Please tell me about OKW...

[WelovMickey!]

Well today I called at the 7 month window and all they had for my dates in a 1 bedroom was OKW. Not what I was hoping for but at least I got something. What should I know about it? What building should I ask for? I would like a room that is not run down looking. I have read about this in some posts. What kind of decorations do they have in December? How is the bus system for this resort? I have lots of questions! I think this will do for now.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[dopeygirl76]

Well we just returned from 6 days at OKW in a 2BR we are on a mission to try as many DVCs as possible and this time OKW won. I was a little worried about the wear and tear I had also read about - but the biggest surprise was the size of that room!!!! So much room and the balcony actually has a patio table and 4 chairs . We were able to eat outside!! I will say that the living room furniture showed more wear than SSR and WVL but nothing I would have been upset about (and less worn than at home!!)

We had a rental car so I cannot answer about the bus. We were in building 12 (HH request) and we across the street from Olivia's/Good's and the pool. We also had a view of the golf course which DH LOVED.

We are returning in Nov with friends and hoped to change to BCV (from SSR home) at 7months but no luck - but as DH says who cares where we are if we are in Disney!!!!

 

[OKW Lover]

You are doomed.

Once you've been spoiled by a 1BR at OKW, you won't want to stay anywhere else. Going back to "just a hotel room" is a major comedown.

Seriously, you'll be amazed at how much room you have and the quality of the furnishings. DVC does a wonderful job of maintaining its facilities so there shouldn't be any problem.

If by some chance you do find something that is sub-standard, call the front desk or mousekeeping right away and they will take care of it.

I've never found a reason to request one particular building over another, but you might consider your personal preferences as to wanting a ground floor vs upper floor unit; near the hospitality house or away from it; things like that.

 

[WelovMickey!]

You are doomed.

That was funny! Thanks

 

[WelovMickey!]

Well we just returned from 6 days at OKW in a 2BR we are on a mission to try as many DVCs as possible and this time OKW won. I was a little worried about the wear and tear I had also read about - but the biggest surprise was the size of that room!!!! So much room and the balcony actually has a patio table and 4 chairs . We were able to eat outside!! I will say that the living room furniture showed more wear than SSR and WVL but nothing I would have been upset about (and less worn than at home!!)

We had a rental car so I cannot answer about the bus. We were in building 12 (HH request) and we across the street from Olivia's/Good's and the pool. We also had a view of the golf course which DH LOVED.

We are returning in Nov with friends and hoped to change to BCV (from SSR home) at 7months but no luck - but as DH says who cares where we are if we are in Disney!!!!

Thank you I am so excited now!!

 

[CWO4DVC]

Ditto.....size of OKW rooms has sold us on it being our favorite

 

[La2kw]

Well today I called at the 7 month window and all they had for my dates in a 1 bedroom was OKW. Not what I was hoping for but at least I got something. What should I know about it? What building should I ask for? I would like a room that is not run down looking. I have read about this in some posts. What kind of decorations do they have in December? How is the bus system for this resort? I have lots of questions! I think this will do for now.

Thanks!!!!!

OKW is not a ghetto, don't worry. I have been staying there for 15 years and have not had a "run down" room yet.

 

[WelovMickey!]

OKW is not a ghetto, don't worry. I have been staying there for 15 years and have not had a "run down" room yet.

Ooookay This being my first time as a DVC owner I just didn't want it to be disappointed LOL! But I am sure with all the wonderful posts I got, it will be GREAT!!

 

[WelovMickey!]

OKW is not a ghetto, don't worry. I have been staying there for 15 years and have not had a "run down" room yet.

Awesome Christmas pictures of OKW!! I check out your link. It looks fabulous! I have to go and finish reading it. Thanks

 

[iluveeyore]

We are returning to OKW 2 bedroom with friends that went with us two years ago. We tried to convince them to try the new Kidani 2 bedroom (they visited the AKL with us last trip), but they loved OKW so much - the space, the large patio, the pool, Community Hall, the DVC ferry, etc. - that they insisted we stay there again! No complaints from us since it's our favourite too. Enjoy! We like anything with a water view because we all love feeding the ducks our left over bread at the end of our trip.

