There is only one way to describe an OKW Grand Villa..WOWWWWWWWW

[MiaSRN62]

Disney does price their resorts according to their location and amenities. The age or the size of the resort does not seem to matter because if this was so then Poly would be one of the lowest priced resorts since it was one of the 2 orginal WDW resorts, but it is priced as one of the highest resorts. Why is the Poly one of the highest priced resorts at WDW? Because of location and amenitites! The same holds true for OKW. The cash or point price for OKW is lower than the other DVC resorts because you are getting less for your money or points.

Doc...I'm not going to address any bashing that I may or may not see here with this post. Just my opinion here in regards to the Poly and OKW. It's comparing apples and oranges imho. OKW was the original DVC resort and thus subject to the original points charts that was set up over a decade ago. The lower points in no way reflects a substandard resort----particularily in comparing with CB which mystifies me ? I suppose I shouldn't have used the word "older" in my original post, but rather "original" or "first". But isn't it true, that once Disney set the points chart over 10 years ago that they must abide to stick very closely to that ? I know they can switch them around but really can't make them higher overall ? This was my understanding ? I'm sure Disney WISHES they could go back and make OKW points higher as hind sight is 20/20 and they now see how wildly popular the DVC has become. One more reference to CB vs OKW. All one has to do is look at the rack rates to see these resorts are different. One is priced as a moderate, while the other is priced as a home away from home resort. OKW is much more similar to the other DVC resorts when comparing rack rates than say to CB ? As to the reference of the lifeguard. It was my understanding from a previous older thread on these boards that OKW doesn't require a lifeguard because there is no slide at the pool ? At least this is what I was reading, so I don't feel this makes OKW less deluxe ? In fact, I own a timeshare outside of DVC and there is no lifeguard at ANY of the 7 pools, yet the resort (Vistana) is considered and rated a Gold Crown resort by RCI. I know many other timeshares don't have lifeguards also. I don't think this in any reflects the standards of that individual resort as most resorts you can trade into via II or RCI are very highly rated. Of course, this is just my opinion. I am not addressing any specific individual here.
As far as location......just because OKW is not as close to the MK or Epcot does not mean that it's in a less desirable location. In fact, we usually use our own car to get around to the parks and we can drive to Epcot faster than walking from BWV or taking a bus from OKW or any other resort. Not everyone wants to be that close to the parks anyway and many actually prefer the ease of getting to DD that the other DVC don't offer. My 16 year old son (soon to be 17) actually prefers being able to jump on a boat and hang out in DD.
So, I feel EVERY DVC resort has something uniquely wonderful to offer. I wish we could all just see that and not knit-pick in comparing the resorts. I'm thankful for the differences that DVC has to offer. Thanks for listening

 

[jaysue]

Is a GV in essence a 2BR with something close to the space of two studios above it?

Does the "living area" of the main floor have a double height "open" area ceiling?

thanks
jaysue

 

[MiaSRN62]

Does the "living area" of the main floor have a double height "open" area ceiling?

Jaysue....
I've nevered stayed in an OKW GV, but I do know the living space on the ground floor is very spacious and open. I know you can stand on the landing leading up stairs and look down upon the living room area. You can check out some pics at this site : http://allearsnet.com/acc/g_okw.htm
Scroll down to the GV pics. I'm determined to stay in a GV one of these times---whether I need all that space or not !

 

[castleri]

Jaysue
I hope you get to try an OKW GV in the near future even if you don't need all the space. That is what we are doing - started with possible 9-10 people when first made reservations - day by day last January and are now down to 4-5. Don't really need all the space but know we can't change now and plan to really enjoy those super deluxe days. The first floor of the villa is at least as large as a 2 bedroom. We found the second bedroom of a two bedroom at OKW to be better that the second floor bedrooms in the GV mainly because of the bathrooms being rather small. But then how much time do you spend in the bedrooms and bathrooms after all. Having the 4th bathroom downstairs makes it really great when everyone is trying to get ready in the morning. Yes the living room area is the double height ceiling.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by castleri
Yes the living room area is the double height ceiling.

