Old Key West or Boardwalk Villas

[WDWorld]

Which one do you prefer anw why ?

I am father of 3 who are 5, 8 and 10 yo. They love Disney but I also love to go there without children.

Let's say i will go 2 - 3 times without them for 1 time with them.

Thanks for your great help

 

[Lisa F]

Oh boy, you've opened a huge can of worms here. I hope this doesn't turn into a big huge fight, but it probably will.

In general people seem to prefer BWV because they like the atmosphere... being right in the middle of all of the action, yet being able to go to your room and have it be quiet and relaxing is a huge plus. You don't have to go very far to get to a pool or to the choice of several restaurants. You are walking distance from two of the major parks, both Epcot and MGM. The decor is absolutely beautiful. If it is your home resort, you can get a standard view for points that are very close to what you can get a room at OKW for. You have all of the amenities of a deluxe disney hotel such as valet parking (free for DVC members) and full room service. The units are a bit smaller but IMO the two bedroom is about the same square footage as my apartment at home and I never feel cramped in one (though I would not put more than 2 adults and 4 kids in a 2br).

People who like OKW like it because the villas are more spacious than any other DVC property. If you have 3 kids you will need a 2 bedroom anyway (assuming you bring a spouse with you) so I do not think space would be a problem in a 2br at ANY of the villas, but some would probably disagree. Some find great importance in being able to park right outside their door, as OKW is laid out condo style, but the downside of this is that you may not be in easy walking distance of the pool or restaurant (though they do have an internal bus system). OKW is more removed from the parks and some people really enjoy getting completely away from it all (though they have a boat, I believe, to downtown disney). There are a number of pools, but no pool slides because there are no lifeguards (which may or may not be an issue for you with kids your age, plus pool hopping can help with that). There is only one restaurant on property and room service is limited to the type of stuff you can generally get at a moderate hotel (I believe it is shared with Port Orleans). Overall you can stay there for fewer points, (not TOO many fewer compared to standard view but when you start looking at preferred it really is a signficant difference).

Anyway, my preference is really for BWV but I have tried to provide a somewhat balanced view. It really depends on what things are important to you and your vacation. When I stayed at OKW I felt like I might as well not be on disney property, I was so far from the things I like doing. When it's raining, I don't care how close you can park to your villa, you will still get soaked on the way in... with valet parking at BWV you can drop your car under cover and not have to come out again. I also prefer the atmosphere at BWV, it's just much more "disney" to me. I'm sure you will get many differing opinions though!

Lisa

 

[KNWVIKING]

WDWorld....

Couldn't you have stuck with something less contraversal, like religion,politics or the meaning of life.

If the purpose of the vacation is to slow down and relax,then go to OKW. If your there to do serious playing,head over to BWV.

Don't let room size & hallways be your determining factor, you won't be disappointed at either resort.

You'll have a blast regardless of your choice I'm sure.

 

[spiceycat]

OKW has 4 swimming pool - so if you want to be near one - ask for it - it also has 4 bus stops - you can ask for that - the reason I don't care for the BWV is the noise - and it feels like a hotel - if you like the hotel experience then you will love BWV - if you want a more homely feeling then OKW - otherwise both will suite your needs - OKW requires less points than BWV and it is less of a hassle trying to get reservations - it also costs less than BWV - Have you looked at the new BCV that might fit your needs better than either BWV or OKW. however with kids your age when you go with them I would think VWL because of the access to the MK.

 

[llp479]

We also have three children, all dds, ages 8,8 and 5. We own at both BWV and OKW. As stated previously, BWV is "in the thick of it" and OKW is more relaxed. My girls probably prefer the pool at BWV because it has a slide, but they don't mind using the pools at OKW. Heck, they're just happy to be swimming!

There are definitely more restaurant choices at BWV than OKW. However, you are not far from DD at OKW and all the restaurants there.

If you ever think you want to stay at BWV then I would buy there. It can be very difficult to get a 2 BDR at the 7 mo window, while you can usually get into OKW at the 7 mo without a problem, unless you're looking at going during the holidays.

We enjoy staying at both resorts. Our spring trip is usually at BWV due to shorter park hours and the convience of being closer to Epcot and MGM. Our summer trip is our time to take it easy before school starts so we go to OKW.

