Sell me on OKW

[Dawn68PA]

My family has always stayed at the value resorts. After asking them if money was no option where would you like to stay.....both DD's picked OKW. DH is willing to pass on AKL OR WL since they are in agreement for a change. I'm looking for info on why y'all like this resort, what makes it worth the extra $, transportation info and such. Sell me. I think I'd like to do this for my family before DD's move out and start their own lives (they're 18 & 16.) Thanks!

 

[thelobstershanty]

Have your DDs ever been to OKW? What made them choose that resort? I would find that out first. Was it for it's location to Downtown Disney or because of the largest 1 br+ DVC villas?
We stay at all levels on WDW resorts, so I mean no disrespect towards the value resorts, but no matter which moderate or above resort you pick--will be steps ahead of a value resort. All the DVC resorts are so far above the value resorts, that a comparison can not even be made.
Each DVC resort is unique and has it's pros and cons. And All are great resorts. What varies is their location, theming, transportation and dining options, etc. What ever appeals the most to your DDs and family--is the way to go!!
Have a wonderful trip!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

Maybe you should post this on the DVC section. There are a lot of OKW groupies over there.

 

[Blueyed Girl]

We LOVED OKW because of the size of the rooms, the quiet laid back atmosphere, and we just loved the theme of it. We got a 1 bdrm last time and are getting one this time too. Large living area, full kitchen, whirlpool tub, large seperate shower, and a nice balcony or back porch. I don't know much about the transportation because we drove our own vehicle.

 

[Dawn68PA]

DD's chose this resort after perusing the Disney World website and looking at the different resorts. There are 6 of us going (DD's are bringing the boyfriends). I am willing to get 2 rooms but my older DD wants us all together.

We are not a member of the DVC so I understand getting a room may be iffy. We really enjoyed the themeing at the value resorts; is there anything "Disney" at OKW?

 

[Dawn68PA]

Maybe you should post this on the DVC section. There are a lot of OKW groupies over there.

Where is the DVC section?

 

[spiceycat]

so you are getting a 2-bedroom - once you see the size of the livingroom - dinning - kitchen - not to mention the hallway going to these spaces - no more answers will be necessary.

you will have room to spread out.

beds
master - king bed
livingroom - queen sleeper sofa
2nd bedroom - 2 queens

it can sleep 8.

there are 2 baths - one a combination (2nd bedroom), the other - next to the master has both a whirlpool tub and a shower stall.

the kitchen is fully equiped.

you just have to bring - detergent and fabric softener for the washing machine and dryer. they are in the laundry room. (it is the only DVC resort to have a laundry room - the others only have a closet)

also bring - aluimium foil, ziplock (or whatever baggies you use).

I bring candles and bubble bath (only use a tiny drop or two) - but since your girls are bringing their boyfriend - that might not be a good idea.

OKW can be very romantic.

the slide is probably too young for them. It is shaped like a sand castle - but it is fast.

disney stuff - well it depends on where you will be - some of the villa have Mickey mouse heads in their balcony fencing - also other places around the resort in the fencing.

there is Mickey or Minnie in some places along the sidewalk.

some people use to think the main pool was Mickey's shaped - but it is not.

half basketball court (this was added later - when there was a demand), couple of tennis court, volleyball, 4 pools, 5 bus stops (so you don't have a long walk from anywhere to a bus). the commuity hall has some more games - computer ones plus board games (for raining days) that you can check out,
viedos and DVD.

you can rent bikes and boats. although I would rent a boat at the Polyn first.

It is a community so to some people it does not feel like a resort. Some of us love that, others hated it.

would get groceries at
www.wegoshop.com
or
www.gardengrocer.com

unless you will have a car. some people think a car is necessary at OKW - but it isn't ready. the big problem with OKW bus system is just getting out of OKW - with 5 bus stops it will take a bus a while to get around the place.

have you seem pictures?
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/showgallery.php/cat/545
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_okw.htm

 

[spiceycat]

Where is the DVC section?

here you go
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=89

although their are several of us who hang out here too!

 

[Dawn68PA]

Thank you all so much for the info. This really sounds like a nice place to be. DH & I would like to relax a little more on this trip. The young 'uns are old enough to come and go if DH & I take a day off. I'm trying to talk DH in to driving around to the parks since I'll have a scooter anyway, so busses won't be a big deal. Romance...boy that sounds nice for a day off.

spiceycat, I truly appreciate all of your details. Several things you listed are new to me. One of our decisions at the moment is to either take advantage of the full kitchen or do the DDP. I love trying new restaurants so this is a biggie.

I will check out the DVC board too. I've read about renting from DVC owners as opposed to renting directly from Disney. I'd like to learn about that and possibly save some bucks.

Regardless, from what I've read here and in the other OKW thread on this board, I think this is it. If anyone has anything further to add, please do so. I like a lot of info

 

[alldiz]

Thank you all so much for the info. This really sounds like a nice place to be. DH & I would like to relax a little more on this trip. The young 'uns are old enough to come and go if DH & I take a day off. I'm trying to talk DH in to driving around to the parks since I'll have a scooter anyway, so busses won't be a big deal. Romance...boy that sounds nice for a day off.

spiceycat, I truly appreciate all of your details. Several things you listed are new to me. One of our decisions at the moment is to either take advantage of the full kitchen or do the DDP. I love trying new restaurants so this is a biggie.

I will check out the DVC board too. I've read about renting from DVC owners as opposed to renting directly from Disney. I'd like to learn about that and possibly save some bucks.

Regardless, from what I've read here and in the other OKW thread on this board, I think this is it. If anyone has anything further to add, please do so. I like a lot of info

Your on vacation....get the DDP...

just use the kitchen for breakfast
Kerri

 

[Dawn68PA]

Your on vacation....get the DDP...

just use the kitchen for breakfast
Kerri

Like you're reading my mind

 

[spiceycat]

with everyone going their own way - then definitely get the DDP

if you rent a reservation from a DVC member - then you don't have to buy your tickets from Disney to get the DDP.

(lots of DVC members have annual passes - which is why this is allowed)

so you can find your best deal for tickets and still get the DDP.

just be sure to tell the member you rent from that you need the DDP.

you are also entitled to the Disney's magical express if you want it. but it sounds like you are driving to Orlando and not flying.

the dvc board has 4 boards I send you to one for planning.

here is the rental one
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29

be sure to read the FAQ

 

[Dawn68PA]

Thank you again. I'm learning a ton today!

 

[mikesmom]

Even if you have the DDP you will love the kitchen. We have traveled with teenagers and stocked that kitchen with fruit, chips, ice cream, deli meat for midnights snacks, extra coffee - how nice to be able to relax on the balcony with the first couple cups of the day. With teens along, the sodas and snacks alone will save you a bundle! And, of course, we are huge fans of a nice breakfast in the room. It seems like the day starts so much better if everyone has had a bit of breakfast, instead of having to shower, dress and stand in line somewhere before you get anything to eat.