Just back from OKW

[scootersmom]

This was our first stay at OKW.... there from 12/29-1/3... and I have to say it blew us away! Our rooms were huge!! Also, everyone, from the front gate to check-in was very friendly and welcomed us home. We like that little touch.

We were in a one-bedroom first floor #1911 and my parents in another one-bedroom second floor #1821. We loved the size and the layout of the rooms. We had several people preparing a meal one night and it wasn't a problem with the way the kitchen is set up. The new appliances are great!

Our room was overlooking a quiet pool and just across the street from the Millers Rd. bus stop... very convenient! It was also a short walk to the HH.

Thanks to whoever answered my question earlier about the potato masher. We requested a hand mixer from housekeeping and someone brought it while we were out, along with a new measuring cup... ours had a crack in the bottom, leaked all over.... and a new mop, the mop head was half hanging off the old one. Also, the VCR didn't work, but we didn't notice that till late the night before we checked out, so hopefully that's taken care of by now too.

The place was spotless when we arrived and the small issues with the cup, etc. were not a big deal. I'm sure some of these things aren't readily noticeable by housekeeping and they were taken care of promptly.

We were glad we'd rented a car since the bus service going to OKW seemed slower than some of the other resorts. They picked up at OKW really regularly, but the waits coming back were about 1/2 hour. Generally, we'd see two for each of the other resorts to every one bus going to OKW. Of course, we were there at a very busy time, so that may not be the case all of the time. We would give the bus another try during a less busy time.

Now, back to reality!

 

[Doctor P]

Glad you had a good trip!

 

[POLLY ANN]

Glad you had a great trip! We will be there 2 weeks from Wednesday! I can't wait! We will be in a GV, however, but have stayed in a 2br. It's great to spread out!

How was the weather? That's been my biggest concern because I want a little sunshine and warmth after all the cold and snow we have had here in the Northeast! lol

 

[ZerasPride]

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip. We are big fans of OKW after our stay there in November and I can't wait to stay there again in June! I love the spaciousness of the villas and the pretty and tranquil surroundings. Thanks for the report!

 

[scootersmom]

POLLY ANN-- We had great weather almost our entire stay, with the exception of NYE... it poured!
I'd say most days were highs in the mid-upper 70's and evenings in the 60ish range, maybe a little cooler. Just watch the weather forecast for the time you'll be there and pack for everything this time of year. It can go from one extreme to the other pretty quickly.

Enjoy your stay! I know we were excited to get out of the snow and cold of Ohio. Our DS9 didn't believe it was winter down there. We let him swim for about a 1/2 hour one afternoon, but it felt a little chilly to me for swimming. I have to tell you, even he was impressed with the accommodations... saying 'Thank goodness we're not staying in one of those cheap hotels' on seeing our villa. I think after a few DVC stays, he thinks anything without a separate bedroom is a 'cheap hotel'. LOL

 

[NLK]

We just got back as well, and while it was a bitterly cold winter for the natives, I was quite happy with a sweatshirt on in the early morning and evening. After about 9pm it was a bit nippish to be outside.

 

[JulesMom]

Thanks for the great report!

We are staying there in June. We are on the waitlist for BWV, but after looking at the pics of OKW, I think we'll stick with OKW

 

[POLLY ANN]

Yep, I have the Orlando weather on my "favorites" list and was hoping not to have to pack cold weather clothes!

Right now, the weather website has the weather listed to Jan 15 (which is a week before we get there) and the temp is high of 67 low of 47.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that we get the weather you had with exception to the rain!

 

[WDWguru]

Not meaning to pick on anyone here, but I've never understood the whole hand-wringing about the weather. How can anyone be disappointed with a high of 67?! If it's warmer than where you are, it's better, right?

No matter what - you're going to DISNEY!!! Who cares what the weather's like?! I absolutely HATE anything hotter than about 80 degrees, yet almost every time we go that's the case. I worry and stress and read all the different forecasts, then realize how fruitless it is. Can't do anything about it, so why worry? In any case, I'll be at DISNEY so how bad can it be?!

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Originally posted by WDWguru
Who cares what the weather's like?! I absolutely HATE anything hotter than about 80 degrees, yet almost every time we go that's the case. I worry and stress and read all the different forecasts, then realize how fruitless it is.

Then I guess everyone's doing the same thing you do!

But I think the biggest concern most people have at this time of year is what to pack. Not having been there myself in the summer, I'm assuming you're pretty safe sticking to summer clothes. This time of year, you can end up taking 50-50 summer/winter clothing and those winter clothes can be pretty bulky. Certainly not a crisis, but it pays to keep an eye on the weather to avoid lugging unnecessary clothing and accessories.

We just went in December, and thought it was going to be COLD, but actually it was quite comfortable most of the time. But we did need warmer clothes than we've needed in the past, and I'm glad I kept my eye on the weather the week before (I was clueless that it was cooler this year until a friend mentioned it).

Anyway...glad you enjoyed OKW!! We stopped in last year to take a look, and were very impressed. Hoping to make a trip there ourselves someday.

 

[ncligs]

scootersmom,
Fellow 'buckeye" glad you enjoyed your stay at OKW.

 

[POLLY ANN]

WDWGuru, I will NOT be disappointed in the temperature at 67 degrees during the day. We love the cooler temperatures since it's much more comfortable to walk the parks in that weather than 90 degrees.

My sad face was for the low of 47. Yeah, that's cold to me. I've been a Northern bird all my life and I will never get used to anything below 60!

And, I think it's my right to worry about the weather if I want (or handwringing, if that's what you want to call it.) Yes, I know I can't control the weather, but, heck, a little prayer and pixie dust just might make it warmer!

Maryann hit the nail on the head. I have 5 people to pack for and that can be alot of clothes for 10 nights/11 days. If I can avoid some of the bulky heavy stuff, I will.

 

[Regina]

This is where having the washer/dryer is invaluable.

From 12/22 to 1/4, we had every type of weather. The high reached the mid 70's, the low, close to 40. With 7 of us, there was always a load of wash going.

One suggestion, be sure that everyone packs an extra pair of shoes. My DS grumbled when I insisted that he bring two pairs. With the two deluges that we experienced, I got to work in a lot of "told you so's".

 

[WDWguru]

Sorry if that came off as mean... I really meant it tongue-in-cheek as I do the exact same thing.

I guess it didn't really cross my mind about packing. If we're going late fall or winter we just take a little of everything. That's the nice thing about having the washer/dryer in the unit! Even if we only have a few of each type of outfit, we can always keep washing and wearing.

 

[Granny]

Hey, just do what we do....


...go in the summer.


I've never had to look at a forecast yet to know what to pack!

 

[POLLY ANN]

Kim, I reread your first post, and you didn't come off as mean. I hope my response wasn't mean, either. I guess I was a bit punchy today!! lol

You're right, though, there is nothing you can do about the weather, but just roll with the punches, and enjoy yourself, which is what I intend to do! Especially since I will have my family with me, as well as some friends too, and staying in beautiful accomodations! It won't be soooo bad having to stay in an OKW GV for a week! lol

 

[WDWguru]

Originally posted by POLLY ANN
It won't be soooo bad having to stay in an OKW GV for a week! lol

Isn't it just AWFUL what we go through as DVC members?!

 

[POLLY ANN]

lol

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by POLLY ANN
Kim, I guess I was a bit punchy today!! lol