OKW booking, plus stay without a car?

[kdzgon]

We are just in the process of purchasing DVC (site unseen), and I had already been planning a family trip to WDW for next Sept. Now that we will own DVC, we're considering moving everyone over for this trip. We'd need 7 or 8 studios OR more likely 2 studios and 3 - 2 BRs instead, and was hoping for OKW due to budget concerns (we'll need to rent or transfer some points to accomplish trip).

Issue #1: I'm hoping for availability @ the 7 mo window. I've read differing views on late Sept availability. The rooms need not be adjoining (I know studios are not), but I'd like to be in the same general area. Is this resort likely to have decent availability this time of yr, and is it likely to get rooms that are relatively close to one another?

Issue #2: I read the thread re: lock-offs vs dedicated. It seems like the lock-offs might result in a "second-class" type of feeling and be less conducive to socializing for the families - or does it just seem like a better-apportioned bedroom from the main areas? Either way, is it a "noted preference", or a "bookable option" when making a reservation?

Issue #3: Most of us will be flying in. Is a car really necessary at this resort, or is Disney transportation adequate for WDW touring? (would rent a car for off-site touring, if interested). At least one family would hae a car, so we could easily do the "shopping run" - I'm just wondering if it feels too remote without a car.

Issue #4: The alternative would be for the younger families to rent value resort rooms, resulting in a family split reservation-wise. The kids are 2, 2, 4, 4, 6 1/2, 9 1/2, and 13. Is OKW more or less "kid-friendly" than ASMovies (or about the same) re: activities such as pool areas, etc.?

I appreciate any and all feedback, as I really want this to be a special trip! Six of the 8 families have either never been (to WDW, incl 5 of the 7 kids) or have not been in quite some time. Thanks so much!

Laurie

 

[m1ckeym0use1]

I can give my opinion on a couple of the questions.

I think September is pretty easy to book with the exception of the Food and Wine Festival, which may start the last couple days of September.

Lock offs have the advantage of the extra mini fridge, and the extra balcony/patio for the second bedroom. They also have an external door so people can enter the room without going through the main living space if they want.

We're quite happy at Old Key West without a car, but we're never really in a big hurry either. We don't mind a walk up to the hospitality house, or waiting a few minutes for a bus.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

Another advantage of a lock-off is the phone. If the one-bedroom portion has a wake-up call scheduled, the phone doesn't ring in the studio portion (and vice versa).

We've done two-bedroom lock-offs twice. I think for certain family/friend arrangements it's the best way.

Also, since DH and I are decaffeinated, our family/friends were able to use their own coffeemaker to make high test, and DH and I used the coffeemaker in the kitchen to make unleaded each morning.

 

[corinnak]

Issue #2: I read the thread re: lock-offs vs dedicated. It seems like the lock-offs might result in a "second-class" type of feeling and be less conducive to socializing for the families - or does it just seem like a better-apportioned bedroom from the main areas? Either way, is it a "noted preference", or a "bookable option" when making a reservation?

We did find that with a full-ish villa (7 people) we were much more glad to have the extra closet space than we would have been to have an extra veranda, entry and kitchentte. The phone thing is a good point, though - one I will bear in mind in the future! Nice to be able to get different wake-up calls. I don't know for sure if it is a bookable option, but I think it is. It certainly always says on my reservation form that it is a dedicated 2BR that I have a reservation for. Maybe someone who knows better can say for sure though.

Issue #3: Most of us will be flying in. Is a car really necessary at this resort, or is Disney transportation adequate for WDW touring? (would rent a car for off-site touring, if interested). At least one family would hae a car, so we could easily do the "shopping run" - I'm just wondering if it feels too remote without a car.

My opinion, since you have many people in your group who haven't been to Disney recently or at all is that driving at Disney can be daunting. Taking the bus, while not always the most fleet option is generally reliable and relatively relaxing transport, and probably an easier way to get a bunch of people to the same destination than several cars would be. It was also my impression that the parking at the HH area is tight at times.

