Which Villa would you choose and why? VWL/OKW

[disneyfan2kids]

1 br in early December (Christmas vacation).

Both VWL and OKW 1br's are available.

We've done 1br @ OKW and LOVE the size/space/resort. BUT there is no availability for "near HH" at this point :-( so there's a chance we could be hopping a bus for main pool...which we wouldn't like. But we do love OKW alot regardless.

We've done "regular" rooms at Wilderness Lodge pre-DVC. LOVED the resort and the close proximity to boat access to MK/monorail. We've never done a 1BR there we do know we won't get the same "space" there that we would at OKW. I've heard Christmas there is beautiful as well.

OKW is 40pts LESS than VWL for same time span...so there's the point savings for OKW as well.

So... lots of space, less points, close to DTD (which we go to alot), but the "negative" of possibly being somewhat "remote" from HH/main pool/etc and not quite as "Christmasy"?

OR... less space, more points, but the "positive" of having boat access to all transportation options/parks/etc, better Christmas theme, close to FW/Cont/Poly (which we do sit downs at all 3 usually).

So hard to choose....

 

[Disneypubgal]

Early December is a very busy DVC time, doyou already have reservations?

 

[DVCAmy]

at Christmastime I would go with VWL. I have never been there at that time but it's one of the things on my list to do.

Amy

 

[bobbiwoz]

Without a doubt, we would pick VWL for all of the reasons that have been mentioned, proximity to MK, and the beautiful decorations at Christmas time. I think the tree in the DVC lobby is just beautiful as well, not just the one in the main lobby of the WL!

Bobbi

 

[Tinkmom]

I would go with Wilderness Lodge, too.

That time of year is particularly magical at that resort. Not only the decorations there and the easy transportation to the Magic Kingdom, but it is also so near Ft Wilderness which is also a really fun place to visit and see the elaborate holiday decorations in a bit of a different atmosphere.

That is an experience you want to have!

 

[disneyfan2kids]

Early December is a very busy DVC time, doyou already have reservations?

Yes

 

[Kathi OD]

I'll be the odd one out. I'd choose OKW for the lower point requirement and larger rooms. Those 1BRs at VWL are A LOT smaller than the ones at OKW.

Christmas decorations will be up all over WDW. The entire place will be beautiful.

 

[sleepydog25]

Another vote for VWL. Though WDW is well-decorated, the ability to stay at arguably the best-decorated resort outweighs the positives of OKW. We visited most of the resorts last Christmas (while staying at VWL), and though most were quite lovely, none were as special as the Lodge. Actually, OKW was our least favorite in terms of decorations. Now, it is true that the rooms at VWL are smaller than those at OKW, but the proximity to MK and the immersion into the gala of Christmas at the Lodge makes this a slam-dunk choice for me.

 

[DenLo]

VWL would be the choice for me. I've always wanted to stay there in December. Here's some photos showing why I want to go there.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2676829

 

[Candy Orlando]

When I'm at DVC in Dec., I want to be in a tropical place. I live in New England and want to get away from a winter theme. OKW is perfect because it is decorated for Christmas and there are palm trees everywhere. We visit all the other resorts to enjoy the decorations but love going back home to OKW at the end of the day.

 

[Geezer]

We like the size of OKW, and we never worry about being near HH. My wife likes to go to the hot tub in the evenings, but she usually prefers the ones at the smaller pools that are less crowded.

Remember that December is not usually a good time for the pool in Florida anyway. I walked with her to the hot tub this past December at OKW, and I nearly froze to death. Besides, if you book the HH category, you wont have the extra door to the bathroom. I'd just book whichever feels right to you. VWL does have great holiday decorations, but we always go there each trip to eat at Artist Point, so I get my fill of it then. I like staying at OKW.

 

[poggs]

OKW for me.

THe sheer size of the ! bed at OKW and the beautiful grounds swung it for me. I found the VWL odd as this may sound, far away from the main resort and I felt like a 2nd class guest, where as at OKW, I feel special.

 

[SusieBea]

I love VWL, but I'd pick OKW for the size of the units and the ability to park close. You can always pool hop and made ADRs at VWL so you can enjoy it's Christmas spirit.

 

[bumbershoot]

We stayed at OKW last December, and one day visited WL...I do not remember any decorations beyond the enormous tree. I had absolutely NO interest in switching resorts, it just did not impress me.

It also confused me, making me think I was at Yellowstone, but I was in Florida. (I like OKW b/c of knowing where I am LOL)

Remember that December is not usually a good time for the pool in Florida anyway. I walked with her to the hot tub this past December at OKW, and I nearly froze to death.

The last two Decembers have been desperately cold. Unusually cold. Other Decembers, most Decembers if I have read correctly, are NOT as cold as they have been the last two years, and especially not as cold as last year.

 

[mopee3]

We stayed at OKW last December, and one day visited WL...I do not remember any decorations beyond the enormous tree. It also confused me, making me think I was at Yellowstone, but I was in Florida. (I like OKW b/c of knowing where I am LOL)

Yes, but that's because you see those trees in your back yard all the time. But we are like you, we go to Florida to be warm and tropical, not cold and in the Pacific Northwest/Rocky Mountains. That's why Artist Point isn't one of my favorite restaurants. However my bride of 40+ years was raised in Montana so she loves WV.

Moe

 

[AirGoofy]

WL also has the beach, bay lake, and you can see MK fireworks. I like OKW, but WL was so much better. I consider OKW only when I'm running low on points.