Resort Input -- OKW or VWL

[hvanes]

We are a family of 7 and go to WDW every 2 years in July. We fell in love with the villas a couple of trips ago as we like to cook some meals and enjoy having space to spread out during the afternoon break we all need. We've stayed at Bay Lake and at Saratoga Springs. We liked Saratoga much more than we expected having been in the luxury of BLT -- loved the quietness of it, away from the craziness of the parks, etc. Liked the stroll to Disney Springs too. Our major issue was the "living room" space was so limited.

We went to Yellowstone last summer, so we'd committed ourselves to staying at VWL this time. But when I started crunching numbers, I can't help but wonder if it's really worth the extra $1000 it will cost compared to, say, OKW. We love the idea of being close to MK and getting to see the water parade. It also looks like dining options are superior.

Besides saving a thousand bucks, what I like about OKW is the spaciousness. The 2-br at VWL has the tiniest table, plus the same 2-seater couch and one chair that Saratoga had. I am having a hard time finding any testimonials for the 2-br at OKW... information in general on that resort seems to be the most limited. I realize that it's huge and spread out, and I did find some building request suggestions. What's the likelihood that we'd get what we request?

Because we do like to drive to the parks, we don't really want to have to park out in the boondocks. If someone could weigh in on parking at each resort, that would be great. Any other input is welcomed too! Thank you in advance.

 

[Hopefully]

We are a family of 7 and go to WDW every 2 years in July. We fell in love with the villas a couple of trips ago as we like to cook some meals and enjoy having space to spread out during the afternoon break we all need. We've stayed at Bay Lake and at Saratoga Springs. We liked Saratoga much more than we expected having been in the luxury of BLT -- loved the quietness of it, away from the craziness of the parks, etc. Liked the stroll to Disney Springs too. Our major issue was the "living room" space was so limited.

We went to Yellowstone last summer, so we'd committed ourselves to staying at VWL this time. But when I started crunching numbers, I can't help but wonder if it's really worth the extra $1000 it will cost compared to, say, OKW. We love the idea of being close to MK and getting to see the water parade. It also looks like dining options are superior.

Besides saving a thousand bucks, what I like about OKW is the spaciousness. The 2-br at VWL has the tiniest table, plus the same 2-seater couch and one chair that Saratoga had. I am having a hard time finding any testimonials for the 2-br at OKW... information in general on that resort seems to be the most limited. I realize that it's huge and spread out, and I did find some building request suggestions. What's the likelihood that we'd get what we request?

Because we do like to drive to the parks, we don't really want to have to park out in the boondocks. If someone could weigh in on parking at each resort, that would be great. Any other input is welcomed too! Thank you in advance.

OKW has the largest Villas on property. The living room is a nice size & has a pull out sleep sofa & a love seat & a sleepers chair. The 2nd bedroom will have 2 queen beds. There are full size washer and dryer in a real laundry room. Parking is right outside your Villa not in a distant lot like at VWL.

 

[hvanes]

This is really helpful, Hopefully. Thanks!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Most of the buildings at OKW do not have elevators. Only three do and they are usually reserved for guests with medical needs. There are two booking categories on point stays, but only one on cash stays. Booking categories include Near Hospitality House area ( Bldg 11-14 and 23-26) and all the rest. Cash reservations usually get all the rest.

The OKW living room has a large round table with four chairs as well as a large round table with four chairs on the porch. Yes, porch, not a balcony.
We've owned at OWK since 1997 and have stayed there at least 15 times or more. We love the space and the quietness of OKW. It's a way to get away from all the noise and frustrations of the theme parks.

 

[lsyorke]

I love OKW! I've stayed at all the DVC resorts and while lovely the layout of the newer villas are just way to small for my liking. The space at OKW, especially with a larger group, is worth it. I love being able to park outside the door and sitting on the patio or balcony and actually having a table to sit at that accommodates 4 people. We also have a car, but I don't find the bus transportation at OKW to be a problem.

 

[hvanes]

Bill & Deb -- We'll be doing a cash reservation, so you're saying that we will probably NOT be near the hospitality house?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Bill & Deb -- We'll be doing a cash reservation, so you're saying that we will probably NOT be near the hospitality house?

Correct. You'll probably be in another building other than 11-14 and 23-26. You could request Peninsular Road which could give you 27-29, right near the Peninsular Road bus stop and just across the bridge from the Hospitality House.