Old Key West or Caribbean Beach

[2minny]

If you had the choice and price was similar...where would you stay???

 

[spiceycat]

okw!!!

both resorts are spreadout - so no different.

CBR has a food court, OKW doesn't.

but at OKW in a studio you get microwave, under the counter refrigerator (which you can control the temperature), coffee maker, toaster, 4 glasses, 2 mugs, paper plates, bowls

at CBR you get a refrigerator that is not as cold as like 'em to be.

OKW has 2 snack bars - one at the main pool - goods to go, and another one at Turtle Pond pool - the restuarant (Olivia) is at the main place (HH)

So if you go with OKW - either bring you some groceries or order some (if you are flying).

 

[DisneyJen0504]

For us the choice would be easy CBR! Better location on WDW property, great theming. CBR also has fridges in the rooms and we would have little use for a microwave in our room. Plus the food court at CBR is a huge advantage over OKW

 

[mickeystoontown]

While I have never stayed at Old Key West AND the CBR, we have stayed at the CBR and loved everything about it.

We have friends who have stayed at both and said they liked the rooms at OKW better but CBR for everything else.

 

[spiceycat]

OKW has 2 queen beds in the studio, CBR has 2 double (full) beds.

so the beds as well as the rooms are larger at OKW

 

[kjs1976]

hands Down - OKW!!!!!

We were so fortunate to get an upgrade here in March. I've considered renting points here a dozen times, but never did. It was always the one resort I really wanted to try out. We love our fav mod POFQ, but I have to say, the OWK is top notch and here is why we loved it:

1. HUGE ROOM!-We did get spoiled and had a 1 bedroom which was bigger than the two bedroom apartment we lived in before we bought our house. That being said, we did check out a studio while there and would've been more than comfortable there. If I was staying for a week or a longer trip, I would so appreciate the coffee maker, microwave, and fridge...little things that save a lot of money and make a big difference. The room is more spacious and it is nice that the bathroom is farther from the beds. I'm and early riser, DH is not, and letting him actually sleep in is a huge perk. The balcony alone is worth renting a room. I love to have my coffee/b-fast out on the balcony on a FL morning...nothing better than to start my day that way.

2. AMMENITIES!!! The pools are fantastic. Even if you don't spend time in the main pool, the other pools are small oasises unto themselves. You can rent bikes, watercraft, shuffleboard, basketball, etc. You really don't have to leave the resort if you didn't want to have a fun vacation! Oliva's is very nice as well and it is convienent to have them on property for a sit-down b-fast or a nicer meal when you don't feel like going out. Oh, and we love the boat rides to DTD, even just to take one to relax in the evening!

3. GORGOUS GROUNDS!!! Even when we arrived at 10PM at night, the way the grounds and bldgs were lit up, it was a beautiful sight. Their themeing is perfect for the laid-back feel of the Keys and when we're in FL, that's what we want to feel...on vacation! From the bldgs, to the golf course, to the pools, everything is gorgeous!!!!

One thing I suggest....it is much easier to navigate with a rental car. I think most people staying there are DVC members who drive down or rent for grocery stops, etc. We always renta car and found it necessary here. We took the bus to MK, but that was it. We personally prefer to drive to DTD and MGM no matter where we stay, so that is just a personal preference. But even stops to the pool and the main building required a drive for us from our building for convienece and time.

It's OKW all the way for us and we'll try to sell anyone on it!

 

[Kevin355]

CBR. Each resort has a pool, large eating area in Olde Port Royale, beautiful white sand beach, can see the EPCOT fireworks from the resort. Large resort and you do not feel crowded in. The theming is a plus. A walk around the lake with a loved is suggested. I can't tell you enough how much we like CBR.

 

[2minny]

Okay, I guess we'll just keep our CBR ressies rather than switching to OKW, although they both sound nice, thanks for your input

 

[BroadwayGirl]

Okay, I guess we'll just keep our CBR ressies rather than switching to OKW, although they both sound nice, thanks for your input

I think you're making a mistake but then again I think anybody who stays at CBR is making a huge mistake.

OKW studios are more spacious with huge bathrooms, larger refrigerators with a FREEZER section (a small freezer but perfect for freezing water bottles) and they're just more comfortable overall. You also have your own balcony which you won't get at CBR. AT OKW you have the relaxing boat ride to Downtown Disney and equal if not better bus transportation versus CBR. If traveling with children they have recreation staff and organized activities such as Bingo and arts and crafts for the kids in community hall. Your studio will have a DVD player in case you decide to just veg with a good movie and a glass of wine.

 

[CarolA]

CBR is my favorite mod and I love OKW too.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one, but if you want a food court go with CBR. I like the "studio" stuff you get at OKW enough that if I was paying and they were the same price I would go with OKW. (Which by the way has two or three well located quite pools)

Bus transport is about the same. I am not a fan of the boat to DTD. I just take the bus. (IMHO, it's not relaxing. every time I get on it, some parent thinks that having thier child act out is "cute" LOL!)

 

[katdocnorf]

OKW is larger and larger beds. You automatically get a refrigerator. Don't have to ask or pay extra. Also Microwave, etc.

I would go with OKW.

 

[TimeforMe]

I've stayed at both. OKW without a doubt.

 

[Connears]

I guess my only additional comment is when would price not be an issue? CBR is a moderate and OKW is home away from home and I am DVC member and have been since 1994 at OKW and know the price for a studio is not comparable to a moderate. That said, there is a member/famiy special that has cost during summer at OKW close to a moderate which is a tremendous bargain. OKW studios are spacious and have the mini kitchen along with the 2 queen beds and we love the grounds, the atmosphere and also parking your car in front of your room. I have never stayed at a moderate or even seen the size of the rooms, but just think the studios at OKW are very nice.
Connears

 

[2minny]

It's a special code I received in the mail to stay at OKW for price of my moderate. But, I'm still not sure if I want to make the jump...I need to decide quickly. I keep hearing larger room size, but I'm not sure about the atmosphere.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Do a bit more research!! Go to the DVC boards to learn more abt OKW!!

Never have stayed at either...but given the choice..OKW! More room, balcony..when are you going? The main pool at CBR is scheduled for a refurb nexy year Jan to June...

 

[mla2177]

I've stayed at both. OKW without a doubt.

Ditto...............I did not care for CBR at all!!!!!!

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

i pers. would stay at cbr. only cause ilike the food court option, idont want to make a sandwich, or do laundry either when im on vacation......haha..................

 

[MonoManBlue]

I would go CBR. I've stayed maybe once or twice, and have always loved the atmosphere. Late at night, they used to (anyway), and may still have the steel drummers outside 'Old Port Royale' which I absolutely loved. The grounds are beautifully kept and you really have an 'island' feel when your walking around, its very exciting.

 

[2minny]

It's funny how every family is so different, what's important to some is not important to others. There are places I did not like, but others love the place, etc. I'm still deciding what to do, but I guess it's a personal decision on what's important to that person. I would jump on an upgrade so some resorts, but for some reason I"m hesitant to switch from CBR to OKW....if they offered a same-price switch to Poly or GF...I'm on it