Just Booked OKW For May 22-29th

[gambit985]

DW and I were set to stay a Grand Californian for 5 days and decided yesterday to change and see if we could find something the same week at Disney World. Well we lucked out and got a 1 BR at OKW. It wasn't one of our top choices but just happy to find something. However this would be our first use of DVC at Disney World since Grand Californian is our home resort being we are in AZ. Would love to get info on how OKW is and anything we should know about while were that that we should take advantage of? The other option we might look at is maybe splitting between a few resorts or would it be best to just stay at OKW.

 

[stmize]

I will be there from the 25th to the 29th

 

[moethorne]

I unfortunately have never been to DisneyLand so can not offer a direct comparison but we love OKW. We own at SSR but stayed at OKW first and loved it. That being said alot of people don't like how spread out it is. We seem to travel with a minimum of 4 so the space, which is huge, is really nice. My kids love the mickey sand castle slide. Hubby likes the golf course and the mini boats you can rent, I think you still can, right at OKW and cruise around the canals. The boat ride to DtD is fun for me but it's not the quickest ride.

 

[schoen]

I personally love OKW. I would always choose to stay at one resort rather than switch. Like all of the wdw resorts there is a bus line. I always like to rent a car, and at OKW it is especially useful. You can park right outside of your unit, and it is nice if you have to run to the gift shop or want to go to the main pool to hop in your car, rather than wait for a bus.

Lots of folks will disagree with me, but I think that having a car is critical to enjoying OKW.

The units at OKW are the biggest DVC units available too, so that is a nice bonus! Have a wonderful time.

 

[skelooch]

OKW is a great resort, my second favorite after my home resort of BCV.
It is a large spread out resort and not at all hotel like, all units exit directly to the outside. The villas are all recently renovated, and are much larger than the newer DVC resorts. It is very laid back relaxing resort with a very tropical atmosphere.

As a matter of fact I will be checking in there on your check out day.

Dining at the resort is limited to 1 restaurant and 1 counter service location ( there is a 2nd counter service locoation at one of the quiet pools but it's hours are limited and could be seasonal ). The table service one is called Oliva's and in my opinion average at best. It is conveniently located at the Hospitality House area.

Having a car is a definite advantage at OKW, IMHO, ( I'm not a big fan of Disney transportation ) and parking is practically right outside your door. I would assume you wouldn't be able to get a room in the HH area booking at the last minute, but you might want to consider requesting it at checking in, you might get lucky. That will put you in close proximity to the resorts main amenities. (General Store, Restaurant, Lobby, Feature Pool, Boat & bike rentals, Fitness Center, and Bus transportation if you don't have a car ). The HH area buildings are 11-14 and 23-26. Buildings 62, 63 & 64 are also very close and are the only buildings with elevators.

The views from the upper floors, 2nd or 3rd, are generally a little better because the ground floor units are generally surrounded by dense foliage. The best views are probably those over looking the golf course, again IMHO.


I am attaching a map of the resort and suggest you visit http://allears.net/acc/okwss.htm to view pictures of the resort and the villas.

I hope you enjoy your stay.

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