OKW Trip Report 10/22-10/28

[diznyfanatic]

We just returned from our very first trip during F&W and had a great time!

We checked in to OKW on Sunday 10/22 at Noon and we were thrilled to find out that our one bedroom was all ready for us. Having never stayed in a 1 BDR before, we really didn't know what to expect but we were absolutely blown away by how large and comfortable our villa was.

We made no specific requests other than non-smoking and non-handicapped and were delighted to find that both were met.

As coincidence would have it, we have only stayed at OKW one other time and were assigned to the same building. What are the odds!

Room number 3815 in Turtle Pond was on the first floor and a short stroll from the Turtle Shack and Turtle Pond Bus stop. We enjoyed the location as we did the first time, and although the view wasn't great, we knew we wouldn't be in our room much to enjoy it anyway.

The room was very clean and other than the door on the TV cabinet being broken, (which we reported directly to the front desk while at the HH and was fixed in very short order), everything was pretty much perfect!

The first order of business was lunch at Goods To Go before we got settled in our room. I purchased a refillable mug and was surprised when the CM handed me an Epcot mug and explained that they were out of OKW mugs and the new supply hadn't arrived yet.

I asked if they were sure these would be accepted at Turtle Shack and was assured there would be no problem. You can probably foresee what happened, LOL!

After getting settled, I strolled over to the Turtle Shack. There were a few people gathered there so when it was my turn, I asked to get a refill. The CM looked at me like I must be nuts and said he was unable to refill an Epcot mug at OKW.

I explained that I had just purchased the mug from Goods To Go as they were out of OKW mugs and I'd be happy to wait if he wanted to call up there and verify it. The CM didn't call, and somewhat begrudgingly refilled the mug.

By this time, I felt like everyone one standing there had labled me a Refillable Mug Abuser and all I could think about were the heated threads here on the DIS!

On our way to the MK, we stopped at Goods to Go and explained the situation and that they might want to make sure everyone at TS knew about the mugs. The manager apologized and assured us it was someone new and that it wouldn't be a problem again. I didn't want to take the chance again and only refilled at GTG.

They were still selling the Epcot mugs when we left on the 28th so Caveat Emptor at being labeled an Abuser!

The weather cooperated all week and was lovely although it was a bit chilly on some days.

We had a great time at F&W and had to buy the souvenir book with all of the wonderful recipes we sampled. The crowds were much bigger than I would have ever thought, however, we still managed to ride most of the big ticket rides with no more than a 20 minute wait and if we used a FP, there was virtually no wait at all. We caught a few minutes of the Four Tops concert before my DGD had zoned out and we needed to call it a day. We would love to make F&W an annual tradition.

This was also the first time we experienced Soarin' and it has become our absolute favorite attraction at Epcot. The new Nemo ride is cute, and my DGD loved the Crush interactive show.

We went to MNSSHP at MK on Thursday night and loved the Halloween decorations and lights, especially on Main Street. The crowds were out of control however. We actually waited less time in line for rides during the day.

While we are glad we can say we did it and my DGD had a great time dressed up in her pirate costume, it certainly wasn't worth the hefty premium and we won't be in a big hurry to do it again. We're just as happy with the free EMH.

Our last night (Friday) we transferred to an OKW studio on Millers Road in room 1831 on the third floor. View was much nicer and the location was wonderful and right across the street from the Bus Stop.

I know it sounds crazy, and maybe it is because we moved from a 1 Bedroom this time, but the Studio on Millers Road seemed smaller than the Studio we had on our first OKW stay in Turtle Pond in #3827.

Is this possible or we were just experincing 1 BDR envy?

Bus service was awesome all week and as always, we had a fantastic time and can't wait to return!

 

[osprey84]

Thanks for the trip report. We check in on 11/5 with 2 two-bedrooms at OKW.

 

[Parkhopper13]

Sounds like it was a great trip overall. Thanks for the report. Love those refillable mugs from Epcot!!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks for the report! Was TS serving food as well as refilling mugs (even for refillable mug abusers!)?
LOL, I know what you mean about fearing you'll cause heated threads to begin. One time, someone left a bag of garbage outside my villa (I think it was housekeeping), and I was afraid of the same thing.

 

[diznyfanatic]

Thanks for the report! Was TS serving food as well as refilling mugs (even for refillable mug abusers!)?
LOL, I know what you mean about fearing you'll cause heated threads to begin. One time, someone left a bag of garbage outside my villa (I think it was housekeeping), and I was afraid of the same thing.

You know, I honestly didn't give the menu a thorough look as I knew we probably wouldn't be eating there, but I do recall they had Hot Dogs and Chips but I'm pretty sure Hamburgers and the normal Chicken Strips were NOT available. I remember thinking it was a pretty limited menu and that we'd better eat lunch first before settling in at the TS pool.

We did find out that the TS is only open if weather permits and on the day that the temperature fell into the 60's but otherwise sunny, the TS was closed. We later found out 70 degrees was the apparent required temperature for the TS to open.

Speaking of which, I would classify the temperature at the TS pool as tolerable. I am an odd ball though that likes warmer pool temperatures, so it was still cooler than I prefer. However, it was also breezy and in the low to mid 70's so that contributed to the chill as well.