OKW Question

[WolfpackFan]

I've been thinking about our next trip down to WDW and am considering another resort beside VWL. Specifically I'm thinking either OKW or BWV. My reasoning on this is that probably next trip we won't be doing as much park visiting. It will be more of a restfull trip where we spend more time around the resort and also venture out to see more of central Florida (I'd like to perhaps ride over to Tampa one day). I was thinking BWV because when we do visit the parks, Epcot is our favorite resort plus you have the Boardwalk restaurants, etc. I was thinking OKW because it looks to me to be so peacefull and I like the idea of being able to park right at your front door, especially since I see us using the car alot more next trip. Now here is my question - I was looking at the OKW map and saw that there is a golf course running right thru the middle of the resort. What golf course is this? Also, doesn't it kind of interfere with walking around the resort? I'd hate to be walking to the bus stop and get conked in the head with an errant golf ball. Finally, since this golf course is technically on OKW land, I don't suppose they give OKW stayers any special access to the course, do they? The bottom line is last two trips we've stayed at WL and this next time (which might be as soon as next Summer, if I can sell DW on the idea) I'd like a different resort.

 

[CRobin]

That golf course is Lake Buena Vista. While is does meander through the resort, your only real chance of getting hit is if you were walking on the course itself (which I don't believe is permitted) or by an errant shot that hit your balcony or patio if you had a unit adjacent to the course.

As far as I know, no special rate for OKW guests, however there is some type of DVC golf package that covers all of the Disney courses.

If you like calm, OKW is the place.

If you like Epcot, BWV.

Easy decision, huh?

 

[spiceycat]

I love OKW - besides the golf view - there is also water (my favorite - hands down), and woods...

you can request to be near HH (hospitality house -where everything is located), a bus stop, or a pool.

for rest and relaxation (in my opinion) OKW can't be beat - especially if you aren't planning on during the WDW theme parks.

I love the easy access to my car.

OKW has bell services if you need help with your luggage.

I have a problem staying where I can see the parks - when I am not interested in going to the parks....I don't always have a lot of will power......

 

[BWVDee]

You don't have to worry about getting hit with any stray golf balls while walking to the bus stops, LOL! I have heard of stray golf balls hitting the trees etc near the rear balcony that overlooks the golf course but never of a guest getting bonked in the head while waiting for a bus!
There are no different discounts for guests staying at OKW for golf then the normal discount given to all DVC members.
For the trip you have described, I think OKW would be the perfect spot for you. If you are only going to be at the parks a few times, a location close to the parks will not be that big of an advantage. Also since you will be using your car a lot, the parking lot in front of every building will be a big advantage. You will also probably spend a lot of time in your villa and the size of an OKW 1 br is fantastic.
I would save BWV for a trip when you will be spending more time in the parks, doing the night time park shows, etc. The location of BWV to parks, can't be beat.
Have a great trip!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've got to mention one nice thing about golfing at that golf course if you're staying at OKW. When you get to the hole nearest your villa, the rest of your party can wave at you from the balcony and maybe take your picture (that is, if they're not all out at the parks). Also, you can run in and take a quick pit stop if you need to.

 

[bom_noite]

If you have read my recent posts, I am a OKW freak! I am a owner at BCV, but, I feel at all the other resorts I feel like an apartment/hotel dweller (IMVHO).

OKW is big, the rooms are big and it feels like home!

1) Will you get conked?: Uhhhhhh, no. Seen some balls fly around, but, I have never have been hit. Although, I was closer to being hit when I was there in May! Since we will not be at OKW at the same time, your odds are reduced dramitacaly!

2) Will the golf course ruin the experience?: Absolutely not, it actually adds to it. The side-walks are well way from the course, but, it is alway great at OKW to get a golf-course view. After one or two hours of watching you will be amazed at how bad the average golfer is. Will probably encourage you to play more golf!

3) On Course Selection?: The LBV golf course is ok, but, for my money I would rather play the Palm or Magnolia. For the money I do not like Eagle Pines, or Osprey Ridge. LBV, Palm and Magnolia were designed by this "hack" designer named Joe Lee. Developed back in the early 70's he did not have the earth moving equip that is prevelant today.

EP and OR were designed by big names (Dye and Fazio), but, I still prefer the Palm. Also, the twilight rates are fantastic at LBV, Palm and Magnolia.

Please check out the one source for WDW golf:

http://www.wdwgolf.com/

Good Luck!

 

[Pa@okw95]

The golf course is off limits to OKW guests. Most of the possiblities of being hit are protected by thick underbrush and trees. Of course there is always a possiblility that something could go very wrong, but that is highly unlikely. The golf course is well away from most of the units. It does not interfere with walking around OKW at all. There are sidewalks everywhere at OKW to walk on.

 

[Caskbill]

From what you're describing for this trip, it sounds like OKW is your best choice. To have the car right out front is a big thing.

Note that the way OKW is laid out, the golf course runs on the back side of all the villas (you see them from your balcony), but all the car parking, walkways, bus stops are on the front side of your villas.

If you go to Tampa keep in mind that traffic is terrible. There's still construction on I-4, and backups at malfunction junction can get pretty bad. There's not that much in Tampa of interest. Anything they would have you could find in Orlando. If you go that way you'd probably want to go all the way through Tampa and out to the coast, to Clearwater Beach (follow hwy 60).

If you want to try out another theme park, try Busch Gardens in Tampa.

Whatever you do, don't go anywhere near the I-4/I-275 stuff during rush hours.

 

[fkj2]

For as many times as I've stayed at OKW, I've rarely dined at Olivia's. That oversight will be corrected and may I also recommend the buttermilk fried chicken there.

The boatride from OKW to DTD is wonderful and you arrive to another great selection of restaurants. Just more choices for you to consider.

 

[NancyDVC]

You will love OKW. It is quiet, laid back and restful.
As for getting hit by a golf ball I never have. Although during our last stay in March we did find a golf ball on our balcony and we were on the opposite side of the water hazard from the fairway. It is very entertaining to watch the golfers and some of them make me look good. (Trust me you would never want to be in the foursome behind me on a golf course.)
The only time that we walked the LBV course was as spectators at an LPGA event. Other spectators and even some of the golfers were somewhat amazed when we got off the cart path to go to our villa for a break-lunch and potty. As forthe golf course being on OKW property I believe that it is the other way around. OKW is on the LBV course property. The golf course was there first and OKW was built in and around it.
Parking right outside your villa is a big perk and one reason why I love OKW. The Trumbo ferry to DTD is great.
I love Olivia's. Try the Conch Chowder-a slightly spicey red seafood chowder. The Brownie sundae is oooh sooo good. And you can get anything on Olivia's menu for take out.