OKW - Upside? Downside?

[RatherBeGolfing]

Due to an unexpected change in plans, I recently had to cancel my Studio ressie at BCV (making someone on the wait list for next week happy I suppose) and am now trying to reschedule my trip - of course all BCV studios are booked for 5/2-5/8, but I am on the waitlist. Also considering a studio or 1BR at OKW. I'm wary of the transportation, less enjoyable pool, etc aspects of OKW.

Can anyone share their yeahs or boos of staying at OKW?

Thanks in advance!

Larry

 

[DebbieB]

You have 2 queen beds in a studio at OKW rather than 1 queen & 1 double sofa. Depending on how many people you have, that maybe good or bad. Couples usually like the queen/sofa setup, families would probably prefer the 2 queens. The bathroom is larger at OKW, it's all in 1 room rather than the sink outside. Again, you may or may not prefer that setup. OKW has parking right in front of your unit with outside entrances to the room. Most of the second and third floor rooms are up steps, no elevators (except buildings 62, 63, 64). OKW has some nice golf & water views. BCV has some Epcot views. There are plusses and minuses for both.

 

[RatherBeGolfing]

How about the proximity issue. Last year when we stayed at BCV (as renters), I loved the short walk to Epcot and the short boat ride to MGM.

How long does it take to get places from OKW? I'm assuming I have to take the bus everywhere?

Also, not sure how crowded it will be first week of May - probably get busy closer to Mother's Day, but we're heading out Saturday morning, the 7th.

The books say that early May is "moderate" crowds....

Thanks again,
Larry

 

[colleen costello]

Will you have a car? We stay at OKW and never feel "remote" because we drive down so we have our minivan. When we have used the bus service it has been just fine. You have easy access to Downtown Disney and all the off-property restaurants and shops at the Crossings area.

OKW is very lush and very laid back. It never feels crowded. No lobby like at BCV. The resturant, Olivia's, is one we enjoy for all three meals. We also enjoy the boat ride to Downtown Disney. The rooms are spacious and light. Every studio has a small balcony and fans of OKW like to say there is "no bad location." The staff are typically very friendly and many of the other guests are "regulars" who come repeatedly.

The pools can't compare to Stormaloing Bay, but there are a few of them, so the quiet pools are truly "quiet!" I have had a pool to myself and my family on many occasions. The main pool is close to the snack bar and has a sauna near it. We also like "Turtle Pond Pool" which has a playground, snack bar and drink bar that's open during the day. This pool has a bit more action and is lots of fun. Each pool has a nice hot tub.

We love BCV but we love OKW even more. Give it a try! If you don't "compare apples and oranges" you may really enjoy it!

 

[RatherBeGolfing]

Colleen and Debbie,
Thanks for your advice. No, we won't have a car - one of the pleasures I indulge in for the week is NOT driving anywhere. I'm pretty close to deciding to make my OKW ressie, since my waitlist for BCV doesn't look too hopeful (according to a couple of MS folks I've spoken with).

We'll adjust to the pool and transportation situation, and I, for one wouldn't mind the more laid back environment - altho my DD will likely have us in the parks almost the whole day, every day, anyway!!!

Cheers,
Larry

 

[AdventurerKat]

I have stayed at OKW a few times and really enjoy it. I haven't really found the transportation to be a problem at all and I do enjoy the boat ride to DTD (where, as you probably can guess from my sig, I spend ALOT of time).

The only issue I have with OKW is the lack of food choices. I realize it is a Home Away From Home but the restaurant and little snack bar just aren't quite enough. Need a few more options for take out in IMO.

Other than that, I would say its a great place. Nice and peaceful.

Maybe I missed something but if you would prefer to be in the EPCOT area, what about Boardwalk?

 

[RatherBeGolfing]

Kat, I'm guessing you're second from left in that sig photo!!!
Yes, Boardwalk would be great, but there are no Studios avail, and the 1BR for my days is 196 points, over 120 points more than the OKW studio for the same days.....someday we'll take the plunge for a 1 BR, but for a family of 3, who spends most of the days in the parks, we don't really need the kitchen facilities or even the space the 1 BR provides.

Thanks again,
Larry

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We love OKW. It's very quiet and peaceful. You feel like you're on a private island somewhere, totally removed from the parks. And everyone is really friendly, like being in a neighborhood. I think you'll love it.

Oh, and there is a boat to DTD!

 

[colleen costello]

The OKW studios really are nice, and a bargain, too. They are bright and cheery and BIG. We are a family of 4 and we haven't killed each other yet, and we often choose a studio to save points. I love the bathroom and the little kitchenette as well. Let us all know how you do!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Yeah, the bathroom in the OKW studio is so much bigger than the other DVC studio bathrooms. You can actually get a few people in there at one time. The sink, tub, shower and toilet are in one room instead of the sink separate from the tub, toilet and shower.

Now the 1 bedroom at OKW is giant. You actually have a sleeper sofa AND a love seat, plus an actual dining room and large kitchen. The washer and dryer are not stacked like in the other DVC resorts.