OKW or AoA?

[Grumpy McScrooge]

We are looking at booking for oct15 and it looks as though it will be one of these 2 resorts.
We are a party of 7, 4 adults and 3 girls(10,7 & 4 at time of holiday). We are not that bothered if we all stay in the one suite.
What are your views on each of these resorts, what is the travelling time from each to the parks?

 

[crabbie1]

These two resorts are completely different. One is classed as a deluxe and the other a value resort.
I have stayed at OKW 3 times but only visited AOA. Okw is near DTD and AOA by Hollywood studios (I think??)If there are 7 of you then a two bedroom at OKW may work out cheaper especially if free dining and room discount is on. Even with 2 studio rooms it would work out cheaper than AOA as the values do not get the free DDP.
As you have small children the theming at AOA is amazing and the food court and pools are great. On the disney transport it takes max of 25 mins to get to the furthest park.
The rooms are bigger at Okw and have a kitchenette .
Get quotes for both but if free dining is on OKW is better value. It is very large . The quick service dining is not that good at okw but they do have Olivia's restaurant . AOA does not have a sit down restaurant.
DTD is only a boat ride away from OKW.
Im sure there will be others along to give their views . If I had to pick. OKW would be my choice

 

[Grumpy McScrooge]

These two resorts are completely different. One is classed as a deluxe and the other a value resort.
I have stayed at OKW 3 times but only visited AOA. Okw is near DTD and AOA by Hollywood studios (I think??)If there are 7 of you then a two bedroom at OKW may work out cheaper especially if free dining and room discount is on. Even with 2 studio rooms it would work out cheaper than AOA as the values do not get the free DDP.
As you have small children the theming at AOA is amazing and the food court and pools are great. On the disney transport it takes max of 25 mins to get to the furthest park.
The rooms are bigger at Okw and have a kitchenette .
Get quotes for both but if free dining is on OKW is better value. It is very large . The quick service dining is not that good at okw but they do have Olivia's restaurant . AOA does not have a sit down restaurant.
DTD is only a boat ride away from OKW.
Im sure there will be others along to give their views . If I had to pick. OKW would be my choice

Thanks, they have been narrowed down by a vote from both adults and kids(hence the difference).
Have looked at geting the dining plan, so the free deal if it comes round will probably sway the decision.

 

[disneypls]

We are in a similar boat as you a family of 6 deciding on aoa,cabins at fw or okw. All depends on free dining but my little boy would be amazed by cars suite. Why is it so hard to decide it's driving me mad.

 

[crabbie1]

We are in a similar boat as you a family of 6 deciding on aoa,cabins at fw or okw. All depends on free dining but my little boy would be amazed by cars suite. Why is it so hard to decide it's driving me mad.

As a dvc owner I really would like to stay at AOA purely due to the theming. Another factor is that OKW is larger and will not seem as busy . Let us know what you decide. They will both be amazing.

 

[chmurf]

With 3 girls that age, the rooms at AoA will probably be Little Mermaid. They are regular value rooms.
You'll need to book 2 seperate rooms with no guarantee that they'll be anywhere near each other.

AoA also has suites, but they will cost as much as OKW, won't get free dining (from WDTC-UK), and you'll need 2 suites (or one suite and one LM room, which are rather far apart). Those suites are Lionking, Nemo or Cars themed, so maybe not so popular with the girls.

OKW will get regular Dining plan (if Free Dining comes around) and you might be able to fit everyone in a 2 bedroom villa (it's up to you to decide if some adults sleep in the sleeper chair/sofa or if the kids sleep in the living room ...) or go for a 3 bedroom. ... writing this, I realise that you didn't mention if it was 2 seperate parties who like some privacy, or if it was a big party who want to stay together at all time (1 villa for everyone)

Travelling times are equal.
Bus service from AoA is a wee bit better because there is only one stop in front of the lobby (animation hall) whereas at OKW there will be several stops around the resort. (If you go by bus)
by car, you won't be able to tell the difference. And, at the end of your stay, the time spent in transportation will be equal, no matter where you stay on property. There will always be a park that's closer, and a park that's farther away, no matter where you stay.

 

[SWofDisorder]

OKW is the oldest DVC at WDW. In terms of landscaping it is very mature, lush green gardens, tall trees and a very tropical feel.

The rooms are the largest of any DVC and the bathroom extra bathroom has a hall entrance.

Full size washer and dryer in the room. Pools all around with two main pools.

The restaurant choices are poor at OKW but the boat ride to DTD makes grabbing a meal a fun adventure.

You can rent points or get a discount for OKW.

Hope you have a great trip.