Rides, Slides, Eats & Meets Oct DISmeet Trip. 5/6-Ch 14 Closing Thoughts

[Poolrat]

My spidey senses told an update was coming....

 

[marvali]

Actually was working on an update earlier today so maybe later today but time for major housecleaning for now. Thanks to everyone for the, uh encouragement.......

 

[marvali]

Duplicate Post

 

[marvali]

Chapter 3 – Let's Get Moving.....to OKW!



My goal for moving day was to arrive at OKW around 10:00am. Hopefully our room would be ready and we could move right in and then head to AK in time to enjoy some of the park before our 5:15 Dinner ADR at Yak & Yeti. Our morning routine was much the same as the day before; I got up early and got ready, then got the boys started so we could head down to breakfast while Alison got ready to go. Andrew and I headed out to breakfast, and we were soon joined by Jonathan.

I headed back to the room to brush my teeth and finish closing everything up, while Alison went to join the boys. The boys made it back to the room and quickly got the rest of their stuff together. We started taking things to the car as Alison returned to brush her teeth and pack her final bag. Everything was moving right on schedule! With one final check of the room, we loaded the final items in the car and I walked to the lobby to check out about 9:45.

Another appealing thing about the location of our hotel was we were only about 2 and a half miles from OKW. At the end of the street we were on was the entrance to the street that has all the DTD hotels, and then you were at DTD. For those who don’t know where OKW is located, SSR is just across the water from DTD and OKW is just beyond SSR on the same road. I drove up to the guard shack of OKW and got those beloved words that let you know you have fully arrived in the World of Disney…….”Welcome Home!” I love to hear that every time, and now it truly felt like our vacation had begun. This had been a much anticipated day for lots of reasons, and I have to admit the excitement of what was to come hit me completely then.

I quickly parked the car near the lobby so we could check in, and we all walked in just at 10:00am. I have to admit I didn’t really look at the exact moment, but I know it was within a minute or two either way based on what time we got out of the car! Perfect plan…..perfect execution. Sadly for some they were having to leave and were checking out, but we quickly had a CM assisting us. I had done the online check-in and everything was ready and waiting. Check-in went smoothly and our room was ready for us. Turned out we were in Building 53, which was one building closer to the bus stop than on our previous stay at OKW, so I knew exactly where to go.

Jonathan and Drew had asked before the trip if we could do a water park on this trip. I had researched and found out that with our DVC discount, we could get a Water Park Annual Pass for approximately the same price as two day passes, and since we obviously return often to Disney as DVC members, we knew we could put them to good use. As we were leaving the lobby I decided to ask if we could purchase Water Park Annual Passes and was told we could, so I figured one more thing we could get out of the way.

With Water Park APs in hand we headed back to the car and off to our room. My family has been on enough of these trips now that they know pictures are in order when we enter our room for the first time, so as they gathered some of the luggage to take in, I headed off with my hands full……..and the camera. I opened the door and dropped what I had just inside, and began to take pictures while I waited on the rest of the family to arrive. We were in a one-bedroom villa.

Just love the towel animals we always seem to get at Disney.

Hidden Tink???

When OKW did the refurbishment, they added the sleeper chair that we loved about Kidani. Finally the one-bedroom villas at OKW will sleep five………

Looking into the bedroom from the entry area.

The Jacuzzi Tub that can make for a very relaxing evening after a day at the parks……….

And the other feature we love about having at least a one-bedroom villa at a DVC resort……..a laundry room. It is a great way to keep from having to pack as much stuff as you can wash during your stay.

After getting everything packed and put away for our stay, we decided to relax until we had to head to AK for our dinner ADR. I decided to put the time to use and head to the Super Target and stock up with items we would need for the week. I was wondering where I might find some additional items not typically found in a grocery store. After all, we didn’t want to spend all this time at the villa and let the poor blender go deprived of attention. Luckily the place I was looking for was in another section of the same shopping center where the Super Target was located, so problem solved……….


Next Up Chapter 4 – AK for a Dinner DISmeet!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Wow, another update in under two weeks? You'd better be careful Marv, you have a reputation to uphold!

