OKW is a much more appealing theme to me than Saratoga but others would disagree. Let me just say that we had a fabulous stay (6 women) at OKW and, especially with the lower points requirement, I think you'd be wasting points to stay anywhere else. Just my opinion, of course. My apologies to fellow OKW DVC members who would prefer we keep OKW our little secret !!!!