OKW or BWV?

[pharmjenn]

I have trade searches matched for both OKW and BWV, and can't decide which to confirm for our trip. Advice please.
We are 3 adults (40yo x2 and 80yo) and DS4. DS4 and my dad will share a room. Have a 2bd in each resort. This will be our first time on property, but not our first to WDW.
OKW- rooms/kitchens appear nicer. Pool looks nice enough for 4yo, since he is too young for the huge SAB pool. May go to DTD but not a huge draw
BWV- proximity to Epcot. Con- our check in here is 1 day prior to arrival, so on dining plan will probably lose a meal or two each.

We will have a car, so transportation not too much of an issue. I am leaning towards BWV simply for Epcot and monorail, but I am sure once I get there, that won't matter much.

 

[Granny]

Both are great resorts.

OKW will definitely provide you with more room overall as the accommodations are significantly larger. The pools (main and quiet ones) are very nice as well.

BWV will provide easy walking distance to both EPCOT and DHS. Or you can take a boat to either of them too if the 80 year old guest wants a more leisurely way to get to both parks. BWV 2BR is smaller than OKW but plenty large enough for your group. BWV also has entertainment on the Boardwalk itself with magicians and jugglers.

I am leaning towards BWV simply for Epcot and monorail

BWV really doesn't have monorail access. You would have to walk through nearly the entire EPCOT park to get to the monorail...much quicker in general just to take the bus to MK.

You can't go wrong with either resort. I'd probably lean towards BWV just because of its location, but OKW is a great place too.

 

[happyann79]

I have trade searches matched for both OKW and BWV, sand can't decide which to confirm for our trip. Advice please.
We are 3 adults (40yo x2 and 80yo) and DS4. DS4 and my dad will share a room. Have a 2bd in each resort. This will be our first time on property, but not our first to WDW.
OKW- rooms/kitchens appear nicer. Pool looks nice enough for 4yo, since he is too young for the huge SAB pool. May go to DTD but not a huge draw
BWV- proximity to Epcot. Con- our check in here is 1 day prior to arrival, so on dining plan will probably lose a meal or two each.

We will have a car, so transportation not too much of an issue. I am leaning towards BWV simply for Epcot and monorail, but I am sure once I get there, that won't matter much.

Boardwalk villas are so nice a close to everything!

 

[spiceycat]

the epcot resorts are in the back of FW - between Future world and world showcase - well really between Great Britian and France - at international gateway.

so to get to use the monrail you would have to have a park hopper - because you would be in Epcot and then MK.

now you do have boat/walking access to Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios from BWV.

the huge SAB pool is not at BWV but BCV - pool is much smaller. It has an excellent playground. the pool is the clown pool - so look at its picture and see how your child feels about it. Some kids like it others (as well as some adults) - feel this clown in our nightmares.

here is BWV - you may have to sign up
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/g543-boardwalk-villas.html

here is OKW
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/g545-old-key-west-resort.html

I think with the melting sand castle OKW has it on the swimming pool. but BWV definitely has it on easy access to Epcot and Studios ONLY.

the other parks are bus transportation only and sometimes you have to share with all the other Epcot resorts. So it can take over an hour to get to the MK during unbusy times of the day.

when it is all of them - D, S, Yc, BC, BW

when it is only 3 - BW, S, D

I have never been on their bus system when it was only BWV and no other stops.

 

[pharmjenn]

Thanks for the responses. I am definitely now leaning towards BWV. I knew the monorail was outside of Epcot, but wasn't thinking about walking through thepark to access, but we will have hopper tickets..
The BWV pool with the clown still looks fun, and I don't think my DS would be too bothered.
We are hoping for dining plan so room service at BWV may be a slight advantage as well.

 

[Kelblum]

We love them both. The units at OKW were definately larger, but the location of BWV are fantastic since Epcot is our favorite. Can't go wrong with either one!

 

[gojoe]

There is also something to say about sitting on the Boardwalk in the evening. Watching the performers, enjoying a desert from Boardwalk Bakery (Bring your own coffee) and of course people watching. If you like sport there is ESPN and some of the best dining on property. My 4 year old granddaughter loved just taking the boat for a loop around the lake.