VWL vs. OKW

[Kathi OD]

DH and I have a quick trip planned for the end of January and we've booked a 1BR at VWL. For lots of reasons, we LOVE OKW, but mainly for the room size (that 1BR at OKW is bigger than lots of apartments and is almost as big as our first house; where we raised 3 kids!) and townhouse community feel of the resort. This trip we decided to try another resort and picked VWL because when we're not doing WDW vacations, we're doing national and state park vacations. But....I really don't see how we can like another resort as much as OKW and now I'm having second thoughts!

Sooooo the question is, for those of you who absolutely LOVED OKW and have stayed in the other "hotel" type resorts....

How much did you miss that big patio? We love having breakfast and evening drinks out there.

How much did you hate walking down the hallway to your room? I love entering my room from the outside. Really makes me feel like I'm in a vacation home, and not in some hotel on business.

How much did it bother you to park in a "parking lot" rather than at your door? Again, about the being in a home rather than a hotel.

Did the smaller room size bother you that much? We love that big dining table (fits four chairs very, very comfortably) and all the counter space in the kitchen.

What about not having a laundry room that's a closet and not a room? We've always used the laundry room for extra storage space - suitcases, bags of souvenirs, and of course dirty laundry.

How about the view, especially thinking about enjoying meals out on the patio? I don't think there is a bad view at OKW, well at least we've never encountered one. What are the chances I'm going to have to look at a parking lot? One of the things we noticed when we ate at Whispering Canyon is that some of the rooms face each other and they're much closer than the rooms at OKW. Not something I think we'd like.


So maybe I am just paranoid. I know I'm thinking of all the things we might not like. What about the things we will love?

I also know it won't ruin our vacation if we don't like VWL as much as OKW, after all we're in WDW and that's better than working any day. Plus, we'll never know if we like another resort if we don't try it at least once. I guess I'm just looking for a little reassurance that I should just leave well enough alone.......I'm so tempted to change it....I've been talking myself out of it every day for the past month.

 

[SusieBea]

DH and I have a quick trip planned for the end of January and we've booked a 1BR at VWL. For lots of reasons, we LOVE OKW, but mainly for the room size (that 1BR at OKW is bigger than lots of apartments and is almost as big as our first house; where we raised 3 kids!) and townhouse community feel of the resort. This trip we decided to try another resort and picked VWL because when we're not doing WDW vacations, we're doing national and state park vacations. But....I really don't see how we can like another resort as much as OKW and now I'm having second thoughts!

Sooooo the question is, for those of you who absolutely LOVED OKW and have stayed in the other "hotel" type resorts....

How much did you miss that big patio? We love having breakfast and evening drinks out there.

How much did you hate walking down the hallway to your room? I love entering my room from the outside. Really makes me feel like I'm in a vacation home, and not in some hotel on business.

How much did it bother you to park in a "parking lot" rather than at your door? Again, about the being in a home rather than a hotel.

Did the smaller room size bother you that much? We love that big dining table (fits four chairs very, very comfortably) and all the counter space in the kitchen.

What about not having a laundry room that's a closet and not a room? We've always used the laundry room for extra storage space - suitcases, bags of souvenirs, and of course dirty laundry.

How about the view, especially thinking about enjoying meals out on the patio? I don't think there is a bad view at OKW, well at least we've never encountered one. What are the chances I'm going to have to look at a parking lot? One of the things we noticed when we ate at Whispering Canyon is that some of the rooms face each other and they're much closer than the rooms at OKW. Not something I think we'd like.


So maybe I am just paranoid. I know I'm thinking of all the things we might not like. What about the things we will love?

I also know it won't ruin our vacation if we don't like VWL as much as OKW, after all we're in WDW and that's better than working any day. Plus, we'll never know if we like another resort if we don't try it at least once. I guess I'm just looking for a little reassurance that I should just leave well enough alone.......I'm so tempted to change it....I've been talking myself out of it every day for the past month.

We've been OKW owners since 1993 and LOVE the place; it's our favorite. We have also stayed at VWL and would stay there again. But, you raise valid questions.

I did miss the big OKW balcony. But I enjoyed the view from the VWL balcony.

I absolutely hated walking down the long hallways when we stayed at BWV, but the Villas building at WL is not as large as those at the Boardwalk, and it did not bother me at all at VWL.

It bothered my DH terribly that we had to schlep groceries from the parking lot rather than being able to park outside our door at OKW. Luggage was handled by valet, so that wasn't an issue.

Since it's just the two of you, I don't think you'll be bothered by the smaller room sizes. There's an entirely different atmosphere at WL and the decor there is absolutely charming.

The difference in the laundry room didn't bother me, and, again, if it's only the two of you, you can shove luggage under the bed.

