OKW resort - what is it like?

[SIMJUN]

Hi,

I have never stayed at OKW but am considering booking there if we can't get into Kidani.

Is it a nice resort? What are the pros and cons?

thanks

 

[dmoore22]

Old Key West is located near Epcot and DTD. It is the original DVC designed after the Key West of Ernest Hemingway. I like to describe it as having the feel of Old Florida without Mickey in your face. Unlike the other DVC properties you can practically park next to your accommodations, or, at the worst, a very short walk to your villa. The rooms are the largest of the DVC properties. The studios are furnished with two queen size beds as opposed to a bed and a sofa sleeper. The balconies are also the most generous of the DVC properties. The mature foliage and surrounding golf course and ponds contributes to the feeling of being away from it all. There is a water taxi on the Trumbo Canal that you can take to DTD or the walking/jogging/bike path that you can also take to DTD. The Hospitality House area has Olivia's Cafe (remember it's a cafe, not a restaurant) which has appropriate bill of fare for the theme and that Key West ambiance. Goods to Go and Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks are the quick serve options. Most of the food items at Goods to Go is prepared in Olivia's kitchen. OKW was designed and built before the advent of the "food court" concept. The Gurgling Suitcase is a wonderful spot for a nice libation to enjoy while looking out at the water. The main pool area has a plethora of activities/options available. Past the pool/tennis courts is a beach like area with a fire pit where they have occasional clambakes. Hank’s Rent ‘n Return is right next to the Community hall. Our teenagers love it. They actually spend more time there than in the parks. There are enough "structured" activities (ping pong competitions, Wii nights, outdoor movie night, trivia competitions) for the most cynical teen, or at least my cynical teens. Here is a link that includes many of the things I, no doubt, have left out: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/resorts/okw.htm When we are staying at OKW we actually feel like we are on vacation. I honestly can't think of any cons. We have never been disappointed in any of our stays at OKW.

 

[shortypots]

We love OKW for the serenity. Just like Dmoore mentions, it really makes you feel like you are away from it all which is great especially when you go during a busy time. My DH and I love to sit in the room or on the patio with a glass of wine so we love OKW.

We also love the size of the rooms and the quiet pools as well.

 

[DenLo]

By dmoore22

OKW was designed and built before the advent of the "food court" concept.

Don't really understand that comment at a food court was already in use at Caribbean Beach resort before OKW was built and it had a food court.

We have not stayed at OKW, but this last visit we drove to all of the WDW DVC resorts and we stayed at BLT. I have to admit our reaction to OKW was that the roads were very narrow, cars were everywhere and you couldn't see very far due to the fact that the foliage pretty much blocks the view. We both felt a little claustrophobic while driving around. The area around the hospitality house was packed. People were cruising around trying to find somewhere to park.

We know the resort is a well loved and appreciated resort so we still plan to stay there one day and see the benefits close up and hope to get a villa that has a view with some distance. Perhaps a villa in buildings 45 or 46.

 

[kdepot]

Don't really understand that comment at a food court was already in use at Caribbean Beach resort before OKW was built and it had a food court.

It Has a great sitdown resturant with a very good menu. But a food court when you have kitchens in most villas ( not studios ) not needed!

There is a snack window by the pool area

We have not stayed at OKW, but this last visit we drove to all of the WDW DVC resorts and we stayed at BLT. I have to admit our reaction to OKW was that the roads were very narrow, cars were everywhere and you couldn't see very far due to the fact that the foliage pretty much blocks the view. We both felt a little claustrophobic while driving around.

The villa balconies all face the water or golf course. There are zero "standard views".

The area around the hospitality house was packed. People were cruising around trying to find somewhere to park.

There is an internal shuttle system

We know the resort is a well loved and appreciated resort so we still plan to stay there one day and see the benefits close up and hope to get a villa that has a view with some distance. Perhaps a villa in buildings 45 or 46.

It is Disney's best kept secret

 

[SIMJUN]

Thanks for the input, it sounds great - hopefully we can get for the dates we want.

 

[DVCLiz]

I thought I would hate OKW and it still isn't my 100% favorite but my daughters, who were 15 and 20 at the time, LOVED the space and the villa when we stayed there. I'm going in April for a solo trip and I'll be at OKW so I plan to explore the resort a little more then.

The only negative is that they don't have elevators so if you are on the second or third floor you have to drag your luggage all the way two or three flights of stairs.

