JohnathanS
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2002
- Messages
- 358
Well, after about a month, I've got my computer problems solved and can finally post again!
We returned from our first DVC trip a few weeks ago and we had the MOST incredible time. It was a 10 day trip with 1 day in a VWL studio, 4 days at the Dolphin, and 5 days in an OKW 1 bedroom. I took my mom who is my constand Disney travelling compainion-she loves the place as much as I do and we are such good friends we always have a blast.
Concentrating on the DVC experience, this trip proved what a great decision we made buying into the program. We arrived at VWL and, while waiting to check in, I could not stop grinning. I love WL and now that we get to stay in the Villas, I loved it all the more. The studio was absolutely beautiful. I especially love the lamps and the way the different patterns of fabric tie so well together. We only requested a smoking room for mom, with no other preferences specified and checked in around 12:30. Our room was ready at check-in. We got a room at the furthest end of the building facing the front. I'm guessing this is the "dumpster view", as there was one in front of the room, but we didn't know it at first as it's concealed by trees. We didn't mind it at all-we were just sooo happy to be there and tried to get another night (we only booked this for 1 night to extend our trip
), but unfortunately there was no availability. We enjoyed the easy access to MK for Extra Magic Hour on Thursday, as well as the Hidden Springs pool. We also found the drive to the Polynesian for KoKo Puffs and firework viewing at the beach was a very short drive, and they allowed us to park at Polynesian even though we didn't have priority seating.
I thought there would be no way for our beloved OKW to live up to this experience but, boy was I wrong!
We checked into OKW around 8:00 on the Sunday of Labor day weekend and, as expected, and our room wasn't ready, but this didn't matter. We wandered the resort, my shoulders just sagging as the tension melted out of my muscles. We enjoyed smoothies sitting outsided Papa's Den, looking out at the water. Throughout our time here, we took many walks, sat by all the pools except for Miller's Pond, and ate at Olivia's several times. We made use of the video rentals (a paltry selection here!) and I took daily jacuzzi baths!
We were in villa 2511, the perfect location with the perfect view! We were right across the bridge from Hospitality House and we overlooked a small orchard like area complete with a pond with fountain and a golf view beyond. It was a ground level unit, but we rarely saw or heard anyone.
Our favorite pool is Southpoint, because of its seclusion and view of the riverway. Turtle Pond is a close second with its music and snack bar. Miller's Pond pool did not impress us, as it was surrounded by buildings and felt more like a traditional apartment pool.
I was also taken with how beautiful the foliage was, so lush and the air was heavy with the fragrance of all the blooms-a great place for evening walks.
Surprisingly, the resort was perfectly convenient to most of WDW, especially since our car was just a few steps from the front of our unit: we could be at Epcot and MGM in about 10-15 minutes, and our trips to DTD and Typhoon Lagoon only took about 5 minutes!! It actually took us less time to get to the front of MGM than it did waiting and riding the boat from the Dolphin. I had been a big fan of WDW transportation, but this trip has shifted my back to driving to the parks.
Oh, and the conch fritters at Goods to Go?---Absolutely addicting!!
We will be staying at the Dolphin for Food & Wine the weekend of the 23rd, but then it will be back to DVC for 17 nights in November (actually only 10 of those will be DVC-our arrival night will be spent at the Poly, and our last 6 at Riverside) and I just can't wait!
We returned from our first DVC trip a few weeks ago and we had the MOST incredible time. It was a 10 day trip with 1 day in a VWL studio, 4 days at the Dolphin, and 5 days in an OKW 1 bedroom. I took my mom who is my constand Disney travelling compainion-she loves the place as much as I do and we are such good friends we always have a blast.
Concentrating on the DVC experience, this trip proved what a great decision we made buying into the program. We arrived at VWL and, while waiting to check in, I could not stop grinning. I love WL and now that we get to stay in the Villas, I loved it all the more. The studio was absolutely beautiful. I especially love the lamps and the way the different patterns of fabric tie so well together. We only requested a smoking room for mom, with no other preferences specified and checked in around 12:30. Our room was ready at check-in. We got a room at the furthest end of the building facing the front. I'm guessing this is the "dumpster view", as there was one in front of the room, but we didn't know it at first as it's concealed by trees. We didn't mind it at all-we were just sooo happy to be there and tried to get another night (we only booked this for 1 night to extend our trip
), but unfortunately there was no availability. We enjoyed the easy access to MK for Extra Magic Hour on Thursday, as well as the Hidden Springs pool. We also found the drive to the Polynesian for KoKo Puffs and firework viewing at the beach was a very short drive, and they allowed us to park at Polynesian even though we didn't have priority seating.I thought there would be no way for our beloved OKW to live up to this experience but, boy was I wrong!
We checked into OKW around 8:00 on the Sunday of Labor day weekend and, as expected, and our room wasn't ready, but this didn't matter. We wandered the resort, my shoulders just sagging as the tension melted out of my muscles. We enjoyed smoothies sitting outsided Papa's Den, looking out at the water. Throughout our time here, we took many walks, sat by all the pools except for Miller's Pond, and ate at Olivia's several times. We made use of the video rentals (a paltry selection here!) and I took daily jacuzzi baths!
We were in villa 2511, the perfect location with the perfect view! We were right across the bridge from Hospitality House and we overlooked a small orchard like area complete with a pond with fountain and a golf view beyond. It was a ground level unit, but we rarely saw or heard anyone.
Our favorite pool is Southpoint, because of its seclusion and view of the riverway. Turtle Pond is a close second with its music and snack bar. Miller's Pond pool did not impress us, as it was surrounded by buildings and felt more like a traditional apartment pool.
I was also taken with how beautiful the foliage was, so lush and the air was heavy with the fragrance of all the blooms-a great place for evening walks.
Surprisingly, the resort was perfectly convenient to most of WDW, especially since our car was just a few steps from the front of our unit: we could be at Epcot and MGM in about 10-15 minutes, and our trips to DTD and Typhoon Lagoon only took about 5 minutes!! It actually took us less time to get to the front of MGM than it did waiting and riding the boat from the Dolphin. I had been a big fan of WDW transportation, but this trip has shifted my back to driving to the parks.
Oh, and the conch fritters at Goods to Go?---Absolutely addicting!!
We will be staying at the Dolphin for Food & Wine the weekend of the 23rd, but then it will be back to DVC for 17 nights in November (actually only 10 of those will be DVC-our arrival night will be spent at the Poly, and our last 6 at Riverside) and I just can't wait!
But it gives your Mom a great place to stay.
