Thinking of OKW - Is it really far away?

[MiaSRN62]

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

It's just sometimes so much more of the negative vs the positive points of "certain" resorts are conveyed in these posts. I just feel certain criticisms of certain resorts are just a little bit more "fair" than others reviews, that's all. There was a certain thread a little while back where "star ratings" and luxury status were assigned the DVC resorts---this is the sort of thing I find unnessary because it gives some (particularily those who've never been to a certain resort), an unfair view. So my previous comments here in this particular thread are just my perception of what I've been reading. My honest opinion.
It's nice that we can agree to disagree DeeP. I've enjoyed debates with you on this very subject in the recent past and this is what makes these boards so interesting. I won't be responding any further on this thread because some will always disagree. Thanks.

 

[disneyberry]

OKW is a beautiful resort, and it's a lot of people's favorite DVC resort.
but, it's not for everyone.

it's definitely NOT far away in terms of where it's physically located in relation to the parks. i actually think OKW is in a very central location... very close to Epcot and MGM, and equidistant from MK and AK.

what may make it seem "far" is the times when the bus service is not that fast. it does take quite some time for each bus to loop around the entire resort (OKW is huge!)...
and if you happen to just miss the bus, then you could be in for a 20-30 min wait.
(it's a nice wait though, w/ relaxing piped in music )

i think as far as fastest transit times to the parks, i would actually rank BCV the closest, then BWV, then OKW, and finally VWL! (yes, the MK resorts IMHO are only close to MK. i would rate VWL as "far away" from things as AKL. but this is just my probably minority opinion)

the 1-bdrms and 2-bdrms at OKW are so spacious and beautiful though.
and while we don't like the "outdoor corridor" condo-style (reminds us more of the Moderate resorts), many people prefer it over the crazy mile-long indoor corridors at other resorts.

there's pros and cons to every resort.
enjoy!

 

[KyBill]

I promised myself a couple of years ago that I would not post replies detrimental to some posters who enjoy telling new posters about their perceptions of a resort in a negative way. But it sure is hard to keep my promise.

I think all the DW DVC resorts are great.
I like some better than others.

DW and I think OKW is great.

 

[colleen costello]

There really must be more to loving/not loving a resort than FACT -- like "interior hallways" or "room service is available" or "the bus service is good." There is some type of personality to each resort, some type of "essence" that we all respond to uniquely and therefore these comparisons are often irrelevant...

For me, OKW has a very special magic about it that goes beyond valet parking or numerous restaurants. Something about the place just "speaks" to me. I am hopelessly in love with the place... it just seems so "Florida" to me. Flowers, colors, people -- lots of things play into this -- but overall I guess we all have opinions and perceptions that go beyond simple FACTS about our favorite resorts. When I am at OKW, more than any other of the wonderful DVC resorts, I actually feel like I LIVE THERE... and that is magical!

 

[DeeP]

There really must be more to loving/not loving a resort than FACT -- like "interior hallways" or "room service is available" or "the bus service is good." There is some type of personality to each resort, some type of "essence" that we all respond to uniquely and therefore these comparisons are often irrelevant...

What is irrelevant to one person is very often, very much relevant to someone else. What makes for a perfect or preferred vacation resort is made up of many different components depending on each individual's wants and desires. To some people room service, valet parking etc are a very important and very much used amenitites during their vacation, while outside self parking at the door or a larger kitchen/lr/dr are not high priorities and the same is true vice versa for others.
Let's be honest here, ALL the WDW resorts are beautifully landscaped with flowers and plants, etc even the value resorts. They all have different and unique atmospheres and essences and although it is very true that people pick WDW resorts for which atmosphere appeals to them, the "facts" regarding location and resort amenitites, etc., are also a very big consideration for many people in deciding what resort they love and which fits into their vacation wants and desires.

 

[PamOKW]

Colleen, I agree with you that it is hard to truly convey the Disney magic that envelops you at OKW. For whatever reason, maybe some people don't experience it but it seems that many of us do. Some who end up at OKW by default often find themselves taken by surprise when the "magic" hits them, too.

