OKW versus BCV parking the main issue

[KANSAS]

I will going to Orlando,Fl in october and renting a car, because going to tampa,fl and Busch gardens and Kennedy Space center.

I will be renting a car and not using DVC transporation.

Does everyone agree, that Okw, best place to stay, instead of BCV, because of convenience of parking car, right in front of your unit.?

I will be going to Downtown Disney in evening, because my mothers likes this the most, about WDW.

The direct boatride, from OKW, will be nice, right??

or is just as easy to drive to downtown Disney, if you are staying at old Key west??

If anyone thinks, this is not correct. Thank you in advance for your advice.

 

[PamOKW]

It's true that having your car parked out front will make going in and out simpler at OKW. However, I don't think it's that dramatic a difference if you really want to stay at BCV (or some other DVC). You'll either have to walk to self-park or hand out the tips for the valet but it may be worth it if to you. It's a personal choice.

 

[KANSAS]

PAM OKW

if your mother likes DTD, wouldn't OKW, make more sense, because of boat ride, and closer drive?

or actually not that big a deal?

I am especially interested in your opinion, because i think, you have strong ties to OKW??

 

[Chuck S]

While I'm certanly partial to OKW, I agree that the parking near your unit is convenient. As far as DtD, often parking there is horrible, my advice is to take the boat from OKW...and if you stay too late return via bus.

Given that parking is often a hassle at DtD, now your main focus would be what would you prefer? Bus to DtD from BCV or boat from OKW? Plus, if worse comes to worse, you could walk from OKW to DtD, there is a trail.

Really, the best option, if your are looking at spending most of your time at DtD may be SSR, if it is available.

 

[KANSAS]

This may not really matter, but if you are going to tampa,Fl and Kennedy Space center?

is BCV, any more convenient, to go to these locations, than staying at OKW, if your renting a car??

 

[KANSAS]

CHUCK S

I thougt about SSR&S, but will cost me alot more DVC points than staying at OKW.

 

[PamOKW]

OKW would be closer to DD. You can either take the boat, the bus, drive or even walk. If you are going to be spending time traveling around (Tampa, etc.) it is nice to pull into the space right outside your door. I love OKW and would gladly be staying there. It's also only about a 10 minute drive over to Boardwalk if you want to spend some evening time there as well.

 

[DebbieB]

We go twice a year, May at OKW and Dec at BWV. We rent a car each time. The parking difference is not a big deal to us either way. At BWV or BCV you can walk to Epcot and boat or walk to MGM. OKW is a little more convenient for DTD. If you are worried about the point difference, BCV will be more than SSR.

 

[KANSAS]

thank you to everyone, i think OKW is the right choice versus BCV.

just one final question?

If staying at OKW, instead of BCV, is it any more difficult to reach a major highway, that would take you to kennedy Space Center
or Tampa,FL??

I am sorry, if I sound stupid. I just have not rented a car, in the past, but have no choice, because of going to Tampa,Fl and kennedy SPace Center.

 

[Chuck S]

It is very simple to get to the main Highway from OKW. As you exit the complex, make a left onto community drive, a left at the signal, a right at the 2nd light (first light is cast member EPCOT access), and another right after you cross under the highway bridge. You'll then be on the main road off property. Then stay straight, it will take you to the Greeneway Tollway (417). Stay on the Greeneway past the airport and go East on Beeline Tollway...follow the signs to KSC.

 

[DebbieB]

It's very easy to get to I-4 from either OKW or BCV. From OKW, turn left out of the resort, left on Bonnett Creek, right on Buena Vista, go under the overpass and exit to the right. This is 536 and there is an exit to I-4 from there. From BCV, make a left out of the resort, left on Buena Vista, go straight until you see the exit on the right before the overpass.

 

[KANSAS]

CHUCK S

also as simple to go Tampa,Fl from Old Key West?

THank you for directions, from OKW to Kennedsy Space Center!!

 

[KANSAS]

Debbie B

will I-4 ? take me to Tampa,FL??

 

[Chuck S]

Thanks, Debbie B, I couldn't remember all the road names. lol

Yes, I-4 will take you to Tampa, I drove it once, I think it is about 100 to 150 miles.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by KANSAS
Debbie B

will I-4 ? take me to Tampa,FL??

Yes, take I-4 west to Tampa. Another way to KSC would be to take I-4 east to the Beeline Expressway.

 

[Beth]

We just got home about 30 minutes ago - drove over to spend the day at WDW... needed my fix.

Anyway - beware of the construction on I-4 - both east and westbound - it's really nasty right now.

It's actually about 55-60 miles to Tampa-proper, but the traffic can really affect the driving time.

 

[PKS44]

Not wanting to complicate things -but are you sure you need a car the whole time if only part of the time is spent using it to go off site?

What about only renting the car and using it for those few days--thus stay at BCV, walk over and rent from the car rental place at the Dolphin for the few days you need the car...???

 

[KANSAS]

PKS44

I am flying in on sunday. I have been to wdw, 9 times.

I am going to tampa,fl Busch gardens on Monday

Kennedy Space Center on tuesday

and maybe Busch gardens on wednesday

(by the Way, does anyone know, if it takes one day, or 1 1/2 days, to enjoy Busch gardens?

Then I leave on thursday.


I might go to pleasure island, and downtown disney in the evenings.


Doesn't it make sense to rent a car, to drive from airport to BCV or OKW on sunday?
if you are going to use it on monday and tuesday and probably on wednesday?
and use it to drive to airport on thursday.?

is it your advice to use mears to get from airport on sunday and thursday,
stay at BCV
Then rent a car only on monday and tuesday.?


Please let me know, your thoughts

 

[Chuck S]

Originally posted by KANSAS
Doesn't it make sense to rent a car, to drive from airport to BCV or OKW on sunday?
if you are going to use it on monday and tuesday and probably on wednesday?
and use it to drive to airport on thursday.?

Sure it makes sense, as many days as you'll be using the car. Plus, more than likely you'll be getting the "weekly rate" vs. the daily rate. That can save you some money. But, if you want to double check, price a rental for the days you'll actually be using the car to drive to KSC and Busch Gardens, and add $24 per person for r/t airport shuttle. My hunch is that the weekly car rental will be cheaper. And much more convenient.

Not knowing your park touring habits, it is hard to say if Busch Gardens will be a one day or a day and half park for you. It has been several years since we've been there, but one day was fine for us.

 

[KANSAS]

Chuck S
Thank you for your advice. I think Busch gardens has grown in the last few years and they have some type of new attraction, not sure what it is called.

I am planning for two 6 hour days at Tamps,Fl and Busch gardens.

doe anyone know, if it is about a 90 minute drive each way to Busch gardens??