[eeeee]

We plan on using our points to book a 2 bedroom this Dec (2005). Our home resort is SS, of which we just stayed at and loved. Since we will be bringing my dm and dd, I thought that OKW would be better because it seems bigger. It is in the same location as SS, thus near DtD and Epcot. I know it will be nice but I would have to wait until May and possibly risk not having a two bedroom or I can book now and be guarenteed a room at SS. Any thoughts DVCers???
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[Huakai]

I am having the same problem, eeeee. We really want to try staying at Beach Club in Dec but since we own at OKW, we have to wait until May to book and risk not being able to get the two bedroom. I thought I would look to see if we can book at our home resort and then change in May if it is available.

[BDavis932]

We always book at our home resort as soon as the 11 month window opens. Then when the 7 month window opens for non-home resorts, we switch. We have NEVER had a problem doing this, and you will sleep better knowing that you have a room, even if it isn't at your first choice.

[Huakai]

Thanks, BDavis....I am going to do that. Just wasn't sure it was an option and haven't had time to do the research. Should have known the answer would be easier to find here!!

[skwak]

I've stayed at both SSR and OKW. Both are wonderful with each having a distinctive feel. OKW felt really layed back to me which was nice given the pace we normally keep at WDW. I am sure that you will like either so do as BDavis suggested and either way you are a winner!!

[eeeee]

That's a great idea. I will book at SS then switch in May. I am new at this, and since it will cost less points to stay a OKW am I safe in banking those points when I switch as long as I don't fall in the banking window? (March is my month) I think the answer is a yes, just getting the advise of experience.

[BDavis932]

eeeee, just a suggestion that saves us quite a bit in points (as long as you don't need a full kitchen)

We always book two studios when we bring people with us. That way, we can all have our "own space" and it saves points.

For example: A two bedroom for 7 nights in the first part of December at OKW is 232 per week. A studio for 7 nights in the first part of December at OKW is 82 points per week. 82 x 2=164 points. 232-164=a SAVINGS of 68 POINTS! And everyone has their own space with a kitchette (microwave, sink, toaster, coffee maker). (I'm not sure which time of December you are going, but the points I quoted are for December 15th through 23rd). If you are going during Dec 1st- 15th, you would save 58 points. And if you are going Dec 24-31st, you would save 111 points!

I hope you enjoy OKW...we always do. Keep in mind, most of the buildings at OKW do not have elevators, so if that will be an issue for your parents, request a first floor. I suggest building 18. It is close to the bus stops, one of the quiet pools and has a beautiful view off the back porch.

.

[eeeee]

All great advise, I knew DCers would know the answer. However, we do want to have the full kitchen this time around for making dinners when we aren't at the parks and the full fridge is a must as there will be 4 adults a preschooler and a baby that will be 6 months old. (Yep, I am due July 9th!) So what i will do is book at SS then in May change it to OKW. I may be completly scatterbrained at time being 8 months pregnant and being at the end of the school year so I will book SS for insurance purposes.

(I screwed up my sons Pirate Cruise by thinking it was at 11am when I wrote down 9:30, I still feel like a dog!!!)

[llama]

Originally Posted by BDavis932

We always book at our home resort as soon as the 11 month window opens. Then when the 7 month window opens for non-home resorts, we switch. We have NEVER had a problem doing this, and you will sleep better knowing that you have a room, even if it isn't at your first choice.

We do this too and have never had a problem. As I sit here typing in the ENORMOUS living room of OKW, I would strongly recommend choosing it if you're bringing your dm and dd. We stayed at SS at the beginning of the week and liked it very much- especially being able to walk to DTD. But for sheer superiority of suites, you can't beat OKW. It was built before Disney figured out how to squeeze the suites down to half the size of OKW.

[gdsrn]

Have they finished the renovations on the pool at okw? where can I see any pictures?
gdsrn

[bigpoppapump1]

I Just Got Back From A 2 Week Trip To Wdw. We Stayed At Okw For A Week, And Bcv For A Week. Anyway, The Pool Was Supposed To Be Done In December, But It Didn't Look Like It Would Be Opening Soon. Fyi, A Lot Of Pools Are Closed Or Only Half Open Right Now. It Was 75-80 Degrees Everyday Except The Last Day We Were There, So Closing So Many Pools Kind Of Sucks.

[skwak]

I think the pool renovation at OKW is really dragging on. It's very disappointing for those of us who are trying to plan ahead.

My only suggestion is to call OKW directly. You may get a real timeframe from them.

[skwak]

Originally Posted by skwak

I think the pool renovation at OKW is really dragging on. It's very disappointing for those of us who are trying to plan ahead.

My only suggestion is to call OKW directly. You may get a real timeframe from them.

This weeks WDW park update at www.mouseplanet.com just listed the pool slide as complete. Still I would call OKW to double check!