We had one of those rooms that faced the parking lot and the bus stop, and, while I would have preferred facing the woods, it didn't bother me. The theming is so immersive, I hardly noticed.

I love the pool there and the boat to the MK. The resort is beautiful at night. We never had an issue w/ the busses. One of my favorite restaurants, Artist Pointe, is within walking distance. I'd go ahead and give it a shot. As I said, I love OKW, but I'd stay at VWL again (but not BWV ).

 

[Anal Annie]

We LOVED VWL...Gorgeous. Peaceful. Serene. We were lucky I guess and our unit was not far from the elevators...our balcony had view of the DVC pool and the woods. Early in the morning with the sun coming up and a little mist / fog burning off it was peaceful and stunning! January is a great time to go there! It is so cozy! (Since you are going in January you may or may not have the warmest weather for spending extended periods of time on the balcony so the size difference probably won't be an issue.) And since it's January if you happen to hit a colder week you will appreciate being able to get inside and go to your room without having to be out in the cold (or cold rain)!

We went in January and loved the warmth...all the wood, the fireplaces - the whole woodsy lodge feeling was a real treat. We encountered a couple of deer by the walkway one evening - just seemed to fit right in. (We see deer at home daily but we're usually trying to dodge them in the road! ) But this was such a natural setting for them, it was perfect. They were just a few feet away. It was neat. You can see one behind the tree in this pic and the eyes of the other one just over to the right.

We were just in a studio but much preferred the layout with the split bath over the OKW bathroom...just wish the mattress on the sofa bed had been better for DS.

There are also tons of Hidden Mickeys around the property too and we had a great time looking for them one evening.

The pools & hot tubs were great, the buses ran like clockwork (and we enjoyed that the bus stop was so convenient). I think you should be open to the idea that you just might enjoy it and like having a different kind of vacation for a change.

 

[CraftyMouse]

We are also OKW owners so I can fully understand what you love about the place! It's our favorite DVC property too.

That said, I have found that my outlook on something dictates my enjoyment of it. If I set myself up to not like something I won't, but if I look at the positives and go into it with that attitude then I will. If you really love OKW and truly can't see yourself enjoying a different type of DVC property then stick with OKW.

IMO, the VWL have so much to offer that I wouldn't hesitate to stay there. Yes, it's different than OKW but it is no less magical. It's true that you won't get the large patio or big dining room table, but you'll get the wonderful theming and atmosphere of the WL, which can't be beat.

Again, if you truly can't see yourself being happy anywhere else then OKW then there's no harm in sticking with what you love. Honestly though, I don't think you can go wrong with the VWL. We loved our stay there.

 

[Muushka]

We have stayed at DVC resorts that did not appeal to us in the least (prior to staying there). Some surprised us and some didn't. I would hate to miss the opportunity to experience a new resort that I just might love.

Nobody love spacious more than we do. And the parking out in front. And the separate laundry room.....etc. But when we stay at VWL, we give that up for the opportunity to experience VWL. Small price to us!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Sooooo the question is, for those of you who absolutely LOVED OKW and have stayed in the other "hotel" type resorts....

How much did you miss that big patio? We love having breakfast and evening drinks out there. Missed it a LOT!! It is probably my favorite thing about OKW next to the condo style.

How much did you hate walking down the hallway to your room? I love entering my room from the outside. Really makes me feel like I'm in a vacation home, and not in some hotel on business. Didn't care for teh long hallways, but at least at VWL, the halls aren't too long, and the decor and atmosphere is great!

How much did it bother you to park in a "parking lot" rather than at your door? Again, about the being in a home rather than a hotel. That part I HATE too! I reall like that 'down and out' style at OKW.

Did the smaller room size bother you that much? We love that big dining table (fits four chairs very, very comfortably) and all the counter space in the kitchen. Yes and no. We missed the table and huge open area, but we just didn't stay in the room as much as we do at OKW.

What about not having a laundry room that's a closet and not a room? We've always used the laundry room for extra storage space - suitcases, bags of souvenirs, and of course dirty laundry. I missed the laundry room, but mostly for the storage it provides. The laundry closets are okay, but I like the full size appliances at OKW for that last night of a trip. We always pack clean clothes.

How about the view, especially thinking about enjoying meals out on the patio? I don't think there is a bad view at OKW, well at least we've never encountered one. What are the chances I'm going to have to look at a parking lot? One of the things we noticed when we ate at Whispering Canyon is that some of the rooms face each other and they're much closer than the rooms at OKW. Not something I think we'd like. Well, at VWL, I doubt there is any parking lot view. The only thing I've heard tell of is the dreaded dumpster view from a couple of rooms. We do enjoy those OKW balconys and views too (never had a horrible one either, but building 29 came close). When we have stayed at the hotel DVCs we don't spend any time out on the balcony except for AKV!! There, I spent a LOT of time on the balcony!!!

