OKW Disappointment

[PJMPA]

We've stayed at OKW in every size villa about 16 times in the last 19 (almost 20) years. I'm not looking at picky things so I don't find any thing. We've had wonderful stays each time. We've found great CMs at OKW and we love dining at Olivia's. We prefer the neighborhood pools over the themed pools because of the afternoon parties (not into them at all). But OKW is our favorite and we'll be back there in Sept and Jan.

 

[PJMPA]

Like Deb & Bill, my wife and I have done many, many trips in the last 20 years and all but 2 have been at Old Key West. It is our favorite resort too. I am continually amazed at the comments about poor room condition, poor housekeeping, old and tired etc. Yes, it is the oldest resort. Hopefully the coming refurb will satisfy some of the complaints.

 

[BillPA]

OKW is a just a poor resort, please no one should book this resort. Please, it's getting difficult to book our trips there, too many have discovered how spacious and relaxing the OKW units are, they really make a wonderful place to relax and unwind from the craziness of the parks. Lots of space to spread out and the best balcony in WDW. So, please book elsewhere so I can get what I want. Thank you,

 

[BWV Dreamin]

During my most recent stay at OKW, I was not looking at picky things. I had a great trip. Weather for January was awesome. All my requests were met. We even checked in at 10:30a! The resort is just in desperate need of repair. Major renovations needed, not nit picky complaints. For the money we DVC owners have invested, we deserve more than this. Resorts should not have to get to this current state to start needing a refurbishment. But I don't own here. That's for these owners to complain to management about.

 

[ScubaCat]

So, please book elsewhere so I can get what I want. Thank you

BCV too. It's horrible. Worst DVC resort ever!

 

[ScubaCat]

Resorts should not have to get to this current state to start needing a refurbishment. But I don't own here. That's for these owners to complain to management about.

The new DVD management has been aggressively playing catch-up with refurbishments. Many of the properties have been neglected pretty badly but I have to give credit where it's due, and in this case, they are actively working on it. OKW will be nice when it's done (other than ceiling fans and jacuzzi tubs being removed...)

 

[Halle]

OP here. We love, love, love, OKW. We have been OKW owners since 1993, we have never complained about a villa being in need of rehab until this past visit. The purpose of my post was to share our experience not to knock the resort, I am sorry if my post came across that way.

 

[wdw4rfam]

We bought resale at OKW and still haven't stayed there because we want to wait until the refurb is done. It looks so nice and relaxing, and beautiful. I don't want my first stay to be a disappointment, so we will just wait.

 

[Halle]

We bought resale at OKW and still haven't stayed there because we want to wait until the refurb is done. It looks so nice and relaxing, and beautiful. I don't want my first stay to be a disappointment, so we will just wait.

You will not be disappointed, I am sorry if my post made you concerned. Welcome Home.

 

[chalee94]

OP here. We love, love, love, OKW. We have been OKW owners since 1993, we have never complained about a villa being in need of rehab until this past visit. The purpose of my post was to share our experience not to knock the resort, I am sorry if my post came across that way.

I think criticism can be valid. I'm just saying it's more productive to let the OKW staff know than to leave and complain on the Internet while the OKW manager assumes the room is fine.

 

[Halle]

I think criticism can be valid. I'm just saying it's more productive to let the OKW staff know than to leave and complain on the Internet while the OKW manager assumes the room is fine.

I should have mentioned that I did let the staff know.

 

[ScubaCat]

We bought resale at OKW and still haven't stayed there because we want to wait until the refurb is done. It looks so nice and relaxing, and beautiful. I don't want my first stay to be a disappointment, so we will just wait.

Try it now before the ceiling fans and jacuzzi tubs are taken out. Last chance!