 

[deva]

We stayed at OKW for the first time about a month ago and loved it. We were in a 2br in the Turtle Pond area - nice and quiet overllooking the golf course with a quiet book/snack bar right there. Kids loved the main pool and sand.

We are going back in June - this time in a 1BR and were set on OKW again, but all they had was the HH booking category. Having heard some issues about 1Br's and bathrooms, I called the resort directly to get the right story. According to the resort CM, The HH category buildings (something like 30 and below)are the oldest buildings and were designed with the bathroom off the master with no access to the bathroom except through the bedroom. We are actually putting our kids in the bedroom so we can be up in the kitchen/family room so this setup is not good for us. A lot of people like HH because it is walking distance to the pool, but the bathroom issue would have been a big deal for us. The CM said that the newer buidlings (non HH booking category) don't have this issue with the 1BR bath.

 

[ammo]

OKW is not a ghetto, don't worry. I have been staying there for 15 years and have not had a "run down" room yet.

We love OKW. But I had to comment on your links (thanks to the OP's comments) -- I was pleasantly surprised by your pictures and the price of the HGVC. That looks like a nice consolation prize if you lack the points to spend an entire vacation in a DVC resort. Thanks for info.

And now back to praise for OKW...

 

[dopeygirl76]

I almost forgot one of the best parts - as reminded by DD5 - the slide at the main pool!!! Her and DH spent quite a bit of time in the pool and she LOVED that slide!!! Oh and the play area - sand!!!! Any kids LOVES to play in sand and the playground, sand area and kiddie pool are all together - very well thought out!!

 

[Cee]

It took us so long to finally stay there and now that we have, it's one of our most favorite resorts. It's wonderful and beautiful. You will not be disappointed.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

You are doomed.

Truer words, were never spoken!

OKW is my favorite! For us it's always a 2 bedroom. This June the kids wanted BWV because of Star Wars etc., so no OKW for me. I tried for a least one night and got waitlisted, however great news, they filled my waitlist today. OKW Jun 7, can't wait for Olivia's Turkey Sandwich and the Pool!

I just take whatever building they give me, so far I've never been disapointed with the view or the area. We drive in but use the buses and It's convenient and other than one incident trying to make it back from TL, we've never encountered long waits.

Enjoy your stay, go into it with a positive attitude! I hope you love OKW as much as we do!

 

[BraveMom3]

My three children and I are going to be trying OKW 1 bedroom for the first time late June/early July for 4 nights. We were "forced" to change after daughter's dance schedule messed up our original ressies. I'm looking forward to trying it out. Hope the bathroom entry situation won't be a big problem.

 

[circhead]

I've only stayed at OKW once but my son has stayed there 3 times. We all love the size of the room, the views, the quietness of the resort. well thought out and peaceful. The patio/balcony area is wonderful.

This is one of my favorite resorts especially if we are doing a non-park or few park days vacation. I swear the 2bdrm is larger than my house.

I've stayed at all of the DVC resorts except AK and IMO I'd rather be at OKW than SSR. There is something about the ambiance of OKW that I think SSR is missing I don't know what can't put my finger on it but I wouldn't complain if OKW is where I was staying. Loved it!

 

[DizGirl20]

We were just at OKW in January and I have to say that we are now considering buying into DVC b/c of our stay! The 1 bedroom was HUGE!

My important tip ---> if you like peace and quiet, ask for a bldg that is NOT next to a community pool. We were in building 55 (as suggested by The Unofficial Guide as their #1 choice) and it was next to a community pool. Very noisy at night (pools are open until midnight). When we go again, I am requesting to be AWAY from a community pool.

Also, rent a car if you can afford to. We took the bus once and it was fine but I just liked knowing I could hop in the car at any time and get to where we needed to go.

You will love it - wish I was going!

 

[HarrietSLP]

This is absolutely our FAVORITE DVC resort! The rooms are so much more spacious than the other resorts and we love the overall atmosphere. My husband refuses to stay anywhere else on WDW property.

 

[Cinderella1122]

Thank you for starting this thread! I am staying at OKW in july becuse it was the only resort left when my extended family decided they wanted to go on their first WDW trip.

After reading all of this praise, I think i'm more excited about staying at OKW than my ressie for kidani village in December!