OKW reviews?

[bellarella]

Has anyone stayed at OKW? How did you like the resort? We've been to Poly and loved it, especially it's location, but we are thinking of bringing our family with us and for us to treat, OKW is in our budget. We would get one 2 br suite at OKW for 6 adults and 3 kids (5, 3, infant). I'm sure it would be a little tight, but I think our parents and BIL and Sister would be fine given that they wouldn't be paying and we would be grateful for the help with the kids and being able to watch them enjoy watching the kids at Disney. OKW has the largest of the 2 br suites, so that's why we chose that one.

How tough is transportation to the resorts? Is it easy to get to DTD? Are we totally crazy for thinking we can accomodate that many people?

We would be paying for it through AAA rather than renting DVC points so we could also get the dining plan for everyone.

What are the pros and cons of OKW?

Thanks!

 

[crate1]

We just returned from OKW. We had a family of four with a 1BR. Great resort, with lots of room. We don't cook while there, but love the fridge and microwave. Lots of room to sit and relax. Great balcony with table and four chairs. Sofa bed not the greatest, but tolerable. We did feel removed from the magic a little bit. The monorail resorts can't be beat for that! Hope that helps!

 

[Wigit12]

Check out the DVC board and you'll see a lot of great reviews. Of course, we started going there because my in-laws are DVC members, but we could (& have) use the points at other resorts. Some people do feel it's a little out of the way, but the rooms are definitely much bigger. You will have no problem fitting your family in the room. The 2 BR is huge. Washer & Dryer are a huge bonus with kids, especially if you get caught in the rain. Nice size table to eat. Large balconies and very quiet.

Buses can take you where you want to go and we've never had a problem with them.

One con is that it is fairly spread out. Usually you can get to a quiet pool easily but may need to take an internal bus to get to the main pool w/slide.

Overall, we prefer this resort (it really does feel like "home") over the others.

 

[MELSMICE]

OKW is our home resort & we love it.

You may want to consider renting points from a DVC owner (through the Rent/Trade Board). You could probably get a better price than going through CRO & there is no tax.

Also, you'll have more than enough room for all of you in a 2BR at OKW. OKW has the largest accommodations of all the DVC resorts. A 2BR is huge!

 

[allie&mattsmom]

We've stayed at OKW a number of times. We like it very much. The accomodations are very large. We especially like the laid back feel of it. It also is very reasonably priced in my opinion. I would recommend it!

 

[mitros]

OKW is also our home resort{we bought into DVC in 1991 when OKW was all there was to DVC.} It has the largest rooms of all the DVC resorts, and is spread out over a large area, and it is the only DVC resort where you can park right by your front door.

 

[magicmouse2]

Mitros I think you can park by your door at SSR cant you ?

I have stayed at OKW 2 bed villa and loved it. We didnt have a rental car at the time and the buses were great but unless you catch the bus at the community hall stop there are many stops throughout the resort. I liked the community hall area villas for convenience.

 

[ccw]

i think i read somewhere that you could request an egg crate type mattress pad for the sleeper sofa to make it more comfy for the person who ends up there...I will definitely do that for my upcoming trip as I have NEVER slept on a comfortable sleeper sofa! Another idea would be to bring your own inflatable bed (like an Aero bed) to add a sleeping space. As others have said, there is plenty of room in OKW villas! We love it, too, and think you'll have a ball

 

[PADVCmember@OKW]

Just returned from OKW 8-1. Much talk about new manager of maintenance and grounds. According to Tom, a member of the maintenance crew, the resort has not received the type of ongoing upkeep as the other resorts: buildings dirty and in need of power washing, rooms appear dark because of overgrown trees and shrubs, shrubs and grass generally not cut on a regular basis. Says these are the main complaints of guests that about to be addressed.

 

[MtMinnie2]

We stayed at OKW a year ago. There were 8 in our party ranging from age 14 to 84. We had a 2-bedroom- overlooking a pond near the hospitality house. We are still talking about how much we liked OKW. The only draw back was trying to get to the Hoopde do. That seemed to take forever. Outside of that the bus service was great.

 

[DVC Lifer]

We bought OKW when it was the only DVC resort back in 1994. We've stayed there everytime since then except for 2 years ago when we stayed in a one bedroom at the DVC Beach Club Villas Resort.

