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

[drakethib]

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.
:

Agree.

Thumbs up on this thread

 

[pbharris4]

I think every resort has its own qualities and differences and that's what makes each one unique. If they were all the same that would be boring. So it makes it attractive to all different types of vacationers. They all have their trade offs (but some don't see them as trade offs). I'd be happy at any of them just because I am just happy to be on vacation.

 

[OneMoreTry]

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.

....

I think that's largely because the OP really, truly did not bash the resort, which I found refreshing.

I am from Florida originally which is why I DO like OKW. It is a brief reprieve from my homesickness. I like the spaciousness. To me it is NOT a typical Florida timeshare -- I spent last Xmas at vistana a few miles away in the newer section and it is absolutely gorgeous but not disney. OKW is unmistakably Disney to me -- even though more subtly so than some of the other resorts.

I'm not sure why my wife loves OKW so much but it seems the only thing she really likes about WDW.

I also like the turn-of-the-century Epcot resorts for their nostalgia. But being a huge fan of the West and Northwest and having lived/visited there a lot, I couldn't bring myself to stay at VWL. Even though it's unbelievably beautiful, it's just not the real thing. We do like to visit and walk around and eat at the restaurants there, though.

I haven't stayed at SSR yet but hope to walk through next visit. I'm not sure we'll be willing to use the extra points as we love OKW so much, although I do love the proximity to DD at SSR.

 

[starbox]

I am from Florida originally which is why I DO like OKW. It is a brief reprieve from my homesickness. I like the spaciousness.

I've wondered if, as I get older, I'll be homesick for the Florida I remember as well. I can see that happening eventually.

Right now, we are a family that spends very little time in the room. We do like to spend time at the resort, taking advantage of on-site recreation and dining. If that changes in the future, I can see room size possibly becoming a factor.

 

[corinnak]

I too find this thread refreshing - These resorts are kind of like ice cream flavors - some people really strongly prefer chocolate, while some can't stand it, would never eat it, are possibly allergic to it and must have vanilla or strawberry or coffee. And vice versa, too! Some like all ice cream. Some have their preferences, but are generally just glad to eat something cold and sweet even if they can't get their favorite.

We'll be at OKW in a month - I'm looking forward to seeing for myself. We'll have one night in a studio before moving to a 2 bedroom, so we will experience a range of OKW rooms.

 

[dvc_bwv]

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!

Studio is the key word here. My DH and I stayed in an OKW studio one time and my DH was totally turned off by "OKW" because of the 2 beds, not wanting to stay there again. I had stayed once on a "girls trip" in a 2 BR at OKW and I convinced DH to give it a try in a 1 BR.

We have since stayed twice at OKW in a 1 BR, our last trip just a couple weeks ago and DH loves it because of all the space in a 1 BR and the large balcony. In fact, DH had our ressies at BWV (our home resort) for the last trip changed to OKW because we were looking for a relaxing non-park vacation for our anniversary. We weren't sure we could do a non-park trip, but succeeded and it was wonderful.

My advice to GADisneyDVC is not to rule out OKW completely until you try a 1 BR.

 

[SnowWitch]

We own at the BWV's and have for 7 years now. I was always concerned about staying at OKW because of its location and various other reasons. So we booked a weekend there last summer in a studio justt o get a taste of it. We suprising enjoyed it. We had thought we might be bored and feel out of the action. But now with our family of four, now a family of five, and about to be a family of six...... we have decided laid back is what we need.

Our boys (now 16 and 14) enjoyed the new pool and various other amentities and we enjoyed the layout and feel. If we were doing commando touring it probably would not be my first choice but in feb we are staying there and plan to take it easy...

 

[byoung]

Every one will have different opions, for us OKW is great if not staying at BWV.

 

[GADisneyDVC]

We definitely will not rule out OKW especially with all the great things everyone is saying about the one bedrooms. I just think it will not be our first choice for a while. We did also get to see a one and two bedroom at VWL and loved these rooms as well. So I know that we have lots of choices and I can't wait to try them all.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Don't think you're bashing at all GADisneyDVC. You are entitled to your opinion. We toured SSR this past August. I can understand your comment about the furnishings. SSR is a much more formal/dark decor. Almost the exact opposite of OKW's casual light and airy decor. We prefer the OKW look/feel to the more formal SSR. We love the "neighborhood" feel of OKW too. Also, we love the HUGE balconies of the 1 bedroom and larger units. We love the bigger rooms overall. We couldn't help commenting on how small the 1 & 2 bedrooms at SSR seemed to OKW. Even the CM guide said this to us. He knew were were OKW owners and said "SSR rooms definitely don't have the space of OKW". This is a biggie for us. While the furniture is beautiful in the SSR rooms (very upscale), it's just not our cup 'o tea. We actually prefer more of a beachy/casual theme on vacation (though the WL/VWL takes an exception in our book).

