OKW...why do u like it?

[anbouk]

Can someone give us some scoop on OKW? We don't know too much about it, however, from pics seems awfully pretty...kinda like on an island by itself. How are the distances from the parks and means of transportation to the parks. Adding on to this DVC resort look awfully good....price-wise. How about restaurants, size of DVC, rooms, pics of rooms would be great, too! TIA

 

[Chic]

Click here http://dvcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=132&Itemid=118 for photos of the grounds at Old Key West as well as some interior room photos. This resort by far has the largest rooms of any DVC resort. The nice thing is Old Key West also requires less points per night than all the other Disney World DVC resorts. They have bus transportation to all the Disney Parks and boat transportation for Downtown Disney. There are several bus stops in the resort so you are only footsteps away from a stop no matter which building you are assigned. We own at Saratoga Springs but absolutely love Old Key West. There is a sit down restaurant called Olivia's and a quick service restaurant called Goods to Go. There is also a pool bar at the main pool. The main pool has neat theming such as a sand castle water slide, lighthouse, and sandy beach area. There is also a playground for the kids. This resort is a winner.

 

[Deb & Bill]

It's a great place to get away from it all. No hustle, no bustle. When you come home from the parks each day, you close the door and settle in to a very comfortable "home". There is nothing like getting up early in the morning and sitting out on the porch in your pajamas, drinking coffee or juice and just taking in the sounds and sights. One morning I watched a family of otters swim out of the Trumbo Canal and scamper up on the bank.

 

[katmittens]

We love OKW and it is our home resort. We have stayed at VWL, BC and Vero. We still love OKW. It is like a second home. The units are so big and roomy. The patio's are great to sit on and relax. The resort is quiet and peaceful. I also think you are centrally located to the world. Nice pool, and activities. We will be there in January, can't wait.

 

[4Pluto]

Big Rooms
Smaller Condo Buildings so spread out but close to bus stops
Olivias has table service breakfast
Turtle Pond Pool and Snack Bar (separate from main pool)
Atmosphere is very relaxing.

 

[anbouk]

Is there a preferred area to stay within the complex? Good DVC for children? We may consider staying here soon.

 

[Chic]

Yes, there is a "preferred area" at OKW. When making reservations, ask for the preferred location near the Hospitality House. This is a fairly new addition to the reservation system at OKW where you are guaranteed a building close to the main pool and check in area. The Member Services representative will be able to tell you if this category is available when you book your room.

 

[Brian Noble]

Very relaxing, with beautiful grounds. Somehow, I'm always on Island Time when I'm there.

It's a little removed from the action, which is both good and bad, but not terribly far from any parks other than AK/BB.

The boat to DTD is very nice (though again, not fast---remember, you're on island time).

 

[WolfpackFan]

Here is a link to some pictures I took last year when we stayed at OKW -
http://picasaweb.google.com/wolfpackfan/200706WaltDisneyWorldOKW#

We absolutely love the resort. It is so laid back and relaxing, you'd never know you're right in the middle of WDW. We had a 1BR unit that was huge. I'd put OKW as our #2-3 favorite DVC resort.

 

[jennypenny]

We love OKW, but it is different than other DVC resorts. We own at BCV. When we are going for shorter trips, especially in the winter time, we prefer BCV or another resort that has more of a hotel feeling. There is less daylight in winter (and no thunder storms) so we don't take breaks and go a little more commando. During the winter months I want to be outside when I'm there and so we don't spend much time in the room or the resort.

When we travel during the summer months, and stay for 7 to 10 days, we love OKW. There is a real dining table, a table with four chairs on the porch (with a fan), better laundry facilities, two sofas, etc. During the summer time there is always time in the room either because it's too hot or it's thundering. OKW is a much nicer place for downtime. And I second someone's vote for the porch in the morning. We loved having breakfast out there. And we ask for a first floor room because my kids love to feed all of the wildlife that joins you for breakfast

My kids also like the activities every afternoon at the pool. All DVC resorts have them, but OKW just seems different. My hubby described it as being at a wedding where you didn't really know anyone but had a good time anyway. That lady who does the pool games and bingo is funny.

Forgot to mention, we always rent or car (or drive down) when we're staying at OKW. We don't always rent a car, but always at OKW and SSR.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Yes, there is a "preferred area" at OKW. When making reservations, ask for the preferred location near the Hospitality House. This is a fairly new addition to the reservation system at OKW where you are guaranteed a building close to the main pool and check in area. The Member Services representative will be able to tell you if this category is available when you book your room.

Personally, though, this is my least favorite area of OKW and I would have been disappointed in the past if I got that location. Fewest parking places and we always have a car. So many people drive to the HH, and they park at the HH and the buildings close by. If you don't mind a little walk to the main pool, just about any location is nice. There are water views all over the place or if you like to watch the golfers, there are lots of golf course views.

 

[Chic]

We never bring a car so I guess that's why we enjoy being near the Hospitality House. I work out in the gym and swim at the pool so it's very convenient being close to these amenities. I don't want to walk a long way in a dripping bathing suit after being in the pool! It's also nice being able to make a quick walk over to pick up breakfast at Goods to Go and being able to carry my food back to the room without it getting cold.

 

[CraftyMouse]

Personally, though, this is my least favorite area of OKW and I would have been disappointed in the past if I got that location. Fewest parking places and we always have a car. So many people drive to the HH, and they park at the HH and the buildings close by. If you don't mind a little walk to the main pool, just about any location is nice. There are water views all over the place or if you like to watch the golfers, there are lots of golf course views.

I completely agree. Personally, I was glad to see them make this a separate booking category, simply because I now know I won't get put there. The buildings on Peninsular (23-27, I think) are okay, but the rest of the area is just too congested.

The thing I like the best about OKW is the feeling that you're a million miles from all of the rushing around, when it's really only a short bus ride away. All of the resorts are closer to some things and farther from others so that is a moot point. The rides to the parks from OKW are fine and none take more than 10-15 minutes.

We bought at OKW when the only other WDW DVC property was the BWV. Even with all of the new properties that have been built, OKW remains our favorite. The relaxed atmosphere, the larger rooms and the lower point cost all contribute to that, but the main reason is that none of the others really feel like home to us.