Where to stay at OKW?

[Jimmac]

In over twenty stays at OKW I can honestly say that we have never had a room that we were disappointed in. In fact, quite the opposite. The only request we ever make is for a non smoking room.

 

[mikesmom88]

We just came back from a visit there. I requested a building closer to HH and got building 42 near the Turtle Pond pool area. We were not diappointed, it was very convenient for the kids to go in the pool. We did have our own car so I cannot comment on the convience of the bus transporatation.

We had a 2 bedroom on the 3rd floor (room 4231). Very nice! If you have any questions, let me know.

 

[jeanniec]

We are great fans of the Turtle Pond area. We always ask for Building 41 which is right next to the Turtle Pond pool and snack bar. Have been staying in that building for 8 or 9 years now. It is a smoking building so maybe that is why we always get our request. The pool is so much quieter than the main one, and we love being able to get a sandwich or Pina Colada there.

 

[DeeP]

DeeP, you seem to be VERY negetive about OKW, much the way RichYams is posititive about it. Both attitudes get old after awhile

I am not being negative at all. The OP asked for opinions regarding OKW and a building location. I am posting my experiences as a guest at this resort. OKW is one of the largest resorts at WDW, I do find this resort much easier with a car, and it did take us longer than 10-15 minutes to walk from the back of the resort to the front. What is so negative about that????
I also find things on this board that get old after a while, very old.

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by DeeP
OKW is a very, very large resort. It is one of WDW's largest resorts, if not the largest. Some of the buildings are quite a walk or a bus/car ride from the main hub of the resort which has the resort's restaurant, the marina w/boat to DTD, the store, front desk/guest services, main pool, pool bar, Community Hall and workout room.

I walked from the HH to room 5032 in South Point with a cup of coffee and a newspaper in 13 minutes.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I walked from the HH to room 5032 in South Point with a cup of coffee and a newspaper in 13 minutes.

My experience too.

LOL! I guess the next debate will be what takes longer?---Walking from South Point to HH or the long halls at BWV!

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by DeeP
Like anything else, what applies to one person can be the exact opposite for someone else. When I stayed at OKW it took a lot longer than 10- 15 minutes to walk to the front of the resort to get to the store,restaurant, etc. from one of the very back buildings. Maybe it was walking in the heat and humidity that made the walk go at a much slower pace.

If it is too hot and humid to walk, guests can board any of the air conditioned buses. Each one stops at the Hospitality House before leaving the resort. Guests staying in the South Point area would have passed at least 2 bus stops before getting there on the walk.

As stated, "what applies to one person can be the exact opposite for someone else." Some suggest the close proximity to Epcot and MGM as a positive for guests staying at the Epcot-area DVC resorts, yet choose to depict a shorter walk at OKW as a negative. The walk from the back of the OKW resort isn't much different than the walk to Epcot from Crescent Lake and is much shorter than the walk to MGM.

 

[DeeP]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
As stated, "what applies to one person can be the exact opposite for someone else." Some suggest the close proximity to Epcot and MGM as a positive for guests staying at the Epcot-area DVC resorts, yet choose to depict a shorter walk at OKW as a negative. The walk from the back of the OKW resort isn't much different than the walk to Epcot from Crescent Lake and is much shorter than the walk to MGM. [/B]

But the big difference to me is one you are in route to a major park for a fun vacation experience and the other you are in route to the resort store for milk--running an errand! If I want to make a quick run to the store to pick up something for the room, or the front desk etc., a 15 min or more walk or bus ride (passing by very pretty buildings, ponds etc., I would like to add) is a hassle; a 15 min walk to Epcot on a beautiful pathway through International Gateway with Epcot in view and the music of WS heard in the background is a very pleasant experience to me. But that is just me, YMMV.

 

[RobDoc]

But the "big difference to me" is that walking in the heat and humidity is exactly the same whether it's going to a park or to run errands.

OKW has a number of buildings (11-17, 62-64, 23,24,25,26) that are as close to HH and Olivia's Cafe as the ESPN Club is to any of the rooms at BWV and is closer than many. True, there are some buildings at OKW that will require a short walk, drive or bus ride to get to that same area. There are also rooms at OKW that are closer to the store and restaurants than some rooms at BWV or BCV. It doesn't suggest to me that one experience is superior or inferior to another in any way.

I often walk from my room at OKW to DD and to the tennis courts near the main pool, just for the pleasure of walking. I also often take a bus to MGM (8 minute ride) and then walk to the BW area and then over to Epcot. Since I enjoy walking, it truly doesn't matter where I'm walking, I'm just happy to be at WDW. To suggest that walking within a resort is a hassle while walking to a park is a pleasant activity is a strange way to describe a physical activity.