Unfortunately, it is hard to convey. I've been thinking about it, too and your point of feeling like you live there is really the essence. There are many, many wonderful hotels at WDW but I don't think they would have enticed me to buy into a long-term program at any of them....kitchen or not. When I'm at OKW I feel like I live at WDW. I'm not restricted to any of the individual areas but take it all in. I sit out on my deck in the morning and watch the sun rise as blue herons stroll across the golf course. In a matter of minutes, I'm walking down Main Street. Another day I can laze by the pool, spend some time at DD and then head over to the GF for drinks in the lobby and dinner at V&A. I soak it all in. I also think the more trips and the more often I make trips in a year the more I appreciate being able to see more than just the parks. I really value the beauty of looking out over the golf course and taking walks around OKW. It makes vacation a time to relax as well as being able to enjoy everything else WDW offers.

To once again answer the OP -- No, OKW isn't far from anything, it just feels that way and that can be a very good thing.

Now, the beauty of DVC is that there are also other options. Some trips when I really want to spend time at Epcot or when I want a change of pace, I can book BCV, BWV or VWL. Soon we'll have SSR to add to the mix. Of course, Vero and HHI are two other wonderful options. You can't make straight line comparisons of any of them. They are all unique and all offer something special. There is more to OKW than big rooms and parking by the door. Just as there is more to BCV than SAB or more to BWV than being able to walk to parks.

 

[Jollymon]

A floridian's slant to this.

The only contact I had with OKW was a drive thru that we did about 8 months ago.

Personally, I would not stay there.

Several reasons for this:

1) The property pretty much looks like well, how can I say this, Florida. The layout, the golf setting, the lawns, canals, etc. I personally want to feel different when I go on vacation and a hallway and a 'Resort' feel make the experience seem different than staying at home. Driving through Old Key west is like driving through any upscale golf community in South Florida. Staying at the other DVC resorts makes you feel like you are in a different place (The beach, The woods, the Boardwalk) and it seems a bit more magical.

2) I don't do busess. With two kids, it becomes a hassle. We did a bus once, and the whole concept of having to fold the strollers while juggling two kids was just way too much for my wife and I. Furthermore, i now have a Jogging stroller that I use with my 3 year old, imagine getting that in the bus. I prefer to stay at a resort that I can either get to a Park or nighttime entertainment without having to get into a car or bus. Let's face it, OKW is a Bus or Car place.

3) I think my kids would have a better time at the other DVC resorts due to the slide in the pool or SAB.

4) I think I would have a better time at the Boardwalk area where I can walk to ESPN and have a beer and wings while watching a game or catching different variety of foods and a firework show every night just by walking over.

Andrew

 

[DeeP]

I think Granny hit the nail on the head when he pointed out that quite often you just fall in love with a DVC resort and for you it is just wonderful. It is your special WDW resort, the resort that you feel more peaceful and tranquil at then any other.
What makes one person fall in love with one DVC resort is very often (as we see over and over again on these boards, LOL), what very well might turn someone else off on the very same resort. I think it is like falling in love with anything or anyone in life....... beauty/love etc is in the eye/heart of the beholder. And thank goodness it is so, can you imagine if all 6,000+ DVC members all fell in love with the same resort!!!????

 

[PamOKW]

pretty much looks like well, how can I say this, Florida. .... I personally want to feel different when I go on vacation

LOL!! And that's why it's very hard for me to stay at VWL! I've got plenty of pine trees and mountains right near home. I travel to Florida to see those palm trees and flowers!!

Heck, I spent many, many vacations in Atlantic City and Ocean City, NJ.....in fact, we've got family photos going back to the 1920's with family in AC that could be on the walls at BWV! I get a deja vu feeling there and I keep trying to find the casino.

 

[DeeP]

1) The property pretty much looks like well, how can I say this, Florida. The layout, the golf setting, the lawns, canals, etc. I personally want to feel different when I go on vacation and a hallway and a 'Resort' feel make the experience seem different than staying at home. Driving through Old Key west is like driving through any upscale golf community in South Florida. Staying at the other DVC resorts makes you feel like you are in a different place (The beach, The woods, the Boardwalk) and it seems a bit more magical.

Andrew,
As a dual resident in 2 states, one of them being FL, so therefore I spend a lot of time in FL, I feel excately the same way. I especially do not feel as though I am in the real Key West at ALL when I am at OKW. But that is what makes the world go round, that is why they make vanilla and chocolate and why they make so many wonderful DVC resorts for our individual tastes and wants!

