OKW lovers thread !!!

[SAT887]

Is there a FAQ for OKW? One that lists out all the amenities in one place with a resort description, address, etc.? I looked on the Resort board where so many others have FAQ posts, but there wasn't one, and when I did a search here, this post was as close as I came.

I am looking into OKW for a future stay. TIA

Not that I've seen... Maybe time to start one!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Is there a FAQ for OKW? One that lists out all the amenities in one place with a resort description, address, etc.? I looked on the Resort board where so many others have FAQ posts, but there wasn't one, and when I did a search here, this post was as close as I came.

I am looking into OKW for a future stay. TIA

This is basically that thread. start reading.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Not that I've seen... Maybe time to start one!

This is basically that thread. start reading.

Thanks to you both for replying.

 

[amandaw]

Driving to the parks seems easier to me. Parking is included with your resort stay. The only one I don't care for is MK where you go to the TTC then take monorail or ferry to MK - however that can be fun too

Yeah, I'm not a big fan of driving to MK. But, I may have to talk to DH about possibly driving to the other parks to make it easier for us.

 

[Leleluvsdis]

Yeah, I'm not a big fan of driving to MK. But, I may have to talk to DH about possibly driving to the other parks to make it easier for us.

We always drive to Disney but never to the parks. It is so much easier to take the buses then have to worry about where you are going, remembering where you parked and trying to get back to your car at the end of the night. It may seem like the buses take longer but they don't. We experimented on our last trip. Mom and I took the bus and dh and dad took the car. We actually beat them back from DHS and Epcot. They didn't take the tram at DHS either because there was such a long line. The best part about the buses is being able to enjoy the scenery that disney has and not having to worry about missing a turn hahaha

 

[amandaw]

We always drive to Disney but never to the parks. It is so much easier to take the buses then have to worry about where you are going, remembering where you parked and trying to get back to your car at the end of the night. It may seem like the buses take longer but they don't. We experimented on our last trip. Mom and I took the bus and dh and dad took the car. We actually beat them back from DHS and Epcot. They didn't take the tram at DHS either because there was such a long line. The best part about the buses is being able to enjoy the scenery that disney has and not having to worry about missing a turn hahaha

This will be our 1st time driving to Disney and our 1st stay at OKW. I don't know why I'm so worried about the bus situation at OKW. It's never been an issue at any of the other resorts we've stayed at. You know what I think has me worried? The multiple bus stops within a resort. Every resort we've stayed at in the past had just 1 bus stop.

Even with the multiple stops at OKW, is it still better to take the bus?

 

[Leleluvsdis]

This will be our 1st time driving to Disney and our 1st stay at OKW. I don't know why I'm so worried about the bus situation at OKW. It's never been an issue at any of the other resorts we've stayed at. You know what I think has me worried? The multiple bus stops within a resort. Every resort we've stayed at in the past had just 1 bus stop.

Even with the multiple stops at OKW, is it still better to take the bus?

We found yes. We were the second bus stop after hospitality house, and some mornings we walked to hospitality house instead of taking the bus around. The resort is simply gorgeous!! I'm sure there will be times when driving will be a few minutes faster but not enough to deal with the hassle of a car IMHO but some prefer to drive. It really just depends on personal preference. You could always do a little of both

 

[SAT887]

This will be our 1st time driving to Disney and our 1st stay at OKW. I don't know why I'm so worried about the bus situation at OKW. It's never been an issue at any of the other resorts we've stayed at. You know what I think has me worried? The multiple bus stops within a resort. Every resort we've stayed at in the past had just 1 bus stop.

Even with the multiple stops at OKW, is it still better to take the bus?

What makes me like driving to the parks is not having to deal with a stroller on the bus, diaper bag, mini cooler that I stored milk, snacks, fruit for my kids in (this trip they will be 3 & 1) I actually liked walking to the car and rarely took a tram... I think we had to at AK though - but we visit at slower times and never had to wait in a line. I think it's all personal preference. Why not try both and see what works for you? Also, I don't recall if you said so or not, but the hospitality house area you could easily utilize 2 bus stops (peninsular rd and the HH) which are first and last stops...(If I remember right)

 

[amandaw]

We found yes. We were the second bus stop after hospitality house, and some mornings we walked to hospitality house instead of taking the bus around. The resort is simply gorgeous!! I'm sure there will be times when driving will be a few minutes faster but not enough to deal with the hassle of a car IMHO but some prefer to drive. It really just depends on personal preference. You could always do a little of both

What makes me like driving to the parks is not having to deal with a stroller on the bus, diaper bag, mini cooler that I stored milk, snacks, fruit for my kids in (this trip they will be 3 & 1) I actually liked walking to the car and rarely took a tram... I think we had to at AK though - but we visit at slower times and never had to wait in a line. I think it's all personal preference. Why not try both and see what works for you? Also, I don't recall if you said so or not, but the hospitality house area you could easily utilize 2 bus stops (peninsular rd and the HH) which are first and last stops...(If I remember right)

Thank y'all both so much for the information! I really do prefer taking the buses. Although, the stroller on the bus is not too much fun. I am feeling much better about this bus situation at OKW. I think we may start off using the buses & if they don't work for us, then we may have to see how it is driving to the parks. Thanks again!