But, that is just me, YMMV.

 

[ncligs]

Doc and Deep.....before you realize it.... this thread may be moved to the debate board.

I would gladly stay anywhere at OKW then to be at home.

 

[DeeP]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
But the "big difference to me" is that walking in the heat and humidity is exactly the same whether it's going to a park or to run errands.

OKW has a number of buildings (11-17, 62-64, 23,24,25,26) that are as close to HH and Olivia's Cafe as the ESPN Club is to any of the rooms at BWV and is closer than many. True, there are some buildings at OKW that will require a short walk, drive or bus ride to get to that same area. There are also rooms at OKW that are closer to the store and restaurants than some rooms at BWV or BCV. It doesn't suggest to me that one experience is superior or inferior to another in any way.

I often walk from my room at OKW to DD and to the tennis courts near the main pool, just for the pleasure of walking. I also often take a bus to MGM (8 minute ride) and then walk to the BW area and then over to Epcot. Since I enjoy walking, it truly doesn't matter where I'm walking, I'm just happy to be at WDW. To suggest that walking within a resort is a hassle while walking to a park is a pleasant activity is a strange way to describe a physical activity.

But, that is just me, YMMV.

I can't understand how this became a big debate just because I stated to the OP asking about a building and location:
That OKW is a very big resort.
That some of the buildings require a lengthly walk or bus ride to get to the main hub which has the restaurant, store, front desk, etc., so if they thought they would use these things requesting a building in the front of the resort might be in their best interest.
That OKW is easier if one has a car while staying there.
All of these statements are true. What is the problem????

 

[dianeschlicht]

What is the problem????

In a word...ATTITUDE!

 

[DeeP]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
In a word...ATTITUDE!

What ATTITUDE?????????????
The OP asked about a building location, I was stating true facts that I experienced during my stays at OKW from various building locations!!!!!!!

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by DeeP
What is the problem????

Sometimes it's not what is said, but HOW it's said.

Originally posted by DeeP
I was stating true facts

"If I want to make a quick run to the store to pick up something for the room, or the front desk etc., a 15 min or more walk or bus ride (passing by very pretty buildings, ponds etc., I would like to add) is a hassle; a 15 min walk to Epcot on a beautiful pathway through International Gateway with Epcot in view and the music of WS heard in the background is a very pleasant experience to me." ??

 

[DeeP]

I am sorry but you are reading WAY more into this than was intended. I do find the walk to Epcot very pleasant, I do not find having to walk 15 mins to pick up something I forgot, when I am in a hurry trying to get to a park, dinner PS, etc pleasant. I am not saying walking around OKW is not pleasant; it is very pleasant when you are in the mood for a walk and exercise but having to do this walk everytime I want something from the store, etc is not. This is just something I suggested the OP might want to take in consideration when choosing a building at OKW if these things (restaurant, store, etc.) were something her traveling party would use a lot.
I guess it is all my mind set, in one instance I am in a hurry, anxious to just buy what I need at the store, or pick up the take out order from the snack bar or pick up our CP tickets from guest services, etc; while in the other situation I am relaxed and walking into a park for the day or evening, in no hurry, looking at Epcot, listening to the WS music, etc. To me they are very different experiences. That is just me, to you they might be very similiar experiences, which is great and what makes the world go round.

 

[DeeP]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
In a word...ATTITUDE!

Speaking of ATTITUDE.......

I thought ALL BWV were VERY satisfied with their resort!!?? After all, so many here tout it as the BEST DVC. I can honestly say that in at least 14 stays, I have never had an OKW view I didn't like. Of course, it wasn't a Boardwalk view either.

Before you give yourself Absolution and Papal sanctioned sainthood, you might want to look in the mirror.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by DeeP
Before you give yourself Absolution and Papal sanctioned sainthood........

 

[Mom B]

We stayed in building #35 the first time we visited OKW, just because that's what got assigned and we didn't have a clue. It worked out very well that trip, but we had a vehicle and it was just the two of us, no kids that time. It was comfortably close to a bus stop and quite peaceful (in January). The second trip, we stayed in building #24, this time by request as we were getting a little wiser. We had several family groups with us in the same building. I think it was a great choice; within easy walking distance of the hospitality house and pool, but just a little bit "off the beaten path." Never noticed any problems with noise (in late October). I think I would request this area again, as it's just close enough to the amenities to be convenient but not "too close." We loved it!

 

[DeeP]

Originally posted by ncligs

Too funny! Is there any situation that you don't have a smiley for?? LOL

 

[CRobin]

Originally posted by Tigger Fans!
Just wanted to get everyone's input as to where is the best place to stay at OKW?

Thanks for you help!

I hope everyone contributing to this thread has the original poster's innocent question in mind.