OKW Lovers Thread. Part 2

[glaserjm]

We just returned from another great 8 nights at OKW in a ground-floor studio in building 53. It was our 2nd time in that building and we really love it, although I'd probably prefer the studio on the opposite side of the building as ours was right behind the bus stop.

We love the South Point pool, being the 2nd bus stop on the way in and the accessibility to the walking trail. We had a semi foliage/golf course view and although we had a family next door to us, we rarely heard them except for the initial "where does this door go" when they first got into their villa. All the staff was nice as always and although we had TONS of MagicBand issues, it had nothing to do w/ the folks at OKW.

I will have to say that the only downer was that our OKW car magnet with the old logo (Mickey as captain) was stolen off of our car in the parking lot on our last night. I just don't understand how you can afford to stay at a deluxe villa resort but then steal a $12 car magnet (although I can't say I understand stealing in general). Needless to say it was a bummer of a way to end our trip, especially as they no longer make that magnet so we couldn't even get a replacement!

We won't be back to OKW until next October but we'll definitely visit the Suitcase on our March trip when we camp at FW.

 

[SpringBreak]

We're looking at staying at OKW in a one bedroom next March. We've never stayed at a DVC property before and we will be paying cash. My mom will travel with us, so we need a unit that sleeps 5. While the theming is subtle, I like the mature foliage. I imagine that the tropical ambiance would be most welcome in March.

I want to hit the book button. But it seems every day, a negative review pops up on tripadvisor complaining about the villas' lack of cleanliness or state of disrepair. If there's anything I require, it's cleanliness. I can overlook many things, but not that. I am especially particular if I've paid a lot of money. Heck, I just stayed in a (relatively) inexpensive Hampton Inn on business and my room was so clean it sparkled.

So I guess I'm asking, what is the overall condition of the villas? Have you ever been disappointed with their condition? What did you do about it to salvage the situation.

 

[Chuck S]

We're looking at staying at OKW in a one bedroom next March. We've never stayed at a DVC property before and we will be paying cash. My mom will travel with us, so we need a unit that sleeps 5. While the theming is subtle, I like the mature foliage. I imagine that the tropical ambiance would be most welcome in March.

I want to hit the book button. But it seems every day, a negative review pops up on tripadvisor complaining about the villas' lack of cleanliness or state of disrepair. If there's anything I require, it's cleanliness. I can overlook many things, but not that. I am especially particular if I've paid a lot of money. Heck, I just stayed in a (relatively) inexpensive Hampton Inn on business and my room was so clean it sparkled.

So I guess I'm asking, what is the overall condition of the villas? Have you ever been disappointed with their condition? What did you do about it to salvage the situation.

I'm here now, in a studio (you'd need a minimum of a 1 bedroom with 5) and my room was spoteless. The only maintenance issue is a minor almost hairline crack in the bathroom sink/counter. Certainly not an issue worth replacing the entire sink at this time (it is a one piece molded sink/countertop). The beige carpet is starting to show some minor wear in the high traffic areas, but it a 2-3 years old by now.

 

[SpringBreak]

Thanks, Chuck. Good to know!

 

[drcoulsey]

I'm planning our next family vacation (7 adults, 7 grandkids) and will need a GV and a studio this time. We will be using the DME and won't have a car so HH seems to be best location to be close to the pool, Olivia's, etc. Is there a GV in every building?

 

[BEASLYBOO]

So I guess I'm asking, what is the overall condition of the villas? Have you ever been disappointed with their condition? What did you do about it to salvage the situation.

There are horror stories about every resort but OKW seems to get picked on the most, I think much of it has to do with theming. I've had in the neighborhood of 30 stays at OKW, 98% of them in a 2bd and I've never had issues that would make me feel as though I needed entervention of any kind to "salvage" the situation. I had a toilet leak, fixed within the time we were at the park. We encounter some wear and tear but just as Chuck said, it's to be expected not only at OKW but at any DVC/timeshare resort! Nothing can stay brand spanking new for long and un-like the hotels and the inns, they are timeshares so the refurbs don't happen as often.

I was at OKW just this past saturday in a 1 bd, building 53 and it was in very good condition, clean and fresh smelling!

 

[SpringBreak]

Hmmm. I guess there are trade offs (as with everything in life). DVCs may have more space and more homey amenities than the inns, but at a cost of less rigorous maintenance?

That's certainly something to think about. I'm thinking I will book OKW for the four nights that my mom is staying with us and then a couple more somewhere else such as WL or AKL. That way, we can experience both and see which we prefer. On the other hand, a move mid-stay takes some effort. Perhaps we will just relax and stay the whole time at OKW....

Choices choices

 

[BEASLYBOO]

That's certainly something to think about. I'm thinking I will book OKW for the four nights that my mom is staying with us and then a couple more somewhere else such as WL or AKL. That way, we can experience both and see which we prefer. On the other hand, a move mid-stay takes some effort. Perhaps we will just relax and stay the whole time at OKW....

