Thinking of switching summer vacation from BCV to OKW

[vbarry]

We just got back from a wonderful vacation at the GF and BCV. We loved both resorts. The only thing about BCV was that the pool area was extremely busy. It was hard to find a chair to sit in and there were long waits for drinks and food. It was also hard for me to keep an eye on my two girls ages 4 and 8. They were both going in different directions.

We have a ressie for BCV in late July and I am considering switching to OKW. We are going for a relaxing trip without going to any parks. We will be heading to the water parks.

Can anyone tell me the depth of the pool at OKW?? Do they have a kiddie pool area? Does the OKW pool feel overly busy during the summer season? I would also like to know about any activities for the kiddos. Do they have planned events during the day?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[ilovediznee]

VBarry,
We actually own at BWV but usually stay at OKW. OKW is very large but they have small pools thru-out the resort in addition to the really large one near the hosp. house. That being said, when we have gone in June, I have been able to get chairs and while it is busy, it is not slammed with people. And yes, there is a kiddie pool and if you go into Community hall - right near the pool, they have daytime activities for the kids. When you check in they will give you a listing. You may also be able to call OKW and ask them to fax you a copy of a sample week of activities. We stayed at AKL and will be staying at AKV this June and looking back at last year's info - I keep it all- they had less activities than OKW.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to pm me.

Hope this helps - Diane

 

[photobob]

I'd have a hard time not going to a park staying right next to Epcot. I think OKW may be the better choice for the trip you are planning. In addition to the laidback atmosphere of OKW you will also have the largest rooms DVC offers which could be very beneficial since you'll probably spend more time there than usual and they have large patios/porches.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

If you are not going to the Parks I would think OKW could be a lot of resort walking getting to and from everything.

Was the BCV quite pool crowded as well when we were there in June of 07 SAB was packed but the Villas pool was always open seating and not that bad.

You may even want to do AKV as it's a very nice Resort for hanging around yet not as open as the others.

 

[spiceycat]

with OKW if you don't want to walk -just take the buses.

all theme park buses stop at HH before leaving.

getting back just walk over to Pensiular (first stop).

you will walk - but since you are not going to the parks - you will need to walk..

unless you get one of the HH rooms - these are in building - 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26.

also close is building 16, 62, 63 64 - building 62-64 have elevators. the other building do not.

some have 3 floors other have 2 - believe me the walking is nothing compared trying to get to the third floor at OKW when you are tired...\

OKW has lots of activties - some are for young kids - others are for everyone - even adults...

it is the only dvc resort with 2 queen beds in the studio and ALL the second bedrooms.

the slide is cute - sand castle melting with mickey's face.

 

[bobbiwoz]

...
OKW has lots of activties - some are for young kids - others are for everyone - even adults...

Hi, what do they have for the adults?

Bobbi

 

[spiceycat]

you can paint - horses, dolphins mickey, etc, window things - like at SSR.

some of the games.

but unlike SSR - OKW can be LOUD. very, very LOUD. they have their loud games in the same room. So makes it hard to concenrate.

forgot last time you made things to go around your neck to keep your tickets and ID (key) in while at the parks. really all you did was paint it.

before painted a little dog - he reminded me of my last dog. the dog was autographs

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thanks, Pat!

 

[sixisenough]

Hi V!!! Look I am on the Dis again...OKW will be a fabulous choice, great pool area.. also when we pool hopped here, they had a great locker/bath area if our rooms are far away. The posters are making me torn if I should just stay here whole time also. I also loved Olivias and the boat dock takes you right to DTD or Saratoga (could pool hop ). I even went down pool slide, pretty fun. I really can't remember pool depth, but there was a great jacuzzi. It actually poored while we were there and we all hung out in hot tub...I think it would be great choice, esp since you were just at BCV..

 

[vbarry]

Thanks everyone and E! I changed to OKW near the HH (i got to book this as a booking category...so I am pretty excited about that). Looking forward to a nice relaxing week at WDW in a one bedroom. LOVE 1 bedrooms compared to regular resort rooms or studios. Feels so much more like vacation!

Thought about staying the weekend at Vero but this last trip we did a little moving around and this time I just want to stay put.

Maybe Vero next March!

 

[dianeschlicht]

You'll love OKW, and the main pool has a lot of fun for both ages of kids. The smaller neighborhood pools are 3-8 foot depth. Not sure about the main pool, but I think it's the same. All 4 pools have a hot tub area, but only the main pool has the sauna (it's in the light house).

 

[abeyst]

Love OKW! I understand what you're saying about SAB - I also lived through kids of different ages wanting to head in different directions. After that trip, we didn't go back to BCV for awhile (as you can see by my siggie!)

What's funny is after being away from BCV for a few trips, we only really missed being by Epcot. We didn't miss SAB. It's nice, yes, but way too crowded. It worked best when the kids were only in the toddler section and wanted to play there in the sand. Now they'd rather stay at another pool where they have room to move (and it has to have a good arcade)!!!

We stayed at SSR last summer for the first time, and we really enjoyed it. Have you considered staying there? They have a zero entry pool, a water slide and it's a good size pool. (I even liked the slide!) The arcade is "awesome!", DS says, and the recreation activities are excellent. They even show movies at the pool at night, just like at BCV! The staff at Comm Hall is the best ever - we had a great time with them. We knew them so well they even asked me to judge and air guitar contest they had by the pool. That was a hoot! It did get a bit crowded some days with some chair holding issues, but CMs walk around frequently removing towels on chairs so that was cool.

The kiddie pool at the main OKW pool is a little behind the entrance to the slide. I don't think you can see both pools at the same time.