OKW or AKL

[Rich M]

Trying to decide if I want to keep my OKW studio or switch to AKL standard room for $40 more. Both of them have the same transportation options except for the Boat to Disney Springs. I will most likely have a rental car anyway. I normally stay at Crescent Lake but don't see that in the budget this trip and I want to stay deluxe for the extra hours for this short trip. Any thoughts?

 

[jmasgat]

What's important to you for a resort? Room content? Location? Amenities? As far as rooms, OKW studio will have microwave--which can help with food options, but given it's a large resort, it may be a schlep unless you are near Hospitality House to get to main pool, boats etc. Plus, all studios connect to the 1BR, so there may be a little added noise.. On the plus side, if you like to walk, you can walk to DS.

AKL is a beautifully themed resort and will be more compact, which makes it easier to get to food/pool/etc. And standard rooms "may" have a view of Savanna (my last trip there, it did). Also, I think the food is better at AKL, than OKW--but that is just a matter of personal preference.

 

[Average Joes]

I think generally reviews have AKL as one of the better resorts on property and OKW on the lower end (for deluxe). The savannah view is factored into that but I think generally AKL comes out on top for the pool, dining and theme. If that theme appeals to you. The roll of the dice is the chance (who knows what %) of a view of animals if that matters but you would have to be prepared to accept a parking lot view. I have no idea what views OKW gets you in comparison. If you have not been to AKL it is a stunning resort but I cannot speak to OKW.

 

[Rich M]

I think generally reviews have AKL as one of the better resorts on property and OKW on the lower end (for deluxe). The savannah view is factored into that but I think generally AKL comes out on top for the pool, dining and theme. If that theme appeals to you. The roll of the dice is the chance (who knows what %) of a view of animals if that matters but you would have to be prepared to accept a parking lot view. I have no idea what views OKW gets you in comparison. If you have not been to AKL it is a stunning resort but I cannot speak to OKW.

I believe OKW has had a upgrade in rooms recently. I guess my biggest factor is comfort of the bed. We have stayed Savannah view at AKL - K before and loved it when we got there but never really watched much after as we thought.

 

[disney castle days]

I just got back from OKW yesterday, although a 2BDR, not a studio.

The beds were pretty comfortable, although they did not give extra blankets. Not sure if that is an everywhere issue, or just there.

The rooms are nice, I don't care for the views at all, but that is my personal preference. Since you will most likely have a car, walking to HH will not be an issue. I agree with a PP that the food is not great at OKW. Olivia's is good, but the quick service has limited options and limited seating. The main pool is nice, the other pools are smaller and quieter. If you use the reuseable mugs, there are only 2 places to fill them right now (or at least that we found), and depending on where you are placed you may be nowhere near them. The boat to Disney Springs is very nice and convenient in my opinion and was never really that crowded.

 

[evilqueenmindy]

I love OKW. we get a 2BR now, but my first stay there was in a studio. The rooms are HUGE and well appointed.
the resort is also huge, and we have stayed in every section, some being way far away from the hospitality house. If you think it’s too far to walk, just hop on any bus, they all stop at hospitality house. I also love the boat to Disney springs.
I also feel like OKW is more centrally located and it seems like a shorter trip to all the parks.
ive not stayed at AKL, but I have visited several times, and it definitely has a wow factor that you won’t get from OKW. It’s also further out from everything, I feel like I’d pick it for a no-parks trip

 

[thanxfornoticin]

You don't have a bad choice there! These are 2 of our favorite resorts on property. AKL is so unique, and we find OKW to be very peaceful and feel like 'home'. AKL has some of the best dining options on property. Olivia's is really good, too - but there are more resort dining options at AKL. However, with the boat to DS, you're 10 minutes from many dining options! Good luck with your decision - both will be a good choice!