Just back from OKW and FW Cabins-happy to answer questions!

[Simba's Mom]

At OKW, we had a 2 BR on South Point Road, at FW Cabins we were in loop 2800. Ate at Olivia's and Trail's End, weather was great (no rain all week) but hot. Went to all parks, saw Fantasmic, Illuminations, mini-golf, ESPN Zone, any ???

 

[magicmouse2]

How did the cabins compare to OKW ?

 

[Mboothby]

Originally posted by Simba's Mom
At OKW, we had a 2 BR on South Point Road, at FW Cabins we were in loop 2800. Ate at Olivia's and Trail's End, weather was great (no rain all week) but hot. Went to all parks, saw Fantasmic, Illuminations, mini-golf, ESPN Zone, any ???

GREAT! We're staying at OKW. Leaving in just FOUR DAYS! We too have a 2 bdrm AND a 1 bdrm (8 of us). So, questions...well
First, what number were you in? That is, the area number according to the OKW map and how did you like it, or dislike it? Just HOW far IS the Main House from some of the outter areas? Did you stay in a block with or without an elevator and how did you find that? What was the bus transpo like there? Waits? Is there a better stop than others? Did you notice if the "quiet" pools were open longer than the main pool? It's be said that sometimes the "quiet" pools are open 24 hours. Did you shop at Conch Flats and did you find they carried a decent selection of necessary items for your stay?
How many people did you have in the 2 bdrm and did you feel it was sufficient space for your needs? Did you go as a DVC member, if NOT, did they clean your room everyday? How was check-in? Some resorts are notorious for having slow check-ins. Did you make special room requests and if so, were they granted? Was the staff nice? Oh, I'm full of questions, aren't I. Well, tried to cover all my bases. Thanx in advance for any info you are willing to share.
By the way, how were the crowds?

 

[Gillian]

Welcome back!

what did you think of the 2800 loop? Is it big? How was the internal bus transportation at FW? Thanks!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Mboothby-now I don't feel so bad about asking a lot of questions-I certainly understand! Let's see how many I can answer. We went as DVC members, just had trash and towel one day (and we were in the unit while she did it-took about 5 minutes). I'm surprised at myself to say, I don't miss the housekeeping at all. We had 4 people, 2 adults and 2 "almost adults" (DS #1, 23, DS #2, 20). We thought the set up was perfect. We were on the second floor with no elevator, not only did we not wish for an elevator, we would prefer the third floor even if we had to walk. We were in Bldg #52, just about the furthest out, pretty long walk in the summer heat, but I imagine it would be OK in the cooler months. Bus service was fine, lots of people hopped a bus from the bus stop nearest them to the Hospitality House rather than walk. We were very near our bus stop, South Point, but after us, the bus stopped at Turtle Pond before going to Hospitality House, so our bus stop was probably the least desirable for the ones who wanted to "bus hop". I didn't notice the pool hours. Mid-afternoon the "quiet" pool was quite busy, but it really cleared out around 5:00. As far as the staff, we've been to WDW 16 times, stayed at 10 different resorts, and the OKW staff was the friendliest we've ever encountered. One really nice thing, for example: in all our trips, we've celebrated lots of birthdays, anniversaries, etc. and CMs always knew. However, at check-in at OKW (which went smoothly, no wait), I mentiones "I hope we got a nice golf view, this trip is a graduation present for my son and he loves golf!" Well, the next afternoon, we came back to a bouquet of balloons and a card signed by Mickey and Minnie. As the CM knew, his graduation was from college-but you're never too old to love Mickey!
A little about FW, we stayed there after OKW, saved DVC points. The purpose of staying there was Mom's nostalgia-on our first trip in 1987, we'd stayed there. Coincidently, we were given the same loop! I enjoyed staying there, but DH grumbled about missing OKW. Loop 2800 is huge and the transportation, though prompt, was rather confusing. I'm very glad we stayed there (nostalgia-probably last "family" vacation since DS starts his new job 3 1/2 hours away tomorrow), and still think the campground is great for families, but now that we're "empty nesters", we have no desire to return there.
Whew-typed alot-any more questions?

 

[Mboothby]

Originally posted by Simba's Mom
Mboothby-We were in Bldg #52, just about the furthest out, pretty long walk in the summer heat, but I imagine it would be OK in the cooler months. Bus service was fine, lots of people hopped a bus from the bus stop nearest them to the Hospitality House rather than walk. We were very near our bus stop, South Point, but after us, the bus stopped at Turtle Pond before going to Hospitality House, so our bus stop was probably the least desirable for the ones who wanted to "bus hop".

How funny, that's the building we requested. My only real concern was being so far from the Hospitality House, but we'll have a car. Which brings me to one more question. Was there parking at the Hospitality House. I'm thinking, since we'll have the car, we could drive to HH rather than bus it, but couldn't really tell from the map if there was parking right at HH. I honestly don't know how much we'll go to HH ( I assume this is where Conch Flats is), but knowning me and my pention for shopping, I can imagine I'll wanna visit a few times during the trip and this California Girl just ain't used to the heat an humidity, so I'm looking for the most comfortable solution.
I'm so glad to hear about the great service. Ya know, I've stayed in many resorts myself there and really don't have any complaints, save for the All Stars (and that was my fault for choosing them), but I have noticed a definate attitude difference from resort to resort. Which is odd, I think, but apparent nevertheless. Just from what I've read about OKW, I think it's going to overtake Boardwalk as my favorite resort.

 

[dgaston]

There is a parking lot at HH. I don't know what kind of shopping you have in mind at Conch Flats. The food is way overpriced, and there is a selection of DVC items for sale. I think it's better to get food off-property at the Publix on 192, easy to get to, and you can take the boat to Downtown Disney for shopping at the World of Disney. Well you could drive, too, but the boat is fun.