 

[nolanboys]

Have stayed there twice. Loved it each time. The first time we were in bldg 27 which was great because it was by the Hospitality House. Last time we were in bldg 33 and I was worried because it seemed out there. It was a quick 10 min walk, or we just took the bus, since the Hospitality House is the last stop. Loved the small pool and the Turtle Shack was there (small snacks and drinks). Great and relaxing after a long day at the parks. And the rooms are huge. They were refurbishing them now, so I'm sure they will be nice!

 

[DizGirl20]

I just wanted to add that we decided to become DVC members based on our stay at OKW! Hope you enojoy it!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Have stayed there twice. Loved it each time. The first time we were in bldg 27 which was great because it was by the Hospitality House. Last time we were in bldg 33 and I was worried because it seemed out there. It was a quick 10 min walk, or we just took the bus, since the Hospitality House is the last stop. Loved the small pool and the Turtle Shack was there (small snacks and drinks). Great and relaxing after a long day at the parks. And the rooms are huge. They were refurbishing them now, so I'm sure they will be nice!

LOL! Your post made me laugh, because 27 is one of our LEAST favorite buildings! That just shows how there really is not a truly bad view or location. There's something good about all of them.

 

[dmoore22]

By dmoore22

Don't really understand that comment at a food court was already in use at Caribbean Beach resort before OKW was built and it had a food court.

Obviously I've led a sheltered life. Never could afford the high rent district until DVC.

We have not stayed at OKW,. . ..

It shows.

. . . but this last visit we drove to all of the WDW DVC resorts and we stayed at BLT. I have to admit our reaction to OKW was that the roads were very narrow, cars were everywhere and you couldn't see very far due to the fact that the foliage pretty much blocks the view. .

That wonderful, mature folliage which contributes to the feel of "Old Florida" without Mickey-in-Your-Face. A welcome feeling of privacy and seclusion from all those siteseers driving around . . .

. We both felt a little claustrophobic while driving around. . .

You can add your own puchline here.

. The area around the hospitality house was packed. People were cruising around trying to find somewhere to park.

That's what happens when people find out about the best kept secret at DVC. Of course the added traffic from the curiosity seekers from BLT doesn't help. . .

. . .We know the resort is a well loved and appreciated resort so we still plan to stay there one day and see the benefits close up and hope to get a villa that has a view with some distance. Perhaps a villa in buildings 45 or 46.

Shouldn't knock it until you try it. Once you are parked near your villa you won't need your car until you've checked out. Just think, you won't have to drive around while staying at OKW. . .

 

[cccdisney]

It looks like we will be renting points and staying here the week of Thanksgiving! I have a few questions for you OKW vets!

I noticed someone posted that they don't have elevators. I will be traveling alone with three kids (ages 13, 11 and 4) and will probably have a small stroller for the 4 yr old. Should I request a ground floor? Are the "views" decent from a ground floor studio? I don't know if I want to drag my suitcases (or carry a sleeping 4 yr old) up all those flights of stairs by myself. . .

Which area should I request? I want something fairly close to the main pool since my kids are very excited about the slide, and also close to a place where they can refill their mugs.

Also - if you are renting points can you use DME from the airport? Or should I be looking at rental cars?

TIA!

 

[dmoore22]

It looks like we will be renting points and staying here the week of Thanksgiving! I have a few questions for you OKW vets!

I noticed someone posted that they don't have elevators. I will be traveling alone with three kids (ages 13, 11 and 4) and will probably have a small stroller for the 4 yr old. Should I request a ground floor? Are the "views" decent from a ground floor studio? I don't know if I want to drag my suitcases (or carry a sleeping 4 yr old) up all those flights of stairs by myself. . .

Buildings 62, 63 and 64 are the only resort buildings with elevators. We've not found the stairs that daunting as the tallest units are three levels. The pitch of the steps are such that it is not as challenging as some of the other DVC properties. Of course we have a lot of practice since we live in one of those old farm house with 3 flights of stairs.

Which area should I request? I want something fairly close to the main pool since my kids are very excited about the slide, and also close to a place where they can refill their mugs.

It sounds like the HH area would be your first choice however that may be a challenge since those our booked by DVC members at the 11 month window. The Turtle Pond area has a nice quiet pool but no slide. It does have the Turtle Shack which is convenient for refills during the day when it is open.

Also - if you are renting points can you use DME from the airport? Or should I be looking at rental cars?

TIA!

That's a question for DVCers that fly in. We drive hence this is better answered by others.