OKW vs. other DVC Resorts

[BlakeNJ]

Ok, bare with me here. We just purchased DVC this month and have yet to see, let alone stay at any DVC. We bought SSR. I am planning on taking a short 3-4 night stay in February. For an additional 7 points, we can stay in a 1BR at OKW for an extra night--or just 3 nights at SSR. It's hard to judge looking at pictures, so can someone please tell me the quality of rooms at OKW. It obvious that everything at SSR is "new" looking--less ware and tear. What is the condition of OKW? Do the pullouts in a 1BR have the new matress? Was there talk of new bedspreads?


I have heard great things of both resorts but the extra night is certainly a draw.

 

[Starr W.]

I have stayed at SSR, but I was looking at the 360 room tours on the member site and I will tell you that the OKW 2br looked much bigger than the one at SSR.

I know the OKW fan club will chime in, but after seeing that I would be tempted just to try it for the extra room!

 

[BlakeNJ]

I have stayed at SSR, but I was looking at the 360 room tours on the member site and I will tell you that the OKW 2br looked much bigger than the one at SSR.

I know the OKW fan club will chime in, but after seeing that I would be tempted just to try it for the extra room!

The size of the rooms at OKW isa plus too. I think the pictures on allearsnet.com don't do justice to the rooms. Hopefully someone can post pictures of their rooms.

 

[dumbo71]

Blakely,

Really I'd go with the xtra night for the 7 points. Both are fine resorts but the extra time will allow you guys do either do more or do things at a more leisurely pace.

The rooms are substantially bigger at OKW and they feel it. We've always had good rooms there with only minor issues. Really for us we like the theme at OKW. We just feel like we are on vacation there. Call me crazy but to travel all the way to Florida for upstate NY landscaping seems a little odd. I'll stick with the Palm trees and flowers.

Have a great trip, either way you can't go wrong.

 

[CarolA]

I have stayed at SSR, but I was looking at the 360 room tours on the member site and I will tell you that the OKW 2br looked much bigger than the one at SSR.

I know the OKW fan club will chime in, but after seeing that I would be tempted just to try it for the extra room!

That's because it is MUCH bigger. I like both of them but the room size at OKW is dramatically bigger then any other DVC resort.

I have not noticed a difference in the "quality" of the rooms.

The Studios at SSR are nicer IMHO simply because I don't need two beds so I like the couch feature. Other then that it's not a huge difference.

 

[lisaviolet]

The size of the rooms at OKW isa plus too. I think the pictures on allearsnet.com don't do justice to the rooms. Hopefully someone can post pictures of their rooms.

Love OKW. You will instantly recognize what decade they were built in though. Interior selections I mean. Just will. That's not a negative to me. It sort of looks like the "Golden Girls" apartment interior selection. And I'm only typing all that out because you stated SSR was "new". It has the feeling of being in Florida. Which is a weird comment but not all the DVCs feel like that b/c of the different themes. And I love feeling like I"m in Florida.

Now. OKW can not be beat in so many ways. Size of one/two bedroom units in general. Laundry room instead of laundry closet. And that is not just about laundry as I've heard some say that their wee ones could sleep in there!! That also means a place for ironing board to be set up and out the way/sight for anyone that irons. Extra desk/cupboard area in living room, just outside of kitchen, not found in any DVCs. Huge table. Two windows in living room from design of buildings.

Design of suite in general makes you feel like when you are in the bedroom you are miles from any living area. Just does.

Size. We had thirteen people in our suite one morning for breakfast. No problem. Easily done. That's the space of the living area plus balcony. And it was quite the spread...that breakfast.

Buildings# 30 plus have extra entrance to washroom/main washroom in two bedroom. New information I just found out from Diane. Who loves her OKW!!

The surrounding area (main area) seems like a neighbourhood. SSR just doesn't compare in this way. It is because OKW's main area is built around a small "port".

But to me, despite all these pluses, it all comes down to one thing. That glorious huge OKW 1 and 2 bedroom balcony. No other DVC resort can compete with that.

All the best,

Lisa

 

[OKWMom]

Love OKW. You will instantly recognize what decade they were built in though. Just will. That's not a negative to me. It sort of looks like the "Golden Girls" apartment interior selection. And I'm only typing all that out because you stated SSR was "new". It has the feeling of being in Florida. Which is a weird comment but not all the DVCs feel like that b/c of the different themes. And I love feeling like I"m in Florida.

Now. OKW can not be beat in so many ways. Size of one/two bedroom units in general. Laundry room instead of laundry closet. And that is not just about laundry as I've heard some say that their wee ones could sleep in there!! That also means a place for ironing board to be set up and out the way/sight for anyone that irons. Extra desk/cupboard area in living room, just outside of kitchen, not found in any DVCs. Huge table. Two windows in living room from design of buildings.

Design of suite in general makes you feel like when you are in the bedroom you are miles from any living area. Just does.

Size. We had thirteen people in our suite one morning for breakfast. No problem. Easily done. That's the space of the living area plus balcony. And it was quite the spread...that breakfast.

Buildings# 30 plus have extra entrance to washroom/main washroom in two bedroom. New information I just found out from Diane. Who loves her OKW!!

The surrounding area (main area) seems like a neighbourhood. SSR just doesn't compare in this way. It is because OKW's main area is built around a small "port".

