OKW--that Disney feel?

[Thumper4me]

Over this past Labor Day weekend, we added a night to our reservation but couldn't get into BWV. So, we had to suffer with OKW. We absolutely LOVED it at OKW. The service we received was fabulous!! We were actually sad when we had to move to the Boardwalk - our home. It was a very positive experience. For what it is worth to the OP, we didn't care for SSR either but that is what is great about DVC - all the choices.

 

[Sammie]

We're staying at OKW in a few weeks. We've been on wait lists for BCV and BLT but they haven't come through.

We were watching the video sent by Disney last night and my DD8 saw pics of Pop Century and I could tell she wanted to stay there. We stayed at Wilderness Lodge our first trip and we loved the Disney feel. Our second trip was a split stay. We started at SSR and it didn't feel like Disney. We spent the second 1/2 of the week at BWV and loved the boardwalk.

Now we're going to OKW. Convince me that it will seem like Disney to her!

Have to agree with Granny, what do you consider "the Disney feel."

 

[ogorchock]

Thanks to everyone for your positive posts. I showed her the sandcastle pool and she loved it. I also didn't know there were free things to do in the Hospitality House. She also asked if there was a TV showing Disney shows in the lobby like some other resorts have. I didn't have an answer for that one.

It's hard to articulate what that "Disney feel is." I guess it's the feeling that you get when you know you're at a Disney resort---such as finding Hidden Mickeys, getting a creative washcloth in the room, hearing the welcome to Disney from smiling CMs, etc. I'm intrigued by having princesses to draw in the lobby. Now, that says Disney to me.

Now that I think about it, BWVs didn't have a lobby that screams Disney. I think we loved it because of its proximity to EPCOT. We watched a street musician on the boardwalk and were very entertained.

I also explained that the pools are great at deluxe villas and that our room will be spacious. (I have to say the WL resort rooms are small). I'm looking forward to seeing OKW rooms. I've also looked at some of the refurb pictures which looked great.

I hate to change the subject, but can someone explain the best place to catch the bus and the best place to get off if we're staying near the Hospitality House? I know there's a trick?

We're 2 weeks out. Yikes! We're doing Fantasmic! for the first time and the Family Magic Tour. If anyone thought I sounded negative about OKW or our trip, I'm not!

(If there's anyone from Wisconsin out there, we were at the Brewers game tonight. Fielder's 3 home runs were awesome. The Brewers rock!)

 

[Granny]

Thanks to everyone for your positive posts. I showed her the sandcastle pool and she loved it. I also didn't know there were free things to do in the Hospitality House. She also asked if there was a TV showing Disney shows in the lobby like some other resorts have. I didn't have an answer for that one.

Yes, OKW has a television in the lobby area showing Disney programming.

It's hard to articulate what that "Disney feel is." I guess it's the feeling that you get when you know you're at a Disney resort---such as finding Hidden Mickeys, getting a creative washcloth in the room, hearing the welcome to Disney from smiling CMs, etc. I'm intrigued by having princesses to draw in the lobby. Now, that says Disney to me.

I think you'll find OKW to be very Disney-ish, based on your definition. The CM's are very good and friendly. We've gotten plenty of creative towel art in our rooms, and as for Hidden Mickey's, you'll find some there, including on many of the balconies.

Now that I think about it, BWVs didn't have a lobby that screams Disney. I think we loved it because of its proximity to EPCOT.

That's a pretty good reason to love it (don't forget its proximity to DHS too).

(If there's anyone from Wisconsin out there, we were at the Brewers game tonight. Fielder's 3 home runs were awesome. The Brewers rock!)

Not from Wisconsin, but am very happy to see the Cardinals tied for first place with one game to go. I think it would be interesting to see another Cardinals/Brewers series. Nyjer Morgan would need full body armor when batting.

 

[Deb & Bill]

When you get to OKW, they will give you a map of the property to show you where your villa is located. Bus stops will be noted on the map. All the bus stops are convenient as are the pools.

 

[dmoore22]

When you get to OKW, they will give you a map of the property to show you where your villa is located. Bus stops will be noted on the map. All the bus stops are convenient as are the pools.

 

[etemplet]

The lay out kinda reminds me of Port ORleans Riverside. We've done that one the last two years, our only two years since 1983. I really got tired of walking. BCV looks good to me but I was really likin the BLT. I should just buy at OKW or BCV and stay anywhere we want. Decisions...

