Old Key West - No Elevators??

[David Raguso]

I just stayed at Old Key West a few weeks ago and was stunned that the entire resort doesn't have elevators...did I missing something? I just cant believe I didnt read about this before.

Its weird that they don't mention it upon check in but I guess theyre afraid everyone would want a ground level unit if they do mention it but they really should mention it if you have special needs, strollers, scooters, or traveling with seniors like I was.

It wasn't a huge deal Disney was very nice they let us swap our room upon check in to a ground level floor but they really should let people know there are no elevators. Its also just bizarre because I think its the only resort that doesnt have a single elevator.. I wonder why that is? the other strange part is when I got there I asked a person over the phone at the front desk if there are elevators in other parts of the resort and he said there was...I wonder why I was told that?

 

[tjkraz]

Only three buildings have elevators and higher-floor rooms in those buildings are typically reserved for guests with a medical need.

OKW was mostly constructed before ADA laws enacted in the '90s required greater accessibility.

 

[Chuck S]

There are elevators in 3 buildings, 62, 63 and 64. These buildings were built after the rest of the resort was finished, and reflect changes in the ADA laws.

As far as informing people of no elevators, there are MANY, MANY posts here on the DIS, including the OKW Lovers thread that state this. The stairs at OKW are a gentle rise and basically have a 1/2 flight, a landing, and another 1/2 flight. Most people can climb them with little effort. My elderly Mom was able to do so just fine, even following hip replacement. She only encountered problems after being diagnosed with heart valve problems, and when she started requiring a wheelchair for the parks.

Then we always requested ground floor units. The only things is ALL the Handicap modified units at OKW are also on the first floor (except buildings 62 to 64) so having a ground floor unit also highly increases the chance you will be placed in such a unit, whether you need one or not.

 

[David Raguso]

Thanks all, I know it was built before tougher laws were put in place but older resorts than OKW like Contemporary and Polynesian have elevators which is odd also...o well?

 

[heynowirv]

Yes but they are hotels and not built as a DVC.

 

[Chuck S]

OKW was built in the style of most timeshares of the time. Most 2 to 3 story timeshares of that time did not have elevators and were outside entryway.

 

[LisaS]

Its weird that they don't mention it upon check in but I guess theyre afraid everyone would want a ground level unit if they do mention it ...

I agree that it would be helpful to make people aware of this when they make a reservation so that you could put in a request with MS for a ground floor room. I don't agree that everyone would want a ground level unit. We always request an upper floor, even at OKW. The top floor rooms are quieter since you won't have guests running around above you. It takes some effort to haul our stuff up the stairs at OKW when we first check in but after that it's not an issue. They do have Bell Services so I assume you could get help getting your luggage up to your room.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We stayed in building 62 last month and it was really nice to have an elevator.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

ut I guess theyre afraid everyone would want a ground level unit if they do mention it but they really should mention it if you have special needs, strollers, scooters, or traveling with seniors like I was.

That's where opinions differ, I prefer anything other than ground level, elevator or no elevator! I own at OKW, and knew the layout of the resort prior to buying. Right now it's 2nd or 3rd floor requests, if and when the time comes that the stairs are an issue I will request something in the buildings that do have elevators!

 

[MouseMomx2]

We always request a top floor unit. Not only does it keep us from having noisy upstairs neighbors, it causes me to walk a lot of stairs which helps counter all of the yummy vacation food I eat while there.

 

[dianeschlicht]

That's where opinions differ, I prefer anything other than ground level, elevator or no elevator! I own at OKW, and knew the layout of the resort prior to buying. Right now it's 2nd or 3rd floor requests, if and when the time comes that the stairs are an issue I will request something in the buildings that do have elevators!

I'm with you! We are late 60's and one of us has two new knees and a new hip, but the stairs at OKW are easy to use, and the upper floors give you better views and less problems with noise from above. I'd take the top floor every time!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

And I love that many of the "top" floor villas are actually on the second floor, on the end of the building, only one flight of stairs to climb and no one walking over top of you. We love OKW