OKW refurb 2018

[Emmafleur]

Hi all,
We're a family of five adults travelling to WDW in August 2018. We have paid a deposit for a 1br villa at OKW but I keep reading rumours about a possible refurb there during 2018. I want to take advantage of the UK offers that are on at the moment (free dining etc) and don't want to miss out on them. Has anyone had any experience of refurbs happening in resorts that they have already booked and what might happen to my booking? I'm worried they WDW might wait until September when they're meant to confirm my reservation and then cancel it, meaning I'll miss out on the offers around now. TIA for any advice.

 

[rteetz]

Yes permits were filed for a OKW room refurb. Room refurbs don't affects guests much at all.

 

[Emmafleur]

Thank you, rteetz. I've booked direct with Disney now after being told by a local travel agent that OKW was closing down completely for the refurb. I guess that's why I've been wondering if it will actually be open. It's good to know that it probably will be fine.

 

[rteetz]

Thank you, rteetz. I've booked direct with Disney now after being told by a local travel agent that OKW was closing down completely for the refurb. I guess that's why I've been wondering if it will actually be open. It's good to know that it probably will be fine.

Disney does room refurbs all the time. They close one section of rooms at a time to redo. That way guests won't be affected much. You should have a good time.

 

[umichigan10]

Thank you, rteetz. I've booked direct with Disney now after being told by a local travel agent that OKW was closing down completely for the refurb. I guess that's why I've been wondering if it will actually be open. It's good to know that it probably will be fine.

Old key west generally does a block of buildings at a time, it's a fairly regular thing

 

[Emmafleur]

Thank you. I thought it sounded a bit odd that they'd close the whole thing down. The travel agent was probably going to try and sell me something more expensive

 

[umichigan10]

Thank you. I thought it sounded a bit odd that they'd close the whole thing down. The travel agent was probably going to try and sell me something more expensive

People in general try to sell past old key west (including Disney) because it's not a "premier" dvc. But it's really secluded and quiet which is nice, has huge rooms, Olivia's is a very underrated dining location, and never had transportation issues

 

[Emmafleur]

There are five adults going this trip so the room sizes really appealed. We stayed at AKL Jambo House a few years back and it was a bit of a squeeze with only four of us. Looking forward to the space. I might try requesting a newly furnished room Thank you for your help.

 

[umichigan10]

There are five adults going this trip so the room sizes really appealed. We stayed at AKL Jambo House a few years back and it was a bit of a squeeze with only four of us. Looking forward to the space. I might try requesting a newly furnished room Thank you for your help.

Not sure where's being refurbed first or anything but strictly location I enjoy peninsular road or the hospitality house. It's close to the main building and has the better bus stops.

Enjoy your trip though, happy to help!

 

[Emmafleur]

Thank you. I'm thinking to ask for near Hospitality House but not sure how to request it or how far away from our arrival date I should ask?

 

[umichigan10]

Thank you. I'm thinking to ask for near Hospitality House but not sure how to request it or how far away from our arrival date I should ask?

I don't normally handle the reservation myself, but I believe you can make the request at booking or if you do pre check-in roughly a month before arrival. But not completely sure on that

 

[Emmafleur]

Ok thank you for all your help

 

[TomServo27]

Thank you, rteetz. I've booked direct with Disney now after being told by a local travel agent that OKW was closing down completely for the refurb. I guess that's why I've been wondering if it will actually be open. It's good to know that it probably will be fine.

This actually happened to us in 2002 when CBR was completely closed down for refurb we got bumped to the Poly for the same price

 

[zorro77]

So rooms are not be refurbished in 2017 at all and start in 2018,

 

[Tigger's ally]

We went in May and building 63 was down and out for refurb. Totally closed off. Didn't bother the rest of the resort. Wonderful time. Once I figured out the bus route, it was easy to get from point A to point B Busses come in the main gate, bypass the HH and go straight to the Peninsular road stop, then on to the South Point stop, back to the Old Turtle Pond stop then to the Millers Road stop before hitting the HH. That way you just hop first bus at your stop if you want to go to HH as they all end up there before going on their destination. Likewise if you were coming back to the resort and wanted to go to the HH, rather than ride through all four stops, just get off at the first one (Peninsular Road)and walk a short distance to HH. We boys did this every night to finish the night off at the Gurgling Suitcase as my daughter, wife and the grandtinker went back to get her to sleep. Peaceful, wonderful, relaxing community over there at OKW.

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

Has there been any word on the extent of the updates? What the new rooms look like, if they've re-arranged them to add a half-bath, etc.? We're headed down there in late July. Thanks.

 

[merry_nbright]

Off topic but THE CHICKEN AT OLIVIA'S is to die for!

 

[Emmafleur]

Has there been any word on the extent of the updates? What the new rooms look like, if they've re-arranged them to add a half-bath, etc.? We're headed down there in late July. Thanks.

I'd love to see some photos or read about how the new rooms look too

 

[umichigan10]

Off topic but THE CHICKEN AT OLIVIA'S is to die for!

I love Olivia's. I enjoy the ambience, the fact it's rarely crowded, and the foods good. How we always start a trip when staying at OKW

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

I love Olivia's. I enjoy the ambience, the fact it's rarely crowded, and the foods good. How we always start a trip when staying at OKW

I love Olivia's also. We usually eat there at least once if not more during each visit. I like the scallops, DW likes the prime rib and the boys LOVE the chicken!