Question for OKW experts

[diberry]

If you were asked to give advice, tips, helpful hints etc to someone (such as me!!) who had just booked their first stay at OKW, what would you say???

 

[bfrosty]

=))

Well, we are staying in October in a studio by the hospitality house...which kind of sounds like not so peaceful rooms? Is this really a good location?

I've heard that you can take a boat ride to downtown disney. That's cool.

Olivia's is a restaurant that many cast members go to eat at...per DVC Cast Member.

I've also heard that it is very peaceful, laid back atmosphere.

So, I"m looking forward to 4 nights at OKW and 4nights at BCV.

Bfrosty

 

[chalee94]

here's the OKW lovers' thread for more info.

 

[CraftyMouse]

I would tell them to make sure they take the boat from OKW to Downtown Disney at least once. It's a beautiful ride.

 

[RCharnay]

We love the quiet. I'm a huge WDW lover but I have to say that hanging out on the balcony at OKW is my favorite part of the day. No better place to enjoy an early morning coffee before the day begins.
We also love the walk to DTD. Although it might be a bit more crowded now that the treehouses are going to be occupied!
OKW has a nice pool, a nice restaurant and beautiful landscaping. And its great to park right outside your room!

 

[Laxmom]

I would say, use the buses to get to the main pool and HH. We were in Turtle Pond and loved it but the resort is so big that it is a haul to get to the HH, Olivia's and the main pool area. Especially in the heat of July. So, we would hop any bus at the bus stop closest to our room and get off at the last stop, which is always HH. To come back, you walk across the bridge to the Penninsular Rd. stop, always the first stop, and ride back. It worked out really well since you weren't waiting for a particular bus.

The boat to DTD is a great ride. Boat leaves every 30 minutes or so from the dock at HH. First stop is SSR so you can hop off an view the models of AKV and maybe, BLT. Check your perks for the hours of member's open house.

 

[canes96]

I would tell them to make sure they take the boat from OKW to Downtown Disney at least once. It's a beautiful ride.

Ditto... definetly a beautiful ride DTD

 

[dianeschlicht]

First of all, if you are staying in a 1,2 or 3 bedroom villa, think about a couple of things that might be important to you. For example: do you want golf course, water or woods view? Will you have someone using the living room as a bedroom? Do you have mobility issues?

The view thing is easy....just request what appeals most to you.
If someone will be using the living room for sleeping, you will want anything building 30 or higher, since the buildings under number 30 do not have access to the bathroom except through the master bedroom....not handy for the master couple. If you have mobilitiy issues, you will want to request either 1st floor or elevator building because only 3 buidings at OKW have elevators.

Then enjoy the vacation home type atmosphere of the little community that is OKW. Olivia's is a great place to eat, and there are 4 pools and hot tubs throughout the resort with each also having a child's play area. There are tennis courts, workout room, golf available, shuffle board, game room, movie rentals (free to members) etc, etc.

The best thing about OKW is the HUGE accommodations! The living room/kitchen/dining area is so spacious and open, and we LOVE the huge porches with the table and 4 chairs for having our morning meal and watching the wildlife that abounds there.

As mentioned previously, the boat ride to DTD is a must do, and there is also a walkway you can take during daylight hours. Don't take the walk to DTD after dark though....It's not lighted, and it follows the canal, so it could be a bit wet should you take a wrong turn!

 

[diberry]

First of all, if you are staying in a 1,2 or 3 bedroom villa, think about a couple of things that might be important to you. For example: do you want golf course, water or woods view?

We're having a studio and I've read that they're often dark due to the lush vegetation. Do you think we should think about changing to a 1 bedroom villa or is it possible to request a studio not on the ground floor?

 

[Chuck S]

If a studio with 2 queens fills your needs, there is no need to move up to a one bedroom. While the one bedroom would certainly give you more room, and a full kitchen, we usually alternate every other stay between studios and one bedrooms at OKW. If we're in a one bedroom, we tend to do more actual cooking in the room. In a studio it is usually a quick breakfast of fruit, cereal and toast.

You can request upper floor studios, located on all 3 floors at OKW. Remember, though that only bldgs 62, 63 and 64 have elevators, all others have stairs only, but they have a gentle rise, with a landing every 1/2 flight.

 

[diberry]

You can request upper floor studios, located on all 3 floors at OKW.

That's a perfect answer - thank you! There'll only be the 2 of us and we have free dining so only need a studio really. I like the idea of being able to have coffee and breakfast on the balcony - sounds blissful!! I'll ask for a second floor studio when we check in.