Having 2nd thoughts about staying at OKW

[TimeforMe]

We are going in August and I have 3 nights booked in a studio at OKW before we move onto PBH and then HHI. We have a minimal amount of points available so that is a consideration. The only other DVC resort we would be able to stay is BWV, but as of today, there is none available. My question is should I try to waitlist our 3 nights there? My kids are 13 and 15 and we will not have a car. After reading some recent reports, I'm thinking we may find it better to be closer to the "action". We stayed at the Swan on our last visit and enjoyed that area very much, but thought we'd try OKW since I've heard so many nice things about it. Will my teens find it too laid back? Will it be OK without a car? What do you think guys? Of course, the biggest obstacle is actually having a studio become available or should I even try?

 

[jade1]

My first response is dont sweat it-its a great resort. It is pretty laid back for teens but its only a few days and you are planning future trips at other resorts right? Should be a good time to "try it out". Are you going to the parks? That would be a big factor-if you are just staying at the resort for 3 days, it could get long for them-but you can always boat DTD and bus to BW area for a change of pace etc. But if you go to the parks they will love OKW to come back and unwind at. Good Luck either way.

 

[DebbieB]

I would keep the reservation and try out OKW. The busses will get your teens around.

If you are hoping to waitlist for a Boardwalk standard, the chances are very low, especially with the renovations going on. You maybe able to get a preferred or Beach Club Villas but then you will be spending more points.

 

[spiceycat]

teenagers if you trust them can walk to DD - it is not far from building 55.

Otherwise there is a boat (as jade1 mentioned) or a bus.

OKW is a bigger resort that BWV - so they can go off by themselves (if you allow it) to walk around and explore.

Okw also has 4 pools - one main and 3 quiet pools - none have a slide - but I think they will entertained.

 

[mrsdon]

My boys always stayed at OKW. When we 1st joined it was the only DVC and they have loved it since then. They were 12 and 10 when we joined, They are now 20 and 18. They still love going HOME

 

[Pa@okw95]

We see these type of questions all the time about OKW with teens. It is difficult to give a proper answer. We don't know your teens. If I was forced to guess I would say they would be better off over by BWV or the Swan. Teens seem to like MGM a lot but who knows for sure. Anything is a gamble with teenagers anyway. The pool has no slide at OKW. When you want to go anywhere except DD you have to take the bus which does take time at OKW. When my kids were teenagers we used to stay at the Disney Inn which was close to the action, but there was no MGM in those days. They loved going to MK on their own. I guess if you trust them to go on their own and take a bus to the parks they should have fun staying at OKW. I would not let them go to the DD area on their own especially in the evening. It is you call. One thing a person has to get used to when a member of DVC is making reservations 7 to 11 months out so you have more choices.

 

[Regina]

Relax, my three have been going to OKW exclusively at least once a year for the past 11 years. They're now 22, 20 and 18, so they've definitely been there during their teen years.

Everyone is amazed that our teens/young adults still want to vacation with us. We attribute it to the great time that we have at WDW, and a big part of it is OKW.

On our last trip, our youngest and her friend rented the Water Sprites. They had a blast.

The bus transportation is great. OKW doesn't share buses with other resorts (as they did in the beginning of DVC.)

As far as action goes, you're very close to Downtown Disney.

Don't worry about it. You're at WDW, and it doesn't get any better than that.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

I think you will be fine at OKW. Don't worry too much about all the details. The kids will have a great time no matter where. Is there more happening over at the BW? Absolutely. You're only there for 3 nights and will get all the "in the action" at PBH.

It doesn't hurt to wait-list for a std. view at BWV. Just make sure you request all nights or none. Otherwise, you might run the chance of having to move every night!

However, don't count on the wait-list coming through. If it does, GREAT! If not, no big deal, OKW is great too. And remember, you'll have two queen beds at OKW so your teens won't have to sleep on the sleeper sofa like at BWV.

Have a fun trip wherever you stay.

 

[Richyams]

Nah, OKW isn't really going to be that happy of a place for you. They would be much happier at BWV or BCV. Too many old people at OKW. They get all cranky when kids are being kids in the pool. They splash and scream and really make the shufflr board court unbearable.

Also, at least you have no stairs at BWV, other than ground floor units, you have a flight or two of stairs to get to every unit. While the units are larger, its almost unnoticible in the studios. There is no room in them to walk aroung, at least you have a couch and a bed at BWV, it make sthe room more comfortable.

Notice the availability at OKW vs BWV??? That should tell you something.

Its less points at OKW for a reason, you get what you pay for.

 

[BillPA]

Hi Rich, someone is using your login.. LOL

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by BillPA
Hi Rich, someone is using your login.. LOL

Nice one.