I love your updates, they're so descriptive. Like who brushed their teeth or who showered first! I always thought it was women who were more detail oriented?

OKW looks awesome! So much space! And you certainly sounded as giddy as a schoolgirl when you got there. Did you do a cartwheel out of excitement? Now THAT I'd love to see!

Good call on the waterpark passes. We're contemplating trying out one of the waterparks next trip but I'm afraid if we do, my girls will never want to leave! Does your pass allow you go to both then?

What a beautiful resort OKW is, the decor is so beachy and fun. Though that wall applique Tink looks like it may have been left behind by some other guest, right? The jacuzzi looks nice, probably very soothing for someone eh, um, of your age. Tell me, do you apply the Bengay ointment before or after your soak in the tub to soothe those sore old muscles? (I think I'm going to sign all of my comments on your TR with that angel smilie, lest you forget that I am indeed an angel)

 

[KatMark]

The jacuzzi looks nice, probably very soothing for someone eh, um, of your age. Tell me, do you apply the Bengay ointment before or after your soak in the tub to soothe those sore old muscles? (I think I'm going to sign all of my comments on your TR with that angel smilie, lest you forget that I am indeed an angel)

Oh my...the tears are rolling down my cheeks. Molly you made my day.

 

[KatMark]

Marv, now let me see if I can do the response I had already until I read Molly's and couldn't see the computer screen because of the tears rolling down my cheeks.

I love your photos of OKW. I really wish a one-bedroom villa weren't so much more than a studio because I think Mark and I would really enjoy that extra space. You got some great pictures of the villa, and that jacuzzi tub does look very nice.

Great move on the Water Park pass. We skip those now because it is a waste of money to just use it for the lazy river the whole time we are there.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Oh my...the tears are rolling down my cheeks. Molly you made my day.

You're welcome Kathy!

 

[Poolrat]

The Jacuzzi Tub that can make for a very relaxing evening after a day at the parks……….

I was wondering where I might find some additional items not typically found in a grocery store. After all, we didn’t want to spend all this time at the villa and let the poor blender go deprived of attention. Luckily the place I was looking for was in another section of the same shopping center where the Super Target was located, so problem solved……….

Of course OKW has a blender. A tub and a blender. That's my kind of evening.

Wow, another update in under two weeks? You'd better be careful Marv, you have a reputation to uphold!

I know really- Normally he says he is busy doing other things. I guess the urge to do an update was overwhelming.

The jacuzzi looks nice, probably very soothing for someone eh, um, of your age. Tell me, do you apply the Bengay ointment before or after your soak in the tub to soothe those sore old muscles? (I think I'm going to sign all of my comments on your TR with that angel smilie, lest you forget that I am indeed an angel)

If not Bengay, then how do you get those kinks out? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Poolrat]

OKW looks awesome! So much space! And you certainly sounded as giddy as a schoolgirl when you got there. Did you do a cartwheel out of excitement? Now THAT I'd love to see!

No cartwheel for Marv. He might throw his back out or break a hip.
He just giggled like a schoolgirl.

 

[KatMark]

No cartwheel for Marv. He might throw his back out or break a hip.
He just giggled like a schoolgirl.

You gals are killing me tonight.

 

[glennbo123]

Thanks for the pictures of OKW Marv. Now that they have the sleeper chair, we may be able to consider a stay there.

"Giddy as a schoolgirl"? Cartwheels and breaking hips? Bengay? Are you going to let these girls get the best of you???!

 

[dizneeat]

Ahhhhhh ..... OKW!
My favourite resort, your pictures are making me so homesick!!!

We always do what you did, hoping that our room is ready, which it usually is, then head out to get some "stuff" to fill the empty fridge and cupboards.

And that tub ... makes for a nice thing to pass the time during a rainstorm!

Thanks for the update!

 

[marvali]

Especially as it won't be abe to pronounce it properly....

Katharina! Looks like we were thinking the same way on that one!!!

What, WHat WHAT????

I think not having Matthew along had a big impact on everyone.

