Tell me all about OKW!

[dianeschlicht]

I totally disagree about not having to deal with Disney transportation. It is much easier and faster to take the Disney bus from OKW to the parks than it is to drive and park yourself and get in from the lot. The only place where driving might be a plus over the bus is from OKW to AK, as that bus stops at Blizzard Beach and takes quite awhile. Because we like to park hop though, we never bother with a car to the parks. We only use it for resort to resort transportation or occationally off site.

 

[kocar]

Trying to answer before going back to work.

Our family of 6 loves OKW as our favorite resort, even over BCV with their extravagant pool complex!

It's much roomier all around no matter what size room you book.

We had no problems using bus transportation on any of our visits there. Just request near a bus stop in reservations, but there are stops in very convenient locations.

Check out the daily activities at the resort; they're fun!

Our kids love the fishing excursion out on the lagoon by Downton Disney. There's a fee, but my daughter absolutely loved it!

Boat transport to Downtown Disney and Saratoga is easily accessed and convenient.

We found the lines for the OKW busses when LEAVING a park to go back to our room were one of the shortest lines. We split our stay once btw. OKW and BCV, only to wish we'd stayed at OKW bec/the BCV busses were crowded and shared with other resorts in that Epcot area. Very crowded!

Hope this helps.

Michelle

 

[jksky4]

My family is going in February, staying at OKW and we are not renting a car. People have strong opinions on this board as far as renting a car or not. We opted not because we are on vacation and feel that if we have to wait for a bus then that isn't the worse thing that could happen. Afterall, we are on vacation. We can easily go to DTD via boat for more dining options if we want. Good luck with your decision.

 

[byoung]

I agree I'm on vacation don't want to drive.

 

[CharlesTD]

No need to rent a car to be honest just hop the bus they are very convenient and no hassle at all. OKW wouldn't be my first choice I would go to SSR or BWV or someplace like that before OKW though.

 

[RobDoc]

We have stayed at all seven DVC resorts and can find many positive things about each one. We have stayed at OKW over 400 nights (over 13 months) since 1993.

The resort affords a relaxing atmosphere amidst the hustle-bustle of the Theme Parks and DD. We enjoy walking to DD , but always use Disney transportation to get to all other areas of WDW - even if we have a car. True, you will need to allow extra travel time when depending on WDW buses but, when on vacation, we always have plenty of time to enjoy the ride and the surroundings.

The resort itself has great vistas to enjoy from your villa - with views of the golf course, ponds, canals or woods right from the spacious balconies. The marina offers a variety of watercraft to enjoy, the pool has been enhanced with a themed slide and there are neighborhood pools for those wanting a swim closer to their villa. Tennis courts are available in two locations at the resort and their is an exercise facility for those so inclined. Community Hall offers a space for children's programming. Olivia's restaurant offers a friendly atmosphere to enjoy Key Lime Pie and many other menu favorites. Snacks are available throughout the day from Good's Food to Go or the Turtle Shack and adult beverages and other libations may be found at the Gurgling Suitcase. All of these locations are accessible by bus from any bus stop at the resort or by a stroll from anyplace at the resort- no more than 15 minutes from the farthest villas.

If you need a hotel atmosphere - with interior hallways and room service - to enjoy your Disney stay, OKW may not meet your expectations and it's certainly not for everyone. We enjoy the total experience offered by the resort.

 

[Morganpics]

We stayed at Turtle Pond area in June. We rented a car simply because DH won't be without one. We used the buses and had no complaints. It was about a 5-7 minute walk to the HH which was very pleasant. I find using Disney transportation much easier than having to drive, park, walk, etc. etc. JMHO.

 

[pbharris4]

I have a 2 yo as well. Rent a car unless you are taking one. I would suggest that no matter where you were. Last year when my youngest was 13 months we rode the buses once or twice and it was such a pain taking the stroller on the bus. Now than she walks it's just up, down, up down, in and out, in and out. I am sure you know how it is. If it's a quick bus ride to DTD or something ok, but I wouldn't suggest it for the parks. I have never stayed at OKW (we will next year), but it looks nice and back. We're going there to relax after 6 days at BCV!

 

[snyderla]

We drive to WDW, then park the car and don't use it unless we go offsite for something. It is too much of a pain to drive, park, take a tram, etc. when we can just walk to the bus stop and take it to the park. We drove one trip to the parks, until we realized how much park time we were wasting! The 2 exceptions to this for us are: 1-if we are going to a character breakfast before park opening & 2-the time we stayed in a cabin at FW, trans there was not fast enough compared to driving for us. We loved OKW, and I miss that whirlpool tub in out 2BR unit. One of our favorite places to stay. Really like Olivia's, breakfast there was fabulous!

 

[thelionqueen]

Stitches12

We rented a studio room from a DVC member and are going in October. I can't wait !!! There is a good board here that you can look at renting points. We got ours off ebay - if you would like to know her name feel free to send me a PM. Although we haven't gone yet I feel we've had a very positive experience with this renter.

Good luck on your search - maybe we'll see you there

Just a reply on this thread. I am also a mom to 2 boys, also rented points to stay at OKW and also going in Oct. Maybe we'll see you there We'll be there 10/3-10/13, when are you going?