Staying at OKW for first time

[medievaldave]

My wife, son (4) and I will be staying at OKW for the first time in April. Can anyone tell me what to expect and any ideas on getting the most out of this experience. We will be there 2 days and will not attend any parks this trip

 

[disneynutz]

Nice older mature resort, walls seem thin to me, on the golf course, watch for flying balls.

Bill

 

[DMKEDM]

At OKW right now...it's a lovely resort, but yes I do hear noise from above and next door...it doesn't bother me, but if you have light sleepers in your party you might notice it...

It's a great place for strolling around...lots of "neighborhoods" w/beautiful walkways. The feature pool is nice and they have afternoon games for the kids and a good slide...there's a community hall that looks popular; tennis courts and a fire pit, too...it's a beautiful (altho somewhat longish--about a mile, depending on from where at OKW you start) walk to Disney Springs...Olivia's restaurant is great (we think)...the quick service, place, Goods to Go, is a bit limited in its food selection, but w/only two days here you shouldn't have much of an issue so long as you & your kids like the basics (burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fruits, etc)...they have "movies at night" by the pool, too. You can hear but not see nightly fireworks...the 'neighborhood' pools are nice...not very crowded and ours (Miller's Road) has water much much warmer than the water in the feature pool, which is a bit on the chilly side...

Of course you can hop a bus to any park and transfer to any other resort and enjoy the Boardwalk, or the activities around the Magic Kingdom resorts, or the animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge...there's mini golf over by the water park (Blizzard Beach) or behind the Swan in the Boardwalk area; all the usual water sports things...there's a new feature at Disney Springs (what used to be Pleasure Island is now The Landing and they have an "aqualaunch" place where you can go out on the water in a vehicle that looks like a car...no idea of the cost, but it looks unique and kind of fun...it's right next to The Boathouse (a new restaurant)...there's also movies and bowling at Disney Springs/West Side, the water play areas and the little train at Disney Springs, too...plus a pavillion in the middle where there's been entertainment (music & some dancing) every time we've been over there (mid-day and evenings)...

So, LOTS to do, even w/out the parks, especially since you'll only be here two nights. We love it here. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[medievaldave]

Wow you rock. Very detailed and I appreciate it. We are at Disney longer than 2 days. Just staying at OKW for 2. We will be staying at AKL kidani Savannah 5 days before. Never stayed there either. We usually stay at VGF

 

[southerngirl528]

I agree with DMKEDM's really great info with the exception of noise. In over 20 years of staying at OKW the only noise I ever recall was sometimes sound of footsteps occasionally if we weren't on the top floor. I always ask for a top floor for this reason and to get a little extra exercise! Maybe since we are almost always on the top floor that keeps us from having noise issues. I think OKW is built like a tank. Those buildings have stood up to the years quite well IMO.

Oh and the cool "Amphi-cars" DMKEDM mentioned are $125. We watched them for a while and it just looked so fun and funny to watch a little automobile drive down a ramp and into the water to drive around on a little tour. And then to watch it drive right back out was a hoot! I've gotta save my pennies to do that some day.......

 

[Deb & Bill]

In our over 16 stays at OKW the only noise we have really heard was the turbo toilets.

 

[jerseyduke]

Personally, I think OKW offers a somewhat unknown gem - Olivia's

I would not go as far as to say the food is fantastic (it is Disney world after all), but we always go to Olivia's at least once every trip. The food is pretty good, and a pretty good (for Disney) price.

 

[magicaldisney]

With a 4 year old I'm not sure if you are still using a stroller, but be aware and keep in mind that not all OKW buildings have elevators. So if you are on the upper floor that could be a hike with a young one, supplies and stroller.

 

[satman1962]

We just got back from OKW and while we love it there, I can tell you that the end studio next to the street, Building 44, Old Turtle Pond Road area was subject to noise from the buses making the loop, just after the bus stop. I would have rather had the occaisional footsteps!

 

[medievaldave]

Yes we will have a stroller. We are getting very excited for the trip and love all the info provided.