Thinking of OKW - Is it really far away?

[KyBill]

I always agree with Rich.

 

[MiaSRN62]

but if Disney had built more into the main hub where the Hospitiality House is and made it into a Disney version of the center of town at Key West with several restaurants and dining options, shops, entertainment like jugglers, etc., similiar to the boardwalk entertainment , it would definitely have more of the Key West essence and it would also provide more services and amenitites for the guests.

Sorry, Doc, but aside from The Adventurers Club and a few shops, there is very little of interest to me at Downtown Disney compared to the theme parks, which is what the discussion is about.

I guess some of us were adding to the first statement made above by DeeP. There was talk of general "entertainment" offerings and such not being offered at OKW. In all fairness to Doc, I think this is where the mention of the pontoon to DD came up. I know for my teen son, the OKW boat and the proximity to DD is what makes OKW "cool" to him. This is coming from a 16 year old. He loves all the shops and being able to quickly and easily get to Disney Quest etc. OKW's proximity (and ease in transportation) to the dining, entertainment and shops should not be overlooked. For some, this is a big plus when staying onsite. This is what I mean when I said there is something in EVERY DVC resort that appeals to certain people.

 

[tvwalsh]

Congratulations to the person who started this post! Who would have thought that the answers to such an "innocent" question could have become one of the all time best discussions on the Vacation Club Boards!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by tvwalsh
Congratulations to the person who started this post! Who would have thought that the answers to such an "innocent" question could have become one of the all time best discussions on the Vacation Club Boards!

Thank you.

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by tvwalsh
Congratulations to the person who started this post! Who would have thought that the answers to such an "innocent" question could have become one of the all time best discussions on the Vacation Club Boards!

I dunno. Seems like a valid question produces the same old "OKW doesn't have 'full resort amenities'" from the same old sources. The insistence on "mine is good and yours is bad" is just so childish. Apparently a couple of folks need to review the dessert thread posted recently.

Some people like parking at their door, others prefer valet; some find the ability to walk to Epcot more than offsets the longer trip to MK, while others prefer the direct bus service to both, finding that the average of the two times is about the same; some want room service while others would never use it; some want a kitchen while others would never use that; some like larger units while others -- okay, not sure about an opposing view on that one, but hopefully the point is made. Some things that one person find critical to enjoying their stay I would find worthless and vice versa. All the DVC resorts are great, and any insistence that one is inferior, in response to a question from someone who has not been there, is a disservice to those seeking information. I assume the OP was looking for specifics, e.g., "I have never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus at OKW", or "It takes an hour to get to a park." Not "OKW is not as good as my resort." Just as at this point I would never stay offsite because in my view it takes too long to get back inside the world, others may have had a positive experience or know how to make it more convenient. I think providing actual experiences would be helpful, not dissing a resort.

In my stays, I have been very pleased with the transportation at OKW. Twice we stayed in bldgs right next to HH and that was super convenient. Twice we stayed further out, but figured out how to catch a bus on its way out of the park (you know, bus would go by, circle, then return to the bus stop and we would run grab it before it left the area.) I can imagine that there would be buildings that would be less convenient, though, in you might have to catch a bus to the HH and another to the park.

Overall, OKW is in the middle of WDW. If you are going to spend the majority of your time at Epcot, for instance, it may be much easier for you to stay at BCV because of its overwhelmingly superior access to Epcot. If, like many of us, you are going to be going in different directions, particularly if you might choose to drive yourself sometimes, then OKW is very convenient. I make reservations based on the general plan of trips and the time of the year and current events. In October some might choose VWL for MNSSHP and fall activities at FW, while another wouldn't stay anywhere except BCV due to Food and Wine Festival. Others may think OKW the perfect choice as they will be doing all of the above.

In my opinion, no, OKW is not really far away. And it doesn't get much better than the wind in your hair taking the boat ride between OKW and Downtown Disney!

 

[joepoe]

We alternate visits to OKW and BWV. We enjoy both. I don't know why anyone would think one was better than the other. They each have their own distinctive feel, just like all DVC's.

Take it for what it's worth, but we go twice a year, sometimes three times.

