OKW Tips and your thoughts?

[Jeanieblue114]

I have been to Disney every year at least once since I was 3 years old (I'm 38 now). So, I know a lot about WDW. However, I have always stayed off property with the exception of staying at the Dolphin once ..and that doesn't really count.

With all the great deals going this year, if finally made financial sense to stay on-property. I booked the Music for Sept. and got a surprise of an upgrade code last month (It was funny cause I got the code while I was at Disney for a quick weekend trip in July).

So, now we have OKW Studios. We are VERY grateful just to have a frig! We have 2 studios. 1 for me and DH. 1 for our friend Rob and my Dad. (I have stayed at a studio in Vero Beach once and in a 2 Bedroom at Hilton Head once, both on Disney Visa offers, so I know a little bit about how they are set up...very little though).

What are the tips and things that I should know about OKW?
It is surprising that I don't know much about it and can't find much about it. I have visited most other Disney resorts for dining and shopping and sightseeing, but I have always skipped this one.

Let me know everything you think would help to make the most of our trip!

Btw, this is my very first time starting a thread on the Dis!

 

[wdwfan1]

OKW is a wonderful resort. However, it is very sprawled out. If you want to be near the main pool and recreation are, you can request a room near the Hospitality House. However, these do go quickly. The pool is very nice and there is a recreation area. There is one sit down restaurant and 2 snack bars. There is a store that sells resort themed items as well as a small selection of food products. If you have a car, there is parking right outside your door. No long walks from the parking lot. We never had any problems with the busses.

The studios are large and have 2 queen beds. You will also have a kitchenette with a dorm size fridge, microwave, toaster and coffeemaker. A starter package of coffee is usually provided. There is a small sink in the kitchenette. Paper plates and plastic utensils are provided. You can request more if you run out.

The larger units are equipped with a washer and dryer, but not the studios. Washers and dryers are available for use at no charge to DVC members staying in a studio on points. I do not know if it is also free for people paying cash, but I think they may be since I dont remember anyplace to insert money.

There is a boat to DTD, which is very convenient for shopping and restaurants.

You were very lucky to get the upgrade. Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Jeanieblue114]

Thanks so much.
yes, we will have a car and I already have a lunch reservation for Olivia's.
I requested a room close to the Hospitality house as well (dunno if i'll get it, but it would be nice). It's only a couple weeks away and there are still studios available for rent so i'm hoping that it isn't too busy. i think it will be quiet for my 70 year old dad too. He probably wouldn't have tagged along if we stayed at the Music as originally planned.

Oh, the other thing that I couldn't figure out exactly is where is the boat dock to DTD? Is it off the back of the Hospitality House?
Does the OKW boat go just to DTD or does it stop at SSR and POFQ & Riverside?
I read something about OKW having a dedicated boat, but when I have taken a boat around DTD from the westside to the marketplace, I don't remember seeing any signs that said to take a certain boat to go back to OKW (but I also wasn't looking for that so I don't know).

THANKS!

 

[dolphingirl47]

Yes, the boat dock is at the back of the Hospitality House behind Olivia's. The boat goes non-stop to the Pleasure Island boat dock. OKW used to share a boat with Saratoga Springs and dock at Market Place, but since the Treehouse Villas opened, OKW has its own boat service. You can either walk over to Market Place or you can get on the Downtown Disney internal boat at the Pleasure Island boat dock.

As for pools, if the main pool is very busy, Miller's Road, South Point and Old Turtle Pond Road have a quiet pool each. The one at Old Turtle Pond Road is huge and usually fairly empty.

Corinna

 

[Jeanieblue114]

Thanks for the great tips!

I've seen some pics of the studios, but if anyone has some, please post!

 

[MAGGIED]

I am going with my sister and her husband to OKW in October... I am very excited to stay at this resort... it looks lovely... the are DVC owners.... I am not sure where they requested to stay but anyplace will be fine I am sure... thanks for the tips... I did not know that the boat didn't go to DTD...I will let my sister know...

 

[dolphingirl47]

I am going with my sister and her husband to OKW in October... I am very excited to stay at this resort... it looks lovely... the are DVC owners.... I am not sure where they requested to stay but anyplace will be fine I am sure... thanks for the tips... I did not know that the boat didn't go to DTD...I will let my sister know...

The boat does go to DTD, just to Pleasure Island rather than to Market Place.

Corinna