Just returned from OKW

[rbuzzotta]

Had a wonderful 9 days at OKW. We stayed in 2332 (2 BR dedicated). The room was relatively in good shape. The carpet seemed new, however, the sofa bed did have stains on it (seems common, we just put a towel over it). It was relatively clean on arrival, I did have to clean the master bathroom floor myself as it felt somewhat slippery/slimey............but not a big deal.

I did online check in and our room was ready at 1 PM. The sent me a text.

The resort did not seem to be full. There seemed to be less cars in the parking lots, but could be because many are using Magical express and the buses. I did not take the buses by my oldest DD and her BF did and they experienced long waits.

The pool was relatively quiet.............a few of the lounge chairs were in disrepair and needed to be fixed. The lifeguards seemed a little more lax this year but luckily no issues.

Went over to the boardwalk a few time and it seemed very bare with people. We ate at Flying Fish without reservations and were the only people in the back end of the restaurant. The waiter said they normally have over 300 reservatoins a day and that particular day they only had 150 or so. He said it had been very slow (almost like post 911). Has the economy finally hit Disney?

We always go during this time and once again had a wonderful time with the same families that we see each year at this time. The trip was GREAT, but it did seem slow..............it was great to see the OKW staff (the regulars) and catch up with them. It still felt like home to me!!

Disappointed we can no longer use the locker room at SSR. Hopefully that will change. I went over to use a gift certificate I had gotten and it was empty!!!

Another thing that my friend told me. He requested building 62 (medical reasons he wanted an elevator0 and was told by MS that that building was saved for VIP guests!! He was appalled but the type of person who does not argue. He ended up with Bldg 14, bottom floor and he is staying 3 weeks. He did complain because the room was dark because the shrubs were covering the windows and they did move his room to a top floor in the same building. At first they said they could not but finally did. My friend said the 2 rooms next to him were unoccupied for the week!! He couldn't understand why they at first could not move him.??? Who knows...........it worked out in the end.

This was the first trip we did not eat at Olivia;s or charge anything to my room!!!

Aside from the few issues, it was a wonderfully relaxing week at home!!! No theme parks at all!!! Just R & R and good friends!!!

Any questions, I will be happy to try to answer..............

I did think of CaskBill every day!!! I looked up the the heavens and gave him a big thumbs up while I went on my walk to SSR!!! Kind of got a little teary eyed!!!

 

[PKK/MJK]

I can't believe we missed you AGAIN!! We checked out of OKW on July 24 after a 12 day stay. I'm still in Florida staying with DD, Katie who is STILL a WDW CM! When will you be visiting again? anytime this year?

 

[disneynutz]

We will be there in a couple of weeks. We noticed yesterday that the crowd calender has be increased so we expect it to get busier.

 

[DVC Mike]

Glad to hear you had a nice stay at OKW.

 

[pditullio]

We will be there in a couple of weeks. We noticed yesterday that the crowd calender has be increased so we expect it to get busier.

Where can one find a crowd calendar?

 

[rbuzzotta]

I can't believe we missed you again MJ!!!! Not sure when we will be back this year. Moving Stephanie to college in Hawaii on August 20 (that is why we only stayed at OKW for 9 days instead of 16!!). Hope all is well and glad to hear Katie is still a CM (still Snow White or Ariel??)

 

[Pootle]

He ended up with Bldg 14, bottom floor and he is staying 3 weeks. He did complain because the room was dark because the shrubs were covering the windows and they did move his room to a top floor in the same building.

It really is time they did something about the darkness in some of the OKW first floor rooms - studios especially. IMO, it is acceptable to have shrubs obscuring front OR back view/balcony, but not both! This has happened to me in the past and I contacted member satisfaction when I got home and got an understanding phone call in response.

On my next visit, I had two phone calls to check that everything was fine with my room - it was

It's common sense really - who wants to feel like they are in a cell on vacation? I love the shrubs and landscaping at OKW but there still needs to be a balance.

Glad you enjoyed your stay though; always good to hear that when we tend to pay more attention to the complaints.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Nice to hear you had a good stay at OKW. We will be there this week-end, so looking forward to it.

At the BWV this Jun the couch also had a stain which I managed to removed with my Tide Pen and a sponge. I realize that there are mousekeeping issues but realistically some of the stains etc. if taken care of at the time they occured by the people who caused them would probably not set and be easily removed.

Some people need to pick up after themselves ans their kids and not just rely on mousekeeping.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Some people need to pick up after themselves ans their kids and not just rely on mousekeeping.

Isn't that the truth!! I hate reading reports about how shabby or dirty the furniture or carpet is when I know it was recently replaced.

 

[rbuzzotta]

I totally agree that, as members, we need to pick up after ourselves!!

I think the issue with the OKW sofa stains are mainly due to people sitting on them with wet bathing suits! The stains look like water stains and are rather large (and butt shaped).

Before we moved to 2332, we were in a studio for 2 nights (6410) and I can attest to the fact that the room was rather dark. Since it was only 2 nights, it was not big deal to me, but the thought of staying 3 weeks in the dark due to the shrubs would be depressing!!

We are thinking of heading back around the holidays for a quick weekend before our oldest DD comes home from college!!!

Even though things seem to change at OKW.....it is still my favorite home!!

 

[spiceycat]

Boy almost miss OKW.


when complainted about the lack of maintence at the shurbs - they did cut them - but also got told it was because the guests in the 1-bedroom did not like to see the studios.

my comment - well what about the the 2nd and 3rd floors - and something about that not being fair to the studio users.


my problem with the CM was many, changing my reservations without my permission, getting there at 6:30am check in and not getting a room until 6pm - then had to complaint to get one even then. then they tried to blame me.....


lack of maintence on the landscaping and gardens - when complained they send out 10 people - to do the job of maybe 3. Plus the management at OKW does not listen anymore. After saw one of their managers (male) treat a female employee like she was his servant - well OKW lost me on that one.

 

[rbuzzotta]

Pat.........I can agree with some of your complaints as I, too, have seen or been a victim to them.

However, after complaining about my trip last summer and the problems I encountered at OKW, I vowed NOT to let some things get me anymore.

The shrubs definelty need pruning and cutting, no doubt. The staff could be a little nicer at check in (at times, but mostly decent). The room a little cleaner for my standards.

However, I have learned to overlook some things and enjoy the time with my family!! I am in DVC for the long hall, unless I choose to sell. It seems that little things that are complained about are overlooked these days (10 years ago..........NEVER) and I have learned to just clean the floor myself to my standards. I am done complaining, unless of course, I deem it major. However, what I have done is visited the parks much less, spend less of my hard earned money on the property!! We eat often off property and do not plan to buy any more park hoppers for 2 years!! We plan to seek out Universal over the next few years as they are considerably cheaper!!

But, I do love OKW pool and the staff that has been there since Day 1...........they are like family and make the trip worthwhile!!! I enjoy seeing the same families the same weeks we go every year!! I value the time spent relaxing and enjoying my kids and husband..........we don't have a schedule when we go now, we decide what we want to do daily............it is nice and relaxing and GREAT that way!!!

I am seeing Disney in a different light these days!!!