OKW fans - tell me why I'll like it here

[StrikersMom]

Well, I just bit the bullet and through the rent/trade board bought points to rent a 1br at OKW for our Oct. visit. We were originally booked at POR, which we love, but I'm afraid my 16 mo. old son, who's going for his first trip, won't sleep in a room with my and his dad. So - I canceled and am going with OKW for the extra living room area, in which I hope to set up his Pack N' Play.

I'm only familiar with the resort from pics - so those who've been there - please offer advice and tips!

Thanks.

 

[MagicMe]

I love it there! I was there last year and have a trip planned there again this year.

OKW is the original DVC resort and the rooms are a little larger than the newer DVC resort. It's very peaceful so you're little one won't be awakened by passerbys.

Since you noted that you were going to set your DS up in the living area, I'm guessing you booked a one bedroom. You have the full kitchen area for meals/snacks if you so want and a giant tub for relaxing. You'll have plenty of room for everyone to relax.

And you'll have the capability of washing right in your room (which can come in handy with a little one)!

Great choice!

 

[Skroops]

Great idea!

We did the same thing last year, only at SSR. At SSR, they had full size cribs, so check into that. I think the cribs may be more comfortable. It was wonderful to have the extra space with the baby, not to mention the whirpool bath, the washer and dryer and full kitchen! I think you made a great choice.

We'll be staying at OKW for the first time in a studio (now that baby is a little older) Sept.30-Oct 5th, and I'm really looking forward to trying it. Maybe we'll see you there!

Enjoy!

 

[MinnieJasmine&Pooh]

We stayed in a 1 bedroom at OKW a year ago when our dds were 1, 3, and 6. It was great! Little ones poop out at the park and it was so nice to come back to all that space. It was nice to have a bedroom which was huge and also the living room and kitchen( we went on a grocery run when we first got there),a deck to eat out on, and a washer and dryer(less packing). I found the resort very relaxing and beautiful. I love Key West so I really liked the laid back theme. The main pool was nice and they have a cute gift shop and place to eat. I wish we had time to use the bikes or boats. We used the bus all the time(although we had rented a car). Sometimes it felt a little long but it was nice not have to drive for a change and get kids in and out of car seats. I think you will like the resort when you have a little one. When our kids got tired in the parks we would call it quits and come back to the room and they could watch a disney movie and color while the baby slept. Less melt downs! My dh and I could sit out on the deck and relax. Have a great time!

 

[nealpads]

OKW is our DVC home, but I have to say that POR is still my very favorite resort in Disney World. OKW has very much the same feel as POR. They both have the trees and the laid back, quiet, relaxed feeling. OKW studios are bigger than POR rooms (they don't have the trundle bed though) and the 1-bedroom is much bigger with a kitchen and laundry room. If you like POR, you will also like OKW.

Janelle

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'm going to give you another option for that pac-N-Play that you probably haven't thought of. OKW 1,2, & 3 bedroom units have full sized laundry rooms. That room is big enough to put the pac-n-play in, so the little one will have his own space, and still be closer to your room, since the laundry is next to the master bath. That way, you can still use the living room/kitchen area without disturbing him.

We love OKW! Been there more than 20 times.

 

[spiceycat]

Well, I just bit the bullet and through the rent/trade board bought points to rent a 1br at OKW for our Oct. visit.


Thanks.

you are renting a reservation right? not just points. points won't help you unless you are member. the member needs to make the reservation for you.

OKW is lovely. the 1-bedroom are BIG. this place has a very relaxed atmosphere that I haven't found at any of the other WDW resorts... So what is not to love!!!

bus transportation to the parks. there is a boat that goes to SSR then to DD. you can also take a bus to DD or even walk.

you get a choice of water, woods or golf views
you ask to near the HH, pool or bus stop.

hope you love it as much as I do.

 

[bcvillastwo]

We haven't actually stayed at OKW but when we were at SSR in the spring we went over to OKW to see if they would show us a 1bdrm unit. Our home resort is BCV and while we love BCV we found that people who've been writing about the size of the units at OKW were absolutely correct--they are much bigger than the 1bdrm units at the other resorts. I loved the layout and I can see that it would be a very relaxing place to stay.

I didn't care for the studio's but the OP was talking about the 1bdrm.

We are seriously considering spending at least two weeks at OKW in February and who knows maybe four.

I am betting the OP will have a wonderful trip.