 

[Dumbo]

Originally posted by BillPA
Hi Rich, someone is using your login.. LOL

ROTFLMAO

 

[PamOKW]

Deb Wills newsletter contained a great article by a 15 year old on why OKW is great for teenagers. I don't think we're allowed to link into the newsletter and I no longer have it anyway. When my niece was 16 we moved from BWV to OKW and I thought she would be missing BWV. She enjoyed BWV but one night, unpromtped, she said how she really loved being at OKW.

If you want to wait list for BWV and/or BCV go ahead but if it doesn't come through I think you'll have a great time at OKW. Also, at OKW, the teens will get a real bed instead of the fold-out.

 

[TimeforMe]

Thanks so much for all the replies. I've decided to stay put at OKW, especially after reading all your assurances. I really do want to get in some R&R, but I thought since our stay there is so short this time that I didn't want to waste a lot of time with transportation. It sounds like that won't be much of a problem though.

While I do trust my kids to go on their own, I doubt very much they'll want to. Who would act as referree ?

As always, you guys are the best source of information. Thanks again!

 

[Pa@okw95]

TimeforMe--I wonder where you got that label-"Smart State" for our CT. "Over taxed" state would be more like it. At any rate you should have a great time at OKW-don't forget to take the boat down to DD

 

[dianeschlicht]

TFM, I think everyone in your party will be pleased with OKW. The only thing I would have trouble with if it was me would be staying in a studio! WE don't even like to do that with just two of us! We really get spoiled with that laundry room and jacuzzi!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Deb Wills newsletter contained a great article by a 15 year old on why OKW is great for teenagers. I don't think we're allowed to link into the newsletter and I no longer have it anyway.

I had the article saved on my computer....I can't link it because the newsletter is too recent and has not been archived yet. But here is the article I received in my email...I've copied and pasted for anyone interested (it's long !) :


You Don't Have to be Old to Love Old Key West
by Pete Saroufim
ALL EARS™ Feature Writer

One day we're taking the Disney Vacation Club tour with make-your-own-sundaes and the complimentary photo… next thing you know, it's eight years later and we're planning yet another trip as DVC members to our favorite Walt Disney World resort.

Many people don't expect that a family with three teenage boys would enjoy, above all else, to stay at the Old Key West Resort, but the fact of the matter is that this is one of the most underrated -- maybe THE most underrated -- Disney resorts for teenagers.

Maybe I like it because I found it before the BoardWalk was around. Maybe, though, it's the basketball courts, the bikes, the boats, the four pools, the enormous rooms or that mix of peace and solitude so close to all the excitement nearby.

My mother helps maintain the Old Key West Fact Sheet for AllEarsNet™ and she has often told me that people ask if their kids will have a good time, or if there is enough for them to do at this resort. It's always the same answer: yes! Now, I know people are going to email me with comments about the other Disney Vacation Club resorts, shouting about the Boardwalk's ESPN Club or the Beach Club's enormous pool, and I completely agree that kids of all ages will love those as well. However, in this teenager's opinion, Old Key West offers a better variety to fit everyone's needs (including the parents'!).

The first thing that comes to many kids' minds when they think about vacation is the aquatic experiences that lie ahead. Have no fear -- the Old Key West Resort won't disappoint. This resort offers a nicely sized and quite popular main pool, a hot tub and a sauna right off Turtle Crawl, the resort's center of activity. If you're looking for a peaceful, relaxing time in the water, or even an entire pool for just you and your friends to play Marco Polo in, the Old Key West comes through with three quiet pools rarely holding more than a dozen people at once. Each of the quiet pools has nearby bathroom facilities and a laundry room, and the Turtle Shack pool also has a snack bar and a small arcade. (Note to parents: the Old Key West Resort does not have lifeguards at any of their pools.)

Just a few strides away from the main pool is Community Hall, the hub of all your at-home fun. Computers, board games, ping-pong, oh my! There's something to do for everyone in Community Hall. For me, nothing beats an intense game of my paddle vs. your paddle Ping-Pong after a long swim in the pool, but for the younger kids whose arms may not yet be at a length to play a good competitive game, inside Community Hall are games, crafts, and a super-sized TV screen, always showing something age-appropriate for the younger kids. Or, if you're picky, rent your own movie! This is a great part about all Disney Vacation Club Resorts -- the ability to rent VHS tapes or DVDs (free of charge to members, of course). VCRs or DVD players are available in all units other than the studios. And while dad is controlling the Ping-Pong table and little Timmy is off finding a copy of "3 Ninjas" (or was that just me?), the rest of us can head into the small, yet rarely occupied arcade room. It's no DisneyQuest, but it'll satisfy your desire to empty your pockets of that leftover change that you're only going to lose anyway.

Community Hall is also the place to be for "Hank's Happenin's," the weekly line-up of activities for both young and old. Past offerings have included checkers tournaments, open crafts, Tiny-Tot Tea Parties, "Squish Art" and face painting. Some events have a fee, but many are free of charge. Outside of Community Hall, you can also find "Fishin' Hole Excursions," volleyball games, pool games, contests and prizes, and a weekly landscaping tour.

