Sell me on OKW

[eliz603]

We are planning our next trip for early April (TP crowd predictor is at 4 and 5). We were totally convinced that we should stay at Wyndham Bonnet Creek until a PIN showed up two days ago. OKW is still more, but it's back in the picture (it's also now cheaper than renting points). We are torn between the space and lower cost of WBC or staying on property at OKW.

I ALWAYS want to stay on property. What are good selling points to tell DH that it's worth the extra ~$400 when considering the following:

1. We will have a car and prefer that over the bus system;

2. We are skipping DDP if staying on property this time;

3. DH wants something to hang his hat on for the extra $ other than FP+ and MB. Thanks!!

 

[dcibrando]

We are planning our next trip for early April (TP crowd predictor is at 4 and 5). We were totally convinced that we should stay at Wyndham Bonnet Creek until a PIN showed up two days ago. OKW is still more, but it's back in the picture (it's also now cheaper than renting points). We are torn between the space and lower cost of WBC or staying on property at OKW. I ALWAYS want to stay on property. What are good selling points to tell DH that it's worth the extra ~$400 when considering the following: 1. We will have a car and prefer that over the bus system; 2. We are skipping DDP if staying on property this time; 3. DH wants something to hang his hat on for the extra $ other than FP+ and MB. Thanks!!

Are you staying in a 1 bedroom or studio vs bonnet creek

Bonnet creek is very nice I'll admit but I also like being around the magic too. The boat ride to DTD is very nice

 

[eliz603]

It would be a 1 bedroom OKW vs 2 bedroom WBC. Yes, the 2 bedroom is more space, but for our specific situation (3 younger kids), there's not much practical difference in sleeping arrangements.

 

[chalee94]

OKW gives you free parking in the disney theme parks, EMH and delivery of park purchases to your resort...but it is a tough call if you get a great deal offsite and want more space...

 

[Donna M]

OKW has a very large living room. How does that compare to WBC since that is where the kids will be running aroung?

Free park parking will be a great perk for a week along with parking right outside your door.

You will save a lot without the dining plan if you'll be using the kitchen for a few main meals.

It's fun staying on property.

 

[peabody58]

We have stayed at both WBC and OKW. Yes we enjoyed saving some $$ using WBC, and may again when points are low, but at WBC we never really felt the Disney magic. It was as if a huge part of the vacation was missing. In the end, it's not the $$ spent that matters, but the value, experience and memories.

WBC does have some awesome pools for the kids. OKW pool is ok.

OKW does not have elevators in most of the buildings. 3rd floor got to be a workout some times.

OKW is a laid back relaxing resort. We like that feel.

WBC will cal you every day to get you to attend the Timeshare presentation (unplug your phone).

Both OKW and WBC have their pros and cons. If it was me, I would go with OKW if the entire vacation was at WDW parks. If you're planning SW or US visits, the WBC may make more sense. Either way, enjoy yourselfs!!

 

[ldo]

OKW for $400 more unless $$ is really tight. OKW has a great kids club that is open 8-8 (a parent must stay). It's near the pool area. My kids love to get coloring sheets, do simple crafts, etc. They also have a campfire with smores in the evenings, and lots of other activities. We love taking the boat to DTD. We also prefer the bus system--and it is VERY nice if someone needs to go back midday, early evening, etc. Sometimes, DH leaves an hour early and preps meat and BBQs for dinner. OKW living area is VERY big and there is a Q sofabed, plus and extra chair that makes into a single bed--comfy for my 16 yr old DD.

 

[Brian Noble]

I hate to say this, but having stayed in 2BRs at both OKW and Wyndham Bonnet Creek, we thought the overall vacation experience was really quite comparable.

In Bonnet's favor: location is a little more central to the rest of WDW, and in some ways was "more Disney"---though that's because we had an upper room in a building that had a bang-on view of Spaceship Earth out of our living room with the castle off in the distance. We liked the pools and other amenities at Bonnet better, in part because my son is a big putt-putt fan. Bonnet's dining room table actually seats more than four people---not a big problem for us, as we only have four, but it might matter to you.

In OKW's favor, we preferred the more tranquil setting and lush landscaping of OKW. The boat ride to DTD (and the ability to take a bus if, say, we were both planning wine with dinner) is very nice. You can park right outside your building at OKW, but may have to park a bit away at Bonnet. OKW's balconies are much more spacious and functional than Bonnet's.

I might spend an extra $400 to stay at OKW in a 2BR vs. a 2BR at Bonnet, but I think I would stay at a 2BR at Bonnet before a 1BR at OKW even if they cost the same, and even with advance FP+ booking at the latter.

If all you are worried about is getting Magic Bands and pre-booking FP+, though, you can currently do so by booking a single night stay in a Value or at the campground for your arrival day. Once you have bands with tickets tied to them, and an onsite stay, you can continue to make FP+ bookings for a number of days equal to the ticket length, even after check-out day, at 60 days prior to each.

 

[spiceycat]

would go with OKW.

- you want to stay on property. while WBC to some is nice it is not on property.

the livingroom at WBC was about half the size of OKW. and yes I stayed in a 2-bedroom villa at WBC. to me OKW is just easier (despite it size) to get around.

was not lucky as Brian despite asking for a higher view - got places on the 2nd floor above the putt golf and boy learned to hate it. they allowed guests (or guests were using it) even at midnight - nothing like being woken by screaming teens.

so have not stayed at WBC again.

both have several pools. although WBC does have more slides. OKW pretty sure have more playground - there is one at each pool. OKW has less drunks -
WBC pool bars were kept opening much later than the one near turtle pond - not sure about the main pool at OKW because generally don't use it.

the hot tubs at OKW are generally hot - the two I used at WBC were warm - now that might not matter to you.

never under estimate the power Extra Magic Hours especially during spring break - spring break is from President's week to late April (might be middle April)

one hour in the morning at some park and some nights 2 hours in a different park - after it is closed to the general public

forgot - would not drive the car to the MK. would take the WDW bus. It can actually be quicker even with the multiple stops.

 

[EPCOTatNight]

Old Key West gets my vote.

1 Free parking-That $400 is now $300 if you are there a week.
2 Boat to Downtown Disney.-Many meal options and can be a huge factor because finding parking at DTD is horrible.
3 Buses- Free transportation IF you don't want to drive one day. If someone needs a break, but the others are still energetic, everyone doesn't have to leave.
4 IT'S A DISNEY RESORT! It just feels different.

Sent from my IPad using DisBoards.

 

[eliz603]

Thanks everyone!! I'd forgotten about several of these perks. I'm going to pass them on!!

 

[leebee]

Old Key West gets my vote.

4 IT'S A DISNEY RESORT! It just feels different.

Sent from my IPad using DisBoards.

Funny that you say this. We didn't like OKW at all because to us, it felt EXACTLY like every condo/villa we'd ever stayed at offsite in Florida- same colors, same type of furniture, same landscaping, same pastel stucco on the outside- except it didn't have the space. We just didn't like OKW… although the boat to DTD was nice.

Honestly, even with paying for parking, unless this is a "special" trip for some reason, I'd save the $300 and stay at WBC. The $300 will buy a lot of lunches, even more dole whips, or a park ticket!