OKW or BW

[bc529]

I am traveling with 9 in Sept. 7 adults and (2) 5y/o boys and a 1y/o. I was wondering which resort is better. I was thinking OKW because of the room sizes but have read some threads about OkW that they are getting old and need some updating. Just looking for your expert opinions.

Thanks for your help

 

[drusba]

I have a high preference for BWV which has the advantage of location -- can walk to Epcot and MGM and lots of restaurants. However, I would be reluctant to stay in a 2BR there with 9, which includes an infant (I am assuming that is the room size you are looking at). Can be done, just crowded. OKW 2BR is significantly larger, has fairly large proches, and you will feel much less crowded there. I would not be overly concerned with occassional reports criticising room conditions. Those occur for all the resorts (DVC and non-DVC) and room conditions are usually fine for most.

 

[OlderMan]

...those who have had negative experiences tend to be more vocal about them than those of us who check in to a clean villa, with all amenities and no burned out bulbs, loose tiles, left over garbage, etc.

We're OKW owners and love it--expecially the villa sizes.

Try OKW. If you have a negative experience, then complain to the powers that be, and post it here on the board.

If you have a positive experience at OKW, then you should be equally vocal here. Just to counterbalance the naysayers.

 

[jimmacmn]

DW had a two bedroom at OKW in October for a week. She said the unit definitely was showing wear and needed a refurb. It was, however, clean. The following week, she and I had two couples stay with us in a GV for five days. It was in pretty good shape. I think it may have been one of the former smoking units and it looked like it had been recently rehabed. I think with all of the older DVC properties you always run the risk of getting "the next unit to be rehabed", but you have just as good a chance of getting the "last room to be rehabed".

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have had very few problems with really bad units at OKW, and really have only had 1 in the past 11 years. It all depends on your expectations though. I would DEFINITELY take the larger unit at OKW over BWV though. Walking to two parks is not necessarily an advantage, and the boat can take a LONG time compared to walking, so I always think that "advantage" is a wash when you consider the boat over taking the bus from OKW. The extra space and the extra real bed at OKW makes it a far better choice, in my book.

 

[OlderMan]

I have to agree with Diane!!

In the almost 11 years we've been going to OKW I can think of only one time when the villa we had was "lacking."

That was only due to previous tenants having left empty bottles/cans in an upper cabinet, over the refrigerator. We laughed, put the bottles/cans in the recycle can, and took them out the next morning--problem solved.

Remember, if you go looking for problems, you'll find them.

If you go to a resort expecting a great villa and great vacation, you'll probably have one!!

THINK POSITIVE!!!!!!!!!

 

[n2mm]

We had a large group last August and did a split with OKW and BCV and I have to say the size of a 2-bedroom at OKW was wonderful. I would always stay at OKW with a larger group. We never felt crowded and loved having the larger open kitchen and the porch was wonderful. After going from OKW to a 2 bedroom at BCV we were glad that 2 in our party had gone home early, because it was crowded with 6. It was a big change going from OKW to BCV. While we love SAB, for the size option, nothing beats OKW.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We've got family members who'd answer differently on that question-some who swear by BWV, some who are loyal OKW people. Partly it depends on what type of vacation you're looking for. Hotel-like, action nearby, potential for room service and valet parking? BWV.Rest, relaxation, condo-feel accomodations?OKW

 

[dvc guy]

Been to OKW at least 10 times and never had an "old unit issue". I believe all units received new appliance and washer dryer in the past year or two. As posted really depends on what you are looking for. We have stayed at both and OKW is better for us, maybe not for you. No bad choices it WDW

 

[SleepyatDVC]

Here are what I would consider in picking one over the other:

With 3 children, I think that you will find yourself spending quite a bit more time in the room than most people, so the room and size will matter more. If the kids still nap or need to sleep earlier, it will be quieter at OKW for them to do so because of the space of the unit. If at BWV, just send the non-essential adults off to enjoy the BW while the kiddies sleep!

