OKW vs VWL

[tiffany123]

Fellow DVC members imput would be appreciated. My DH and I own at HH and are getting ready to buy a contract for either OKW or VWL. We are aware of the price differences between the two resorts both in purchase price and maintenance fees. We also know that one would be purchased though a resale and the other could be direct from Disney---again that is not a point for consideration. Here's where we're asking for your 2 cents worth--we are empty nesters, early 50's. We'll soon be able to vacation in off peak seasons and are undecided as to which resort to consider. We would like to hear pros and cons from both resorts as we have been to neither and won't be making a trip to WDW until after we make the purchase. Thanks!

 

[slimplaw]

We bought at VWL in Dec. 2000 and stayed in a studio in June. We were recently able to stay at OKW in a 2 bedroom. We love the atmosphere at VWL, that is why we waited and bought there. The rooms are smaller. We had read that the rooms at OKW were larger and we were really amazed at the size of the 2 bedroom, I believe it was around 1300 sq. ft. OKW was very nice. If you have a car it is extremely convenient to park near the room. It is very spread out. The area near the office is very nice. I would not hesitate to stay at OKW again. However, VWL is probably still my favorite because of the theming. If you have a car, you do not park close. I think VWL does feel more like a hotel. The snack bar in the lodge is not too far a walk.
One thing I can tell you is that I probably will not stay in a studio again. I learned this at another timeshare, not WDW. We were in a small lock-out portion of a larger unit. I did not enjoy smelling another person's cooking, especially when everything was fried. The odor seemed to stay around forever. A dedicated studio would be fine.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think Simplaw did a good job of pointing out the differences. I think for us empty nesters, OKW has a slight edge. The theming at VWL is wonderful, but I just LOVE the townhouse/vacation home feel of OKW. Of course, with the 7 month ressie, you could stay at either!

 

[Granny]

tiffany123....

If you've read these boards, then you know you really can't go wrong with either resort. And if you travel at non-peak DVC times (which are not necessarily the same as the regular WDW resorts non-peak times), then the criticality of the 11 month booking window advantage is dimished a little. In other words, you would be more successful, on average, at obtaining whatever DVC resort you want at the 7 month window.

OKW and VWL both offer a relaxing atmosphere. The theming is quite different for each and a matter of personal taste.

If you really don't care about the theming, then you can let other factors determine your choice. Is having the car parked right in front of your accommodations important? That would tilt you towards OKW.

Is proximity to MK, nightly waterfront parades, or other VWL drawing points important? Now you're leaning towards VWL.

If you can honestly say that none of these things are really that critical to you, then I think you might want to make your decision based on financials. OKW has a lower point cost via resale and a lower annual maintenance fee per point. VWL has the Magical Beginnings program that can be financially attractive, though you have to sell back your first year of points to get the discount.

Sorry this is long, but one other point. You indicate that you are "empty nesters"....that implies that you do have offspring that have grown. Don't forget about the grandkids! While your idea of a vacation might be one thing now, you might want to think of the times you will bring friends, relatives or others. That could impact your decision as well.

All food for thought. Good luck with the decision....the nice thing is that you really can't go wrong as regards to which resort you choose....they're all great in their own way.

 

[KNWVIKING]

..... love the benifits each has to offer for different reasons at different times. You really can't go wrong with either choice. HOWEVER... if I were buying today I would buy at VWL only because at the 7 month window I think it would be much easier to get into OKW then VWL.

 

[BillM]

We are also empty nesters(for quite awhile). I would choose OKW by resale. The 1 BR is super and will cost less points per stay. The fees are lower also. If you had small children or grandkids then I might say VWL. But if you have older children with the potential of grandkids, the large villas at OKW and the availability of Grand Villas would make my choice OKW and also the points would be much less per stay.

And as previously mentioned, if you visit in off peak times the 7 month window should not ba a problem. The opening of BCV should take some of the pressure off of BWV as to location desireability.

 

[tiffany123]

Thanks to all who posted their opinions about OKW vs VWL. It appears that we're going to go with OKW as Jaki A has a contract for 160 points and we and the seller have agreed to a purchase price. So soon we'll have 300 points at HH and 160 at OKW!

We do have small grandchildren but after talking and thinking about the two aforementioned DVC resorts we think that the points and price of OKW make more sense than VWL plus the kids will feel more like they're in FL if we are based at OKW. We have lots of pine trees in OH but no palm trees.

Thanks again.

WDW here we come June/July '02

 

[Orky15]

This is true, as a fellow Ohioan, I can confirm that the only place I've ever seen a palm tree up here was in a mall!

 

[spiceycat]

there are several things that VWL has that OKW does not - I am a lazy person - you can walk to all the restuarants at VWL, if you are in the 50's (building #) at OKW it is a very long walk or you take a bus or your car.

the gift shop and the arcade are really closer to the villa than to parts of the hotel at WL. AT Wl/VWL you can be under cover the whole time you are visiting the resort. On a rainy day when you are going to breakfast this can be very nice.

I love room service - okw does not really have it (and since POR which is where the OKW food delivers is from closed that will probably stop all together. It was Pizza and few sandwiches).

the main pool at WL (which you can use) has a slide - OKW does not have one and will not have one.

the geysers at WL/VWL are cute and fun to watch. At night the electrical water pagen is great.

I love OKW, but VWL have their good points - you have to stay at both to appreciate both.