What's better WL or OKW for a first timer??????

[pkitty]

I'am wondering what the preference is among DVC members...I'am trying to buy points for Feb 17 thru Feb 24 /2003 at either but I don't know which one is better??? I hear great things about both and we've done the "world" 4 times now - anyboby have a preference or points?????
pkitty@sympatico.ca

 

[Disney Dana]

Old Key West

 

[DeeP]

It all depends on what type of vacation you want. Are you going to be spending a lot of time in the parks, especially MK and Epcot? Are you going to be eating out most meals at restuarants and if so do you want a variety of restaurants very conveniently located? Are you going to be spending a lot of time at the pool and if so does a themed pool with a slide and 2 hot tubs appeal to you? Will you be doing a lot at night like the dinner shows of Hoop dee doo, Luau, etc., watching the MK fireworks, SpectroMagic, Illuminations, and the Electrical water parade? Do you like to stay at a resort that offers amenities such as room service, elevators and valet parking? If the answer to all these questions is yes then WLV would definitely be the place to stay because you will be very close to MK and the monorail to Epcot, you will have a large selection of restaurants to choose from, nighttime entertainment at the parks just a short boat ride or monorail ride away, full deluxe resort amenities and you will have a beautifully themed pool with a water slide and hot tubs right outside your door. If you are going to be spending a lot of time relaxing at your resort, plan on golfing a lot, will be cooking most of your meals in your villa and are not concerned about going out at night but instead want a laid back quiet vacation then OKW would be the place to stay. WLV is a deluxe resort that is very close to parks, restaurants, nighttime activites and offers all deluxe hotel amenities, OKW is a very nice condo in a quiet, secluded area overlooking a golf course with the largest units on WDW property. Enjoy!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Did the previous poster mention that you can park outside your unit at OKW? On our first trip as DVC members, we split our stay between VWL (our home) and OKW (as new members, I just called up and asked for availability at any other DVC resort so we could try them all out-OKW was available). Now, DH actually likes to go to WDW as long as we stay at OKW-this is someone who was previously only "Disney-tolerant". He's not anxious to return to VWL, other members are probably just the opposite-as someone said here, it depends what you like.

 

[EmptyNester]

that's so subjective...

We've only stayed at OKW (which we loved!), but both resorts are beautiful!

If pool slides, valet parking, elevators and room service are a vacation necessity (for you), then OKW may not be your best choice. These things are not available at OKW (Well, actually, there are elevators in some of the buildings at OKW)

ALL of the other amenities that DeeP mentions are available to anyone staying at either VWL or OKW. Staying at OKW this past February did not prevent US from enjoying the parks, the nightlife or the restaurants. (Incidentally, we did not cook meals in our lovely one-bedroom villa nor did we play golf )

Whichever you choose, I hope you have a wonderful time!

-Sharon

 

[Tracey L]

We recently stayed at OKW for the first time....Enjoyed the large balcony but felt like the decor was very average. Reminded me of my first apartment. Felt like we were out of the loop also, not much going on at this resort, would recommend this to someone who likes lots of privacy and a real home away from home feeling. VWL,BWV and BCV were decorated beautifully had all the amenities,(nice pools, room service, valet parking, good restaurants, etc) but small balcony. I would pick these resorts in the future if you like lots of ambience and a "higher end"? feel.
Have a great vacation!

 

[DeeP]

ALL of the other amenities that DeeP mentions are available to anyone staying at either VWL or OKW. Staying at OKW this past February did not prevent US from enjoying the parks, the nightlife or the restaurants.