OKW: Much larger 2 bedroom, esp. in the kitchen, LR and balcony areas
BWV: Will be smaller, esp. in the common areas

OKW: 3 real beds, 1 sleeper sofa, an extra loveseat sofa, as well as a comfortable armchair plus ottoman that my kids fight over to sleep on.
BWV: 2 real beds and 2 sleeper sofas

OKW: Washer and dryer are in a separate room near the front door which helps muffle the noise.
BWV: W/D are in a closet in the LR right in front of the master bedroom door. The accordian doors do NOTHING to muffle the sounds so don't plan on doing any laundry at night esp. if anyone is sleeping in the LR or anytime the kiddies are napping. I would go the machine first thing in the morning as an alarm clock to the rest of your party and hopefully place in dryer before heading out or first thing when you get back to the room. Warning: The w/d is LOUD!!!!

OKW: Larger dining table for sitdown meals and "converstions" around the table. Also large table on balcony.
BWV: Much smaller table with a bkfast bar that is o'kay for the kids, but we just used for storage. Little coffee table on balcony.

OKW: Nice walks around the complex - grass, trees, water views
BWV: Nice walks around the complex - great people watching on the BW

Since 1 to 3 of the children will probably be in strollers, so keep the park access in mind. I personally prefer BWV when pushing a stroller. I don't have to struggle with folding a stroller to at least 2 of the parks. 3 parks, if I take the monorail from MK to Epcot and then walk through the park. It is nice when the kids are sleeping to push them straight to the room without waking then up when getting on and off the buses.

OKW: Buses or car to ALL four parks
BWV: Walk or boat to 2 parks w/o having to fold up strollers.

OKW: Plan to eat in more or have to travel more to eat out.
BWV: No room to eat in, plan to eat out more. More choices within walking distance.

OKW: If you will have a car, more convenient parking. Will be able to go off site for groceries and meals.
BWV: No car is preferable or plan to park it for the duration. Having a car can still be nice, but not as convenient as at OKW - valet or plan to walk further to park.

Have fun making your decision!!! I'm sure that you will have a great time where ever you wind up staying.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We're going with 5 (adults) to VB this summer and we have reserved a 2bdrm+OVIR (studio size) for us. With 6 adults I would definitely choose OKW for the extra space and extra real bed. Don't know what size room you are considering, and don't know how the points work out, but I personally would choose two 1 bdrm units over one 2 bdrm unit if I had the points to do it.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

What if you were going to use the DDP and have a non-park trip? Would it be more convient to stay at BWV for the dining choices ? If staying at OKW, other than Olivias and the other place there, I guess DTD would be it for eating. Would it be too much of a pain going over there for lunches and dinner? We would have no car.

 

[bzzelady]

SleepyatDVC made an excellent comparison of the two resorts!

I personally would choose OKW just due to the size of your group-I took a group of 7 in June and I was glad we had the extra space, separate laundry room, and a large porch with a full size table.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

What if you were going to use the DDP and have a non-park trip? Would it be more convient to stay at BWV for the dining choices ? If staying at OKW, other than Olivias and the other place there, I guess DTD would be it for eating. Would it be too much of a pain going over there for lunches and dinner? We would have no car.

OKW has the ferry to POR, SSR in addition to DTD. That expands your eating options quite a bit without having to get on a bus.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

OKW has the ferry to POR, SSR in addition to DTD. That expands your eating options quite a bit without having to get on a bus.

I never thought of those places as well...thanks! Wanna try OKW for 4 days before a 3 day cruise, so thats great we can use the ferry. I thought only SSR had the boat.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

OKW has the ferry to POR, SSR in addition to DTD. That expands your eating options quite a bit without having to get on a bus.

true but the edge there still goesto BW

 

[TenThousandVolts]

true but the edge there still goesto BW

Even for a non-park trip as BWVDreamin was asking about? It's a close call- but I think I would prefer OKW.

 

[n2mm]

true but the edge there still goesto BW

I disagree also. I own at BWV and love it and stay there for at least 3 out of 4 trips a year, but when traveling with a large group like the OP listed, nothing beats OKW for the size.

 

[byoung]

I am traveling with 9 in Sept. 7 adults and (2) 5y/o boys and a 1y/o. I was wondering which resort is better. I was thinking OKW because of the room sizes but have read some threads about OkW that they are getting old and need some updating. Just looking for your expert opinions.

Thanks for your help

Just stayed at OKW room was in great condition. Think of the Poly or Contemp, they where there from opening and are still great. OKW was only there from 1992.