OKW - More than just cheap points?

[Simba's Mom]

Since I also LOVE OKW, and don't want it to get too very popular, let me point out a couple things it doesn't have, just so you know. It doesn't have valet parking or room service. I could also point out that you'll have to use more than one paper towel to clean the unit and that you can't get a beer from the refrigerator while you're watching TV without getting up, but only Richyams could point out all those problems so well.
But that balcony size has really spoiled me. It's just such a great feeling for the whole family to be able to sit outside eating and chatting.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Before purchasing DVC I stayed at OKW several time using points from friends. OKW is what convinced me to take another look at timeshares. I purchased an OKW resale and even though I've tried most of the other resorts, it's the one I always come back to.

OKW is my "Welcome Home" resort. After OKW, Disney figured out what a money making gem of an idea they had and they proceeded to make the next resorts smaller to maximize the amount of units per allowable inch.

There is nothing like OKW, we love it!

 

[JasonDVC]

It looks relaxing to me.

http://i235.*************************************20090310_0187.jpg

Great picture Mike! To the right where the tables are, is there a CS there so someone could eat outside by the water? That is just the kind of thing I like and will strongly consider visting OKW in the future if that is the case.

 

[Chuck S]

Great picture Mike! To the right where the tables are, is there a CS there so someone could eat outside by the water? That is just the kind of thing I like and will strongly consider visting OKW in the future if that is the case.

Yes, looking at the photo, the snack bar is located between the 3rd and 4th umbrella from the left. Gurgling Suitcase (the resort bar) is located just to the left of the snack bar.

 

[Disneymom2266]

Can anyone tell me if there is a balcony on the studios? Also, if anyone has a picture of the studios, I would appreciate it. I am trying to book a girlfriends week there. I have stayed at OKW before, but usually with my family in a one bedroom. I am wondering how the studios are.

Thanks,
Carol

 

[Chuck S]

All OKW studios have 2 queen beds, no sleeper sofa. They all have a small balcony, just big enough for 2 people to enjoy coffee or a light breakfast, however, as studios are generally on the ends of the buildings, they often overlook the buildings' A/C units.

 

[Disneymom2266]

All OKW studios have 2 queen beds, no sleeper sofa. They all have a small balcony, just big enough for 2 people to enjoy coffee or a light breakfast, however, as studios are generally on the ends of the buildings, they often overlook the buildings' A/C units.

Thanks, Chuck. Do you know if any are near the HH?

 

[Chuck S]

Thanks, Chuck. Do you know if any are near the HH?

Every OKW building has some studios. Remember that "near HH" is now a booking category at OKW, like Boardwalk View at BWV. Same amount of points as the rest of the resort. The category includes bldgs 11 to 14 and 23 to 26. If near HH isn't available at time of booking, an alternative would be to request bldgs 15, 16, 27 to 29, 62 to 64. But 62 to 64 are the only buildings with elevators, and are often held for those with mobility issues.

 

[Disneymom2266]

Every OKW building has some studios. Remember that "near HH" is now a booking category at OKW, like Boardwalk View at BWV. Same amount of points as the rest of the resort. The category includes bldgs 11 to 14 and 23 to 26. If near HH isn't available at time of booking, an alternative would be to request bldgs 15, 16, 27 to 29, 62 to 64. But 62 to 64 are the only buildings with elevators, and are often held for those with mobility issues.

Looking at Sept. Points chart says 8 points per night. Is it more to stay near HH? Thanks for your info!

 

[Chuck S]

Looking at Sept. Points chart says 8 points per night. Is it more to stay near HH? Thanks for your info!

No, same points, but it needs to be booked.

 

[Mississippian]

I think most people prefer walking-distance resorts (I'm one of them), but with that said many people would pay EXTRA to stay at OKW. So there is more involved that just a cheaper point chart.'

However, the cheaper point chart does make a difference. I like to center my trip around EPCOT, and for that reason OKW reallly doesn't work well for me, but for someone who didn't like EPCOT all that much I would say OKW would be a great choice. (By the same token, if your dinner plans are the California Grill, Narcosees, Albert & Victorias and Citricos, maybe you ought to be staying at BLT instead of BWV).

