OKW -- any positive thoughts?

[tiggerjan]

Hi DVC'ers -- I'm SO jealous of you all! I have a NON-Disney husband, so I guess I'll never be able to count myself among your ranks.

Anyway, we're heading down in 2 weeks and staying in a 2BR villa at OKW courtesy of some wonderful friends, because our daughter is singing at EPCOT (that's the only reason my husband is going!) OKW wouldn't have been my first choice because of the location, but it wasn't up to me.

I'm looking for any positive feedback about OKW because I'm getting nervous that I'm not going to like it.

Thanks to all you wonderful folks who participate on these fun and informative boards!

Tiggerjan

 

[rpink58]

You have nothing to worry about . OKW is great. It is the most laid back of all the WDW RESORTS.Enjoy your self.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

You will LOVE OKW, we stayed ther in September and loved it. The 2 Bedroom is HUGE,i did not feel like it was a bad location at all,we felt the bus rides were pretty short.we will definetly be staying at OKW again.i want to stay in a GV next time

 

[vbfamily]

I have a feeling you will LOVE it.

How come your daughter is singing at Epcot? Sounds exciting.

 

[Cruelladeville]

You know, before I stayed at OKW, I felt the same way that you do. When I actually stayed there I fell in love with the resort!! Aside from the LARGE size of the rooms (which are really gorgeous!) you have this huge balcony overlooking the golf course, and it's a lot of fun to sit and watch the people. It turned out to be fun It's so quiet and relaxing, a great place for a nice walk. Even though I own 600 pts at BWV, I am waiting for another 100 or so pts at OKW just because I like it so much!!

 

[madcoco]

Perfect Place for some R&R. Does your husband golf? It's in your backyard. Take the free TrumboFerry(pontoon boat) for a relaxing cruise up to Downtown Disney. Sit out on your balcony and enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee. You will not be lacking space. Sit back, relax and enjoy a taste of the Conch Republic Disney Style. Hope you enjoy it. We wish your DD the best of luck in performing at Epcot

 

[Beth]

In addition to all the great things mentioned above, I just wanted to add...

It's been unseasonably warm here the last week or two, and the azaleas are in FULL BLOOM!!

That's one of <i>my</i> favorite things about OKW - it is SO pretty when all the flowers are blooming!!

Relax - you're gonna have a great time!!

 

[Richyams]

Many consider OKW to be the only 'real' DVC resort.

 

[Regina]

Ah Rich, how did I know that you'd say that?

We've taken friends and family to OKW, and they've been amazed at the size and amenities of the two bedroom units.

No one has mentioned the jacuzzi that's in your room. You can stock the refrigerator with drinks/snacks, and you also have a washer/dryer right in your unit.

Just wait, you'll see that you had no reason to worry.

 

[sgtdisney]

I am biased toward OKW, but I think you will love it. Your husband may even enjoy it because it is a little more 'quiet' than the other DVC resorts. It is such a beautiful and relaxing place, but yet is closer to the action than you may think. (It is probably less than 1 mile away from Epcot as the crow (or snowy egret as the case may be ) flies. Relax and enjoy yourself!

 

[tiggerjan]

You guys are the greatest! Thanks for easing my mind about the location. It does sound wonderful and we'll probably be so spoiled by this huge place that it'll be hard to go back to a regular resort!

The reason my DD is singing at EPCOT is that her high school choir is doing a spring break trip. The Chamber Choir will be performing as well as Mixed Company, their wonderful showchoir. Mixed Company won Grand Champions at their first competition this year in Ft. Atkinson, WI. Tomorrow is their 2nd competition, Chicagoland Showcase, which is very competitive and at which the best group in the country is competing (I think they're from Alabama). Anyway, we hope they'll do well tomorrow.

SO, at EPCOT they'll be performing their competition show, which is from the Broadway musical "The Civil War." It's really moving. They're performing Sun. 3/23 for anyone who's going to be down there -- look for Prospect High School!! We still haven't heard the final performance times, but expect that info this week. Then, another day they get to do a Disney workshop at MGM, so they're going to have a memorable trip!

