OKW lovers thread !!!

[yellowfish78]

Checking my ticker....

 

[DizDragonfly]

Can anyone tell me about the sauna? My DH went down to use it (we are here now) and said there is a sign up that says not to pour water in there. He said it's just dry heat in the sauna. He's a guy, so he doesn't want to ask a CM for directions and I haven't had a chance to go down and check it out myself yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We will be staying in a 2 bedroom 10/22-10/29.. what location would you all recommend?

Thanks

There are no bad locations at OKW. Golf course view, water views, all nice. Bus stops are convenient wherever you stay as are the pools. If you want to go to the Hospitality House, just hop any bus. Then when you want to go back, either take the Internal bus from the HH or walk to Peninsular Road stop and get on a bus there to go back to your villa.

 

[dvczerfs]

Checking my ticker....

i think im going to check my ticker also. (we have to make sure they are still moving!!!) have a great trip!

 

[dmoore22]

So excited about our upcoming stay at OKW (even though it's almost 6 months away)! DH and I have looked at pictures a million times and I know we will both love it, but especially him as he's the one who needs a laid-back vacation vibe every now and then. We've talked about DVC but I just know that we'll be sold after this trip and that OKW will likely become our new "home".

I think one of the things I'm most excited about is the community that obviously exists among the owners there and how funny and easy the vibe is on this thread!

Reading your post took me back to the days before we were even aware that DVC existed. My DW had been asking to go to WDW and I was resistant. We had been to DL numerous times as we have friends and family that live in S California. My mindset was that WDW was like DL but on the Atlantic side. I finally succumbed. We made reservations for AS Music including our ultimate park hoppers. When our documentation arrived it included a small booklet with information about the resorts and their features. What caught my eye was the pictures of OKW. Based on those pictures OKW became my fantasy destination. However I knew that it could never happen. Being an educator with six kids, having worked my way up from nothing to a state of extreme poverty, I felt OKW would just continue to be a fantasy until, perhaps, we became empty nesters'. While staying at ASM we did see the signs for Disney Vacation Club but never really pursued it. We loved our stay at ASM and I discovered that WDW is not the east coast version of DL. I was hooked. I realized we would have to begin saving for our next trip if we ever decided to go again.

Fast forward a year. We suffered one of the normal traumas of life when a member of our family passed away. Then one of my uncles came down with vascular dementia. I can still hear my aunt saying, "We saved for all those years to enjoy our time when we retired and now we can't do anything." I decided we needed some therapy. I bit the bullet and took the whole family for a return trip to WDW and ASM. That picture of OKW still haunted me. While on one of the resort shuttles I overheard a guest talking about the DVC tour and the number of points he could have purchased with the money he had spent taking his family to WDW over the past 10 years. He said the tour was worth it just for the discount coupons and free meal tickets he received for his family. We took the tour and were sold. It was then we decided to use our retirement savings to purchase DVC. The bad news was that OKW was sold out, BW was almost sold out, and BCV would be opening soon but was being offered at a premium price point. Somehow we found out about DVC resales. We found an OKW resale and add-on that met our needs without breaking the bank. And we still had never seen OKW in person. I was not disappointed in the least bit. OKW exceeded what I imagined it would be like. The cast members, the guests, the ambiance, in my opinion, can't be beat. All of the DVC resorts are very, very nice but when we are at OKW we feel like we are at home. I always look forward to receiving that HOME!!!!!

 

[DISNEY FIX]

This is going to sound silly, but....We have an adults only few days coming up in Oct. and we were lucky enough to snag a studio at OKW.
I have 2 questions:
Our plane lands at MCO at 10 pm on the dot.
say we arrive at OKW by 11pm How are we going to get to our room without getting lost?
Number 2, since we land at 10 pm they will not deliver any luggage if we deciede to check it, right? What if flight lands at 9:50, wich it was originally scheduled to?
Thanks. I hope we like the resort as much as we think. Any tips?

