Suggestions for OKW with toddlers

[MLC2002]

We are new DVC members. We just closed on Thursday. I called this morning and was pleasantly surprised to find that we're already in the system.

We made our first reservation for a 1BR at OKW during the last week of September/first week of October. We have two sons, who will be ages 3 and 18 months at the time of our vacation. We will definitely want to use a pool that is for families. We will also be using Disney transportation throughout our trip and bringing our stroller on the bus/boat.

Any suggestions as to special requests I should make for a specific area, building, etc. that might be nice and convenient with our two little ones (i.e. close to pool, play area, close to bus stop with shorter rides, close to boats, etc.)?

I've heard we'll love the large rooms at OKW, especially with 2 little guys. Anything else we should know about this resort?

TIA for your replies!

 

[brandylouwho]

I am not a OKW expert, but I we did stay there once--last fall. I would want a first floor or elevator building (having 2 kids, stroller(s), etc. to lug around)

I we were in Bldg 64 (elevator bldg due to MIL used an ECV). It was a short enough walk to the main pool/playground & we usually used the Hospitality House bus stop. I think the bus stop on Millers Rd was the same distance if not closer to us, but we often stopped in the gift shop or picked up a snack when we returned from the parks.

I had planned to check out one of the quiet pools (on Millers Rd), but the main one was not very busy when we went, so we hung out there (had drinks, snacks, etc.)

We really enjoyed the large rooms with 3 adults, a 3 year old and a 4 month old.

Have fun!!!

 

[pjzkent]

We have stayed at OKW with our 3 little ones (at the time 2,2,and 4) once and it was great. I don't remember the main pool being very crowded, and they had a nice baby pool too. We stayed in Bldg 24 or 25, I don't remember which and it was a short walk to Hospitality House and to the pool.

I would recommend considering a rental car if you can, because our timing seemed to be off every time we tried to catch the bus, we would just miss it, and end up waiting 15-20 minutes for the next one, and with a toddler meltdown going that seems more like days. If you watch the bus schedules you will probably do okay though.

 

[spiceycat]

you want a first floor unit no hc (handicapped).

HC units have the roll in shower for wheelchairs - so unless the shower is controlled the water will be every where.

Love it - also ask for HH - those are building 11-14 and building 23-26 - you want 23-26 - safer - there is a crosswalk for them.

for building 11-14 there is no crosswalk (okay might be one at the stop sign) - so please be extra carefully here - (check in area) - you never know when a little one gets away from their parents and runs in front of your car. Also the parking - lots of people (other members) think they have a right to park in building 11-14 when checking in - so the parking lot at these building stay pretty busy too.

do like South point and miller road - but both are pretty far from the main pool.

they do have quiet pools right there.

here is a map
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/okwmap.htm

 

[jekjones1558]

One more suggestion: if you can't get the buildings that spicey recommends, 27,28 and 29 are not too bad a walk to the main pool. Your kids will likely enjoy the big sand play area as well as the kiddie pool next to the main pool. And be prepared to be spoiled by the size of the OKW 1 bedroom. The other WDW DVC 1 bedrooms are much smaller. (HHI units are also quite roomy.)

 

[eporter66]

We are new DVC members. We just closed on Thursday. I called this morning and was pleasantly surprised to find that we're already in the system.

We made our first reservation for a 1BR at OKW during the last week of September/first week of October. We have two sons, who will be ages 3 and 18 months at the time of our vacation. We will definitely want to use a pool that is for families. We will also be using Disney transportation throughout our trip and bringing our stroller on the bus/boat.

Any suggestions as to special requests I should make for a specific area, building, etc. that might be nice and convenient with our two little ones (i.e. close to pool, play area, close to bus stop with shorter rides, close to boats, etc.)?

I've heard we'll love the large rooms at OKW, especially with 2 little guys. Anything else we should know about this resort?

TIA for your replies!

1. You may want something close to the bus stops, just to make it easy once you get back
2. The main pool never seemed very crowded (we went in Feb), and the quiet pools were great.
3. You may want to be near the main area - close to the restaurants and store if you need anything quick.
4. OKW rooms are great - good size!!!

Have a blast and take it slow!

 

[chicagodisfan]

Hello to a fellow Chicagoan!!

We were at Old Key West in September with our then 16 month old son. I agree with the previous posters that being near the Hospitality House will be nice for you. We were there on an exchange (though we are now in the process of buying ) and requested to be near Hospitality House. We were in Building 64 which was just a short walk from HH. It was also nice because we caught the bus to the parks at HH which is the last stop before it leaves for the parks and then were close enough to get off at the 1st stop in (at Penninsular Road) and walk back to our room which saved a little time riding around the resort. Staying in buildings 23-26 it would be even easier to do this.

We also used Disney transportation and had no problem bringing our stroller. We brought an umbrella type stroller which broke down pretty compactly but I saw other families on the bus with more bulky strollers without a problem. We went back every day for naps so I did feel like we spent a lot of time on the bus, but we only had a long wait once or twice during the week we were there and that was mostly when we went back to the parks in the late afternoon. Mornings were always pretty good.

The rooms are wonderful. We were in a two bedroom which was a ton of space. One other suggestion I would make is to place a grocery order prior to your arrival if your little ones have things they like to eat, especially for breakfast. We used Garden Grocer but I know others like We Go Shop. We ordered items mostly for breakfast and bottled water, cheerios for snacks etc. and it was waiting with bell services when we arrived.

We meant to use the pool, but never did. We walked over there and it looks really nice. Very family friendly. There is a great sand area. Bring sand toys if your little ones enjoy the sand. Of course, you can buy some in the gift shop too.

Have a wonderful trip! We really enjoyed our stay there.

 

[bub]

My first choice on rooms would be as noted above, near HH, but we have also stayed near the Turtle Pond pool with little ones and that was fine. That pool might be a bit less crowded. It does not have a slide, but your guys are probably too small for that anyway. Be careful with the depth of the pool - when ours were that age, they were too little to reach but wanted to stand on their own on the steps. It is easy to slip on the steps and get in too deep. That is where the zero entry pools at some of the newer resorts are a nice option.

You will love the spacious rooms and the ability to do laundry. It's also nice to have some food in the room so you don't always have to eat out with little ones.

Remember to take breaks with the kids. We once stayed too long at Epcot with our then 2-year-old DD, who had a meltdown on the bus back to the resort. I can still hear the screams - we got off at the first stop at OKW only to have to walk quite a distance to our room on a very hot afternoon. Some of us have to learn things the hard way, I guess.

Have a great trip...enjoy the DVC membership with your family!