 

[PamOKW]

I especially do not feel as though I am in the real Key West at ALL

Nor, do I feel like I'm really in Atlantic City or on the New England Coast at BWV and BCV. For one thing....no ocean....an element also missing at OKW! Got to get those Imagineers working on that one.

 

[DeeP]

Heck, I spent many, many vacations in Atlantic City and Ocean City, NJ.....in fact, we've got family photos going back to the 1920's with family in AC that could be on the walls at BWV! I get a deja vu feeling there and I keep trying to find the casino.

Pam.
This is so ironic and once again shows how different everyone is! I grew up, work and live the majority of the year at the Jersey shore and other than the style of the buidling and the wonderful Jersey shore and Miss America memorabilia and photos at BWI and BWV, these resorts do not feel like being in Atlantic City or at the Jersey shore at all to me. The biggest difference is the very obvious lack of the ocean and beach, not even Disney can re create the wonder of the ocean and a natural beach! LOL! Yes, there is technically a boardwalk but nothing like a real boardwalk at AC, OC, Wildwood, NJ is. And YC/BC has had the same walkway made of boards for years but now just because it was built on the other side of the water it is now supposed to be a "boardwalk" . Although I love Disney's version of a boardwalk very much it does not, in the least, remind me of the Jersey shore.

 

[DeeP]

Pam,
It looks like our posts were crossing paths via the net!

 

[sparkspeak]

The best thread about "mine is better" . . . http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=387556
[

 

[PamOKW]

Well, we're going a little off track here but....the furnishings in the lobby of BWV are very much like the furnishings you would find in the "grand" hotels of AC in the 1940's before tourism there basically collapsed prior to the arrival of the casinos. (Pictures and my parent's evaluation, not personal knowledge.) Walking the Boardwalk in those days meant getting dressed up and figuring out how to keep one's stilleto heels from getting caught in the "boards". A very "grand" time for AC....just as the feel of BWV's public area is "grand" with seating out on the porch to watch the passing of folks on the Boardwalk.

 

[freediverdude]

Well, here, for what it's worth, I'll post my experiences at staying at OKW for the first time this year. After reading a lot of posts, and knowing how close the other DVC resorts were to the parks, I was kind of disappointed at only OKW being available, but I thought I would try it anyway. I was pleasantly surprised at the resort itself. I am usually a nervous person, but I just couldn't help but relax here. And I was taken aback by all the cast members smiling and waving at me, and saying "Welcome home!". The non-DVC resort cast members are usually friendly, but nothing like that- even if a service vehicle was going by, the person would wave at me LOL. And there was something just really peaceful and tranquil about sitting out on that balcony and just watching the ponds and golf course and birds while eating breakfast. And, I was surprised that I liked the bus service here too. In now 2 trips to OKW (yes I ended up going back), I've never had to stand on a single bus, and that's what I hated about some of the buses at the other resorts, being crammed in like sardines, with half the people having to stand.
So now, this September, BCV was available, and I've decided to try that one. And I think it will be different. I have a feeling that I will like being able to walk or take a boat to 2 parks, and swim in SAB, and walk over to the fireworks at night. However, I don't think it will have that same feeling as OKW, and I have a feeling the cast members won't act the same way, since it's part of the Beach Club/Yacht Club. Also I have a feeling that I won't like the buses here either, as I think they often share with Boardwalk Inn, Boardwalk Villas, Dolphin, and Swan, making it really 7 resorts sharing one bus. Anyway, I guess it will just be a different experience, with pros and cons to each resort. I'll wait and see whether I like it better or how it goes.

 

[DeeP]

