Just back from our FREE upgrade to OKW!

[Ellasgirls]

We had ressies for POP from Aug 25-Sept 1 and were upgraded to OKW for Aug 26-Sept 1. The 1st night we stayed at POP and took the kids swimming and they had a great time until the storms hit. We got them out, changed clothes and had some dinner in the chaos they called a food court! The next day we were up at 5:30 to catch a taxi to our new home, OKW. Why so early? Because our tickets for the parks/free dining were waiting for us at OKW so we had to get checked in and we wanted to open MK for Little Ones magic hours at 8. My family was not too happy when Stitch called and woke us up that early but they quickly got over it when they realized this is the day we go to "disney". Got checked in and actually into our room (3411) by 6:30 am! Now room 3411 is way in the back of OKW but right by the bus stop. I was not too happy at first but in the end it was perfect! We took our stuff to our 1 bedroom condo and quickly turned out the lights, hopped on the 1st bus that said MK and opened the park. The kids even got to throw confetti. They played ring around the rosie with Minnie and Daisy, went on the carosael (sp?) with Chip and Dale, played a game with Peter Pan and Wendy and rode a bunch more rides...very worth it since we didn't wait longer than 5 minutes for any of the rides that were open...this changes as the days go on! Back to paradise (OKW) for a nap and when we get back to the bus stop to for our dinner ressie at LTT the clouds open and we get SOAKED! Lucky we had our poncho's from Walmart....kind of reminded me of garbage bags with a hood. I HIGHLY recommend paying the $8 for Disney's ponchos. We were a little wet, ok a lot wet, by the time we made it back to LTT (our kids were walking in puddles almost to their knees ). Luckily they were handing out towels for us so we didn't get the characters wet . We spent the rest of the week going to MGM (my 7 year old did TOT and RRC!), Epcot, more MK for the Pirate & Princess Party on our dd's 4th birthday, and AK. The free dining plan was awesome and we saved our receipts and we would have spent over $100 at each character table service and $40-$50 at each counter service along with $8-$10 for 2-4 snacks a day! That is close to $1000 in 7 days! The free food was worth melting in the Florida sun. I will update more when more of my fellow upgradee's arrive back from the sunshine/monsoon state ! Unfortunetly we didn't win any fast passes or a night in Ellas castle but their was so much more magic that we can't complain! We did learn some valuable lessons the hard way but that's why we come back right!

 

[mericletwins]

Sounds like you had a great time. I have been wondering how the people who got upgraded liked the DVC resorts. We have stayed in OKW twice and loved it. The rooms are so nice and having the full kitchen, w/d etc is such a bonus.

 

[bab31]

I was interested to hear about the free upgrade

 

[ldo]

stayed at POP 8/23-26, then over to SSR for 8/26-8/30. We loved POP, but after 3 days, I was ready for a good night's sleep (POP walls were too thin for me). Food court was a bit nuts---we had to eat at off-times--but otherwise, POP was a great value for the $.
Now, SSR---loved it--loved everything about it!! However, a KEY thing was getting a good location. We went "early" at 10:00 to check into SSR. No line, but check-in said that the line was HUGE 1 hour earlier. I asked for Springs and she said nothing avail. even later in the day. I said I was with 3 kids by myself and had no car. She noted that I had been assigned "way over there" and looked on the computer and found us a room in Grandstands---this was my 2nd choice and I told her it was perfect--and it was. Room was ready for us by 10:30, ground floor, close to bus stop and right by Grandstand pool. We really loved the slide at High Rocks pool and spent hours there, grabbing lunch and eating poolside.
SSR is a great resort--we loved the Community room (kids area), and found that you could go anytime, even if set activities weren't scheduled--the CM would pull out coloring sheet, painted, etc. plus free PS2 stations with 20 games.

I can't say anything but good things about this resort (except the $$$--don't know if I would pay rack rates here). But, with no car, getting a close location made a HUGE difference for us.
It was a great trip---we have stayed at several really nice timeshares in the Orlando area and although SSR was not as fancy as some we have stayed in, it was better---I don't know why--they must put something in the water that brainwashes you---but count me a DVC lover--now if I just win the lottery!

 

[AC7179]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

What time did you get to MK in order to open the EMH for the Little Ones? We plan on hitting that soon and I would like to get there early, but not too early, if you know what i mean.

 

[Ellasgirls]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

What time did you get to MK in order to open the EMH for the Little Ones? We plan on hitting that soon and I would like to get there early, but not too early, if you know what i mean.

EMH for Little Ones started at 8 am and was VERY worth it. We got soooo many rides done by 9 when the park opened that we were able to head right over to the "big" rides and get right on those also! We took our 7 & 3 year old (she was turning 4 two days later ) on Splash Mountain ... 3 year old didn't cry but never wants to do it again and 7 year old loved it the 2nd time!

I was interested to hear about the free upgrade

The free upgrade was sent out to a group of reservation numbers that were staying the 1st week or so of free dining. There was no reason for it except we are thinking that it was to clear some of the value resorts to allow for more guests to take advantage of free dining. We got an email and I call right away and was able to move from POP to a 1 bedroom villa in OKW...now I am spoiled and looking into DVC!

Sounds like you had a great time. I have been wondering how the people who got upgraded liked the DVC resorts. We have stayed in OKW twice and loved it. The rooms are so nice and having the full kitchen, w/d etc is such a bonus.

We loved the 1 bedroom villla, especially after staying in the chaos of POP! Don't get me wrong, we have always done value resorts and loved it but now that I have stayed in paradise I am totally spoiled! All I can do is pray that we get that kind of upgrade everytime we go ...

 

[disneyfanUSA]

Just got back from SSR and loved it. We stayed in the Grandstand section and it was great. We were the first ones on the bus and first ones off. My family also loved the pool area. It was just a short walk to the Carriage House and the Springs pool. My DD 12 was not too happy with the pullout bed, she said it was very uncomfortable. That was the only down side. Also, when we went to bed the first night I went to check the balcony door and found it open. The lock was broken so our room was wide open the entire day with our stuff in it. It was already 12:00 am when I discovered this...Maint came and had it fixed by 1:00, but what a hassle. No problems after that.

 

[tinawv]

Thanks for the update. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.

 

[bob6sims]

A free upgrade.....what a great bonus to get on your holiday
Sounds like you all had a great time

 

[MagicMe]

OKW is my absolute favorite resort. I know it's older but that's what I love about it. The buildings are just close enough (or far enough apart) and the rooms are spacious. We've stayed in a 2-bedroom that last two years and loved every minute of it.

 

[simonkodousek]

I'm glad to hear you had a nice trip, even if POP was chaotic. Congratulations on the upgrade! OKW will definately be something to consider if we go to WDW with my MIL again.

Welcome back!