OKW vs AKL

[kstorms27]

Looking for thoughts and opinions on a 2 bedroom villa at OKW vs AKL. Party size is gonna be 4 adults, 1 teen, and 1 toddler. What are some advantages and disadvantages of both? Thx!

 

[schoen]

Advantages of OKW:
Very Close parking (if you drive a car)
Much bigger rooms
renovated rooms, but still not as updated as AKV
Very Quiet
Fewer points (probably)

Disadvantages of OKW
Can be a pain to get to Hospitality house, you have to drive or bus, or reserve close to the building
Older Resort, less elegant, but still very cozy and nice (you'll have to pick which theme you like)

Advantages of AKV
Newer resort, I think with a more elegant feel
Savannah views are amazing, even without-the animals are visible and cool
Much better counter service

Disadvantages of AKV
potentially far from car or reception area
probably more points


This is just what I think, just my opinion. I generally prefer OKW as a resort, but love both. Good luck!

 

[SusieBea]

Looking for thoughts and opinions on a 2 bedroom villa at OKW vs AKL. Party size is gonna be 4 adults, 1 teen, and 1 toddler. What are some advantages and disadvantages of both? Thx!

These are my two favorite DVC resorts! We have stayed at OKW more than 30 times and Kidani twice. I sucked it up and stayed at Kidani for our DGS a year ago, and I was hooked.

That said, the great room at OKW is larger and the balcony is very nice. I like the golf course views. Although they both have the same appliances, I like the OKW kitchen arrangement more. And the washer/dryer at OKW are full size. I also like parking right outside the unit. The TS restaurant, Olivia's, is good, but the QS is marginal. The bus service is the best we've experienced at any of the WDW resorts. There is a boat to DTD. I also enjoy the 3 "village" pools in addition to the feature pool.

I love the decor at Kidani. The master bath there is outstanding. I like having the extra bathroom in the great room. There are 3 TS restaurants and a QS on property. Parking under the building is very handy (we always have a car). There are a lot of activities for the kiddos. The pools at Kidani and Jambo (both of which you can use) are outstanding and have wonderful areas for small children. Some guests complain about the bus service, but we didn't have a problem. The ride to the parks is a bit longer than from OKW. And then there are the animals!

Deep breath! Good luck in your decision.

 

[castleri]

OKW is my favorite resort but I like AKV almost as well. I like the peaceful feeling at OKW and the large rooms. The extra bathroom at AKV Kidani is a plus. The pool area and kids play area is very nice there. If you are thinking of staying at AKV I would only take Kidani (have stayed at both). I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

 

[happyann79]

2 bdrm in okw is larger than akv. both are very nice but I would always pick akv based on the overall appeal of the resort.

 

[Plutofan]

I would go with AKV just becuase there is so much more to do at the resort. Just watching the animals is a lot of fun.

 

[kstorms27]

Thanks for all the great info everyone. As far as the pools, which one is the better resort. I really want something that my 3yr old can enjoy but yet also our friends teenage daughter can enjoy. Us adults, doesnt really matter, water is water!

 

[hakepb]

I think I would lean to Kidani for the combination of the kids splash area and a decent water slide.
(Also at Kidani get a dedicated 2BR with 2 queens in the 2nd bedroom)

For OKW you would need the HH category to be near the mail pool with slide.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I love them both, but I decide between the 2 depending on the number in my party!

OKW has a considerable edge over all of the other resorts because of the amount of space. I find it more of a relaxing resort, I find Kidani and Jambo a bit cramped especially the kitchens and living rooms (2br sleeps 9 w/ sleeper chair but there is not enough living space for nine in the living room). It's nice if you are a couple to have the sofa in the second bedroom but for large parties having 2 beds in the 2nd bedroom is better, and both Kidani (not Jambo) and OKW have this. By the same token, that 3rd bathroom in the Kidani 2br is nice to have and the master bath is fabulous!

Love both resorts, we alternate between OKW, BWV, Kidani & SSR 2brs, can't go wrong with any of them!

Good luck with your choice!

 

[bobbiwoz]

AKV has elevators, only 3 buildings at OKW have them. You may find yourselves walking up stairs.