Wilderness Lodge vs. OKW?

[kellyf2626]

Ok...tell me which one - OKW or VWL - would you choose and why?

We are a family of 6 adults going in June.

Thanks!

 

[Deb & Bill]

An OKW two bedroom would have a lot more room for 6 adults than VWL two bedroom.

At OKW you'd get two queen sized beds in the second bedroom, plus the king sized bed in the master, plus the queen sleeper sofa in the living room.

You get a full sized washer and dryer at OKW. Stackables at VWL.

 

[Steamboat Bill]

I have stayed at both and like both.


I like the location of VWL better than OKW, but the rooms are MUCH smaller than OKW. If you want to be close to the MK then you should stay at VWL. If you need a larger (and more quite location) then go with OKW.

 

[ccw]

Had a group of 6 adults (all women) at OKW in November and stayed in a GRAND VILLA...perfect!

 

[jdvm]

They're both nice but we prefer Old Key West. One of the main reasons is that you can drive right to your door. If you're going to use the car a lot, that's a big deal. The Old Key West rooms are bigger and we like the fact that it's not attached to a hotel. Everyone at Old Key West is a DVC member or their guest (mostly) so Cast Members get to know you. We really like the "second home" feeling we have at Old Key West. Hope this helps!!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

I like both these resorts the best of all the DVC resorts. OKW will have more room than at VWL, considering you have 6 adults. A couple people will have to sleep on a sleeper sofa at VWL, as the second bedroom has one bed and one sleeper while there are two queen size beds in the second bedroom at OKW if that makes a difference. Not sure what your sleeping arrangements will be not knowing the makeup of your family. The interior decor is different between the two. Dark greens/maroons for VWL for a woodsy feel. OKW has more pastel/light colors for more of a tropical feel.

The ambience and feel of both, while both very relaxing, is different. VWL we love for that woodsy feel and being on a lake (you can catch the Electric Water Pagenet on the lake at night)----the lobby/check-in area still gives me a wow when I walk in. But we love OKW for that non-hotel feel. It feels more like a disney neighborhood with a tropical feel. The porch/patio is larger at OKW as well.

If you plan to go shopping or touring offsite at all, having your car right outside your door at OKW is very convenient. This is even convenient if you plan to do wdw resort dining/shopping. At VWL, the parking lot and the space you get, can be quite a walk away. If you don't plan on dining at other disney resorts or don't plan on going offsite, it shouldn't be a problem. The boat at VWL is great for getting to the MK. The boat at OKW is great for getting to DD. Both have a marina for watercraft rental. Both have sit-down restaurants. Olivia's at OKW and Whispering Canyon Cafe and Artist Point at the WL. The WL also has a food court (Roaring Forks) and OKW has a take out stand (Hank's TO GO).

Good luck with your decision

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree that OKW accommodations are more comfortable for that many adults. Are you doubling up in beds? You might actually think about a GV, because then everyone could have their own bed.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Having stayed at both, we'd choose OKW in a heartbeat. I'm not sure which has the "better" accomodations, that's very subjective, but the CMs we've encountered at OKW have been sooo much nicer. The ones we've encountered at WL seemed much less friendly. Just our experience.

 

[kellyf2626]

Thanks everyone for all the info!

After much discussion, we have decided to stay at Wilderness Lodge. My parents liked how it was set up more as a hotel - they love to relax in the lobby and "people" watch, and really liked how they could take the boat to the Contemporary and MK. DH and I like OKW, but have never stayed at VWL, so it will be an experience! We are also staying at BWV for the first part of our trip, so it will be a completely new environment when we get to VWL!

Thanks again!

 

[byoung]

Also the points are less at OKW.

 

[Cinderella]

Both are lovely - but looks like you have already made your choice. OKW is definitely more spacious. But you haven't tried WL before and it will be great. The boat to the magic kingdom is brilliant, and you have some great dining places nearby. Have a great trip

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks everyone for all the info!

After much discussion, we have decided to stay at Wilderness Lodge. My parents liked how it was set up more as a hotel - they love to relax in the lobby and "people" watch, and really liked how they could take the boat to the Contemporary and MK. DH and I like OKW, but have never stayed at VWL, so it will be an experience! We are also staying at BWV for the first part of our trip, so it will be a completely new environment when we get to VWL!

Thanks again!

You will love the decor, but remember that the villas have their own lobby, and while it is very nice, there aren't many people there to watch. To do that, you would have to walk over to the main hotel.