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OK - so we are headed to the World in April! However, I had not yet booked out resort until today
Please help me decide whether I made the right choice or whether I should change it.
Our group is me, DH, DS (16), DD (16), DS (8). We are DVC members but are not staying on points on this trip (we will use points for our August trip).
I currently have booked a dedicated 2BR at OKW. We stayed at OKW years ago and, while we loved the amount of space, were not crazy about the resort (largely due to theming and our particular room kind of old - one of the bathrooms not in great condition - and I am very particular about bathrooms as I'm sure all are!). I asked the cast member and he said the OKW rooms were renovated about a year and a half ago? Has anyone been at OKW recently? Is this true? Are the rooms nice?
For our OKW reservation, we got the spring seasonal discount which is 25% (passholder rates not out just yet for our dates).
Our other possibility is 2 rooms at POFQ. Me, DH, and DS(8) stayed at POR last year and I really liked the resort though the room felt small to us (of course - not DVC). If we did it this trip we would have 2 rooms since we are 5 people. I am concerned though that it will still feel small. Granted, we will be in the parks and offsite for a lot of the time.
The current price difference is $900 more for OKW (trip is 6 nights). POFQ is rack rate at this time since the Passholder rates not out yet and they said now they can only give AAA discount through AAA. I am not even sure they would have a passholder rate available for POFQ.
One reason I had in mind for POFQ (other than cheaper cost and liking that resort more) is that I understand there is only 1 bus stop - I know there are numerous stops at OKW. there may be a couple of times when older DD and DS (both 16) may be taking bus back from parks by themselves so I felt easier if one bus stop. On the other hand, I think they could handle OKW as well.
Also, my mother and her husband may be watching the kids on a couple of occasions and I know everyone would feel more comfortable in the OKW 2 BR.
Given the circumstances, what would you do: keep the reservation at OKW or change to POFQ?
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A 2 bedroom villa at OKW is so much room! It would be wonderful to have that much room to spread out! You can always request a certain area of the resort. If you wanted to be close to the hospitality house, you can request that.
I just think with that many people, I would want the extra space.
POFQ is a great resort! I love it that it is smaller in comparison with other resorts.
But, I love OKW as well! And to have the extra space would be very appealing to me!
Good luck with your decision!
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I like both resorts - especially how big the rooms are at OKW. But I am with you and don't like all the bus stops. I really love POFQ - love the quick service area, pool, and how close everything else is. Good luck - you can't go wrong with either one!
Often POFQ shares a bus with Riverside so there would be about the same amount of bus stops at either. Do you plan to use the kitchen amenities at all? I prefer villas although I'm with you the theme at OKW isn't my favorite. They were doing work when I was there in March.
A 2 bedroom villa at OKW is so much room! It would be wonderful to have that much room to spread out! You can always request a certain area of the resort. If you wanted to be close to the hospitality house, you can request that.
I just think with that many people, I would want the extra space.
POFQ is a great resort! I love it that it is smaller in comparison with other resorts.
But, I love OKW as well! And to have the extra space would be very appealing to me!
Good luck with your decision!
I agree, that a 2 BR would be much more comfortable. For me, having a living room, a full kitchen, and a washer and dryer in the room (not to mention the spa tub!) are huge pluses, not just the extra square footage. I don't cook on vacation, but I appreciate the full fridge to store drinks and shacks, being able to brew myself a cup of coffee in the morning, maybe grab breakfast in the room. Also, you'll get a balcony to relax on. Moderates don't have those.
I've stayed at OKW before, and the bus stops are a negative. I would suggest a villa near Hospitality House, but that is a booking category. If you didn't book "near Hospitality House", you can't request it. However, there are some buildings that are close but not considered in that category. I would check out a map of the resort and choose an area you would prefer and request a building number.
I love both resorts - but the room at OKW is a nice bonus. I would stick with that, especially if your parents might be sitting some nights.
When I first started booking OKW, I used the Passporter book for our room location. Not all the buildings have elevators, and I hated carrying strollers upstairs. The location was ideal - close to the Hospitality House (but not considered Hospitality House). We could use 2 different stops conveniently, depending on our needs. The building numbers were in the 60s I think. Go check you PP book, and request that (By phone, as that is not a drop-down choice) and follow up with a fax a few days before your trip.
I've stayed at both (OKW this past May). Hands down OKW. with that large a good, having a living area will be a godsend. And with teens, a fridge can be a huge money saver if you stock with drinks, snack and even sandwich fixings. I much prefer the kids getting an ice cream bar out of the freezer (6 for $3.) to paying $3. for one bar which for teens may not be enough.
We always rent a car so the buses have not been a big deal to us. When we went this spring, my adult son (who had his wife and 11 month old) asked why we didn't always take the bus. The stop was nearby and they were pretty fast.
I loved the grounds and we looked out on a canal and fountain.
I personally do not POFQ. I stayed once and would not stay again. I thought the rooms were very noisy and did not like the grounds. Also the extra privacy with OKW will bne inportant with teens.
Port Orleans French Quarter is the best period. It is smaller which is super nice. Usually very quiet. Atmosphere is amazing. Never have to wait for more than one bus. BEST BEST BEST BEST EVER!!!!
We are going to stick with OKW - as many of you have stated, it will be nice to have the ample living space!
Thank you for the tips on requesting a certain area at OKW.
My mother's husband is handicapped. Though he won't be sleeping there, he and my mother will be visiting. Any specific tips for requests would be much appreciated. I will also check PP. Thanks again!!
We are going to stick with OKW - as many of you have stated, it will be nice to have the ample living space!
Thank you for the tips on requesting a certain area at OKW.
My mother's husband is handicapped. Though he won't be sleeping there, he and my mother will be visiting. Any specific tips for requests would be much appreciated. I will also check PP. Thanks again!!
Only some buildings have elevators 62, 63, 64 but 64 has no parking lot according to Allears.net. I would request a building with an elevator or a ground floor villa.
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