I hope that helps.

 

[backyardponder]

I haven't stayed at VWL in January, but, I have often gone to state parks in the mid-west during the winter. One big thing I look forward to is curling up in front of the fireplace, reading a book, and often dozing off. I'd love to stay at VWL in January!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

OKW is our family's favorite resort, size and point stucture aside. We love everything about it and to date have never had a bad or unpleasant stay. With that said, even though I would not purchase at AKV, we do enjoy a few nights on the savanah once in a while. As an owner since 2000, we've tried each every resort at least once, except Hilton Head.

Each resort has it's +'s and-'s but all in all I've never regretted staying at any of them, including VWL. The lodge kind of atmosphere is my least preferred type of resort but we had such a great time at VWL that I didn't care. Will you miss OKW? Most definitely but are your surroundings so important to you(knowing that it's still has the Disney standard) that it will ruin or mar your stay? If so, then change it to OKW. If you like to experience new things, go for it, remember you're not staying at VWL for 6 months. Plus, it's just the 2 of you, size shouldn't be such an issue.

I wouldn't buy into BLT, not my taste but I'm planning a family vacation w/ a MK view in 2010. Break out of the box! Enjoy!

 

[Granny]

I also know it won't ruin our vacation if we don't like VWL as much as OKW, after all we're in WDW and that's better than working any day. Plus, we'll never know if we like another resort if we don't try it at least once. I guess I'm just looking for a little reassurance that I should just leave well enough alone.......I'm so tempted to change it....I've been talking myself out of it every day for the past month.

My guess is that you will have a great vacation staying at VWL, but you will find yourself comparing it negatively to OKW the entire time you stay there. Sort of "it's nice, but it's not OKW" kind of feeling.

I only say that because we were the exact opposites in that we are VWL owners and lovers and have stayed at OKW a couple of times. I really like OKW a lot, but given a choice between the two it is VWL that my family prefers. Mostly it's the theming and ambiance but also we tend to like the "hotel style" resorts.

So I don't think you'll have a bad trip. But it sounds like you have an emotional attachment to your home resort (isn't that great? ) and will miss much about it during your trip. Frankly, you will also think to yourself many times...."we used more points for this place?".

If you go with an open mind and put away all those bad thoughts you will most likely have a great time at VWL. As CraftyMouse said, it's all about the attitude.

I hope you have a great trip.

 

[dianeschlicht]

My guess is that you will have a great vacation staying at VWL, but you will find yourself comparing it negatively to OKW the entire time you stay there. Sort of "it's nice, but it's not OKW" kind of feeling.

I only say that because we were the exact opposites in that we are VWL owners and lovers and have stayed at OKW a couple of times. I really like OKW a lot, but given a choice between the two it is VWL that my family prefers. Mostly it's the theming and ambiance but also we tend to like the "hotel style" resorts.

So I don't think you'll have a bad trip. But it sounds like you have an emotional attachment to your home resort (isn't that great? ) and will miss much about it during your trip. Frankly, you will also think to yourself many times...."we used more points for this place?".

If you go with an open mind and put away all those bad thoughts you will most likely have a great time at VWL. As CraftyMouse said, it's all about the attitude.

I hope you have a great trip.

Very well put, Granny!

 

[Cricket2]

We own and stay regularly at both. We find that the positive differences far outweigh the negative differences enough to make you still fully enjoy each resort for all it's worth.

e.g.:

The valet/self parking lot inconvienience compared to parking close to our door is outweighed by the eyes up jaws down WL lobby.

 

[BoosGram]

We're finding that each WD resort has its own distinct charms. Our last stay was at SSR. Initially, we weren't thrilled about it, but it was all that was available and we figured at least it's Disney. We were pleasantly surprised and liked it very much, but I think it is overwhelmingly the least atmospheric of the resorts. I completely agree with the PP who said attitude is key. Don't assume you won't like it; look at it as a new adventure and appreciate all the very cool things that are different. After all, what other lobby has a spring running through it?

 

[Kathi OD]

Thank you all for your input! I have decided to keep the ressie as is. I'll keep an open mind about VWL while we're there, after all it was that "open mind" that made me decide to try it in the first place.

Annie, thanks for the pictures! They do a good job showing me what I can expect and were exactly what I needed to see.

As for us loving our home resort, UMMMM.....no, we don't! OKW is NOT our home resort! That honor goes to BWV, a resort where we have never stayed, nor have a desire to do so. As long as we can continue to get a ressie at OKW at the 7 month window, that's not going to be a problem. If it does become a problem, I'm sure I can find someone to trade with since it seems so many people are all about BW and the other Epcot resorts.