Which Resort? BRV or OKW?

[M:SpilotISTC12]

We have a trip planned for March 2022 for 5 nights. It's my wife, 16 month old, our best friend and I. We are currently booked at BRV. Haven't stayed at BRV before per se but at WL. We are on the fence about moving to OKW instead. The plan is only to do MK and Epcot. The other days are pool and relaxing days. We've never stayed at OKW either.

Should we switch or no? Convince me one way or another. Thanks!

 

[sleepydog25]

Tough call. My thoughts (truth in advertising, I own at VWL):
OKW - While you don't say what size room you're staying in, all the rooms/suites at OKW are larger than those at VWL. Thus, you'll have more space which might be important to you. The units at OKW are outside entrances which may or may not matter to you. The color scheme is a bit brighter and cheery than over at the Lodge, as well. Now, OKW is more spread out than VWL, so driving or long walks or using the bus system might be necessary. It's the original DVC compound, so it has a lot of space and history going for it. On the other hand, it's not particularly close to any park vis-a-vis transportation--you pretty much bus everywhere or drive.
VWL (aka BRV) - Majestic theming is front and center, and the sense of serenity you get there is second to none. Plus, it's entirely walkable as it's a fairly compact resort. The VWL rooms are a bit darker, and they are due for a major refurbishment in 2022, exact timing unknown. One of the nicest things about VWL is that you can take a boat directly to MK, and it's almost an attraction itself. Note, if you plan to take a stroller, then it must be folded up before entering the boat, and the smaller boats often don't allow one at all if space is limited.
Food - The Wilderness Lodge takes the prize due to having Geyser Point--it's lovely and overall has good food. The views are wonderful, too. OKW has Olivia's which I prefer to WCC, and neither QS is notable.

So, by a nose, I would choose my home resort if for no other reason than the boat to MK. However, there is much to admire about both OKW and VWL.

 

[DeeBee3]

The only uncertainty I would put behind my vote for BRV is the unknown timing of refurbishment.

The whole Lodge is beautiful - the boat ride to MK is great - and it is just a bus to Epcot. The Lodge is very relaxing and has a cute kids splash area.
Also, you can go down to the dock or Geyser Point and see the Electrical Water Pageant!

I would say the down side to OKW is it is a bus to everything. Depending on what section you are in, you could make multiple bus stops before leaving the resort itself.

 

[Suzabella]

I agree with Sleepy. He said the same things I'd say about OKW room size and BRV. One thing, OKW is a very large resort so depending on where your room is, you might need the bus as DeeBee said. I think the pools are better at BRV and there are more things to explore in the resort and the property. The Native American art they have on display is amazing. BRV has better access to MK and other MK area resort restaurants and shops. OKW is kind of out there by itself. And, well....OKW doesn't have the Bison Burger from Geyser Point.

In full disclosure, we also own at BRV.

 

[Shellyred8]

I agree with Sleepy. He said the same things I'd say about OKW room size and BRV. One thing, OKW is a very large resort so depending on where your room is, you might need the bus as DeeBee said. I think the pools are better at BRV and there are more things to explore in the resort and the property. The Native American art they have on display is amazing. BRV has better access to MK and other MK area resort restaurants and shops. OKW is kind of out there by itself. And, well....OKW doesn't have the Bison Burger from Geyser Point.

In full disclosure, we also own at BRV.

Ohhhh!!! The Bison Burger from Geyser Point!!! So awesome!!!

One other thing to throw into the mix is that OKW is closer to DS. So, if you plan to spend any/much time at DS, OKW might be the better option.

If you are staying in a Studio, I would vote for OKW, since you would then get two "real" beds, not a bed and a pull-out sofa that you will get at BRV.

If this were my choice, I would go with BRV. I just love the atmosphere there and being able to boat to MK.

 

[PsycProfPlum]

I'd check out a couple of recent room tours on YouTube and factor that into your decision. Those BRV rooms look to be in a pretty bad need of a refurb currently. Just a thought to add into the mix.

