Wanted to say Hello, and Thank you

[TinkandAriel]

...for sharing your OKW with us! We are one of the lucky few who got an upgrade (and to be honest, I am still skeptical ) and I immediately chose OKW because I've been scoping it out since I fell into the wishing well and became a certified Disney nut. We've been to Disney several times,and choose the value resorts due to the inlaws coming with us, and they cannot afford anything more than the values. Also, the offspring does love Pop, just not princesses
I am looking very forward to the atmosphere at OKW. Just last week (well that sounds very cliche as I type it, but I swear it's true) I said to my husband how someday we will stay at a deluxe bc we can and we need to not be so darned cheap (alright, he needs to not be so darned cheap). Yeah...so, thanks for sharing your home away from home with us!!

 

[bwvBound]

Have a wonderful vacation! Enjoy checking out your 'new digs'

 

[Chuck S]

Enjoy OKW, it is a lovely resort. Be aware, though, of a couple of things many standard hotel guests are used to, that are not available. There is no room service dining, other than pizza delivery from Port Orleans, or from an off-site eatery, and there is no valet parking. The "condo" style DVCs (OKW and SSR) don't offer those particular amenities that are found at the other DVCs, as they share facilities with a standard Disney hotel.

OKW, for me, is a very relaxing and quiet resort. The boat ride to DtD is lovely on a lazy evening, it will drop you off at the old Pleasure Island dock.

 

[RLRDA]

Wow...enjoy the upgrade! Maybe your stay at OKW will make you a DVC convert. Have a great trip

 

[Greysword]

Based on your signature, you seem to be visiting Disney every year since 2006 (and the mouse knows this, which is why you were asked to upgrade). If you go this often, you may be a perfect candidate for membership. If you think it is too expensive, the best kept secret is actually that over the life of the contract, with regular usage, the costs equates roughly to staying in the Pop hotels. The catch is that it is mostly paid up front (or up to 10 years with a Disney loan). Maybe you could talk to a guide if you like the digs.

We enjoy sharing our membership with family and friends. A few weeks ago, we returned from OKW (2BR), where we entertained my family (3) and my best friends' clan (5) and we had a blast. After they left, my sister and step mom came for the rest of the stay (as they are Floridians). The point cost was equal to almost 2 years worth, but the time was precious.

I know you'll be amazed at the room, and the OKW staff and owners are top notch!!!! Enjoy and congratulations!!

 

[TinkandAriel]

Thank you for all the nice replies. Based on some of the responses on the boards to this upgrade situation, I am almost afraid to mention that we got this offer I do think that this may spoil us, and convert us to DVC. Of course, I was excited to be headed to Disney again this fall, but this completely stepped up my excitement level 100%.
I do think it's going to change our day 1 plans tho, which were drop and run to MK...now I'm sure we'll want to (alright, I will want to ) enjoy OKW and just soak it all in.

 

[Cajun28]

I do think that this may spoil us, and convert us to DVC.

I hope so, we can always use a few more good neighbors.

Congratulations on your great deal and I hope you enjoy your trip.

 

[iluveeyore]

Congrats and enjoy! We'll be there in one short month and we're bringing friends who went with us two years ago and stayed at OKW in a 2 bedroom. We asked where they wanted to stay this year and they wouldn't even entertain the idea of staying anywhere but OKW! We don't mind, it's our favourite. Were you able to get a 1 bedroom or are you in a studio?? We love being able to sit out on a patio and enjoy the scenery. We also love the DVC ferry to DTD. Let us know what you think after your stay!!!

 

[TinkandAriel]

Thanks! We're in a studio. I'm very excited...although now I have to research how to get to Seaworld from OKW as we aren't planning on renting a car, simply using ME and busses to the parks.

 

[Chuck S]

Thanks! We're in a studio. I'm very excited...although now I have to research how to get to Seaworld from OKW as we aren't planning on renting a car, simply using ME and busses to the parks.

You can rent a car for a day, though daily rentals are kind of pricey. National/Alomo is onsite at the car care center and will send a courtesy van to get you. Enterprise would likely pick you up as well. There is always a taxi, which may be cheaper.

 

[iluveeyore]

Thanks! We're in a studio. I'm very excited...although now I have to research how to get to Seaworld from OKW as we aren't planning on renting a car, simply using ME and busses to the parks.

I have heard of a bus from DTD as well as the TTC that goes to Seaworld for only a few bucks each. But if you have four or more of you and can get an economy car for around $25-35 for 24 hours, I would do that so you can come and go as you please. Check out mousesavers.com for car rental discounts - as previous poster said, Alamo/National are at the Car Care Center and will pick you up/drop you off at your resort - we're using them to get groceries for our OKW villa next month.
Don't forget in a studio you have a kitchenette (microwave, fridge, toaster, plus disposable plates/bowls/cutlery). I know you have free dining, but it's nice to pack some snacks to keep in your room (microwave popcorn, etc.)
Enjoy!