OKW -- any positive thoughts?

[Halle]

Excellent strawberry daquiri's by the pool!

 

[DeeP]

As many others have posted, OKW has the largest units out of all the DVC resorts, it is very quiet and you can park in the parking lots located in front of every building. For a non WDW lover like your DH, OKW might be just the ticket since you will be removed from the parks and the hustle and bustle associated with the parks and the MK and Epcot resorts. Think of a nice condo development surrounded by a golf course and that pretty much describes OKW.
I have experienced less than the greatest transportation while staying at OKW when relying on buses and would not stay there again without a car. I have had much better bus transportation from the value and moderate resorts. If you are going to be spending a lot of time at Epcot, OKW is definitely not the most convenient place to be staying at for quick trips to Epcot.
I am sure you will have a great trip and will get to experience a new place. Like all the Disney resorts, OKW has it's fans and also has those who do not care for the location, extremely quiet atmosphere, lack of amenities, elevators, etc. It all depends on what you want on vacation. If a large unit, in a quiet atmosphere with parking at the door appeals to you OKW is perfect. If you desire a resort that offers full deluxe resort amenities, the ability to walk to parks, restaurants and nighttime entertainment and you also wish to be in the middle of the action and Disney magic then there are many other WDW resorts that would be a much better fit.
I am like Lisa F, and only stay at OKW if I can not get into any other DVC resort and have in fact canceled trips to WDW when only OKW was available and rebooked for a time when one of the other DVC resorts was available. Matter of fact, I cancelled a WDW trip that would have had me there right now but when I could only get a reservation at OKW, I rebooked. After the particularly bad winter we have had the thought of being in sunny FL right now is very appealing but in the long run I know I will be much happier waiting 2 more months and staying in a DVC resort that I enjoy. Not to put OKW down, but if it was the only DVC resort on WDW property, I would definitely NOT have become a DVC member.

 

[Davidr1]

I have to agree with the others, OKW is great. We bought there because of it's laid-back style and because it's a little set off from the rest of the "World."

As fellow North Chicago suburbanites, I guess we're on the same Spring Break -- we'll be there too!

 

[Disney Doll]

We have 2 DVC contracts, each with OKW as our home resort.

It is a spread out, quiet resort,surrounded by a golf course. I think the pace there is more relaxed than the pace at either of the 2 Boardwalk DVC resorts.That is not a put-down of either BCV or BWV...I love them both too!!! It's an observation of the difference in the "feel" of the resorts. A 2BR at OKW is large. It has a large "great room"-combination kitchen/living/dining area. It is a full kitchen, fully stocked with dishes, cookwar etc., with full size appliances. It has a full size washer/dryer unit, a king size bed in the MBR, a jacuzzi type tub in the master bath, a walk-in shower, balconies galore, 2 Queen size beds in the 2nd BR with another full bath(but no jacuzzi). The complex has a kind of quaint little village style atmosphere.

Others have commented about the transportation. I guess I weither luck out or get so relaxed on WDW trips that waiting a few minutes for a bus doesn't phase me. I have never personally experienced what I would consider any major transportation issues from OKW.

DH and I love it there. If we never had the opportunity to stay at any other WDW resort ever again other than OKW, we could be very happy.

 

[BobH]

I am a father with a daughter I can't do enough for. She is graduating from graduate school shortly and besides enjoying OKW myself I have been able to send my daughter down with her friends as a graduation present. Our ownership interest is paid for and it felt great to be able to reward a kid who has brought nothing but happiness to our lives. I would think that it would be hard for your husband not to enjoy OKW and Disney once he sees how your daughter enjoys her trip. Also you don't have to be a 24/7 Disney nut. You can enjoy the first class accomdations and go outside WDW for a change of pace. My wife and I have used OKW as home base and gone out to Clearwater Beach, Vero Beach and the Kennedy Space center. There is plenty to do.

 

[NancyDVC]

OKW A-a-a-ah. it's almost heaven. We'vee been DVC (OKW) members since early 1992. I can't imagine a nicer place to stay. We love the entire resort, quiet laid back and very homey. The best parts are the size of the rooms, the layout, the views, the Trumbo Ferry, the CMs, Olivia's Conch Chowder and Brownie Sundae, the balconies to relax and have a meal or a snack, being close to DD, being Welcomed Home at the gate.
We leave in 7 1/2 hours for our first stay at BWV. (OKW was booked and our wait list came through at BWV.) I know that we will go to OKW for at least one meal, maybe two.
I know that you will love OKW. Enjoy!

 

[SueOKW]

My DH is anti-disney too.... OKW turned him around.

You may never own, granted.. but i think you can relax and rest assured he will be pleased with this resort.

sue

 

[tiggerjan]

For those who inquired, my DD's showchoir, Mixed Company did REALLY WELL at Chicagoland Showcase this weekend! Overall, they were 1st Runners-up to Attache (the group from Miss. who've been Natl. Champs. I don't know how many times). They also won Best Vocals, Best Combo and Best Soloist in the solo competition.

They don't announce the "scores", but apparently the final totals were razor-close -- even Attache's director gave his medal to our director and said "You should've won today".

Anyway, we're SO proud of them and looking forward to their last competition this weekend in Cedar Rapids, IA and their performance at EPCOT!

 

[WDWguruDH]

We had a lot of the same feelings you expressed. We own at BWV and VWL. Stayed at OKW as a last resort, and fell in love with it. It is huge and laid back - you can get away from hectic Disney. Our favorites are still BWV, then VWL, but I would place OKW next, and will never be afraid to stay there again - it is definitely the resort I would use to try and convince someone that DVC is worth it.
One thing to beware of, transportation. While the busses are no worse than any other resort, because of the size and location, it will take longer. Plus, the cottage layout lends itself to easy access to a car. If you can, you will be happier with a car.