Great catch Marv!!!!

Thanks!

For whatever reason, I love this pic!

Yes I love it too! And I have got to find a way to swing a stay there sometime in the future instead of just visiting to eat!!!




Looks like you just missed RD!

So close!


HAHA... you almost missed your ADR!


I heard from a little birdy you might be in WDW in January? Is this true????

Tim, are you spoiling a surprise here? Are you planning to go in January and you were going to ask me to go along??? Awww, that's nice!! I promise I won't be any trouble......... (hush Molly!)

I can think of lots of reasons.

Interesting........ Is our little Ms. Poolrat hiding something she hasn't shared in her TRs???

That must have been a little frustrating. Just a little...

Nah....Never! Well, okay maybe a little!


What's this? Where is that birdie?????



Look who is Not this

Hi Marv, I have nothing clever to add so I will just say...Have a wonderful weekend!

You too Judy my friend!!!

I've been waiting to see those sexy, yellow shorts!

Wow Amy, you need to get a hobby!!!

me either....but aren't we due for another update soon

but as Judy wrote, have a wonderful weekend!

You have a wonderful weekend too Lisa!!! And update? From me???

 

[marvali]

Wow, another update in under two weeks? You'd better be careful Marv, you have a reputation to uphold!

That was a quick response there Molly! You stalking me???

You never know......I might be improving with age.....

I love your updates, they're so descriptive. Like who brushed their teeth or who showered first! I always thought it was women who were more detail oriented?

I have my moments, and can often be attentive to all the little details......

OKW looks awesome! So much space! And you certainly sounded as giddy as a schoolgirl when you got there. Did you do a cartwheel out of excitement? Now THAT I'd love to see!

Did the cartwheel, but nobody was ready with their camera to video it!!! Guess they need to take lessons from Markie!!

Good call on the waterpark passes. We're contemplating trying out one of the waterparks next trip but I'm afraid if we do, my girls will never want to leave! Does your pass allow you go to both then?

Yes, the AP let's you "park hop" the water parks, and the boys had a hard time pulling themselves away when they got there too! It gave them some variety though.

What a beautiful resort OKW is, the decor is so beachy and fun. Though that wall applique Tink looks like it may have been left behind by some other guest, right?

We really like OKW, but then we have liked all the DVC resorts so far. Something for everyone! And that Tink was like a card that was slipped behind the picture, hanging from the top of it.....so I don't know if it was done by Mousekeeping, part of the new "decor" or a guest left it behind!

The jacuzzi looks nice, probably very soothing for someone eh, um, of your age. Tell me, do you apply the Bengay ointment before or after your soak in the tub to soothe those sore old muscles? (I think I'm going to sign all of my comments on your TR with that angel smilie, lest you forget that I am indeed an angel)

Okay Mols, I give props where they are due, and I have to admit that was pretty funny! The only time we have actually used the jacuzzi so far was when Alison had just had some surgery before we left, and she had to take it really easy and relax, so it helped for her to soak in it while we were on the trip. I have yet to get to enjoy it.......but maybe one day soon!

Oh my...the tears are rolling down my cheeks. Molly you made my day.

Yeah, yeah, yeah!!!

Marv, now let me see if I can do the response I had already until I read Molly's and couldn't see the computer screen because of the tears rolling down my cheeks.

I love your photos of OKW. I really wish a one-bedroom villa weren't so much more than a studio because I think Mark and I would really enjoy that extra space. You got some great pictures of the villa, and that jacuzzi tub does look very nice.

Great move on the Water Park pass. We skip those now because it is a waste of money to just use it for the lazy river the whole time we are there.

The lazy river is where I spent most of my time, but the boys really enjoyed it and I tried a few other slides also, so I think by the time we go back and use them a couple more times we will have gotten good use from the passes for sure!

You're welcome Kathy!

Do I INVITE all of this abuse?????

(well yes, I guess I sorta do don't I?????)

Looks like a testimonial!!!


Of course OKW has a blender. A tub and a blender. That's my kind of evening.



I know really- Normally he says he is busy doing other things. I guess the urge to do an update was overwhelming.

