Recent stay at OKW

[shadeaux]

I've been lurking here for awhile so I figured a post about our recent stay at OKW was a good place to start. We've been members since '94; haven't stayed anywhere but OKW since joining. We always say we should try one of the other DVC resorts, but so far haven't done it. I'm happy to report everything at OKW was wonderful. I can't think of a single thing to complain about.

Our 2 BR, 1624 & 1625, was clean, no problems that we noticed. We checked in around noon; the room-ready thing didn't seem to be used that day as we were told our assigned room wasn't ready. I asked if anything was available at that time and was told no. This was on Monday a week before Memorial Day. While we were waiting for our room, we went over to SSR to sign the extension papers (we are not extending). While we waited, we were offered lemonade, coffee & cookies. It took less than 5 minutes to get the paperwork signed and notarized. Afterward, we were offered ice cream. We went for lunch and by the time we got back around 2:30pm, our room was ready.

I'm not much of a trip report writer, but if anyone has any questions, I'll try to answer. I did take lots of pictures over the 10 days we were there.
http://public.fotki.com/shadeaux/disneyworld/may2008/

[tomandrobin]

Welcome from out the shadows! Glad to see you join the posting community here on MouseOwners. :goodvibes


Obviously you love OKW, why change if that is home to you? Your pictures look great, I browsed thru a couple of the other past trips too.

[CptJacksPrincess]

:welcome: Mom & I love OKW and we're considering a small contract there. Gread report! Just recently returned & loved it!

[glypnirsgirl]

I find it difficult writing trip reports also. Your pictures are FABULOUS - among the most pristine pictures that I have ever seen. They appear to be the types of pictures that the administrator was looking for a day or two ago. You might see if she still needs them.

and WELCOME TO MOUSEOWNERS!

Elaine

[2nd Star]

:welcome: I love your pictures...they are making want to stay at OKW even more.

[rcomputers]

Welcome to Mouseowners, Shadeaux!
Love your pics. We recently had our first DVC stay at OKW as new owners. We were really pleased with the bus system there and the bus frequency. I wonder if it's always so good.

[disneyfreak89]

:cheerlead Welcome Shadeaux :cheerlead

Wonderful pictures!!! Thanks for sharing!

[shadeaux]

Thanks for all the welcomes & comments about my pictures.


We were really pleased with the bus system there and the bus frequency. I wonder if it's always so good.

We've never used the buses, but I've heard mostly good things about the OKW bus system.

[SnuggleBunny]

We'll be staying at the OKW in December for our first trip, appreciate the photos. :groom:

[*Tink*]

Shadeaux,

What type of camera did you use for those pictures?

They look great!

Thanks for sharing.

[shadeaux]

Shadeaux,

What type of camera did you use for those pictures?


I used a Panasonic TZ5 for the most recent pictures. Previous years I used various other cameras. (I'm a camera addict! :upsidedow)

[newjerseynick]

Welcome to MO!
I was also going to ask what camera you used on those absolutely gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing!

Nick

[colonialtinker]

Loved your pictures :thumbsup: I can't wait to go home. I am not good at trip reports either. But when we go in 13 days I'm going to try my hand at a live report if DH will help me post pics :shhh: I figured while its fresh in my mind I might do better.

[harmrose22]

Welcome~ Great pics!

[shadeaux]

I forgot to mention that the internet at OKW was free & working great. Every 24 hours you get a screen explaining the charges, but it does say DVC members won't be charged. I had heard about a few DVC members finding internet charges when they checked out, but we had no problems. I wish I could have brought the internet connection home with me; due to living in the middle of nowhere, I'm stuck with dial-up at home! :blueflowe

[bababear]

I loved the pictures,,, Thanks for sharing

Hugs Mel

Oh and WELCOME to M.O. :flowerfor

[AFMom]

We also adore OKW - glad you had such a nice time there!

[JimP]

I wish I could have brought the internet connection home with me; due to living in the middle of nowhere, I'm stuck with dial-up at home! :blueflowe

Have you considered getting a 3G card from one of the cell providers? I think Sprint is competing the best on data service right now. I would avoid AT&T. 3G is not quite as good as broadband... but it is MUCH better than dialup... and you can take it with you when you travel.

At home I have a fiber optic connection now (VERY NICE!!!)... but I do have a Sprint aircard for travel. Some of my employees who live in remote areas (but with cell phone service) use aircards for daily use successfully.

