Two weeks at OKW! (Longer than I planned)

[Regina]

We're back from a fantastic Christmas/NYE trip to WDW!!

We had room 4530 at OKW, overlooking the canal that leads to Downtown Disney. It was a bit of a walk from the South Point bus stop, but walking is all that we do anyway, so no biggie.

The view was beautiful and peaceful, exactly what I need when I'm on vacation.

My DD and her friend rented the Water Mice one day and had a ball.

One problem that we had was an infestation of teeny tiny ants! We had picked up two boxes of donuts, and I guess the little buggers found them irresistable. Not only did they exterminate the ants, they replaced the donuts!

When we stayed at OKW during the holidays previously, at some point we found a letter in our room advising us of any special things that we should know about. On 12/30, I called the desk to see if such a letter was issued. After some confusion, the CM found it and told me that I can pick it up. It was a bit annoying to find that they had added "Extra Magic Hours" at other parks on 12/29 and 12/30 that we would have liked to have known about.

On 1/2, I called to see if a new Portable Perks had been issued since the offers in ours expired on 12/31. Again, more confusion and again, I'm told I can pick it up. This time I got a bit cranky (it was the end of the day.) I said that on past visits any updates were delivered to our room, and that I was tired of being the one to initiate this. The CM said that he'd talk to his manager, and I thought "yeah, right." Much to my surprise, I got a call back within minutes and was told that the new Perks would be delivered to our room immediately.

Overall, the annoyances were minor, and the trip was FANTASTIC.
Our DD's boyfriend joined us, and he was wowed by the 2 bedroom unit. We brought an Aero Bed for him, which worked out fine in the LR. I was very surprised that Mousekeeping left a set of sheets for his bed when they did a full clean. His were in the dryer, but it was still thoughtful of them.

The buses were excellent, and we used the Downtown ferry a few times as well.

We had breakfast, lunch and dinner at Olivia's, and were very impressed with both the price and the food.

And now I have to start planning what to bring on the Member Cruise!!!

 

[RobDoc]

Welcome Home!!

... and thanks for the report!

 

[Cruelladeville]

We stayed at Beach Club during the same time that you were at OKW, and also had difficulty getting a new Member Perks newsletter, without hunting one down ourselves. They also aren't a "welcome home!" type of group there, which I found mildly annoying. The only "welcome home" I received was when I went to visit the display unit when trying to find the new Member Perks newsletter, and actually had a very nice visit with the woman there. Nevertheless, from a member's standpoint, I found most of the CM's to be rather stuffy there, with the exception of the wonderful man who greets you when you enter the resort. He was universally friendly to all--now, if he could just say "welcome home!" to everyone who walks in, it would be great!

I would like to know how OKW was decorated for Christmas, since we never made it over to see for ourselves. BCV really outdid themselves in this area, as did WLV and BWV. We are trying to plan for next year's Christmas trip, so info would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[Pa@okw95]

I have stayed in building 45 a couple of times and enjoyed it very much. I never request a building just non-smoking and top floor, so I think that building 45 is not requested that much because it is a walk to the pool and bus stop, but I always found it very nice and like you we walk all day at WDW anyway so what is a few extra yards. There is usually some rabbits over in that area also, they are very tame. If you would like to difeerent accomodations just ask them when you check in to show you where your room is going to be before you take it.

 

[JudithM]

Thanks for sharing your holiday trip report - what a nice way to spend Christmas & New Year's! I agree DVC should have given guests the information/paperwork about the holiday happenings. When we have stayed at OKW over a month change, I've just stopped by the front desk on my way coming or going & asked for the list of discounts. Of course, we almost always drive to most places.

Snow, snow & more snow today ...

 

[MarkRG]

Welcome back, Reg!


Glad to hear you had such a good time!


Oh, the Member Cruise is moving along nicely, check your pm's and your snail mail.

 

[madcoco]

Glad you enjoyed the trip.Were those KrispyKremes you left open for those little buggers? See you on the member cruise.

 

[nydizfan]

Its great that you had fantastic vacation. we will be there[okw] in 7 days....we asked for turtle pond area. hope hope......we cant wait.............dave

 

[vernon]

Glad you had a good time Reg, it was nice to meet up, even if it was very briefly. Hope to catch up with you and Gary in the future.