OKW or BCV: UPDATE Post #13

[mimmiepnp]

Our 7 month mark will be here on Saturday and want to switch 6 of out 12 night to either OKW or BCV. We have been to BCV but never to OKW. I do not have a preference but I still do not know which one to pick (as I asked this a while back,!!!)

Don't care either way so which one?? OKW or BCV....

Thanks

Mimmie

 

[Daddio]

Beach Club, as you already know, is a great resort. So is Old Key West. But each has its pros and cons which are really 'individual personality' dependant. So, why not give Old Key West a try and see how you personally feel about it?

David

 

[sweetdana]

If you are short on points, or are not taking kids.. OKW! If you are ahead and have kids uner 10 .. BC

I LOVE the SAB, but if you didnt have Kiddies.. I couldn't pick BC, due to it is set up for younger kids.

 

[JimMIA]

If you are short on points, or are not taking kids.. OKW! If you are ahead and have kids uner 10 .. BC

I LOVE the SAB, but if you didnt have Kiddies.. I couldn't pick BC, due to it is set up for younger kids.

Our resident expert -- DD8 -- strongly prefers OKW's pool to SAB. In fact, when we stayed at BCV, the second time we headed to SAB we were told flatly, "I want to go to the pool with the Sandcastle and Lighthouse (OKW)!"

I like SAB for three groups. First, adults who want to catch some sun and enjoy a cocktail. Second, really little kids who enjoy wading (not swimming) at the sandy beach area (and don't mind duck poop). Third - teenagers or preteens who like the excellent slide.

But to swim, SAB has no place to swim or even hang out in the water. We have a pool at home and DD8 is a very strong swimmer, but I would never let her out of my physical reach at BCV -- just too many areas with strong currents and really no place to swim.

If you've been to BCV and aren't dying to go back, I'd try something else.

 

[karebear06]

I would have to disagree. SAB has plenty of areas to swim. The part you are referring to with current is the lazy river area. It has deep areas and a strong current. Besides that, there are plenty of places that you can swim. Someone on here probably has a map of SAB.

 

[JimMIA]

I would have to disagree. SAB has plenty of areas to swim. The part you are referring to with current is the lazy river area. It has deep areas and a strong current. Besides that, there are plenty of places that you can swim. Someone on here probably has a map of SAB.

There are actually two areas with strong currents -- the badly mis-named "Lazy River," which is nothing more than a circle about 20 feet in diameter and another whirlpool kind of feature. And even the areas adjacent to the lazy circle have some pretty good currents. A large portion of swimable area is roped off for the exit from the slide, and that really doesn't leave very much room except in the sandy beach area. The one area you can enjoy -- away from the lazy river -- is always crowded because there just isn't any other place to hang out.

Everybody has their likes and dislikes, of course, but SAB is not a favorite feature of BCV for us. We love the resort -- just not the pool.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'd say OKW. BCV is nice and has a great location, but it sounds like you have stayed in most of the other DVC's so maybe it's time to try the original and see how different the floor plan and space is in the first and best! I'm not a lover of long hallways and convoluted hotels. I prefer OKW not only because of the size and openess of the villas, but also for the fact that it feels more like a vacation "home" than a vacation hotel.

 

[SusieBea]

I'd say OKW. BCV is nice and has a great location, but it sounds like you have stayed in most of the other DVC's so maybe it's time to try the original and see how different the floor plan and space is in the first and best! I'm not a lover of long hallways and convoluted hotels. I prefer OKW not only because of the size and openess of the villas, but also for the fact that it feels more like a vacation "home" than a vacation hotel.

Exactly! Ditto! And parking right outside your door if you have a car is another plus. I hate schlepping stuff down those long hallways.

 

[PHILCT]

We are just back from BCV, VB, and OKW.

I love both BCV and OKW for different reasons.

But interestingly we both missed SAB everyday we were at VB and OKW.
When we were at BCV, everyday we spent 3 or 4 hours at the SAB with our pool noodles going around the deep lazy river area. I was never as happy on my trip, as when I was in SAB with my pool noodle.

OKW is nice for the ability to drive up to your condo unit, and taking the boat to DTD. Olivia's Restaurant is nice too. OKW is totally dependent on Disney buses or a car to go anywhere.

BCV is nice if you really want to hit EPCOT multiple times and walk back quickly from the International Gate, and is convenient to get to HS by Boat too.

Both are good choices.

I would pick BCV for myself, and BCV is the harder choice to get. OKW is easier to get and less points and roomier.

Try OKW and enjoy the boat ride to DTD, Olivia's restaurant, ask for a newly renovated unit, and enjoy the private beautiful feel of the resort. You need to try this place at least once. Most buildings here do not have an elevator so ask for a first or second floor if climbing stairs is an issue. I enjoy the pond/golf views near the Hospitality House. If your doing a studio here, you can swim while doing your laundry in the nearby laundry facility. Of course the Villas have your own private laundry inside the units. Again this is a great place to be with a rental car, it is so easy to get in and out of.
Points wise this is really DVC's best deal, quality, and value for the points on property.

If I could live at a Disney DVC full time, I would live at an OKW Villa without hesitation.

If I could just visit a Disney DVC once a year, I would want to stay at BCV for the SAB and nearby park walking/boat access.

Good choices either way.

Have fun !

 

[skelooch]

OKW is a wonderful resort second only to BCV, IMHO. My two favorite resorts hands down, but I do give the edge to BCV due to the other tangible advantages for myself, such as the easy access to two parks, the most dining options within walking distance of any WDW resort (not incl Epcot), convenient self parking, (not as good as OKW) but better than most other resorts, the quiet pool and spa practically right outside you door, the Marketplace a short walk away, to name a few.

You will not be making a mistake whichever you choose. But being you have already stayed at BCV you should probably try OKW, who knows maybe it will become your favorite. If you need or prefer to be near the most amenities make sure you request HH area.

Enjoy your trip wherever you decide to stay.

 

[debbiepump]

I own at BCV and stayed at OKW a year ago. Was hesitent (what? have to ride a bus to Epcot??). Found out OKW was wonderful. It's so quiet and laid back. The rooms are so large and decks to die for (along with the larger tables and 4 chairs). Mind you, we are sans kids. BCV if the parks are your focus, OKW for a great change.

 

[n2mm]

Our 7 month mark will be here on Saturday and want to switch 6 of out 12 night to either OKW or BCV. We have been to BCV but never to OKW. I do not have a preference but I still do not know which one to pick (as I asked this a while back,!!!)

Don't care either way so which one?? OKW or BCV....

Thanks

Mimmie

Well it's Saturday, what did you decide? I noticed on the May reservation thread that someone could not get in on May 9th for a studio at BCV at the 7 month window.

 

[mimmiepnp]

Well it's Saturday, what did you decide? I noticed on the May reservation thread that someone could not get in on May 9th for a studio at BCV at the 7 month window.

OKW it will be!!

As I loved the proximity of BCV to Epcot and HS I did not like the business and hotel feel of the lobby and SAB was always packed when we were there in June. I think that just by looking at everyone's photos of OKW I could really fall in love with the place but I will let you know.

I was able to book AKL Jambo studio savannah view for 7 nights with no issues yesterday and will suspect that I will not have any problems booking OKW (I hope) next Saturday.

So we will have 7 months to go BUT we only have 6 more weeks until our November trip for MVMCP, Candlelight Processional and all the other holiday fare

Thanks for eveyone's input. That's why I love the DIS boards

Mimmie