Both are beautiful and you would not regret staying at either resort.

 

[WDWorld]

So from what I understand, it's easier to get a room at OKW when your home is BWV that it is to get one in BWV if your home is OKW... right ??

Thanks to all for your answers... and keep posting

 

[spiceycat]

definitely - BWV (especially the standard view) goes fast - you can generally get OKW at even the 6 month time.

 

[TexasAggie]

One thing that may or may not be an issue for you: if you use your car a lot, then tipping the valets at BWV can add up. But you also have bellmen to carry your luggage, etc., just like a hotel.

We've never really found noise to be a problem after 10 pm (before then it can be rowdy) even though we've had a Boardwalk view several times. We had one room that was right over the tunnel walkway between the Luna Pool area and the central Courtyard, though, and that was very noisy at night (it was New Years, however!).

 

[disneychic]

WDWorld,

Maybe you should try OKW on one of the trips that you take without your kids. It's very private, and relaxing. And, if you're not going with kids, you probably won't mind the walk to the pools or busses which can be lengthy depending on where your room is. - Believe me, my husband and I went there and my couisn and her 2 kids were also staying there at the same time, and boy was there alot of whining due to the walking when they were tired and hot.

Also, my husband and I own more than half of our points at BWV, and some at HHI. We have no children yet, and we prefer to stay at BWV. We're a young couple and enjoy being "right there" and we take advantage of the night life on the board walk.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by WDWorld
So from what I understand, it's easier to get a room at OKW when your home is BWV that it is to get one in BWV if your home is OKW... right ??

I like both, but this was the deciding factor when I bought Boardwalk. We wanted to stay at OKW in May and BWV in early December. BWV can be difficult to get in early December at less than 11 months, but OKW is easy to get in May (and most other times). This works well for us. We prefer a quiet, more laidback trip in May, so OKW is great. December is more the festive Christmas atmosphere, so BWV is better then. That is the beauty of DVC, you can switch around.

 

[crisi]

You can also just see what is available on the resale market. Since you are divided about resort choice, another factor may be the deciding one for you....

You may want to consider use year, price per point, how many points are on the contract, and how many available to use when you want to buy. Resale is a little different - get your heart set on 167 BWV points with an April use year, and points available - even banked, and you may wait a looong time for that contract to show up. The more flexible you are, the more choice you have in contracts - and being flexible in resort is one choice you have.

You should buy where you want to stay, but if you aren't sure of where that is, be flexible. Plenty of people bought OKW because it was the only thing available, and are happy. Plenty of people bought BWV because it was the only thing Disney was selling and are happy.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

So from what I understand, it's easier to get a room at OKW when your home is BWV that it is to get one in BWV if your home is OKW... right ??

RIght!!! That says something in itself, doesn't it? If you want quiet at boardwalk ask for the back of the resort away from the Boardwalk area, it is very peaceful there and you can still overlook the canal back to MGM. You also have three pools to choose from, the quiet pool. Luna park, and the pool over at the Boardwalk Inn (which it is my understanding is OK to use).

Good luck with your decision. This is a great place to get good information, especially if it differs from mine, I'm sure your interested in both sides.

 

[Kick it up a notch!]

Both are excellent, I own at both. Just curious though, how the hell do you get to go 2-3 times without the kids to every one time you take them. You are very lucky. If my kids found out I went without them, well let's just say I might not be alive for the next trip!

You will enjoy both, but I would recomment checking them out for yourself before choosing, good luck!!!

 

[WDWorld]

Originally posted by Kick it up a notch!
Just curious though, how the hell do you get to go 2-3 times without the kids to every one time you take them. You are very lucky. If my kids found out I went without them, well let's just say I might not be alive for the next trip!

LOL !!!!

I've always traveled since i have children and they know that some trips will be with them and some other won't They have learned that parents also need to rest...