I have all sorts of urges! I guess eventually the TR update urge is bound to rise to the top.


If not Bengay, then how do you get those kinks out? Inquiring minds want to know.

Who says I ever do??? I can be very, uh......oh never mind!!!

No cartwheel for Marv. He might throw his back out or break a hip.
He just giggled like a schoolgirl.

Must be the solar storms, spring fever or whatever else excuse you've been using lately, but strangely I have been a little giggly lately!!!

You gals are killing me tonight.

Okay, quit encouraging them! Not like they are needing any help here!!!

Thanks for the pictures of OKW Marv. Now that they have the sleeper chair, we may be able to consider a stay there.

"Giddy as a schoolgirl"? Cartwheels and breaking hips? Bengay? Are you going to let these girls get the best of you???!

Well you know it's women; you have to let them have their fun sometime or they just get ornery!!!

Ahhhhhh ..... OKW!
My favourite resort, your pictures are making me so homesick!!!

We always do what you did, hoping that our room is ready, which it usually is, then head out to get some "stuff" to fill the empty fridge and cupboards.

And that tub ... makes for a nice thing to pass the time during a rainstorm!

Thanks for the update!

Always good to get stocked up early in the trip so you have what you need.........uh, when you need it!!

 

[Poolrat]

Interesting........ Is our little Ms. Poolrat hiding something she hasn't shared in her TRs???

Every trip reveals a little more. You will just have to stay tuned to find out.

You never know......I might be improving with age.....

I have my moments, and can often be attentive to all the little details......

I have all sorts of urges! I guess eventually the TR update urge is bound to rise to the top.

Who says I ever do??? I can be very, uh......oh never mind!!!

WOW Marv those solar storms are really taking a toll...

Must be the solar storms, spring fever or whatever else excuse you've been using lately, but strangely I have been a little giggly lately!!!

Full Moon.... All 3 three are making people a bit lately So is it like Tickle me Elmo giggles?

Well you know it's women; you have to let them have their fun sometime or they just get ornery!!!

Marv ... you really need to use your spell check..... oh ornery... nevermind.

Always good to get stocked up early in the trip so you have what you need.........uh, when you need it!!

Didn't know this TR was going THERE!!!!!

The lazy river is where I spent most of my time, but the boys really enjoyed it and I tried a few other slides also, so I think by the time we go back and use them a couple more times we will have gotten good use from the passes for sure!

Lazy river at both parks is great. Just as much a form of transportation as an attraction. The only thing about the slide is the whole carry and haul the tube up a million stairs thing. So much work for a slide.

Looks like a testimonial!!!

Have not stayed at OKW yet but that tub does look inviting.

Do I INVITE all of this abuse?????

(well yes, I guess I sorta do don't I?????)

 

[mommy2mrb]

Wow an update from Marv OKW looks great, we've never stayed there but love all the space in the rooms...the jacuzzi would be nice after a long day in the parks


sorry Marv, just have to say it "WAY TO GO MOLLY" know we can count on you to give Marv a hard time thanks for the laughes Molly

Megan wanted to go the water parks on her bday trip, but I planned Discovery cove instead...which was so much more relaxing, I'm not big on the water slides, but the lazy river would be more my speed!

 

[MEK]

Marv - you've really been taking a beating by these girls! All I can say is jacuzzi tubs, blenders, and bengay are all things I have been acquainted with on various Disney trips. Of course, my personal favorite is anything that comes out of a blender and can be concealed in a resort mug.

The one BR at OKW is really nice. I stayed in a studio in December and loved the size, but that 1 BR. Wow! Nice! I am so glad they added the sleeper chair. The 1 BR at Vero is a very similar layout and when we stayed there we could have used that sleeper chair since my boys can't stand to be anywhere near the same bed.

 

[jenbear123]

Oh sure, end right before the DIS meet. Now I'll have to wait another 6 weeks until you post the next update

 

[KatMark]

Oh sure, end right before the DIS meet. Now I'll have to wait another 6 weeks until you post the next update

Jen has your number, Marvin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!