2. We love the amenities of the SSR pool and spa.

The spa is a nice addition to SSR no doubt, but we don't see any differences in the amenities of the SSR main pool vs the OKW main pool ?
We've stayed at OKW a couple times without a car, and while having a car makes it super convenient (can't beat parking right outside your door), we never felt staying there without one was a problem. But that's just us. Everyone is different and has different tastes. Glad you enjoyed your trip overall and have a great time at BWV in January.

 

[smjj]

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.

This is a struggle we are having. I like the studios and my wife likes the 1 bedrooms for the same reasons you posted. I guess that means we will be booking 1 bedrooms from now on...smjj

 

[NARM Forever]

This is a great thread. I've just got off the phone to MS to book OKW for March 07, I am waitlisted for BCV but based on comments we may just stay with OKW.

I'm sticking with the studio's though as we only have 150 points per year and I have a feeling that there will be no turning back if we get a 1BR.

 

[GADisneyDVC]

I don't know how to do a quote yet, but someone asked why we like the SSR main pool better than the OKW pool. We have a couple of reasons, we love the zero-entry. When DH and I are alone I like to sit there in the very shallow part and read my book. When we are with the kids, the zero entry is great for my little one. Also, we like to have the lockers there in the spa and use the showers after the pool--with the robe and slippers and all the yummy smelling spa toiletries. For me, I feel so pampered. My daughter loves it too!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I don't know how to do a quote yet, but someone asked why we like the SSR main pool better than the OKW pool. We have a couple of reasons, we love the zero-entry. When DH and I are alone I like to sit there in the very shallow part and read my book. When we are with the kids, the zero entry is great for my little one. Also, we like to have the lockers there in the spa and use the showers after the pool--with the robe and slippers and all the yummy smelling spa toiletries. For me, I feel so pampered. My daughter loves it too!

And that is a VERY good reason too! To me, I can still do that by heading over to the SSR spa, and still have my preferred OKW accommodations.

 

[NARM Forever]

Tell me more about the SSR Spa Lockers with the robe and slippers? Do you have to have already used the Spa?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Also, we like to have the lockers there in the spa and use the showers after the pool--

That was me who asked about the SSR pool amenities. And you gave very good explanations.......the zero depth is great for the little ones and the elderly. My kids are teens and love the OKW pool and castle slide. There are showers/locker room by the OKW pool too as well as an outdoor snack bar (Goods To Go). But those slippers and robes you describe sound nice....I was not aware of that. So the spa is right off the main pool ? When I toured there I didn't see it. Thanks for the explanation.
I'm with you Diane ! I'll keep my OKW digs and just head over to SSR for the spa. Best of both worlds

 

[GADisneyDVC]

We have always just walked in and ask to use a locker. They are very nice and just take your key card and they keep it until you are done. They will show you how to get to the locker room where there is a sauna, steam room, whirlpool. They also have the great spa smelling toiletries in the showers complete with lotion and hair gel. They also have combs,mouthwash,hairdryers and just about anything else you could need to get dressed.(Even razors and deoderant) sp? The spa is to your right as you come out of Artist's Palette towards the pool. It is heavenly

 

[starbox]

I don't know how to do a quote yet, but someone asked why we like the SSR main pool better than the OKW pool.

My kids (DD7 and DS10) both really enjoyed the games and activities they played in the water at SSR. We did not notice swimming pool games at VB or OKW - so I am not sure if they are offered sometimes or not.

 

[MiaSRN62]

We did not notice swimming pool games at VB or OKW - so I am not sure if they are offered sometimes or not.

Yes there are. We just stayed at OKW 8/13--8/17. They have pool games on certain days. They were offered on Mon & Thurs the week we were there. Also had water baloon games, and a pool party (on 8/14). Also offered for the kids was sandcastle building, sand art, kids Jamboree Music Fest and many more activities too numerous to list.

 

[corinnak]

I fear I am veering dangerously close to OT on a thread about OKW, but I am wondering if there are other showers at SSR besides those in the spa - it sounds lovely, mind you, but I'm not sure.....would they be thrilled to let kids use those amenities? In other resorts, there are usually showers and changing rooms near the pools, right? At SSR, is it just the spa?

And just wondering, do they give you a schedule for pool activities and community hall when you check into OKW? It sounds like fun to me!