Is there such a thing as a bad Grand Villa?

[poppop]

I have read numerous posts requesting information on the best location to request at OKW. However, if you make no special requests other than non-smoking, is it likely you would get a poor location or somewhat less than ideal Grand Villa?

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

In my opinion, there are no bad locations at OKW. We've stayed there multiple times and each time at a different location - they've all been great. 2 of our stays have been in GV's, and with the one exception of getting a smoking GV when a non-smoking was asked for, both stays were great.

 

[Richyams]

I have stayed in nine different Grand Villas, never the same one twice. The only area I never got, I am not sure if there are GVs in those buildings, is bldgs 11-14. Each area and building was great. They all had something special, they all had great views.

The only place I had any issue at all with was bldg 15, while there was water and golf to the right, Community Drive was not very far away to the left...when looking off the back balcony. The noise from the road was not very pleasant when you were on the balcony.

That one issue still wasn't enough for me to make any kind of location request. I reserve right at 11 months, I could very easily make and probably get honored any location request I make, we have been everywhere and no area had any real benefit over any other.

We always have a car and also figure that any kids old enough to go to the hospitality house area alone could use the exercise they will get by walking there. A bus stop is of no concern to me. I have actually never been on a bus from or to OKW.

OKW resort map

 

[poppop]

Thanks to all! Anymore opinions would be welcome.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have to agree with Rich, that we haven't seen any really bad locations either. When we stayed in the GV in building 22, it had great viesws and was VERY quiet, but quite a ways to the bus stop.

 

[yesdisneyfool]

Originally posted by Richyams
I have stayed in nine different Grand Villas, never the same one twice. The only area I never got, I am not sure if there are GVs in those buildings, is bldgs 11-14. Each area and building was great. They all had something special, they all had great views.

OKW resort map

It looks like building 11-14 do not have GV's, this is according to Doc's OKW Building Configuration Summary.

 

[Richyams]

We were in one of those 23-26 buildings, I believe 26. It was nice that it was just over the bridge to the HH. The view was complete golf course and woods. There was not a road to be seen.

The turtle pond area is also secluded and very quiet and comfortable.

Now that I am thinking about it, I guess I would prefer to not be down at the bottm again, bldgs 49-55 are just too far away. Some of these are nearer roads and I think I didn't like the parking situation at the last one I stayed in....I am trying to remember exactly which one....looking at the map that someone so graciously supplied , it was bldg 51. I don't even remember what it was that I didn't like.

 

[Merilyn]

We have stayed in a GV many times and we liked them all. We stayed in the new building in May. I think it is building 62. The GV was just next to the elevator. Now that was nice!!! No stairs with all that luggage. It was a handicapped room, but that was even better. We had 2 people with slight handicaps and the elevetor was great.

 

[babylisa4]

Can you tell me more about that GV by the elevator? I don't need a handicap unit but I do need for my mom to not have to walk stairs to get to the unit. thanks

 

[Richyams]

No matter what, even in the buildings with the elevator, you still have stairs to the second floor of the unit. Unless you are giving mom the master bedroom, she will still be climbing stairs.

Also, remember that all(except one) GVs start on the second floor of the buildings they are in. You have to walk up one flight of stairs to get to the first floor of the GV. The master is the only bedroom on the first floor.

Even the handicap accessable GVs really aren't....unless the handicap person gets the master bedroom. There are no elevators to the second floor.

I would also think that the new buildings are often requested, making it less likely that you will get one without claiming 'medical reasons' and even with that, there are only a couple GVs in the new bldgs and unless someone is checking out the day you arrive, you may have difficulty even getting a medical request honored.

 

[POLLY ANN]

I stayed in bldg 51 and hated being that far away from the HH. The unit itself was very nice and overlooked the golf course. But, I could hear the highway traffic when sitting out on the balcony, which killed the ambiance of being on the golf course. (Sorry, I'm just one of those people that like it peaceful and quiet most of the time!)

We also stayed in bldg 63, which was one of the ones with an elevator. It was a handicap unit which I requested for a guest and they used the MBR. I liked the area because it was within walking distance to the HH and main pool. Yes, you could hear the traffic coming into the resort but it wasn't as bad as hearing the highway traffic.

BTW, in either unit, I could not hear any traffic noise when inside the GV.

 

[babylisa4]

You are right- as much as I hate to give it up- mom is getting that master bedroom. We have taken her to Vero though and she could make it up the stairs to the second floor but would seem more a deterent for her if she had to do it everytime she came and went. Thanks all for the info