OKW grand villa reviews, pics, info?

[tink_n_pooh]

Dh & I are planning a family vacation for January 2013 and a grand villa seems like it may be in order. OKW is the most economical place to stay so that may be our first choice.

We are looking for pics of the grand villas, reviews, info... what ever you have to offer

For reference, the characters involved in this vacation will be:

Me
DH
Baby O (8 months old at time of vacation)
My Dad (mid 50's)
DH's Dad (70's)
DH's Mom (70ish)

and possibly:
My Brother (late 30's single dad, slight chance he may be able to bring his 7 year old daughter)
DH's Nephew (20, college student, would share the same room as DH's parents)

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have loved our GV stays at OKW, but sadly, I don't think I have any pictures of them! I'm always too busy enjoying the rooms to take a picture.

 

[M5ward]

We stayed in an OKW grand villa this past Oct./Nov. it was beautiful and very spacious. There were nine of us including an infant and two toddlers; we never felt crowded or intruded upon. I would stay there again in a heartbeat if we travel with that many people.

 

[rentayenta]

We had just flown red eye with a layover so I look like crap. It was also almost 3 years and 30+ lb. ago.

Our sweet friends. The GV was their treat:

 

[rentayenta]

Oh and we loved it. It was one of the deciding factors is us purchasing DVC. There were 10 of us and we had more than enough room and bathrooms. It was fantastic!

 

[SusieBea]

In addition to Rentayenta's pictures, allears.net has photos: http://allears.net/acc/g_okw.htm

 

[Deb & Bill]

rentayenta's photos are before the renovations. Colors are a bit different, the rug in the living room was different. Roman shades instead of wooden blinds on most windows. Furniture is dark brown now instead of pickled wood. Other things.

But the OKW GV is huge.

 

[rentayenta]

rentayenta's photos are before the renovations. Colors are a bit different, the rug in the living room was different. Roman shades instead of wooden blinds on most windows. Furniture is dark brown now instead of pickled wood. Other things.

But the OKW GV is huge.

I tried.

 

[Pirate Granny]

OKW Gv are wonderful and very large...we were in Bldg 22. All GV are on the second and third floors...you will need to walk up to the second floor. I think there are 22 GV and possibly two that may be in the elevator bldg. Master is on the second floor, the other two are on the third floor..each bedroom has it's own bathroom and an additional powder room with a shower off the living room. We had seven adults and four children under 4 years old....love,loved it...we actually rented points for that stay, and purchased a resale contract at OKW within three months after.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I tried.

And you did great--it was very nice of you to take the time to upload the photos. While the colors may be different, the space and layout is the same.

 

[Brandis]

I have some recent ones from last september:

 

[DVCMikey]

 

[hockey mom]

Does anyone know offhand how many are near the main pool. I would like to book one four our large group but my DH is a hater of waiting for any bus.

 

[SusieBea]

Does anyone know offhand how many are near the main pool. I would like to book one four our large group but my DH is a hater of waiting for any bus.

Here is a link to a color-coded map. Buildings containing GVs are outlined in yellow. http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/GDuLong/OKWMap-January2008.jpg

You'll notice building 25 contains GVs. That is very close to the main pool but is in the HH category. So you have to book that category to get that building. Buildings 15, 16, and 63 are also within easy walking distance to the main area but are not in the HH category. I believe there are 27 GVs scattered throughout the property.

 

[hockey mom]

Thank you so much. Exactly the info I was looking for.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Does anyone know offhand how many are near the main pool. I would like to book one four our large group but my DH is a hater of waiting for any bus.

Well, you would want to book at the 11-month window and book the Hospitality House category. There is only one building with GVs in that category. It would put you in a buildling right at the Peninsula Road bus stop and very close to the Hospitality House. You could then walk the short distance to the Hospitality House to get on the bus, and the Hospitality House is last bus stop before heading to the Parks. You could then get off at the Peninsula Road bus stop, which is the first stop the busses make when entering the resort. So, you would be the last ones on (which could mean standing), and then the first ones off.

There are other GVs that are close to Hospitality House, but the HH booking category is the only one that would guarantee you the location and that would be more than just a request.

I had this category booked for late September and was able to change at my 7-month window to a BLT Lake View GV. While I was on the phone with MS, the OKW HH days that I let go were already taken. It took just a couple of minutes for it to disappear from availability. I did call and book this the very first day of my 11-month window.