debbiepump
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2005
- Messages
- 514
Cast of Characters: Me and B.S. (big sis)
Occasion: My Birthday
Place: OKW, first visit
Dates: 2/22 - 2/28/09
Thought I'd treat myself to OKW for my birthday, always end up treating others. B.S. jumped at the chance to go, DH jumped at the chance to stay home and do whatever husbands do while the wives are away (i.e., nothing but kick back). Arrival from Seattle was uneventful. Giant line for Budget, seems there always is for either Budget or Alamoat least Alamo has self service kiosks, Budget doesn't. Wasn't too pleased overhearing the high pressure the reps were giving all these folks on additions to pay for. Tried upgrading B.S. to a sportscar for an add'l $25 a day, she said no, we ended up in a Mitsubishi Eclipse. Wonder what their version of a sportscar is.........we had to do body rolls to get in and out of the thing!
Arrived at OKW and no lines to check in. Prior to arrival and upon booking awhile ago, I had told them it was my birthday and wanted a 3rd floor unit, quiet and in building 55 area (as others on the board suggested). Actually, prior to arriving, I called and reconfirmed my requests. In the past, I've taken what I've been given at BCV and decided this time I'd try a little harder. Sure enough, they had me in some building by the busy road on floor 2. I threw a mini fit and they moved me. We were in unit 4631, top floor, nice view of the water and the pool across the way. I think building 55 is the primo spot. After some of the posts, I was a little concerned with what we would find. Our first impression walking up to the door of our unit was that it was filthy, black marks and dirt all over it. I can assure you a little cleaner, a rag and elbow grease would of fixed that problem right away. First impressions are the most important, keep that door clean! To our surprise, the unit was great, older, yes, but clean overall.........except..........the 1/2 case of coke, 1/4 case of Mountain Dew, 1/2 case of water in the fridge, 1/2 box of tampons in the drawer in the bathroom, a used diaper in a plastic bag sitting on top of the crib in my closet and the bucket 'o dirt in the laundry room. Only one remote for the 3 televisions worked, actually, there was one remote missing and the other remote in the room had no batteries. We did find the windows filthy/both on the inside and the outside. I think the housekeepers could at least wipe down the windows leading to the deck from the living room and bedroom. I let the manager know of our 'finds' in the room and got the usual 'mouse smile and a sorry'. Was not going to be detered from a great time with these issues. There were no soap dishes in the units......call me a prude, but I don't like my bar of soap just sitting on the counter in the bathroom. Fixed that problem by getting a small plate out of the bathroom to use. LOVED the jacuzzi. Felt guilty using all that water to fill the tub........ Let my birthday bash roll on! Weather was wonderful, really appreciated not having to have the a/c on and being able to have the doors open instead. Must add, it snowed in Seattle while gone, so made my time just so much better. Since we arrived on Sunday night, decided to order in pizza and watch the Oscars, yes, they do deliver pizza right to the door at this resort, we were given a list with phone numbers (Domino's, Pizza Hut, Papa John's, Sassalouga, China 3 and Asian Harbor). Concierge gave us a list with phone numbers. Have learned to 'remake' my bed at Disney, and what's with the 3 different flavors of 'mini pillows' on the bed? Since when is Disney trying to sell their bedding? They have a long way to go to compete with Starwood resorts (Westin, W, etc) and their heavenly beds. No complaints about the bed, it was fine. Got up the next morning and went to Earl's to grab a breakfast sandwich. Were eyeing the yogurts there,wish we would of gotten them instead, the breakfast sandwiches were dry and tasteless. Lesson learned. This trip, we did not focus on the parks much, in fact, only spent two days in the park, one in Epcot, the other in MK. Instead, we took day trips, we went to Lake Placid/Sebring and now understand why land is so cheap in central Florida. Another day we drove up to St. Augustine, sad it's been made so chessey. Nice drive down the coast, overall, nice drive. Can check off my bucket list. Ate at San Angel in Epcot, $64 for lunch??? Never again! Not to mention the food wasn't that good. I did get a napkin thrown on my head and sang to by the waitstafff and got a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a candle in it. We are not on any dining plan, just can't see eating those huge meals 3x a day while there. Would have to get a luggage cart to roll us out to our car to leave at the end of our visit! We went to Olivia's to eat one evening, good, reliable food, had the most wonderful waiter, John, I hope that WDW