Just back from OKW

[rnnomore]

We just returned from our first trip home to OKW. In fact, this was our first trip ever at a DVC resort. I could not be happier!!!! We checked in on Sat., the 24th. We got several welcome homes, from the guard at the gate to the CM at the check in desk.

We had a 1 BR in bldg 34, rm 3425. It was in excellent condition! The only flaw I noticed was a burn mark on the front right burner of the cooktop. Other than that, immaculate. Our balcony had an obstructed view due to a tree being right in front, but if you looked around the tree, you could see plenty of green grass and maybe even a golfer or two. Bldg. 34 is across from the Turtle Pond bus stop, which was very convenient. Although we did have our car, we used a combination of WDW transportation and our own vehicle. The beds were so comfy, I wish I could have taken it home!!

We ate at Olivia's once for dinner, once for breakfast and once for lunch while sitting at the pool. Having never eaten there, but always wanting to try it, I was not disappointed. I thought the food was quite good.

We rented a boat at the marina and went passed SSR. We did not get a chance to go and look around there, but it looks really nice from the water. My kids loved the activities at the Community Hall, and I only wished I had really looked into it earlier in our trip. Now I know for next time. We swam at the main pool and I was told that the slide will be done for our trip in Dec.

We went over to the Boardwalk one night after dinner at Epcot and really enjoyed it there. We had never been there and we really enjoyed walking around. We saw the magician and wanted to stay for the guy who swallows the swords but my son was getting tired so we left. Next trip we will definitely go there again!!

I loved having the full kitchen and washer and dryer. Although I did not cook any big meals (we are into eating dinners out on vacation), it was really nice for having breakfast ad snacks. The washer and dryer was also really handy as I came home with all clean clothes!!

All in all I had a terrific time and cannot wait to go back!! Next trip is at Christmas time, but we will be staying in a studio. Would rather have a 1 BR but will settle for the studio. Hoping to have a 1 BR on our vacation early next summer. My daughter wants to stay at the Boardwalk, my DH would like to stay at the VWL and I would like to stay anywhere I can!! I'll make the ressie for OKW and then see if I can change at the 7 month window.

Thanks to all who answered my questions in preparation for this trip. You guys helped make our first trip "home" a success!!!

 

[Stinson]

We've been members for more than ten years and we find that every trip gets better if you look at each visit as a different and unique experience. Don't compare your next trip to your last or you will find something to be disappointed about. Every time you stay at DVC something will be perfect and something won't. Concentrate on the good moments and ignore the others and you will always have a great time. We will be staying at the Beach Club Villas at the end of the month, which will be our 21st stay at Disney World.

 

[Poorman]

We also were at OKW last week. We were in a studio, 4424, first time in a studio for 5 nights, I really like the 1 BR much more.
My wife really liked OKW, I find I prefer BWV, because it is so much closer to everything. The Turtle Pond quiet pool was anything but. One of the ladies working at the shack was downright rude, not the one at the beginning of he week, the one on Thursday and Friday. It is a big resort,we had a car and were glad we did.We didn't use the buses to often but being close to the bus stop we know the buses are running closer to 10 minutes apart than 20. Our room did not have any view, unless you call a palm tree in front of the balcony a view. We had asked for a golfcourse view , but didn't get it. I was not to dissapointed though, we aren't in the room that much.

All in all we probably would stay at OKW again,especially in the summer because we didn't spend too much time in the parks, it was too hot and too crowded, so we stayed by the pool a lot.

I will say most of the people working there are very nice.

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

I enjoyed your trip report very much! I also like Stinson's advice about how to have a great trip each and every time

Where are you staying at Christmas? We go to OKW for the first time home in October! I am hoping to check out a different spot next July. I might can sweet talk my DH into an add-on somewhere

Glad you enjoyed it

Lisa

 

[PamOKW]

Glad to hear you had such a good time. Thanks for sharing it with us. While I've been spoiled by the 1/2 bedrooms, I've also had terrific Christmas trips in a studio. That's the beauty -- we can mix it up and have a great time no matter where we end up.

 

[MJTinNH]

Sounds like you had a wonderful 1st DVC trip! Thank you for posting!

 

[rnnomore]

WithDisneySpirit-we are starying at OKW at Christmas as well.

Like I said, I would prefer to have the 1 BR but a studio is fine since I dod not spend a lot of time in the room.

It was hot so most of our afternoons were at the pool.

Poorman-I am sorry you did not have a good time at the Turtle Pond pool. We never used that one this trip although it was the closest pool for us. We just went over to the main pool.

 

[dianeschlicht]

So glad you had a great trip! It sounds like you didn't do parks this trip. When in Dec. are you going? We are having a DVC/DIS meet on the 6th.

 

[Granny]

Thanks for taking the time to post your impressions of OKW. Someday, for sure, we'll want to be staying there!! Glad you had a great trip!

 

[beccasmom]

I'm so happy you were pleased with your stay! OKW is a wonderful resort and I really love it! We have not had a bad experience once in our 12 years of being members. Next up for us (in 3 days!) is Saratoga Springs in a studio and then moving over to a one-bedroom. We try to mix it up every year with a couple days' stay at another DVC resort, then going "home" for the longer part of our stay at OKW. It really seems to add to the experience for us.

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

We have never stayed at OKW, but plan to someday!

So, what all is in Community Hall???

 

[JudithM]

Thank you for taking the time to post your comments about your stay at OKW. I'm glad you were happy!

 

[patsal]

We're back from our first 1BR stay at OKW and I was thrilled with everything about the reort as well. I didn't really pay attention to the activities at Community Hall until it was too late--we are returning in February and July so I expect to have the kids enjoy many of these next time around!

 

[rnnomore]

Diane-we did do the parks this trip, although not commando style. Now that we are DVC members, I know a trip will always be a short time away, so no need for that type of touring anymore for us. I love the heat, but I found it really hot and got to me very quickly so we ended up swimming every afternoon and then going back to the parks at night. Our Christmas trip starts on 12/18 so I'll miss the get together .

As I walked around OKW, I was looking for any type of lime green item, but found none. Maybe I'll be luckier on our next trip.

Jesse-Community Hall is a place that has lots of stuff for the kids as well as for adults. Off the top of my head, I remember seeing computers, a fusball table, a ping pong table, a big checkers set, a big tv and some tonka trucks. They also have all tyrpes of arts and crafts for kids. There is a schedule that lets you know what is being offered all week and at what time. On friday, my kids did tye dye shirts, which came out really cute. They are already wondering what they will do come Dec!

 

[littlestar]

Thanks for the trip report. Glad to hear it was good!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Thanx for the report, rnnomore. It sounds as though there might be some 'in-fighting' over which resort is next!

Glad you had a good trip...

MG