 

[dvc at last !]

We put our coolers, rubbermaid containers (that we use for traveling with food and stuff - kind of like the Owners Locker) in the cabinet. We use the counter for all our snack stuff. Especially all the extra soda or water stuff.

We use it as the office. We keep the flight tickets, ME tickets,
the info we researched for park hours, passes,
TIW card, movie times, welcome packet perks info, room keys, camera,
sunglasses, hats. It is a great place to stay organized instead of everyone looking for these things each day.

 

[Candy Orlando]

We stay at OKW three times a year for a week. We love it because it feels like home. We rent a car and love to drive everywhere to make it feel like home.

We put all our food that doesn't have to be in the refrigerator on the counter that looks like a hutch. Then we can see what we have and if we need more food for the week.

 

[keaster]

Hello, we are fairly new DVC members (1 year) and just booked our first OKW stay! We'll be staying in a studio for a couple nights before our DCL cruise in March

I booked it online with the "near Hospitality House" booking category as I heard that is the popular option...so can you OKW experts tell me if that's the correct way to go?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hello, we are fairly new DVC members (1 year) and just booked our first OKW stay! We'll be staying in a studio for a couple nights before our DCL cruise in March

I booked it online with the "near Hospitality House" booking category as I heard that is the popular option...so can you OKW experts tell me if that's the correct way to go?

I think it is more popular with non-OKW owners. Most of us like to stay away from the HH and we have our own ways to get there when we need to. Others who don't own there think it is just sooooo far to walk from anywhere in the resort.

 

[Pirate Granny]

Deb, I agree....with my DDs and DGD Bldg 13 was PERFECT. But I loved our turtle pond studio when we were there with just the two of us. I prefer a golf course view...a view of the green, top floor. And I walked to HH from Bldg 34...

 

[MommyBell08]

Subbing

 

[Dacia]

Much thanks to Doc and dianeschlicht for the post re: building configurations.



We will be returning to WDW 9/26-10/4...which can't here soon enough!!!
Were in Bldg 34 last year and loved our time in OKW.

My question is about the Type D buildings.

Type D buildings are all 3 stories.
1st Floor- 2,1,S,S,1,1,S,S,1,2
2nd Floor- 2,1,S,S,1 1 S,S,1,2
3rd Floor- 1,S,S,1 1 S,S,1
Buildings 14,18,35 and 38 are all Type D.


We've requestd a 2 on a top floor.

Looking at what Doc noted and Diane passed on...even though the D buildings have 3 floors, I take it that the 2s on the second floor ends have no one above them. Is that correct?

Any info much appreciated.

 

[JrsyDebs]

I got the bug to go to WDW again! Only been twice; stayed once onsite (POR when it was Dixie Landings) and several years ago offsite at a vacation-home community. Anyway...Now I am dying to go again! Stayed up almost all night last night updating myself on WDW info and reading posts for hours.
What would like to do is go with my mom (in her 80s) and my adult DD (almost 21, gasp!). To stay at OKW next year on rental points would be my vacation of choice.
I ramble...My point/question is I would like to get a 2 BR at OKW and would really prefer a lock-off vs a dedicated 2 BR, so Mom could have the separate kitchenette and a bit more privacy when she wants it. Is it possible to request that when making reservations, or does one have to settle for the luck-of-the-draw, so to speak?

 

[Deb & Bill]

I got the bug to go to WDW again! Only been twice; stayed once onsite (POR when it was Dixie Landings) and several years ago offsite at a vacation-home community. Anyway...Now I am dying to go again! Stayed up almost all night last night updating myself on WDW info and reading posts for hours.
What would like to do is go with my mom (in her 80s) and my adult DD (almost 21, gasp!). To stay at OKW next year on rental points would be my vacation of choice.
I ramble...My point/question is I would like to get a 2 BR at OKW and would really prefer a lock-off vs a dedicated 2 BR, so Mom could have the separate kitchenette and a bit more privacy when she wants it. Is it possible to request that when making reservations, or does one have to settle for the luck-of-the-draw, so to speak?

When you book a two bedroom at OKW, they automatically give you a dedicated unless you request a lock off. So the member you rent from will need to make sure to request a lockoff.

 

[Pirate Granny]

You may also want to request a first floor if mom would have problems with the stairs. HH would be nice too, if you can. We were in 13 and loved it, even though we had requested Peninsula road HH.

 

[JrsyDebs]

Thanks, Deb and Granny!
Feel like Such a newbie (well, I Am new to DVC!) to ask questions that have probably been asked before. If I get the DVC points through Dave's company (Is that called "renting" or "buying" points if it's from that company?) do they do the reservation-making, or do I make reservations on my own with the points after getting them?
Also, I was actually thinking of requesting a first-floor unit. Would like a more quiet area but still pretty near a pool. Was thinking of requesting the Miller Road area, perhaps Bldg. 17 or 18? Instead of 19 or 20 because we do not need to be right on top of the pool. Are 17 and 18 good choices, not too far from pool? How about 21, 22? I am not concerned about not being near the food areas and store; we will be driving from Jersey so we will have a car to drive 'round if need be.
Any feedback verry appreciated!