Tell Me About OKW

[Hollymom1229]

Okay all here's the dilemma. We're headed to WDW next year with my parents, DH's mom and brother, and my sister, her hubby, and my niece. My sister, BIL and niece were a last minute addition, though we're more than happy to have them along. We are ponying up the points for them to stay in a studio for a week, but we don't have enough points for a 2 BDR and a studio at our home, SSR. So the decision has been made to switch to OKW with a 2 BDR and a studio. So I need to know why I'm going to love this resort. It's never really appealed to me from the pictures. Also MIL will be in a wheelchair, and we won't have a car, so I'm afraid of how spread out it is. So come on and give me hints and ideas to help me love this resort.

 

[Chuck S]

First off, be sure to note on your reservation that you need first floor or elevator bldg for medical reasons, since your MIL will be in a wheelchair. Only 3 OKW buildings have elevators.

If you are driving to OKW, you will love the convenience of parking in front of your unit.

OKW is a quiet little "community" all to itself, away from the hustle and bustle of the other Disney resorts. I has a very enjoyable boat ride to DtD, and the boat is wheelchair accessible, the w/c ramp to the dock is located in the main pool area.

There are 5 bus stops located throughout OKW, so you are never far from a bus, even if you are located away from the main check-in/dining area. While the resort is somewhat spread out, it is really only a 10 or 15 minute walk to the check-in area from anywhere in the resort, if your MIL is in a manual wheelchair, though, I'm sure she'd appreciate a push

The rooms are larger than at other DVC resorts, if you are in the 2 bedroom area with your MIL and parents, that extra room will make a big difference.

The jacuzzi tubs at OKW are larger than at other DVC resorts, and the washer dryer are full sized.

Be sure to note, though, that OKW does not offer "in room dining (room service)" , like the combined hotel/DVC resorts. There is pizza delivery available from Port Orleans or any number of off-site pizza places.

There are 4 pools at OKW, so if you like swimming, you're never far from a pool at OKW.

You'll have a great trip!!!

 

[javaj]

Thank you for this info, I was actually coming here to post a "Tell me about OKW" thread.

We just switched our ressies for the end of the month from a studio at VWL to a 1 BR at OKW. We really really like the VWL location, but a 1 BR at OKW was only 15 more points for 3 nights, plus the cash discount for our 2 weekend nights was available. DH and I really like the idea of a washer/dryer and a dishwasher.

A couple more OKW questions (we won't have a car):

* Is walking to the main check-in/dining area the only option of getting there? Some of the buildings like really far!

* There's a boat to Downtown Disney? I thought I read this somewhere.

* Any easy way to get to POFQ? DH loves the food court there.

* Any cool activities at OKW for kids? We will have our infant and 5 year old boys with us.

* Where's the playground? Easiest way to get there?

Thanks!

 

[Chuck S]

Small playgrounds are located with each of the 4 pools. You can hop on any bus from any stop to get to the main check-in area, if you don't want to walk (although walking may be faster ) There is only ONE internal bus, however to return you to your villa area, or you could walk across the bridge to the Peninsular Road bus stop and and take that bus back to any other OKW location (it's the first stop on the route).

For POFQ you will need to take the boat (DVC Ferry) or bus to Downtown Disney, then transfer there to the POFQ boat or bus. The OKW boat dock is located near the check-in area.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thank you for this info, I was actually coming here to post a "Tell me about OKW" thread.

We just switched our ressies for the end of the month from a studio at VWL to a 1 BR at OKW. We really really like the VWL location, but a 1 BR at OKW was only 15 more points for 3 nights, plus the cash discount for our 2 weekend nights was available. DH and I really like the idea of a washer/dryer and a dishwasher.

A couple more OKW questions (we won't have a car):

* Is walking to the main check-in/dining area the only option of getting there? Some of the buildings like really far!

The walk is not bad - on our last trip there we were in building 48, which looks far on the map. But it was only about a 10minute walk (pushing my DD's wheelchair and going slow enough for my 70+MIL to keep up).

My FIL could not walk that far and preferred to go to the bus stop (just across the street from us). He would hop on the bus came and ride it to the Hospitality House (where the main pool, shop and restaurant are).

* There's a boat to Downtown Disney? I thought I read this somewhere.

It's a very pleasant trip and is wheelchair accessible.

* Any easy way to get to POFQ? DH loves the food court there.

There is not a direct way to get to any of the resorts from another resort.
What we usually do is go there (we like the food court at PO-R) after a day at the parks or after shopping at Downtown Disney. You can get buses to either of those to any of the resorts. Coming back, you could either take a taxi or go back to DD or a park and get a bus to OKW from there.

* Any cool activities at OKW for kids? We will have our infant and 5 year old boys with us.

When you check in, ask about activities for kids at Community Hall. They have different activities planned that the 5 yr old might like. Probably not a lot for the 1 yr old.

* Where's the playground? Easiest way to get there?

There is a large sand play area and a playground by the main pool. There is also someplace to play by the Turtle Pond pool (a feature pool with a snack bar - no slide; only the main pool has a slide). There are other quiet pools throughout the resort.
Someone else will have to help you with the other playgrounds.

 

[javaj]

Thanks for the info! I can't wait!