 

[chepic]

This is going to sound silly, but....We have an adults only few days coming up in Oct. and we were lucky enough to snag a studio at OKW.
I have 2 questions:
Our plane lands at MCO at 10 pm on the dot.
say we arrive at OKW by 11pm How are we going to get to our room without getting lost?
Number 2, since we land at 10 pm they will not deliver any luggage if we deciede to check it, right? What if flight lands at 9:50, wich it was originally scheduled to?
Thanks. I hope we like the resort as much as we think. Any tips?

Well I can answer number 1: when you check in at the desk, they will tell you what condo you have and in what building, they will give you a map and show the route. All the buildings are well lit outside, so you should have no difficulty in finding it.

As for number 2: although I am not completely certain on this, I don't see why, if you are using the ME, that your luggage wouldn't come. That's the advantage to using it. But if you that nervous, just pack a carryon with things to wear the next day. Maybe others will know this.

Have fun.

cheryl

 

[dmoore22]

"The luggage delivery service operates for flights arriving between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm. *For airport arrivals after 10:00 pm, guests collect their luggage at Baggage Claim and transport it with them on the motorcoach." ***

 

[nolanboys]

Just got back yesterday from a 3 night trip to okw with just dh. This was our third trip there and we loved every minute. The resort is just so relaxing. Much time was spent at the pool and Gurgling Suitcase (Roberto and Arlene were great bartenders). We came back wishing we could stay longer and realizing we could go there without the parks. I even saw a contact today that I was tempted to add on with- not yet though.

 

[Pirate Granny]

Get your luggage to take with you on ME. They have golf carts that will take you to your building...just ask when you check in.

 

[debbieandroo]

Reading your post took me back to the days before we were even aware that DVC existed. My DW had been asking to go to WDW and I was resistant. We had been to DL numerous times as we have friends and family that live in S California. My mindset was that WDW was like DL but on the Atlantic side. I finally succumbed. We made reservations for AS Music including our ultimate park hoppers. When our documentation arrived it included a small booklet with information about the resorts and their features. What caught my eye was the pictures of OKW. Based on those pictures OKW became my fantasy destination. However I knew that it could never happen. Being an educator with six kids, having worked my way up from nothing to a state of extreme poverty, I felt OKW would just continue to be a fantasy until, perhaps, we became empty nesters'. While staying at ASM we did see the signs for Disney Vacation Club but never really pursued it. We loved our stay at ASM and I discovered that WDW is not the east coast version of DL. I was hooked. I realized we would have to begin saving for our next trip if we ever decided to go again.

Fast forward a year. We suffered one of the normal traumas of life when a member of our family passed away. Then one of my uncles came down with vascular dementia. I can still hear my aunt saying, "We saved for all those years to enjoy our time when we retired and now we can't do anything." I decided we needed some therapy. I bit the bullet and took the whole family for a return trip to WDW and ASM. That picture of OKW still haunted me. While on one of the resort shuttles I overheard a guest talking about the DVC tour and the number of points he could have purchased with the money he had spent taking his family to WDW over the past 10 years. He said the tour was worth it just for the discount coupons and free meal tickets he received for his family. We took the tour and were sold. It was then we decided to use our retirement savings to purchase DVC. The bad news was that OKW was sold out, BW was almost sold out, and BCV would be opening soon but was being offered at a premium price point. Somehow we found out about DVC resales. We found an OKW resale and add-on that met our needs without breaking the bank. And we still had never seen OKW in person. I was not disappointed in the least bit. OKW exceeded what I imagined it would be like. The cast members, the guests, the ambiance, in my opinion, can't be beat. All of the DVC resorts are very, very nice but when we are at OKW we feel like we are at home. I always look forward to receiving that HOME!!!!!

That is a great story.

My mom saved all her life for her retirement and died before she could enjoy it. That was one thing that prompted me to buy into DVC. Sad that she can't enjoy it with me but thankful I get to enjoy it with dear friends. We will be in a 2 bedroom at OKW in less than 2 months.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

Well I can answer number 1: when you check in at the desk, they will tell you what condo you have and in what building, they will give you a map and show the route. All the buildings are well lit outside, so you should have no difficulty in finding it.

