New to OKW and DVC resorts - Have some questions and need some advice!

[ashleymrush]

If I was your daughter, I'd be ectsatic. A huge 2 bedroom in a deluxe vs 2 rooms in a mod? I'd be all over it!!

I am very ecstatic! She kept apologizing for changing the reservation and I kept telling her to stop because this is the best change ever!

 

[CarolynFH]

I am very ecstatic! She kept apologizing for changing the reservation and I kept telling her to stop because this is the best change ever!

The only problem will be whether you can go back to a mod after this !

 

[Simba's Mom]

Our favorite 2 BR was in Building 28. We love OKW, which is quite a surprise. Several years back, we were offered a "manager's special" to upgrade from POFQ to OKW, but didn't. When we got to WDW, we drove through OKW, and agreed that we'd made a good choice not to move. Fast forward to when we first joined DVC, made a short-notice trip and "had" to stay at OKW. The next day, DH announced that it was now his favorite resort and where he wanted to stay all the time.

 

[MrsNuke]

Don't forget to hit up the Gurgling Suitcase pool bar...I suggest a Turtle Krawl. YUM! We have moved Boardwalk for the past few years and we love it there, but I do miss wandering around OKW, the extra space, and the oh-so-peaceful boat ride to the Springs. I'm just a little bit jealous!

 

[NancyDVC]

OKW is great! (I may be slightly prejudiced because I have been a member over 25 years and OKW is my home resort.) First when compared to 2 rooms at CBR you won't believe the space!. You will have lots and lots of space. The full kitchen is great. I love being able to reheat leftovers that I have brought back from one of the restaurants. Making a quick breakfast in the room before heading out for the day is super. Or keeping snacks for when we return.
I love Olivia's for any meal. Good's to Go has a nice selection of quick service items. The Conch Flats General Store has a limited selection of groceries-cereal, juices, milk, bread, frozen meals, fruit, snacks etc. The pool at Turtle Pond has a snack bar and jacuzzi. We like to stay along Old turtle Pond road because it is midway in the resort and an easy walk to HH if we choose.
You may choose to use one of the local online grocery delivery services to stock up on breakfast items, snacks, drinks etc. With the QP plan this is a good option for other items. The online grpcery companies deliver to Bell Services which can keep items refrigerated if necessary until your room is ready.
Just sitting out on the balcony with a cup of tea or a snack watching the golfers is a pleasure I enjoy. Lots of activities in Community Hall or by the main pool-movies, games, campfire to name a few. After a day in the parks I find OKW to be quiet and restful. We always use the buses and the ferry boat to DS. I have had no problem with the buses and I travel with a friend who uses an ECV/scooter at WDW. Remember you are on vacation so relax and enjoy. If you have an ADR for dining give your selves extra time to get there. The buses are busiest in the morning and at park closing. (But that is true no matter what resort you are staying at.) For example when we have had ADRs at Chef Mickey's for breakfast we took the bus to MK an walked to the Contemporary and gave ourselves an hour to get there. (That was with 10 of us including my mother in a wheelchair and my friend on the scooter plus some kids.)
There are 5 bus stops. The bus to Disney Springs becaomes an "Internal" bus when it arrives it stops at HH first and then again when it is leaving the resort. All the other buses stop at HH last before leaving the resort so you can hop on any bus to HH and the main pool if you choose. WHen going back to your villa you can walk to the Peninsular Road stop and hop any bus back to Turtle Pond or South Point. There are also 2 'quiet' pools at the end of Millers Road and South Point a total of 4 pools for the resort. The only buildings with elevators are those with numbers in the '60s'. They were built after the original DVC sales center, Commodore House, was torn down and the sales center moved.
If you are in Turtle Pond or South Point you will have a seond door in the laundry room leading into the master bathroom so anyone sleeping in the living room does not have to disturb family in the master bedroom!
And 'Mom' in MHO you made the right choice. After a stay at OKW you may not want to go back to a hotel room again! Oh to be at OKW right now! Have a ball!

 

[crisi]

Most DVCers in a two bedroom won't bother with refillable mugs - unless they are taking them down to the pool. Get some soda and leave it in the fridge in your room. Since you'll have a full size fridge, that can make a big difference. We also do breakfast in the mornings - eggs, coffee, toast, in our room. Its faster for me to make breakfast while the kids are getting ready than to stop for it.

