Just back from first DVC stay!

[kayla87]

We were in a 2 BR at OKW for two days, and then a 2 BR at VWL for 7 days. I will admit I wasn't looking forward to the OKW stay, but I really enjoyed it there. I didn't get my request, but instead got building 18, a ground floor room. We never had a problem with buses, and were never on a standing room only bus even though Millers Road is the next to last stop.

I didn't make any room requests for VWL, but we ended up getting a room off the rotunda on the 3rd floor which overlooked the pool and Bay Lake. We could see part of EWP from the balcony. Our "minuses" for VWL come in light of comparison to OKW. First, there is a shortage of drawers in the master bedroom. Second, the balcony only seats two. Third, it seemed small after coming from the vast square footage of OKW. Has anyone else noticed how scalding the hot water is at VWL?

As a side note - SSR had an extremely long bus line after MK park closing one night. I understand it's park closing, but if SSR is the only resort in sight with such a long line, something should be done. Bus service for OKW and VWL was great (except for one AK bus trip).

If anyone has any questions, I'll try to answer

 

[CarolAnnC]

Glad you enjoyed your stay! OKW is my original resort and always was a fav for us. Regarding the crowded SSR bus line - well, it has been said on the boards that there is a real problem of park guests parking at DTD and walking over to take the SSR buses to the parks...don't think they will be resolving that one any time soon, unfortunately.

 

[sirbradford17]

We are planning a trip for October and are trying to decide on which villa to pursue. Did you come back to either place midday for a break and was it convenient? We have a little one who may need her naps.

Thanks and glad you had such an enjoyable stay.

 

[disneynutz]

Has anyone else noticed how scalding the hot water is at VWL?

That's because the water is heated by the "Fire Rock Geyser".

 

[Brave teacher]

I'm glad to hear you had a nice stay. Our first DVC stay is coming up next month.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

Glad you enjoyed your stay! OKW is my original resort and always was a fav for us. Regarding the crowded SSR bus line - well, it has been said on the boards that there is a real problem of park guests parking at DTD and walking over to take the SSR buses to the parks...don't think they will be resolving that one any time soon, unfortunately.

Wouldn't it be really easy to resolve by requiring room keys to get on the busses at SSR and at the parks heading to SSR? Post a sign at their bus stops saying keys are required to get on the bus. That should scare some off. If I was staying at SSR, I would gladly show my key to get rid of long waits and standing room only. Disney benefits by using less busses, and recouping the parking fees these people are not paying.

 

[Disneypirate85]

Wouldn't it be really easy to resolve by requiring room keys to get on the busses at SSR and at the parks heading to SSR? Post a sign at their bus stops saying keys are required to get on the bus. That should scare some off. If I was staying at SSR, I would gladly show my key to get rid of long waits and standing room only. Disney benefits by using less busses, and recouping the parking fees these people are not paying.

I would agree, being an owner @SSR and then have to wait to get on a bus to my "home" because of PPL trying to avoid paying for parking! There has to be some kinda resolution out there.

 

[oakmanner]

I agree with the LP and keep in mind our MF's are paying to transport these guests!

Dennis-

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Glad you enjoyed OKW! It's one of my favorites!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Someone told me, so maybe it's just an urban legend, that the MF are lower at SSR because in the contract it allows for fewer park buses per hour than OKW. I am assuming that's per number of guests..I can't imagine that SSR has literally fewer busses per park per hour that would be a nightmare. Has anyone ever heard that before?

Bobbi

 

[culli]

I would agree, being an owner @SSR and then have to wait to get on a bus to my "home" because of PPL trying to avoid paying for parking! There has to be some kinda resolution out there.

Anyone send this to MS as a suggestion and if so what was the response? If not why......won't take you much longer than posting your displeasure here on the boards

 

[kayla87]

Regarding the crowded SSR bus line - well, it has been said on the boards that there is a real problem of park guests parking at DTD and walking over to take the SSR buses to the parks...don't think they will be resolving that one any time soon, unfortunately.

I forgot I had read something to that extent before. The buses are my only fear about staying at our home resort for the first time. I think I will feel like I'm back waiting for Riverside buses

We are planning a trip for October and are trying to decide on which villa to pursue. Did you come back to either place midday for a break and was it convenient? We have a little one who may need her naps.

We can back midday at both places, and it was extremely convenient for both. One nice thing about VWL is that it is less than a five minute bus ride from MK. However, the few breaks we took during our OKW stay felt more like a break because of the atmosphere of the resort. I really felt like I was getting away to relax. The nice shaded balcony was wonderful for this reason! Either way I don't think we ate up an excessive amount of time transporting ourselves for midday breaks. Enjoy your trip

 

[CarolAnnC]

Wouldn't it be really easy to resolve by requiring room keys to get on the busses at SSR and at the parks heading to SSR? Post a sign at their bus stops saying keys are required to get on the bus. That should scare some off. If I was staying at SSR, I would gladly show my key to get rid of long waits and standing room only. Disney benefits by using less busses, and recouping the parking fees these people are not paying.

Not that many years ago, all WDW Resort guests were required to show their KTTW cards when getting on the buses. Some park admissions also included transportation and these were shown as well.

I never minded, though it was a bit of a struggle at times with small children in tow. But, due to the many complaints, they did away with this requirement. I certainly would not mind a bit if they go back to the old way and require showing this. Problem is, that transportation is included with AP and hoppers, so they may not be onsite guests, hence parking at DTD and then taking the SSR buses.

 

[kerickson]

Problem is, that transportation is included with AP and hoppers, so they may not be onsite guests, hence parking at DTD and then taking the SSR buses.

Then Disney should have a bus to DDD and not require SSR to shoulder the AP/Hopper crowd. Anyway, just my 2 cents, don't want to turn this into a bus thread.

I'm glad to hear you had a great 1st trip home (but jealous)! Ours was supposed to be the end of this month 2 nights SSR and 6 nights VWL. Had to cancel due to an unexpected surgery... now have to wait for Oct for a short 3 night stay, but then we get to cruise for 7 nights!

 

[jennypenny]

Our favorite room ever at OKW was a first floor room in building 18. Nice view of golf course, fountain, and HH in distance. Lots of wildlife joined us for breakfast every morning. Easy walk to HH.

It's funny because I had always heard bad things about the Miller's Road area. I guess that's why I don't make room requests except for first floor--you never know what YOU will like.

 

[scout68]

We just returned from 7 days at SSR and while we didn't care for the resort very much (2 children 5,3) we had no complaints at all about the wait time. We used the bus at all times of the day (rope drop to late shows) and our average wait time was 10 to 15 min. Our longest wait was 25.