Just back from OKW

[las3888]

Hi all,

We are just back from OKW and I thought I would write a little mini report. Our room was ready at about 1pm or so. I was really happy for that, plus it was in a building that always intrigued me--number 48. We were pretty happy with what we got. We wanted a nice golf course view and this was pretty good. Our room was in good shape. This is our 4th stay at OKW and this room seemed about on par with all the others we have had. It was showing some minor wear and tear, but it nothing out of the ordinary.

The pool in that area was so warm...it was really a joy to swim in for the few days we had until....FAY We tried to make the most of it. It was mostly just gloomy and drizzly the remaining days of our stay. We did the pancho thing for a few days but we just got tired of being soggy. The crowds really lessened from Fay which was nice, but we have a 3 y/o in tow so we just went to the parks for short periods of time. It was frustrating because as you thought it was getting nicer, we would start planning a nice evening at EPCOT say, then an hour later it was worse. We kept watching the radar loop on TWC and it always seemed like if Fay moved about 5-10 miles, we would be more in the clear. Oh well. It just means we will try to get back even sooner!

We ate at Olivia's twice, partly out of convenience. It was enjoyable--2nd night was better than the first.

We won Dream Fastpasses one day at HS but after our initial joy wore off, we realized there was only one ride on there that DS would go on (he is a cautious guy). We ended up doing that ride and then giving our passes away to another family of 3 with a bigger boy. I hope they enjoyed them!

The park levels were moderate while we were there until Fay of course.

The one thing that we didn't like about OKW with the imminent storm coming was that we were sort of isolated. Don't get me wrong--we really love OKW and will continue to go back there, but in a perfect world, if I knew the weather would be what it was, I would have booked BWV or AKV or something more inclusive so that you can get to shops, restaurants, etc. without leaving the building. We expected we would be shut in the day the storm hit, but it wasn't anything like that. If it was, it would have been much handier to have been at BWV or AKV though.

Anyways, just a (not-so) brief update!

 

[Chellymouse]

Glad to hear you had a good trip despite Fay! We were at SSR the week before Fay hit and I have to say, if I had to be cooped up at the resort, I wouldn't complain at SSR. They have a ton of indoor stuff to do which is great!

 

[CraftyMouse]

Glad you had a good trip!

The one thing that we didn't like about OKW with the imminent storm coming was that we were sort of isolated. Don't get me wrong--we really love OKW and will continue to go back there, but in a perfect world, if I knew the weather would be what it was, I would have booked BWV or AKV or something more inclusive so that you can get to shops, restaurants, etc. without leaving the building.

Actually, at BWV the shops/restaurants would have been closer, but you still would have had to go outside to get to them. It's not a problem on a nice day, but it is one of the downsides of the set-up during the rain.

 

[las3888]

Yes, this is true about BWV...I was thinking more BCV or even WVL. You're right--I would still have to go outside at BWV. Good point...

 

[disneybass]

Glad you had a good trip! Good point about being isolated at OKW because of the bad weather. I had not thought of that, but we always drive and would have a way to get out.

 

[StayFLA]

We drove down and back from PA. We had a two Bedroom at OKW. Fantastic! We had rain and wind from FAY, but we skipped through the parks and made the most of it. How's that saying go, we're here let's make the most of it. Jacksonville got smashed. They were flooded out. Not pretty. Home now, back to school. Be back next year.

Ralph

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Fay laid down rain that Florida really, really needed, however it's a true bummer to be vacationing when these storms, pop up. Just imagine being in Key West and having to be evacuated! It was gloommy and rainy for the whole week, it's just now starting to clear up. I've never done Disney in these conditions, I can't imagine your disapointment, the planning and the expense going to waste.

I'm sending a little pixie dust your way for good luck on your next vacation!

 

[DisneyFreaks]

I feel your pain. We were at OKW last Halloween week and it poured everyday. We didn't stay in much though. We weathered the storm and even made it through ankle deep water to get to our ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern. We actually were wondering if the MK even has drainage. LoL Wishing you better luck and weather for your next trip.

 

[Torontogal]

I just got back from OKW too. We had a lovely stay and drove from Toronto. We had a 2 bedroom. We were in building 31. Loved it but was really fed up with the rain!

 

[HayGan]

We survived Fay as well! Actually the scariest time for us was as we were driving up I-95 on Friday as Fay was hitting Jacksonville/I-95 corridor. We actually saw a fatal accident. It was the most terrifying driving experience I have ever had! I can understand what you mean about the TWC. It was funny that this was the first trip where we watched a channel other than company clips or Disney Top 10 most of the time. Fay really was a PITA! You just never knew where she was going to go!

As for the parks, I was surprised at how crowded they were despite the rains (especially on Wed & Thur.) We also received Dream Fastpasses on Tues at DHS which were a godsend. This trip was my boys first time riding RnR so we got to ride that 3 times and TSM 3 times as well. Sorry your DS didn't want to use too many of the DFastpasses. That was very nice of you to pass along your fastpasses. We passed along FP for TSm on Thursday during a downpour. The family we gave them to were so appreciative!

Sorry the trip didn't turn out exactly as you had hoped. Hopefully the next one will be tropical storm free!!!

 

[mwmuntz]

We survived Fay at OKW too! We managed to get one day in at the MK, one day at DHS and one day in at the OKW main pool. The other times were spent at DTD or Community all. Still had a great time.

A rainy day at Disney is better than a sunny day at work!

 

[henri + katie's mum]

As for the parks, I was surprised at how crowded they were despite the rains (especially on Wed & Thur.)

I was surprised at this myself. We went to DHS on Wed and it was a disaster for us. The Toy Story fast passes were all sold out for the day. Most rides/shows were packed with hour or more waits because people wanted to get out of the rain. It was a little too much for me and the kids to handle.

On the other hand, my sister was at Sea World and she said no one was there - no lines, no waiting. You never know how it's going to be.

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

I was in OKW #46 last week. My experience was similar. Spent 5 days in panchos. Hoping for better weather at BCV next month.

 

[dukehoopsfan]

We spent 5 days in building #36 - jumping over and through puddles left by Fay! We had a lot of fun in the parks in the rain - and loved the short wait times! We had never stayed at OKW before and we LOVED it. The only downside (and that was because of the weather) was we did feel isolated from Olivia's, Community Hall etc. otherwise - what a great resort!

 

[moredisneyplease]

Wow! Lots of FAYE survivors! Glad most of you made the most of your trip!

 

[Laurabearz]

This is funny.... OKW building 44 From August 14th-23rd.

I was surprised at how crowded they were despite the rains (especially on Wed & Thur.)

Tuesday was very quiet in the parks... by Weds/Thurs people knew it was just going to be rain/nothing for orlando to fear, so they came out again.

Fay really worked for us, given the choice between blistering hot and humid and warm and rainy, rainy wins hands down. Although by Friday, the whole being wet thing was getting old. Thank goodness for the washer and dryers! It was nice to dry things off.

My heart goes out to those in Melbourne and other flooded areas.