Pam.
I agree with you regarding how authentic Disney designed the BWI/BWV building, it is amazing the attention to detail. Believe me, I grew up going to the old grand hotels on the AC boardwalk. I took swimming lessons at the old Ambassador hotel, my first summer job was working a food concession on Steeplechase pier (which the infamous clown at BWV is modeled after this pier's logo, BTW), every summer a BIG thing was getting all fancied up and seeing the Ice Capades at Convention Hall, etc. etc.
Yes, it is very evident Disney did a wonderful job in recreating the look of an old Jersey hotel and the first time I ever walked into the BWV lobby I was shocked. On the BWI side there are even photos of old AC fire dept members that show relatives of guys I grew up with!
I love the BWV lobby and it brings back many fond memories to me and I always smile when I see the model of Lucy the elephant and remember going there as a teen ager at night with my boyfriend and we would meet a bunch of friends on the beach, LOL, or I remember buying numerous fund raising things for the "Save Lucy" compaign when we almost lost her due to neglect and lack of interest.
As I said before yes the style/architecture of the BWI/BWV building, the lobby, the photos and the Jersey shore memorabilia do remind me of AC but that is about it. I certainly do not feel as though I am in AC when I am at BWV. Maybe because I live and work here and I am in AC all the time but I am sorry, when I am at BWV there is no way I feel like I am in AC!
I feel like I am in a gorgeous resort that is in WDW and that is one of the most beautiful and most conveniently located resorts that I have ever stayed in and for me it brings a great deal of relaxation and wonderful vacation times and I love it, but I never feel as though I am back in my old neighborhood.

 

[DeeP]

this September, BCV was available, and I've decided to try that one. And I think it will be different. I have a feeling that I will like being able to walk or take a boat to 2 parks, and swim in SAB, and walk over to the fireworks at night. However, I don't think it will have that same feeling as OKW, and I have a feeling the cast members won't act the same way, since it's part of the Beach Club/Yacht Club. Also I have a feeling that I won't like the buses here either, as I think they often share with Boardwalk Inn, Boardwalk Villas, Dolphin, and Swan, making it really 7 resorts sharing one bus. Anyway, I guess it will just be a different experience, with pros and cons to each resort. I'll wait and see whether I like it better or how it goes.

I am sure you will enjoy your stay at BCV very much. It is a wonderful resort with a lot to offer their guests. And it will be a different experience than staying at OKW. Both are good experiences, but they are different.
You are absolutely right all the WDW resorts have their pros and cons.
I would not be worried about the buses, you only need bus transport to AK, MK and DTD and even though you share buses with the other resorts it is no different than the buses that service just one resort but the one resort has multiple stops. On the whole I have always had excellent bus service at all the Epcot resorts. At MK's park closing especially if the fireworks and Spectro are being run (this is not a problem with AK closing I think because there is no nighttime show), there are times you may have to stand vs never having to stand on an OKW bus but that is because the majority of OKW's guests have their own cars, this is not so at the Epcot resorts. One thing I do is get off at the first stop- Dolphin and just walk over the bridge to BWV. It is a very short and pleasant walk or you can just stay on the bus and in less than 10 min you will be back to BWV's bus stop.
I am sure you will really enjoy how easy it is to get to Epcot, MGM and all the great restaurants and entertainment in this area.
I have always had very pleasant experiences with all the CMs at the Epcot resorts, but then I have had very pleasant experiences with almost every CM I have ever encountered anywhere at WDW.
You will love SAB, it is an incredible pool!!
Have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[freediverdude]

Thank you, DeeP. That helps me feel better about it. I was having these nightmare pictures of cramped buses to MK, with people getting mad at the bus drivers and such LOL. I know when I stayed at CR, the DTD bus came to us first, and we filled up all the seats, and then we went over to the Poly, and those people filled up all the room to stand, and then the bus driver had the nerve to (or I guess was required to) go over to the GF after that, and nobody got off, and of course nobody else could get on, and we left a bunch of angry people at the GF to wait another 20 minutes for another bus. But maybe that was a fluke and doesn't happen very often. But glad to hear you haven't had a problem at the Epcot resorts- I'll give it a try!
Nick

 

[DeeP]

Nick,
I am glad I could calm your fears, LOL! Really though the only buses that have the potential to be an overcrowding hassle are the buses at the close of MK when Spectro and fireworks are run and even that can be solved by taking your leisurely time leaving MK. We will usually grab some treats from the Main Street bakery or candy shop--well before the parade or it will be packed, LOL, and then we love to just grab a spot after the parade and fireworks and enjoy our treats and watch the castle changing colors, all the people exiting the park and the CMs doing the amazing jobs they do cleaning up the park after the thousands leave for the day. The tables right outside Plaza restaurant are great for this!
The buses run for an hour after park closing so taking your time leaving will give you a relaxing time to chill out and see MK probably more empty than you have ever seen it and it will also yield you walking right up to a seat on an air conditioned bus.
Enjoy!