What to bring to OKW

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Hi all! We are estatic to be going to OKW Dec. 8-13. We are not DVCer's, (but maybe we will after this trip!), but loved the spaciousness of OKW when we were looking to stay onsite. DH and I will be going with DS - 7 and DD - 4 (almost 5). When we go on vacation, we like to enjoy our family time, but also want to put the kids to bed at night and enjoy some adult time without being cooped up in a small room.
Anyway, I know that OKW is pretty equip with kitchen utensils, ect. , but I am wondering what I should bring that I may not know about? Paper towels, napkins, shampoo, soap? (I am hoping OKW gives out the Mickey bathroom stuff).
Also, any tips for a first timer about OKW? It looks just gorgeous and relaxing. DH and I stayed at the Poly 8 years ago for our honeymoon - I can't wait to return with my kids and see Disney through their eyes! Thanks in advance. Tonia

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

I forgot to mention we will be staying in a one bedroom. I don't know if this makes a difference in what is available or not. Tonia

 

[Laurabearz]

IF your paying cash you will get daily housekeeping and they will refresh the soaps and stuff....

I alway like to bring salt, pepper, and spices from home, since they are costly to buy....... they do provide paper towels but I dont remember if they have paper napkins.....

Some people prefer to bring a non stick cooking pan..... I just deal with the other one although for me it makes making eggs a PITA.....(pain in the.........)

Have fun you will love OKW and when you return youll want to buy a resale there.... I know a great broker

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Thanks, I sure wouldn't have thought of salt and pepper! But it is a good idea, and maybe sugar for the coffee too. Thanks again. Tonia

 

[sgtdisney]

I know this is kind of cheap, but we always grab some extra salt and pepper and sugar packets when we are out in a counter service restaurant. Of course we don't usually cook while we are at OKW, so I don't worry too much about the other spices. I just hate hauling that stuff around if I don't have to. Like Laura mentioned, if you are staying on a cash reservation, you will get daily housekeeping and soap, shampoo, etc if you need it. If you are staying on points you will get an initial supply and then again when you have the trash and towel service. You will also get a small box of Tide when you get in the room. I am not sure if you get more on cash ressies or not. We do usually bring a small bottle of laundry detergent with us, as it is to cumbersome to buy a big bottle at the store and then have to toss it. The General Store sells laundry soap in little boxes, but they charge Disney prices for it. Disney supplies Paper towels, palmolive or something similar as well as soap for the dishwasher. They usually have enough of that to last, but if you run out you can request more of those kinds of things. I don't recall them having paper napkins. They used to have cloth napkins at OKW, but they don't any more Have a great time, you will love OKW.

 

[DeeP]

Don't forget dryer sheets. I always pack them with the laundry detergent. Our local dollar store has small trial boxes of laundry detergent that cost 4 for $1.00 and they are very easy to pack. I do not bring a nonstick fry pan but instead bring a can of PAM which is much less bulky than a frying pan and it works fine for us. I also bring a cork screw since the units do not always have them.

 

[Richyams]

The one bedroom is real nice.

Put the kids to sleep in the master bedroom, you hang out in the living room, you sleep on the pullout couch....OUCH!!!, wait, there is an even better way.

Two bedroom, put the kids to sleep in their own room, hang out, sit on the huge patio/deck, go into the bedroom, let hubby stay up late in the living room watching the game, he can stroll into bed later......NOW that IS home away from home!!

If you think about joining, look at the points for a two bedroom, it is really fabulous.

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Thanks so much for all the great advice. I will definately check out the dollar store for the the detergent - that will be much better that trying to pack a big box.

We will be putting the kids in the master - I hope the pullout isn't too bad though! LOL We are used to pullouts though, as we always give the kids the master on vacation so we can put them to bed at a decent hour.

Yes, we paid cash for whole thing, I didn't know anything about DVC or renting points or anything. I wish I did, I probably spent way more than I needed too. Oh well, what's done is done and we just can't wait for OKW and Disney!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Just go to the grocery store and pick up some Tide Tabs. You pack a few of those in the nooks and crannies of your luggage and you'll have it. Fold up a few dryer sheets in a little ziplock and you're set there, too. Before Tide Tabs, I'd bring a small bottle of Tide Liquid.

 

[AZKathy]

Pam was a great idea because that skillet is a pain to clean if you do eggs (or at least a brillo pad?).

I always bring some of those dye magnets sheets that are in the laundry section so I don't have to separate my clothes when I wash clothes.

Bubble bath for the jacuzzi tub, but don't put too much in or your bath room will be filled with bubbles when the jets go on (big hit for the kids!).

Microwave popcorn for snacks and also great for feeding the ducks (your kids will love that) from your porch/balcony.

We did the parent sleep on the pullout while the kids get the wonderful king size bed once. Did I say once? The pull out is not too comfortable, but after a few nights of uncomfortable sleep, you will be too exausted and sleep like babes. All joking aside, it will be okay, but not the most comfortable. You could set up the sleeper sofa and transfer the kids when you want to go to bed?

Have a great trip!

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Thanks for the popcorn and bubble bath idea - those were great!

You suggested my "secret" - moving the kids to the pullout. I feel so bad to stick them there, but really, I don't think they notice! Tonia

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

In addition to the bring with list I would suggest Brillo or SOS. We buy the small one use kind. Those pans do a great job with the eggs, but, it is a horrible mess to clean. Also, I cannot count the times I have had to use the broiler pan only to find it too ucky to believe. Again, the SOS made short work of that task.

 

[Disney Doll]

A non-stick pan, laundry soap tablets,softener sheets,coffee filters,Starbucks coffee(DH loves it!).

I'd move the kids to the pullout once they are good and asleep and keep the nice king size master bed for myself and DH!

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Do they have coffe or filters for non DVC members? I thought I heard once that they replaced coffee daily if you were paying cash. NOt that it would be a big deal to bring them - I just don't don't want to see DH face when he sees what I pack! Though, I am going to go light on clothing since we have the washer/dryer so that may make up for everything else! Tonia

 

[AZKathy]

Originally posted by TigerLilly's Mom

You suggested my "secret" - moving the kids to the pullout. I feel so bad to stick them there, but really, I don't think they notice! Tonia

Kids can sleep ANYWHERE!!!! They won't mind it nearly as much as you will!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

They do not supply coffee filters for anyone, member or not. They will supply coffee daily if you are on a cash rental, otherwise just the first day and on T&T day.
We ran out of filters on the next to the last day, and ended up using paper towels. I guess I drank too much coffee. LOL

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Originally posted by sgtdisney
I know this is kind of cheap, but we always grab some extra salt and pepper and sugar packets when we are out in a counter service restaurant. Of course we don't usually cook while we are at OKW, so I don't worry too much about the other spices. I just hate hauling that stuff around if I don't have to.

I don't think that's cheap; I think it's practical not to haul around or buy too big of an item. My hint is to pick up packets of the following at a food court and mix two packets each of mayo, mustard, ketchup, and relish for enough thousand island to dress three salads. That way you only have to buy the salad, not an overlarge or expensive bottle of dressing. (No need to leave leftovers.) DH loved my improvised recipe so much now he makes it at home!