More OKW questions

[1000th happy haunt]

I'm new to the DVC, and I'm currently waiting for all the paperwork to be processed on 300 points at OKW.

DH and I are planning a trip next May with some friends. We'll be renting a two bedroom unit at OKW. I want to really WOW them with the room.

Do you think a dedicated two-bedroom is best, or should we ask for a two-bedroom lockoff? I know the lockoffs are a studio and one-bedroom with an adjoining door. From your experiences, how important is it to have the extra vanity that comes with a dedicated two-bedroom?

What building should we ask for? What's your favorite building and why?

Here's a silly question. If I ask for a wake-up call, do all the phones in the unit ring? I'd hate to ask for a wake-up call at 7:00 and it wakes them up too.

We don't smoke and they do, but non-smoking rooms don't seem to be a problem for them. They just go out to the balcony.

Any other advice on planning our first DVC visit would be appreciated. I'm sure all this has been covered already, but OKW people seem to really enjoy talking about their home resort

 

[beccasmom]

I'm new to the DVC, and I'm currently waiting for all the paperwork to be processed on 300 points at OKW. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Do you think a dedicated two-bedroom is best, or should we ask for a two-bedroom lockoff? I know the lockoffs are a studio and one-bedroom with an adjoining door. From your experiences, how important is it to have the extra vanity that comes with a dedicated two-bedroom? I don't think it really matters. Dedicated units have more closet space if that matters. I guess the extra fridge comes in handy for some folks. It is not a critical question for us.

What building should we ask for? What's your favorite building and why? Our favorite building is 46 because we love the water views and watching the boats traveling along the water. We see lots of critters, too. Some of the buildings on Old Turtle Pond are very nice, too. Depends on whether you want/need to be close to the Hospitality House. We prefer to use the "neighborhood" pool and being close to the main pool is not a big deal to us.

Here's a silly question. If I ask for a wake-up call, do all the phones in the unit ring? I'd hate to ask for a wake-up call at 7:00 and it wakes them up too. If you are in a dedicated unit, yes, they will all ring - though I suppose you can turn off the ringer (not sure - it's never come up! . In a lock-off, the phones will have different extensions.
We don't smoke and they do, but non-smoking rooms don't seem to be a problem for them. They just go out to the balcony.

Any other advice on planning our first DVC visit would be appreciated. I'm sure all this has been covered already, but OKW people seem to really enjoy talking about their home resort

OKW is a wonderful place and I'm sure you will love it! A two-bedroom unit is actually our favorite size room - and you'll have lots of space! I'm sure your friend will be very impressed! Relax as much as you can and enjoy the amenities - and be sure to eat breakfast at Olivia's - their breakfast potatoes are awesome! Other meals there are just as much fun and the food is great. Take the boat over to DTD for a change from the buses; it is a nice ride and kind of fun to look over the "back" of the properties (and pass the old Treehouses!). Purchase some "bath bombs" from Basin at DTD and use them in your Jacuzzi.....lots of fun and very relaxing! Have a blast!

 

[beccasmom]

Just thought of something else...since you are going with friends, you may want to ask for a building with a number higher than 20. Those buildings will have two entrances into the master bathroom - one from the room and one from going through the laundry room. This may not matter since you'll have your own bathrooms, but it may be something to consider. Just a thought.....

 

[Jaybrad]

We haven't stayed in the 2 bedroom, but our favorite units are 12, 13, 63 or 64 do to their proximity to the Hospitality Area.

 

[spiceycat]

I would go for a 2-bedroom lock out.

then you friend would have their own entrance - plus their own balcony.

the 2-bedroom dedicated only has the balcony for the livingroom and bedroom part.

PLEASE _ PLEASE don't put smokers in a non-smoking villa. first people like me are very allergic to smoke and the wind can put it inside. where it clinks to the bedspread and carpet.

you can have your 1-bedroom in non-smoking. but spend the extra points and put your friends in a studio in the smoking part. or everyone take a 2-bedroom smoking.

please!!!

 

[jeanniec]

Regarding the smoking part, when I used to smoke (and if we got put into a non-smoking unit even when we requested "smoking"), I would smoke on the balcony. I never left the door from the balcony to the living area open, especially if the weather was hot and humid, so I don't think it would be a problem if the guests smoked on the balcony as long as they keep the door closed. The smoke can't blow thru the glass doors, to my knowledge.

