Just back from OKW!

[Tarheel Tink]

DH and I returned Friday from 1 week at WDW- first 2 nights at the Swan and then Sunday to Friday at a 2 bedroom in OKW. Huge! Loved it!

Our friends were impressed by the unit and really enjoyed OKW. We had dinner and breakfast once at Olivia's- very good. Transportation was steady and we caught on quickly to the system of getting to the hospitality house. Our room was ready by 3:30- building 45, room 4524 second floor canal view. Everything was clean and ready for us. We did report a loose handle on the shutters to the jacuzzi tub separating the master bedroom (if we'd had a screwdriver we would have fixed it ourselves) but forgot to tell them the measuring spoons were missing (sorry folks).

Our check in was smooth, bell services and housekeeping very friendly and even our friends enjoyed all the Welcome Homes (once I explained it to them).
We miss the place already and will return.

 

[SusieBea]

Boy, after all the disappointing trip reviews recently, I was glad to hear you were pleased w/ OKW. We'll be there beginning 12/27. Can you tell me if the VCRs in those units have been replaced w/ DVD players? Thanks.

 

[Tarheel Tink]

There was a DVD player in the living room, just TVs in the bedrooms. Have a great trip- OKW Christmas decorations are so perfect for the theme!
If you eat dinner at Olivia's the grouper was delicious, DH keeps getting the conch chowder (or was it stew? tomato based) and liked his 10 oz steak, friends really enjoyed the Penne Shrimp and the 10 oz Prime Rib was good (but not incredible).
Breakfast was very good there but the chocolate toast thingy was not very chocolately according to friend; said it tasted like brown bread although dark chocolate was in it (although she enjoyed the dish, just not what she had imagined.) Very good service there.

 

[lisaviolet]

building 45, room 4524 second floor canal view.

Get the heck out of my suite!!!!

 

[Tarheel Tink]

Wow! You are on "our" couch! Great villa, isn't it. BTW, I commend you on your spectacular choice of resort ownerships!

 

[AKV707]

Boy, after all the disappointing trip reviews recently, I was glad to hear you were pleased w/ OKW. We'll be there beginning 12/27. Can you tell me if the VCRs in those units have been replaced w/ DVD players? Thanks.

We were at OKW in late Oct in a studio #2424 and absolutely loved OKW. We are AKV owners and willl likely stay there most of the time, OKW will likely be our second favorite.

The resort is beautiful,our studio was in perfect condition, the CMs were great, Olivia's is perfect, and the overall feel of the resort is relaxed.

Enjoy your OKW trip!

 

[alldiz]

Get the heck out of my suite!!!!

Nice pics
Kerri

 

[alldiz]

thanks for the great review....

going for the 1st time in April....can't wait

Did you notice what types of kids activities they had?
Thanks
Kerri

 

[Coach81]

Thanks for the review, we'll be in OKW in February! We can't wait

 

[SusieBea]

If you eat dinner at Olivia's the grouper was delicious, DH keeps getting the conch chowder (or was it stew? tomato based) and liked his 10 oz steak, friends really enjoyed the Penne Shrimp and the 10 oz Prime Rib was good (but not incredible).
Breakfast was very good there but the chocolate toast thingy was not very chocolately according to friend; said it tasted like brown bread although dark chocolate was in it (although she enjoyed the dish, just not what she had imagined.) Very good service there.

Sounds good! I love Olivia's. We have a res. there for our first night. We stayed in bldg 45 once w/ extended family. Some of us were sitting on the patio when the water taxi came past carrying my SIL. The driver pulled over and let her off right on the grass in front of our patio. Probably not "policy", but it's a fun memory.

