Just back from OKW

[karebear1]

Well, I just got back from OKW and have to say I was pleasantly surprised with what a beautiful resort this is! This was my first trip home and I don't own at OKW- but it was all that was available to me for my trip so I reluctently took it. I thought because it was an older resort that I would not like it. But I have to say that I would not in anyway hesistate to reserve here again! It is a little not as posh as BWV's, in that I didn't see valet parking and noone really met us as we arrived, but it was still very nice. We checked in early Sunday morning and found all of our requests met- nonsmoking and a bldg. near HH. We were in 6415. It's a studio and was in great shape. I was surprised at just how roomy these studios are. I loved the pool here and actually felt free enough to swim in it (Quite an accomplishment as I haven't been in a swimming pool in at least 10 years!) People there were unassuming and didn't stare at this over weight bathing beauty. I felt as though this resort was very family oriented- more so then other DVC resorts I have visited and stayed at (as a non DVC member). We only had one problem- and that was with a bug in some eggs we got for breakfast at the fast food counter by the pool. Didn't say anything, but didn't really eat anymore eggs on that trip either. YUCK!!!!
All in all, I would tell anyone that is a little leary about staying at this resort not to worry! it is a beautiful, relaxing and wonderful resort - and you will love it!

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Glad you had a good time!!! I hope to go there someday!

Allison an associate

 

[Granny]

Thanks for the candid remarks about your vacation experience at OKW. Sounds like a very nice time.

And I think all the WDW resorts are "family oriented"....I mean, that's Disney's bread and butter. But I agree that different resorts fit different families better. That's why the flexibility of DVC is so nice!

 

[donald@home]

I am so glad that you enjoyed your visit to OKW! You mention that you thought you might not like it because it was an older resort, and that you reluctantly took the reservation there. I am curious to know what you were expecting. Did you base your expectations on negative comments made on the DIS boards? I am curious what people think of OKW who have not been there yet. Would you mind giving a few details of your pre-trip thoughts and expectations. Thanks so much.

Like I said before, glad you had a nice time!

 

[Montana Minnies]

Hi Karebear 1
Thanks for sharing. I'm glad that you enjoyed OKW.
We visited it last summer and it seemed like a nice resort. One of the reasons my sister and I wanted to stay there next Aug is because we heard of the spaciousness of the rooms. Since 8 of us plan on going and one is a senior citizen we thought it would be a good choice for us.

 

[RAD]

DW and I love OKW (and we're owners at BWV). In fact until last week we had reservations at BCV for next week and decided to change them to OKW just for the relaxing feeling of the place.

 

[lsutigger2]

We also recently took our first trip to OKW and really enjoyed it. We had a 1 bdroom in bldg 14. Great location! The only "problem" DH and I had was the lack of an elevator. I guess if we weren't so out of shape maybe this wouldn't have been an issue. And it really was minor! We now have "great" thigh muscles - LOL!!
I have to honestly say that I really enjoy all three of the DVC resorts that we have stayed in - VWL, BCV, and OKW. Where we make reservations really doesn't matter (too much!!) as they all have positives.

Glad you had a good time.

 

[NancyDVC]

Karebear,

I'm so glad you had a great time at OKW. Having been members since early 1992 my home resort, OKW, has always been my favorite. The spaciousness of the rooms is terrific. Having stayed in a 2 bedroom with 8 people at OKW several times I can tell you that those extra square feet really make a difference. We stayed in a one bedroom at BWV last March (just 2 of us and 3 of us for one night) and I can say that I really missed the extra space at OKW.
This overweight bathing beauty has never felt out of place in the OKW pools. And the relaxing laid back atmosphere is just what I need after a day at the parks!

 

[nydizfan]

so glad you had a great time. we love okw for the FAMILY atmosphere........dave

 

[karebear1]

donald- I actually have never read anything negative about OKW on these boards. Everyone really seems to appreciate this resort and I just kinda took a leap of faith that it would be ok. I think my hesitation for going to this resort was based on having driven through CB and not liking that resort. ( sad- I know- but I have read negative things about CB on this board- so maybe I was equating the two) The colors are similar and it is spread out quite a bit. I have stayed at PO and didn't like that resort because of the doors opening to the outside and being so far away from anything that was centrally located and OKW is like that as well. As a matter of fact my friend kept telling me that OKW reminded her of PO- and I just didn't get that feel at all. To me OKW was more of an upscale resort then PO was/is. The landscaping is absolutely beautiful and lush and believe it or not- I actually liked the colors they used there! So, I think those 2 things plus the fact that it is an older resort, even though I know it had just been refurbished, were what was causing my concern for going there. But, I no longer have those concerns and can highly recommend to anyone, staying at OKW for their future visits.

 

[antnee]

We love OKW it is truly a home away from home

 

[beccasmom]

I'm so glad you enjoyed OKW.....we think it is wonderful!

 

[Alice Sr.]

karebear1 - so happy you enjoyed your trip. Isn't OKW fabulous? We always struggle with which resort to stay at.

Alice

 

[Gregsb]

We just returned from our trip to OKW as well (we were probably there the same time) and had a great stay although we managed to make our share of mistakes this trip as far as scheduling goes (you would have thought we would know better by now). The weather was humid and the parks busy and we still had a magical time and are already planning our next trip to our home resort, Beach Club. We love DVC!

 

[ArnyVee]

I can't wait for my trip!

Leavin' early Thursday mornin'....arrivin' early Thursday mornin' on our drive up from South Florida.

Should be a great time! Especially as we play our OKW music CDs that I put together for the trip!

 

[danny1649]

Always have that laid back good feeling at OKW my home resort thanks for posting your experience at OKW.

 

[karebear1]

Arnyvee- have a wonderful and exciting time at OKW- the cd you put together will remind you of a fun firsat trip always! Did you get that other list I sent? I know you can't egt to it right away- but wait 'til you hear that one! Oh my gosh! FANTASTIC!!!

 

[ArnyVee]

Yes, I received the list. I'll put that CD together after I get back from my trip sometime next week.

Gotta have that one done by the Holiday season!

 

[MiaSRN62]

As a matter of fact my friend kept telling me that OKW reminded her of PO- and I just didn't get that feel at all. To me OKW was more of an upscale resort then PO was/is. The landscaping is absolutely beautiful and lush and believe it or not- I actually liked the colors they used there!

Thanks for posting your experience karebear.....we also think it is a beautiful resort that doesn't get enough credit (where credit is due). The fact your friend compared it to PO is suprising. I don't see many similarities...but beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose & everyone sees things differently.
Glad you had a wonderful stay at OKW---it's a great resort. Haven't stayed in bldg 14---what's the view like there ?

 

[lsutigger2]

Mia - bldg 14 faces the 8th hole of the Lake Buena Vista golf course. We were on the third floor and so the trees obstructed the view somewhat, but we enjoyed it just the same. It is directly across the street from HH, which made catching the bus easy. On the return trip from a park, I would get off at the first stop (Pennisular Rd?) and walk back across the bridge by the lighthouse. It was a great location.