OKW from a teens point a view

[PhillyKid83]

Hello,
I am 19 years old and I love staying at OKW. I started going there since i was 16. The place is great. I keep hearing everyone say that kids are always bored there. Let me tell you what I think from my point of view. I have 2 brothers(16, and 13) and a little sister(9). The three of them absolutely loooove OKW. We always request a room right by the pool, and it works out great. Its not a big deal if we are far from the main pool and the arcade, we just walk there it takes no more than 5 minutes. My sister is one for having a good time, she loves to run around. Everytime we have been there so far she has found kids to play with. She has a blast. I for one love playing sports and OKW has a beautiful basketball cout, tennis court, volley ball, and shuffel board. I couldnt ask for me. My parents were debating where they wanted to stay this June and all 4 of us kids right away said OKW. We looked at WLV, and BWV and I dont think the atmosphere at OKW compaires to any of these other home away from homes. But hey, thats just my opinion. Cant wait to be home on June 23!!!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I'm glad you enjoy OKW. I think I would enjoy the neighborhood type atmosphere that OKW has to offer, and will likely stay there at some future point. The nice thing about DVC, is there is a nice variety for all personal tastes.

 

[PamOKW]

Thanks for sharing PhillyKid!

 

[DeeP]

Thanks for sharing your views Phillykid, it is nice to hear from you. I am glad you and your siblings enjoy OKW and I hope you have fun in your upcoming trip!!
As you said different people like different things, this is so true-- no matter what their ages. I have teenagers who have been going to WDW for the past 18 years and the only way I can convince them to stay at OKW is if they can bring a friend, since the living rm is bigger than the other DVC resorts at WDW there is room for an additional person! At times I wish we would all prefer to stay at OKW to save a few pts!

 

[PKK/MJK]

My kids are all grown up now, but when we first started going to OKW they were pre-teens and teenagers. All three of them LOVED OKW too!! They found plenty of friends up around the pool--they loved to hang around there in the evenings and they had a great time! Never once did they complain about being bored. I'm glad to see that there are other teens who feel the same way. Enjoy your vacation!!

 

[ohioMickey]

PhillyKid...

Thanks for taking the time to offer your insight! Our first trip to OKW was May 2001. We were very hesitant at first because we had been reading stories about bad WDW bus transportation at OKW at that time. But the idea to use our newly-purchased VWL points was decided on short-notice and OKW was the only resort available for the size of room we needed (2-br).

Despite our misgivings, WE LOVED IT!. The buses were fine and the resort was beautiful. And the room...WOW! We went back August 2001 for a week even though we could have stayed elsewhere for that trip.

Of course we love VWL too (have stayed there twice now). It is particularly stunning in December. Next May we are trying the cruise. (woo-hoo!)

Don't you just love all the exciting options DVC provides?

 

[Richyams]

I must say that PhillyKid strikes me as very wise, far beyond his years.

 

[walter]

I also think it is great to hear from someone's older child that enjoys the atmosphere around OKW. My wife and I have a 22 year old son who has moved down south and loves to meet up with us at OKW. Recently we visited the HH resort and he found time to catch up with us there for a few days. OKW you can just enjoy relaxing, walking over to DD w/o having to visit the parks. This may be true of the other DVC resorts, but as stated by others, OKW seems to have more of a "home" atmosphere. I just wonder what the atmosphere around the Disney Institute site will be?

 

[jk1]

My teens and I will be at OKW in June also. The boys love playing basketball. Is there a place at OKW to get a basketball or do we need to bring one from home?

 

[PhillyKid83]

i birng my own basketballs but i think that you are able to rent them if u give in your room key

 

[jk1]

Thanks Philly Kid.

 

[Patricia]

Philly kid,
I have two daughters, 16 and 12, and my niece and nephew are 12 and 10, then my son 6... all going to OKW on June 23 too! We all stayed at BW last summer and they loved it. I thought they would want BW this year so when I gave them their choice, imagine how shocked I was to hear they ALL chose OKW. They love the atmosphere and overall feeling they get there. Although BW was a blast, their hearts are in OKW. Glad to hear you like it too.

 

[BuddyWRH]

I have been staying at OKW since the year it opened, and have always had something to do. Now there are always times when there aren't many people there that seem to be your age. However during the summer, there are always tons of teens. I actually met my best friend, and now college roomate down there almost 8 years ago. We will be there in about two weeks, who else is goin?

For you teens wondering what to do, or where to go . . . if you are 15 and up, I suggest the main pool late at night, like 12 or later. For those 18 and up, Pleasure Island till 1 or 2, then the pool till dawn. Thats how my friend Dave and I do it.

If you are down with your parents, none of this should be done without them knowing. I didn't tell my mom where I was and what time I was coming home once . . . never did it again, I will leave it at that.

However for those parents who are concerned, at night, security comes by often enough to make sure we are safe, and not doing anything we aren't supposed to. Also put your kids on a curfew, keeping in mind that it is Disney and not Anywhere, USA (so 11 maybe too early). Parents, the teens come out at night. Make them check in, and let them know that all normal rules apply. But far be it for me to tell anyone how to parent, I am only 18.

Have fun everyone . . . and most importantly be safe !!!

See ya in about two weeks OKW !!!!!!!!