/Jim

[shadeaux]

Have you considered getting a 3G card from one of the cell providers? I think Sprint is competing the best on data service right now. I would avoid AT&T. 3G is not quite as good as broadband... but it is MUCH better than dialup... and you can take it with you when you travel.
Jim

We don't get a strong enough cell signal out here to use an aircard. I borrowed one from a friend awhile ago. There were only a few spots in my house where it would work and those were iffy at best. ATT/Bellsouth promised we'd have DSL about 5 years ago...we're still waiting. There will probably be colonies living on Mars before we get broadband out here! :boohoohoo

[JimP]

We don't get a strong enough cell signal out here to use an aircard. I borrowed one from a friend awhile ago. There were only a few spots in my house where it would work and those were iffy at best. ATT/Bellsouth promised we'd have DSL about 5 years ago...we're still waiting. There will probably be colonies living on Mars before we get broadband out here! :boohoohoo
That is too bad. One last thing to try is to look at the various cell companies.. since each has different coverage areas. Maybe one will work. The sattelite services work most places... but they are not the greatest from what I have heard.

Pretty soon the world will be covered with WiMax... and your computer could be connected by true high speed connections everywhere. I'll make sure my next laptop has it built in.

/Jim

[CRSNDSNY]

Wow...beautiful pictures!
Just looking at them relaxes me!

[carolina_yankee]

Just like everyone else, I love your pictures. Given your choice of framing, I suspect the talent is is much behind the camera as in the camera. :)

You've changed my mind about OKW, by the way. Now I'm seriously considering a stay there. . .

Dirk

[Rozzie]

Take these pictures down now!!! I'll never be able to get in at 7 months with these type of pics floating around. :slyasafox Wow, #16 looks like a slice of heaven. Might have to request that sometime.

Really incredible pictures, looooove OKW! :blueflowe

[nono]

Hey Rozzie,

At least we now have a better reason why Dirk wouldn't meet up with us at The Gurgling Suitcase a couple years ago. Maybe he just doesn't like the resort.

Yeah. I'm going with that! :cheers2:

[carolina_yankee]

Hey Rozzie,

At least we now have a better reason why Dirk wouldn't meet up with us at The Gurgling Suitcase a couple years ago. Maybe he just doesn't like the resort.

Yeah. I'm going with that! :cheers2:

Well, it certainly didn't have anything to do with the people involved!

Dirk

[nono]

Well, it certainly didn't have anything to do with the people involved!

Dirk

Dirk,

We were totally sure it was us! :hahahaha:

[shadeaux]

Thanks for all the nice things everyone said about my pictures.

Wow...beautiful pictures!
Just looking at them relaxes me!

Everything about OKW is relaxing. That's why we haven't stayed at any other WDW resorts since buying in '94. I think I enjoy sitting out on the balcony at OKW as much as I enjoy going to the parks. Every time we go, I tell my husband he can leave me on the balcony with my coffee and a book and come back to get me when it's time to go home. :)
Just like everyone else, I love your pictures. Given your choice of framing, I suspect the talent is is much behind the camera as in the camera. :)

You've changed my mind about OKW, by the way. Now I'm seriously considering a stay there. . .

Dirk

I really appreciate your comment about my pictures. I know I have a good camera, but I like to think I had a little to do with the end result. :yes:

You really should give OKW a try. It's a great place to have a relaxing vacation.

Take these pictures down now!!! I'll never be able to get in at 7 months with these type of pics floating around. :slyasafox Wow, #16 looks like a slice of heaven. Might have to request that sometime.

Really incredible pictures, looooove OKW! :blueflowe

In the 14 years we've been staying at OKW, we've only been in one building that I really disliked, bldg. 11. The balcony overlooked a wooded area which I'm sure a lot of people would enjoy, but I hated it. The view out my living room windows at home is woods; when I'm on vacation, I want something different. I think my favorite was last year when we were in bldg. 45 on the canal.

[Colorado Belle]

Loved the photos...specially the one of the castle in the background with the flowers in the near front....so pretty!

I have some friends using my points for a stay at OKW...They have a young son who will probalbly LOVE using the big pool for swims. What builidng would be good for a studio....close to the pool yet with a nice view?????? Pretty sure they will have a car.