OKW Studio opinions?

[melanie18]

We (DH, DD and I) have stayed in a 1BR at OKW and in 2-BR's at BCV and BWV. We are getting quite spoiled by the larger accomodations. I just booked our next trip for January in a studio at OKW. Before we bought into DVC, anywhere at WDW was wonderful, but after the 1BR and 2BR, will we feel cheated in a studio?

 

[jaysue]

I think you will do fine - you have the 2 Queen Beds, the room layout of the studio on a diag just feels bigger - decent closet size plus the kitchenette area as well (half fridge, microwave, paper plates/bowls etc., coffee maker)

I stayed in one with my DS#1 on May and I thought it worked out fine

After seeing them on our Nov trip as part of a 2BR setup, DW proclaimed she would be ok with them as well for part of a trip if it meant we had enough points to stay longer!

Good luck!



thanks
jaysue

 

[Disney Doll]

The studios are nice, but they are not a 1 or 2BR!!!!!!!

I have often said that DH and I have been spoiled by the 1BR and larger units.

 

[spiceycat]

for the summer time or spring break - they are great - but in the winter (Jan) the parks close early - so unless you are going to DD every night then there is a little less to do in a studio than a 1-bedroom. No VCR(I think), one little table with 2 chairs - 2 more outside - but it would be tight for a board game.

if the weather is too cold for swimming - then you may find yourself hating studios - when really they are GREAT if you stay in them when the parks are open late.

so how does your family entertain themselves - reading - great you will love OKW and the studios will work fine.

Activties - running, jogging, playing, games - then OKW studio might be a little small for your family. Now you can still run and jog in the morning - OKW is great for this - but at night when you need to - it might be a little cold.

Just depends upon how you will spend your free time (no park time).

 

[jaysue]

Good perspective spiceycat

 

[melanie18]

Thanks for the input so far! My DD is 3 so the 1BR is great because we can lay her down for a nap and not have to tiptoe around as much as we would in a studio. We've also come up with another issue. We will be driving from NJ and staying at OKW would mean driving to every park (we like having our own car instead of wtg for busses). If we moved to a studio at BWV or BCV it would cost us 20 more points, but we would be able to walk to Epcot or MGM is we wanted. VWL we would have the boat to MK also.

So now my question is, 40 points for a studio at OKW or 60 pts for a studio at BWV, BCV or VWL?

Aaaahh, the problem this DVC thing has brought up...

 

[dianeschlicht]

How long has it been since you stayed at OKW? I ask this because, we have found the bus service to be EXCELLENT in the past 2years. It was the best it has ever been in August! We really never waited for a bus, and once when we got to the stop just as our bus pulled away, the next one was along in about 7 minutes. I guess I would much prefer the larger accommodations to the convenience of walking to the parks.

 

[spiceycat]

does she still sleep in the crib - then that can easily be places in the closet/kitchenett at OKW - and she should be fine - if she needs a bed - well there is the balcony - not as large as one-bedroom at OKW - but it is there.

I would prefer OKW - you have 2 beds - not a queen bed and sofa bed (this can be really bad when you are tired)

of course that again depends upon the sleeping arrangement that your child prefers.

BWV the TV is in front of the sleeper sofa - in VWL and BCV it is front on the bed...

January the parks are not going to badly crowded - so convenience is not as big an issue - as would be in the summer.

however if you can afford 20 more points - then how about 40 more - stay in a 1-bedroom at OKW and you will love it..... Otherwise just save your points - OKW are fine.

the problem that I see is the lack of dedicated studios at OKW - Doc's says that they don't exist there - a dedicated studio does not have the door between it and the 1-bedroom - so if your neighbors in the 1-bedroom got noisey - the child might get a little upset.

 

[JMWSR518]

We also are going in January and booked a studio, we have stayed in a studio the last couple of times. I feel the same way as you until i get there and i realize that it is just fine , additionally a big savings in points. Where in NJ are you from, and when are you going in January ?

 

[melanie18]

UPDATE: I guess I answered my own questions, b/c I just called DVC and was told that there are no studios available at BWV, BCV or VWL the week we are going (January 25-30). I guess that problem is solved!

Don't get me wrong, OKW was our first experience as DVC owners in May 02 and we loved the 1BR! As for the sleeping arrangments, DD will be smack dab between us , so the 2nd bed will probably go unused (I wish it was a sofa instead, at least it's a normal place to sit).

I'll also make a little confession about the busses at WDW...we have never tried them in the 15 years we have been going together . I will broaden my horizons and try them this time.

JMW, the reason we chose a studio is because it would leave us enough points for another trip (maybe even a 1BR) next fall without borrowing points. We try to get 2 trips/year out of our points, the January trip will make 3 for this year which is unheard of for us (trying to get as much use of AP's as possible). We live in central NJ so it's about an 18 hour drive (more if we stop at every Cracker Barrel and Krispy Kreme along the way !

 

[BillPA]

If you want to try one of the other DVC resort, get on a wait list. I would think you have a 90% + chance of a wait list coming through. Since you will have a car, try more than one location. I know packing up and moving can be a pain, but with the car it is some what easier. That way you can see one of the other resorts, and not have to use 12 points vs. 8 points for every night. You can also try for a standard view at BWV, I don't give that more than a 50% chance, for all the nights, but you may get 2 or 3 nights there. That is 9 points vs 8, but parking there is almost imposibe without using the valet. Any where at WDW beats not being there.

Have a great trip.

 

[pmcpmc]

to have a good view from a studio but the room is a good size

 

[DeeP]

I would get on a waitlist for the other DVC resorts. You already have a room at OKW, so you have all to gain and nothing to lose.
Since you mentioned the convenience to parks from BWV, BCV and VWL I am assuming this is something you have considered. The location of these resorts to parks, restaurants, night time fireworks & parades etc can not be beat.
We also like the room layout of the studios with the bed/sofa combo much more. It is truly a studio apt vs a hotel room with a wet bar/kitchenette in a hallway leading to the bathroom.
If the waitlist does not come through you will still be in a very nice resort and have a great trip. But, IMO I think the Epcot or MK DVC resort studios would be more convenient and suitable to your traveling group.

 

[melanie18]

Hey Deep! We both leave in 44 days!

 

[Mazz519]

Just got back from OKW 11 days in a studio with DW and two sons 7,4 . The room was fine and we had plenty of room, we bring our laptop so the kids can watch their movies while we are in the room. studios are pretty big so size was not really a issue. we have our own car and prefer driving to the parks than taking the bus system

 

[spiceycat]

oh then I would try for the BWV - the TV is not over the bed (like in VWL and BCV) - so your child could probably sleep while you and your husband enjoyed the TV.

I don't know why all the other designs have the TV over the bed - bad situation when you have a young child that needs to sleep....

 

[DeeP]

Originally posted by spiceycat
oh then I would try for the BWV - the TV is not over the bed (like in VWL and BCV) - so your child could probably sleep while you and your husband enjoyed the TV.

I don't know why all the other designs have the TV over the bed - bad situation when you have a young child that needs to sleep....

I am confused....what studios have the TV over the bed? Do you mean a TV hanging over the bed like in a hospital room? All the DVC studios I have ever been in had the TV in the dresser/cabinet across from the bed.