By the way, a 2 BR unit at OKW is the best. It is SO spacious. Your friends will definitely be impressed. I still am impressed by the size, and I have been going to OKW (along with all the other DVC resorts) since 1994.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

I absolutely love the idea of having a water view (like building 46), but I think my friends would prefer to be closer to the hospitality center. They're somewhat addicted to room service, and that would make it easier for them.

As for smoking, they've been in the Grand Cali, which is a non-smoking hotel. I'm pretty sure they're used to closing the balcony door when they take a break for a puff. But I can ask for a smoking room. Once we arrive I can see how "offensive" it is to my sensitivity (this is not intended as a flame against smokers, it's just that I have problems breathing in a smoking environment).

I may ask for a two-bedroom lockoff. I like the idea that they can have their own balcony (not to mention the wake-up call problem).

I'm really excited about this trip. We've been on vacation with these friends three times (DLR, WDW, and DLRP), and I'm really looking forward to treating them in style.

 

[SueM in MN]

I absolutely love the idea of having a water view (like building 46), but I think my friends would prefer to be closer to the hospitality center. They're somewhat addicted to room service, and that would make it easier for them.

Just wanted to mention that OKW does not have room service available.

As for whether or not smoking is allowed on the balcony of a non-smoking room, it depends on who you ask. Some people have posted that CMs told them it was all right to smoke on the balcony of a non-smoking room since it's outside. Other have been told that a non-smoking room in a non smoking building is non-smoking, including the balcony. We have been outside in our non-smoking room and I have already had to come back inside because smoke came over from someone smoking on their balcony just below us. So, I'd suggest if you are in a non-smoking room and want a smoke, to go outside, away from the building.

 

[DebbieB]

Just thought of something else...since you are going with friends, you may want to ask for a building with a number higher than 20. Those buildings will have two entrances into the master bathroom - one from the room and one from going through the laundry room. This may not matter since you'll have your own bathrooms, but it may be something to consider. Just a thought.....

Buildings 30 and up have the 2 entrances into the master bath.

I think a lockoff might be better, that way they can come and go through their own entrance if they like, have their own kitchenette, own balcony.

 

[RobDoc]

... Some people have posted that CMs told them it was all right to smoke on the balcony of a non-smoking room since it's outside. Other have been told that a non-smoking room in a non smoking building is non-smoking, including the balcony. ...

OKW is rather unique because it is the only onsite DVC resort where entire buildings are comprised of either "non-smoking" or "smoking optional" villas. At the other onsite resorts, a non-smoking villa's balcony could be directly above or below a smoking optional villa where the guest is smoking on his balcony.

At OKW, none of the buildings themselves are designated as "non-smoking" or "smoking optional" - only the villas themselves have such designation. Thus, the CM's will normally advise those guests who ask that smoking is allowed on the balconies in any building - even though the villa itself is designated as non-smoking. While many will suggest that a building is non-smoking (I used that designation myself in the OKW building report I posted here), it is really only the individual villas in the building that actually have the restriction. Since there are no common areas in any of the buildings, the "non-smoking" designation applies only the rooms themselves- balconies, walkways and stairways (all outdoors) may be used when smoking, according to CM's at the resort. CM's will state the same thing at all other DVC resorts regarding smoking on balconies.

HH is the only other resort where entire buildings are made up of either "non-smoking" or "smoking optional" villas and smoking is allowed on the balconies there too.

 

[SueM in MN]

While many will suggest that a building is non-smoking (I used that designation myself in the OKW building report I posted here), it is really only the individual villas in the building that actually have the restriction. Since there are no common areas in any of the buildings, the "non-smoking" designation applies only the rooms themselves- balconies, walkways and stairways (all outdoors) may be used when smoking, according to CM's at the resort. CM's will state the same thing at all other DVC resorts regarding smoking on balconies.

Although we have been told by CMs that the balcony is part of the non-smoking room, and so is also non-smoking (when we have asked about smoke wafting onto our balcony from another around us).

I think it more matters who you ask and who is asking; a smoker who asks "Is it OK" is likely to be told it is, because it is outside. A non-smoker who is saying the smoke is bothering them is more likely to be told it is not allowed.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

Just wanted to mention that OKW does not have room service available.

Sue, I should have explained myself better. I learned that OKW doesn't have room service, but being near the hospitality center will make it easier for my friends to get food (if they don't want to do the cooking themselves).

 

[SueM in MN]

Sue, I should have explained myself better. I learned that OKW doesn't have room service, but being near the hospitality center will make it easier for my friends to get food (if they don't want to do the cooking themselves).

That's good.
I was worried that your friends who were "addicted" to room service were going to be going into "Room service withdrawal" at OKW.