ATTN: OKW Fans - why do you choose this resort?

[Disneysnel]

Please let me know why you would choose this resort over VWL and BW. Please include any magical moments you've had and romantic things to do there.

Thank you in advance.

 

[normr]

Okay here goes:

1. Units are larger
2. Parking right out in front of your unit, no schlepping from the parking lot to the hotel and through long hallways, or dealing with valets or distant parking lots and bad weather, I can be at my destination before a BW owner walks from their room to their car.
3. Real Washer and dryers and a laundry room in the one bedroom and larger units.
4. Huge balcony with table and 4 chairs to enjoy breakfast or late nights.
5. A real dining area in the one bedroom or larger unit
6. Larger kitchens in the larger units.
7. We like the Key West decor and the laid back feeling of OKW.
8. Cheaper points per night
9. Cheaper dues


Okay Rich and others help me out and lay it on why we love OKW!

 

[Pat Marlton NJ]

I found your post in the resort section and replied to it there but I guess it was moved so here it is again. It is a very relaxing and peaceful resort, the units are very large and comfortable, the one & two bedroom units are a complete home away from home. You have a complete kitchen with every utensil, TV and VCR in the living room TV in the bedroom, Jacuzzi in the bathroom, large balcony, washer & dryer, safe and more!!! Parking is no hassle you park your car right out front of the unit. There are 4 pools a main pool and 3 quite ones, small grocery store, restaurant, gym, etc. The staff is very friendly and takes care of your every need, I guess I'm starting to sound like a Disney commercial! We have been DVC members since 91, between us and are two grown children and there families, have made over 25 visits to OKW, each one is special, it's like are second home!!!

 

[Werner Weiss]

Please let me know why you would choose this resort over VWL and BW. Please include any magical moments you've had and romantic things to do there.

When we became members in May 1994, Old Key West wasn't even called Old Key West. It was called Disney Vacation Club because it was the only Disney Vacation Club. So the choice was "yes or no" -- not which DVC location.

That said, it's worked out well for use, and we still like the resort very much.

 

[Towncrier]

By the time we joined in July 1995, we had the same choice that Werner had. THE Disney Vacation Club (later called Old Key West Resort). When we decided to add-on in 1999, it made sense to us to get more OKW points since we love the resort (for many of the reasons listed above). We've only once stayed at BWV and we had a great time, but OKW is and always will be "home" for us. We spent some time at Wilderness Lodge during our 1998 vacation and really loved it. And someday we hope to stay at the other DVC resorts as well.

Richyams - Let's hear from you!

 

[RobDoc]

As many have already mentioned, when we joined DVC, the ONLY option was what is now OKW. We joined because of the great resort we toured- but more importantly, because of the great flexibility of the DVC program itself.

After staying at OKW a number of times, we truly came to love the room design, layout and ambiance created by the resort itself. When other, onsite DVC resorts became available, we considered adding points at those resorts, but always allowed the features at OKW to draw us back- so we just added more points at our original "home".
While we love the location of BWV and the decor and serenity at VWL, OKW does have a special attraction for us.

When HH was announced, we did purchase an add-on at that resort- not necessarily because of the resort itself, but because HH is a location we have enjoyed for years and our knowledge of the DVC program made the purchase a simple decision.

Find a place that makes you happy....and go there!

Enjoy the program!

 

[WDWMom]

Normr said it best. Larger rooms, larger deck, real laundry room, larger eating area, less points and less dues. Plus it is quiet and we love the feel of home. Never once had a problem in 9 trips there. Can't say that for the one time at BW. Love the boat ride to DD, especially at night. Very romantic.

 

[J.P.]

We have been members at OKW since 92 and like statements above it was the only place. We go back every year and really love the set-up of the rooms. We have stayed in every room studio, 1 brm, 2brm, grand villa- we love each one. The room set-ups are great, the washers and dryers are convient in the bigger places. We always stay at old turtle pond road area. It's a great place to relax and have fun. We do cook-out next to the pool at old turtle pond-the kids really enjoy that.Any questions please feel free to ask. JP

 

[ILuvDVC]

OKW is my Home Away From Home....I do own at BoardWalk and Hilton Head also, but OKW is my favorite because....the porch! <g>.

I also like the quiet , The bigger size washer and dryer, The bigger whirlpool tubs, the ice maker in the freezer <g>, The kitchen table with 4 chairs, and the option of sitting on the porch and using that table with 4 chairs, Taking the boat to the Market Place, walking around the resort at night , Olivia's.

I'm sure there is more.....but, I also like the BoardWalk and Hilton Head for other reasons . Vero is a beautiful resort also, I have yet to visit WLV

 

[rbuzzotta]

We bought OKW last year through resale. Mainly because of the "quietness" of the property. We cherish our vacations and many times after a WDW vacation we need some R & R when we return. With owning at OKW we feel we can relax and "get away" from the hustle and bustle of the park atmosphere.

The resort is beautiful and the staff we have met seemed very accomodating. I am saying this AND have yet to have my first stay at OKW!!!!!!!!!!! We visited on a trip we went down on after we purchased (trip was already planned).

Our first stay at OKW-----this coming JULY!! Once I stay at OKW I am sure I will be able to add to this thread!!

 

[Peggy Sue]

We love OKW because it feels like "home". We are at peace when we stay there.

The majority of our points are at OKW, with a small add on at BWV.