 

[PamOKW]

I don't know why anyone would think one was better than the other.

Amen! Too bad we're not at The Rose & Crown so we could toast to that one. Cheers to you, too Fred.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Some things that one person find critical to enjoying their stay I would find worthless and vice versa. All the DVC resorts are great, and any insistence that one is inferior, in response to a question from someone who has not been there, is a disservice to those seeking information.

Thanks Fred...very well put. Maybe we can end on this positive note and put this thread to bed
....and Pam....we'll all do a "virtual" toast to all the DVC resorts !

 

[Richyams]

I would agree completely if BWV rooms weren't so small and the hallways weren't so long.

 

[chainkid]

I think that OKW was made for jumbo people like Rich and that's why he feels so at home there LOL. I weigh in at only 130lbs and my hubby weighs only 165 so BWV is just right for us...not even one cramp. Maybe its all those long corridors we have to walk to get to our room makes us small enough to fit comfortably. I once stayed at OKW (actually more than once) and I thought I was in a concert hall, the living room was so large. But this was a good thing since I made the mistake of leaving the porch door open and soon found several small ducks had wandered in looking for breakfast.

Of course I tend to eat alot more when we stay at the BWV because so many choices are available. Olivia's cooking is only slightly better than my own so an OKW stay is easier on my waist line...no late night wings at espn.

 

[Regina]

OKAAAAY..................

You had your fun, now let's get back on topic. Remember way back when the OP asked if OKW was far removed from everything??

Let's try to steer this back on track. THANKS!

 

[reneesam]

Bravo! I agree Regina!

Since you answered the original question so clearly days ago, why don't we let this thread fade off into the "far" away sunset

 

[MiaSRN62]

Since you answered the original question so clearly days ago, why don't we let this thread fade off into the "far" away sunset

I dunno......this might have been possible until Chainkid went and opened a new can 'o worms here.....now we're gonna have to start a new "fitness" debate.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
....this might have been possible until Chainkid went and opened a new can 'o worms here.....now we're gonna have to start a new "fitness" debate.

..............

.............

 

[DeeP]

You had your fun, now let's get back on topic. Remember way back when the OP asked if OKW was far removed from everything??

I agree and considering an important part of the OP was the fact that they are used to staying in the Epcot resorts and they wanted to know how convenient or far away from the parks, restaurants, etc OKW would be compared to their previous stays in Epcot resorts, the comparsion of the Epcot resorts vs OKW naturally came up regarding location or how "far" , etc.
I have gone back and reread the entire thread and yes it did many times really spin out there, with many posts of my own included in the spin offs, I freely admit. But what amazes me and always has is when someone answers a question honestly and even remotely suggests that another DVC resort has a better advantage, convenience, etc over OKW, it is immediately considered OKW bashing. People can make honest comments regarding the short comings of any other DVC resort, some resorts even more than others i.e. VB, HH & BWV, and it is not considered resort bashing but is considered giving opinions, relating experiences, relating knowledge gained from prior trips/stays at the resort, etc. ???????????
BUT anyway back to the OP.................................
Bottom line, no matter how you slice the pie, if you are used to staying in and enjoying the location of an Epcot resort, any Epcot resort, the convenience and ease to get to 2 parks, many restaurants, nighttime entertainment etc is much better from any Epcot resort than from OKW. I don't care if you have your car parked right next to you in bed in your "much larger than any other DVC resort" OKW bedroom, it is still easier to get to the above listed attractions/dining options, etc., from an Epcot resort than OKW.

 

[Loubon]

Er, what was the question again???

 

[MiaSRN62]

Er, what was the question again???

LOL....thanks Lou ! That was much needed

 

[Regina]

YIKES! I've been busted.

You saw the subliminal message that I secretly encoded in this:

You had your fun OKW rules now let's get back on topic. There is no finer resort than OKW. Remember way back when the OP asked if OKW is the only place to stay was far removed from everything?? OKW, OKW, OKW, OKW.

Phooey, there goes that Master Plan.

Now, can we pretty please get this back on topic???

 

[DeeP]

 

[FredS]

LOL Regina!!