What should we do?!

[disney_princess_85]

We're booking next year's trip this weekend and we are torn between two choices: OKW or Wilderness Lodge?!

I know that WL is the better hotel- we stayed there in October and loved it. We haven't stayed at OKW yet, although we've been to SSR twice.

A courtyard room at WL costs £600 more than a studio room at OKW. Over 14 nights, it works out an extra £43 per night.

I just don't know what to do! We are planning on staying at a Universal hotel for a night so I guess if we stayed at OKW, the £600 saved could pay for that, plus tickets.

I do have a few concerns about OKW: The bus service (as it's so huge), the lack of a decent counter service restaurant and going back to external corridors after WL this year.

Any advice appreciated please.

 

[kevin harrison]

We're booking next year's trip this weekend and we are torn between two choices: OKW or Wilderness Lodge?!

I know that WL is the better hotel- we stayed there in October and loved it. We haven't stayed at OKW yet, although we've been to SSR twice.

A courtyard room at WL costs £600 more than a studio room at OKW. Over 14 nights, it works out an extra £43 per night.

I just don't know what to do! We are planning on staying at a Universal hotel for a night so I guess if we stayed at OKW, the £600 saved could pay for that, plus tickets.

I do have a few concerns about OKW: The bus service (as it's so huge), the lack of a decent counter service restaurant and going back to external corridors after WL this year.

Any advice appreciated please.

How about staying off site - far better hotels for for less a price. I think they are only worth it if you get DDP included.

We stayed at OKW and loved it, but without free dinning, I feel it's a foolish price to pay for what you get.

 

[torsie24]

Hmmm. It's a toughie.

We got a bus to OKW once and it DS feel like it took ages to get around the resort. But then now lore than the YC/BC/BW/S&D loop and that worked out fine once we understood it.

I'd probably pay the extra to stay at the WL. But I'm a sucker for the deluxes. Xx

 

[crabbie1]

After staying at OKW 3 times this resort is lovely. I recently joined DVC and chose WL as my home resort as love the rustic feel and location to magic kingdom etc. Doing the opposite to you this time and staying at WLV followed by BLT but would of had no hesitation of staying at OKW again.Just wanted to try somewhere different. Have stayed at SSR and personally would not stay there again BUT thats just my personal opinion. I have always used the buses as dont drive and have never had any issues with the buses.Obviously as all resorts it depends on the location and I am sure some on here will advice of where they stop in which order.I have stayed in building 16 Which is 5 minute walk to HH and great if you want to be by the main pool Resturant and shop. Also stayed in building 25 but that is now a reserved area where DVC guests have preference but to me it makes no odds but still quite near HH.And then again building 62 which is right by HH which we did not request but was put there as our location and room were to far for my mom to walk who has a walking chair.
As for corridors there are not any as they are villas/studios so are lay out like SSR. I prefer the OKW feel as its like having a little front door of your ownWhen we stayed at AKLV they were like WLV and the door inside.
I do think the food court at OKW lets it down but we ate in olivias and it surprisingly very nice but if you have to pay OOP all the time it can work at expensive.
Its a hard one but regards OKW it is a beautiful resort and a lot more serene then SSR and the grounds are more picturesque. Obviously with the £600 extra saving which will cover some extra meals and like you say your hotel at universal and tickets you need to consider this and also how much time you will actually spend in the hotel to benefit.
Hope this helps a bit and let us know what you decide

 

[crabbie1]

After staying at OKW 3 times this resort is lovely. I recently joined DVC and chose WL as my home resort as love the rustic feel and location to magic kingdom etc. Doing the opposite to you this time and staying at WLV followed by BLT but would of had no hesitation of staying at OKW again.Just wanted to try somewhere different. Have stayed at SSR and personally would not stay there again BUT thats just my personal opinion. I have always used the buses as dont drive and have never had any issues with the buses.Obviously as all resorts it depends on the location and I am sure some on here will advice of where they stop in which order.I have stayed in building 16 Which is 5 minute walk to HH and great if you want to be by the main pool Resturant and shop. Also stayed in building 25 but that is now a reserved area where DVC guests have preference but to me it makes no odds but still quite near HH.And then again building 62 which is right by HH which we did not request but was put there as our location and room were to far for my mom to walk who has a walking chair.
As for corridors there are not any as they are villas/studios so are lay out like SSR. I prefer the OKW feel as its like having a little front door of your ownWhen we stayed at AKLV they were like WLV and the door inside.
I do think the food court at OKW lets it down but we ate in olivias and it surprisingly very nice but if you have to pay OOP all the time it can work at expensive.
Its a hard one but regards OKW it is a beautiful resort and a lot more serene then SSR and the grounds are more picturesque. Obviously with the £600 extra saving which will cover some extra meals and like you say your hotel at universal and tickets you need to consider this and also how much time you will actually spend in the hotel to benefit.
Hope this helps a bit and let us know what you decide

 

[orangetiggs]

We love okw, and are olanning on staying again next year booking again to orrow

We did t find a problem with the buses, we stayed in building 28 and 34. We much preerred28as we could walkto the main house.

