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Post by Lamima on Aug 11, 2023 10:47:55 GMT -5
Our original stay at OKW in 2001 convinced us DVC was not for us. LOL. Didn't like the studio layout (Poly's room seemed just as big), didn't like the location, and didn't like the 'counter service' bar/snack area. We stayed there on DVC points in 2010 and DH was still not impressed, although it was a non-Disney park vacation and our eldest drove over from Tampa so she parked right outside the room. We stayed there the 1st time in like 2008 in a 1BR. Got Turtle Pond area. A non park stay as well. We did 4 nights at HHI and I insisted we add 3 at Disney to make it a week since we were driving down from MD. That was one LONG drive back to MD with the 3 kids. Ugh. But DH hated going to Disney and not doing parks. I enjoyed it. Did pool one day and Downtown Dis one day. We did O'Hana on night. Forget what else we did, think that's when we took DVC tour at SSR. We drove the tandem bike around OKW. It was easier to be there an not see/hear the parks like say, BWV. Then we stayed with inlaws for an Xmas trip. We did a 2BR with MIL and FIL and got SIL and her family a studio. Other SIL stayed at SSR. They didn't want to transfer to OKW to stay with rest of us because they were not fans of OKW. I got HH section and was in the 1st building on corner and had to request 1st floor for inlaws. It was super noisy location with busses. Another time, DH and I stayed 1 or 2 nights and got one of the elevator building near HH. And our last stay was with our girls around New years and we had a studio for 3 nights and got Pennisular. Those stays were me, nothing I remember too much. The one with the girls was when an unusual freezing cold front came in so we spent time in the room wrapped in blankets (we had to buy) and doing a puzzle drinking coffee. Lol. The no elevators is also a downer. Though we can still cope with that, at some point it will be harder. Our parents couldn't back when they were maybe 63 ish. Bad knees and whatnot. |
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Post by Hi from RI on Aug 12, 2023 15:01:53 GMT -5
We only do the 1 or 2 bedroom at OKW.The rooms are always in good shape and very clean.....maybe they neglect the studios? The cord is weird and annoying but not enough for us to avoid the resort. They should change the studios to set up like all the others.....seems like should have been done already??!!
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Post by ratfan on Aug 14, 2023 10:12:36 GMT -5
Well now you've got me worried. We've got a 2-bedroom and two studios for our large party this December.
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Post by Efghaus on Aug 14, 2023 11:38:52 GMT -5
Our las t stay at OKW was in a 3 bedroom with our 2kids, their spouses and 3 grands. We had lots of space for 6 adults and 3 kiddos. Some of the furniture and appliances in the kitchen were a little beat up, the floor plan reminds me of a 1980's townhouse BUT given this was during Easter vacation, the overall points weren't terrible and we got to spend time as a family was primo.
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Post by Lamima on Aug 14, 2023 14:58:24 GMT -5
We only do the 1 or 2 bedroom at OKW.The rooms are always in good shape and very clean.....maybe they neglect the studios? The cord is weird and annoying but not enough for us to avoid the resort. They should change the studios to set up like all the others.....seems like should have been done already??!! They are in for renovations next year though just a refresh. Mabye they can do away with the corded shades. But guessing they won't add the murphy beds. Guess that's in a full reno and not a refresh. Well now you've got me worried. We've got a 2-bedroom and two studios for our large party this December. Well, the 2 studios will be blah for sure. Maybe do a little gift baggie with some kitchen items and whatnot. Portable wine opener, cheapo spoon and fork sets, 2 cheapo wine glasses, maybe a few other cutsie things. Maybe in a little bin/basket with beachy theme, for Old Key west or Disney theme. Throws for the beds as they just have white coverlet. But as mentioned below, nice to have the group all together. Hard to get that in most resorts. Our last stay at OKW was in a 3 bedroom with our 2 kids, their spouses and 3 grands. We had lots of space for 6 adults and 3 kiddos. Some of the furniture and appliances in the kitchen were a little beat up, the floor plan reminds me of a 1980's townhouse BUT given this was during Easter vacation, the overall points weren't terrible and we got to spend time as a family was primo. Definitely! Great points deal for sure. Nice to have the family all together too. |
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Post by disney54us on Aug 14, 2023 20:10:50 GMT -5
We are OKW owners but never had a studio, I had once for DD and her BF we had a 2bed. I don’t see them changing out the two queens for a queen and sofa bed. There are those who like OKW studios because they have beds vs someone sleeping on a pull out sofa bed. Also for someone booking a 2bed and they only have lockouts. The second bedroom has the two queen beds, except they get an extra balcony and kitchenette. Of course Disney always is full of surprises.