Here is the view from the balcony looking down into the living room area below.

 

[RobDoc]

The first floor of the OKW GV has the master BR, a larger than usual living room, a much larger dining area and larger kitchen space than in any of the 2BR villas.

The master BR is essentially the same size to a 1BR at OKW. There is a jacuzzi tub area with sink and another area with shower/toilet/sink areas. In addition, there is another full bathroom on the first level.

The living room has a cathedral ceiling and opens onto a large balcony/patio. The upstairs bedrooms each has it's own full bathroom.

Enjoy!

 

[jaysue]

Sounds so tempting - almost make me leaning to buy a OKW resale......

Well some day maybe

thanks for the info - great thread and informative

If I can ever get the extended family or close friends with kids to come down will consider it

Thanks again!!!

Cheers
jaysue

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by jaysue
Is a GV in essence a 2BR with something close to the space of two studios above it?

Does the "living area" of the main floor have a double height "open" area ceiling?

thanks
jaysue

The GV is much larger than a 2 bedroom with 2 studios. Each upstairs bedroom is similar in size to a studio and has its own full bath etc, but there is also a bridge that goes over the two story living area between the two bedrooms, so each room seems VERY private. It is great for 3 families. The lower level is larger than a 2 bedroom because of the seperate dining area and larger living room area. There is also an extra 3/4 bath on the main level to accommodate anyone who happens to stay in the living room. We have done a GV with 11 people and had a BLAST! We did NOT feel cramped at all, and all those windows made it so bright and cheery! The only draw back is that the laundry and kitchen could be a bit larger, in my opinion.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by bunnymkc
tJust got back from spending 9 days in Fla..5 at an OKW GV and 4 at Hard Rock Hotel at US..There was 15 of us with 12 staying at the GV and the other 3 at VWL..When we opened the door we all said"OH my God" It just took our breath away and we remembered why we bought DVC as when we saw the model of the GV about 6 or 7 years ago..we forgot what it looked like and how big it is..we had a wonderful stay at DW with one of the young fellows cooking us breakfast every morning,choc chip Mickey pancakes,omlets,eggs etc..as we were leaving to go to the HR Hotel I said who's going to miss the Mickey pancakes and we all shouted ME..It was very hard to compare the HR as we were just in love with the GV but I have to say that I will never stay there again..it just didn't have the MAGIC of Disney..it certainlly didn't feel like HOME and the CM ere not as wonderful as Disney's CM'S. I wish we could stay in a BW GV but as the points are so high I am sure we will not get a chance..we were in bldg 16 which is close to the HH but not too close..it was quiet but beautiful and we will never forget it I'm sure..if any of you have a chance please do so as the points are not too high and the experience was well worth it..HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!! Any questions please feel free to ask..Marianne

My, how far we have come away from the original poster's excitement.

Marianne, I am so glad you liked your GV stay. I have to agree, there is nothing like it at WDW! Thanks for your post.

 

[PamOKW]

LOL! I agree I have no idea what this post is talking about any more. Someone is excited by their wonderful trip to OKW and somehow we are into a discussion justifying why OKW is better than an All-Star but nowhere near as good as any other DVC? I don't get it.

Price and location don't mean everything either. The original poster mentions how they preferred OKW over HR (which has comparable access as BWV does to Epcot and gives you the "head of the line" access). It's a case of personal preferences. Many people do really enjoy OKW, some do not. Some are happy trying out all the DVC's and appreciate the pluses of all of them. Some prefer to stickwith their home resort.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Price and location don't mean everything either. The original poster mentions how they preferred OKW over HR (which has comparable access as BWV does to Epcot and gives you the "head of the line" access). It's a case of personal preferences. Many people do really enjoy OKW, some do not. Some are happy trying out all the DVC's and appreciate the pluses of all of them. Some prefer to stickwith their home resort.

