OKW Lovers Thread. Part 2

[Meldev]

I have been so excited to have time to actually plan our family's next Disney trip - but I've found the extra time has given me too much to consider! haha!

I'm currently booked for early next October in connecting rooms at CSR, but after some evaluation, I'm thinking our family (who loved POR) might love OKW....we have 4 kids (that will be ages 2 (almost 3) to 10 (almost 11).

With all the talk about the size of the rooms I think we'll fit just fine - we'll lose out on an extra bathroom, but the separate tub/shower helps when getting the kids ready.

Do you know if the CS restaurant stops are all on the DDP? That's a deal breaker for us if they're not - I know the selections aren't like a food court, but as long as my kids can get chicken nuggets we'll be good!

I really like the idea of having some room to set things down and beyond that a WASHER/DRYER!! Just being able to hang swimsuits or throw them in dryer and wash whatever the littler ones dropped on their clothes at dinner is nearly priceless to me!

With kids that love the pool - we'll be requesting the HH section when I'm able to book the resort, and then keeping my fingers crossed for the 30% offer!

 

[Chuck S]

I have been so excited to have time to actually plan our family's next Disney trip - but I've found the extra time has given me too much to consider! haha!

I'm currently booked for early next October in connecting rooms at CSR, but after some evaluation, I'm thinking our family (who loved POR) might love OKW....we have 4 kids (that will be ages 2 (almost 3) to 10 (almost 11).

With all the talk about the size of the rooms I think we'll fit just fine - we'll lose out on an extra bathroom, but the separate tub/shower helps when getting the kids ready.

Do you know if the CS restaurant stops are all on the DDP? That's a deal breaker for us if they're not - I know the selections aren't like a food court, but as long as my kids can get chicken nuggets we'll be good!

I really like the idea of having some room to set things down and beyond that a WASHER/DRYER!! Just being able to hang swimsuits or throw them in dryer and wash whatever the littler ones dropped on their clothes at dinner is nearly priceless to me!

With kids that love the pool - we'll be requesting the HH section when I'm able to book the resort, and then keeping my fingers crossed for the 30% offer!

As far as I know the items at Good's to Go are on the DDP.

 

[chepic]

Wow - we'll be there 8/18-8/27. Love running though I have to admit I haven't tried it in Florida's humidity!

Dave did the Marathon there 2 years ago and he is itching to do it again. I love watching him run.. And will only really run if he is chasing me....

What do you like about the Turtle Pond area? We've never stayed on that side of OKW.

Love, love, love Turtle Pond area: it is quiet, the views are great, it is not a far walk to the Hospitality area and gives us a reason to exercise a little, the pool is a fabulous quiet pool (better than the other resorts IMO), and the kids love that there is a small playground, tennis court, and snack area right near the room. I personally don't like being in the HH area, too busy.

 

[Meldev]

Should I trust the recent pictures I see of the menu or Disney Dining's website in regards to food offered at restaurants? I see nuggets online, but not in the pictures people post.

May sound like a trivial question, but when you often grab a CS meal at your resort and you have some picky eaters, somethings just have to be there!

Thanks!

 

[Meldev]

Anyone book through Disney lately? Is it about 11 months out that it's available? The kind person I just spoke with at reservations said I'd be looking at Jan/Feb for next Oct booking - but I was thinking more like Nov!

 

[Chuck S]

I would trust Disney's online menu system, they should be the most up to date...it is, after all, Disney's food service. If you are wanting to book a cash reservation through Disney, you should be able to book most anytime. But they may not have released the room pricing for next year, yet.

If using DVC Points, book at the 11 month mark.

 

[amym2]

I have been so excited to have time to actually plan our family's next Disney trip - but I've found the extra time has given me too much to consider! haha!

I'm currently booked for early next October in connecting rooms at CSR, but after some evaluation, I'm thinking our family (who loved POR) might love OKW....we have 4 kids (that will be ages 2 (almost 3) to 10 (almost 11).

With all the talk about the size of the rooms I think we'll fit just fine - we'll lose out on an extra bathroom, but the separate tub/shower helps when getting the kids ready.

