OKW versus CBR?

[dts718]

We're still debating where to stay (we had some postings on the resort boards) . What are the pros and cons (if any) of staying at old key west? We would be renting points in a studio for 5 nights. I'll be me, my DH, our DD 15, our DS 3 1/2, and our DD 1 1/2. We will have a car with us, but would probably use the buses alot. Appreciate any input or advice!
Thanks!

 

[pumpkinboy]

without question, go with OKW. You will get more space, a nicer room and have easier access to your car, then CBR. There is also better on-site dining (esp Olivia's). You will probably come out about the same on price, unless you want to get a 2BR or something. IMO, OKW will be the better value.

 

[RumpleMom]

The OKW studio will have a kitchenette-small sink, microwave, coffee maker, under counter refrigerator and paper plates/plastic utensils/mugs.

 

[PamOKW]

OKW is located along the Lake Buena Vista golf course. Almost every room has a great view of either the golf course, woods or a water feature (including the waterway). You will have queen size beds instead of double beds. You will have a small private deck or patio. OKW is a much more upscale resort in terms of atmosphere and features. You can hop the Trumbo Ferry to DD (or bus it or walk it). You can rent all kinds of water craft. OKW offers tennis and basketball as well. As mentioned -- you have the convenience of the kitchenette, especially nice for breakfast.

The buses will not be as crowded as at CBR (you may have practically private service at some times of the day). Of course, the closing bus to any resort tends to be filled to capacity

OKW does not offer a food court. However, the convenience of being able to put snacks and drinks in your own frig pretty much makes up for that.

 

[Pa@okw95]

CBR is just a moderate- OKW is a home away from home resort more in line with the deluxe resorts, the rooms are superior to anything at any of the resorts. There are laundry facilities at all the pool areas for guests and they are free. there are 4 pools and 5 bus stops, so no one is very far from a pool or bus stop. While there is no food court there is a place to get hamburgs and hot dogs, that kind of stuff right at the docks, you also have Olivia's which is a family restaurant, you have a place to workout, a sauna, preety much what you have at most up-scale resorts. The studio has 2 queen beds with a table and two chairs. There is a small balacony, the views from the studios are not always the best because they face the outside of the building. You also have my favorite attraction at WDW the boat ride to DD for guests of OKW only. For kids there is a kiddie pool near the main pool plus a large play area. It is the original Disney Vacation Club Resort.

 

[Figment2]

CBR = double beds
OKW = queen beds

 

[dsmith]

Ditto what everyone else has said. We stayed at CBR once and never will again. OKW is superior in every way.

 

[pearljim]

OKW has been our home resort for 11 years. During that time we've stayed in almost every resort on property. While all have their own unique features, my entire family agrees that you can't beat OKW. We also bought at SSR last year because of the discounted points but also because it was not connected to an existing hotel. We hope we'll find the same feeling there. Treat yourself - OKW!!

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

Ditto Figment2's response. The 2 queen beds vs. 2 double beds is enough for me. I don't think I could stay in a resort that didn't offer queen beds after our last stay. We were in a studio at OKW and then did the Disney cruise and stayed one last night at All Stars. Never again. We had a rough time sleeping on the double beds and me DH and I are average size people. We just like the queen size beds and will make our future choices in rooms with queens only.

The free laundry is a perk too at OKW. I came home with clean clothes which made the trip a bonus. Larger rooms, kitchenettes in studios - full kitchens in 1 BD and 2BD is another reason to go for OKW.

I never considered myself spoiled - a room is just a room or so I thought. Last summer I became spoiled after staying at OKW. Never again will I do a value or moderate resort. We plan to stay at a home away from home in all out future trips wether we stay on points or pay cash. The added perks are worth it

Laurie
So Ca

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I don't know how much money you are spending, but shoot for a 1-bedroom, or better yet a 2-bedroom at Old Key West.

Full kitchen, washer dryer, dish washer, large walk-in shower, jacuzzi and a master bedroom with a king size bed. Not to mention a nice balcony. Treat yourself to a nice vacation.

 

[Desperado]

Try them both, one this vacation, the other the next.

 

[tiberius]

The only real problem I see for you with OKW is that afterwards you may find it so nice as to not want to go to another non-DVC resort again.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I don't think you are going to find anyone to support CB on this board, we love DVC. I agree with tiberius, after staying at OKW you will want to join DVC. (Even in a studio.) Personally I like the theme and feeling of OKW over CB also.

What time of year are you considering staying? There should be contruction at OKW pool, putting in a slide, starting this spring. I think they are also updating some of the rooms and chaning the VCR's in the 1 and 2 bedrooms to DVD players. But there are a number of pools and I think the main pool will remain open during this time (but I am not sure on this.)

 

[PamOKW]

Originally posted by DisneyPhD
There should be contruction at OKW pool, putting in a slide, starting this spring. I think they are also updating some of the rooms and chaning the VCR's in the 1 and 2 bedrooms to DVD players. But there are a number of pools and I think the main pool will remain open during this time (but I am not sure on this.)

The VM mention a spring start date but conversations people have had with DVC now indicate they will put off the slide construction until September aiming at completion by the end of the year. The pool will have to close but OKW folks will be able to use the SSR pool as well as the other 3 OKW pools. You are right that they are switching over to DVDs and this should be completed shortly.