utahkennedys
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2005
- Messages
- 1,630
We spent last week in a 2BR villa at OKW and then this week in a 2BR at BCV. I should start by saying how much we love OKW. I bought there b/c I knew it "fit" us from the moment I checked it out.
Anyhow, here are my thoughts on OKW and the contrast with BCV in hopes it will help someone:
1. We love the peacefulness of OKW. It is quiet and serene. The views from our villa in Bldg 20 over to the Hospitality House by the lake were beautiful. We felt like we hardly saw any other guests, especially at our area pool. We like parking in front.
2. We love the space in the 2BR villa and the layout. It's comfortable. I like the full size appliances.
3. I like that OKW doesn't share buses.
4. The rooms are a bit worn, but mostly in the baths. I know they are hard to keep in top shape given the humidity, but frankly, they were kind of gross...the grooves in the shower had lots of mildew as did the ceiling near the shower.
5. The distance to HH is a pain. Sure, we can hop on any bus and get to HH, but getting back is another story. From Bldg 20 the walk is so so...anywhere further and I don't want to do it with 2 small kids in tow. I won't be at OKW without a car. Period.
6. The dining options at OKW are very limited. We don't like Good's and Olivia's is ok to us. That leaves the car for options (we did drive to CBR one night) or DTD. The boat has moved so it is less convenient going over the Pleasure Island instead of the MarketPlace.
Having said all this, we really do LOVE OKW and we prefer it. But, here is what we really enjoyed at BCV and what we didn't enjoy so much:
1. We don't love the hotel "feel". We don't love hallways with noisy guests.
2. We do like the hotel amenities. We enjoyed the activities and dining options which are much more abundant at BCV.
3. We hate the shared buses. There are just too many resorts sharing the same buses and they were PACKED everywhere we went. I had to stand most of the time with a stroller and kids.
4. We loved the access to EPCOT and being able to walk there so quickly. We also loved watching the fireworks in such close proximity.
5. We loved the MarketPlace and Beaches and Cream.
6. We didn't like the smallness of the villa, especially the tiny kitchen.
7. We enjoyed the quiet pool right near our villa.
All in all, both are gorgeous resorts. I am sure we will be at BCV again since my girls loved the pool so much and having a character b'fast right at our resort. But, OKW is "home" and although it also has some drawbacks, I think we find ourselves drawn there each trip! Hope this helps someone!
Anyhow, here are my thoughts on OKW and the contrast with BCV in hopes it will help someone:
1. We love the peacefulness of OKW. It is quiet and serene. The views from our villa in Bldg 20 over to the Hospitality House by the lake were beautiful. We felt like we hardly saw any other guests, especially at our area pool. We like parking in front.
2. We love the space in the 2BR villa and the layout. It's comfortable. I like the full size appliances.
3. I like that OKW doesn't share buses.
4. The rooms are a bit worn, but mostly in the baths. I know they are hard to keep in top shape given the humidity, but frankly, they were kind of gross...the grooves in the shower had lots of mildew as did the ceiling near the shower.
5. The distance to HH is a pain. Sure, we can hop on any bus and get to HH, but getting back is another story. From Bldg 20 the walk is so so...anywhere further and I don't want to do it with 2 small kids in tow. I won't be at OKW without a car. Period.
6. The dining options at OKW are very limited. We don't like Good's and Olivia's is ok to us. That leaves the car for options (we did drive to CBR one night) or DTD. The boat has moved so it is less convenient going over the Pleasure Island instead of the MarketPlace.
Having said all this, we really do LOVE OKW and we prefer it. But, here is what we really enjoyed at BCV and what we didn't enjoy so much:
1. We don't love the hotel "feel". We don't love hallways with noisy guests.
2. We do like the hotel amenities. We enjoyed the activities and dining options which are much more abundant at BCV.
3. We hate the shared buses. There are just too many resorts sharing the same buses and they were PACKED everywhere we went. I had to stand most of the time with a stroller and kids.
4. We loved the access to EPCOT and being able to walk there so quickly. We also loved watching the fireworks in such close proximity.
5. We loved the MarketPlace and Beaches and Cream.
6. We didn't like the smallness of the villa, especially the tiny kitchen.
7. We enjoyed the quiet pool right near our villa.
All in all, both are gorgeous resorts. I am sure we will be at BCV again since my girls loved the pool so much and having a character b'fast right at our resort. But, OKW is "home" and although it also has some drawbacks, I think we find ourselves drawn there each trip! Hope this helps someone!
