OKW Grand Villas

[wolfja91]

Could someone tell me why the Grand Villas at OKW are so much cheaper (points) than the other Grand Villas. I know location has something to do with it but it sure is a large difference. I am talking about Sun-Thurs nights.

Also, I have never been to OKW. Could those with experience tell me the pros/cons of the resort. And if anyone has specific information about the Grand Villas (a good room or building) that would be great.

I am planning my wedding and would like to large group to share a place instead of several smaller rooms.

Thanks!
J
Member since 2002

 

[dianeschlicht]

The GVs, like all the rooms at OKW are lower points, not because of location, but because they were the first DVC resort, and points were set there before it was known if DVC would be a successful program. OKW was originally called Disney Vacation Club. Because the POS was established prior to sales starting there, the points are bound by the POS to always be the same for the resort, so it's not that OKW has cheaper points because of anything "lesser" about it, but because when the subsequent resorts were built it could not be done for the same price point.

OKW is a great resort that is truly a community. The theme is Key West from the early 1900's, and if you have seen pictures from that place and era, you will understand what a good job they did on the OKW theme.

The units are HUGE! Especially the 1,2, and 3 bedroom units. We don't think there is an especially good or bad spot at OKW. The possible exception is the first floor units in building 29. We love the South Point area. The GV buildings are spread throughout the resort. Our favorite GV locations have been building 15 and building 22.

 

[RobDoc]

DVC has never offered any explanation for how the point charts are developed. Subsequent point charts for the other resorts had the advantage of being able to evaluate the way OKW reservations were used by members.

When the 1996 OKW point charts were released in fall 1994, the points needed for the GVs were even lowered from their original levels for many seasons. As required, when some nights are lowered, others MUST be raised and that was the case with the OKW charts. No changes have taken place at OKW or any other resort since the 1996 changes and point charts thru 2008 have been published at this time.

The GVs have a floor plan similar to GVs at other DVC resorts and are about 2300 square feet in size. BWV does have two floor plans - one type is all on one floor. GVs at SSR have external access to the upper floor of the GVs by elevator. All are similar in size, all have 4 bathrooms and all can sleep 12 guests.

There are 27 GVs at OKW, 6 at BWV and 36 at SSR. (VB has 6 Beach Houses, HH has 5 GVs)