Please reassure me about OKW & Swan!

[WDW Poly Princess]

I'm all booked to go to WDW in just over a month, with my stay split between an OKW studio, and a room at the Swan. However, it just feels weird not staying at my usual favorites! (I couldn't book more than 60 days out, so no AP discounts for me! ) I've never gone without staying at either the WL or the Polynesian (or both!), and I'm afraid it just won't feel like Disney without visiting my "homes!" I know a lot of people here love the Swan, and OKW looks really pretty, so I'm sure it will still be great, but it's hard to convince myself of that!

Any positive experiences with these two resorts? Am I just crazy for being nervous?

 

[bavaria]

I had such a great OKW stay in April that I ended up buying DVC!!! ]

I loved the peaceful nature of the place, sitting on the balcony watching the ducks, etc. It was like a really quiet version of POR, one of my favourite resorts.

Check out the DVC planning thread for some good feedback - hope you enjoy!

 

[jakenjess]

We had always stayed at MK resorts until our trip last June, when we tried the BC and loved it! We have never stayed at the Swan, but that whole area is so much fun and the location is terrific!

We joined DVC during our June trip, and in Sept. we stayed at OKW. I have to say I was a little nervous about it, since it's so spread out and not in a location I was used to. We were so impressed! Even though our room was about as far away from the Hospitality House as you could get, it was still a wonderful location. We were steps from the bus stop and a very short walk to a quiet pool. It was very peaceful and relaxing. I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[wanna-b-Tink]

Am I just crazy for being nervous?

yes! you are!

 

[Sammie]

Have no experience with the Swan but have stayed at OKW many times and enjoyed each visit.

The new Sandcastle slide at the main pool is great fun and the rooms at OKW are very nice.

 

[robinb]

Any positive experiences with these two resorts? Am I just crazy for being nervous?

I don't think you're crazy! I am "nervous" if I'll like a resort every time I try a new one, even the Polynesian and the WL .

I think of OKW as CBR's big brother. The rooms are bigger and the resort is more spread out. But, unlike CBR, you'll have a balcony with a small table and 2 chairs. I own at OKW and I have stayed there many times. When we return to our resort, we really feel at "home" and away from the parks. Honestly, no other resort feels "away from it all" than OKW. No, it's not in the middle of the action. And yeas, it's a long way to the main pool. BUT if you have a car you can park right in front of your unit. No walking forever through hallways.

The Swan, OTOH, is in the middle of it Epcot/Boardwalk/MGM. The rooms are big and the beds are fantastic! You will love it! The pool is very nice, but I thought a bit of a walk from the hotel.

I think you made a couple of very nice choices. You'll have a great time!

 

[Eeyore2003]

You have chosen two of our favorite places. Although the Contemporary has "sentimental value", and we would perhaps like to stay there again sometime. OKW and the Epcot area really can't be beat. OKW is so layed back, so relaxing and has such a "homey" feel, and Disney really seems to "take care of' their OKW people. Good bus service both to and from parks, boat ride to DD and even though Olivia's is the only restaurant, it's one of our "secret gems". Delicious food, quiet, layed back, friendly atmosphere.

Although we haven't stayed at the Swan, we've stayed at the BWI and BWV. We love the area, especially nice off season, cuz everything in that area stays open the latest. Walking around the lake is really pretty, the boat goes to MGM and EPCOT. We usually take it, since we're "way up there" in our early 50's and it's nice to relax after walking around the parks. Lots of great restaurants right at your fingertips. You have absolutely NO reason to worry at ALL. You'll have a WONDERFUL time!!! It's DISNEY!!!

 

[beccasmom]

We own at OKW and absolutely adore it! I think you will truly enjoy your stay and be spoiled for more! I've never stayed at the Swan, so I really can't comment, but it looks like a great resort.

 

[disneyholic family]

we LOVE OKW.....we've stayed there 3 times, always in a 2 BR...
it's a wonderful place...the CMs are fantastic (i love the way they're always welcoming me home)...
and i love the theming....and i love the feeling of seclusion...like you're in your own gated vacation community...
this past summer we had a villa by one of the quiet pools and by the bus stop...that was very convenient....we popped out the door and straight into the pool.....really nice...

did i mention how much we love OKW?