It's kind of funny to see the different mentality of different resort owners. A lot of OKW owners cite the advantage of being able to park right at the door of their unit. Most walking-distance owners will not see their car for their entire vacation, so this doesn't seem like much of an advantage. With that said, I'm glad people can get what they want.

 

[loveswdw]

We actually own at BCV. While we love BCV, we tend to stay more at OKW (see my signature). We LOVE the cheaper points as we can squeeze more trips out of our measly 150 points. But we also love staying on the golf course, the large 1BRs, the separate laundry room (we do our laundry when we go to bed--shut the door and noise is gone--can't do that at BCV), we love the feel of the resort. Ask my DH, "Where would you like to stay this trip?" 9 out of 10 his answer will be "OKW".

We do miss being able to walk from BCV to Epcot easily but for the point differences, its not that important to us. Plus, I love being able to get into OKW at less than 11 months out. Sometimes, its just hard for us to be able to plan that far ahead. I love that I can usually get into OKW whenever. Definitely can't say that about BCV.

Last trip we stayed near the HH. We decided we'll probably try to do that on future trips too. Really convenient for DS1 and I to go get a bite to eat when DH and DS5 went to the ballpark. If I didn't have a car, I would definitely try to get a villa near the HH.

 

[tjl1388]

Amazing place to stay. The restaurant is great for breakfast and like everyone before me said. The views are amazing and it is by FAR the most relaxing resort.

This is the early morning view.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Amazing place to stay. The restaurant is great for breakfast and like everyone before me said. The views are amazing and it is by FAR the most relaxing resort.

This is the early morning view.

Oooh, nice photo.

 

[La2kw]

I think most people prefer walking-distance resorts (I'm one of them), but with that said many people would pay EXTRA to stay at OKW. So there is more involved that just a cheaper point chart.'

However, the cheaper point chart does make a difference. I like to center my trip around EPCOT, and for that reason OKW reallly doesn't work well for me, but for someone who didn't like EPCOT all that much I would say OKW would be a great choice. (By the same token, if your dinner plans are the California Grill, Narcosees, Albert & Victorias and Citricos, maybe you ought to be staying at BLT instead of BWV).

It's kind of funny to see the different mentality of different resort owners. A lot of OKW owners cite the advantage of being able to park right at the door of their unit. Most walking-distance owners will not see their car for their entire vacation, so this doesn't seem like much of an advantage. With that said, I'm glad people can get what they want.

I love Epcot, but usually stay at OKW. It's a quick bus ride from OKW to Epcot's front entrance. Sure, it's nice to be able to walk to World Showcase from BCV or BWV, but anywhere else is not as convenient. I really don't consider those resorts convenient to the Studios when the walk is a good 15-20 minutes in the hot Florida sun. Everywhere else is by bus, just like at OKW or by a frustratingly slow boat. BLT will be very convenient to MK by foot and Epcot by monorail. I find that more desirable than the Epcot resort area.

I also enjoy the peace and quiet at OKW. When I leave the park, I am not still surrounded by the crowds like the Epcot resort area. There's a whole lot of people in those 7 resorts that surround Crescent Lake. I enjoy BCV, but not for long stays.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Might as well post one more view!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Might as well post one more view!

Diane, is that a view from your favorite building? # 45 ?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Diane, is that a view from your favorite building? # 45 ?

It's building 46...4621 to be exact. We have had this unit the last two trips in a row! That was a total surprise too!

 

[detroitdad]

It's kind of funny to see the different mentality of different resort owners. A lot of OKW owners cite the advantage of being able to park right at the door of their unit. Most walking-distance owners will not see their car for their entire vacation, so this doesn't seem like much of an advantage. With that said, I'm glad people can get what they want.

I think the set up overall is an advantage, regardless of whether or not you're using your car. It usually takes about a minute for us to get off the bus and walk into the villa (as opposed to the long corrider walk at most of the other DVC properties. At the end of a long day, that would be a drag.) Even when we didn't get our preferred building by the bus stop, it was only a 5 minute walk. We love Epcot and would like to see if we could get into BW at 7 months for a couple nights, but I don't think our vacation would be complete without staying at our OKW home as well. We really enjoy the quiet of OKW at the end of the day, but I am willing to try the more festive BW atmosphere to be able to walk to Epcot & MGM one of these trips.

 

[MamaCrush]

Do you need ADR's to eat at Olivias??? T hanks!