Cheers,
Gene

 

[Candy Orlando]

Watch my video of "The New Disney's Old Key West Resort." Enjoy!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

The lay out kinda reminds me of Port ORleans Riverside. We've done that one the last two years, our only two years since 1983. I really got tired of walking. BCV looks good to me but I was really likin the BLT. I should just buy at OKW or BCV and stay anywhere we want. Decisions...

Cheers,
Gene

If you would hate not being able to stay at BLT, especially in a theme park view villa, you need to buy BLT. If you don't mind staying at OKW or BCV if you can't get anything else at 7 months out, buy OKW or BCV.

 

[alice99]

Everyone has their different views toward theming. To some, an environment which transports you to a location hundreds or thousands of miles away is the textbook definition of good theming. Old Key West, Saratoga Springs and most other Disney resorts accomplish that goal in spades.

If you're expecting 20' tall bowling pins or Buzz Lightyear statues, you will be disappointed with Old Key West.

I agree!

If you didn't like SSR, you probably won't like OKW either. They are similar in that they are spread out and look like communities instead of hotels.

I love OKW and that's all I have to say about that.

I don't think you can compare SSR to OKW at all! I really love OKW ...... and will tolerate SSR, if that's all that's available when I book my trip.
I don't particularly care for SSR, but love OKW!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks to everyone for your positive posts. I showed her the sandcastle pool and she loved it. I also didn't know there were free things to do in the Hospitality House. She also asked if there was a TV showing Disney shows in the lobby like some other resorts have. I didn't have an answer for that one.

It's hard to articulate what that "Disney feel is." I guess it's the feeling that you get when you know you're at a Disney resort---such as finding Hidden Mickeys, getting a creative washcloth in the room, hearing the welcome to Disney from smiling CMs, etc. I'm intrigued by having princesses to draw in the lobby. Now, that says Disney to me.

Now that I think about it, BWVs didn't have a lobby that screams Disney. I think we loved it because of its proximity to EPCOT. We watched a street musician on the boardwalk and were very entertained.

I also explained that the pools are great at deluxe villas and that our room will be spacious. (I have to say the WL resort rooms are small). I'm looking forward to seeing OKW rooms. I've also looked at some of the refurb pictures which looked great.

I hate to change the subject, but can someone explain the best place to catch the bus and the best place to get off if we're staying near the Hospitality House? I know there's a trick?

We're 2 weeks out. Yikes! We're doing Fantasmic! for the first time and the Family Magic Tour. If anyone thought I sounded negative about OKW or our trip, I'm not!

(If there's anyone from Wisconsin out there, we were at the Brewers game tonight. Fielder's 3 home runs were awesome. The Brewers rock!)

First of all CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BREWERS and I hope you go far in the playoffs! I'm pulling for a Brewers/Tigers World Series! Hey, if my Twins can't win....

Anyway, to answer your questions....HH is the BEST place for the bus. If you are in buildings 11-14, you just have to cross the street to the bus stop. If you are in buildings 23-26, you will want to either get on the bus there, or if you don't want to ride it all the way around the resort, just walk over to HH (short walk) and get on there. Coming back from the parks, if you are in 23-26, yours will be the first bus stop. If you are in 11-14, just get off at that first bus stop and walk back to your unit...another short walk. It beats riding the bus all the way around the loop.

I don't think you said what size villa you are in. If it's a 1 bedroom or larger, you are going to be blown away! If it's a studio...not so much, but you'll still have a big room with a monster sized bathroom.

 

[dgaston]

Although PP have covered many of the points I might mention, I wanted to say that walking on the sidewalk between Papa's Den and Olivia's with the orange jasmine blooming was one of the factors that made me want to buy DVC. We rented points, and stayed at OKW twice. We also stayed at BWV on rented points and seeing a family enjoy some homemade frozen margaritas and watch their kids play in the pool didn't hurt!

Hope you have a terrific stay at OKW!

 

[ogorchock]

Thanks for the info about the buses. It's exactly what I wanted to know!

We have a studio but there are only 3 of us. I hear it still will be large compared to other resorts.

I can't wait to smell the jasmine. We leave in less than 2 weeks!

Thanks also for the well-wishes for my Brewers. Hopefully I'll be watching some Championship play at ESPN on the boardwalk!

 

[Granny]

We have a studio but there are only 3 of us. I hear it still will be large compared to other resorts.