Choices choices

Gosh I know, and to make things even harder on you, as much as I love OKW, and as much as I really didn't care for Jambo (AKV), we really, really enjoy Kidani (AKV) villas! They have a smaller living space footprint than OKW but they are lovely, have an extra bath and it's a beautiful resort! Good luck!

 

[cbtengwife]

Can someone tell me about laundry facilities at OKW? How many washers/dryers in each location? Cost? Any tips on best time to use laundry?
Thanks

 

[OKW Lover]

Can someone tell me about laundry facilities at OKW? How many washers/dryers in each location? Cost? Any tips on best time to use laundry?
Thanks

The 1BR, 2BR and Grand Villa's all have their own full size machines in the unit. There are no laundry facilities in the studio units but you can use the free machines near each of the pools.

 

[cbtengwife]

The 1BR, 2BR and Grand Villa's all have their own full size machines in the unit. There are no laundry facilities in the studio units but you can use the free machines near each of the pools.

We are in a studio and know that they don't have washer/dryer in unit. Trying to get info about the laundry facilities to determine if we want to pack enough for 9 days or use the facilities.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We are in a studio and know that they don't have washer/dryer in unit. Trying to get info about the laundry facilities to determine if we want to pack enough for 9 days or use the facilities.

At OKW, the laundry rooms are located at the pools. You will need your room key to open the door. There are about two or three washers and similar dryers at each location.

 

[Bunless]

I've been looking at menus for places we haven't eaten yet, and are thinking about going to Boatwrights in Port Orleans. What's the best way to get there from OKW? We won't have a car.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I've been looking at menus for places we haven't eaten yet, and are thinking about going to Boatwrights in Port Orleans. What's the best way to get there from OKW? We won't have a car.

That's a new request! If I wanted to go to Boatwright's, I'd probably change my mind and eat somewhere better. Seriously though, I think you can take a boat to DTD and then another to PO. Or...You can always take a bus somewhere and transfer to the PO bus. Frankly, I think it would take a LONG time to do that. Seems strange when it's probably a walkable distance, but no way to walk it.

 

[Chuck S]

I've been looking at menus for places we haven't eaten yet, and are thinking about going to Boatwrights in Port Orleans. What's the best way to get there from OKW? We won't have a car.

Rather than trying to get to Port Orleans (you'd need to bus or boat to DTD and then bus or boat to Port Orleans) I'd pick a place at Downtown Disney. The bowling alley is pretty good and fun, and I finally tried Bongo's, which I liked...but I did Bongos during the week when they didn't have the live music. Live music is usually too loud for me to enjoy with a meal.

 

[okw2012]

I've been looking at menus for places we haven't eaten yet, and are thinking about going to Boatwrights in Port Orleans. What's the best way to get there from OKW? We won't have a car.

Just call a cab! Rates are quite reasonable and they will pick you up and drop you off at your door. You can ask front desk for the phone number. I suggest making a reservation for the cab so that you don't have to wait.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Or dine at Boatwrights after you leave a park. So take the POR bus from the park. But then you'd have to take the boat to DTD and catch the bus or boat to OKW from there.

 

[Bunless]

That's a new request! If I wanted to go to Boatwright's, I'd probably change my mind and eat somewhere better. Seriously though, I think you can take a boat to DTD and then another to PO. Or...You can always take a bus somewhere and transfer to the PO bus. Frankly, I think it would take a LONG time to do that. Seems strange when it's probably a walkable distance, but no way to walk it.

Lol, after so many trips, just trying to find a new place to eat. In addition, we are there 12/25-28, so trying to find places that might be a bit less intense than Downtown Disney.

I was hoping that there might be a path to walk, looking at the distance between the two, it seems like it would be a quick walk, but instead probably an hour or more to get there by boat or bus… so a cab it is!

Rather than trying to get to Port Orleans (you'd need to bus or boat to DTD and then bus or boat to Port Orleans) I'd pick a place at Downtown Disney. The bowling alley is pretty good and fun, and I finally tried Bongo's, which I liked...but I did Bongos during the week when they didn't have the live music. Live music is usually too loud for me to enjoy with a meal.

Actually, live music at Bongo's sounds like a good time for us. It's just navigating the actual Downtown Disney during that time of year. We are going to Raglan Road on Christmas Day, it's become a tradition for us.

Or dine at Boatwrights after you leave a park. So take the POR bus from the park. But then you'd have to take the boat to DTD and catch the bus or boat to OKW from there.

Great idea, except we are just doing the resort this time around, no parks.

Thank you all so much! I think a cab is the way to go.

 

[Lucille1963]

Silly question, are bathrobes supplied in the rooms? How many (if any) for a 2BR?

 

[Chuck S]

Silly question, are bathrobes supplied in the rooms? How many (if any) for a 2BR?

No, OKW does not provide bath robes.