Issue #4: The alternative would be for the younger families to rent value resort rooms, resulting in a family split reservation-wise. The kids are 2, 2, 4, 4, 6 1/2, 9 1/2, and 13. Is OKW more or less "kid-friendly" than ASMovies (or about the same) re: activities such as pool areas, etc.?

My kids loved OKW - the pool is nice and fun, there is a big sand area. The liked taking the boat to Downtown Disney, and enjoyed the little arcade and community hall. We could not pass through the lobby without stopping for a few cartoons in the cute kids sized chairs in Papa's Den. We loved having a living room to enjoy while the kids were getting a good nap!

I haven't been to ASMovies, but I have seen pictures. OKW can not compete with ASMovies in the larger than life statue department - they are like totally different planets! I don't know that ASMovies is actually more fun for the kids, overall. It might LOOK more fun, but is it tangibly? I would guess not. Have the kids stayed at a value before? I can see where the All Stars might feel more like a "kid" place, but overall, I think the kids would have at least as good a time at Old Key West.

Now, it would probably be easier in some ways for you to book rooms at a regular resort - it would keep the boundaries nice and clear and wouldn't use your points, but I can understand the appeal ove taking everyone to Old Key West as well. Do you know if you are able to work with the Grand Gathering people if you are using DVC points versus booking at another resort?

You'll be at Disney with loved ones - I am sure you'll have a special trip no matter how you proceed.

 

[RobDoc]

I would agree that most of September should have availability at 7 months.

I would not worry about any "second-class" feel of a lockoff 2BR villa. The only physical difference is the 2nd exterior access door and balcony - as both types have the connecting door in the same location. If the kitchenette is important, the lock-off will meet that need (along with the balcony). The dedicated 2BR wil have more closet space and an extra vanity sink in place of the mini-kitchen.

We ALWAYS use Disney transportation even when we have a vehicle. I would agree that for a large group, using the buses is an easy way to get from place to place. We regard the buses (and boats and monorails) as an attraction and look at any wait just as we do a queue in the parks. In some cases, we may need to wait 20-30 minutes if we just missed a bus - but more often, we have a ride within a few minutes of arriving at the bus stop. If part of your group needs a break (or a swim ... or a nap) they can easily hop on the bus and return to the resort without needing to affect others in your party.

OKW does have lots of children's activities available - from the pools, playgrounds, tennis courts to the programs at Community Hall.

Enjoy, I know you'll have a great stay!

 

[kdzgon]

Corrina,

We're in decent shape point-wise as we purchased a loaded contract. Even so we're not actually using all our points, but rather the families will be renting points so (hopefully) we can all stay at one location. (I may try to get the points transferred so we can just make the reservations directly, but we'll see what happens.) I suspect we may be "subsidizing" it a bit with our points, but total coverage is beyond our max, here. We are actually treating them to a cruise this coming Jan., so they'll have to (mostly) sport their own Disney trip.

I don't really want to drive at Disney, but a number of posters have said it is almost necessary, so I am glad for your feedback. I don't mind walking and/or waiting a bit, especially if it means I don't have to drive!

I like the idea of the larger rooms at OKW, but personally I'd love to try BWV, due to the walking distance to Epcot - the point requirements are not much more, either. Each resort seems to have its advantages, no matter what, but the point diff for so many people begins to add up. The problem with booking rooms at a regular resort is my DH is not staying in a value resort and most of the others cannot afford not to, so we'll be split to different resorts.

The other possible issue will be if they offer free dining - I think then the overall cost difference will increase a good amount overall, so we may end up split after all.

 

[corinnak]

It sounds like a complex situation. I am sure you'll find a good solution.

Free dining seems to be a definite possibility in September - I hadn't thought of that!

I suppose if you do end up split to different resorts, you may want to have more cars available, as resort-to-resort transportation is where Disney Transport is at its most cumbersome. My family loves to take the bus, though!