Didn’t realize they are gettin a refresh, the did a major refurb a few years ago. They said major, but… the bathrooms completely redone, some furniture changes, appliances. The table was the same but stain and painted and the chairs were reupholstered. I will scoff that off to my previous statement that OKW being the first bought high quality furniture, so it lasted and staining was probably better than replacing with a cheap alternative. Cabinets, were the same just refinished.
I like the white coverlet. Marriott Courtyard does the same, there’s a name for it but basically a three tier system. Sheet, a light down comforter or blanket and either a top sheet or Marriott has a ‘bubble’ coverlet on top. It is so much better than bedspreads ewe, going back to the nineties I would rip those off before I would let my kids plop on the bed. I just like the clean look and find it soothing. DVC use to have what I would call a table runner across the bottom of the bed that kept with the theme of the resort, not sure if they went bye bye due to Covid, just like no throw pillows. Ah another money saving move. Or too many decided to take a ‘keepsake home’
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Post by henrycpa on Aug 15, 2023 6:59:47 GMT -5
I've never understood the love for OKW except for room size and 2 real beds. Everything else just lacks. Location, amenities, and the worst the feel of a Motel instead of a Deluxe Resort. I feel like I am at POFQ
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Post by Lamima on Aug 15, 2023 7:54:18 GMT -5
We are OKW owners but never had a studio, I had once for DD and her BF we had a 2bed. I don’t see them changing out the two queens for a queen and sofa bed. There are those who like OKW studios because they have beds vs someone sleeping on a pull out sofa bed. Also for someone booking a 2bed and they only have lockouts. The second bedroom has the two queen beds, except they get an extra balcony and kitchenette. Of course Disney always is full of surprises. Didn’t realize they are gettin a refresh, the did a major refurb a few years ago. They said major, but… the bathrooms completely redone, some furniture changes, appliances. The table was the same but stain and painted and the chairs were reupholstered. I will scoff that off to my previous statement that OKW being the first bought high quality furniture, so it lasted and staining was probably better than replacing with a cheap alternative. Cabinets, were the same just refinished. I like the white coverlet. Marriott Courtyard does the same, there’s a name for it but basically a three tier system. Sheet, a light down comforter or blanket and either a top sheet or Marriott has a ‘bubble’ coverlet on top. It is so much better than bedspreads ewe, going back to the nineties I would rip those off before I would let my kids plop on the bed. I just like the clean look and find it soothing. DVC use to have what I would call a table runner across the bottom of the bed that kept with the theme of the resort, not sure if they went bye bye due to Covid, just like no throw pillows. Ah another money saving move. Or too many decided to take a ‘keepsake home’ They did a refresh right before we last stayed there so like 7 years ago. The wood furniture is stained dark and so all thr Knicks and scrapes are showing badly now. Also the beds just have the white coverlet and no colorful scarf thing at bottom and no throw pillows. Too plain, IMO. No great theme there....in the the studio. In the renovations at some point it would be nice to change one bed to the murphy sofa. Those They are adding to the new resorts and the full renos. They are a real bed as it's a real mattress you flip down from the wall and not like a sofa bed. That would be lovely in the OkW studios for more space and a sofa to sit on during the day. I've never understood the love for OKW except for room size and 2 real beds. Everything else just lacks. Location, amenities, and the worst the feel of a Motel instead of a Deluxe Resort. I feel like I am at POFQ Low point cost and parking at your villa...though no elevators in most buildings. Also, we were super quick to Epcot. Super duper. Like 6 mins. If you hop on bus at HH or drive yourself. That's a plus for us as we pretty much only do Epcot. BUT, yeah, it is pretty much a Motel feel for sure. |