We enjoy BWV for our shorter stays. For us, it has more or a hotel feel, and offers some great dining options on the boardwalk and a great location for MGM and Epcot. The rooms are nice, but more compact.

When bringing guests along, OKW offers lots of space to spread out it. When you all retire for the night, it's hard to believe you even have guests with you! There is plenty of room to sit down and eat together, or just converse in the living room....also plenty of space when you just need to find a quiet corner for a few minutes of personal quiet time!

At OKW, everything sprawls around you, including your room! (we have no experience with studios, but we have stayed in 1 & 2 bedroom units) Everywhere you look there is something beautiful for the senses to enjoy! We enjoy watching the wild life, lots of rabbits, ducks etc. The golfers are entertaining too!

After busy days in the parks, there is nothing like coming "home" to OKW...once you drive into the resort, it is hard to imagine you were just sharing space with a few thousand people at a park. For us, it offers the ability to relax and enjoy our vacation. We will always call OKW "home"!

 

[Renee']

When we looked at purchasing into DVC in '98 we knew we would buy a resale ($10 pp cheaper, banked points & park passes). We'd never visited any of the DVC sites. I did a ton of reading and research on both BWV and OKW and knew immediately which resort is more "us". Our first stay at OKW was 3 months after purchasing into DVC and we were so happy with our choice. IMO you cannot beat the much larger rooms, lower points and maintenance fees plus the convenience of having your car right outside your unit. The porch area is huge (the four of us eat at the full size table). The resort is beautiful, tranquil and not "busy" feeling. Just the way we like to vacation. We also love VB for those same reasons. Once we visited BW and noted the long distance from your car to the building, much smaller accommodations, more points per unit per night, higher maintenance fees and the general "hotel feel", we knew once again our decision was the correct one. When I heard of the WLV I was very interested until I found out that the units are the exact same layout as BW.

 

[Richyams]

Its pretty much been said, the parking in front of the unit is a real serious plus. the 1.2 mile hallway at BWV is not what I want to look forward to at the end of a long day.

There is some pretty simple math......

OKW units are 25% larger than BWV, the dues are 25% lower per point, the points are 25-50% lower per night, this means that BWV dues are 75% higher per sq ft per night.

BCV has the same small units, will probably have higher dues and a higher point schedule.

Don't forget the disclaimer:

Many people find the location of the BWV to be worth dealing with the higher dues, the dramatically higher points per night and the teeny units.

 

[Tiggeriffic]

The biggest thing for us was that we wanted a place that we could relax in after a busy day at the parks. OKW has a much more laid back and quieter atmosphere than BWV (which was the only other on-site choice when we joined). BWV seems great for people who want everything right there, but we wanted a place to get away from a little of the excitement. We loved sitting on the porch just watching the animals and the golfers. It was something that everyone in my family enjoyed.

 

[fkj2]

I have stayed once at HH and two times at BWV. OKW is just sooo relaxing and one of my attractions to it, along with those already mentioned is that, although well treated by the cast members of the other two resorts, those cast members at OKW have just made our trips something special over and over again. They'll never know just how much that has meant to me.

 

[Denine]

What can I say? When we joined there was only one option. We have talked about staying at BWV, but keep staying at OKW. It is so quiet. You can really get away from the busy parks and relax on your porch. We love to watch the boaters and wildlife. The place feels more like your own community and not a hotel. The resort is also gorgeous.

 

[SueOKW]

About how i feel about okw...

When we walk into our huge 2 BR - (6 people!) - I feel immediately relaxed... unloading the car is a BREEZE... the buses aren't bad, the pools are good, I like to grill out on Old Turtle Road...

but best of all is the porch. (We call it Exercising our Verandah Rights ... you have the right to relax, you have the right to a beverage of your choice, or one will be made for you....)

I have a picture from our last trip of our view and it says it all... ahhh ... rEEEEEEE lax......

Now - if someone can help me post this picture - we can all reeeeeelax!!!! Teri? Pam? Doc??

Sue

 

[Disneysnel]

Thank you all so much! I am on way to Old Key West- Sounds like exactly what the doctor ordered - I only have 5 and 1/2 months to go- ugh! Seems like forever.

 

[akdisneyfan]

When we bought into DVC in 1993 there was only one choice, we bought sight unseen with only the video and the Disney reputation to go by. But, on our first visit we fell in love with Old Key West and it's beautiful homelike environment and have never stayed at another resort. We have four children and find the quieter atmosphere at OKW a nice way to wind down after a hectic day at the parks. Basically, it's beautiful, quiet, and the CM's are always very nice. I am sure we will eventually try the other resorts, but for now everytime I ask everyone where they want to stay they always say OKW.
Kim Tripp

 

[BillM]

Great question and great answers. We love OKW for the same reasons mentioned in the other posts. I will add one more. I have a serious handicap and the OKW 1 and 2 BR give me the ability to get around in the villa comfortably. Also the furniture in the living area is more suited to my problems. The ability to park my van right outside is a huge plus. Also we can get into the van and be almost anywhere at DW in 10 minutes . We like to get in the van and go to BW and enjoy the atmosphere and the FF but always enjoy our expansive villa when we return.
We did a small add-on at HH for many of the same reasons. But we have added on twice to OKW.
As has been said here many times. Most DVC owners have personal reasons for their choice of resorts.
Far be it from me to knock someone personal decision. OKW is for us. We love the feeling of crossing that bridge and arriving home again.