Please suggest a building for me at OKW

[lazydazy8]

This will be our first trip to OKW this October. I've been told it's HUGE!

We'd like to be near a pool with a bar (maybe one that provides snacks as well). It doesn't have to be the main pool, unless only the main pool has a bar.

Also, are the balconies large enough for 4 to sit? Are the first floor patios larger? My brother and his girlfriend are coming along so we hope to do some relaxing after putting the kids to bed.

If none of this applies but you loved a specific spot, please also tell me about it.

TIA!

 

[Disney_Villain]

Sounds like you want to be near the Hospitality House and the main pool for what amenities you want. See the map for neighboring villas:

http://willcad.org/maps/resorts/resort_okw.jpg

 

[lazydazy8]

Sounds like you want to be near the Hospitality House and the main pool for what amenities you want. See the map for neighboring villas:

http://willcad.org/maps/resorts/resort_okw.jpg

Does OKW name their buildings, or should I just ask for the building #?

Also, does anyone know where the the boat to Downtown picks up? I can't seem to see it on the map...

Thank you!

 

[kda]

You need to be near the Hospitality House to be able to consistently have snacks and a bar at the main pool. Villas in that area are a separate booking category, so you'll know if you've secured a room in that section or not when the reservation is made. There's a snack bar at the Turtle Pond pool, but it's open significantly less hours, and I honestly can't remember if it serves liquor or not. The other pool areas don't have any type of snack bar.

OR, you can stay anywhere in the resort and simply jump on the first bus that comes along and get off at the hospitality house ...... but always be sure to verify with the driver that they're planning to stop there. When ready to return to your room, just walk across the street to the first bus stop and get on the first bus that comes.

The ferry stops at the HH.

Buildings don't have names ...... request a general location. The balconies for the 1 and 2 BRs at OKW are especially comfortable. They have a round table and 4 chairs, so 4 can sit very comfortably. The balconies off the studios are smaller...... ok for 2, and I don't remember if there's even a table. The 'patios' in the buildings we've stayed in are simply a balcony that's on the ground floor (inclosed sides, etc), so they're the same size. We prefer an upper floor because some of the ground floor patios have more vegetation around them, and we think the view is better from the 2nd floor. Most buildings don't have elevators.

Hope you enjoy OKW as much as we do. It's very, very relaxing. Yes, it's big, but it seems that most buildings are just a few minutes walk to the bus stop or a pool.

 

[kda]

Sorry .... double post

 

[lazydazy8]

You need to be near the Hospitality House to be able to consistently have snacks and a bar at the main pool. Villas in that area are a separate booking category, so you'll know if you've secured a room in that section or not when the reservation is made. There's a snack bar at the Turtle Pond pool, but it's open significantly less hours, and I honestly can't remember if it serves liquor or not. The other pool areas don't have any type of snack bar.

OR, you can stay anywhere in the resort and simply jump on the first bus that comes along and get off at the hospitality house ...... but always be sure to verify with the driver that they're planning to stop there. When ready to return to your room, just walk across the street to the first bus stop and get on the first bus that comes.

The ferry stops at the HH.

Buildings don't have names ...... request a general location. The balconies for the 1 and 2 BRs at OKW are especially comfortable. They have a round table and 4 chairs, so 4 can sit very comfortably. The balconies off the studios are smaller...... ok for 2, and I don't remember if there's even a table. The 'patios' in the buildings we've stayed in are simply a balcony that's on the ground floor (inclosed sides, etc), so they're the same size. We prefer an upper floor because some of the ground floor patios have more vegetation around them, and we think the view is better from the 2nd floor. Most buildings don't have elevators.

Hope you enjoy OKW as much as we do. It's very, very relaxing. Yes, it's big, but it seems that most buildings are just a few minutes walk to the bus stop or a pool.

What do you mean by booking category? I booked on the 7 month day of our trip (we own at SSR). They didn't say anything to me about it when I called. Should I have requested it then or will they give precedence to those that booked earlier?

Thank you for your help! I am really looking forward to relaxing at OKW! That is a key objective for this trip!

 

[Chuck S]

Near Hospitality House at OKW is a separate booking category, just like Boardwalk View at the BWV. You must have a reservation in that category, which includes bldg 11 to 14 and 23 to 26.

