Tell me why I should stay at OKW

[MickeyMousse]

I am looking at booking a 2 bedroom villa at OKW. Only stayed there once, for one night a long time ago. I would appreciate hearing what others think of the resort and any advice would be great! Thanks!

[faline]

Stayed in a studio for a long weekend several years back and, honestly, I wasn't overly impressed. Mostly, I think our location was the issue. I was told, at checkin, how lucky I was that I'd have a unit right next to a bus stop. Yes, it was very close to the bus stop but that meant we heard the bus idling at the stop every time it arrived. Plus, where we were located, the bus had to go further than our location, do a u-turn and then would drive by out unit once again. (This is complicated by our living on a dead end road which has NO road noise most of the time). If we were there longer than a weekend, we would have asked to move to another location.

But, hang on and, and fast forward several years. Even after that experience, we purchased at Old Key West in the resale market. We were aware that our primary issue was our location - not the resort and not the lodgings.

In December, we had our first stay as an owner. We were joined by my brother's family so had a 2-bedroom unit. Everything was perfect. We had a great location - close to Hospitality House. Our unit was huge and very quiet. We had plenty of room for an active 4 year old to play.

None of our bus rides to any of the parks were overly long. The boat to Downtown Disney was a nice feature. The shops, quick service location and restaurant were all nice.

Very nice resort and I look forward to my next visit.

[Ed]

Opened in 1991, OKW was the very first DVC resort, and as such was used as a sort of 'testing ground' for the DVC concept. Yes, the resort is very big and spread out, making transportation a little difficult. But as the first resort, DVC didn't have a whole lot of experience to learn from. To the benefit of the guests, the studios and villas were built considerably larger than the more recent additions to the DVC inventory.

We have stayed there several times, most recently last summer when we had a two-bedroom villa in building 33. It was HUGE! There were seven of us sharing the villa, and crowding was never an issue. Also, our unit had been recently renovated - - new furniture, flooring, paint, etc., and was in great shape. They are renovating all of the units in OKW; I'm really not sure whether the project has been completed yet. Building 33 also put us in easy walking distance of the Turtle Pond pool, a rather laid-back escape from the crowds at the main pool behind the Hospitality House.

We, too, were right behind a bus stop but noise was never an issue for us; I can't recall ever hearing the buses.

All in all, OKW has become one of our favorite DVC resorts.

[Pirate Granny]

We love it, but with that said, didn't take the studio that was offered which was in fact...right next to the bus stop. Since it was 10am, I assumed they had other available studios. We were switched to 37.. 2nd floor, no unit above us, golf course view. PERFECT in every way. We have a 2 bedroom HH and have asked for 2nd or 3rd floor...in Peninsula road for June trip. Can't wait

[MickeyMousse]

Thanks for the feedback! We aren't doing the parks this time around so we're ok w/not being near bus stops, etc... looking for quiet as we are celebrating my son's 5th yr of remission. Looking for something large, beautiful and somewhat quiet. Looks like I might have found it. Many thanks all!

[faline]

... looking for quiet as we are celebrating my son's 5th yr of remission.

Congrats to your son!!

[MickeyMousse]

Many thanks Faline. It's been a long road to get to hear the word "remission".

[Quadstriker]

Stayed in the 2 bedroom villa at OKW in October and it was fantastic.

[DVC2004]

The units at OKW are the largest in size of all DVC properties. Lots of space. They have also been recently renovated.

[faline]

Many thanks Faline. It's been a long road to get to hear the word "remission".

I'm sure that "remission" is such a lovely word after the road you've traveled!!

[MickeyMousse]

I am sooo looking forward to this trip, especially after hearing such positive reviews.

Faline, it has been torturous at times. But now my DS is 15 y/o, has a great outlook on everything and is happy to "be done." As for me, to say remission leaves me on

[Gee Wally]

I am sooo looking forward to this trip, especially after hearing such positive reviews.

Faline, it has been torturous at times. But now my DS is 15 y/o, has a great outlook on everything and is happy to "be done." As for me, to say remission leaves me on

I hardly ever post and come here for info.. prior to my many trips. We will be staying at OKW for the first time in July as part of my 18 year old son's graduation 'present'.

But your post brings me out of 'lurker' mode. You are living my biggest fear in life. That being one of my kids gets sick.

I just wanted to say that I'm so happy for you.
May you and yours now experience nothing but health and happiness!

[Checkers]

Wonderful news and what a great place to celebrate (WDW)! We, too, own at OKW and love it. The villas are huge and for us the launch to Downtown Disney is something we look forward to each visit. Have a wonderful time, relax and enjoy!