Looking for some OKW insight

[rutgers1]

We are going in July with my sister and her family. They have a 1 year old (will be about 16 months at the time).

I was hoping for one of the resorts closer to a resort since -- in my opinion -- it would probably hold more Disney magic for someone who doesn't travel to Disney as much, plus it would be easier (if only perceived to be) easier for them to get back and forth to the park with the child.

I really want to make this a special visit for them. For us, Disney is home. I want them to feel the same way, too. My issue, though, is that I have never been to OKW, so I don't quite know how to give them the royal tour. I'm not sure what the must-see/do things are.

If you were going with a first-timer (Actually, I am one too!), what would you recommend seeing/doing at OKW?

 

[stmize]

There are movies ea night by the pool and on certain nights there is a fire where you can make s'mores There is also community hall. By the main pool. Olivia's is a great table service. Goods to go just has your basic counter service food. There are smaller pool areas near millers rd. turtle pond etc. with hot tubs and BBQ grills.

 

[DizBub]

If you were going with a first-timer (Actually, I am one too!), what would you recommend seeing/doing at OKW?

In my opinion, OKW itself is a must do. It's the perfect resort.

The boat to DTD is definately a must do.

 

[webcs]

Keep in mind EVERY DVC resort is magical. You will have memories of each. And you will miss each.

Perhaps it is that one memory of your child painting in the kids hall, or that crazy time when you saw a kid splash his mom, or that perfect bus ride that you caught.

Its the SMALL things, not the big things.

SUGGESTION: The boat ride to DTD from OKW is some of the most relaxing time in all of disney property. Love that.

 

[phtktz3]

We are going in July with my sister and her family. They have a 1 year old (will be about 16 months at the time).

I was hoping for one of the resorts closer to a resort since -- in my opinion -- it would probably hold more Disney magic for someone who doesn't travel to Disney as much, plus it would be easier (if only perceived to be) easier for them to get back and forth to the park with the child.

I really want to make this a special visit for them. For us, Disney is home. I want them to feel the same way, too. My issue, though, is that I have never been to OKW, so I don't quite know how to give them the royal tour. I'm not sure what the must-see/do things are.

If you were going with a first-timer (Actually, I am one too!), what would you recommend seeing/doing at OKW?

I love OKW and it is my home resort, however , it can be quite daunting as it is so big. On my first stay there I checked in but my room was not ready so I asked to have a text sent and left to go to a park, at the park I recieved my text and got on the OKW bus. As we entered the resort on the bus it occurred to me that I had no idea what bus stop to get off at!! I had my room number and building number but as it was my first stay there those 2 things didn't mean much to me. So my suggestion is to ask what bus stop you use.

You can also hop on any park bus from any of the stops to get to Hospitality House and to get back to your building from there you take the DTD bus from Hospitality House.

The boat ride to DTD is a must do from OKW!

 

[Brian Noble]

I would not worry about park distance. No resort is close to *everything*, and being closer to one park (e.g. BLT or VWL) often means being farther from the others.

OKW is great for a family vacation. It is very relaxed, laid back, lushly landscaped, and constantly whispers "island time". The units are huge, and the balconies are one of the best places to be anywhere in WDW. The boat to DTD is lovely, and Olivia's is one of my favorite hidden gems that I use when I need to just get away from All. These. People.

One tip: villas in buildings 29 and lower do not have a door between the living room and the master bath; you have to go through the master bedroom. Villas in buildings 30 and higher do have such a door. So, if anyone will be sleeping on the pull-out, you might want to request such a villa.

 

[chalee94]

agree on boat to DTD. also, breakfast at olivia's is a must-do.

my parents love OKW - easy access to bus stops and it's easy to hop on a bus to get to a park (they like not having to drive). it's a beautiful resort with the pastel colors and mature foliage.

there's also a sandy play area by the main pool at OKW that might be fun.

 

[dizfan]

We stayed at OKW for the first time in January. We were very happy with the resort. It became one of our favorite DVC resorts.

Maybe we were lucky, but the bus transportation at OKW was one of the best we have ever experienced in 20+ trips to WDW.