Just back from OKW room 5032...observations from a 10 year owner

[jodifla]

We were at OKW from Jan. 21-26. We've stayed there over 20 times, I'd say, over the 10 years we've owned.

I'd been reading with interest about OKW going "downhill" but frankly, I didn't see it. (I do think that dining is on the decline at WDW because of the dining plan, but I posted that over on the restaurant boards.)


I wasn't wild about building 50. Too close to the road, so I'll try to avoid that building next time. Still, when we were inside, we didn't hear much noise.

Room was clean. There were a few scrapes on the walls and the furniture, and a few stains on the couches, but the overall effect of the room's appearance was great as always. People we brought with us for the first time loved it. They thought it was wonderful.

Only cleanliness issue we had was the whirlpool tub. After DS's bath, there was a bunch of grit at the bottom. I had brought some wipes with me, so I just cleaned it up. It wasn't a big deal to me, but I know there are a lot of really zealous cleaners out there that would have had a fit. So if you are one of those people, you probably want to flush out the tub before you use it.

There was some dust on the doors, but to say it was a place in decline would be really stretching it, IMO.

There ARE things about WDW that alarm me. Particularly the dining decline and the state of the public restrooms. But OKW looks as good to me as always.

PS We had really great fish at Olivia's!

 

[dumbo71]

Thanks for the report Jodifla. I'm glad you had a great trip.

I completely agree with your views. I see a decline of WDW and dining not necessarily the rooms at DVC.

 

[3pirates]

Hi! We've owned at OKW since February 1993. I agree with you.

We were just there at the end of December. Other than the fact that everything isn't brand new, I don't see any decline. Our room was fresh, very clean, and the resort was well maintained. Over the years we have seen a spot on a chairs upholstery, or maybe the sofa was getting near needing refurbished, but we've also seen the refurbishments happen.

We love going there over and over! We also were less impressed with Olivias...still loved the place, not crazy about the new menu. We've been up and down with it over the years as well, though.

 

[spiceycat]

I had a couple of problems - the toliet won't quit dripping. (not a big problem). and the pool needed to be cleaned (I HAVE NEVER HAD THAT PROBLEM BEFORE)

plus 2 of the 4 spa (outside whirlpools) were broken. that has never happened before either (well to me)

the pool (this is the one at South pointe near where you are) was not in great shape - everything was overgrowth - and it just looked bad.

they send out a team -not the one or two (okay even 3 people) that was needed to do this job - I mean they send out over 10 people (might be 15).

that was silly and those people needed to be paid. If OKW now has that many landscapers - then the place should look excellent all the time.

plus my big problem - always before I had called and in 15 minutes okay sometimes 30 minutes someone was there.

had to call 3 times and then when I found a maintence person he say he hadn't been called and called his manager. who got the stuff fixed.

I have been a member for 13 years. soon to be 14 years.

so why higher maintence fees and lower service.

 

[dvcjim]

7 1/2 year owner here, with 12 DVC vacations under my belt.

The whole system is showing wear.

These rooms get used very hard and very often, and it shows.

I am not speaking of OKW, but of all the resorts.

Major over hauls are needed at almost every resort.

I have also noticed over the last 3-4 years that the typical owner is much younger, and tend to have more children in the rooms.

Younger people with children, tend to put more wear on a room when they stay there, that is a simple fact.

 

[dumbo71]

7 1/2 year owner here, with 12 DVC vacations under my belt.

The whole system is showing wear.

These rooms get used very hard and very often, and it shows.

I am not speaking of OKW, but of all the resorts.

Major over hauls are needed at almost every resort.

I have also noticed over the last 3-4 years that the typical owner is much younger, and tend to have more children in the rooms.

Younger people with children, tend to put more wear on a room when they stay there, that is a simple fact.

I think, expandng on that, MS allowing the 5 in a one bedroom/studio and 9 in a 2 bedroom, certainly doesn't help either. Maybe by simply making the T&T service a full cleaning and sticking to occupancy limits based on the number each units sleeps and we might slow the deterioration down.

 

[spiceycat]

. Maybe by simply making the T&T service a full cleaning

no thank you.

I like leaving my junk (okay I am messy) and knowing that everything will remain untouch until I return - definitely helps my peace of mind.

I don't like anyone in my room unless I am there!!!

love that when DVC maintence people have to fix something they leave you a note saying that they did it. if you are gone.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Thanks for posting. When we stayed at OKW, everything looked great...though it was our first time there, so we had nothing to compare. Still, a lovely place.

 

[jodifla]

7 1/2 year owner here, with 12 DVC vacations under my belt.

The whole system is showing wear.

These rooms get used very hard and very often, and it shows.

I am not speaking of OKW, but of all the resorts.

Major over hauls are needed at almost every resort.

I have also noticed over the last 3-4 years that the typical owner is much younger, and tend to have more children in the rooms.

Younger people with children, tend to put more wear on a room when they stay there, that is a simple fact.

I expect rooms to have some wear and tear, particularly when they are used like homes, and not hotel rooms.

I do consider the DVC units to be pretty deluxe rooms. My furnishings at the Yacht Club, Contemporary and Poly were all pretty similar. I don't see much difference.

It's not practical (and would be hellish on our dues) to put in a new coffee table every time it's scratched.

 

[dumbo71]

no thank you.

I like leaving my junk (okay I am messy) and knowing that everything will remain untouch until I return - definitely helps my peace of mind.

I don't like anyone in my room unless I am there!!!

love that when DVC maintence people have to fix something they leave you a note saying that they did it. if you are gone.

Pat I hear you loud and clear. I don't miss the housekeeping either. I hate having to worry about when they are coming. I just wonder if the once per week full cleaning would help some of the maintenance/ clealniness issues we often hear about.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Gotta agree about the decline of dining and the public rest rooms!!! I agree, we haven't seen a big decline at OKW either.

 

[Halle]

I also favor a full cleaning because it helps to maintain the property.

 

[byoung]

Thanks for reporting.