sends me a survey so I can give him the recognition he so deserves. Boma was fantastic-could eat their soups and salads (not to mention the desserts) every day and be happy. Wasn't that busy there, as were any other places to eat. On the day of my birthday, we went to the MK and I hauled along my 'birthday celebration' certificate. I chose the gift card, $75 with no expiration date (would you believe I didn't find a thing to spend it on!!). Wore my birthday button proudly along with lots of other folks. Surprising how one thinks their birthday is the only one around! Went for some soft serve ice cream and the gal behind the counter said, "It's on Mickey, Happy Birthday". She had to say it again, I was so surprised and I didn't catch on at first. I had to give a few park workers high 5's for my birthday, fun day, exactly what I wanted to do. Great job Disney! For my birthday dinner, BS treated me to Narccossee's. MISTAKE......... First off, I really, really wish Disney would enforce the dress code they have. At least a little. I don't dress 'fancy' but a step above park gear, and to eat next to dad with flip flops and a tank on just sort of takes away the ambiance of the restaurant to me (must be getting old). BS had scallops and I had the filet. I found it to be the worst cut of meat I've had compared to the Yachtsman and Flying Fish. Three different meals, we had our meat put on top of our starch (i.e.., the Disney standardized mashed potatoes). I like my meat in it's own place. My steak, for example, was medium (my request) and my potatoes, since they were underneath, were bloody. Gross. BS was grossed out across the table from me. I won't be back to Narccossee's, just waaay to expensive for the quality they serve. I'd take Yachtsman anytime over them. Before we knew it, our week had flown by, amazing how fast time flies and you've not done a thing but sit on the deck and chat with BS and just enjoy each other's company (we live far apart). I truly enjoyed OKW, more than I thought I would, but, if I wanted to have a trip more park oriented, would stay at my home resort, BCV. The bus service at OKW was great, no complaints. I've read several times how large the units at OKW were and it is true. B.S. said she likes OKW alot better than BCV, especially the layout of the second bedroom and bathroom.
My birthday was exactly what I wanted it to be, low key, do nothing but enjoy life, BS and some warm sunshine!
I hope this trip report reaches all since it seems as if AOL is messing around w/us.
Debbie in Seattle
Occasion: My Birthday
Place: OKW, first visit
Dates: 2/22 - 2/28/09
Thought I'd treat myself to OKW for my birthday, always end up treating others. B.S. jumped at the chance to go, DH jumped at the chance to stay home and do whatever husbands do while the wives are away (i.e., nothing but kick back). Arrival from Seattle was uneventful. Giant line for Budget, seems there always is for either Budget or Alamoat least Alamo has self service kiosks, Budget doesn't. Wasn't too pleased overhearing the high pressure the reps were giving all these folks on additions to pay for. Tried upgrading B.S. to a sportscar for an add'l $25 a day, she said no, we ended up in a Mitsubishi Eclipse. Wonder what their version of a sportscar is.........we had to do body rolls to get in and out of the thing!
Arrived at OKW and no lines to check in. Prior to arrival and upon booking awhile ago, I had told them it was my birthday and wanted a 3rd floor unit, quiet and in building 55 area (as others on the board suggested). Actually, prior to arriving, I called and reconfirmed my requests. In the past, I've taken what I've been given at BCV and decided this time I'd try a little harder. Sure enough, they had me in some building by the busy road on floor 2. I threw a mini fit and they moved me. We were in unit 4631, top floor, nice view of the water and the pool across the way. I think building 55 is the primo spot. After some of the posts, I was a little concerned with what we would find. Our first impression walking up to the door of our unit was that it was filthy, black marks and dirt all over it. I can assure you a little cleaner, a rag and elbow grease would of fixed that problem right away. First impressions are the most important, keep that door clean! To our surprise, the unit was great, older, yes, but clean overall.........except..........the 1/2 case of coke, 1/4 case of Mountain Dew, 1/2 case of water in the fridge, 1/2 box of tampons in the drawer in the bathroom, a used diaper in a plastic bag sitting on top of the crib in my closet and the bucket 'o dirt in the laundry room. Only one remote for the 3 televisions worked, actually, there was one remote missing and the other remote in the room had no batteries. We did find the windows filthy/both on the inside and the outside. I think the housekeepers could at least wipe down the windows leading to the deck from the living room and bedroom. I let the manager know of our 'finds' in the room and got the usual 'mouse smile and a sorry'. Was not going to be detered from a great time with these issues. There were no soap dishes in the units......call me a prude, but I don't like my bar of soap just sitting on the counter in the bathroom. Fixed that problem by getting a small plate out of the bathroom to use. LOVED the jacuzzi. Felt guilty using all that water to fill the tub........ Let my birthday bash roll on! Weather was wonderful, really appreciated not having to have the a/c on and being able to have the doors open instead. Must add, it snowed in Seattle while gone, so made my time just so much better. Since we arrived on Sunday night, decided to order in pizza and watch the Oscars, yes, they do deliver pizza right to the door at this resort, we were given a list with phone numbers (Domino's, Pizza Hut, Papa John's, Sassalouga, China 3 and Asian Harbor). Concierge gave us a list with phone numbers. Have learned to 'remake' my bed at Disney, and what's with the 3 different flavors of 'mini pillows' on the bed? Since when is Disney trying to sell their bedding? They have a long way to go to compete with Starwood resorts (Westin, W, etc) and their heavenly beds. No complaints about the bed, it was fine. Got up the next morning and went to Earl's to grab a breakfast sandwich. Were eyeing the yogurts there,wish we would of gotten them instead, the breakfast sandwiches were dry and tasteless. Lesson learned. This trip, we did not focus on the parks much, in fact, only spent two days in the park, one in Epcot, the other in MK. Instead, we took day trips, we went to Lake Placid/Sebring and now understand why land is so cheap in central Florida. Another day we drove up to St. Augustine, sad it's been made so chessey. Nice drive down the coast, overall, nice drive. Can check off my bucket list. Ate at San Angel in Epcot, $64 for lunch??? Never again! Not to mention the food wasn't that good. I did get a napkin thrown on my head and sang to by the waitstafff and got a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a candle in it. We are not on any dining plan, just can't see eating those huge meals 3x a day while there. Would have to get a luggage cart to roll us out to our car to leave at the end of our visit! We went to Olivia's to eat one evening, good, reliable food, had the most wonderful waiter, John, I hope that WDW sends me a survey so I can give him the recognition he so deserves. Boma was fantastic-could eat their soups and salads (not to mention the desserts) every day and be happy. Wasn't that busy there, as were any other places to eat. On the day of my birthday, we went to the MK and I hauled along my 'birthday celebration' certificate. I chose the gift card, $75 with no expiration date (would you believe I didn't find a thing to spend it on!!). Wore my birthday button proudly along with lots of other folks. Surprising how one thinks their birthday is the only one around! Went for some soft serve ice cream and the gal behind the counter said, "It's on Mickey, Happy Birthday". She had to say it again, I was so surprised and I didn't catch on at first. I had to give a few park workers high 5's for my birthday, fun day, exactly what I wanted to do. Great job Disney! For my birthday dinner, BS treated me to Narccossee's. MISTAKE......... First off, I really, really wish Disney would enforce the dress code they have. At least a little. I don't dress 'fancy' but a step above park gear, and to eat next to dad with flip flops and a tank on just sort of takes away the ambiance of the restaurant to me (must be getting old). BS had scallops and I had the filet. I found it to be the worst cut of meat I've had compared to the Yachtsman and Flying Fish. Three different meals, we had our meat put on top of our starch (i.e.., the Disney standardized mashed potatoes). I like my meat in it's own place. My steak, for example, was medium (my request) and my potatoes, since they were underneath, were bloody. Gross. BS was grossed out across the table from me. I won't be back to Narccossee's, just waaay to expensive for the quality they serve. I'd take Yachtsman anytime over them. Before we knew it, our week had flown by, amazing how fast time flies and you've not done a thing but sit on the deck and chat with BS and just enjoy each other's company (we live far apart). I truly enjoyed OKW, more than I thought I would, but, if I wanted to have a trip more park oriented, would stay at my home resort, BCV. The bus service at OKW was great, no complaints. I've read several times how large the units at OKW were and it is true. B.S. said she likes OKW alot better than BCV, especially the layout of the second bedroom and bathroom.
My birthday was exactly what I wanted it to be, low key, do nothing but enjoy life, BS and some warm sunshine!
I hope this trip report reaches all since it seems as if AOL is messing around w/us.
Debbie in Seattle
