We won't be staying at OKW again, well, maybe not!

[GADisneyDVC]

Well, my dh and I just returned from our anniversary trip and we had a great time, but we will not stay at OKW again. This was our first time here and it was just not what we were hoping for. We are owners at SSR and much prefer it. Not trying to bash OKW--(I guess that would be reverse bashing since it is usually people bashing SSR)-- I can see why many of you all love it but it is not for us. We are staying at BWV in January and are very excited about that. We did get to see a villa there one night when we were walking around the Boardwalk. They were having an open house there so that was great to get to see it before we stay there.

We were in building 42 which is right next to a pool and the Turtle Shack, which would have been nice but was closed. We did use Hank's Rentals to rent a boat to take out. That was great. I do wish SSR had the boats.

We were on the dining plan and like a lot of people have said on here: it was WAY too much food! Our best meal was Wolfgang Puck's Cafe. We both had filets that were excellent.

We had a wonderful time of relaxing, mostly at the SSR pool. We only went to a park one day and we had a great time at MGM. All in all a great trip!!

 

[mckryan]

And therein lies the joy of DVC, there's a variety of accomodations to appeal to everyone. Personally, I love OKW when I want a quieter vacation, and I love BCV when I want to be right in the middle of everything.

 

[Doctor P]

Just exactly what didn't you like? (Not a challenge to you, but just interested so that the others might know that their tastes match yours and that they might not like it either).

 

[spiceycat]

hey everybody has different taste!!!

go with what makes yo happy!

 

[smjj]

That is what makes DVC work, there is something for everyone. I have read several post about guest who did not care for OKW for one reason or another. The reasons they gave are the reasons we love OKW. Glad you enjoyed your trip. One day I hope to stay at SSR also. It looks very nice, and much larger than OKW...smjj

 

[bobbiwoz]

Were you in a studio? A studio stay at OKW for us a couple would not be as satisfying as a studio stay elsewhere because of the configuration of the room.

At any rate, I'm glad you had a nice anniversary trip!

Bobbi

 

[dianeschlicht]

Were you in a studio? A studio stay at OKW for us a couple would not be as satisfying as a studio stay elsewhere because of the configuration of the room.

At any rate, I'm glad you had a nice anniversary trip!

Bobbi

Yep, I agree with that comment. To each his own. We stayed at SSR in a studio and had a similar reaction, so different strokes for different folks.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I'm curious too...was it just the location, or did you have other issues regarding the villa itself? The title of your thread (including the exclamation mark) makes it seem like something horrible happened there.

Come on 'fess up, would you honestly never stay there again?

 

[paults]

We did use Hank's Rentals to rent a boat to take out. That was great. I do wish SSR had the boats.

I don't think SSR has boats because you can go to DTD and rent right there.

 

[starbox]

Just exactly what didn't you like? (Not a challenge to you, but just interested so that the others might know that their tastes match yours and that they might not like it either).

For me personally, OKW felt like a timeshare or a beach vacation without the beach (which, I am sure is what they are trying to recreate). It was a very nice beachy timeshare, but still a timeshare. It lacked the "extras" I personally enjoy when I am in a resort. The lack of CS sit-down dining bothered me. BUT, I grew up in Florida and so the beach time-share feel holds little attraction for me (unless there is a real ocean outside my window!). For others - I can see how the feel/theme of OKW would be very, very appealing.

SSR felt more "resort" like. It had the level of "extras" I'd expect from a large resort (like artwork on the grounds/statues/mosaics/carriages/spa service/elegant CS/an upscale bar as well as a pool bar/etc.)

Would I stay at OKW again? Sure, because the points are cheaper and I think you get a good value. Still, I do prefer SSR and plan to vacation there most of the time.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Well, my dh and I just returned from our anniversary trip and we had a great time, but we will not stay at OKW again. This was our first time here and it was just not what we were hoping for. We are owners at SSR and much prefer it. Not trying to bash OKW--(I guess that would be reverse bashing since it is usually people bashing SSR)-- I can see why many of you all love it but it is not for us. We are staying at BWV in January and are very excited about that. We did get to see a villa there one night when we were walking around the Boardwalk. They were having an open house there so that was great to get to see it before we stay there.

We were in building 42 which is right next to a pool and the Turtle Shack, which would have been nice but was closed. We did use Hank's Rentals to rent a boat to take out. That was great. I do wish SSR had the boats.

We were on the dining plan and like a lot of people have said on here: it was WAY too much food! Our best meal was Wolfgang Puck's Cafe. We both had filets that were excellent.

We had a wonderful time of relaxing, mostly at the SSR pool. We only went to a park one day and we had a great time at MGM. All in all a great trip!!

Only 2 resorts we have not visited are OKW and SSR, so I really can't question your remarks. Glad you had a wonderful time. Hope when we visit these resorts we feel completely at home. Thanks for the report.

 

[PamOKW]

BUT, I grew up in Florida and so the beach time-share feel holds little attraction for me (unless there is a real ocean outside my window!). .

While I love all the DVC's I think you may have hit on something.....traveling 1,000+ miles to feel like I'm back home in NY at Saratoga Springs doesn't thrill me. I think the resort is beautiful but I like something "different" --- something Florida (VWL has this same problem for me). Since Florida feels like "home", upstate NY feels like vacation to you!

