Thinking of OKW - Is it really far away?

[DeeP]

Sorry, but a trip to the park that starts with a hike from my room, aint on my list of convinient things. You can get lucky and gt a room with just a small hike, but the vast majority are far, many are VERY far from the valet.

In one type of resort you walk the distance in an air conditoned hallway and in another type of resort you can very easily walk the same distance down the outside un air conditioned hallway, down--or even worse up the steps, through the parking lot (and at times several parking lots if you did not get a spot in the parking lot in front of your building) and to the car or room--depending on which direction you are going. You are many times walking the same amount of steps, it is just in different environments.
The distance from BWV rooms is no farther than rooms at any of the other deluxe rooms. Have you ever stayed at YC, BC, AKL etc?????

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by KNWVIKING
I haven't seen Rich post yet so I'm pretty certain everything is ok.

Its official now.........Rich has posted........open season.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by DeeP
You are many times walking the same amount of steps, it is just in different environments.

Deep
Is the walkway

to Epcot or MGM air conditioned?

 

[Richyams]

you can very easily walk the same distance down the outside un air conditioned hallway

I guess you have never been to OKW, you really should experience something before coommenting on it, especially with such wrong information.

Even if you are in the building that has almost no parking, your walk is short compared to the closest BWV rooms. I have never parked more than three spaces away from the closest spot.

Unless by "another type of resot" you meant some off site or non-DVC resort that I am unfamiliar with...why would you bring up another resort?

Personally, we never travel to WDW during the heat of the summer, but even if we did, its still far, far, far closer to your car and way more convinient to anywhere than that gawd awful hike from the vast majority of those BWV rooms.

Besides, many consider OKW the only 'true' DVC resort.

 

[DeeP]

I guess you have never been to OKW, you really should experience something before coommenting on it, especially with such wrong information.

Sorry, you are wrong. I have stayed at OKW several times when I could not get any other DVC resort on WDW property and I also stayed once as a guest of a fellow DVC member. After several stays at OKW, I realized that it fit much more into my vacation wants, desires and preferences to simply change my trip dates than to settle and stay at OKW, so now that is what I do.

Even if you are in the building that has almost no parking, your walk is short compared to the closest BWV rooms. I have never parked more than three spaces away from the closest spot.

Sorry, again you are wrong. This has not been my experience. One of my stays at OKW was even a business trip and I was leaving by 7:30 AM and returning approx 5:30 PM--not at park closings and I still had to park in the lot in the next building 90% of the time.

Unless by "another type of resot" you meant some off site or non-DVC resort that I am unfamiliar with...why would you bring up another resort?

By "other type of resort, I meant a resort that offers full deluxe, hotel resort amenities and services vs the more at home, do it yourself atmoshphere.

Personally, we never travel to WDW during the heat of the summer, but even if we did, its still far, far, far closer to your car and way more convinient to anywhere than that gawd awful hike from the vast majority of those BWV rooms.

Again I disagree, while it might be closer to get to your car from some rooms from many rooms it is not, especially considering you have to deal, with at times 2 flights of stairs. As far as being..."way more convinent to anywhere than that gawd awful hike from the vast majority of those BWV rooms", I don't think so. Any room at BWV, even a cardboard box in the parking lot is a lot closer to a major park, numerous restaurants, nighttime resort entertainment, etc than a room at OKW.

Besides, many consider OKW the only 'true' DVC resort.

Sorry, but that old, tired horse is dead, buried, decomposed, risen to heaven and about to be reborn with the opening of Saratoga Springs!

 

[DeeP]

Is the walkway to Epcot or MGM air conditioned?

No it is not, but did I miss something......... did they air condition the walkways or the trams from the Epcot and MGM parking lots to the front entrance of the parks, since I was last at WDW 2 weeks ago?????!!!!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Anyway, if you love your resort and are happy with your purchase, why be threatened by someone else's opinion? (That goes for overly-touchy BWV members as well.)

I don't feel threatened at all.....I just feel it's a shame to give an unfavorable slant to OKW---particularily when it's being directed to people who have never stayed there. I think some of these posts I've seen over the weeks/months (and we'll drop the word "bashing" for debate sake) turn potential first-time guests away before they've had a chance to try OKW out ? Honestly, if I had never stayed at OKW (or knew nothing about DVC) I'd be pretty hesitant to stay there based on how certain people review it in an unfavorable light here on the boards. There's no denying this goes on with OKW more than any other DVC resort.
It's a wonderful resort (as are all the DVC places) and I just think it would be nice to give it a fair review---that's all. Judge OKW for what it is....not what it isn't.