Do you know if the CS restaurant stops are all on the DDP? That's a deal breaker for us if they're not - I know the selections aren't like a food court, but as long as my kids can get chicken nuggets we'll be good!

I really like the idea of having some room to set things down and beyond that a WASHER/DRYER!! Just being able to hang swimsuits or throw them in dryer and wash whatever the littler ones dropped on their clothes at dinner is nearly priceless to me!

With kids that love the pool - we'll be requesting the HH section when I'm able to book the resort, and then keeping my fingers crossed for the 30% offer!

We also stayed in the Turtle Pond area, in building 35, and we loved the location. Unless you think you'll need frequent access to the CS place, if you can't get HH, just request Turtle Pond.

And as for the pool, make sure you try the "ice cream drop" activity at the main pool. One person lays on the floor and the other tries to drop ice cream from waist level into the floor person's mouth. It was a complete riot... and DD and I won (I was dropping ice cream onto her). Also do the treasure hunt... we won a huge treasure chest full of goodies, including arcade cards. Loved OKW!

 

[OneMoreTry]

Is there a bus directly from OKW to the Boardwalk or would we have to transfer?

If transfer, is it better to do that someplace like MK or to go to Downtown Disney?

 

[Leleluvsdis]

Is there a bus directly from OKW to the Boardwalk or would we have to transfer?

If transfer, is it better to do that someplace like MK or to go to Downtown Disney?

There is no bus from a resort to another resort. When we did this, we took the boat to DTD and bus from there.

 

[OKW Lover]

You could also take a bus to DHS and then either boat or walk to BW.

 

[OneMoreTry]

You could also take a bus to DHS and then either boat or walk to BW.

great idea.

 

[Meldev]

We also stayed in the Turtle Pond area, in building 35, and we loved the location. Unless you think you'll need frequent access to the CS place, if you can't get HH, just request Turtle Pond.

And as for the pool, make sure you try the "ice cream drop" activity at the main pool. One person lays on the floor and the other tries to drop ice cream from waist level into the floor person's mouth. It was a complete riot... and DD and I won (I was dropping ice cream onto her). Also do the treasure hunt... we won a huge treasure chest full of goodies, including arcade cards. Loved OKW!

Thank you so much ! I'm getting excited and looking forward to changing my reservation over to OKW!!

 

[okw2012]

Is there a bus directly from OKW to the Boardwalk or would we have to transfer?

If transfer, is it better to do that someplace like MK or to go to Downtown Disney?

With the construction going on a DTD I would avoid that route. Go to HS then take the boat. Another option is to take a cab. Not very expensive. We did that to go to the Fantasia minigolf.

 

[Meldev]

Would love to see pics of the resort from this week if anyone is there - this is the week we plan to be there next year!

 

[Holstar]

Heya guys!

I hope that this is the right place but please feel free to redirect me if not!

We've just changed our accommodation from the Yacht Club to a two bedroom villa at OKW so that we can spread out a little bit more - so we're officially staying at OKW for two weeks from the 22nd of August 2014! Eeeeek! I'm so excited!

We're couldn't get anywhere near the HH, so I was just hoping that someone here would be able to give us some advice regarding where would be the best area to request?

We're a family of 5 - two adults and our three nieces, 15, 13 and 10 - so being close to the road isn't an issue. We're also heavy sleepers so being next to the bus stop doesn't really bother us either. But, at the same time, being far from the bus stop doesn't matter either, as we'll be driving to the parks every day.

We'd like to be closer to one of the smaller pools - I've heard some really nice things about Turtle Pond? And if possible, a water view would be amazing!

We don't require a lift, and I'm probably going to request a top floor villa. We don't mind about the second door into the bathroom - in fact, we'd almost prefer if we could cut those bathrooms off and the girls will just use the bathroom in the second bedroom.

Any advice or tips would very much be appreciated! I know everyone says this, but this really is a once in a lifetime holiday for us - I want it to be as special and perfect as possible for the girls :

xxx

 

[dianeschlicht]

Heya guys!

I hope that this is the right place but please feel free to redirect me if not!

We've just changed our accommodation from the Yacht Club to a two bedroom villa at OKW so that we can spread out a little bit more - so we're officially staying at OKW for two weeks from the 22nd of August 2014! Eeeeek! I'm so excited! You will love the space at OKW!

