OKW or BWV with first time guests?

[gtrist4life]

If you would, please help me with a choice between BWV and OKW

We are planning on providing DVC accommodations to some dear friends of ours in 2008. They have 2 daughters and one son. At the time we go, their daughters will be 7.5 and 5.5 and their son will be 3. They’re excited about going, but have never been to WDW. I’m trying to decide between staying at BWV or OKW (planning on a 5 night stay).

Let me know what resort you would pick and why.

Thanks!

 

[Granny]

I'm assuming you are going and you will be reserving a 2BR? Not sure how many total people you are looking at but it seems at least 6?

I think I'd definitely opt for the OKW option. The larger accommodations should come in handy with a full crowd like that. Also, the relative quiet of OKW should help the kids wind down in the evenings which could be important after a long, exciting day at the parks.

 

[dianeschlicht]

With two family groups and that many people, I agree that OKW is your best option. Lots of additional room there.

 

[gtrist4life]

Thanks Granny and Diane.

Yes our family will go too, so total of group will be 9. I'm planning on a 1Br and a 2Br, hence the need to conserve points at either OKW or BWV-std.

We've never been to OKW so I think it would be neat for us all to be first timers in that regard.

Peace,
G4L

 

[starbox]

I think I'd definitely opt for the OKW option. The larger accommodations should come in handy with a full crowd like that. Also, the relative quiet of OKW should help the kids wind down in the evenings which could be important after a long, exciting day at the parks.

I agree with Granny about but would add that it really depends on your touring style. Since it's your friend's first time and they'll be there 5 nights, are they going to want to come back to the resort to relax and wind down in the evening, or will they be going commando?

If they are planning to spend two of the 5 nights seeing Fantasmic and Illuminations, I'd maybe opt for BWV. With kids that age, being close to my resort after the two of the three late nightfireworks/shows would be a big plus.

 

[jekjones1558]

Since you are doing 2 rooms, I think the location of BW trumps the space at OKW. 5 nights is not long for WDW newbies, and being so close to 2 parks would be an advantage. We own at and love both resorts for different reasons, but for your trip I think BW would be the best.

 

[CarolMN]

I agree with Jean - can't beat the location of BWV.

That said, do you own at the BWV? If not, you really can't plan on getting a standard view at 7 months - especially if you need 2 rooms.

The good news is that you can't go wrong - I'n sure your "newbie" friends will be thrilled with either! Be sure to get them involved in the planning - it's part of the fun!

 

[paults]

We love OKW but for there 1st time down and only 5 nts I think the BWV is the WOW factor. The kids will love it.
Since your getting a 1bed and a 2 bedroom you''ll have plenty of room.

 

[mikron]

I own OKW & SSR, love all the resorts. First time stay would be SSR for walking to DTD and pleasure island, or BWV for the boat ride to EPCOT & MGM plus the action on the board walk. Both will give the kids things to do and the adults time off. OKW has larger living room and kitchen but remote for the younger guest. AT SSR ask for congress park location, closest to walk to DTD.

 

[byoung]

Save points and go to OKW.

 

[donald...really]

We had the same situation a few years ago. We were taking someone who had never been to WDW before, and we thought we would reserve a two bedroom at BWV because of the "wow" factor. They liked the resort just fine, but didn't have the "wow" reaction we thought they would. A few years later we took them to WDW again, but this time we stayed at OKW. They LOVED it and couldn't stop talking about how great the resort was. They were using adjectives like "romantic" and "beautiful". We are going again next year and they specifically asked us to reserve a room at OKW. I guess they were more impressed with staying somewhere that felt more like a "home" than a "hotel".

I would ask your friends. Show them pictures of both resorts and tell them BWV is set up more like a hotel in the middle of the action, where OKW is set up more like a peaceful neighborhood. Mention the benefits of each resort and see what they prefer.

 

[DisneydaveCT]

When our family gets together (12 people over 3 generations) we stay at OKW for the extra space for fewer points as well as the serenity of the location. Collectively we own at, or have stayed at, OKW, BWV, and SSR.

While it is true that BWV would give you easy access to EPCOT and MGM, the younger kids in your group might be more interested in the MK which means regardless of where you stay you will need to take a bus.

Enjoy your trip. One of my favorite activities at WDW is to spend time with adults and chidlren who have never been there before and watch their reaction to all the magic.

 

[gtrist4life]

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and perspectives.

I think right now we're leaning towards BWV (our home resort), but I will show pictures of both resorts to our friends and see what they think.

Thanks again,

Peace,
G4L

 

[dianeschlicht]

We had the same situation a few years ago. We were taking someone who had never been to WDW before, and we thought we would reserve a two bedroom at BWV because of the "wow" factor. They liked the resort just fine, but didn't have the "wow" reaction we thought they would. A few years later we took them to WDW again, but this time we stayed at OKW. They LOVED it and couldn't stop talking about how great the resort was. They were using adjectives like "romantic" and "beautiful". We are going again next year and they specifically asked us to reserve a room at OKW. I guess they were more impressed with staying somewhere that felt more like a "home" than a "hotel".

I would ask your friends. Show them pictures of both resorts and tell them BWV is set up more like a hotel in the middle of the action, where OKW is set up more like a peaceful neighborhood. Mention the benefits of each resort and see what they prefer.

I think this is an excellent suggestion. We have done that in the past too. So far, all of our guests have chosen OKW when they have had an option. Our son wants to do BCV once, and we have not yet stayed there yet.

 

[tamu91]

It sounds like we're in a same, at least similar, boats. We too have invited some dear friends to join us on our next trip to WDW in Jun-07.
We have a party of 16 so we were looking for a lot of room. After studying all the options, affordability of the grand villas at OKW was the deciding factor for us. Although I'm little concerned about the size of the resort and whether we're going to too far from the amenities, most DVC members here on this board are very positive about OKW so I'm hoping they are right.

 

[crisi]

Are they going to have a car? Are they going to spend most of their time in the parks?

With kids that age and first timers, I'd consider VWL - which isn't on your list. Close to the MK - which is what most people think of when they think of Disney World.

The main advantage of BWV is the walk to Epcot. We've found this to be great with guests - but our guests have been older - less enamoured of Dumbo and more enamoured of little shops in the World Showcase. With kids that age, the walk to MGM isn't really a benefit - too long.

But I think letting them decide is a great idea.

 

[Muushka]

We treated friends to a DVC vacation last year. We handed them the book and told them to choose where ever they wanted to stay. They asked for a little input from us, but for the most part they chose. We stayed at BWV and they were very happy campers. And I think it made the trip a little more special for them because they were able to pick where we would stay.

 

[dbm20th]

This is easy, BWV by a long shot.

OKW is a fine place, with nice size rooms. But BWV is one of the finest resorts you will ever stay at. The location and dining options are unequaled at WDW. It's SOOO much fun being on the lake.

 

[gtrist4life]

I appreciate the thoughts and recommended strategies. After reviewing the funniest things first timers say on the Theme park strategies forum, I will have quite a few questions for our "newbie" friends.

Maybe there should be a form created "Are you ready for WDW?" A first timers questionnaire to judge your readiness to tackle 40+ square miles of entertainment

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Since you are doing 2 rooms, I think the location of BW trumps the space at OKW. 5 nights is not long for WDW newbies, and being so close to 2 parks would be an advantage. We own at and love both resorts for different reasons, but for your trip I think BW would be the best.

Right on the money... separate accomodations... do BWV