Trying OKW for first time, how does it compare to BWV ?

About this point of BWV availability whithin 7 month window, just how difficult is it? I have not bought yet, but my guide checked several dates for me and they were all available, at least as 1 BR pref. view. I would expect standard view and maybe studios to be hard to come by and I wouldn't be looking for a grand villa (would love it but just couldn't afford those points), and I'm sure some events may make for a hard ticket, such as the F&W festival-- but other than that-- could someone comment on 1&2 BR availability within 7 month window? As always, thanks.

Mike
 
Although it's been several years since I stayed at BWV, I recall them to be very nice accommodations but noisy. Living in a rural area, it was a bit much for me. Some people obviously like the hustle and bustle and I'd certainly stay there again some time for a change.

OKW is more quiet, restful, peaceful. The accommodations there are just like BWV; exceptional. The atmosphere IS different however, just like the Polynesian IS different from the Contemporary. I'm sure that prior to buying DVC you've experienced hotels to which you'd return and others you wouldn't.

You may have already formed an opinion which may (or may not be) fulfilled, based on some of the postings you read on this site. Both resorts have a lot to offer in their own way and even if you find you don't care for OKW as much as BWV, you'll still have stayed at a wonderful resort.
 
I've tried one time to get into BWV. Called at 7 month,asked for and got a standard view studio for the 2nd week in May. No need to try now as we just added at BCV.

Someone asked where the old timers at OKW stay because there is always availible units. Maybe after 10 years at WDW the OKW'ers are using points to go elsewhere. Maybe in another 5 years or so BWV owners will do the same thing.

Maybe BWV is hard to get into because BWV owners only want to stay there. Their style of vacation is hustle & bustle. I think it's easier for people who like a relaxed atmosphere to try a BWV type vacation then it is for a BWV type vacationer to try an OKW experience.

Your husband will not be disappointed with the accomodations but he may not like the location. Personally I'd like the OKW resort to sit right where Y & BC are now.
 
We don't own at BWV or OKW, but I just don't see the big attraction for BWV. Maybe it's just the time of year we've traveled to WDW, but I have never seen the carnival atmosphere that is so hyped in the DVC video. Never saw a juggler, muscian or a stilt walker :confused: :confused:

If we couldn't stay at our home resorts (VWL/BCV), I think I would rather stay at OKW over the BWV, mostly because the points a cheaper. I also think OKW would be a nice contrast when compared to our home resorts. OKW is also a good option for those times you may be traveling to WDW and not buying $expensive$ WDW park passes. If we were spending time at other Orlando attractions, OKW is the perfect choice.
 

The Who,
If you fly, you have a rental car. Who would wash a rental? I guess than you have nothing to do but watch the grass grow at OKW!:confused: LOL
Seriously though, the serene surroundings at OKW can be good for the soul. When I am at DW, we are always on the go and it is nice to relax on the balcony with a book or to watch the wildlife. ( Sometimes that includes the golfers!) ;)
 
At OKW, it's great that your car is parked right in front. It gives you something to do. Maybe you can wash it, admire it, wash it again, admire it again.
Got a good chuckle out of this one, great humor, nicely done.
 
Originally posted by Debs Hill
We are travelling in Jan and we were going to book the whole trip at BWV 11 months out and then change a week to OKW at 7 months, can I do that? Any penalty? Will I have a problem getting a 1 bed in Jan?

Sure can. We just did that to split a trip between OKW (home resort) and VWL. We reserved the entire trip at OKW at the 11 month window, then changed half to VWL after the 7 month window opened (actually only 2 months in advance).

There's no penalty or other problems doing that.

We've never gone in January, so I don't know how crowded it will be.
 
/
I agree with Trishy about staying at BWV first and then OKW. Although, the other points about having BWV to look forward to in case your dh doesn't like OKW sound good too.

My thoughts are that people are usually in the go, go, go when they first arrive at WDW so BWV would be more ideal. Whereas OKW would be more ideal for the last few days at WDW to unwind & relax before heading back to work when you get home.

Things to consider about switching to OKW:

Will you have a car (rental)?
If so, it's great parking right in front of the unit. Just hop in the car to go anywhere in the world including anywhere outside of Disney. If you won't have a car, you might feel kind of trapped relying only on the buses since there's not much within walking distance. (Just DowntownDisney via boat or footpath)

Your use year, banking window, and/or next trip.
If you switch your ressies at 7 months from BWV to OKW, you should have no problems getting a 1 bedroom. But keep in mind that the points needed may be less. (Esp., if switching from a preferred view - I think the std. view is still 1 point less at OKW?) So, make sure you have time to either bank those points or use them during another trip before your use year. Or my favorite - upgrade to a 2-bedroom!

Both are wonderful resorts, staying at both during one trip is the best of both worlds. From your husbands preference, BWV would be the better choice for the longer portion of your trip.
 
