OKW or BWV - need help pls

[TheBigQ]

We're going to Disney 9/29-10/7 and we've booked a 1 bedroom villa at OKW. We love the pics we see, the amenities are great for a family of 5, and the pool area looks fun for the kids, DS7, DD4, & DD2. But I'm afraid we'll feel far away from the parks. Does OKW have a disney feel to it? Also - TA suggested BWV if I wanted to be closer to the "action" but I've ready it can be noisy there.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. VWL and BCV are booked. Thanks in advance.

 

[CarolMN]

After a busy day in the parks, it can be very nice to "feel far away from the parks", especially with little ones. If you are worried about transportation to the parks from OKW, don't. Bus service there is good.

We always stay at the Boardwalk - there are only a few sections that can be noisy and IMHO, it's nothing that will keep you or your children awake. As a cash guest, you won't even be able to get a room overlooking the Boardwalk, which is what most people who think the rooms are noisy talk about).

If you switch to BWV and want really quiet, ask for a room that overlooks the quiet pool/Community Hall area or one that overlooks the croquet lawn. Depending on where you room is located, the walk from your room to the bus stop or the boat dock can be a long one. Might actually be less walking for your little ones at OKW. (The "quieter" sections at the BWV will be the ones farthest from the elevators).

FWIW, I'd stick with OKW - the 1 bedroom units are noticably larger than those at the BWV.

 

[TheBigQ]

Thanks for the info. We probably will just stay put. I read another thread on OKW and it looks like there is plenty to do there if we wanted a break from the parks. Thanks again.

 

[kraze4minnie]

I second that. We have stayed at both BWV and OKW, and prefer the tropical atmosphere of OKW. The pool area is relaxing, and the play area near the clubhouse is great for the kids. The downside is that there are not as many restaurants available- but we tend to eat one meal per day in the parks anyway.

 

[dianeschlicht]

There is a significant difference in size at OKW. Bus service is fantastic, and no building is far from one of the 5 bus stops. We even like the bus ride through the resort. The extra space in the living room and the full size table and chairs make a HUGE difference over the accommodations at the other DVC resorts. That is especially important with little ones. The balcony/patio alone is worth it, because you will have another full size patio table and 4 chairs out there as well.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We're going to Disney 9/29-10/7 and we've booked a 1 bedroom villa at OKW. We love the pics we see, the amenities are great for a family of 5, and the pool area looks fun for the kids, DS7, DD4, & DD2. But I'm afraid we'll feel far away from the parks. Does OKW have a disney feel to it? Also - TA suggested BWV if I wanted to be closer to the "action" but I've ready it can be noisy there.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. VWL and BCV are booked. Thanks in advance.

Yes, OKW is kind of "far away from the parks", some people feel. That's exactly why DH loves it there. It's not frantic, busy, bustling. However, DSs would much prefer the "closer to the action" feel of the BWV. As far as amenities-no valet parking, no room service at OKW. BWV-no parking in front of your unit, no taking restful walks on the peaceful sidewalks (and those surrey bikes are much easier to negotiate on the flat sidewalks of OKW than along the BWV Boardwalk), no balcony large enough for the whole family to sit and eat around the table. I've talked to people who have strong preferences for one of them. They have very different "feels" Sorry, I think I just made it more confusing.

 

[starbox]

Personally, we prefer SSR or OKW for location because they are equally convenient to all the parks/water parks, DTD, and they have resort-dedicated bus transportation.

BWV is really cute though!! We are looking forward to staying there in a few weeks - the ability to walk to MGM will be a huge plus due to SWW!!

 

[jdvm]

Well, I'm a HUGE Old Key West fan but I think whether or not you have a car is a big factor. Parking near your front door is a major plus for Old Key West for us. And, it may sound silly, but a door that opens to the outside (rather than into a hotel-like hallway) makes Old Key West feel more like a second home.
John

 

[Simba's Mom]

And, it may sound silly, but a door that opens to the outside (rather than into a hotel-like hallway) makes Old Key West feel more like a second home.
John

It doesn't sound silly to me. I feel the same way. We like pulling up in front of our own place, parking, then walking in from outside.

 

[TheBigQ]

Not sure if we'll rent a car or not...bus service sounds pretty good. We are going to Seaworld one day but we'll also be going from resort to resort a couple of times so maybe we should get a car. We'll see as it gets closer. Thanks again...we're very excited to be staying at OKW!!!

 

[las3888]

We enjoy OKW, but own at BWV. I would pick BWV over OKW, but we do like to mix it up. OKW and BWV each have their pro's and con's. I would just say that if you are used to staying on the monorail or in the boardwalk area, you may feel a little "off-site" at OKW maybe your first trip. It is truly beautiful though and you will really enjoy the rooms - they are much larger than at BWV. We have stayed several times at the "noisy" area at BWV and found it not to be so noisy after all. We have DS who sleeps through the fireworks and everything else going on outside. Have fun!