OKW v VWL?

[Disneybelleuk]

Hi, we're booked in to stay at OKW in the summer. We chose OKW because BCV wasn't available or BWV. Had read great reviews of OKW on the DIS but was shocked last night when surfing the net found loads of terrible reviews of the resort. One even said stay at All star instead!! Am used to staying in BCV and disney deluxe resorts - will OKW be a disappointment? These reviews seemed to be saying the resort lacked the 'disney magic' and rooms were outdated. We might be able to change to VWL - would this be better?Would appreciate honest opinions!
Thanks!

 

[smjj]

If you look hard enough, you will find terrible reviews on all resorts. Take it from one who stays there. OKW is one of Disney's best. As to the Disney feel, I am not sure what you mean. It has no less of a Disney feel than the other resorts. You know you are at Disney but you are not tripping over characters if that is what you mean. If you have kids it might seem less Disney, they do not have the over sized stuff like at POP or the All Stars and if thats a Disney feel then I guess OKW is less Disney..smjj

 

[carlos1117]

Disneybelleuk,

I'm not sure where you're looking but check this link out. I think it'll make you feel more confortable.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ey_s_Old_Key_West_Resort-Orlando_Florida.html

 

[dianeschlicht]

If huge villas, light Key West decor and theme and a giant sand castle slide are not Disney enough, than maybe you shouldn't stay there. I would hate to have you be so disappointed you would abuse our "home". We have stayed at OKW more times than I can remember. Are these reviews about a studio or the villas? Either way, the units are large with lots of storage and have a bright Key West theme and atmosphere. I truely feel like I am in Florida when I stay there, and that is the idea! If you think CBR or Grand Floridian or even Wilderness Lodge are outdated because their decor is not modern, than, yes, you might be disappointed, but I would be hard pressed to find anything to be disappointed about at OKW.

Now, that being said...I hope those other places continue to dis OKW, because than I know I wont have any trouble continuing to get what I want when I want it.

I might suggest you go to THIS SITE and check out all the photos of OKW and judge for yourself. Believe me I would NEVER stay at a value or a moderate over this resort.

 

[JudithM]

I have been a DVC member (OKW) for well over ten years & have stayed there several times. We like the Key West feel, the quietness of the resort (compared to mononrail hotels or hotels around the lake like BW, YC/BC, etc.), etc.

Two years ago my sister & niece (6 years old at the time) decided to join us at the last minute. I was concerned that OKW would not be to her liking because they were used to staying on the concierge floors of the monorail hotels. The first morning my sister, sititng on the balcony leisurely drinking her coffee, made a comment about knowing she was on vacation at WDW, but it was so peaceful. at OKW.

As others have mentioned each resort will have positive & negative comments. I do not like PORiverside (formerly Dixie Landings) AT ALL. I would rather stay home than to stay there, but I have some dear friends who love POR. To each his own ...!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Did you change the title of this thread? Now it says Vs VWL. Stay at VWL if you have kids and want to be near MK. If you want to be in a quieter area, both VWL and OKW fill the bill, but VWL is closer to the MK.

 

[Disneyrsh]

I was flabbergasted ( I love that word) to hear that somebody thought that OKW lacked Disney Magic. That place is darn near saturated with it! I think it's because everyone who's at OKW knows how to 'do disney'. It's so laid back and fun, it's become our favorite resort.

The new water slide is absolutely FABULOUS! Our kids, 4 and 6, spent four hours in the pool just going down that thing over and over and over again. It's a bigger waterslide than VWL (our home DVC), and the kids always want to be at OKW because of the waterslide.

I think you'll be happy at either place.

 

[Disneybelleuk]

Thanks for all the responses - making me feel much better about OKW!!

 

[perdidobay]

All the other resorts are hotel type set ups. The OKW is more like a condo/townhome type set up. As long as you know this, so you aren't expecting some else entirely, you should have a great stay at OKW.
I think they have the freindliest CMS!

 

[Disney Doll]

Well, I am not sure what you mean by Disney magic. OKW is a lovely, laid-back resort in the style of Key West Florida. It is condo-style rather than hotel-style, meaning the villas have exterior entrances and you park your car near your villa. BCV, BWV, & VWL are hotel style, meaning all the rooms are off long hallways. Many if not all of the rooms at OKW have been refurbished, so they are looking quite lovely right now. The grounds are very pretty and lush. If you are someone who likes to walk, there are some nice walking routes through OKW, behind the golf courses, and over to SSR and DTD.

They have added a very nice slide to the main pool. Additionally, there are 3 other quiet pools on property. There are not big, cartoon-like statues and whatnot around, as you would find at the All-Stars or Pop Century, but I do think the themeing, especially of the pool and children's area (sandcastle) is quite nice.

I can't imagine you'd be disappointed, but take a look at some of the photo links others have provided. Better to decide now that you want to stay elsewhere than to hate it when you get there.