Believe me, I am not trying to be sarcastic or flip but "amenities" are what a "resort" offers such as room service, valet parking, etc. Access to parks, restaurants and nighttime parades etc are not considered amenities since they are not resort offered/specific and are available to any WDW guest whether they are staying on or off WDW property. The two are totally different beings. I was just stating the fact that to get to MK & Epcot for the fireworks and parades or to go to the many various restaurants at the monorail resorts or in MK & Epcot or the dinner shows Hoop dee doo and the Luau (which are held at the Poly and FW) or to see the Electrical Water Parade (which can be seen from WLV beach), it is much more convenient and much easier to do and see these things when staying at WLV then it is if you are staying at OKW due to the much closer location to this entertainment/restaurants from WLV vs OKW. The "resort amenities" of room service, etc that WLV offers it's guest are the same amenities that all the other deluxe hotel resorts offer, OKW does not offer the same amenities since they are a "condo" resort not a deluxe "hotel" resort.
After re reading the posts on this thread I do realize that I did fail to mention that OKW does offer self parking outside your door at all the OKW villas in the parking lots that are located in front of each villa.

 

[BillM]

No one has mentioned that you indicated you were"buying" points for your stay. I assume you mean renting points. If so you will find the point structure much less for your visit at OKW than VWL. This may influence your decision.

 

[~Magical Princess~]

I think a good place to start would be checking out some pics of both resorts and beginning there. Also, I think that was great advice about the parks, parades etc., all in favor of the WL. Also, the different amenities such as pool slide etc., - those all mean alot to some, maybe not to others - but it's always nice to have that info!

I personally love the space OKW provides, however, I absolutely adore the whole lodge scenario that the WL provides, as well as it's conveniences for things (even though I haven't stayed there yet).

It's really a hard choice - unless "lesser" points really makes a difference, then OKW is definitely less points. I think the main thing is that they are both beautiful, but very different in the theming, and different in the "access" to the things you may be enjoying frequently. Of course OKW provides busses to the parks and boat to downtown disney - but WL can really get you to where you want to go probably with less hassle.

Decisions decisions!!! Good luck and please keep us posted!

 

[Pa@okw95]

I am a member at OKW and I will tell FWL is much better for someone that really wants to enjoy a vacation at a resort. OKW is a condo situation. FWL is a resort situation.

 

[dvc guy]

You can't go wrong with either choice.
OKW will be less points, and we have never felt that we were out of the loop by staying there.
OKW is laid back, quiet and a welcome relief from the go go feeling in the parks.
No room service but you can get food to go.
Whatever you do have fun!!!!!!

 

[KNWVIKING]

Substitute the words WL & OKW with "blonde" or "redhead".

There really is no bad choice.

 

[trishy]

KNWViking: LOL What's a brunette? BWV?

Obvious a personal opinion. Whether with kids or without, I would choose VWL. Now, I absolutely love OKW, but as a first-timer I'd go VWL. Maybe the second time try OKW. After that, try the Grand Villas (with a blonde & redhead )

 

[KNWVIKING]

didn't know how to spell brunette

 

[Regina]

Those are my two home resorts, and I've stayed at both of them.

If you're looking to relax, both resorts are perfect. If theming is important, OKW has a light and airy decor, while VWL is warm and woodsy.

OKW does have larger units, but I doubt very much if you would feel that VWL is small when compared to a standard resort room.

We rarely have a car, and have been very pleased with Disney bus transportation while staying at OKW. VWL has the boat to the MK, but it's shared transportation.

At night, the VWL has the Electric Water Pageant float by, which is a lot of fun. At OKW, if you go for a quiet stroll in the evening you can often catch glimpses of the fireworks.

I love them both, which is why I belong to them. I honestly can't pick one over the other.

Good luck!

 

[pkitty]

Wow everybody thanks for the great responses!!!! I never relized what a great question it was when I typed it!!!!! Trish and Viking are we still talking about my vacation!!!!! (I'am a blonde and Yes we do have more fun) Thanks everyone AGAIN!!!
I think this time around it's going to be WL!!!! Oh and no I'am not buying points....typo on my part...I'am renting... What can you buy these days with the pinecone peso (LOONIE - I'AM FROM CANADA >>>DON"T FORGET EH!) v.s the mighty US greenback anyway!!! Denise