OK, you Michael Jordan wannabes, let your little brother or sister get lost in the giant sand pail in the playground near the pool, and try out your crossover at the Old Key West basketball court, one of only two resorts to offer one. Basketball not your sport? There are other options. Some days I try my luck at the tennis courts, wishing I was Pete Sampras (but losing more like McEnroe). And if you're not much of an athlete, or if you just want to try something new, there's always shuffleboard… it may not get your adrenaline going, but it's a nice diversion.

As you pass by "Goods Food To Go" and the peaceful Olivia's Restaurant, both just baby steps from Community Hall, you'll lay your eyes on the best portion of Old Key West's offering to the young: boat rentals. Here you'll find your paddleboats, hydro bikes and water mice, and there's nothing like manning your own vehicle before ever hearing the words "Driver's Education." Kids only need to be 12 years old to drive. Of course, if you're like me and want the ability to land two feet firmly on the ground at any point in your journey (excluding the plane flight), there are bicycle rentals nearby, with sizes available for all ages. There are even surrey bikes available for those "kids" 18 and older. Fees vary for each of these rentals, ranging from $6.13 for a half-hour excursion on a paddleboat to $34.90 for a half hour luxuriating on the Sun Tracker pontoon boat.

Again, if you're like me, then you want a hotel room where you can sit on your balcony, put your feet up, and enjoy the scenery while drinking strawberry milk in the early hours of the day (noon). Old Key West offers some of the best balconies around Disney, large enough so that you can actually sit and socialize, and peaceful enough that you can enjoy your view of the river or the large golf course. The young ones will find excitement discovering the many ducks, rabbits and birds that find a home below your balcony railing.

As you're enjoying the little things in life, you look around and you realize something. All the other Disney resorts try to make you feel like you're somewhere else. Maybe it's on a luxury yacht or camping out or on an African safari. Old Key West is the only Disney resort that actually makes you feel like you're in Florida. You really start to loosen up and feel like you're in your home away from home. You're not in one big hotel-like building at the Old Key West -- you really don't even know you're in a hotel. With many buildings scattered across the grounds you feel more like you're in a community, a small, peaceful town where you can relax before heading into the city for roller coasters and 13-floor drops. One of my favorite vacation memories is walking down the road toward Olivia's one morning for breakfast. Five or six carts were pulling into the property, each one loaded with a number of housekeeping staff. There wasn't one person on those carts who didn't give me a big wave or a pleasant, "Good morning!" This is one of those things that makes the Old Key West seem like home. Well, if you overlook the fact that we don't have a housekeeping staff.

Many people complain that Old Key West is not within walking distance of any of the theme parks, and that it's quite isolated from the heart of Walt Disney World. Well, two things should comfort these people. First of all, there is a direct bus, designated only for the Old Key West Resort, to all of the Disney theme parks. Second, and best of all, Old Key West is within walking and boat distance to the Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island. The kids can shop, the teenagers can go to the movies, and children and adults alike can enjoy the beautiful pontoon boat ride over.

Yes, the Boardwalk Resort has jugglers and pizza and the Beach Club Resort is a short walk from Epcot, but the Old Key West Resort offers that little bit of something extra. It may not be as "exciting" as some of the other Disney Vacation Club resorts. It may not have a killer slide, or the Whispering Canyon Café in the lobby. But the Old Key West is my choice of hotel. It's not simply because I love the boats or the basketball, which I most definitely do, but because it really is a home away from home. It grows on you, and soon you'll feel like you can't stay anywhere else, no matter how old you are. See you by the pool. Marco...!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Also, here's another nice OKW review. It's nice especially for those who haven't stayed here but are considering it :
http://wdwig.com/faq_okw1.htm

 

[TimeforMe]

Thanks so much for going to the trouble of copying and pasting the article. It was nice to have a teen's perspective firsthand and was so well written! I think my kids will be fine there.

dianesclicht: We will only be there for 3 nights and then onto a deluxe at PBH and a 2br at HHI, so we thought we could "rough it" at WDW for the short time we're there. Besides, it was all we could afford point-wise. I don't think it'll be too much of a problem. We've been used to hotel rooms all these years.

Pa@OKW--I got that from a post on the CB where there was an article that CT ranked the highest in smarts! (it's a joke)

 

[jcodespoti]

Thanks so much for all the replies. I've decided to stay put at OKW, especially after reading all your assurances. I really do want to get in some R&R, but I thought since our stay there is so short this time that I didn't want to waste a lot of time with transportation. It sounds like that won't be much of a problem though.

I think you are making a big mistake!!! What you should do is sell me your stay for ...oh...I'll be a nice guy and take it of your hands for $50.00 But thats as high as I will go

Joe in CT

P.S. have a great time