OKW vs AKL

[hosler427]

I know these two resorts are very different. As of now I am leaning very heavily towards a stay at AKL in a value studio. The studio's in OKW are roughly the same price and is a backup plan but I wanted to get some feedback from people on this as well before a final decision is made. I have been lucky enough to visit (but not stay at) both resorts and love them both.

From what I gather, the bus service is better at AKL...is that correct? I like the vibe of both places but any other insight is appreciated!

 

[StreetFamily2008]

At AKL there is one bus stop. At OKW, there are multiple stops throughout the resort, so depending on where you are, you could potentially be standing on your way to the park in the morning. I'll say that my family preferred the pools at OKW over the one at AKL.

 

[StuckinPA]

I've stayed at both and love both, but my personal preference is Kidani at AKL. I love the quiet atmosphere and that the buses pick up there first - better chance of a seat as I have a child who seems to have an aversion to standing. I also love the AKL staff, always the friendliest in my experience. I love the tropical laid back vibe of OKW as well. You really can't go wrong with either. The multiple stops can slow down getting places at OKW. I'd say it's the biggest downfall of the resort. The boat ride to Disney Springs is nice though!

One other possible thing: from what I heard, getting a value studio at AKL can be quite difficult as there are very few of them. If you really want to stay there it may cost a bit more than you think as you may have to bump up to a standard view.

 

[hosler427]

One other possible thing: from what I heard, getting a value studio at AKL can be quite difficult as there are very few of them. If you really want to stay there it may cost a bit more than you think as you may have to bump up to a standard view.

I appreciate the comments. We are on somewhat of a budget and want to stay for as long as possible so if this scenary played out, I would go to OKW before paying for the standard view. I think I am going to at least TRY for the value resort though and if that falls through, we will go right to OKW. I only visited OKW for breakfast at Olivias one time but loved it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You'll need to book that AKV Value studio right at eleven months out to get it. Plus if you are renting points, it will be very difficult to book the value studio.

 

[hosler427]

You'll need to book that AKV Value studio right at eleven months out to get it. Plus if you are renting points, it will be very difficult to book the value studio.

I plan on doing just that. I will put in the request before the 11 month point and David's rentals can put in the request at that point. I know the odds of getting it aren't the best but trying doesn't hurt.

Outside of OKW, the other one that is in the general price range we want is Boardwalk Villas. Any thoughts on that? I know location is far better than OKW but the resort just doesn't do it for me as much.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I plan on doing just that. I will put in the request before the 11 month point and David's rentals can put in the request at that point. I know the odds of getting it aren't the best but trying doesn't hurt.

Outside of OKW, the other one that is in the general price range we want is Boardwalk Villas. Any thoughts on that? I know location is far better than OKW but the resort just doesn't do it for me as much.

The standard BWV also go quickly right at eleven months out. Your problem with renting is having a member who will book that first thing in the morning when booking starts at eleven months out. That's 8AM ET and 7AM CT. Plus hoping that the broker has points available for that resort right at eleven months out. Booking a hard to get DVC villa exactly at eleven months out through a broker is really tough.

 

[hosler427]

The standard BWV also go quickly right at eleven months out. Your problem with renting is having a member who will book that first thing in the morning when booking starts at eleven months out. That's 8AM ET and 7AM CT. Plus hoping that the broker has points available for that resort right at eleven months out. Booking a hard to get DVC villa exactly at eleven months out through a broker is really tough.

That is all great information...thank you! I am very new to the whole DVC rental world so there are aspects I am still familiarizing myself with.

 

[sharadoc]

The bus service at OKW is the best we've experienced. Yes, there are multiples, but it's not a long walk from your villa to the bus stop. At AKL, you have to walk through the building out to the bus stop, which could be a long walk inside the building. For me, I'd rather be on a bus driving me closer to my room, even though it takes a little longer.

A lot of people (including us) drive to OKW and therefore, drive to parks, so the buses are not crowded. On Thanksgiving week, we never had to stand, it was never crazy busy at the stops. One night, there were some drunks on the bus, but that was it. Plus the OKW stop is usually very close to the park entrances, nice when you're tired and going home. But we take the bus more at OKW than any other resort. Plus at OKW you get the extra benefit of the boat to Disney Springs, which is really nice.