 

[goofy4tink]

I like OKW. My dh really dislikes it. So, I doubt we'll stay there again, at least if he's along!!! I do know that the last time we stayed there, in early Sept, our studio had a fridge that was noisy and leaked. I called maintainence, but it took several days for them to come. Even then, it was fine for a day, then started leaking again!!!
While I love the two beds, I hate the bathroom...it's really dated. I wish they would redo them. But, I'm still happy to stay there!!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I like OKW. My dh really dislikes it. So, I doubt we'll stay there again, at least if he's along!!! I do know that the last time we stayed there, in early Sept, our studio had a fridge that was noisy and leaked. I called maintainence, but it took several days for them to come. Even then, it was fine for a day, then started leaking again!!!
While I love the two beds, I hate the bathroom...it's really dated. I wish they would redo them. But, I'm still happy to stay there!!!

It wasn't the refrigerator that leaked. Studios are notorious for leaking AC near the refrigerator.

 

[Chrisvee]

New owner via resale. Never stayed at OKW only visited to eat at Olivia's. This is making me re-think my July trip and if I should wait until after refurbishment.

 

[quandrea]

New owner via resale. Never stayed at OKW only visited to eat at Olivia's. This is making me re-think my July trip and if I should wait until after refurbishment.

I'd go ahead. I'm really fussy and nothing about okw bothers me. It will be more opulent post rehab but it is charming just as it is right now.

 

[Chrisvee]

Good advice -- thanks! We're doing an adults only trip in late July so won't be doing much at parks mostly just hanging at the pool.

 

[Anal Annie]

DH and I stayed at OKW last Sept. for F&W. It was only our 2nd time staying there since our first ever DVC stay after we bought in 2006 (which was horrible and why we put off ever going back - I was in tears on that trip)!! We stayed there last fall to save points. While it was better than our first trip it's still not my fav. I hate the all-in-one bathrooms - and the tile in the bathroom is so dated. It looks dusty and dirty around the top edge like they haven't wiped it off (ever). The kitchenette is small too. But that seems to be a trend they're going back to. The other thing I don't like is that the ice machines are at the bus stops. Who's bright idea was that? Being studio users we like to get a fresh bucket of ice every day and it would be alot more convenient to have an ice machine somewhere in the same building. Just what we want to do - go back out when we return to the room at night...a schlep back to the bus stop for ice. We finally started carrying a small plastic shopping bag with us and tried to remember to stop for ice when we got off the bus. That was about 50/50 if we remembered to get it tho. Then it became a chore to go back.

 

[Deb & Bill]

DH and I stayed at OKW last Sept. for F&W. It was only our 2nd time staying there since our first ever DVC stay after we bought in 2006 (which was horrible and why we put off ever going back - I was in tears on that trip)!! We stayed there last fall to save points. While it was better than our first trip it's still not my fav. I hate the all-in-one bathrooms - and the tile in the bathroom is so dated. It looks dusty and dirty around the top edge like they haven't wiped it off (ever). The kitchenette is small too. But that seems to be a trend they're going back to. The other thing I don't like is that the ice machines are at the bus stops. Who's bright idea was that? Being studio users we like to get a fresh bucket of ice every day and it would be alot more convenient to have an ice machine somewhere in the same building. Just what we want to go back out to do when we return to the room at night...schlep back to the bus stop for ice. We finally started carrying a small plastic shopping bag with us and tried to remember to stop for ice when we got off the bus. That was about 50/50 if we remembered to get it tho. Then it became a chore to go back.

One thing different about OKW was that all one bedroom and larger had an ice maker in the refrigerator. I don't think the other one bedroom and larger villas at other DVC resorts had ice makers. That reduces the need for multiple ice machines all over the property. So only the few studios in the building would need ice (especially since they are taking out the undercounter refrigerators with the tiny freezer section). Not as cost effective to put them in every building.

 

[Anal Annie]

One thing different about OKW was that all one bedroom and larger had an ice maker in the refrigerator. I don't think the other one bedroom and larger villas at other DVC resorts had ice makers. That reduces the need for multiple ice machines all over the property. So only the few studios in the building would need ice (especially since they are taking out the undercounter refrigerators with the tiny freezer section). Not as cost effective to put them in every building.

Just saying it's one more thing we would consider when booking a trip. The only thing going for it is the 2 beds. So OKW remains our last choice...unless it's the only resort available and we're borrowed to the hilt. We just thought we'd give it another shot last fall. But then we remembered why we didn't love it.