OKW or AKV for Half

[CarolA]

I need to book the lodging for the Half Marathon.

Based on my current DVC points allotment I can book at either of these.

OKW is closer to the start, but AKV is beautiful.

We will have a car as Randy is not really a DIsney person so I am not putting him on a bus!

What do you think?

 

[Dennyha]

As for getting to the start of the race, I would encourage you to use the bus transportation supplied by Disney. It leaves from each resort, and it seemed like a bus was leaving about every 5-10 minutes. At SSR, they had busses stacked up, so that as soon as a bus was full, it would leave and another would pull up and start loading. I'm not normally a big fan of Disney busses, but it works great for the 1/2 or full marathon. There's enough going on that morning, and not having to worry about driving there is one less thing to worry about. Even after the race, we've never waited more than 5 or 10 minutes for a bus to go back to our resort.

That being said, if you're going to take the marathon bus to Epcot, it doesn't matter how close your resort is to the race. So, you can make your choice based on points and preference solely. Proximity to the race is a non-issue.

Good Luck.

 

[CarolA]

Well I didn't really realize there were buses to the start. I am assuming we will take those. PLus he can take the bus back and not wait on me. (He is fast I am SLOW! LOL!)

I had read you could walk from OKW to the start, but looking at it and from what I remember it's not a short walk and there are no sidewalks. (In the dark with the buses doesn't sound fun to me!)

 

[Dennyha]

Two years ago, I thought about walking from OKW to the start. I know some people do it. I feared getting lost, and walking a few extra miles. Again, nobody needs extra things to worry about on race morning. The Disney busses are great, and it adds to the experience. Nothing like seeing everyone else, in their running gear, walking to the bus stop at 4am.

 

[blizzard]

If you are in a 1 bedroom or bigger, I would go with OKW. The FULL size jacuzzi tub and the extra living space more than make up for the animals (in my opinion). Although if you are traveling with more than 2 people in a 1 bedroom, the extra bathroom in Kidani would be nice. (assuming that it's open by then)

We are hoping to get into AKV at 7 mos. for the Everest Challenge this fall. We toured the Kidani models and really liked them. (of course we'd be staying in Jambo this fall)

One other thing, at OKW you can park right in front of your villa, which makes driving places very easy. (you said you have a car)

OK they're both great, and I can't imagine not having a DVC villa when I come for the marathon in 2010!

 

[CarolA]

I think we are going with the studio for this trip. The points values for the 1 BR just are so high LOL and it's just the two of us.

I think I am going to try for AKV tomorrow and perhaps give it a shot to move to BW or BC at 7 months.

We have stayed at both, but for the studio I think the layout at AK is nicer.

 

[blizzard]

agree - for only 2 people, the other studios (other than OKW) are nicer. Two queen beds (when you're only using one) takes up way too much space.

(hoping for a value studio at AKV for EEC - I can phone next week)

 

[twoWDWfools]

We've got a 1 bedroom at OKW for the 1/2. It's our fave DVC and thinking I may very well need that in room jacuzzi at some point.

May try to switch to BWV at the 7 mth mark - just not sure yet.

 

[DianeL]

Just a note about the buses for those that have not been to Disney's Marathon Weekend. They don't use Disney buses for the Marathon transportation. They use the Mears/Magical Express kind with the nice comfy plush seats with them all facing forward. I highly recommend letting them do the driving on race morning. Less stress and at the end it's nice to sit back and let them drive you back to the resort. They do drop you off at the main hospitality bus stop at OKW. But I still like not having to worry about getting there and getting back. i have enough worries of my own

 

[twotoohappy]

I think I am going to try for AKV tomorrow and perhaps give it a shot to move to BW or BC at 7 months.

Go with BCV
We were there this past trip,
and we're booked for BCV next year too!
It was great to be able to walk back to BCV after the 1/2
as well as to walk off the built up acid.
BCV

 

[CarolA]

Booked AKV today (did have the strangest CM ever LOL!)

Anyway I decided to waitlist for the Club Level.

At 7 months I may try for BC or BW. I have BC points but am OUT with Food &Wine and some other stuff.....