1. Can you actually request a building number?
You can, but I don't think it's a good idea to request a specific building. Each building consists of a variety of different unit sizes. Let's suppose you request a 2-BR in a specific building. What's the chance that someone is checking out of a 2-BR in that building the same day that you're checking in,
and that unit hasn't already been assigned to someone else -- possibly someone who booked 11 month out? Then they have to guess at what you want... another building in that area? or one with a similar view? or a similar distance from a bus stop? or what?
It's better to tell them what's important to you... bottom floor? top floor? quiet location away from bus turnaround spot? near a bus stop? water view? golf fairway view? near any pool? near a specific pool?
You can request anything you like -- but there are no guarantees in regard to such requests. The more requests you make, the less likely it is they'll all be met.
Several times when I've requested a top floor room near the Hospitality House (check-in and main pool) -- and most times we were assigned top floor rooms in the Turtle Pond Road area instead.
I always let them know that non-smoking is vital for us, and anything else is just a request.
I'm sure you haven't been guaranteed the Turtle Pond area, much less a view of the Turtle Pond pool. Member Services doesn't guarantee locations. (Just ask all the people who request Boardwalk views at BWV.) I would consider the Turtle Pond area to any building in the range of buildings 30 through 44, as shown on the
OKW map.
2. Are there any pictures of this pool (at Turtle Pond Area)?
There are no units with a view of the Turtle Pond pool, except possibly the end units in building 41. I will say it's a lovely pool, and it's convenient having the snack bar there. (The other quiet pools don't have snack bars.) We were once assigned building 42. From looking at the map at the front desk, I was concerend that we'd have road noise and poor view. It turned out to be a great location.
3. How far are the buses (walking distance) from this area?
Take a look at the map. The bus stops are well placed throughout OKW. You'll seldom have more than a 7-minute walk from any unit to the nearest bus stop.
4. How long does it take for buses to arrive?
It's a matter of luck. In the morning, we've seldom waited more than 10 or 15 minutes. The service is less frequent in mid-day.
5. Can you walk to the main pool or do you take a bus?
It depend how much you enjoy walking. I like to walk all over OKW. But it's a big complex. You can jump on any theme park bus and get off at the Hospitality House if you wish. Going back to the Turtle Pond or South Point bus stops, just catch any bus at Peninsular Road. Because you can take any bus, you'll seldom wait more than a few minutes.
I hope this helps.
It was our first trip to OKW - the place is just beautiful! Since we wanted to be close to a pool, I requested a top floor pool view. We had a second floor studio in building 56 - it was perfect. We were just steps from the pool and could see it through the foliage from our porch. The bus stop is also close by. If we needed to get to the Hospitality House, it would have been quite a walk; we only stopped there on our way in or out of the resort. We were perfectly satisfied with our pool. It was an ideal temperature and usually only one other family was in it with us. There is also a spa there. I'd definitely recommend this area.