 

[DeeP]

review it in an unfavorable light here on the boards. There's no denying this goes on with OKW more than any other DVC resort.

You have got to be kidding!!!
Do a search, you will be very surprised.

 

[MiaSRN62]

You have got to be kidding!!!

Nope..I'm not kidding DeeP.....I've done the searches and I've been involved with posting on several threads this past 3-4 weeks all dealing with this same issue (aka all the cons of OKW). I think this is where the "defensive mode" and "feeling threatened" comes out in many of the posts.
I'm not going to list every thread that had something against OKW in the past weeks ("no magic", "far from everything" etc). I think most people know where they are.

 

[DeeP]

Nope..I'm not kidding DeeP.....I've done the searches and I've been involved with posting on several threads this past 3-4 weeks all dealing with this same issue (aka all the cons of OKW). I think this is where the "defensive mode" and "feeling threatened" comes out in many of the posts.

You have to do a search that goes back a lot farther than 3-4 weeks and you will see many instances of all the other DVC resorts being commented on in less than a favorable light much more often than OKW.

 

[RLevy29]

OKW is a great resort. I can't comment on the bus service because we always have a car. The rooms are beautiful and roomy. We were at a building that didn't have a parking lot right out front, but we were always able to park right next door. If you can get BCV and that's what you really want, that would be great. If you can't you are not getting a second rate place by any means. Good luck with whatever you are able to reserve.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

DeeP,
You make excellent points and I am sure what your choices are, are correct for you and that is the beauty of DVC..... choices.
I worry not about walking as you walk so much while at DVC that a few more steps (or what seem to be miles) makes not a lot of difference to me. But, there again, I like to walk.
I do prefer OKW because it is what I like on vacation, I do like the car outside the door, it is nice, but, not a deal maker or breaker.
Rich does not like anything but OKW, which is fine for Rich. I don't think I would like BWV cause I don't like the hustle and bustle of the place, which is fine for me. I have considered BCV cause I love the Beach Club, I would consider WV cause it is "woodsy".
To everyone:
Guess it all breaks down to what you like and what you want.
I don't think anyone should be put down for their preferences and certainly NO ONE is an authority on anyone else's opinions.
To comment on anyone's opinion in a put down manner is showing a total lack of class. Until you pay their bills, don't assume to tell someone how to live or what they should like or dislike. State your preferences, your reasons and let others do the same without fear of being ridiculed for their opinions.

As to OKW being the only "true DVC resort" get over it. That is total hogwash.

 

[Richyams]

Remember where it came from?

Remember the first person to use "It seems like 'many consider OKW the only true DVC resort'"?

It was another guy who got all bent out of shape when BWV weaknesses were brought up. I believe that poster was actually banned from this board. I keep using it as a goof on those that get all bent out of shape, I usually bring it in when I sense anger. Maybe no one else gets it, but I think it funny, I think the emotions it elicits from the bent out of shape person is hilarious.

I know that banned poster would be seething if he knew I was still using it as a goof on him. It was two or three years ago.

I like it, I think it works perfectly.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
As to OKW being the only "true DVC resort" get over it. That is total hogwash.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Richyams
Remember where it came from?

Remember the first person to use "It seems like 'many consider OKW the only true DVC resort'"?

It was another guy who got all bent out of shape when BWV weaknesses were brought up. I believe that poster was actually banned from this board. I keep using it as a goof on those that get all bent out of shape, I usually bring it in when I sense anger. Maybe no one else gets it, but I think it funny, I think the emotions it elicits from the bent out of shape person is hilarious.

I know that banned poster would be seething if he knew I was still using it as a goof on him. It was two or three years ago.

I like it, I think it works perfectly.

Actually, Rich, I do not remember. I just know I get bent out of shape when another person is bashed for their opinions or preferences. It is classless and tasteless and shows a lack of consideration for others. I prefer to live and let live and enjoy the diversity.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Wow. Thank you for the opinions, it's been enjoyable seeing all the sides here!

 

[DeeP]

Remember where it came from?

