Possibility OKW ST Configuration Change?

[DisneyMomOK]

Is there any way possible that DVC could change some of the Studios at OKW into one bed/couch set-ups like the other Villas? Would it be legally impossible because the Studios had two beds when OKW was originally sold?

My reason for asking is completely selfish. I hope sometime to retire and I would love to spend a few weeks every year during the winter months at WDW. Obviously points would stretch farther at OKW, but without enough points to stay in a one-bedroom, the Studio would get old fast with no "real" place to sit (as in couch). Consequently, I am wondering if selling my OKW points now, while it is still fiscally reasonable for me to do so, and start buying points in one of the other (read that "with couch in studio") villas would be a wise move. (I really believe in that "have your points where you stay" mantra.) Any advice would be appreciated very much.

Thank you.

Sharon

PS I love OKW, been a member since 1992, but I just think someday that 7 month window might not work for other properties.

 

[dianeschlicht]

But at the other resorts, you would need quite a few more points than at OKW! We prefer lounging on the bed anyway, but in reality, we don't stay in anything smaller than a 1 bedroom.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I think I remember someone else asking this question once (was it at the OKW annual meeting one year?), and the answer was, unfortunately, No, they can't change any of the studios. The reason is just as you said-legal considerations about having sold OKW with a certain studio configuration.
I'm with you, though-the one area where I prefer other resorts to OKW is in the studios, exactly because of the one bed/couch design. At other resorts, I can stretch out on the couch to watch TV. At OKW, I'm stuck sitting on the bed-feels too "hotel-y".

 

[DisneyMomOK]

Disneydiane, I also love the other (one/two/GV) Okw Villas, but I am trying to figure out a plan for the future that would be doable on limited funds. My dream would be enough OKW points to stay in a one br (much better than having a condo in Miami, which is what my boss wants). Although, after getting my latest gas bill (and I live in a state peppered with gas wells), I certainly won't be able to stay home during the winter on my retirement income.

Simba's Mom, that is what I was (unfortunately) thinking that the legalities of changing anything as significant as the room set-up would be impossible. Thanks for the response.

 

[Chuck S]

But for my family (Mom & I), the studio with two real beds draws us to OKW. If they converted "some" of the studios over, can you imagine the reservation request headaches, people complain now about handicap vs non-handicap. If someone wanted 2 beds and got 1 bed and couch (or vice-versa) that would really be a problem for some people.

Not everyone that stays in a studio is a "couple" or have "kids" to put on the couch.

If you consistently want a bed/couch studio configuration guarantee, then yes, I'd consider purchasing at another resort as the 7 month window may be harder to book in the future if several DVC resorts (especially off-site DVC resorts) were to be built over the next few years.

 

[jaysue]

How about an aerocouch?

Is there such a thing?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Use your points at a standard BWV studio. Similar points and a sofa bed.

 

[DisneyMomOK]

Too funny, jaysue, I wondered about that too. Or maybe I could just bring a comfy chair with me as luggage.

Chuck, I also love the 2 bed option in the ST, especially when my kids were small and we stayed in the ST all the time, but the other (although, I agree probably a logistic nightmare for MS) would really be nice when I was there without kids.

Deb, the smaller numbers of points for BW standard is what started me thinking about this: selling my OKW and possibly buying BWV to have that standard option in the future. I have never tried to get a standard res at BW, but aren't they very difficult to secure, even at the 11 month window?

I am just trying to figure out what would be the best way to plan for a future that included as much Disney as possible. Thanks for all the info.
\
Sharon

 

[DisneyMim]

I hope that it never changes. My family loves having two beds in the second bedroom. Nobody in my family wants to sleep on a couch. This is the main reason our favorite resort is OKW. We are the kind of people who need a good night's sleep or we don't enjoy our days and for us this means a real bed. There certainly are plenty of other DVC resorts that have one bed and a couch in the second bedroom. I feel that if that's what someone wants there are enough resorts to pick from. Please, please, please leave OKW as it is!!

 

[westjones]

We are staying in an OKW studio this summer and we are excited to try the two bed configuration. We have stayed in the studios at BCV, VWL and BWVs and the sofa (when pulled out) makes the room seem crowded. I am hoping that having the two beds gives a better feel to the room. We are excited. I hope they keep the two beds in the studios. We may be using them over and over again.

DJ

 

[bobbiwoz]

Because of the 2 beds in the studio, I think that the next time we travel with guests and want a 2 bedroom, my resort of choice will be OKW. However, for the 2 of us, I prefer the bed sofa of the studio of the other resorts.