I guess we are lucky DVC gives us so many options.

 

[drakethib]

Well, my dh and I just returned from our anniversary trip and we had a great time, but we will not stay at OKW again. This was our first time here and it was just not what we were hoping for. We are owners at SSR and much prefer it. Not trying to bash OKW--(I guess that would be reverse bashing since it is usually people bashing SSR)-- I can see why many of you all love it but it is not for us. We are staying at BWV in January and are very excited about that. We did get to see a villa there one night when we were walking around the Boardwalk. They were having an open house there so that was great to get to see it before we stay there.

We were in building 42 which is right next to a pool and the Turtle Shack, which would have been nice but was closed. We did use Hank's Rentals to rent a boat to take out. That was great. I do wish SSR had the boats.

We were on the dining plan and like a lot of people have said on here: it was WAY too much food! Our best meal was Wolfgang Puck's Cafe. We both had filets that were excellent.

We had a wonderful time of relaxing, mostly at the SSR pool. We only went to a park one day and we had a great time at MGM. All in all a great trip!!

Everyone has their own taste.

Many people drool over BCV and I really don't care for the place. I have been once and while it is nice, it is not relaxing to me.

 

[Dean]

I can imagine several situations where one may not like OKW. These include those without a car, those who prefer to be closer to the action (including when eating out a lot such as the DDP), those who put importance on certain pool amenities and those who just don't like the decor. I'm sure there are other reasons as well. Sometimes you just have a bad stay and it gets linked to the resort, like when you get sick after eating a a certain type of restaurant and avoid that type of food. Not only is it OK to not like it, it's OK to hate it if one wants. The only reason I'd question one on this issue would be when the underlying issue was bogus.

 

[GADisneyDVC]

I did not intend to bash OKW. We had a really great time. We just would not chose to stay there again. Our reasons were 1. We did not love the furnishings or the decor. It was fine, just not what we would pick. 2. We love the amenities of the SSR pool and spa. Actually we spent most of our pool time at SSR this trip because we love it so much. 3. We did not have a car this trip. We usually do but we decided to fly this time with just the two of us. 4. It felt like our studio was in need of some minor maintainance. 5. We just didn't get the thrill when we walked in that we do at SSR.

We are so glad that we bought DVC! We love it. We are glad that there is something for everyone. We can't wait to go back in January!

 

[jodifla]

I did not intend to bash OKW. We had a really great time. We just would not chose to stay there again. Our reasons were 1. We did not love the furnishings or the decor. It was fine, just not what we would pick. 2. We love the amenities of the SSR pool and spa. Actually we spent most of our pool time at SSR this trip because we love it so much. 3. We did not have a car this trip. We usually do but we decided to fly this time with just the two of us. 4. It felt like our studio was in need of some minor maintainance. 5. We just didn't get the thrill when we walked in that we do at SSR.

We are so glad that we bought DVC! We love it. We are glad that there is something for everyone. We can't wait to go back in January!

Oh, you said the magic word: studio. You really can't appreciate OKW until you have a one bedroom on up. Having a car is key, too.

 

[dgaston]

The OKW studios are the only ones I avoid. I know some people really prefer the 2 queen beds, but I like to be able to sit on the sofa when I'm relaxing. On the other hand, I love the 1 br at OKW. I'm so excited to be staying in one in January on DD23 college graduation trip.

 

[starbox]

I think this is actually a very good thread because people are having a civilized, respectful discussion of the different atmosphere/ameneties of different resorts.

Like someone said, the great thing about DVC is that there is something for everyone! These threads get to be ridiculous sometimes when people are not respectful of other tastes/values.

I think that the "right" DVC for you depends on so many factors. What size accommodations do you prefer? How much time do you tend to spend in your room? How much time do you want to spend at the resort? How much time to you plan to spend at Epcot/MGM? How much time does your family spend swimming? Do you usually have a car? Do you enjoy taking walks? Do you plan on using recreational activities? Do you plan on using a kid's club? Do you plan on using spa services? Do you plan to eat some meals in your room, or all meals out?

The truth is that no one DVC properties is "better" than another - the "best" one for you will totally depend on your answers to the above questions. I originally responded to this thread because I though the question that was posed was very thoughtful : "What did you not like about OKW because it may help others decide if their taste is similar to yours".

I can tell you that OKW really does perfectly recreate the "feel" of a Florida beach vacation. It feels more like the Florida-beachy summers of my childhood than even VB did to me. Even the CS window with picnic tables outside - that is 100% Florida beach-strip dining protocol. The only thing missing is a flock of seagulls to throw fries to! I can see how that laid-back "feel" is very, very, very attractive to many guests and their families.

 

[Buckalew11]

Thanks for the thoughts on this thread. I cannot wait to experience ANY DVC! I just know I am going to love them ALL!

(I pretty much love everything about WDW! LOL)

 

[Dis-best]

I also wished SSR had boat rentals. It seems most DVC resorts have it but SSR. Maybe when it is complete they will add boats.

Everyone has their reasons for going to Disney. We go for the excitement and fun. We go the islands to relax.