I'm sure that's WAY more than anyone wanted to know, but there you have it.

Thanks again for all the good info and the good wishes!

Tiggerjan

 

[miksicnarf]

Tiggerjan, if your husband is a non-Disney person, OKW will hook him if anything can . My husband is also a non-Disney, non-themepark kinda guy and on our first trip to WDW, staying in a 2br at OKW, it was HIS idea to buy! What we love about OKW is that when you're in your unit, looking out on a serene view, you'd never know you were within WDW.
Have a great trip!

 

[Patricia]

Contratulations on your daughter's success. You must be so proud of her!
OKW is a beautiful resort with so many lovely attributes. It's peaceful and so pretty. I think it has a quiet sense of Disney. It's kind of subtle but at the same time, it's still there. Know what I mean? A two bedroom Villa is so terrific. There are two balconies to sit on and listen to the birds and just relax. That is one of the things I love the most at OKW. My entire family, kids included love OKW the best. This year we are staying at BWV and they are not all that happy about it. THe pool there is exciting, but it's just not our OKW.
No matter what happens, this trip is about your joy in watching your daughter. Relax and have a great time!

 

[JMWSR518]

If you have read these boards for even just a week you should be able to realize OKW is a favorite, that alone should make you excited about your upcoming stay. We own at BWV but usually stay at OKW because of its comfort and luxury. Also its not really out of the way, just hop in your car and your about 5-10 minutes away from the fun.


JMW

 

[Pa@okw95]

The two bedroom has the square footage of a ranche style house about 1300 square feet, I believe. You will enjoy the accomodations at OKW.

 

[Richyams]

There are two balconies to sit on and listen to the birds and just relax.

The only units with two balconies are the lock-off two bedroom units. The dedicated two bedroom units only have one balcony....now that I am thinking about this, I am not sure....we always get the GV, but I have been in a bunch of two bedroom units, I think I am right.

The dedicated two bedroom units are a little easier in several respects. There is no second bedroom door for children to wander out of, the bathroom/vanity area isn't cluttered up with the mini-kitchenette.

 

[Lisa F]

Here's a point of view from the other side and someone who is not OKW's greatest fan. We only stay there pretty much if we HAVE to (ie it's the only thing left) as it's not my favorite DVC. That said, I think it's an excellent choice for you.

If DH is not a big disney fan, this will take him away from the action and show him that Disney is more than just "It's a Small World" over and over. Any two bedroom dvc unit is luxurious beyond compare at any other resort... you would have to go to suites that cost over $1000/night to even get close! (and you still would have to go down the hall to do your laundry!)

My point is not to put down OKW but just point out that even the opinion of someone who doesn't find OKW to be her favorite is that you will have an absolutely fabulous time there, and I wouldn't be surprised if OKW wins over your husband also!

DVC just beats the pants off of regular resort rooms. Saying OKW is my least favorite DVC resort is like saying that first class on Delta is my least favorite first class on any airline. It's still WAAAAAY better than coach!

Lisa

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Positive about OKW?

Large rooms
Quiet
Park outside your room
Several bus stops
multiple pools
Boat ride to DD
golf course views
GVs
Olivia's
Marina activities
Disney service
Gated
Community hall with activities

Here's a map for you:
http://wdwig.com/okwmap.jpg

 

[simba3]

OKW is our home resort since 1995. We enjoy being there because it is quiet and very different from the other resorts. We have stayed at BW & BCV and like the setting and close proximity to Epcot. How can you not enjoy DVC's. I am sure you will find OKW a great resort and have a terrific vacation.

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by Richyams
The only units with two balconies are the lock-off two bedroom units. The dedicated two bedroom units only have one balcony....now that I am thinking about this, I am not sure....we always get the GV, but I have been in a bunch of two bedroom units, I think I am right.

Rich, you are right.. The dedicated 2 bedrooms only have the one large balcony off of the master bedroom and living area.. The 2nd bedroom only has windows. To get a balcony in the 2nd bedroom you would have to reserve a 2 bedroom lock-off..