Multiple villas at OKW

[gracelrm]

We are planning a large family trip next summer to WDW. An additional family is now saying they are coming (although I know they'll back out and leave us in a predicament, just like they did last time - but that's a whole different thread) Anyway, it's looking like we might need to try at 7 months to move our reservation to OKW if possible to have enough points to accommodate everyone. We're most likely looking at needing 2 2BR and 3 studios to fit everyone. Assuming we were able to move our reservation to OKW - would it be likely that we could get the 2 2BR & 3 studios really close together? I've stayed at OKW once and loved it - but I don't really know the set-up of villas in each building and am sure some of you who know the resort inside and out - can help me out on this one. I guess if 1 studio had to be far away from the rest - I could live with that - just refer to above reference of the predicament causing relatives

TIA

 

[Figment2]

When you make the reservations, be sure to say "Near the Smiths" or "Near the Parkers." Also register as a magical (or grand) gathering. When we've done that, they've put us fairly close. Maybe not in the same buidling or on the same floor but sometimes in the building next door.

As far as the relatives backing out, I'd tell them they were on their own for reservations. People who back out (even once) aren't invited back staying on my points.

Good luck!

Cyn

 

[spiceycat]

definitely tell MS you need all your reservations as close together as possible.

also when you check in - make sure the rooms are close together

at okw you might have problems - they block rooms (despite DVC saying they did not) - and will refuse to change rooms.

so check when you arrive before anyone takes any keys

 

[kikiq]

Definitely register as a Grand Gathering. They will make every effort to put you close together. We were in all the same building last summer at SSR. That's what the GG CM told me that they can't guarantee same floor or next to each other but they do try to get you close together.

Also agree with spicey cat, first one to register needs to check where everyone is BEFORE you pick up keys. One of our party came in 2 days earlier and found that she was in one section and we were somewhere else. She made sure we were all in the same section and luckily the same building.

 

[gracelrm]

I will be making all the reservations and using all my points - and will make a point of explaining all of this when I call to try to move to OKW. What I'm wondering is within a building at OKW - what types of rooms make up a building. Is it even possible to get two 2BRs and 3 studios all within one building. I realize just because they might have them - doesn't mean I could get them - I'm just curious what types of units make up the buildings at OKW.

 

[rentayenta]

Have you thought about trying to get 2 GVs? We booked at less than 7 months out and got one. Just a thought.

 

[gracelrm]

Rentayenta - We assumed that since we were going in June and can't make our reservations at OKW until the 7 month mark - that we probably have little chance of getting 1 GV, let alone 2 GV. Also, didn't know how close they would be to one another anyway. Also, one family is very private and keep their young kids on a strict schedule - I think they'll need a studio for sure to help make everyone's trip more pleasant!

 

[castleri]

Here is the post WebmasterDoc put together a number of years ago. As you can see there are many buildings with the amount of rooms you need but as others have said you may or may not get lucky to have them all in the same building. We only needed two together and it worked out that one was on the top floor and one on the ground floor in the same building which was fine with us. Good luck with your trip planning - I just cancelled 2 BR at BCV Dec27-Jan 1 because of family member deciding it was "too busy" then and her 7 yo wouldn't be able to do enough that he wants to do - I really think it was more that she won't be able to do what she wants; It was supposed to be a trip with all the children - his, mine and ours and the grandchildren - She wants to go in September so am now trying to work that out - got OKW --as well as still have some who want to go in Dec. - family - gotta love em -


OKW Building Configuration Summary
I spent a couple of hours last week doing a survey of the buildings at OKW. There are seven different configurations. I have assigned a letter designation to each type described below (these are my own observations and are NOT official.) All room rooms are numbered from right to left as you look at the building from the parking area. Each floor will be numbered by building number, floor and room. The studio on the lower right first floor of building 16 is #1610. The 1BR next door is #1611.

