Please Help!! Bwv Or Okw

[disneyvacalover]

I really need help from all you experts. We are renting DVC points in Feb. We have a choice of staying in a studio at BWV or OKW. We are a family of 5 (includes a 2 yo). A great pool and counter service food near the pool is VERY important. I have read that BW doesn't offer much for counter service for resort guests. I like the idea of staying so close to Ecot and MGM but don't know if it's worth sacraficing a counter service location. I also like the idea of a bigger room and 2 queen beds.
But I love the thought of staying on the Boardwalk. Please help!!!

 

[spiceycat]

BWV generally has queen bed and double sleeper sofa.
being in walking distance to Epcot and studio generally more than makes up for that - but a family of 5.

I would say OKW - the 2 queen beds would definitely make it easier to sleep at night.

no one would have to pull out the sleeper sofa and the crib. just the crib.

OKW pool is fine. and yes there is counter service next to the main pool. that say it is outside.

there is another pool - turtle's pond that has limited counter service as well - plus 2 other pools.

 

[mprewitt]

I prefer BWV over OKW. Yes, OKW has larger rooms, but BWV is on the Boardwalk and next to both Epcot and Disney Studios. OKW is more laid back (more of a condo/townhouse feel).

I like BWV so much that I picked it as one of my home resorts!

However, I'll also be at OKW in a short while, as my signature says below...

 

[jakenjess]

I've stayed at both and love them both, for different reasons. In your situation I think I'd go with OKW. If counter service near the pool is very important, you won't get that at BWV, but you will at OKW. Also the size of the rooms, with your family the layout at OKW will probably work better for you. Both resorts are wonderful, so I can see why you're having a tough time with your decision! Good luck!

 

[Deb & Bill]

If counter service is that important to you, I wouldn't stay at either. Neither has a food court and what is there for counter service is very limited. I would choose OKW over BWV for a family of four (plus one) because of the two queen beds vs the one queen bed and one double sleeper sofa.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

I have never stayed at BWV, but I just got back from OKW. I would pick BWV over OKW in a heartbeat!

It would be all about the location for me though - I would love being able to walk home to the Boardwalk after Illuminations or Fantasmic.

 

[grumpy.uncle]

I have stayed at both. Must say that I didn't use the pool at OKW so don't know how it is. The pool at BW is very kid friendly w/ a separate area for toddlers. There is a bar next to pool, but not sure if any food is served there. As a PP said, the difference is that OKW feels like staying in a condo, while you definitely feel the resort atmosphere at BWV. If you can afford it, you might consider the 1-br unit at BWV. This will give you a larger bath area w/ a vanity and large jet tub in one room and a separate shower, toilet, and pedestal sink in the other room. You will also have a full kitchen, a w/d in your room and a separate bedroom. The couch pulls out for your 2nd bed. They have installed brand new hide-a-beds that are easy to use once you have read the instructions. We always request a BW view so that we have a room overlooking the lake. I love it there. Love to get up early and sit out on the porch to watch people as the day begins. If you end up in the studio at BWV, it will be a tighter fit for 5 of you, but you will have a kitchenette w/ a mini fridge, coffeemaker, toaster, and sink. I love the BW for the convenience of 2 parks close by and the overall atmosphere. You are also w/i walking or boating to 4 other resorts w/ many other dining and shopping options. You don't want to miss Beaches n' Cream at the YC. Have fun!

 

[Eeyore2003]

Very hard decision, but if you choose OKW, request a room near the main buildings. That way you will have the main pool, main restaurant, snack bar and bus stop right there.

We prefer BWV, but have stayed at both several times.
There are places to get counter service food on the Boardwalk. Pizza from Spoodles window, also the Boardwalk Bakery has not only bakery, but breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches and fruit platters.

I would say transportation is more convenient at BWV, but I also have always thought that Disney Transportation take VERY good care of their OKW people and the busses are very prompt and the line for OKW is usually one of the first at the parks.

 

[helenabear]

With all you have said I would definitely take OKW. With a family of 5 and using the pack n play, you will need the extra room. The bathroom area at BWV for a studio is teeny tiny and not very good IMO. The bathroom at OKW is far superior. Also the counter service at the pool is definitely better than at BWV.

I do love the location of BWV, but I really think you will be miserable in the rooms at BWV vs OKW.

 

[las3888]

I have stayed at both with a 2 y/o in tow as well. Neither has great counter service options. The one at OKW is very small with limited selection, plus if you arenot located near the hospitality house, it will be a bus or car ride or a long walk away to get anything. There are a handful of counter service type options on the boardwalk (a pizza stand, hot dog stand, bakery), but neither resort really offers a true convenient food court. If you can work around it, I get the feeling you would prefer BWV for its location (which is FANTASTIC), so I would go for it. I do love OKW too, the rooms are HUGe and with 5 that would be a nice advantage.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[disney-super-mom]

I would go ahead and reserve whichever sounds better to you, but if a great pool and counter service is wanted/needed, maybe you should be put on a wait list for WLV. I know it's not close to Epcot and MGM, but it does have a nice counter service place, and a very nice pool too (although in my opinion, all the DVC resorts have great pools).

Just another option for you to think about.

 

[disneyvacalover]

THANK YOU EVERYONE for your responses and input. I think we are going to do OKW. The room size just seems like it will be better for us. I hope I am not disappointed.
THANKS!