 

[bpmorley]

OKW has a very relaxed atmosphere. Just like the real Key West. I've never stayed in a 1bdr, but I know they have the biggest rooms overall.

 

[JimMIA]

I'm going to give you another option for that pac-N-Play that you probably haven't thought of. OKW 1,2, & 3 bedroom units have full sized laundry rooms. That room is big enough to put the pac-n-play in, so the little one will have his own space, and still be closer to your room, since the laundry is next to the master bath. That way, you can still use the living room/kitchen area without disturbing him.

We love OKW! Been there more than 20 times.

This sounds like "cruel and unusual punishment" to people who haven't been to OKW, but believe me it's not. The laundry room is huge, with regular full-size washer & dryer.

The only problem we've ever encountered in an OKW 1- or 2-bedroom is getting lost between the master bedroom/bathroom and living room. GPS is helpful, but not a complete solution. I think we'll put colored tape down on the floor next time.

 

[cynderella]

The only problem we've ever encountered in an OKW 1- or 2-bedroom is getting lost between the master bedroom/bathroom and living room. GPS is helpful, but not a complete solution. I think we'll put colored tape down on the floor next time.

I love reading threads about OKW. They all seem so positive and I am SO EXCITED FOR MY VACATION THERE IN 5 1/2 WEEKS!! I will happily bring my GPS and colored tape. No little one to put into the laundry room, but I will wander around aimlessly in there while doing a load of clothes.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Just last week we were in an OKW 1 bedroom having a wonderful vacation. Every time I passed the laundry room, the thought crossed my mind that if we had a little one, this would be a great place to put a pack-n-play! Not an original thought to me, read it here of course! They are right!

Just remember that most buildings do not have elevators, only 3? do, so you may want first floor or elevator building if you have a stroller or baby gear to lug up and down.

Bobbi

 

[shellbelle1971]

I'm going to give you another option for that pac-N-Play that you probably haven't thought of. OKW 1,2, & 3 bedroom units have full sized laundry rooms. That room is big enough to put the pac-n-play in, so the little one will have his own space, and still be closer to your room, since the laundry is next to the master bath. That way, you can still use the living room/kitchen area without disturbing him.QUOTE]

We've used the laundry/spare bedroom on several trips. It has always worked beautifully for us--once we even put an inflatable airbed in there so a child wouldn't have to use the sofabed in the living room. He was so happy...we kind of felt like the muggle aunt & uncle in Harry Potter though..."No! Back under the stairs you go!"...

 

[lisaviolet]

Here's why:

I've always wanted to go to OKW. My partner....never. We went in May. The "never" girl can't wait to go back. Now that's the magic of OKW in a nutshell.

Have fun.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Here's why:

I've always wanted to go to OKW. My partner....never. We went in May. The "never" girl can't wait to go back. Now that's the magic of OKW in a nutshell.

Have fun.

LOL, never say never!

 

[seabright1]

The rooms at Old Key West "RESORT" are significantly larger compared to the other resorts at WDW. The balconies too are larger. To me this is the only resort that has that "Welcome Home" experience. Enjoy your stay at OKW.

 

[andyljohnson]

OKW is our DVC home, but I have to say that POR is still my very favorite resort in Disney World. OKW has very much the same feel as POR. They both have the trees and the laid back, quiet, relaxed feeling. OKW studios are bigger than POR rooms (they don't have the trundle bed though) and the 1-bedroom is much bigger with a kitchen and laundry room. If you like POR, you will also like OKW.

Janelle

What does POR stand for?

 

[bpmorley]

What does POR stand for?

POR= Port Orleans Riverside

 

[OKWMom]

I do feel that I should warn you, you may never be able to go back to a “typical”, “hotel-type” resort again after staying in a 1BR or a 2BR villa. I keep trying to get DH to stay somewhere else, just for a long weekend, just for the change, but his first question is always “How big are the rooms?” This point rental my cost you more than you imagined.

 

[bpmorley]

I do feel that I should warn you, you may never be able to go back to a “typical”, “hotel-type” resort again after staying in a 1BR or a 2BR villa. I keep trying to get DH to stay somewhere else, just for a long weekend, just for the change, but his first question is always “How big are the rooms?” This point rental my cost you more than you imagined.

So far on 5 DVC vacations to WDW we've only stayed in studios. But we couldn't go back to regular hotel rooms. Studios are bigger and we make use of the kitchenette. Dec '07 we're bringing some friends and we'll be staying in a 2dbr for the first time. I don't know how I'll go back to a studio after that. Woo is me