Optimal location at OKW Resort?

[Ken the Retired Cop]

We are wanting to request buildings 23 or 62 for our upcoming trip and would like to know everyone's feedback on those two specific buildings. We know these are requests and are not guaranteed, but please give us any opinions you have on these two particular buildings. Thanks.

 

[TrudyZ]

Ken:

Let me pass along some wisdom I have learned from the OKW pro's on this board:

1. It is much, much better to request the type of features you want instead of building numbers. By those numbers, I have really no clear picture of what you are looking for--neither will Members Services; other than it seems you want to be near the hospitality house.

What about smoking vs. non-smoking (only certain buildings are smoking--23 may be one of them??)? Bus stop location important to you? How about view? How about doing steps (none of the OKW buildings except for the last few ones built have elevators)? Do you have any medical needs? Also remember that some members have reported that being near the hospitality house sometimes means searching for parking also (the spaces fill up do to the restaurant, pool, activities, etc.) Just a few things to think about.


2. There are really no bad buildings at OKW--really. Some people just have different likes/dislikes and find certain buildings that suit them better. There are many long term members who post here who do not ever ask for a particular building (our very own Webmaster Doc being one of them if my memory serves me correctly); and they report that they have never been disapointed. I don't think I have seen any posts recently (other than asking for some of the vegatiation to be cut down--and then there were those who liked it) blasting one building or another.

And, I have seen this question asked several times over the last year; and once the members give there preferences, you will see that there is no one clear cut answer--members seem to like the Hospitality House area, Turtle pond road area, South point, Miller's Road area, and *****ular road area--that basically covers the whole resort!

Trudy

 

[mzzbuzzlightyear]

Hi,

We have stayed in Building 62 twice, both times in a 2 bedroom. We liked the area very much since it is so near the Hospitality House. ( Since we liked #62 so much I requested it the second time.)

DH, DD, DS-in-law, 4 DGS and I found it very easy to go to the pool, Hank's, Olivia's, and to get the bus. We also loved to get right on the boat to Downtown Disney; returning at night with 4 little boys was much easier when you are so close.

There! Now you've gone and made me homesick! LOL!

Enjoy!
June

 

[Richyams]

I have stayed in 8 or 9 different Grand Villas since '92. Never the same one twice. Each location had its good qualites. We still never request a location.

 

[Ken the Retired Cop]

I guess what the prime request we have would be literally building 23 or 62. I don't think that's being unreasonable, especially since the trip will be in September (value) and is also 9 mos. away. But I hate to put near hospitality house and end up in building 11 or 15 which we do not want to be in as they don't offer good views as to what we would like.

I was trying to narrow it down a bit instead of saying: either 62, 64 or 23. I figured I would list the two buildings we really want most (I'm basing that on the best water view and best location to HH).

Those two buildings are already non-smoking so I feel that's a moot point to list as a request, but I can still list it.

Bottom line, we'll make the requests, fax a few days prior and then just see what happens I guess. I know they aren't guaranteed, but we can shoot for the stars I suppose.

What's the chance on getting those dang trees cut down that seem to block a good part of 23 and even 62 as well as the other surrounding buildings ...... just a thought

 

[Chuck S]

I've never had a bad location at OKW in the 10 years we've owned. My least favorite area, though, is Miller's Road since they new buildings were built and they took out the back walkway

 

[DebbieB]

Bottom line, we'll make the requests, fax a few days prior and then just see what happens I guess. I know they aren't guaranteed, but we can shoot for the stars I suppose.

This is where I think faxing can be a good idea. You can list your first requests on your reservation, but list alternatives in your fax in case your first request isn't available.

I requested buildings 23 to 26 on our first trip to OKW and got 26 on the end close to 25. We really liked it, it had both a pond and and golf course green view. And an easy walk to the HH.

Trudy - the road is Peninsular. If you forget the second "n" your first 5 letters get censored!

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by Ken the Retired Cop
We are wanting to request buildings 23 or 62 for our upcoming trip and would like to know everyone's feedback on those two specific buildings.

The folks who assign rooms at OKW will only be able to satisfy your request if:

• Someone is checking out of the particular unit size (studio, 1BR, 2BR or Grand Villa) in one of those two buildings on the day that you'll be checking in;
• And that unit has not already been assigned to someone else -- perhaps to someone who made a reservation even earlier than you did.

If the conditions above aren't met, then how will they know what your preferences are?

Keep in mind that you're not slotted into a particular room at the time you make your reservation. (That would result in very inefficient room assignment, with many rooms empty for a day or two between such pre-assigned dates.) Instead, you'll be assigned a room a few days before you arrive, based upon anticipated check-outs.

If something is important to you (smoking preference, type of view, distance to pool or bus stop, which floor, "neighborhood"), make sure to make the request when you make your reservations. Keep the list short to meke sure you get what's important to you.

 

[Andrea T]

Hi Ken...I called member services today. But by now you've probably received my e-mail and know that. I'm actually just posting so you can see that I try to stay active on this board! Happy New Year to all! Andrea

 

[Ken the Retired Cop]

Thank you so much Andrea! You have been most pleasant to do business with! Our family will very much look forward to our upcoming vacation at OKW !!!

 

[TrudyZ]

Debbie:

Must have been a Freudian slip

Trudy

 

[dianeschlicht]

Just another voice to say requesting only specific buildings may insure not getting your choice. It is fine to request specific buildings, but also include the reasons you want those buildings ie, smoking, location, etc.