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Post by tomandrobin on Aug 15, 2023 8:02:06 GMT -5
I've never understood the love for OKW except for room size and 2 real beds. Everything else just lacks. Location, amenities, and the worst the feel of a Motel instead of a Deluxe Resort. I feel like I am at POFQ Low point cost and parking at your villa...though no elevators in most buildings. BUT, yeah, it is pretty much a Motel feel for sure. Not an OKW fan either. Don't stay in studios, so the two beds is a non-factor. Point usage is low, which is a nice plus especially for Grand Villa stays. Quick Service is am issue with no seating. No elevators in most buildings. The Main pool is nice and big. Not centrally planned resort, so everything is stacked at the front making it a pain to get there. Dated layout of the units. |
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Post by disney54us on Aug 15, 2023 8:13:29 GMT -5
We are OKW owners but never had a studio, I had once for DD and her BF we had a 2bed. I don’t see them changing out the two queens for a queen and sofa bed. There are those who like OKW studios because they have beds vs someone sleeping on a pull out sofa bed. Also for someone booking a 2bed and they only have lockouts. The second bedroom has the two queen beds, except they get an extra balcony and kitchenette. Of course Disney always is full of surprises. Didn’t realize they are gettin a refresh, the did a major refurb a few years ago. They said major, but… the bathrooms completely redone, some furniture changes, appliances. The table was the same but stain and painted and the chairs were reupholstered. I will scoff that off to my previous statement that OKW being the first bought high quality furniture, so it lasted and staining was probably better than replacing with a cheap alternative. Cabinets, were the same just refinished. I like the white coverlet. Marriott Courtyard does the same, there’s a name for it but basically a three tier system. Sheet, a light down comforter or blanket and either a top sheet or Marriott has a ‘bubble’ coverlet on top. It is so much better than bedspreads ewe, going back to the nineties I would rip those off before I would let my kids plop on the bed. I just like the clean look and find it soothing. DVC use to have what I would call a table runner across the bottom of the bed that kept with the theme of the resort, not sure if they went bye bye due to Covid, just like no throw pillows. Ah another money saving move. Or too many decided to take a ‘keepsake home’ They did a refresh right before we last stayed there so like 7 years ago. The wood furniture is stained dark and so all thr Knicks and scrapes are showing badly now. Also the beds just have the white coverlet and no colorful scarf thing at bottom and no throw pillows. Too plain, IMO. No great theme there....in the the studio. In the renovations at some point it would be nice to change one bed to the murphy sofa. Those They are adding to the new resorts and the full renos. They are a real bed as it's a real mattress you flip down from the wall and not like a sofa bed. That would be lovely in the OkW studios for more space and a sofa to sit on during the day. I've never understood the love for OKW except for room size and 2 real beds. Everything else just lacks. Location, amenities, and the worst the feel of a Motel instead of a Deluxe Resort. I feel like I am at POFQ Low point cost and parking at your villa...though no elevators in most buildings. Also, we were super quick to Epcot. Super duper. Like 6 mins. If you hop on bus at HH or drive yourself. That's a plus for us as we pretty much only do Epcot. BUT, yeah, it is pretty much a Motel feel for sure. 7 years… time flys, lol. I didn’t like the dark stain, it really does not go with a tropical feel. I think the throw pillows and bed ‘runner’ went away when they reopened after Covid. Apparently never to be brought back. More money savings for DVC. Other hotels, pulled niceties like throw pillows etc but they are now back in rooms. We had the Murphy beds in the bungalows at the Poly, they have one in the second bedroom and one in the LR. I get your point of giving more space to a studio, I just know that there are those who like the option of two queens. Okw used to be very themed, even there artwork was by an artist from Old Key West, I loved her stuff. Then when they started redoing the villas they became less and less themed basically all very similar. The only DVC that imho was a welcomed site was SSR. I never cared for the over the top Sarasota horse theme of the original decor. Been to Sarasota and it is lovely but I’m in FL, I want a tropical, coastal feel. |
