Not A DVC member but ????

[MzEeyore]

I was going to surprise my mom with a stay at the Grand Floridian this May with my 7 year old daughter and myself but since I told my 2 sisters about it and they have invited themselves along (which is totally fine), I am having second thoughts about all of us in one room since that brings the total to 5 girls and only one bathroom. My middle sister let it slip to Mom what I was planning on doing so now we are looking at a 2 bedroom villa at Old Key West since Mom doesn't want to be trapped in a room with only 1 bathroom with all of us lol.
I have never stayed here and would like to know more about it from those who have stayed there. What is the transportation like? We will have my car down there so if the buses are horrid, we can drive to the parks. What is the atmosphere like? Tell me everything!!
Thanks,
Joanie

 

[spiceycat]

It is beautiful - the 2-bedroom is wonderful - lots and lots of room...

there is a king bed in the master, 2 queen beds in the 2nd bedroom, a queen sleeper sofa in the livingroom.

the master bathroom has a big whirlpool tub and a sink in one room, a shower, toliet and another sink in the other part.

the 2nd bathroom is like a hotel room bathroom but it is bigger - the sink is in the bathroom - there is a wet bar outside the bathroom.

do you have a dedicated or a lockoff?

the kitchen is larger than in my home - full size washer and dryer in the laundry room...

nice big patio/balcony - you can definitely have some meals outside

here is some information from Disney website
http://dvc.disney.go.com/disneyvacationclub/resorts/virtualtourindex?id=OldKeyWestVirtualTour

 

[MzEeyore]

was is the difference between a dedicated and a lock off?
Thanks,
Joanie

 

[Margie J]

The 2 bedroom units are basically a one bedroom unit next to a studio unit.

A "lock off" has a door between the one bedroom and studio unit that can be locked from both sides. This way, if two ressies are made the units can be offered separately. Also, it offers privacy for people staying together if it's used as a two-bedroom unit.

 

[DebbieB]

Since a lockoff is a 1 bedroom & studio combined, in the second bedroom you will have a separate outside entrance, a kitchenette & a small porch. In a dedicated, the outside entrance is replaced with an extra walk-in closet, the kitchenette is replaced with a second bathroom sink/counter and there is no separate porch. I've stayed in a 2 bedroom with friends and preferred the dedicated. There were 2 of us in the second bedroom, we each had a separate closet and a separate bathroom sink. At OKW, both setups have 2 queen beds in the second bedroom (the master bedroom has 1 king, plus there is a pullout couch in the living room).

I think your family would love the 2 BR. I considered it more luxurious than the GF. 2 bathrooms is a plus, the master bathroom is huge. You also have a washer/dryer in the room.

 

[PamOKW]

The new Disney site gives a nice "feel" for OKW

OKW Overview

I think you'll be very happy with your choice. Bus service has been reported as much improved -- and it has always been comparable to what you get at other WDW resorts. There is also a nice boat ride you can take to Downtown Disney. The bus to MK takes you right to the entrance (not to the parking lots). You can use your own discretion on whether or not to use the car -- some folks never touch the car, others use it for every park.

 

[tjkraz]

Lock-off rooms also have an additional door off of the laundry room that leads into the master bath. This makes things a bit more convenient for any guests using the sleeper sofa in the living room. They don't have to cut through the bedroom just to get to the bathroom.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by tjkraz
Lock-off rooms also have an additional door off of the laundry room that leads into the master bath. This makes things a bit more convenient for any guests using the sleeper sofa in the living room. They don't have to cut through the bedroom just to get to the bathroom.

Actually, this is more a function of which building rather than lock off or dedicated. The buildings above 32 (I think) have the extra door to the bathroom.

We love the laid back atmosphere at OKW and the size of the rooms is not to be beat. We also like parking right outside our door. It just makes it feel like a home instead of a hotel. We like the quiet pools and the walkway to DTD too! There is also a boat to DTD if you prefer. We usually only use the car to get to other resorts for dinner ressies etc. As long as you are going to the parks, the bus is much easier and often faster. The only park we don't mind driving to is AK, since that is a longer bus ride from OKW.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

The bottom line is, you will really love OKW.

Plenty of room and plenty of bathrooms. You will be amazed at the size of the two bedroom villas at this resort.

 

[MicNut713]

My DW and I stayed at OKW sudio on our hunnymmon. The lock out was open and we got to peak into a 2br and it was beautiful, lots of room. We loved the look and peacefulness of OKW. The bus transportation was fine but you are kind of a hike from most parks, so plan for a few minutes extra on the bus.