I remember. It was after a lot of references had been made that BWV was really only an "add on" to an existing resort which is not true because both BWI and BWV were planned from day one to be just as they are now, but anyway...... OKW was built solely to be a DVC resort. Which now that Saratoga Springs is opening I guess we will have 2 true DVC resorts and 3 fake DVC resorts on WDW property!

I keep using it as a goof on those that get all bent out of shape, I usually bring it in when I sense anger. Maybe no one else gets it, but I think it funny, I think the emotions it elicits from the bent out of shape person is hilarious.

From my experience, I have seen over the years, you using this line and the infamous ?% larger rooms, ?% lower dues, etc and also the 1.2 mile hallway theme, when you have nothing to say to refute what was posted or when someone has hit too close to home regarding OKW's shortcomings.

 

[MiaSRN62]

You have to do a search that goes back a lot farther than 3-4 weeks and you will see many instances of all the other DVC resorts being commented on in less than a favorable light much more often than OKW.

DeeP, I've been reading posts regularily on these boards 3-5 times a week for over a year and a half now. I am aware there have been some problems with other DVC resorts mentioned on the boards as well.
This was just my perception about the OKW posts.....that's all. I'm quite certain many will disagree with what I said about the OKW posts (and this is fine)---but that is my personal take on it, simple as that.
I have never put-down any of the DVC resorts. I like 'em all. If you do a search for posts with my screen name, you'll see that. I repeatedly make comments like "DVC offers something for everyone" or "I think all the DVC resorts are great". So I don't need to do any searches.....I follow the DVC boards pretty closely. I try not to be partial to any one resort over the other. Even though my home resort is OKW, I'm staying at the BWV's in August. My goal is to stay in all of them as often as possible
Like I said, they all should be enjoyed on their own merits. Variety is the spice of life .........

 

[DeeP]

Like I said, they all should be enjoyed on their own merits. Variety is the spice of life .........

I agree and when someone posts regarding the convenience and how far or easily accessible the parks, restaurants are from OKW compared to BWV or BCV, people should be able to answer honestly from their experiences and opinions at the various DVC resorts without being considered to have bashed or slandered a WDW resort. All the DVC resorts have their pros and cons and they appeal to different people based on their wants and needs while on a WDW vacation, I have posted this many times on this board. Just like I have NEVER disputed that OKW has by far the largest 1 BR villas, the quietest atmosphere, parking lots in front of every building, great conch chowder, a very nice boat ride to DTD, etc, but on the other side of the coin it should not be considered slander/bashing when someone points out that the other DVC resorts are more conveniently located, have easier access to parks, numerous restaurants, more full deluxe resort hotel amenities, etc than OKW does. It is not bashing, it is just answering a question and pointing out the various merits of a DVC resort.

 

[Loubon]

Originally posted by DeeP
From my experience, I have seen over the years, you using this line and the infamous ?% larger rooms, ?% lower dues, etc and also the 1.2 mile hallway theme, when you have nothing to say to refute what was posted or when someone has hit too close to home regarding OKW's shortcomings.

As a fairly new memeber I thought I'd weigh in here (I'll probably regret it!)

First off regarding the quote....I've been here 3 months now and it took me all of 3 seconds to "get" Rich's humor. And I've done plenty of searches so I got a flavor for the past. What makes me laugh is the more people don't "get it" the more he rides them. Classic!

But to the post at hand..... I have not yet stayed at the DVC resorts but as you can see below I have had a variety of resorts (and have passed close by and visted the DVC resorts for dinner etc). I agree with the poster who said you're walking all of the time anyway so what is the difference? And the heat...you're in FL! And the buses....sometimes they take long but most of the time they are fine (never rented a car so I won't comment on something I haven't done).

Finally, everyone is right who says an honest opinion should be voiced not just "everything is wonderful". BUT...and here is where the perspective of a new poster comes in....in the beginning it is easy to be scared away by things the vets now consider second nature. The thermostats, the walks, the garbage etc., etc. A newbie has just made a big Financial decision and then reads that, based on the combination of posts, that all the resorts have "major" flaws. (I knew it threw me a bit in the beginning). Same with someone who hasn't stayed at a resort yet. I know that is not the intent but go back and read how many new members say things like "gee I think now I made a mistake picking XXX resort". And for what? Becuase someone else wants their car closer?

Contrast that with posts that are solely meant to be helpful but just as honest in tone and I hope you see my point. The debates are fine for the pros but a new member or someone who hasn't stayed at a particular resort yet may not understand the frame of reference.

Just my opinion......