 

[ashleymrush]

OKW is great! (I may be slightly prejudiced because I have been a member over 25 years and OKW is my home resort.) First when compared to 2 rooms at CBR you won't believe the space!. You will have lots and lots of space. The full kitchen is great. I love being able to reheat leftovers that I have brought back from one of the restaurants. Making a quick breakfast in the room before heading out for the day is super. Or keeping snacks for when we return.
I love Olivia's for any meal. Good's to Go has a nice selection of quick service items. The Conch Flats General Store has a limited selection of groceries-cereal, juices, milk, bread, frozen meals, fruit, snacks etc. The pool at Turtle Pond has a snack bar and jacuzzi. We like to stay along Old turtle Pond road because it is midway in the resort and an easy walk to HH if we choose.
You may choose to use one of the local online grocery delivery services to stock up on breakfast items, snacks, drinks etc. With the QP plan this is a good option for other items. The online grpcery companies deliver to Bell Services which can keep items refrigerated if necessary until your room is ready.
Just sitting out on the balcony with a cup of tea or a snack watching the golfers is a pleasure I enjoy. Lots of activities in Community Hall or by the main pool-movies, games, campfire to name a few. After a day in the parks I find OKW to be quiet and restful. We always use the buses and the ferry boat to DS. I have had no problem with the buses and I travel with a friend who uses an ECV/scooter at WDW. Remember you are on vacation so relax and enjoy. If you have an ADR for dining give your selves extra time to get there. The buses are busiest in the morning and at park closing. (But that is true no matter what resort you are staying at.) For example when we have had ADRs at Chef Mickey's for breakfast we took the bus to MK an walked to the Contemporary and gave ourselves an hour to get there. (That was with 10 of us including my mother in a wheelchair and my friend on the scooter plus some kids.)
There are 5 bus stops. The bus to Disney Springs becaomes an "Internal" bus when it arrives it stops at HH first and then again when it is leaving the resort. All the other buses stop at HH last before leaving the resort so you can hop on any bus to HH and the main pool if you choose. WHen going back to your villa you can walk to the Peninsular Road stop and hop any bus back to Turtle Pond or South Point. There are also 2 'quiet' pools at the end of Millers Road and South Point a total of 4 pools for the resort. The only buildings with elevators are those with numbers in the '60s'. They were built after the original DVC sales center, Commodore House, was torn down and the sales center moved.
If you are in Turtle Pond or South Point you will have a seond door in the laundry room leading into the master bathroom so anyone sleeping in the living room does not have to disturb family in the master bedroom!
And 'Mom' in MHO you made the right choice. After a stay at OKW you may not want to go back to a hotel room again! Oh to be at OKW right now! Have a ball!

Thank you for all that! You're awesome! I'm so excited and am prepared to be spoiled. My DH and I decided to take a quick weekend trip the first weekend in May so I can see Wishes one last time. I'm happy that is before our big June trip because go to a little hotel afterwards would be hard. We are going to take the opportunity to drive through OKW and get a lay of the land though!

 

[crisi]

Oh, and if you are going during hot months, make use of that full sized freezer to freeze some water bottles! I think that should be a DVC sales point.

 

[gmboy95]

Due to the closures of the restaurants at CBR this summer, my vacation resort has now been switched to OKW. My vacation party includes 4 adults (mom, stepdad, my husband, myself, brother (16), son (8) and son (5)). While I was at work today, my mom called, without discussing any changes with me, and changed all of our reservations from 2 rooms at CBR to a 2 bedroom villa at OKW. I am in no way upset about the change but I know absolutely nothing about OKW, so I have a few questions.

1) Are there only certain areas that 2 bedroom villa are located at the resort or are they dispersed throughout? If they are only in a certain area, can you tell me where that is? If they aren't, do you have a building suggestion that we could request? I know we may not get it but it can't hurt to ask.

2) How is the transportation at the resort? We will be driving down. I don't mind driving to the park each day if it is easier than waiting on the buses.

3) We will be on a QS DP. Is it better to just bring lunch food of our own and eat in the room or is it worth the trek to the Grab and Go counter service place? We'd likely only eat there a couple days.

4) Does the large pool have games and activities for kids? Is it worth taking that trek to the big pool as well?

5) Is it worth it to use the bus within the property at the resort or just better to walk? If the bus isn't worth it, can you drive to park closer? Is that even worth it if you can?

6) We are not DVC members and even though I've been to WDW close to 20 times, I know almost nothing about DVC resorts. Do you have any tips for a first timer?

Thanks so much! I know this is a lot. If you can answer even a couple of the questions for me, I'll be very appreciative.

1)..Yes dispersed throughout, we always request the hospitality house

2) I find the buses at OKW to be excellent. Couple that with the fairly accurate new wait times posted at the stops, it makes waiting that much easier

3) if you have the QS plan then it would be in my opinion kind of a waste to not eat at some of the nicer quick service places...definitely pick up some food to supplement the one meal a day you are not covered for

4) The games and activities at the pool are wonderful, and the staff is excellent

5) depends on where your at and what kind of mood your in...I often jjust like to walk if it is pleasant out, but if not we grab any bus that goes by

6) it really shouldn't be much different then many of your other vacations other then the real "home" feel of a resort like OKW....you will also notice down at the pool there are "regulars" at the Gurgling suitcase, but the place is really relaxing

 

[lovenerds81112]

You are going to love Old Key West! I have stayed there twice- most recent being this past December. You could request to stay near Turtle Pond- it's the best "smaller" pool in my opinion. There is a pool, a hot tub, a snack bar, and laundry facilities. There is also a small playground there. At the main building there is a much larger playground, a larger pool with a cool waterslide, and a kiddie pool. The community hall is great for rainy day activities for your kids.
I actually found this thread while searching your profile for more trip reports. I stumbled across your trip report from 3 years ago and thought it was absolutely fantastic- truly one of the best TR's I have ever read. My son just turned 2 so I enjoyed seeing how much fun your boys had on that trip. We are going again in August.
And I am also a HS teacher, however I teach French. 5 weeks left until summer!!!! YAY!

