Sammy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2000
- Messages
- 2,999
Just back from our very first stay as DVC members! We checked in very late on Thursday the 26th and left yesterday March 2nd. Because our trip was of the last minute variety, we couldnt get our home resort of BCV, but stayed at OKW instead. It was a lovely resort
.very quiet and peaceful. We stayed in a studio because we wanted to save points, but I am really looking forward to a one or two bedroom in the future. Just having the extra bathroom space would be a treat! Feel free to ask any questions, but here are a few observations from our stay:
Stayed in Turtle Pond area room 4020. A bit farther away from the main area than I would have liked, but close to the quiet pool and playground. Kids got a kick out of playing shuffleboard! Had a parking lot view from both the windows and the patio .oh well. If we craned our necks a little while on the patio, we could see a little pond area behind our building. It was a quiet area except for the fact we were in a loop where the busses turned around. Woke me up early almost every morning.
Didnt like how the sink/mirror area is inside the bathroom. Took longer for all of us (4 in total) to get ready as we kept having to jump in and out of the bathroom as people were taking their showers. There is a small mirror over the sink in the kitchenette area, but didnt want to be brushing our hair there.
Kitchenette was more than sufficient for our needs this time. Fridge was big enough for sodas, water bottles, DHs beer, and some snacks, and still had enough room to hold 3 take-home containers from our meal at the Olive Garden one night. Nice to be able to make coffee in the morning too.
On check-in, I scheduled a full housekeeping service for Sunday. On Saturday, I checked with the main desk to just confirm it and they said it was all set. When we returned from our Epcot Day on Sunday evening, we had gotten no service at all. I called Housekeeping and they said it had never been scheduled. I wasnt in the mood to be upset about it, but at checkout I just made sure I hadnt been charged. We did receive the usual trash and towel service on our 4th day.
Bus service unless we wanted a tour of the entire resort (which happened on our return from Epcot Sunday night), we found that walking (or driving) to the Hospitality House was the best way to catch a bus. While we were there, that was the last stop .picking up AND dropping off), so we found it easier to walk (or drive) to the Hospitality House and catch the bus there.
Never did get the chance to eat at Olivias ..maybe next time!
We did like OKW, but felt it was a little too relaxed for us (is that a bad thing??). We like to be a little more near the action so that we have the option of doing stuff if we want. That is one of the main reasons we bought at BCV. Thats not to say I wouldnt ever stay here again. If I were looking for a very peaceful, laid-back type of vacation, I certainly would stay here in a heartbeat. However, my current goal is to be able to try ALL of the DVC resorts!
All in all, it was a nice mini-vacation. The weather was beautiful .mid to high 70s, and we spent more time going at a relaxed pace. Because weve done the parks in the recent past, we didnt feel the need to go commando, and spent a lot of time just enjoying the sights and each other as a family. I think Im gonna like this way of vacationing! Thanks, DVC!!
I'd be happy to answer any questions!
Sammy
Stayed in Turtle Pond area room 4020. A bit farther away from the main area than I would have liked, but close to the quiet pool and playground. Kids got a kick out of playing shuffleboard! Had a parking lot view from both the windows and the patio .oh well. If we craned our necks a little while on the patio, we could see a little pond area behind our building. It was a quiet area except for the fact we were in a loop where the busses turned around. Woke me up early almost every morning.
Didnt like how the sink/mirror area is inside the bathroom. Took longer for all of us (4 in total) to get ready as we kept having to jump in and out of the bathroom as people were taking their showers. There is a small mirror over the sink in the kitchenette area, but didnt want to be brushing our hair there.
Kitchenette was more than sufficient for our needs this time. Fridge was big enough for sodas, water bottles, DHs beer, and some snacks, and still had enough room to hold 3 take-home containers from our meal at the Olive Garden one night. Nice to be able to make coffee in the morning too.
On check-in, I scheduled a full housekeeping service for Sunday. On Saturday, I checked with the main desk to just confirm it and they said it was all set. When we returned from our Epcot Day on Sunday evening, we had gotten no service at all. I called Housekeeping and they said it had never been scheduled. I wasnt in the mood to be upset about it, but at checkout I just made sure I hadnt been charged. We did receive the usual trash and towel service on our 4th day.
Bus service unless we wanted a tour of the entire resort (which happened on our return from Epcot Sunday night), we found that walking (or driving) to the Hospitality House was the best way to catch a bus. While we were there, that was the last stop .picking up AND dropping off), so we found it easier to walk (or drive) to the Hospitality House and catch the bus there.
Never did get the chance to eat at Olivias ..maybe next time!
We did like OKW, but felt it was a little too relaxed for us (is that a bad thing??). We like to be a little more near the action so that we have the option of doing stuff if we want. That is one of the main reasons we bought at BCV. Thats not to say I wouldnt ever stay here again. If I were looking for a very peaceful, laid-back type of vacation, I certainly would stay here in a heartbeat. However, my current goal is to be able to try ALL of the DVC resorts!
All in all, it was a nice mini-vacation. The weather was beautiful .mid to high 70s, and we spent more time going at a relaxed pace. Because weve done the parks in the recent past, we didnt feel the need to go commando, and spent a lot of time just enjoying the sights and each other as a family. I think Im gonna like this way of vacationing! Thanks, DVC!!
I'd be happy to answer any questions!
Sammy