 

[Philsfan77]

We have a trip planned for March 2022 for 5 nights. It's my wife, 16 month old, our best friend and I. We are currently booked at BRV. Haven't stayed at BRV before per se but at WL. We are on the fence about moving to OKW instead. The plan is only to do MK and Epcot. The other days are pool and relaxing days. We've never stayed at OKW either.

Should we switch or no? Convince me one way or another. Thanks!

With the full refurb coming, and you seeming to have plans for more resort/pool days. I might look into switching out to avoid the noise/construction that will most likely being going on during your stay, which might disturb some of that relaxation and the serenity that whole complex usually has. I am also banking on boats being back up and running from OKW to Disney Springs, which again if you're doing more non-park days, than park days, will give you access to tons of restaurants and food, just a short relaxing boat ride away.

(We own at CCV, and love that whole area, but being in a possible construction zone, would steer me elsewhere, and we like OKW/SSR better for our trips that are more relaxing non-park stays personally for access to Disney Springs).

 

[Tigger's ally]

The boat to DS (when running and rumor has it that it will be back shortly) tips the scale IMO to OKW. Pool and relax days can turn in to DS nights for food and shopping. That takes away any advantage of Geyser IMO. Two other things, both places have two of my favorite little lounges. Gurgling Suitcase is a sweet little bitty nugget in my stays at OKW. Territory is a hidden jewel of our stays at WL. Also, I think both places are two of the quietest, laid back resorts in our visits to both.

 

[JamieGagnon]

What does OKW stand for? Sorry newbie renter here.

 

[kanerf]

What does OKW stand for? Sorry newbie renter here.

Old Key West, the original DVC resort.

 

[SteveW8002]

OKW is our home resort and I love it. However BRV is amazing, making this a difficult call. Because you are doing MK and Epcot I would probably go with BRV. You can take the boat to MK (which is a lot of fun). It is also more compact for walking around during resort days. Although if you like to walk (as I do) there is a neat path between SSR and OKW that is a lot of fun.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Only 3 buildings at OKW have elevators. That’s a big negative for me.

 

[jbreen2010]

We have a trip planned for March 2022 for 5 nights. It's my wife, 16 month old, our best friend and I. We are currently booked at BRV. Haven't stayed at BRV before per se but at WL. We are on the fence about moving to OKW instead. The plan is only to do MK and Epcot. The other days are pool and relaxing days. We've never stayed at OKW either.

Should we switch or no? Convince me one way or another. Thanks!

We stayed at copper creek the first time last month and now love wilderness lodge. I would give BRV a try

 

[wnielsen1]

Like OKW, Love BRV.

 

[Nabas]

We have a trip planned for March 2022 for 5 nights. It's my wife, 16 month old, our best friend and I. We are currently booked at BRV. Haven't stayed at BRV before per se but at WL. We are on the fence about moving to OKW instead. The plan is only to do MK and Epcot. The other days are pool and relaxing days. We've never stayed at OKW either.

Should we switch or no? Convince me one way or another. Thanks!

Based on the part I highlighted, it sounds like you have 3 adults.

OKW has 2 queen beds:

 

[M:SpilotISTC12]

Yall are making this difficult! I love the feedback though! Someone brought up the BRV refurb and that has us concerned. But the boat to MK and water pageant is a perk. Tough call for sure! I forgot to mention that it's a studio and my friend doesn't mind the pull out. Since we never charged him on any trip we bring him on, 7 in total, he says pull out is just fine for free haha

 

[Nabas]

Yall are making this difficult! I love the feedback though! Someone brought up the BRV refurb and that has us concerned. But the boat to MK and water pageant is a perk. Tough call for sure! I forgot to mention that it's a studio and my friend doesn't mind the pull out. Since we never charged him on any trip we bring him on, 7 in total, he says pull out is just fine for free haha

Then definitely stay at BRV.

The Wilderness Lodge has better theming, better pool, better location, a boat to the Magic Kingdom, and dinner outdoors at Geyser Point!

 

[RoseGold]

Elevator situation at OKW is no good with a stroller.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Elevator situation at OKW is no good with a stroller.

Just request a first floor villa.

 

[Tigger's ally]

Just request a first floor villa.

Yeah, we have gotten it every time we have requested it.