We're booked at OKW in a 2 bdrm for 12/5-12/12. Our group is 5 adults and a baby - me, DH, Dsis, my parents, and DD who will be 19 mos when we travel. I have asked the member we are renting points from to waitlist us for a 2 bdrm at BWV, but because of the difference in points we can only go standard if one comes up. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to stay at BWV to be so close to Epcot and DHS, and to be a walk away from the nightlife. However, now that I'm reading reviews and seeing pics, I'm thinking that with 5 adults, we're better off in the OKW 2 bdrm. I may just tell the member to not bother with the wait list. Am I making the right decision? Anyone know about how much a cab would be from BW to OKW? My parents may stay with DD one night so DH and my sister and I can hit Jellyrolls. TIA!
OKW does provide a lot more room and a larger kitchen. Overall OKW is just more laid back...sits on a quiet golf course. I look at it like OKW is suburban life and BWV is in the city right in the middle of the action. I think it really just depends on your preference. I prefer BWV or BCV - being a hop, skip, and a jump away from Epcot is great! My parents have owned at OKW for 16 years and refuse to ever stay anywhere else. The advantage OKW has is the size, the boat to DTD and the peacful surroundings. BWV is location, location, location. If you have a baby - something to consider might be that OKW has an actual laundry room (not just stackables like the other resorts) - I've read where parents have set up the baby crib in the laundry room so it was like a thrid room for the baby. When I was a teen staying with my parents in OKW I'd put my sleeping bag in the laundry room and sleep in there...it beat sharing a sleeper sofa with my sister!
I love BWV. That said, I also think you are better off at OKW for the reasons mentioned above. All of the 2 bedroom units at BWV are lock off units. That means the second bedroom has 1 queen bed and a double sleep sofa. The OKW 2 bedroom has two queens in the second bedroom and the living room/kitchen area is much larger than that at BWV. I think you will appreciate the extra space. The washing machine and dryer at BWV are the stacked version and they are inside a closet. FWIW, you are unlikely to get a SV at BWV for your dates anyway. That's probably the most popular week of the year at BWV - I think it fills up even more quickly than Christmas week. THe SV makes up slightly less than 20% of the available rooms. I'm very sure there are already waitlists for that week for all views. Still, if you think you'd prefer to be at BWV (did I say I personally love it, lol), then it doesn't hurt to try if your owner is willing. A cab from OKW to BWV will run $15 - $20, including tip.
With the demograpics of your party, I think OKW is probably the better choice for your group. OKW will be quieter for your baby, and more relaxing after a day at the parks for everyone. The dining room table at OKW can seat 5 adults comfortably, just drag one of the balcony chairs inside, and you'll appreciate the full sized washer and dryer.
We just got back from our first ever stay at OKW and we loved. I didn't think I was going to, but I did. The rooms are huge, the full size washer and dryer were great, and the resort is just so nice. We take a mid day break and it was nice to go back to such a pretty and relaxing resort. Olivia's was good for lunch and probably makes the best Cuban sandwich around. I am looking ofrward to when we can stay there again.
We just booked for 8 of us in August (4 adults, two teens, two children), and the same group of us stayed there two years ago in a 2 bedroom. We toured all the resorts with our friends, and when asked where we should stay this trip, OKW won hands down. The space of the main living area is priceless with the kids playing and adults lounging, the large dining table is great for lunch, dinner and playing games. And we spent every night out on the huge patio (table with four chairs and ceiling fan w/light) playing cards and having drinks while the kids watched movies in the living room. So no, you did not make the wrong choice - I think you'll appreciate the extra square footage and everyone will be impressed and have a wonderful time!
I'm not an OKW fan because only 3 buildings have an elevator and I don't want to have to climb, carry things like a stroller up steps. Yes, the units are large and lovely, but, and the but wins out for me. I have difficulty doing steps. Bobbi
we are going in august also for my daughters hs graduation. dh myself and six kids ... yes six. we chose okw for the space... we own at boardwalk... and having six last year was way... to crowded. go and relax... you will enjoy the extra space.
I think OKW is better for many but it is a lifestyle preference as much as anything else. IMO, not having a car makes OKW a bit of a problem. Thus I'd go with anywhere but OKW without a car and OKW with a car.
We own at Saratoga Springs, but love OKW. We have stayed at the BCV as well. While I love the pool there and the location was nice, OKW is our favorite. We are trying a studio at BWV in June, so we will see how that goes. Last year we stayed with my Sister and her 2 kids 22 months and 5 and our family DH, myself, DD12 and DS9 at SS. While the room was beautiful, the things I missed about OKW were the huge deck (4 people can eat outside), the full size washer and dryer, and the extra space in the living room. We were very crowded in the living room when all of us were in there at the same time. When we stayed at OKW in a 2 bedroom with my brother in law, his wife, and their two teenage sons, it was a much better fit for all of us with the extra room in the living area. For a 2 bed, I think OKW is much better. Either way you will have a great time! Enjoy!