The studio at OKW is not all that much bigger than the other DVC resort studios. What makes it stand out is that the OKW studios are the only ones with two queen beds instead of a queen & sleeper/sofa. That's a plus if you want two beds, and a minus if you like the extra room that having a sofa gives you. Enjoy!

 

[ogorchock]

That's a definite plus for us.

 

[Tiger926]

We have stayed at all Disney/DVC resorts on property except Grand Floridian, Treehouses and BLT (but have stayed at Contemporary 2x), so can't compare to those, but we love OKW best!

The 1 beds are huge, and nothing is better than that open full kitchen with the covered balcony. We eat breakfast and dinner out there each and every night. We also like Oliva's restaurant a lot, and the kids love the pool and taking the boat ride to Downtown Disney.

OKW really has this laid back, relaxed and tropical feel to it, that just makes us feel so great.

It truly feels like home, Tiger

 

[Caren]

OKW became our favorite the first time we stayed there--my husband now refuses to stay anywhere else. It's spacious, it's laid back, you can park by the door, and the pool area is like a perpetual summer camp for the kidlets. We just love it. The only downside is that it's a huge resort, so getting around without a car does require that you learn how the OKW bus system works.

 

[tinkerpea]

I have the same concerns as some of the Pp unlike most their must be something wrong with us as we love!!!! The Pop century I have done many Disney trips as a child but always stayed at international drive, I did my first on property stay with my now hubby and baby twin boys and older boy 6 yrs ago and we stayed at Pop the minute I walked into the lobby I could have cried! It was huge sparkly and had such a fun overpowering feel ( we are from England everythings small ) so that might have something to do with it we have since stayed at pop again( our wedding and Disney moon at wedding pavilion) and a 3 wk stay to AKL we LOVED that stay! But the boys lived the food court at pop more then that at the lodge, and have asked to go back to pop, we have decided to surprise them next yr and do another 3 wk stay the best prices coming up are for SSR and OKW with free dining tickets it's costing us £6100 for a 2bed ( no flight tickets) for 3 adults 3 kids I'm really worried we won't feel that fun immersed feel we eat out most days but my Dm who's gone 70 likes to retire earlier with the boys and let us enjoy the nights so a nice pool nr us is a must plus she will love the villa will we be ok nce she uses an ECV that she is bringing with her? She can walk but is due a hip replacement! Sorry for long post it's just I'm worried because we love the big Disney icon look well the kids do lol and good forbids they don't get there mickey waffles and panckes like at pop I'm so so worried and I need to book soon, I have reviewed till my eyes bleed but hardly anybody has good stuff to say about these places but in the Dvc boards!! P.s We are not DVC

 

[jodifla]

I have the same concerns as some of the Pp unlike most their must be something wrong with us as we love!!!! The Pop century I have done many Disney trips as a child but always stayed at international drive, I did my first on property stay with my now hubby and baby twin boys and older boy 6 yrs ago and we stayed at Pop the minute I walked into the lobby I could have cried! It was huge sparkly and had such a fun overpowering feel ( we are from England everythings small ) so that might have something to do with it we have since stayed at pop again( our wedding and Disney moon at wedding pavilion) and a 3 wk stay to AKL we LOVED that stay! But the boys lived the food court at pop more then that at the lodge, and have asked to go back to pop, we have decided to surprise them next yr and do another 3 wk stay the best prices coming up are for SSR and OKW with free dining tickets it's costing us £6100 for a 2bed ( no flight tickets) for 3 adults 3 kids I'm really worried we won't feel that fun immersed feel we eat out most days but my Dm who's gone 70 likes to retire earlier with the boys and let us enjoy the nights so a nice pool nr us is a must plus she will love the villa will we be ok nce she uses an ECV that she is bringing with her? She can walk but is due a hip replacement! Sorry for long post it's just I'm worried because we love the big Disney icon look well the kids do lol and good forbids they don't get there mickey waffles and panckes like at pop I'm so so worried and I need to book soon, I have reviewed till my eyes bleed but hardly anybody has good stuff to say about these places but in the Dvc boards!! P.s We are not DVC

To use an ECV at OKW you'd have to get either a room with an elevator (only a couple of buildings have them) or a first floor room.

But we love OKW, it's our favorite. We've been going there for 16 years. The spacious room is so priceless! Especially if you are going to be there awhile.

 

[tinkerpea]

What buildings have the elevators in them and are they near the main swimming pool that has the slide etc and the bus stops? Thanks