Lost our BLT reservation -- please tell me why I will love OKW--

[pouncingpluto]

I am feeling a bit down about our December trip. Not only did I manage not to get GFV this morning, but in the process I also lost our BLT reservation (cancelled and then went to the other browser and the GFV hold had been cancelled -- and at that point I couldn't get BLT back).

I managed to salvage 2 nights savanna view at AKV and 6 nights at OKW. We could have gotten all 8 at SSR, but we aren't fans.

We do love AKV, so that will be nice. We've never stayed at OKW, and I have wanted to try it sometime, so I'm trying to make lemonade out of the bitter lemons of this past couple hours -- it will be nice to explore a new property. And we will actually have a 2-bedroom, even though it's just DH, DD2, and myself -- a bunch of the points for our BLT reservation were borrowed in, so I thought we might as well spend them rather than lose them.

Why will we love OKW? The sandcastle pool looks fun for DD, and I'm sure we'll enjoy the DD boat once or twice. We really like theming, and that's why we're not fans of SSR -- it looks to us like an apartment complex that could be in any suburb. Will OKW feel more like an escape?

I guess we'll need to rent a car after all?

 

[hakepb]

You'll certainly be able to enjoy the massive amount of space in the biggest 2BR on property.

I like that OKW has lush, tropical landscaping, so it doesn't feel like "any" apartment complex.

The large balcony has a table and 4 chairs, which is nice if the weather cooperates. OKW was built with an outdoor outlet, so it was not unusual to see Christmas lights on the railings, but they may of put a stop to that.

 

[csharpwv]

We have stayed at OKW either 2-3 times now - can't remember!

We LOVE OKW, especially if you are going to have your own vehicle - the parking is so convenient!

The theme is great, and you really do feel like you've escaped to.... Florida. HAHA

I know, I know - the fact that they built a Florida themed resort in Florida is rife with redundancy. (Hindsight being 20/20 Saratoga really DOES have a nice theme.... that isn't Floridian)

But you really do feel like you're checking in as a neighbor of Hemmingway - the thick foliage, the colorful buildings, and giant rooms with large balconies/patios with ceiling fan.... it is a great escape!

I wish DVC hadn't "cheaped out" and built ALL of the DVC resorts with rooms as large as OKW. Once you stay at OKW, you will feel a little cramped at all of the other DVC resorts. From the studios, to the Grand Villas.... the square footage is the biggest attraction.

In all honesty, we liked OKW a lot more before the renovations a few years ago - they took a lot of the character out of the rooms. BUT, no worries, the rooms are still really nice - and the jacuzzi tub in the 1BR and larger is enormous! They are large corner tubs - big enough for two adults!

No worries, OP - you'll love OKW!

 

[glaserjm]

We LOVE OKW and are heading there for the 4th time in November. The grounds are lush and peaceful, the Conch Flats area is charming and there's always something to do and see. While a lot of people feel it's too big, I think it's easily walkable (assuming DD is in a stroller!) and is a great resort to explore.

I truly feel like I'm "away" when I'm at OKW...coming back to the relaxing atmosphere after sensory overload at the parks is a great way to vacation as you get the best of both worlds...you'll love it!

 

[ParrotBill]

OKW is the most quiet and private feeling, really feels like you are in your own place.

And it's a short bus ride to DTD if you don't want to take the time to get to the marina and wait for the boat ride. Great for access to all those restaurants.

 

[Sur]

You'll be spoiled by the room size at OKW! Don't fret it, you're at WDW!!

 

[Geomom]

Did you put in a waitlist or two for the places you really want to stay? It's 4 months away, so you might get it by then.

I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter what...you are at Disney after all!

 

[pouncingpluto]

Thanks, guys -- I love to hear the positive things about OKW -- It helps my mindset. I really have wanted to try it out sometime. It was just a frustrating morning, and I had my heart set on an MK location now, while DD is tiny.

Geomom, I do have a waitlist for GFV for the whole stay (8 nights -- fat chance), and one for AKV for the remaining 6 nights in the room type we have for the first two.

I'm irritated at the 4-month booking window for GFV right now. If it hadn't been for that, when I failed to get GFV, there would have been a lot more availability elsewhere. Next time, I won't make the stupid mistake that caused me to lose my GFV hold while I was canceling my BLT reservation.

 

[nabi]

Your wedding pictures, at WDW, are beautiful! Since you seem ok with AKV, and OKW also requires some type of transportation, you may like OKW better. Give it a try and see what you think. You'll have many opportunities to have VGF with ownership, maybe just not 'til the "new resort smell" wears off!!

 

[Chuck S]

I don't live in Florida, so I like the "Florida" theme of OKW. It isn't over the top Disney, but it is laid back Florida. Pastel colors, tropical plants, relaxing. I have to kind of agree witht he OP, I think SSR is pretty, but the theme just isn't my thing. I kind of feel the same way about the Grand Floridian. It is a lovely resort, just not my style, though I do enjoy dining in the GF cafe.

OKW on the other hand just says "Tropical Paradise" to me. I feel relaxed and comfortable there.

 

[mumto3girls]

Not sure what is important to you, but we just were there 1 night in July and I thought the pool slide was fantastic! I am 44 years old and still love a pool slide.

In terms of the theming, it is probably not my favorite--I like the action at the boardwalk or being able to watch giraffes at AKV, but the boat ride to DD was nice. We also dined at Olivia's and really enjoyed our dinner. We didn't go to any parks from there so I can't speak to the buses, but it did seem very centrally located. I would definitely stay there again.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

It's funny, I do live in Florida and Old Key West is my favorite resort due to the lush, tropical, pastel theming of it. Personally I don't fancy WLV, every few years we rent cabins in GA or TN to me that theme doesn't work for me in Florida. Thank goodness there are quite a few to choose from!

All you can do is make the best of it and how hard can that be in Florida, at Disney with your loved ones! Enjoy!

 

[OneMoreTry]

OKW definitely has the most "home away from home" atmosphere of any of the resorts. Being away from the parks has an exclusive feel to it. I really appreciate no hallways. I like the theme as much or more than all the other resorts.

It has the fastest of all the resort pool slides.

The only thing I really miss at OKW is the ability to walk back to the room after fireworks.