Call member services and ask if your reservation is in the Hospitality area category, if it is not, perhaps they have it available and can switch it. If not, chances are very, very slim any rooms in that category will be available when you check-in.

If the HH category is not available, your next best option is to request bldgs 15 to 16 or 27 to 29. Bldg 62 to 64 are also close to HH, but as they are the only buildings at OKW with elevators, they are often held for medical requests.

Also, the trash rooms at OKW are located underneath one of the stairwells in each builings. Most buidling have more than one stairwell, so you may need to look for it. If you are in a studio, the laundry rooms are located by each pool.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Here is the map that shoes the buildings, bus stops and also the Hospitality House booking catagory. If you did not already book in the Hospitality House catagory, any bus will take you there from any bus stop. Our preferred buildings are 45, 46, 16 and 15. Buildings 15 and 16 are easily witin quick walking to HH and the main pool and bar. Buildings 45 and 46 are a bit of a walk, but absolutely te BEST views and location.

 

[lazydazy8]

Here is the map that shoes the buildings, bus stops and also the Hospitality House booking catagory. If you did not already book in the Hospitality House catagory, any bus will take you there from any bus stop. Our preferred buildings are 45, 46, 16 and 15. Buildings 15 and 16 are easily witin quick walking to HH and the main pool and bar. Buildings 45 and 46 are a bit of a walk, but absolutely te BEST views and location.

This is very helpful thank you... Am I assuming correctly that the ferry is on the south end of the map (I can't find it mapped)?

You'd think the CM would have told me about booking categories when I called, no?

I'll call tomorrow and make my requests!

Thanks again!

 

[dianeschlicht]

This is very helpful thank you... Am I assuming correctly that the ferry is on the south end of the map (I can't find it mapped)?

You'd think the CM would have told me about booking categories when I called, no?

I'll call tomorrow and make my requests!

Thanks again!

No, the ferry is up by the HH and the main pool. I suspect you were not offered the hospitality house booking catagory because it was likely not available. Most of those rooms will likely be booked at 11 months.

 

[DebbieB]

This is very helpful thank you... Am I assuming correctly that the ferry is on the south end of the map (I can't find it mapped)?

You'd think the CM would have told me about booking categories when I called, no?

I'll call tomorrow and make my requests!

Thanks again!

I suspect both were not available if they didn't mention it. Since near HH is only 8 buildings, it was probably already booked.

 

[maciec]

I have a question......is the only way to get to the main pool from those buildings lower on the map than 23, to go up through the jogging trail or is there a bridge somewhere closer?

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have a question......is the only way to get to the main pool from those buildings lower on the map than 23, to go up through the jogging trail or is there a bridge somewhere closer?

All of the roadways in OKW have side walks on them...no seperate jogging paths. The easiest way to get to HH from anywhere a distance away is to go to the nearest bus stop and catch the first bus that comes along. All buses stop at HH last.

 

[maciec]

All of the roadways in OKW have side walks on them...no seperate jogging paths. The easiest way to get to HH from anywhere a distance away is to go to the nearest bus stop and catch the first bus that comes along. All buses stop at HH last.

ok, I was going by the map that has a "jogging trail" marked. I guess that's there "suggested" pathway if you were going to run at the resort.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Much of that marked jogging trail is sidewalk. Only a small portion of it is not.

 

[Sabor]

If you cant get HH booking -- you could request Near Turtle Pond , there is a Bar/Snack shop by the pool - We go late September - early October almost every year and there have been times it has been open and times it has been not.

But Building 41 is our favorite - 423 and 43 are nice too , we prefer the TP pool to the Main one

 

[Chuck S]

If you cant get HH booking -- you could request Near Turtle Pond , there is a Bar/Snack shop by the pool - We go late September - early October almost every year and there have been times it has been open and times it has been not.

But Building 41 is our favorite - 423 and 43 are nice too , we prefer the TP pool to the Main one

The Turtle Shack at the Turtle Pond Pool is listed as "seasonal", though it is usually open. It is not a full service bar/snack bar. They have pre-packaged items for foods, like salads and sandwiches. And I think their "adult" beverage offerings are limited, too.