Renting points for next trip- opinions on staying somewhere new

[KandK'smom]

Hello everyone,

In our discussions about where to stay on our next trip maybe at Easter time next year, we have narrowed it down to either going back to the BCVs or trying a new DVC resort, possibly OKW. We loved BCV, but thought it may be neat to try a new place. A couple of concerns about OKW (which may or may not be warranted): transportation- given it is a busy time of year, would it be more prudent to go back to BCVs due to their great location? We will probably be going with a studio ( trying to cut costs) with the four of us- mom, dad, a son who will be 14 and a daughter who will be almost 10. I like the thought of the 2 beds in the OKW studios. That pull out couch in the BCVs was not the greatest. If we were to go with OKW, what buildings would offer the least "travel...bus time"? Any other thoughts on comparing the two resorts would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[jaysue]

The bus service at OKW has been very good during our visits last year - with all the stops, I do not think you can be very far from a bus stop at OKW

Some people try to stay near certain stops to be able to either board a bus last (for example near Hospitality House) or get off a bus first on the return etc.

OKW is less points during that time of year (and all others for that matter) and will thus cost less to rent.

I would not rule out OKW due to transportation - the buses worked fine for our trips and we did not have a car.

We like OKW (love BCV) and find it very relaxing and great to walk the grounds and the island/laid back themes at HH are a great welcome home

Good luck with your choice and remember change is good

thanks
jaysue

 

[tjkraz]

The other nice thing about OKW bus service is that you typically don't have to wait as long as other resort guests to return to your room after park closing. The All-Stars and Pop Century have thousands of guest rooms, which means a lot of people trying to get back to their resorts at once.

Same holds true for the Epcot resorts. At present, YC/BC, Swan, Dolphin and Boardwalk are all serviced by the same busses.

OKW has its own busses and in two trips we never once had to wait for a second bus to arrive in order to board.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Another thing to consider in favor of OKW -- the new "Sand Castle" pool slide should be completed. Lack of a slide appears to be a factor that has concerned families in the past. Why not try something new that way you'll know which resort you want to buy at as it appears DVC ownership is very contagious.

 

[dianeschlicht]

In 11 stays at OKW, we have never had bus problems. As others have stated, some prefer to be first or last stop. We actually prefer South Point, which is the second stop and farthest from the Hospitality House. The reason is that it is the second stop coming in and going out, so we don't have the whole route to go through after we board or before we get off.

 

[KandK'smom]

Thank you all so far for the replies. I am leaning toward OKW for the "try something new" appeal and the cheaper costs. I know that we are going to face pretty steep prices going when we are (right at Easter), so every little bit helps. Another question. I know that the studios at OKW have the two queen beds. At BCVs we had our daughter on the pull out, dad and I on the bed and our son took an aerobed. Is there room with the 2 queen beds at OKW for a full size aerobed to be used? Thanks again!

 

[Cruelladeville]

Depends on whether you are staying in a studio or a one bedroom! I would say the aerobed is a no in the OKW studio, but a definite yes in a one bedroom. OKW really shines when it comes to the one bedroom! One caution: next year Easter is March 27, which is very BAD news for trying to get ressies in the 7 month window. Many places have a floating Easter, but most of us in the midwest have a fixed week every year, the last week in March. Next year all of us are having our spring break at the same time, so the crowds will be horrendous!! Last time that happened, Tennessee became a parking lot on their expressways! People actually were out of their cars walking around, it was that bad! I stopped driving down to Florida after that!

 

[ScottOKW2K]

Originally posted by KandK'smom
Hello everyone,

(stuff deleted)
We loved BCV, but thought it may be neat to try a new place. A couple of concerns about OKW (which may or may not be warranted): transportation- given it is a busy time of year, would it be more prudent to go back to BCVs due to their great location?

I have found OKW transportation satisfactory on the last trips that we have stayed there. There may have been one or two times where we waited longer than I would have liked, but this has happened at almost all the resorts that I have stayed at.

We will probably be going with a studio ( trying to cut costs) with the four of us- mom, dad, a son who will be 14 and a daughter who will be almost 10. I like the thought of the 2 beds in the OKW studios. That pull out couch in the BCVs was not the greatest. If we were to go with OKW, what buildings would offer the least "travel...bus time"? Any other thoughts on comparing the two resorts would be greatly appreciated!!

If I remember correctly, the bus loop through OKW is as follows: Miller's Road - Peninsular Road - Turtle Pond - South Point - Hospitality house. For the "least travel bus" time you might want to request Peninsular Road. The reason : second bus stop when a bus comes into the resort loop, but a short walk to the Hospitality house which would be the last pickup before the bus leaves OKW.

I hope this helps.

 

[MrShiny]

Actually, if I were you, I'd try something really new - SSR! Just a thought.

 

[vernon]

It is possible to fit an airbed into a studio at OKW, although you may have to ask people to be a little careful if they get up in the night for a walk about LOL.

 

[Pa@okw95]

The bus service is bad at OKW, end of story there. At any rate since you are renting points I would opt for a larger room like a two bedroom where you can vacation in comfort. You have another problem with a brother and sister, meaning they need and want to sleep in a seperate bed. I would wait until you can afford a nice vacation and rent a two bedroom or rent two rooms at a modrate that have a connecting door. I rented two rooms at a moderate way back when I had the same problem you do. The bus service is better at a moderate and you have the food courts. Of course at Easter time you are going to pay a priemum for any room you rent, it is one of the busy times of year down there.