Just Back from OKW GV and Expedition Everest!

[DVCforMe]

Just back today - not even unpacked but I'm on the boards, is that sad or what!!??.

First time stay at an OKW grand villa, we were in building 29 which has a limited view of trees but is within easy walking distance of the Hospitality House for frequent family foosball tournaments. The Grand Villas are wonderfully spacious and feel truly grand - my one complaint is whoever designed the master suite must have been a bit of an exhibitionist! No door between the bedroom and the jacuzzi or shower. We let my Mom and our little girl share the suite so Mom wouldn't have to do the stairs. Mom said she just toweled off and dressed in the shower so as not to shock her grand daughter first thing in the morning!

We were at Animal Kingdom bright and early on the first day of the Expedition Everest opening. The ride is beautifully themed and unlike any standard rollercoaster I've ever been on. You are more securely restrained than on Big Thunder but less so than on Rockin' Rollercoaster. There is a divider between the two passengers and individual pull-down lap bars. This is nice for the kids so they don't get squished by the grown-ups and the bar can be snugged up to hold them down more securely. There is also a straight board behind your head so you don't leave it behind... I don't want to give away any of the fun of the ride but you will be going forwards and backwards thru chilly mists and steep plunges in the shadow of the Yeti. Lots of fun.

The sign package was still under wraps across from Bonnet Creek as of 11 am this morning. Some digging going one still - I hope it's more than a fancy DVC billboard but I'm beginning to suspect that's all it may be.

Any questions?

Charlotte

 

[MrsNick]

Thanks for the report...and the warning about giving a free show

 

[Plutofan]

Thanks for theupdate. It sounds like you had a great trip.

 

[PBader]

Glad your stay was nice, we love the OKW GV! We can't wait to try out EE in October!
Paula

 

[mark&sue]

What is the height restriction? We will be travelling with a seven year old.

Many thanks



Susan

 

[Pa@okw95]

All units under #30 at OKW do not have a door through the laudry room to the bathroom.

 

[DVCforMe]

I didn't see a height requirement posted, but there were many kids riding who looked about 6. The taller height requirements seem to be for rides with the shoulder harness (RnRC and Primeaval Hurl) this one has a lap bar so littler kids can ride safely. I would think a 7 year old would be fine.

It wasn't the door between the laundry room and the bathroom I missed - there was no door between the bedroom and the jacuzzi or shower. If you stepped out of the shower you were in full and glorious view of anyone in the bedroom. The only privacy in the bathroom was near the commode.

 

[Aneille]

What is the height restriction? We will be travelling with a seven year old.

Many thanks



Susan

According to the WDW website the height restriction is 44" so your 7 year will be able to ride it.

Rock N Roll and Primeavil Whirl are 48".

 

[westjones]

I have a question.

I read that there are 4 bathrooms in the OKW GVs. Are there actually 4 toilets? Or are the counting the tub/shower area as a seperate bath area when they say that?

BTW, do you have any pictures? We are hoping to get a GV at OKW in two years for a big family trip!

Thanks!
DJ

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks for the reviews! Can't wait to try EE!

 

[castleri]

There are actually four bathrooms in the GVs. The fourth one is off the hall going to the Master Suite and is for the people sleeping in the LR. It has a sink, toilet and shower - no tub so yes 4 toilets.

 

[DVCforMe]

The GV does have three bedrooms each with their own bath and a fourth bathroom on the main floor with a shower, sink, and toilet. If someone were to sleep on the pull out couch in the living room this would be their primary bathroom. Sorry, I don't have any pictures - I tried once to put the pictures of the DVC properties under my signature and ended up with "

 

[BCV23]

Sounds like a great trip. Can't wait to try EE.

 

[circhead]

I'm glad to hear EE was that good. I've just confirmed reservations for my third trip this year alone so that I could ride it. My family is always laughing at me because I've used up 3 year's worth of points this year alone.