 

[ashleymrush]

You are going to love Old Key West! I have stayed there twice- most recent being this past December. You could request to stay near Turtle Pond- it's the best "smaller" pool in my opinion. There is a pool, a hot tub, a snack bar, and laundry facilities. There is also a small playground there. At the main building there is a much larger playground, a larger pool with a cool waterslide, and a kiddie pool. The community hall is great for rainy day activities for your kids.
I actually found this thread while searching your profile for more trip reports. I stumbled across your trip report from 3 years ago and thought it was absolutely fantastic- truly one of the best TR's I have ever read. My son just turned 2 so I enjoyed seeing how much fun your boys had on that trip. We are going again in August.
And I am also a HS teacher, however I teach French. 5 weeks left until summer!!!! YAY!

Thanks so much for the info! I put in Turtle Pond request when I did early check-in info last week. We are so excited about OKW.

I'm glad you liked my TR. it's crazy how fast time flies by. I can't believe it was 3 years ago. I'll be doing another trip report for the trip this June. I hope you tune in for that one too! There's Seven of us going this time and lots of things we've never done. I can't wait!

 

[SGMCO]

Please let us know what you thought of the Turtle pond area, I'm thinking about requesting that also. Thanks

 

[ashleymrush]

Please let us know what you thought of the Turtle pond area, I'm thinking about requesting that also. Thanks

I'll be sure to if that's what we get. I'll report back regardless

 

[NancyDVC]

I love Turtle Pond. We always request it. The bus stop is close. The best opart is that all the 1 and 2 bedroom villas have 2 separate entrances to the master bathroom! One regular one throught the master BR and a secodn through the laundry room. That way you don't have to disturb someone who is sleeping in the master!. Also a nice pool and very quiet with great views of the golf course!

 

[jcanary]

i would also suggest calling the week before directly to OKW - Disney's Old Key West Resort: 407-827-7700. put in your request directly to them. it has always worked for me. I would also request buildings 41-44. these buildings are right there by the pool. 44 can get noisy if you are in an end unit by the main street because of buses. The rooms, as everyone has mentioned, are big, it will feel like you have 4 regular hotel rooms put together. Enjoy and relax. Have to go read your TR from when your son was 2, next year we are bringing our two grandsons and family when they are 1 and 1 1/2.

 

[ashleymrush]

i would also suggest calling the week before directly to OKW - Disney's Old Key West Resort: 407-827-7700. put in your request directly to them. it has always worked for me. I would also request buildings 41-44. these buildings are right there by the pool. 44 can get noisy if you are in an end unit by the main street because of buses. The rooms, as everyone has mentioned, are big, it will feel like you have 4 regular hotel rooms put together. Enjoy and relax. Have to go read your TR from when your son was 2, next year we are bringing our two grandsons and family when they are 1 and 1 1/2.

Thanks for the direct number info. I'll likely give them a call. I'm really looking forward to having the space. I still can't believe this is happening. We've always been a value/moderate family so I feel like this is a dream come true. I don't take any pixie dust for granted.

I hope you enjoy my TR. I'm looking forward to doing another one after this trip. That last one seems like just yesterday and so long ago at the same time. My youngest has just BARELY crossed the 40" threshold and is looking forward to doing all the rides he can!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks for the direct number info. I'll likely give them a call. I'm really looking forward to having the space. I still can't believe this is happening. We've always been a value/moderate family so I feel like this is a dream come true. I don't take any pixie dust for granted.

I hope you enjoy my TR. I'm looking forward to doing another one after this trip. That last one seems like just yesterday and so long ago at the same time. My youngest has just BARELY crossed the 40" threshold and is looking forward to doing all the rides he can!

DVC has asked us not to call or fax the resort. Just add your requests to your reservation.

 

[Wakey]

The management of OKW did tell me last August to call them direct with requests, so mixed messages are coming out on this. This was after all my requests had been mistakenly missed off by Walt Disney Travel (was a cash booking). I wasn't happy at the time, and the manager said best way is to call the hotel in future.
OP- you will love OKW. Much better then Caribbean Beach. I love the shrimp cobb salad at Goods to Go as well.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The management of OKW did tell me last August to call them direct with requests, so mixed messages are coming out on this. This was after all my requests had been mistakenly missed off by Walt Disney Travel (was a cash booking). I wasn't happy at the time, and the manager said best way is to call the hotel in future.
OP- you will love OKW. Much better then Caribbean Beach. I love the shrimp cobb salad at Goods to Go as well.

That sounds like one special situation, not a number to post on a board where anyone can get it.

 

[Wakey]

That sounds like one special situation, not a number to post on a board where anyone can get it.

No he told me this was the best way to ensure a request is dealt with.