We are hoping to rent an OceanWatch week from an owner for July 4th week this summer. For those who love the MOW, what is your preferred building and floor? For the fireworks, we will probably go oceanfront, but not sure (knowing building/floor is only a request). Thanks!
For us that's a really subjective question and has varied trip by trip. View reviews from our experiences at MOW:
Ocean Front - IMHO, for close-up oceanfront the best units are those at the ocean-most ends of the Scallop and Conch building. Their oceanfront view is as close to the water as you can get at MOW. However, because those are short-rise buildings (5 floors +/-) with only 3 units on each floor facing the ocean they are hard to get. We've only gotten them once. For panoramic ocean views, the unit balconies on the top floors of the Starfish building are hard to beat (floors 14 and up). We've only gotten that once as well.
Ocean Side - The oceanside views from Scallop and Conch buildings have been great when we traveled with older kids since they are 'courtyard facing' and give a split view of the ocean as well as the Seaside, Kiddie, and Whirlpool Spa pools. We could check on the kids from our balcony and use the PA (Parent Announcement) system when we needed them to come upstairs. We've done this unit type a couple of times. As far as a floor preference, I guess it depends on how loud your PA system is.
Ocean View - We have spent more trips in this view type than any other. Floors 8 and above in the Pine and Maple building are considered Ocean View. It's a 5-8 minute walk to the beach, activity center, front desk, market, sales center, etc. However, from the Scallop, Starfish and Conch buildings it is a similar walk to the fitness center, indoor pool, serenity pool, heated outdoor pool, putting green, sport courts, kids/waterslide pool, and Treehouse kids play area (which are all near the Pine and Maple buildings). I would rate the balcony views from the top 4 floors of either building to be comparable to the views from the Starfish building (just not as zoomed in).
Garden View - We have stayed in this unit type once. The views were very green and lush. Our unit was near the serenity pool (which was lit up at night in different colors) and was enjoyable to sit on the balcony for a quiet evening and listen to the wildlife with the landscape lighting around the pool area.
In short, depending on what your interests are (fitness, quiet, kids activities, beach time) and travel situation (a couple, adult group, with kids, with grand-kids), which building will be the 'best' for your trip may vary. As far as going 'for the fireworks', we often go after Christmas and enjoy the New Year fireworks at Broadway at the Beach (which are early evening to be family friendly). We enjoy the fireworks while having dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the BatB lagoon (which is where they launch them from). Just another option if July 4th doesn't turn out for you.
MOW is a favorite of ours. We've never been disappointed.