As for number 2: although I am not completely certain on this, I don't see why, if you are using the ME, that your luggage wouldn't come. That's the advantage to using it. But if you that nervous, just pack a carryon with things to wear the next day. Maybe others will know this.

Have fun.

cheryl

Got it on #1! It seems like we should go the carryon route for #2. We have a few tours and MNSSHP on he schedule.

"The luggage delivery service operates for flights arriving between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm. *For airport arrivals after 10:00 pm, guests collect their luggage at Baggage Claim and transport it with them on the motorcoach." ***

Will do.

Just got back yesterday from a 3 night trip to okw with just dh. This was our third trip there and we loved every minute. The resort is just so relaxing. Much time was spent at the pool and Gurgling Suitcase (Roberto and Arlene were great bartenders). We came back wishing we could stay longer and realizing we could go there without the parks. I even saw a contact today that I was tempted to add on with- not yet though.

That's what I'm afraid of.....We are trrying to hold out till the Poly comes along.....

Get your luggage to take with you on ME. They have golf carts that will take you to your building...just ask when you check in.

Will go with carry ons, a golf cart would sound great at 11:30 at night. I hope they will be able to do it. Our luck we will get a room in timbuktu.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

Oh by they way how is Olivia's????? We have a couple breakfast ressies there. Any reviews of any meal they serve?

 

[TammyNC]

When we stay at OKW we have at least our last day breakfast there. Last trip I think we ended up having 3 breakfast meals there. I think any breakfast item you get you won't be disappointed in.

 

[zorro77]

We have been going to OKW since 93 and love the place. We visit there 2 times a year for 10 plus days each visit. Late arrival not a problem. To save a little time check in on line. Call member service to say you are a late check in and what do you need to know. Will their still be bell service ?. Yes as others mentioned to get your luggage at the airport and bring with you. We have checked in many times very late and past midnight a few times because of late flights. Food their is good and you will enjoy. If you have any issue please let them know and they will take care of you.

 

[nolanboys]

Oh by they way how is Olivia's????? We have a couple breakfast ressies there. Any reviews of any meal they serve?

Although we didn't do breakfast there, dh and I had lunch there twice - actually it was at the Gurgling Suitcase so dh could watch football. The sandwiches were great and we loved the homemade potato chips. The sandwiches were so big, that we split them each time. Honestly, we thought for the quality and cost it can't be beat.

 

[DVCconvert]

Oh by they way how is Olivia's????? We have a couple breakfast ressies there. Any reviews of any meal they serve?

Olivia's is one of "disney's best kept secrets"
We've ALWAYS had a great meal and experience there.
For breakfast I loved their sweet potato hash...also you have to try their grits - best I've ever had!

At dinnertimes I've ordered the Grilled Mojito-marinated Shrimp - outstanding!

 

[KatMark]

Olivia's is one of "disney's best kept secrets"
We've ALWAYS had a great meal and experience there.
For breakfast I loved their sweet potato hash...also you have to try their grits - best I've ever had!

At dinnertimes I've ordered the Grilled Mojito-marinated Shrimp - outstanding!

This is good to hear. We are having a late lunch (that is what it says on our 4:30 ADR confirmation...lunch, not dinner) in two weeks before we head to the MNSSHP.

 

[dmoore22]

Olivia's is one of "disney's best kept secrets"
We've ALWAYS had a great meal and experience there.
For breakfast I loved their sweet potato hash...also you have to try their grits - best I've ever had!

At dinnertimes I've ordered the Grilled Mojito-marinated Shrimp - outstanding!

It's a laid back atmosphere that allows you to savor the meal and the moment. A late dinner on the outside patio enhances the experience.

 

[krisnchris]

Looking forward to our first visit to OKW in a little over 2 weeks! We are new DVC owners (BWV), but had already rented these points just before we bought. We are coming in to run in our first 1/2 marathon, the Wine and Dine. Tell me, is there an area I should request considering our tired legs? It is a host resort for the race. We are staying for 3 nights, so looking forward to trying Olivia's and hanging by the pool a lot. Is there anywhere online with a map of the resort? Would love to see how it is laid out including the boat to DTD. That seems like something we'll do.