PLEASE help me! OKW questions

[lovemyguys]

My family and I are trying to plan our 3rd Disney trip. We are trying to pick different resorts for each trip. In 2005 we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge Concierge level. In 2007 we stayed at the Caribbean beach.
This time we are thinking about trying a studio at OKW. There will be 5 of us. Me, Dh, Ds (7yrs), Ds (5yrs) and Ds (4-5 months). Our first trip was all about going comando! Loved the trip. Our second trip was a grand gathering (18 of us) so it was very busy. This trip we just want to relax!! No 6:00 am wake up calls, no tugging the kids out of the pool b/c we are behind on our Tour Guide Mike itinerary and no Dh running through the parks to get fast passes while I push a stroller stuffed with kids, balloons and souviners. So since we wanted to come and go at our own pace this trip we thought about (actually a DIS member suggested it) staying at a villa. OKW looks very pretty. BUT, we all know how pictures on the internet can be. So if you have seen OKW, stayed at OKW or even know where I can find a OKW thread pleeeeease let me know. I would love to hear the good and the bad. Remember we would be staying in a studio, not a 1 bedroom. Also, we will be going either the May 31st-June 6th OR June 7-June 14th.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lowell317]

My now fiance and I stayed in a studio at OKW last March. We absolutely loved it. In fact, we are going back this March with a group of friends.

It is a very relaxing and calming place, especially after the craziness that can be the parks. It may not be as fancy as some of the other resorts, but we really enjoyed the theming and whatnots.



I hope that helps

 

[Deb & Bill]

You'll have two queen sized beds and a small balcony. There will be a toaster, microwave and under counter refrigerator. There should be a pack and play for the baby. No elevators except in three buildings and most of the buildings are three stories tall. They save the three buildings for persons with medical reasons.

 

[minechuchie]

Hello, We came back from our first stay at OKW a little over 3 weeks ago. We just loved it. Granted we stayed in a 2 bedroom but we had more people. We loved the overall feeling of the resort. It reminded us of a small community. We loved the pool area and gathering in the dock area to have a bite to eat at the picnic tables. I would definately go back and we are seriously thinking about staying there for our april trip. I googled OKW and came up with some great sites to look at the resort. Have fun. Terri

 

[tinkerbee]

I LOVE OKW! It is my favorite resort that I have stayed at. I love the feel of the place it is so relaxing and you don't feel like there are people every where. The studio is pretty large and its bathroom is larger than any of the other bathrooms I've had at the resorts I've stayed at other than the one bedroom at OKW. I think it is a great choice. Have fun.

 

[Dis1978]

I liked OKW a lot - loads of space, nice decor but and this is a big but, they cut the grass there at 6 a.m, when it is still dark, with an industrial sized tractor! If you are on the first floor your whole appartment shakes!! It woke us all up each day until we just couldn't stand it anymore and moved out. Such a shame cos I really liked it there.
It is not as modern as Saratoga springs - the showers certainly need replacing but it does have a lovely atmosphere. Not so good if you get the third floor with stroller though, way too many steps and not well lit at night.

 

[Deb & Bill]

They mow the grass at SSR early in the AM, too. They need to get the golf course done before the golfers start.

 

[drakethib]

OKW is a great place. It is one of our home resorts.

You may want to check the DVC threads for more info.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

We are staying at OKW in May. We went through on the bus last Feb and it is just sooooo beautiful, I trumped the family and booked it instead of SSR this trip.

 

[RAD]

If you're looking for a nice relaxing vacation then OKW is for you. I had a reservation at BWV for a 2br Boardwalk view durning Flower/Garden and we changed it at te 7 month point for OKW. Nothing like sitting out on the balcony watching the duck go up/down the waterways or the golfers hacking their way down the fairway.

The only down side IMHO is the fairly limited choices for food service, either Olivia's or Goods food to go. If you have a car that helps so you can try other places if needed.

 

[Blueyed Girl]

We stayed at OKW in Feb 2007 and are going again in Feb 2008. We planned on a studio but got upgraded to a 1 bedroom. I think OKW has the biggest rooms in all of WDW, even the studio's are bigger than the other resorts. This resort is beautiful and laid back. I think it is exactly what you are looking for. You can check out a few pictures from our last trip in my Pre-Trip Report if you'd like. Click on the blue box in my siggie. I think the pictures are either on my 1st or 2nd post. HAVE FUN!!

 

[Blueyed Girl]

Here is a picture of what you see when you first drive in....

 

[mla2177]

I have to say OKW is wonderful!!!!! We just stayed in a 2 bedroom in Sept and it was my best trip by far! It is just a very peaceful and relaxing resort. I never felt crowded and it was a nice break from the busses to take the boat to DTD.

 

[ajleone]

We stayed at OKW awhile back and I have to say its a great place to stay!! If I could afford it we'd stay there everytime.

 

[momof2minnies]

I have to say with OKW there is only GOOD no BAD! We love it!

 

[GinnyFavers]

OKW is nice. We enjoy having our own rental car here, as you can park right outside your room. No looong walks to the parking lot. Very convenient.

You can see pics at wdwinfo.com and there's a slideshow at allearsnet.com

 

[Missus Toad]

More love for OKW here! A very special and peaceful place. I'm having a hard time choosing BCV over OKW for our next visit, but the fam wants to try something different.

 

[lovemyguys]

Thank you everyone! You are all great for taking the time to answer my questions. I think OKW may be the way to go for our trip. There is a slight pull to maybe do AKL villas but the more I read about OKW the more it seems like it may be the one for us. Thanks again!!

 

[wdwfan1]

Gotta love the atmosphere and size of the villas. Just returned from a stay in a 2 bedroom and absolutely loved it. Enjoy your vacation.