Just home from OKW and BWV!

[Debi]

I just returned from 8 great nights in WDW: 2 nights at OKW and 6 nights at BWV. As always, I had an incredible time! Here are the highlights of each resort:

Old Key West

Pros

• Overall setup of the resort. Because it is set up in small buildings, it is by design much quieter. I didn't have to worry about kids running through the hallway, neighbors slamming doors, etc.
• Parking. This ties in to my previous point, but I felt it deserves its own recognition. After a long day in the park, it's so nice to be able to park in front of your villa, take 10 steps, and be inside your room. Not having to hike it is a huge plus.

Cons

• Room location. I was in building 50, which was all the way in the back of the resort. Since I had a car, I didn't mind the drive, but I was also right next to a bus turnaround, so I heard squeaky bus brakes at all hours. Granted, this was my own fault (I had a choice of a few rooms, and this was the one I chose since I thought it would be the quietest), but it was still somewhat noisy.
• Location. I am so spoiled by having 2 theme parks within walking distance that I felt very isolated at Old Key West. Some people really enjoy this, but I don't.
• Lack of quick food choices. Since I was traveling solo, I like to be able to grab something quick and take it back to the room. Not as many choices at OKW as at BWV.

Overall, I would definately return to OKW, but in a different building. Very nice resort, just very inconvenient to my beloved Epcot.

BWV

Pros

• Location, location, location. I love having 2 theme parks and 4 resorts within walking distance. I love being able to go to Jellyrolls, have a few drinks, and not worry about driving home.
• Theming. Since I live at the NJ shore, I'm biased to this theming.
• Views. I was lucky enough to have a studio on the 4th floor above Wyland Galleries. You can't beat that view for anything (unless I had a guarenteed BW view, which I will have in December - can't wait!!). Wow.

Cons

• Parking. It's such a hike from the parking lot to the main building, especially at 2PM on a summer afternoon. Yuck.

Overall, BWV is my home and I'm glad I bought there. I like OKW and will likely return, but my heart is with BWV.

 

[byoung]

Thanks for reporting.

 

[Tissa]

Thanks for the report we are staying at BWV for our first time in October

 

[kellyf2626]

What type of view is the room you had over the Wyland Gallery? Preferred?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Great report! I loved that Village Green location at BWV, we've had it once, usually I have a standard view but we couldn't this one time, and I thought we really "lucked out." That area is close to the elevators as well.

At OKW were you at a building that overlooked the canal/waterway at all?

Enjoy the BW view, I can't wait to read what you say about it.

Bobbi

 

[Debi]

Actually, I was on a travel agent discount at BWV, so I was expecting a room in the middle of nowhere. The CM that checked me in told me that the room is considered preferred view, and those rooms fill up fast. I really did luck out - I was the second room off the elevator. It was great!

My view at OKW was of the golf course. It was fun to sit on my patio each morning, eat breakfast and watch the golfers!

 

[KelNottAt]

Thanks for the report.

As you can see by my counter, we're checking in to the BWV on Saturday. Can you tell me anything about the sleep sofas? Are they the new type? We need to put 4 teens on 3 sleepers.

Thanks.

 

[Debi]

Hi Kelley,

I didn't have the opportunity to use the sleeper sofa (I traveled solo, so I slept on the queen bed), but I can tell you that the sleeper sofa was not new. It is very comfy to sit on, though - my lunch nearly every afternoon was on the couch watching the people walk in and out of the lobby (it was way too hot to sit out on the balcony).

You'll still love it!! Enjoy BWV.

 

[BCV23]

Glad you had a good trip and your Dec stay will be here before you know it!

 

[aclov]

DH and I just got back last night and I totally agree with all your comments. It was our first stay at OKW but we are so glad we own at BWV and enjoy staying there more. I also found that there were more bugs and small lizards at OKW since it's outside as opposed to BWV where you walk through the lobby area to get to your room. Also, when we first checked in our room had a huge floor fan that was blowing out air and it smelled really bad. We asked to be moved which they moved us to a handicapped room (no tub or table). The next morning, we asked to move again and this time we got a 2nd floor studio that was really nice. So we were happy. We were lucky to have a car, but gosh if you didn't and wanted to walk to the front area, that would be a hike. We really enjoyed parking outside the room. And I love BWV being so close to Epcot .

 

[Deemarch]

We are going to stay at OKW for the first time in October. We've stayed at both BCV & BWV and feel the way that you do about those properties...Can't beat the locations.

 

[Debi]

Don't get me wrong, I loved OKW (larger rooms, parking right in front of the villa, overall privacy of the resort), but location is very important to me. That's why I love, love, love BWV (and it's my home).

 

[thelobstershanty]

We feel the same way about BWV. We like all WDW resorts but we love our beloved BWV. You can't beat the location and the fabulous views.
Glad you had a great trip!