1st timer to OKW, advice appreciated

[dollars2disney]

Hi all,
not new to the boards, but new to posting. I own AKV, but am traveling 4 adults and an infant to the world the week of July 4. OKW was what was available 2 weeks ago when I decided on a last minute trip. I have never stayed OKW, doing a studio. Any suggestions for room requests and general advice or comments on the property? Thanks!

 

[TavieP]

Hi all,
not new to the boards, but new to posting. I own AKV, but am traveling 4 adults and an infant to the world the week of July 4. OKW was what was available 2 weeks ago when I decided on a last minute trip. I have never stayed OKW, doing a studio. Any suggestions for room requests and general advice or comments on the property? Thanks!

OKW is great and I find the rooms (even the studios) tend to be larger than similar room types in the other DVC resorts. (Particularly the 1-bedrooms - HUGE in comparison to, say, BLT!)

Miller Road was always our preferred area. I think it used to be the first stop, and now it's the last before HH (which is nice when you're leaving in the morning, less so when you're coming back!) The biggest plus is its proximity to the quiet pool, IMO. It's also comfy walking distance to Hospitality House. I think we used to request building 20 or 21 a lot - lovely views of the pond.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Oh I love OKW! The pool is great and has a nice slide and the atmosphere is so nice. You can also take a boat ride from OKW to DTD - which is a good extra. Enjoy your stay!

 

[CouponCon]

We stayed at OKW in April...From the moment we stepped out of the van and were greeted with a "Welcome Home" we were hooked! Staff was awesome. Bus service was great. Very relaxed, laid back atmosphere..nice when you are at the busy parks all day.

 

[mlittig]

Old Key West is so awesome and the studio has two queen beds Here are some pictures for you to enjoy :

Bathroom is also quite big:

Kitchenette area:

I will be staying there again in August and cannot wait

 

[davedmaine]

I wouln't stay there without a car. The resort is wat too spread out and the internal bus stops are a pain. Having to take a bus to the pool seemed nuts to me too

 

[Disney Doll]

About the only spot in OKW that I don't like is right on Peninsular Road. It's the main drag through the place. I prefer one of the 3 sections....Southpoint, Turtle Pond or Miller's Road.

All 3 sections have a quiet pool. If you are on Peninsular Road or the Hospitality House area your closest pool is probably the main pool.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I wouln't stay there without a car. The resort is wat too spread out and the internal bus stops are a pain. Having to take a bus to the pool seemed nuts to me too

Since your infant will probably be too young for the slide at OKW, you can use any of the neighborhood pools and they are very convenient. I prefer them over the themed pool at the Hospitality House.

Buses are very convenient at OKW. Never had a problem with the buses in all our stays there - and we've stayed in every one of the neighborhoods.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I wouln't stay there without a car. The resort is wat too spread out and the internal bus stops are a pain. Having to take a bus to the pool seemed nuts to me too

I agree it is a HUGE resort. we alwys have a car when we stay there

 

[LeslieLou]

Hi all,
not new to the boards, but new to posting. I own AKV, but am traveling 4 adults and an infant to the world the week of July 4. OKW was what was available 2 weeks ago when I decided on a last minute trip. I have never stayed OKW, doing a studio. Any suggestions for room requests and general advice or comments on the property? Thanks!

We just got back and were in bldg 24. It was great - golf course view and just across the bridge from pool, restaurants, etc and an even shorter walk to the bus stop. I think 23, 24 and 25 are all together there.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

See I like Peninsular Rd, it was close enough to the main part of the resort without being "all up in it". I think you might find OKW a little shall we say...tame...as compared to AKL but it makes for a very relaxed feeling. It's nice to come back to after the craziness of the parks.

 

[n2mm]

We like the Hosp. House location but that is a separate booking catagory, so if you didn't book it, you need to take that part out of your request. There's an area across from the Hosp. House area (building 62-64?) and they are equally close to Hosp. House but are not officially part of the booking catagory. It's a short walk over to the main pool and main building. I would request a location near one of the pools if that is important to you.

 

[LoriJune]

Although the bus ride is technically a shorter ride to DTD, the wait for a bus vs. a boat to go there is usually much longer. I would absolutely take the enjoyable boat ride over!

 

[Karabee]

Absolutely love OKW. It's a fantastic resort. Personally, I love walking around it because the grounds are so beautiful. I figure if I can walk around a park, I can walk around a peaceful and clean resort
Olivias is a great breakfast spot, the pools are great, and we LOVED the boat to DTD. It's really the only resort that I really feel I can get away from everything and relax (hoping my SSR stay is the same). I really hope you enjoy your time!

 

[dollars2disney]

wow! Thank you ALL for the wealth of information. Would I just call the DVC line and put my requests in? I am looking forward to the "laid back" atmosphere for sure. Pools are important to us, but not slides so I like the idea of the neighborhood ones. We will definitely have a car, driving down from NWFL.