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Post by Adelard of Bath on Aug 15, 2023 9:27:59 GMT -5
I just love that we are talking about OKW
What's cool about Disney and DVC is there are so many resorts. This becomes even more apparent when I read this thread (and most about OKW) because so many people poo-poo on OKW. Wife and I go year after year, always to OKW, we roll through the front gate and we know the vacation has started. We drive down the streets and it's vacation. We get in the room and it's totally vacation (1-bd, but studios for many years). We go to the pools in the morning and usually through the afternoons, the vacation is real. We dream about OKW and wouldn't go anywhere else. The OKW music plays on our deck at home.
We have stayed other places. I remember exploring the Riviera resort and getting a vague "we don't belong here" vibe when walking around.
But everyone is right - the furniture looks old and therefore the resort is garbage and you can't walk to a park. So no one should ever book there or buy OKW points, everyone should just stay away and go to all those other better resorts and just leave OKW nice and quiet and not crowded...
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Post by disney54us on Aug 15, 2023 10:16:18 GMT -5
I just love that we are talking about OKW What's cool about Disney and DVC is there are so many resorts. This becomes even more apparent when I read this thread (and most about OKW) because so many people poo-poo on OKW. Wife and I go year after year, always to OKW, we roll through the front gate and we know the vacation has started. We drive down the streets and it's vacation. We get in the room and it's totally vacation (1-bd, but studios for many years). We go to the pools in the morning and usually through the afternoons, the vacation is real. We dream about OKW and wouldn't go anywhere else. The OKW music plays on our deck at home. We have stayed other places. I remember exploring the Riviera resort and getting a vague "we don't belong here" vibe when walking around. But everyone is right - the furniture looks old and therefore the resort is garbage and you can't walk to a park. So no one should ever book there or buy OKW points, everyone should just stay away and go to all those other better resorts and just leave OKW nice and quiet and not crowded...  love it. Where do you find OKW music? Do you remember for a short time they changed the music and everyone complained because they wanted that tropical vibe playing. So they went back to that. |
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Post by tomandrobin on Aug 15, 2023 11:59:29 GMT -5
I don't hate OKW, it was the original DVC. We are SSR people. Members either love OKW or they love SSR, rarely is it both.....or many hate them both.
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Post by helenabear on Aug 15, 2023 12:03:54 GMT -5
I don't hate OKW, it was the original DVC. We are SSR people. Members either love OKW or they love SSR, rarely is it both.....or many hate them both. Ever since SSR updated the rooms I actually quite like both. Each for its own reasons. Oddly for us a regular love of BCV has dropped and SSR has increased |
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Post by tomandrobin on Aug 15, 2023 12:28:13 GMT -5
Our resort stays change frequently and tend to go thru spurts of stays. We have been renting our BLT points and AKV, so have not stayed there much lately. Our last OKW stay was August of 2020. Between 2020 and the end of 2022 we did stay at Poly, BCV and BRV each once. 2023 staysSSR SSR BWV Riv BWV BCV VGF Riv SSR SSR 2024 staysSSR BLT VGF SSR (maybe) AKV (maybe)  ? Riv |
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love it. Where do you find OKW music? Do you remember for a short time they changed the music and everyone complained because they wanted that tropical vibe playing. So they went back to that. 
?