Deciding btwn POFQ and OKW--advice?

[FroggieK]

We are planning our trip in mid-July for 2 adults and 2 13 year olds. We seem to be interested in the Port Orleans French Quarter and the Old Key West. I read mixed reviews on OKW. Does anyone have any advice?:worship

 

[2ofUs]

Personally I love OKW. Though it is generally just DH & I, my daughter and her hubby & 3 year old stayed there last January and also loved it.

OKW is the first and oldest DVC property. They have larger rooms that the value, moderate or even deluxe resorts. All of their rooms were renovated a couple of years ago. ALL studios have kitchenettes (small micro, fridge, sink, a toaster and coffee maker, paper plates, plastic ware, etc.). All other rooms have full kitchens and washer/dryer combos! The villas, though I have never stayed in one, are huge and most have terrific views.

There is an overall resort feel - like a breath of fresh air. Though they don't have a Disney-type atmosphere, you get that all day in the parks so it is nice to come home to the pastel colors and shaded areas. It really is like coming home - and NO we are not DVC members, but we frequently rent points!

Some of the reasons we enjoy OKS:

1-Most buildings have only 2 floors, 3 story bldgs have elevators;
2-Parking right outside the room - great for those with rental cars;
3-No-charge laundry areas - studios don't have washer/dryers, all other do;
4-Beautiful surroundings, mature trees, water and golf course views;
5-Quiet overall - unless room is near a bus stop where there is some noise;
6-Buses not shared with other resorts, usually no problem getting seats;
7-Olivia's has great food - attracts a lot of Disney backstage staff for lunch;
8-Pontoon boats to DTD - great easy ride and relaxing;
9-Amazing staff - best I have met at WDW;
10-Studios have 2 beds instead of 1 bed & pull-out sofa;
11-Bathrooms are LARGE, even in the studios;
12-Cast members will help get you to your room using golf carts;
13-Always baloon animals at the front desk;
14-RAC (resort airline check-in) available - all Disney resorts have this now and it is one of the biggest reasons we like to stay on property. No more standing in line to check-in luggage or get a boarding pass at the airport!!

As for POFQ, it does has a very similar atmosphere to OKW but, IMHO, it isn't as homey - has more of a 'nice hotel' feel. They, too, have access to the boat to DTD and many rooms do have lovely water views.

One thing I do love about POFQ is their horse-drawn buggy ride which is romantic. Well-light walking paths featuring french lamposts abound. We honeymooned in FQ and this resort does have a bit of the New Orleans FQ feel. Their rooms are nicely decorated, but not as large as OKW and no kitchen areas.

If your group is larger, the OKW definately has the room, especially in a villa. SSR does have their 3 bedroom tree houses now that cost the same as other 2 bedrooms. These places are amazing, but it would be best if you had a car if you stay there.

Whatever you decide, you will definately enjoy your stay. After all - it's DISNEY!

 

[scottmel]

Well said by previous poster! I have stayed at both. We stayed OKW for 2 years straight in a one bedroom villa for me, dd and dh and it was MORE than enough room. So large. Next year we went to BWI and I was most unhappy with size of room - definately smaller!! But BWI great for other things. I just truely loved OKW. So quiet, so remote. I felt like I was AWAY from the park. I really miss that place. Since then we have stayed more at the Epcot resorts but OKW still pulls at me! No comparision between it and POR I feel. POR cute - hotely type feel - but not a destination vacation feel. Just a nice disney moderate but not a true home away from home feel. Does that make sense?