The accomodations at BCV are every bit as nice as OKW except the overall square footage of space in a aone bedroom is much less than at OKW. We have 2 small boys and OKW seems much easier for everyone to spread out a bit; more homey than like a hotel. We see the advantages of BCV as:

1. Great pool (although OKW just redid the main pool which we'll see in October).
2. Walk to the Boardwalk or back door of Epcot.
3. Boat available to MGM.

On the other hand, OKW offers:

1. More overall open spaces.
2. Boat to Downtown Disney where parking is nearly impossible at night, especially on weekends.
3. Golf course view if you request and are lucky enough to get.

Hope this helps!

 

[Laurajean1014]

OKW is nice, but how about trying SSR? It is brand new and has great views of the lake and DTD (plus the fireworks).

 

[Caskbill]

Mitros I think you can park by your door at SSR cant you ?

I have stayed at OKW 2 bed villa and loved it. We didnt have a rental car at the time and the buses were great but unless you catch the bus at the community hall stop there are many stops throughout the resort. I liked the community hall area villas for convenience.

SSR parking is close, but not quite right at your door like OKW parking.

For regular self-parking, and for an average of all the rooms, for comparison, the WDW resorts generally are:
Closest: OKW,
then SSR,
then BCV,
then BWV,
finally VWL with the furthest walk.

 

[mitros]

We thought so too, but after staying there the first time, we found that is not the case. It's a tiny bit closer then some of the resorts, but no wheres near the closeness of OKW.

PADCmember@OKW: We have noticed that about OKW. A LOT of power washing needed there.

 

[winjos]

A couple of years ago, we were one of the "lucky" buildings that got a powerwashing. They gave us notice, but wouldn't you know it, they washed it the day we wanted to sleep in!!

We've also been there when they have painted buildings. Not ours, but the one next door. So, I've seen the maintence fees at work!!

 

[mitros]

That happened to us one year at Boardwalk Villas. Early in the AM, when DW was having her morning caffeine fix {Pepsi} out on the balcony, she heard some sort of machine start up, and a few minutes later, she got a shot of power wash water above her head. She of course screamed, and I rushed out, and looked over the railing and saw these two workman yelling at each other in tongues. What tongues they were, I didn't know. Got a good laugh out of that at DWs expense. She wasn't all that amused though, but laughed anyway.

 

[Granny]

Has anyone stayed at OKW? How did you like the resort?

Rather than re-type my long trip report from this summer, here's the link... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=860784&highlight=impressions

I think you'll enjoy OKW quite a bit, though you will be maxing out its capacity for a 2BR. With that many, though, OKW's extra space will definitely be the place for your group. Enjoy your trip!

 

[beccasmom]

The two-bedroom suite is very large. Note that the master bedroom has a king-size bed and the second bedroom has 2 queen-size beds. The living room couch is queen-sized.

There is a stall shower in the master bedroom as well as a Jacuzzi. The second bedroom has a regular bathtub setup. There is a washer/dryer just off the master suite.

The kitchen is fully outfitted with a refrigerator, oven/range, microwave, dishwasher, coffeepot, etc.

Buses travel to all of the parks on a regular basis throughout the day, slowing down to a less frequent schedule in the mid-afternoon. DTD can be reached by bus or by a boat that begins its schedule at around noon from the dock outside the Hospitality House.

Each section has its own community pool. Olivia’s is the full service restaurant at the resort and there is a snack shop and bar as well as a general store.

OKW is a lovely resort – very quiet and relaxed. It seems very far removed from all the hustle and bustle of the parks and is a nice retreat. The closest park is Epcot and DTD is a quick ride away.

 

[princesstommi]

In March 2004, we stayed in a OKW 2br. 6 adults, one 3 year old. MIL & FIL had the master, Aunt, Uncle & cousin had the bedroom, and DH & I slept on the sleeper sofa. My only complaint was how loud the wooden blinds were on the door out to the deck. Loved the grounds, all the CMs and Olivia's. We had a 2nd floor villa overlooking Trumbo Canal. Transportation was fine, never waited more that 15 minutes for a bus.

No complaints about space, we had plenty. I was really surprised that we never felt on top of each other or crowded. It was a lovely trip, and we will definitely do it again! Although, on the next trip, cousin #2 will make it that much more fun!