But to me, despite all these pluses, it all comes down to one thing. That glorious huge OKW 1 and 2 bedroom balcony. No other DVC resort can compete with that.

All the best,

Lisa

Lisa, this sums up exactly why we were "thissssssss close" to staying at BCV (even had the reservations) for our short spring vacation when DH talked me into changing to OKW. He loves the extra space and the peace and quiet. I tried convincing him with hints of SAB, but the extra night for the same points was the final card he threw on the table.

He keeps saying we will stay at the other resorts, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Granny]

Ok, bare with me here.

Sorry...that's just not going to happen!


Okay, as for your question. It actually is one that comes up fairly often, and it surprises me that the majority response is always to stay at OKW so the DVC owner can have a longer vacation. If that is good advice, then everyone should always stay at OKW...and in studios if humanly possible!

Here's a dissenting opinion. You bought at SSR, and you've never stayed at a DVC resort. My opinion is you should stay at SSR on your first trip, and begin to "bond" with your home resort. You will experience the nice DVC accommodations and begin to see what you have purchased. And you will have fond memories from your visit that you will forever associate with SSR.

That's just my opinion. YMMV

 

[starbox]

I live (by choice) in my dream house - a renovated 1920 craftsman bungalow. Size obviously does not matter to me.

We found the rooms at OKW to be on par with the other resorts. OKW has a very nice community hall, boat to DTD, and the rooms are larger. We bought DVC thinking we would stay at OKW once a year to save points and get an extra night - but ended up deciding we would not stay at OKW if another option was available just because there is not a good CS dining option. I don't want to bring food or cook on vacation & we really use the resort CS options.

I know lots of people prefer larger rooms, but for me, personally, I really want a variety of food & dining options!

I also think it depend on the age of your children: elementary age kids will probably really use the community hall at OKW, while the pool at SSR is more toddler/preschooler-friendly.

I do agree with Granny that taking your first trip "home" is a nice way to start your family tradition.

 

[dumbo71]

I live (by choice) in my dream house - a renovated 1920 craftsman bungalow. Size obviously does not matter to me.

We found the rooms at OKW to be on par with the other resorts. OKW has a very nice community hall, boat to DTD, and the rooms are larger. We bought DVC thinking we would stay at OKW once a year to save points and get an extra night - but ended up deciding we would not stay at OKW if another option was available just because there is not a good CS dining option. I don't want to bring food or cook on vacation & we really use the resort CS options.

I know lots of people prefer larger rooms, but for me, personally, I really want a variety of food & dining options!

I also think it depend on the age of your children: elementary age kids will probably really use the community hall at OKW, while the pool at SSR is more toddler/preschooler-friendly.

I do agree with Granny that taking your first trip "home" is a nice way to start your family tradition.

Great points Starbox. If there is a knock on OKW it would be the dining choices. Nothing like that BWV room service!!!!!!!!!!!!

SSR has OKW beat in the dining section IMO. That would be a point in SSR's favor.

Now without To Go food from Olivias OKW takes a further step backward.

This is really all I can come up with for not going to OKW. Really, is there a bad DVC Resort ?

 

[BlakeNJ]

Thanks everyone for your adivce. I can't believe I am struggling with this decision--it seems so silly. My heart tells me to try my home resort--after all, it is my first trip home but my head tells me I'd really enjoy an extra full day. On this trip dining isn't an issue since we will eat lunch at the parks and dinner out--after all it's a short trip and I don't plan on cooking. My last option is to bite the bullet and just stay the extra night at SSR since the points I am using are 06 points that were a "bonus" so to speak to our contract. What the heck, right?

Again, so many great points from everyone--thanks for posting. I'll have to give it a little more thought!

Blakely

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I live (by choice) in my dream house - a renovated 1920 craftsman bungalow. Size obviously does not matter to me.

Nothing equals a true craftsman. :

 

[dvcbrad]

Great points Starbox. If there is a knock on OKW it would be the dining choices. Nothing like that BWV room service!!!!!!!!!!!!

SSR has OKW beat in the dining section IMO. That would be a point in SSR's favor.

Now without To Go food from Olivias OKW takes a further step backward.

This is really all I can come up with for not going to OKW. Really, is there a bad DVC Resort ?

You actually have the same dining choices as SSR by taking a short boat ride over to Downtown Disney - it's a pleasant ride over there and makes for a nice evening. OKW is a wonderful, relaxing resort with a great feel to it. Only downside that we feel is not being within walking distance of activities - especially in the evenings nad with older kids. That's why we stayed at BWV last year (spring break) and are staying at BCV this year.

 

[Sammie]

Stay the extra night. There is no DVC that is "Better" than another, they are all just "different". What appeals to one, won't appeal to another.

An extra night is better than less anywhere else. You will have plenty of time to stay in all the resorts on future trips.

After you stayed at all of them several times as we have, you can make up your own mind as to your preference. With us it changes with the needs and wants of our group.

 

[byoung]

Love the point value at OKW.

 

[lisaviolet]

Stay the extra night. There is no DVC that is "Better" than another, they are all just "different". What appeals to one, won't appeal to another.

Ain't that the truth. OKW isn't even my favourite resort and look at all the positives I came up with when you asked about what the room condition was like. You would never know it's not my fav. I'm finding more and more that different resorts for different kinds of trips.