I wholeheartedly agree Pam.....could not have stated this better.

we were just in love with the GV but I have to say that I will never stay there again..it just didn't have the MAGIC of Disney..it certainlly didn't feel like HOME and the CM ere not as wonderful as Disney's CM'S.

lol....we sure have digressed Pam & Diane ! I actually had to go back to the original post to get a handle on things. The OP's above statement compared her stays at the Hard Rock and the GV at OKW. Her feelings sum it all up best I think.

 

[ilovebwv]

 

[SleepyatDVC]

Thanks for your post about the OKW GV, Marianne!

It's really making me look forward to my trip in January! I just don't want to get my expectations unrealistically high - you know what happens when that you do that!

Just looking forward to that feeling of going "home" when I walk into the GV. A much nicer home than my actual one!!

My own little house in a beautiful community that is just a hop, jump, and a skip away from EVERYTHING in the World!!! The ultimate "playing house" fantasy!

 

["Ginger"]

Well, I just want to say THANK YOU bunnymkc for your post.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom last year and loved it but we could have used a little more room. There was 7 of us, 4 adult and 3 little girls ages 5, 6 and 7.
Going back in January but with a more grow-up group, age wise only 5 adults and our Birthday girl 7 going on 17.
I booked the 2 bedroom again but have been thinking about how much more relaxed everyone would be if we had more room. Your post has convinced me to spend the extra points. I'm going to give DVC a call in the morning and request a GV. BTW, I'm going to keep the upgrade a surprise, if I get it.

Thanks for posting.

 

[RobDoc]

Thanks for the recent posts trying to return this thread to it's topic. Several posts, after a posted warning, have been removed.

Thanks!!

 

[Niagara2]

WOWWWWWW.......I am right now in building 16 in an OKW GV with 10 of my most loved family and lets get back to basics and the first post.. This is one of the nicest (and largest) rooms on site. We are thrilled to be here. We hung the Christmas lights and hope to post a picture. We are at WDW in a GV with the people most important to us.....God Bless all and Happy Thanksgiving. Think of al the people who will never have this chance and stop complaining and being negative. On top of it, I requested this building and got it. Perfect trip so far. As we pull into the front gate here - and we got Our welcome home - all I could say is - I LOVE MY OKW!!!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

I am right now in building 16 in an OKW GV with 10 of my most loved family and lets get back to basics and the first post.. This is one of the nicest (and largest) rooms on site. We are thrilled to be here. We hung the Christmas lights and hope to post a picture. We are at WDW in a GV with the people most important to us.....God Bless all and Happy Thanksgiving. Think of al the people who will never have this chance and stop complaining and being negative.

Thanks for putting it all in perspective Niagra. Continue to have a wonderful trip with your family and I'll be looking forward to seeing those pictures !

 

[DeeP]

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by "Ginger"
Well, I just want to say THANK YOU bunnymkc for your post.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom last year and loved it but we could have used a little more room. There was 7 of us, 4 adult and 3 little girls ages 5, 6 and 7.
Going back in January but with a more grow-up group, age wise only 5 adults and our Birthday girl 7 going on 17.
I booked the 2 bedroom again but have been thinking about how much more relaxed everyone would be if we had more room. Your post has convinced me to spend the extra points. I'm going to give DVC a call in the morning and request a GV. BTW, I'm going to keep the upgrade a surprise, if I get it.

Thanks for posting.

Be sure to come back and let us know if you get a GV at this late date. I do know that it has been possible before, because we were once at OKW in January when a couple was there in a GV on a II exchange. They had requested a 2 bedroom, but were given the GV. We were laughing because they were quickly trying to arrange for family to come down during their stay!

 

[bunnymkc]

When you walk in the OKW GV you will stay with your mouth open for about 2 minutes!! words cannot do it justice..it is truly the way a vacation is supposed to be!!I am sure the GV at BWV is the same way just too beautiful for words..am so glad I got the oppitunity to experience it and wish everyone here could do the same..hope you get the GV for Jan you will not be sorry!!wish I knew how to post the pix and even those will not give you all an idea how magnificent it is..have a great holiday everyone and God Bless..Marianne