I looked at wilderness lodge but it seems far out even though its not so we went for a hotel we knew. The rooms at okw are big comoared to others and we like that

 

[Magic Megadegs]

I guess it depends who is going with you. We have friends staying at Wilderness lodge next year whilst we stay at OKW. For us there is probably no way we would want to be 4 of us in one room at WL for 2 weeks. whereas by staying in a one bedroom at OKW you have masses more room and a full kitchen and can spread out that bit more.

Very much a personal preference I think. If it was one week maybe we could go WL but for 2 weeks we have opted for space and comfort over proximity to MK xxx

 

[Elise79]

We love both BLT and OKW and the indoor/outdoor corridors don't bother us as OKW isn't long corridors like some resorts most stairs only access only a few rooms.

I would pick OKW over WL and save the money - its not far to any of the parks on the bus (except AK) and the service seems good on the times we have used it. It also doesn't share buses unlike WL.

 

[kevin harrison]

Maybe going to upset a few people here, but anyway, why would anyone be happy travelling around on a bus? Especially on holiday, all that wasted time..

 

[torsie24]

Maybe going to upset a few people here, but anyway, why would anyone be happy travelling around on a bus? Especially on holiday, all that wasted time..

If its the Disney parks buses I have no issue at all. They take you right to the gate and are a great service.

Anyway if the OP stays at WL she'll also have the option of the boat.

Much easier to MK than driving from a non-magical offsite hotel, parking in a car park, getting a trolley from your car and then having to get transport to the MK.

 

[dixonsontour]

For £600 saving I'd go for OKW.

We've been twice and love the laid back tropical feel.

Boat to DTD is good.

Agree OKW doesn't have corridors - smalls blocks with steps up to each block - we never saw anyone on 'our' stairs and no one needed to walk past our room.

 

[gemmybear83]

I would go with WL I not lie the layout, size or lack of counter service in OKW.

What about a woods or standard view at WL to lower the price?

 

[gemmybear83]

Hmmm. It's a toughie.

We got a bus to OKW once and it DS feel like it took ages to get around the resort. But then now lore than the YC/BC/BW/S&D loop and that worked out fine once we understood it.

I'd probably pay the extra to stay at the WL. But I'm a sucker for the deluxes. Xx

Congratulations torsie just seen your ticker, amazing news!

 

[disney_princess_85]

Thanks guys.

We ended up booking OKW. As much as we love WL, we just couldn't justify the additional £600, plus it'll be nice to try somewhere new.

Now, which building should I request?!

 

[orangetiggs]

Im just aout to book okw again for next nov. we shall be requesting 28 as its a short walk to hospitality house, first pick up and drop off for bus too

 

[2Tiggies]

Lauen, one thing I've learned from these boards is that what appeals to a couple is not the same as what often appeals to a family for various reasons, over and above individual preferences.

Personally, I would rather fork out for WL. As a resort there is simply more appeal to me. If I had a larger family or young children, then I would be likely to be swayed towards OKW.

If I could afford WL, I would personally go for it. Have you had a look at the resorts board? There is a dedicated picture and feedback thread for each resort and doing your own side by side comparison may make the decision easier.

 

[disney_princess_85]

Thanks Lee but we have booked OKW now!

I just think the £600 saved could go towards something else, plus we've already stayed at WL and our ultimate goal is to stay at all of the on site hotels. I'm sure we'll enjoy OKW, it looks like a very pretty resort.

 

[torsie24]

Thanks Lee but we have booked OKW now!

I just think the £600 saved could go towards something else, plus we've already stayed at WL and our ultimate goal is to stay at all of the on site hotels. I'm sure we'll enjoy OKW, it looks like a very pretty resort.

I think the all the hotels goal is a great one. Although I have I say I don't know if All Star Sports would make it onto that list for me. Just not our theming.

Also, something about CBR doesn't tempt me.

Anyway, I've gone off track enough. You'll have a lovely time at OKW. I know most people who stay there love how calm and laid back it is.

Xxxx

 

[disney_princess_85]

I think the all the hotels goal is a great one. Although I have I say I don't know if All Star Sports would make it onto that list for me. Just not our theming.

Haha, I think the same about All Star Sports but I'd only have to stay there one night to qualify.