We're couldn't get anywhere near the HH, so I was just hoping that someone here would be able to give us some advice regarding where would be the best area to request? Staying at HH is highly overrated. Our favorite is building 45 and 46 along the canal. With children along, however, you might want to be near a pool or bus stop, so I would make those your requests. Which building isn't as important as what you need.

We're a family of 5 - two adults and our three nieces, 15, 13 and 10 - so being close to the road isn't an issue. We're also heavy sleepers so being next to the bus stop doesn't really bother us either. But, at the same time, being far from the bus stop doesn't matter either, as we'll be driving to the parks every day. Why do you want to drive? It takes a lot more time than taking the bus in most cases. OKW has excellent bus service, and we almost always take the bus to the parks. We do occasionally drive to AK, since that bus stops at BB as well, and takes a lot longer. For all other parks, the bus will be your best bet.

We'd like to be closer to one of the smaller pools - I've heard some really nice things about Turtle Pond? And if possible, a water view would be amazing! There are a couple of water views available at Turtle Pond. I am not one who like that area though. I do think that smaller pool would be nice for your group though, and many of the buildings there have golf course views.

We don't require a lift, and I'm probably going to request a top floor villa. We don't mind about the second door into the bathroom - in fact, we'd almost prefer if we could cut those bathrooms off and the girls will just use the bathroom in the second bedroom. With 3 teens, you will be glad they have their own bathroom. There really would be no reason for them to go all the way to the other side of the villa to enter your bathroom through the laundry room.

Any advice or tips would very much be appreciated! I know everyone says this, but this really is a once in a lifetime holiday for us - I want it to be as special and perfect as possible for the girls :

xxx

I'm going to comment and answer within the body of the quote using a different color.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I agree with Diane about the buses at OKW. We had nothing but great buses all week when we were there last week. I've never had a problem with buses at OKW. We used them more than ever on this trip. We only took the car to go to the store.

Don't overlook breakfast or lunch at Olivia's. We had breakfast there last week and it was totally delightful.

 

[Holstar]

Staying at HH is highly overrated. Our favorite is building 45 and 46 along the canal. With children along, however, you might want to be near a pool or bus stop, so I would make those your requests. Which building isn't as important as what you need.

That's a fantastic point - thank you. I would imagine too that with so many requests specific buildings would make it difficult for staff. "near pool, with water views if possible" would be better!

Why do you want to drive? It takes a lot more time than taking the bus in most cases. OKW has excellent bus service, and we almost always take the bus to the parks. We do occasionally drive to AK, since that bus stops at BB as well, and takes a lot longer. For all other parks, the bus will be your best bet.

I agree with Diane about the buses at OKW. We had nothing but great buses all week when we were there last week. I've never had a problem with buses at OKW. We used them more than ever on this trip. We only took the car to go to the store.

Driving to the parks is a necessity at the moment. Our middle niece isn't very good with public transport, she has a number of medical issues - one of which being bladder control problems. Because he needs can be very sudden and pressing, using any form of transport which we can't control (such as a bus!) can be problematic! At least with a car, we can stop, turn around, and head to the nearest bathroom or quiet space ASAP - rather than hoping and praying that we get close to somewhere to a stop in the next few minutes.

There are a couple of water views available at Turtle Pond. I am not one who like that area though. I do think that smaller pool would be nice for your group though, and many of the buildings there have golf course views.

A golf view would be equally nice! I just want someone pretty to look out on at the end of the day with a glass of wine!

Don't overlook breakfast or lunch at Olivia's. We had breakfast there last week and it was totally delightful.

We'll definitely be visiting Olivia's for lunch when we're at the resort having a pool day, and most likely for breakfast every couple of days! We've heard some really nice things!

xx

 

[OKW Lover]

Having a car at OKW is very convenient. You park practically right outside your front door. About the only place we don't drive to on property is the MK.

 

[Fan of Figment]

Just returned from our first DVC stay at OKW! It was a beautiful resort. Rented boats, swam, ate breakfast at Olivia's...we loved it! We were on the first floor of building 62, so the HH area was just a short walk away. Wish we were still there!