Headed back in Jan -- Tell me about Oliva's

[Pa@okw95]

One of the reasons why people don't get a well rounded view of things on any subject including Olivia's or OKW is that sooner or later someone makes a remark about the negative comments. What you have here is a total population of people that have learned on this site not to make too many negative comments about anything. I am sorry, there are situations at OKW that are not acceptable for a resort. The bus service, the check in situation, and Olivia's just to mention a few. They are trying to improve, Olivia's and the check in, the bus service will never change, I don't think it can to be honest with you. When I go to a meal at a resort, I expect it to be reasonably quite, the food to be outstanding, the presentation of the food to be outstanding, the service to be nothing but the best. Olivia's is not that kind of restaurant, it is what I call a family restaurant, but even at a family restaurant you should expect kids to be contolled but unfortunately for some, for some now, that is not possible because their parents have never taught them how to behave. I do not eat at Olivia's dinner for that reason, I will eat lunch and breakfast however.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

... and just in the spirit of offering a well-rounded view of OKW, during our one stay there check-in was a snap, we never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus, and Olivia's - admittedly not a fine dining experience, but with no aspirations in that direction - was very pleasant. Of course, on our next visit, we might experience the same things as Pa@okw95 has experienced. We aren't OKW owners, but our visit there was nothing less than delightful.

Go figure.

 

[mb168]

I think some of the point here is missed. The "Real" Key West, especially the time period the resort is meant to recreate, was not a posh island experience for the wealthy. It was an outpost that very few people even knew about. The dress code for the island is less than casual, shorts and flip flops, occasionally a shirt, maybe even buttoned. Everything runs on island time. To compare it to the Yachtsman or anything else of the like is truly like apples and oranges. They aren't supposed to be alike. As for kids there, thats not original, thats just Mickey World . I've had kids screaming and throwing things at Spoodles and Yachtsman as much or more as I've ever seen at Olivia's

As far as the food goes, I've only been going about a year and a half now to Olivias, for all three meals, and have never had a bad meal or experience. The dinners have always been wonderful, and I'll take lunch there over any of the places I've eaten in any park. The wait staff is always very attentive and usually will carry on a small conversation with you.

I'm sure anyone can have a bad experience anywhere, some people almost seem to attract them wherever they go like magnets. The first time dining at Whispering Canyon was wonderful, the food was too, the "entertainment" was outrageous. I've been back twice and haven't had the same experience. If you think Olivia's is to crazy, I definitely wouldn't go there for a "relaxed" meal... Don't even expect it. and they cost more there than Olivia's...

 

[Regina]

Over the course of 10 years, Olivias has had it's ups and downs. When the resort first opened, we loved eating there and would include a meal or two during each trip.

At one point, the quality of the food deteriorated, and we simply stopped dining there. There has been a great deal of negative criticism about Olivia's on this board.

It's also been discussed that Olivias has greatly improved. I know that I'll give it another try.

 

[madcoco]

We always try to make it a point to stop at Olivia's when in the area.DW loves the Cuban Sandwiches.(After being pressed,Me thinks it looks like someone dropped a brick on a hoagie/sub/grinder.It tastes good.LOL)DD loves the fried Chicken and KeyLimeSmoothies and my favorite lunch there is the Conch chowder and Pasta with Asiago cheese and Sundried Tomatoes.Nothing fancy but loads of flavor.Bring along the breath mints Try to save room for Olivia's version of KeyLimePie.Everyone has different tastes and hopefully you will find something that you will enjoy.
Cuban sandwich
http://www.printroom.com/_vti_bin/ViewImage.dll?userid=MDM3&album_id=92128&image_id=13&courtesy=1
Penne
http://www.printroom.com/_vti_bin/ViewImage.dll?userid=MDM3&album_id=92128&image_id=14&courtesy=1

 

[sgtdisney]

We have been going to OKW for over 10 years now and I have to concur with the others here.. At first the food was really good, then for a few years it was average at best and now lately it is pretty good again. The other benefit to Olivia's is the prices are pretty reasonable comparing them to other hotels ON Disney Property. In all my years of going to OKW, I don't recall one noisy horrible meal at Olivia's.. I take that back, the Character breakfast was pretty loud and the food was not very good. My son enjoyed the characters however and that was why we were there. Any other time we have always enjoyed our meal there in terms of the atmosphere,servers, etc.

 

[Sharper]

I've stayed at OKW four separate occasions. I have only eaten at Olivia's three times, but never a problem. The last time, in October, DH, two children and myself and everyone was happy. Fresh ingredients, friendly staff, prompt service. There were a few kids there, but I don't recall any disruptions -- just a pleasant meal in a casual restaurant.

I, too, have suffered through meals at expensive restaurants with obnoxious diners at near tables. As often as not, these rude diners were adults who were loud. (I am not sure how Olivia's or any the restaurant staff is supposed to prevent this type of behavior, be it children or adults?) In my fairly limited dining experiences at Olivia's this just has not been a problem. I also have not had a problem with bus service or with check-in on any of my visits, and I admit that I am not one of the more easily-pleased visitors. Perhaps some just have a run of bad luck, but having stayed at many WDW resorts, I think that OKW may well be my favorite overall. (Ask me after a great day at Stormalong Bay, after a good dinner at Cape May and I may say the Beach Club, but OKW definitely is wonderful.)

 

[shreked]

We have always enjoyed Olivias. Good food, great atmosphere. Our initial visits were always to OKW up until 2000. We have tried other resorts but our kids always insist in eating our first meal of the trip at Olivias.

 

[ncligs]

shreked,
Welcome to the DIS!! We have always had good service in Olivia's, and most of the meals are reasonably priced.

 

[pluto109]

olivias has great food..you will not be dissapointed

 

[JudithM]

We usually eat at least one meal each stay at Olivia's. In May we had a delicious dinner there on Mother's Day. We just had breakfast at Olivia's Friday morning before we headed home (to snow!). We had the eggs dish with the sweet potato hash - yummy! Now I want to buy sweet potatoes & try this myself! My friend who was with us has some food interactions she cannot tolerate & our server was helpful explaining the food, etc. Thank you, Mona!

 

[JudithM]

When breakfast ended at 10:30 a.m. there were still several tables still eating! So they must have something good for breakfast !

 

[tbickford]

Originally posted by sam08223
New DVC members -- OKW seemed to have the most "at home" feel and Oliva's looked like a good place for a relaxed evening meal. Interested in any feedback about Oliva's. Thanks

We are new DVC members -- OKW is our home. We ate one breakfast there and it was wonderful. I agree with the replies about Olivia's grits...a must! Our four year twins ordered the mickey pancakes and ate every bite. We will try and make a lunch or dinner on our next visit. I did hear that the key lime pie was a speciality. Enjoy!

Tammy

P.S. I posted a 12 day trip report a few days ago.... you might want to visit it.

 

[mb168]

Just got back tonight and we ate lunch Friday and Dinner last night there. I'll have to add the dolphin to my suggestions with the shrimp fritters and citrus cooler. We usually have buffalo wings, shrimp fritters and citrus coolers for our "Welcome Home" lunch on our arrival day.