OKW or Pop? Opinions needed...

[firecracker]

We are WDW veterans and are debating where to stay on our next trip in early April 2006. While I'd love to stay on the monorail, my frugality (and incredulous look on my husband's face when I answer the inevitable "how much is the Poly per night?" question) has eliminated that choice.

We've rented points at OKW for roughly $100/night and we know that the values will be about that as well. Our previous experience at OKW was good (huge room, micro, fridge, etc.), except for the bus service. I hate driving around the whole resort when we need to go to the main building! Will the bus service be more efficient during "spring break" time?

We've never stayed at pop and I like that they have a dedicated bus.

What would you do?

 

[zagafi]

We've stayed at both and for us (3 kids, stroller) the lack of elevators at OKW was HUGE. We were in a great location in relation to the main building, pool, bus stop, but were on the 3rd floor. That was tough at the beginning and end of the day given that we had 15 month old twins and a 6 year old.

 

[mom22boys]

We just stayed at OKW during "Jersey Week." We found the buses to be outstanding. We honestly waited 3-5 minutes on average. Our longest wait had to be 10 minutes. We always had a seat on the bus. We stayed in building #20 near the Millers Road bus stop. We were seconds from our bus stop and we were an easy 5-7 minute walk from the HH. We loved the location. We also had a quiet pool and laundry facilities right outside our door. I loved sitting on our balcony enjoying our water and golf course view.

I have never stayed at Pop. But I am thinking about giving it a try in February. However, I loved OKW so much that I am debating about renting points for part of our stay and only staying at Pop on the weekend.

Good luck!

 

[aubeone]

How did you get such inexpensive points for OKW? $100 per night...much better deal than POP.

 

[Beca]

We've stayed at both and for us (3 kids, stroller) the lack of elevators at OKW was HUGE. We were in a great location in relation to the main building, pool, bus stop, but were on the 3rd floor. That was tough at the beginning and end of the day given that we had 15 month old twins and a 6 year old.

Some of the OKW buildings have elevators. If you stay there, I would definitely ask to be in a building with elevators, or on the ground floor.

To me, there is a HUGE difference between Pop and OKW. I wouldn't even consider Pop (but I am a hater of the values).



Beca

 

[disneyholic family]

Some of the OKW buildings have elevators. If you stay there, I would definitely ask to be in a building with elevators, or on the ground floor.

To me, there is a HUGE difference between Pop and OKW. I wouldn't even consider Pop (but I am a hater of the values).



Beca

i agree.......there is no comparison at all between OKW and the Values....
it's like comparing apples and elephants...
i wouldn't have to think twice...it would always be OKW for me...

 

[ccw]

A trade-off to ponder as far as the bus service goes: We are DVC members at OKW and have NEVER had a crowded bus. Is that true at the value resorts? I have seen the lines at the parks waiting for All Star resort buses and it often looks PRETTY bad! Yes, sometimes the bus at OKW has to wind thru the resort but you can always hop off at the first stop and walk. We did that sometimes on our last trip just to work off some calories and enjoy the fall weather. Obviously that might not work so well with little ones...we were a group of all adults. OKW has a very exclusive, upscale feel to it and we love it. Relaxing and yet easy access to everything. Have not stayed at values but can't imagine opting for values if you can stay at OKW for the same price!

 

[firecracker]

then everyone will do it!!! Actually we rented from an owner who sold extra time on eBay. It was a great value, her feedback is outstanding (as is ours) and trust is involved in a transaction on eBay, the DIS, or whereever you rent points. I'm sure 2006 will be a bit more expensive than when we rented in 2003, but it's still a great deal.

Thanks for the advice...any more opinions to be shared??? What OKW location do you prefer? We stayed just across from the HH last time...is the new pool nice and worth staying near?

TIA!

 

[ccw]

As far as where to stay at OKW, let me say that I NEVER get all of my requests (always request non-smoking and THAT one has always been honored...yay!). Last time (Nov.) I asked for water view (not pool), non-smoking, and near HH. Got golf course view, non-smoking, and as far from HH as I could possibly have been (Building 49)! BUT we actually loved our location in the end. Southpoint area...very quiet and easy to walk to Dtwn. Disney and spa at Saratoga from there. And still just about a 5-7 minute walk to HH so really it was no big deal. Bonus was we did not have traffic or noise from buses! Despite what people say about hassle of higher floors w/o elevator access, I would still opt for higher floors, for view and quiet! Climbing a few stairs just has never bothered me, even when we had small children (but that was back in the dark ages when the little 5 pound umbrella strollers were in fashion. Different now that families have state of the art luxury coaches that are bulky and weigh a ton for the little babes!)