I had to think very hard about getting OV rooms at VB for our May visit because of the 2 bed situation. We took the OV because we want to experience that. I wish some of those studios were guaranteed OV. I'd pay more for the accomodations. I don't think that you can reserve those OV rooms with a king bed. I don't understand the reason to have them if you can't request them! Of course, maybe I'm mistaking and you can't request them, does anyone know?

Bobbi

 

[Scoootch]

I'm in the crowd that likes the 2 bed set up in the studios at OKW. Every other DVC has the pull out sofa in the studio so there's plenty other DVC's to choose from if you prefer that set up. For us when we do stay in the studio though, we much prefer having a real bed to sleep on and no one gets stuck with the pull out. Plus for us we have small kids but we still need a bed rail for them and it just does not fit as easily on the pull outs (so for us right now, we end up with dh on one bed and me on the pullout each sleeping with one child or vice versa - he on the pullout and me on the bed) Although, I have to admitt, the new pull outs are MUCH improved but still not as comfy as a real bed. So I for one would be very dissappointed if they switched the configuration over...when we want the extra space and couch and whatnot we get the 1bdrm...if points do not allow, there are still several other DVC's with the other set up to choose from and as pointed out BW has one that's not too much more in points. JMO though.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I also prefer the 2 bed setup at OKW. It's nice that at least one DVC offers this option. My kids tolerate the sofa beds but much prefer the real beds. Now, if I was a single travler or with dh, then it wouldn't matter as much. But as long as there are more than 2 people in the room, we much prefer the OKW studio setup.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Sharon - staying in a studio for 2-3 weeks could end up costing more in the long run!! Could you eat for 2-3 weeks with a coffe pot, toaster and microwave? I would keep you OKW points, either buy more, or pay cash, and do the 1 bedroom, that way you can stock your kitchen, and really save on eating out!

 

[Granny]

If they converted "some" of the studios over, can you imagine the reservation request headaches, people complain now about handicap vs non-handicap. If someone wanted 2 beds and got 1 bed and couch (or vice-versa) that would really be a problem for some people.

Amen. If I were Disney, I'd design every new resort with the mantra..."How can we limit options to keep the members from complaining?"

 

[pumpkinboy]

Use your points at a standard BWV studio. Similar points and a sofa bed.

Yep, how aboutn selling the OKW points and getting a similar number at BWV? The you would have the low points cost plus the bed and couch configuration.

As for how you'd do for several weeks with just the mini-fridge, microwave and coffee pot, well, we've done it! It wasn't glamourous, but it worked for a while while we were handicap equipping our house (plus adding on 50% more floor space). Now we were out of our house for more than 10 weeks (ugh ); and we were DW, myself, DS, DD and DS's wheelchair crammed in there. And it wasn't nearly as nice as OKW. Somehow an outdoor pool near the highway in late fall in New England is not very appealing. And the Sierra Suites in Waltham (never again) can't hold a candle to OKW in terms of decor, layout and overall atmosphere.

 

[spiceycat]

you really think you are going to be able to spend a month at WDW in the winter alone.....

ever heard of grand kids....

 

[JudithM]

The subject of changing any or all of the OKW studios has come up several times over the years at the OKW annual meeting. (Simba's Mom, that might be where you heard it.) The answer is basically "no" primarily for legal reasons. OKW owners bought OKW with two beds in the studios. We were told by a DVC Board member that it would be very costly to change the legal agreements under which we all bought OKW. The legal paperwork would have to be changed in every state where OKW was/is sold.

 

[DisneyMomOK]

Sorry, I didn't mean to step on anyone's toes. I didn't think it was legally possible, but thought I would ask, since it seems there are so many experts on every aspect of DVC that congregate here. I agree that with kids or two adults that are not significant others two beds is the way to go, but I just wondered if it might be "considered/possible" at OKW. I am just trying to plan for the future and I was wondering if I should start now thinking about accumulating points somewhere besides OKW to accommodate that possibility. As I said earlier, I am sorry if my question seemed threatening to anyone. Also, I agree that staying in a St for a few weeks might not be especially luxurious , but I feel that what may seem uncomfortable for one, might not seem so to another. (I have several more years to work and decided this year to start doing more planning for the future than just a 401k, etc.)

Thank you all for your replies.

Sharon

 

[SueOKW]

I love the way you are thinking - figure out a way to stay at WDW for a loooong period of time during the winter... and yes, much better than Miami.

Good luck with your decisions and plans!