Disney Fanatic
DVC Member-OKW Resort
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2005
- Messages
- 428
First I have to say a great big thank you to John who rented us his points for our first trip to OKW.
We have been to Disney 3 times in the last 1/2 years and are prime candidates to join DVC. We stayed at AKL, ASM and now OKW. We absolutely fell in love with OKW. It is the perfect resort for us. We love the slower pace with no crowds and the smaller uncrowded quiet pools. My DS who is 4 absolutely loved the sandcastle slide in the main pool area. We had a studio in building 56 which was a bus ride to the main area but the buses were always there, in fact we were always running to catch the bus.
The studio we had was perfect for our family of 3 and had all the necessities we needed for our 5 night stay. I know we would love the 1 bedroom units but for double the points, I think we can manage just fine in the studios. My only comment would be that a tiny bit bigger balcony would be nice and a screen door would be lovely for those evenings where you want the fresh air but not the bugs. We had a quiet end unit that really was the perfect size for us.
We took a boat ride over to SSR and asked a few more questions about DVC and picked up a copy of the new hardcover book. We went to see the rooms again to really compare between OKW and SSR. Nicer rooms at SSR because they newer and larger balconies. OKW rooms seemed a bit larger and we really liked having 2 beds insteaad of a bed a sofa. It is really a toss up as to which is preferable.
At the end of the day, how could anyone be disappointed with any DVC resort. What we really found out was the reason we did not have the warm and fuzzy feeling last visit to SSR is because it is suppose to be a resort that resembles and upstate NY style resort and there are no palm trees there. With living in Canada we really love to see the palm trees on our vacations. Also, the vegetation has not really grown like OKW. Also, there was alot of construction on our last visit that did not help with the homey feel. The only concern I have with SSR are the pools. There are only going to be 3 pools total right now and I don't know if I would like being too far from a pool. I also noticed a few rooms that side on to Buena Vista Parkway (I think this is the name of the road) and would not be happy with those rooms. Other than that, the resort and arcitecture is absoutely beautiful. The location is great to Downtown Disney.
We also went to see Wilderness Lodge and ate at the hilarious Whispering Canyon Cafe. Definately a must do at least once!!
Visited the Beach Club and BWV, We waited for the boat to take us over but it was taking so long so we decided to drive instead. Again, just our preference but I like resorts that are quiet and not so much going on. I guess this is why we really love OKW.
Anyway, overall we had a great trip and are seriously considering a small DVC contract. Can't decide between OKW and SSR. I think the extra years are a plus with SSR and it seems like OKW is no problem to get into on short notice. We planned this trip only 3 weeks before going.
Lastly, I am grateful for this board and having the opportunity to rent points. All went off without a hitch and would not hesitate to do it again. Hopefully the next time we go it will be our points we will be using!!!
We have been to Disney 3 times in the last 1/2 years and are prime candidates to join DVC. We stayed at AKL, ASM and now OKW. We absolutely fell in love with OKW. It is the perfect resort for us. We love the slower pace with no crowds and the smaller uncrowded quiet pools. My DS who is 4 absolutely loved the sandcastle slide in the main pool area. We had a studio in building 56 which was a bus ride to the main area but the buses were always there, in fact we were always running to catch the bus.
The studio we had was perfect for our family of 3 and had all the necessities we needed for our 5 night stay. I know we would love the 1 bedroom units but for double the points, I think we can manage just fine in the studios. My only comment would be that a tiny bit bigger balcony would be nice and a screen door would be lovely for those evenings where you want the fresh air but not the bugs. We had a quiet end unit that really was the perfect size for us.
We took a boat ride over to SSR and asked a few more questions about DVC and picked up a copy of the new hardcover book. We went to see the rooms again to really compare between OKW and SSR. Nicer rooms at SSR because they newer and larger balconies. OKW rooms seemed a bit larger and we really liked having 2 beds insteaad of a bed a sofa. It is really a toss up as to which is preferable.
At the end of the day, how could anyone be disappointed with any DVC resort. What we really found out was the reason we did not have the warm and fuzzy feeling last visit to SSR is because it is suppose to be a resort that resembles and upstate NY style resort and there are no palm trees there. With living in Canada we really love to see the palm trees on our vacations. Also, the vegetation has not really grown like OKW. Also, there was alot of construction on our last visit that did not help with the homey feel. The only concern I have with SSR are the pools. There are only going to be 3 pools total right now and I don't know if I would like being too far from a pool. I also noticed a few rooms that side on to Buena Vista Parkway (I think this is the name of the road) and would not be happy with those rooms. Other than that, the resort and arcitecture is absoutely beautiful. The location is great to Downtown Disney.
We also went to see Wilderness Lodge and ate at the hilarious Whispering Canyon Cafe. Definately a must do at least once!!
Visited the Beach Club and BWV, We waited for the boat to take us over but it was taking so long so we decided to drive instead. Again, just our preference but I like resorts that are quiet and not so much going on. I guess this is why we really love OKW.
Anyway, overall we had a great trip and are seriously considering a small DVC contract. Can't decide between OKW and SSR. I think the extra years are a plus with SSR and it seems like OKW is no problem to get into on short notice. We planned this trip only 3 weeks before going.
Lastly, I am grateful for this board and having the opportunity to rent points. All went off without a hitch and would not hesitate to do it again. Hopefully the next time we go it will be our points we will be using!!!
