Just returned from Christmas and New Year's at OKW

[dmoore22]

We just returned after spending 12 nights at OKW which covered Christmas and New Year's. We arrived 12/20 and checked in at around 12:30 pm. We didn't use on-line check in on this trip however our room was ready. Our room, a studio with a water view on South Point, was meticulously clean and fresh. A much better experience than last year at this time.

The only disappointment on this trip was Epcot. We missed the lighted Holiday Archway that lead to the Christmas Tree and, of course, the nightly tree lighting ceremony. Otherwise we had a superb experience. We're already anticipating next year's visit.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Yes, we really missed the Lights of Winter at Epcot too! I think we need to start telling them how much those were missed!

 

[dmoore22]

Now that's a plan!!!

 

[fourkidsphoto]

We are planning a December 26-Jan1 trip next year. I have never been there that week. We always go in January which has much lower crowds. We just got back from a wonderful trip..low crowds. I really missed the Christmas decorations. But, because of kids in high school, I don't want to take them out of school next year. How were the crowds leading up to NYE. Any recommendations?

 

[twinklebug]

Just a guess: I think the EPCOT lights weren't set up as they had been changing all the lights throughout WDW to LEDs & were having noticeable difficulties with many of them. (Entire sections of Main park trees were out, as well as the Ozbourne lights had numerous issues) Perhaps this set was just too problematic for the time allowed or they never got to them.

From the sounds of it, the electricians are one crew who span all the parks and resorts. Quite a bit of work there!

I have confidence that they'll be back next year.

 

[ccigliano]

I heard somewhere (maybe here) that the technology was fairly old and needed some repair. It turned out that they could get a new system for almost the same price it would cost to fix this old system so we should expect to see something new next year. I too missed that beautiful trellis and loved to walk under while Carol of the Bells played. My sister's family came with us for the first time this year and they missed it. Here's hoping it's back in November.

 

[Connears]

This was our 5th xmas week at OKW (12/27-1/1-10) and also missed the epcot archway lights...it really does make the night so special! It would be great to see it up again..just booked next years trip to OKW yesterday online..12/26-12/30/10...I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Connears

 

[LindaBabe]

Heard MANY comments about missing the Lights of winter during my recent 3 week stay.

I will agree with the great condition of the room at OKW - housekeeping was much better than last year, same time period. AKL has always had great housekeeping, so that room was as expected.

Did on line check-in for both resorts- easy peasey and got a great room location at okw, building 62. (Location not so much at AKL, got a room overlooking the closed pool, but it was ready on checkin, which was a plus)

Downsides at OKW: main hot tub was closed "for repairs" all week, and the usual frequent Loooooooong waits for buses - 45 minutes for MK at 4 pm one day is WAY out of line.

Main "needs for improvement" at OKW:

Cast parking, so they don't take up guest spaces near HH
Two lane gate so there isn't a back up out on to Vacation Club Way
Bus stops that hold more than one bus, especially at HH, so the backup doesn't block several roads when the bus on the stop is loading a chair or ecv. I believe this improvement would also shorten some of the wait times for buses.

 

[bellazachmom]

This was our 5th xmas week at OKW (12/27-1/1-10) and also missed the epcot archway lights...it really does make the night so special! It would be great to see it up again..just booked next years trip to OKW yesterday online..12/26-12/30/10...I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Connears

How were you able to book online ?!?!?

Is that available now and how did I miss it?!?!?!

Thanks!