 

[Tarheel Tink]

thanks for the great review....

going for the 1st time in April....can't wait

Did you notice what types of kids activities they had?
Thanks
Kerri

I have my copy of "Hank's Happenin's" right here for that week; I won't list times. They don't say children but I assume. The "make a" things had a charge of $4 for a member, $5 for a guest.
Sunday- Make a Paper Mache Picture Frame, Make a Hat, Pool Party (music, dancing and prizes), Make a Window Sticker
Monday- Make a Backpack, Make a plaster magnet, Make a pillow (Mommy and me craft),UnBirthday Party
Tuesday- Key Opportunities (learn how to experience the original DVC resort!),Make a Birdhouse, Decorate Flip-Flops,Bingo (cards start a $1),Make a Pinwheel
Wednesday- Kid's Fishing Trip ($10, Ages 3-12 Guided Fishing Trip along the Sassagoula River.call WDW-PLAY for reservations), Color a Beach Ball, Make a Lunch Box, Pool Party
Thursday- Key Opportunities (same as Tuesday) Make a T-shirt ($10 member, $12 guest), Make a Fishy Bank, Color a Bear, Make a Fish Magnet
Friday- Housekeeping Pargo Parade, Color a Sun Catcher Picture Frame, Ping-Pong Tournament, Water Balloon Games, Basketball Tournament
Saturday- Kid's Fishing Trip (same as Wednesdays), Create a Towel Animal, Splash Football, Make an Umbrella ($10 member, $12 guest), Dart Tournament


Hope this helps.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We were in that same location but in building 46 a couple weeks ago, and our measuring spoons were missing as well. I didn't need them this time, so I too forgot to mention it. Maybe they aren't including them anymore???

 

[dcamdad]

Great to here the positive report. Our family (me, DW, 2 DD 20 and 9 and 2DS 16and 13)will be there December 18 thru Jan 2. (14 hours and counting). Purchsed OKW in 1995 and haven't been back since 2002 (always full) Made this years ressies in April. We are so excited our suite cases have been packed for two weeks. Great to here that OKW seems like it is in great shape.

 

[Tarheel Tink]

We were in that same location but in building 46 a couple weeks ago, and our measuring spoons were missing as well. I didn't need them this time, so I too forgot to mention it. Maybe they aren't including them anymore???

That IS strange, isn't it? Building 46 looked like it was the perfect spot- closer to the pool and bus stop but not too close! Ah well, as I told the CM checking us in (planned to put us in 3rd floor in 39); "I'll will be delighted anywhere you put us, but if blank blank or blank is available, we would be happy to wait for it. Whatever we get, we will be happy campers!".

 

[alldiz]

I have my copy of "Hank's Happenin's" right here for that week; I won't list times. They don't say children but I assume. The "make a" things had a charge of $4 for a member, $5 for a guest.
Sunday- Make a Paper Mache Picture Frame, Make a Hat, Pool Party (music, dancing and prizes), Make a Window Sticker
Monday- Make a Backpack, Make a plaster magnet, Make a pillow (Mommy and me craft),UnBirthday Party
Tuesday- Key Opportunities (learn how to experience the original DVC resort!),Make a Birdhouse, Decorate Flip-Flops,Bingo (cards start a $1),Make a Pinwheel
Wednesday- Kid's Fishing Trip ($10, Ages 3-12 Guided Fishing Trip along the Sassagoula River.call WDW-PLAY for reservations), Color a Beach Ball, Make a Lunch Box, Pool Party
Thursday- Key Opportunities (same as Tuesday) Make a T-shirt ($10 member, $12 guest), Make a Fishy Bank, Color a Bear, Make a Fish Magnet
Friday- Housekeeping Pargo Parade, Color a Sun Catcher Picture Frame, Ping-Pong Tournament, Water Balloon Games, Basketball Tournament
Saturday- Kid's Fishing Trip (same as Wednesdays), Create a Towel Animal, Splash Football, Make an Umbrella ($10 member, $12 guest), Dart Tournament


Hope this helps.

Thankyou so much for posting this
It looks like so much fun....my DD will love it.
Kerri

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I share your enthusiasm, OKW is the best. Stayed at "all" of the others but I like the relaxed vibe. For big vacations try the Grand Villas, you won't want to leave, next reunion, "June 6 -13" OKW Grand Villa!

 

[Cee]

We were in a studio from the 7th-14th. Bldg. 62, Rm. 6227. Very close to the
HH. We got DVD's twice from the Community Hall and there seemed to be lots
of things to do in there. What a great place. LOVE IT.

 

[byoung]

Great review.

 

[simzac]

Thanks for the very nice trip report. Glad you really liked OKW, I know we did