GV's are found in Buildings 15,16,19,22,25,29,43,48,49,51,53 and 63.
Buildings 62, 63 and 64 all have elevators but no other Buildings are accessible above the ground floor.
As of June 1, 2007 - all WDW resorts are smoke-free with no smoking allowed in rooms, balconies, and patios as well all public areas. There are designated smoking areas available outdoors. In Buildings 11-29, the 1BR and 2BR villas have one entrance to the master bathroom - thru the master bedroom. In Buildings 30-64, there is an additional access to the master bath thru the laundry room. The jacuzzi area is separate from the master bath which has the toilet, shower and sink.

The "near" Hospitality House booking category includes Buildings 11-14 and 23-26 and may be reserved as a guaranteed location if available. All other locations, floors and views cannot be guaranteed, but requests may be made. Charcoal grills are availabe near each of the neighborhood pools (Miller's Road, Old Turtle Pond and South Point). There are no gas grills at the resort.

All of the following building descriptions are listed from right to left, as you face the building from the parking area.

Type A buildings are all 3 stories.
1st Floor- S,1,2,2,2,1,S
2nd Floor- S,1,2,2,2,1,S
3rd Floor- 2,2,2
Buildings 13,20,21,23,26,27,28,32,33,34,36,37,39,41,42,45,46 ,47,50,52,54,56 and 62 are all Type A.

Type B buildings are all 2 stories.
1st Floor- S,1,2,1,S
2nd Floor- S,1,2,1,S
Buildings 11,17,24,30,31,40,44 and 55 are all Type B.

Type C buildings are all 3 stories.
1st Floor- S,1,2,2,1,S
2nd Floor- S,1,GV,GV,1,S (#6322 is a HCA GV)
3rd Floor- GV, GV (upper floors)
Buildings 15,16 19,22,25,29,43,49,51,53 and 63 are all Type C.

Type D buildings are all 3 stories.
1st Floor- 2,1,S,S,1,1,S,S,1,2
2nd Floor- 2,1,S,S,1 1 S,S,1,2
3rd Floor- 1,S,S,1 1 S,S,1
Buildings 14,18,35 and 38 are all Type D.

Type E- #48 is a 3 story building.
1st Floor- S,1,2,2,2,GV (#4815 is a HCA GV)
2nd Floor- S,1,GV,GV,GV,GV(upper Floor)
3rd Floor- GV,GV,GV (upper floor of all)

Type E- #49 is a 3 story building.
1st Floor- S,1,2,2,2,1,S
2nd Floor- S,1,GV,GV,GV,1,S
3rd Floor- GV,GV,GV (upper floor of all)

Building 48 and 49 are the only Type E buildings and each has a variant configuration.

TypeF is a 3 story building.
1st Floor- S,1,2,2,1,S,1,S
2nd Floor- S,1,2,2,1,S,1,S
3rd Floor- S,1,2,2
Building 64 is the only Type F.

TypeG is a 2 story building.
1st Floor- S,1,2,2,2
2nd Floor- S,1,2,2,2
Building 12 is the only Type G.

Gary (GDUL) has prepared a coded map of OKW with GVs and HC accessible buildings noted along with the designated smoking areas for the resort.

Enjoy!

BCV Resort Configuration

HH Resort Configuration

SSR Configuration
__________________
Doc
Assistant Webmaster DIS
doc@wdwinfo.com

 

[gracelrm]

Castleri,

Thanks - that is what I was wondering. Again, I know just because there would be what we needed all in one building - that doesn't mean we'd get it. I just was curious if it was even possible! Thanks for digging through your archives!!!!!!

 

[Chuck S]

As far as the relatives backing out, I'd tell them they were on their own for reservations. People who back out (even once) aren't invited back staying on my points.

That is the way it works with us, too. Assuming that the traveler agreed to the dates, once the reservation is made, no changes, and if they back out, unless it is an actual emergency, they are on their own for future reservations.

As far as close together, OKW should be able to put you all in either the same building or adjacent buildings, which would still be convenient.

 

[gracelrm]

I would agree with this - but my DH thinks that it would cause long term damage to family relations if we did that. I guess he's just nicer than me!