Originally posted by RLevy29
Laura24,
< There is more availability at OKW because there are more villas. Here is a list of the number of villas at each DVC resort according to the Deb Willis website and the AAA guide:
WLV -136
BCV - 205
BWV- 383
OKW - 704>

Well, this puts it into perspective seeing the numbers. I don't recall calling OKW members old timers, as someone put it, *original member* is a much more suitable term. I was thinking, when I asked "where do you think they are staying," as more in terms of where is their first resort preference after OKW to book their stays. I know this is probably impossible to answer , but it is something to think about. As for me, I'm anxious to stay at VWL, but a little old ship called the *Magic* has gotten in the way of that for next season. :)
 
Laura24,
We have only owned at OKW since September,1999. So far we have stayed at OKW, HH, and the Grand Californian at Disneyland. We are trying to get an exchange for a resort in Maine and plan to visit VB and OKW next summer.
Have a great time on your cruise and there is always the following year for your VWL stay. :)
 
RLevy29,
It sort of slipped my mind (oh gee) that we are staying the night before the cruise at VWL. I don't know how I'd forgotten that. A whole week would make more of an impression I guess! Looking forward to the cruise again. Went in 2001 and this time taking friends. The exchange option with DVC is great. I'm *dreaming* of one for Alaska some time down the line.
 
Difficulty booking BWV has been compounded this year since they keep taking rooms out of the inventory for the repair work that's being done. Heck, the GV's were unavailable for several months.
 
Laura24,
We are taking the Alaskan Cruise in August but we are not using DVC points. We had thought about it but decided not to because we would have to borrow points and we also wanted to do the train ride between Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks. When we come back I'll let you know how it was.
Wouldn't it be great if Disney decided to have their own cruise to Alaska?
 
I agree with many of the previous posts that it really is a matter of personal taste.

We enjoy the seclusion of OKW. We can have a Disney vacation and infuse as much or as little Disney excitement as we like.

We also enjoy the activity surrounding BWV. So much to do and only a short walk away.

For us, resort selection is made based on time of year and personal circumstances. As we are both educators, if we have a tough group of sudents, we tend to gravitate to OKW. However, it seems that when we have a less difficult group, we head to BWV.

Purely a matter of personal preference but BOTH should be experienced.
 
Don't forget to watch your points.....

Depending on your use year, be careful with your points. If you make the entire reservation for BWV at 11 months and then later change 1-week to OKW, you will probably reduce the total number of points required since in most cases OKW units require fewer points.

Those points returned to you will be subject to banking deadlines if you're not going to use them for another trip. Or, if you borrowed points for the BWV ressie remember any refunded points due to an OKW change cannot be returned to the borrowed year so you would have to use them somewhere during your current use year.

Just a reminder....
 
Caskbill makes some Excellent points. If you had to borrow pts to make the BWV reservation and it is a PV, you could have anywhere from 5 to 52 points difference (for the week) depending on the size of the unit and the pts for view at BW to switch to a week at OKW. If the pts are not banked and can just be returned to your current use year with no penalities or banked till next yr, then it will be no problem. But if you have missed the banking deadlines and also have to deal with the restrictions of not using borrowed pts, it might not be worth it.
 
You guys have been so helpful with all your opinions! Now all we have to do is make a decision!

My DH likes BWV because it's so close to everything and is more of a 'happening' resort. When we stayed a week at Wilderness Lodge he found it a bit remote after BWV, so maybe a week would be too long at OKW. We could try it for 5 days and see how he gets on. He loved our stay at the Yacht Club and likes the look of the Poly(although we've never stayed there) to give you some idea of his tastes.

We are going to be using our points from 2002(243pts) which we have already banked. Then we will be using 2003 pts(250) and borrowing some from 2004 so shouldn't have a problem with losing any if we change our reservation.
 
Originally posted by RLevy29

We are taking the Alaskan Cruise in August but we are not using DVC points. >
I will look forward to a trip report. I enjoy seeing the world through others *eyes*. I have also thought about not using DVC points for cruising in the future.The value is definitely not there. This trip in Feb. was a little overboard. (pardon the pun)My dream is to have a DVC ship!I would also put Italy on that list with Alaska. If rumour is true about a third ship, the appropriate name as mentioned with that rumour is perfect......Dream(s).:D
 
I've tried one time to get into BWV. Called at 7 month,asked for and got a standard view studio for the 2nd week in May.
Difficulty booking BWV has been compounded this year since they keep taking rooms out of the inventory for the repair work that's being done. Heck, the GV's were unavailable for several months.
That seems to the standard refrain. You need that 11 month booking to get into BWV. I don't think so. I just finished calling MS and booked my hypothetical vacation anywhere from 3-6 months from now and can get a 1 or 2 BR with ease.

We don't own at BWV or OKW, but I just don't see the big attraction for BWV. Maybe it's just the time of year we've traveled to WDW, but I have never seen the carnival atmosphere that is so hyped in the DVC video. Never saw a juggler, muscian or a stilt walker
This is true. However the $8 for a hot dog and 3 onion rings vendor is still there.

BenStone
 
Ben,
When did you book the hypothetical vacation times, let us know there may be people that would really want those dates.
As for the $8.00 hot dog they must have lowered the price or something because I got a sausage sandwich and an order of onion rings (which were WAY more than 3 onion rings BTW, I could not even eat them all) and it was about $6 and change! This was about 3 weeks ago.
We also saw all kinds of nighttime entertainment, jugglers, magican a rolling piano player, etc then a special event for Discovery was set up with booths, games, a DJ!:rolleyes:
 















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