 

[DeeP]

You are correct OKW is much easier to get into than BWV. I have even been offered available rooms at OKW less than 3 months prior to our trip! The chances of this happening at BWV is slim to none.
I love the size of the 1 BR villas at OKW, but other than that I greatly prefer BWV over OKW. We like to be in the the most convenient location possible while at WDW and BWV fits this to a tee. It is in a wonderful location, has all the deluxe resort amenitites, a wonderful themed pool, and the resort is gorgeous. There is so much to do there with restaurants, shops, and major parks within walking distance, it is a true deluxe DVC resort I have stayed at BWV many, many times (we just got back Mon) and we have had standard and previewed views with both pool views and boardwalk views and I have never been bothered by any noise. Also other than the fact that the villas are all accessed by an interior corridor and all the villas are located in one building with a gorgeous lobby and store, the villas at BWV do not have any more or less of a hotel feel vs the homey feel to them than the villas at OKW. Actually the studio at OKW is much more like a hotel room because it has 2 beds and the mini kitchenette where BWV studio is set up like a true studio with 1 bed and a sleeper sofa and the mini kitchenette.

 

[ncligs]

I am surprised "Rich" hasn't gave his "opinion" yet . They are both 1st class resorts , you can't go wrong with either!!!!!!!

 

[Richyams]

OKW wins hands down. The units are very comfortable. More than two people can sit down to eat breakfast at the same time. The ability to park in front of your unit really can't be beat. You can sit down with four people on the balcony and still have room for three or four more people without feeling crowded. OKW is centrally located and only a few minutes from anywhere.

BWV has....welll....uhhhhh, yeah, that's right, location. You can walk to Epcot......its just about the same distance from the lobby as many of the rooms.

Many feel that the location of BWV and the Boardwalk area itself are worth dealing with the dramatically higher point schedule, higher dues and tiny units.

 

[DiznEeyore]

Originally posted by Richyams
Many feel that the location of BWV and the Boardwalk area itself are worth dealing with the dramatically higher point schedule, higher dues and tiny units.

Oy. Here we go.

 

[DeeP]

As stated by a previous poster the point difference between a standard view at BWV and OKW is very little. Also as stated before, BWV has alot more than just location going for it, delluxe resort amenities, numerous first class restaurants & shops, 2 major parks within walking distance and a themed pool with lifeguards are some of the best perks. But do not discount the location either since it is one of the very best at WDW. We have always had very large balconies with a 1 BR unit and larger at BWV. Our balconies are one large balcony that can be accessed from the masterbedroom and the living room and there is a separate balcony off the studio or 2nd BR. The large balcony had seating for 4 with several small tables and the studio balcony had seating for 2 with 1 small table. On the large balcony you could easily fit more than 4 people and have requested additional chairs from housekeeping without a problem. OKW balconies are wider, BWV are longer. The inside of 1 BR villas at OKW are larger and I do like the size better than BWV but other than that, there is no comparsion. I personally love having valet parking, heck I am on vacation, I want to be pampered that is what vacation is all about and why all the added perks at BWV make a stay there so pampering and spoiling and a vacation.
The dues are higher at BWV but you get what you pay for anywhere in life and especially at Disney! The fact that the BWV books up so fast and is much harder to get into at the 7 month window speaks for itself. BWV is a true deluxe DVC resort in every way.

 

[robinb]

BWV has....welll....uhhhhh, yeah, that's right, location. You can walk to Epcot......its just about the same distance from the lobby as many of the rooms.

LOL! True, very true.

We own 230 points at OKW and will be sending in our final closing papers on another 200 points at BWV tomorrow. Yippie!

Our personal favorite resort is OKW. We love OKW. We love all the space in the 1BRs and 2BRs. We love the setting. I'm not a golfer, but I find it relaxing to watch others do it ... along with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at night. I like being able to park near my unit. I find the "condo" feel to the place more relaxing, especially after a hard day of park hopping.

So, why did we buy at BWV? Location, location, location. We have started a tradition of being at WDW for New Year's Eve. DVC used to have a "special preferences list" which allowed both BWV owners and non-BWV owners to book at BWV for Christmas and New Year's (and Easter? maybe) before the regular 11 month window opened for. That list is no more and we bought points at BWV so we could always book 5 nights over NYE.

We also recently stayed at VWL in a studio and really liked it. It's a combination of BWV & OKW, IMO. It's relaxing, yet a full service hotel. It's away from it all and very quiet, yet a short boat ride to the MK.

BCVs looks to be a lot like BWV but with a cooler pool.

Whichever resort you choose, you really can't go wrong. If you are visiting 3-4 times a year you will save a lot of $$ by buying DVC even over AP discounts.