Old Key West Resort Question

[RocknCoaster]

I can't seem to find anyone talking about OKW on these boards.

Is there a reason for this?

We wanted to stay some place different this time and for some reason we never think to stay here.

I want to know from people who have stayed here if they like it or not and why.

Tell me about it!

Thanks a bunch!

 

[4greatboys]

RocknCoaster--go to the DVC boards. This is a a DVC resort and even though you can pay cash to stay there, there is more info on it in the DVC board.

 

[DebbieB]

It's a DVC resort and most of the rooms are taken by DVC members. You'll see lots of talk about it over on the DVC board.

I've stayed there 3 times in a 1 bedroom and it's great! Full kitchen, living room, washer/dryer, jacuzzi, huge bathroom. A studio is basically a regular hotel room with the addition of a small fridge and microwave.

It doesn't have as good a location as the MK and Epcot deluxe hotels, all Disney transportation is bus except for a small boat to Downtown Disney. We always rent a car.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Also, Sunday Night Chat is DVC Chat so feel free to stop in with any OKW questions that you may have!

 

[PamOKW]

RocknCoaster,

Now, you know the best things are always the "secrets".

Yes, you'll find lots of information on the DVC Board. Located on the Lake Buena Vista golf course, OKW gives you the feel of being away from the parks but you can get to all of them in a 10-20 minute bus ride. Bus service is no better or worse than that found at every other WDW resort.

 

[DeeP]

As others have posted, OKW is a DVC resort so the majority of guests that stay there are DVC members that is why there are few posts about OKW on the resorts board.
OKW is a very large, laid back, quiet resort. OKW is located next to and around a golf course so the views are mainly golf course views and small lagoon waterways. OKW 1 BR is large and spacious. It is very similiar to staying in a very nice condo development. They have several pools, 2 pool bars/snack bars, 1 restaurant, a gift shop, marina, small health club and Community Center. There is bus transportation to everywhere but DTD which has a boat that runs to about 10:00 PM. There are many other WDW resorts that are much more conveniently located to parks, restaurants, shops, etc but if you want a very quiet, low keyed resort that has large 1 BR and larger accomendations you can't beat OKW! OKW also has parking lots at the front door of the majority of the units for those that have a car.

 

[Wilma Flintstone]

Trust me on this: the OKW resort is one of my ABSOLUTE favorites. And this includes Poly, WL and YC--so you know it's in good company. If you can get a 1 bedroom in bldg. 26, 23 or 62 (facing large pond) you will be in heaven. It is the most spacious of all the 1 bedroom villas in WDW and its laidback ambience is very much appreciated after a long day at the parks. I hope this helps you. All the best, Wilma

 

[frontporchsally]

going to WDW with my husband, daughter & son-in-law November/December 2003. When should I join the Disney Club to get a disount if it is available???

We are considering either Disney Caribbean Resort (getting 2 separate rooms) or the Old Key West Villas. We are thinking getting a 2 bedroom due to the fact that the amenities are there and also the space. Any suggestions on a room???

Sincerely

 

[jcanary]

Frontporchsally
I would recommend OKW. HOWEVER, you will never be able to stay in a regular hotel room again. When you see people saying that these are spacious they are not kidding. You may want to even consider a one bedroom if your daughter and sil don't mind the sofa bed. You will have a complete full size kitchen, washer and dryer and jacuzzi all in your own private room, and Yes parking at your front door. This resort is right next to Port Orleans and is very laid back. We love turtle pond, especially bldg 44 for its location. Check out the DVC board for more discussion on this resort. You may also want to check out the rent/trade board. You can get some great deals on renting points for your stay from a member. For a Sunday thru Friday stay it will save you loads of money.

 

[ncligs]

Here is some info and pictures for you of OKW.

http://wdwig.com/g_okw.htm

 

[Wilma Flintstone]

JCanary is sooo right. The 1 bedroom is fine for the 4 of you. Believe me when I say that you are far removed from each other at night. The pull-out couch is comfy and all the comforts of home are there: TV and kitchen for that early cup of coffee. The folks in the bedroom are, what seems like, miles away. I would suggest, however, that you ask for the unit that has 2 separate entrances into the bathroom. Our 1 bedroom unit in building 62 (#6214) is a newer one and has that wonderful addition. The bathroom can be entered through the laundry room AND through the bedroom. This way you do not have to bother those sleeping in the bedroom. The balcony overlooks a large pond with fountain in the middle and every morning ducks and birds greet you. The bridge is to your left, where the Hospitality House is located, as well as Olivia's restaurant and take-out counter. The big pool is there too. Calypso music gently wafts across to our balcony, and at night the resort is lit up so beautifully. As far as becoming a Disney Club member, it is now on a yearly basis (rather than the old 2-year membership). I would not become a member until at least January of '03. I hope this helped you. --Wilma

 

[frontporchsally]

Thank you everyone for your input I am sold on staying there!!!

 

[PKK/MJK]

frontporchsally

You will LOVE OKW!! Since you are going with other adult family members, that second bathroom entrance through the utility room is important!! Buildings #30 and higher have this arrangement. The lower numbered buildings (1-29) only have one entrance to the bath and it goes through the master bedroom which can give you a privacy problem. We like buildings 45 and 46 because they overlook Trumbo Canal. You can sit on your large balcony and watch the boats go back and forth to Downtown Disney. Have a wonderful vacation!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Oh no, you don't want to stay at OKW. That is a terrible idea!!!

(hee hee)

 

[frontporchsally]

I have been searching alot of boards and I have found Carib Royale for $99 per night for 4 adults. We are renting a car so getting to WDW will be no problem. I just cant reason the price of OKW versus Carib Royale. Any more input on this would be appreciated!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

frontporchsally - Have you ever been to WDW before?? You'll discover a TON of benefits to staying on-site vs. off-site like Carib Royale. It's just one of those things you learn after going to WDW several times.

If you are looking for a good bargain check out the value and moderate resorts on property.

 

[Steffi]

frontporchsally, maybe you could split your stay between OKW & Caribe Royal, so you can decide for yourself which you like better. We used to stay off site, but after our first onsite stay, we were enchanted. It was just a totally different experience. Have fun planning & deciding

I have a question about OKW...do they have kids' activities at the pool and if so, what kind?

 

[sue brock]

I have stayed at both.Both are nice but somehow it's just not the same. Try splitting it up and staying at both and see what you think. I think you'll find okw worth the extra $ especially if you are going to spend a few days away from the parks and enjoying the resort!good luck.

 

[OhMickey]

We stayed 1 night at the Caribe Royale in June. We had a family of 6 and they told us we could fit comfortably in a one bedroom suite.

I was so glad we were there for only one night. The sofa bed was so uncomfortable that we ended sleeping on the floor. I'm not kidding when I say that the mattress was the thinnest I've seen.

The breakfast was so-so. I was not impressed but then again, I'm not a breakfast person. The kids ate though.

If you can swing it - I vote OKW. Or I recommend the Amerisuites at Calypso Cay. Very clean and comfortable.

 

[AZKathy]

There are buses from OKW to DTD, but the boat is much nicer!