Old Key West Resort

[jazz99]

Hello I have a one week reservation for a 1BR Villa at Old Key West May 13th and this will be my first time at this property, and was wondering if anyone had anysuggestions on what section would be the best to request. I have a 4yr old who loves the water, and we will be usuing a stroller frequently. In the past we have stayed at Saratoga and loved watching the fireworks from our balcony is there a section at this resort that sounds like it would fit the bill. Thank You for your suggestions.

 

[amcnj]

You will find a wide variety of opinions here as to which area is the nicest, but if being near a pool is a priority I would suggest viewing the resort map for OKW here at wdwinfo.com. http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/OKWMap.pdf You'll see there are four pools. The main one, which has a slide too, is located near the hospitality area. It also has a sandy play area, and of course is near Olivia's, General Store, Hospitality House, etc. There are three other "quiet" pools located throughout the resort. The one in the Old Turtle Pond Road area is adjacent to the Turtle Shack Snack bar, also denoted on the map. Once you decide on an area, you can see which buildings are closest to that area's pool and make building requests as desired. Of course building requests are just that, requests, and not guaranteed in any way.

 

[MelissathePooh]

the HH area is a separate booking category for DVC members and not common to get otherwise. OKW is a lovely resort - especially in May.

 

[pepe of ohio]

It was our first time here too and we were excited to try it....requested close to HH, didn't get it...we were in building 52, quite far from the HH and main pool, really a long walk or bus ride to there......villa room was fantastic, we had a 2 bedroom but on the 3rd floor, no elevators.....super pain getting everything up to that level, total pain taking a stroller up and down everytime we wanted to go out.....we didn't like the process of taking a bus to the main pool, we had a small one right around the corner from our building, but it was just a small hole in the ground filled with water....unsuitable for what we're used to.

Eating was about the same, bus ride to Olivia's or quick serve and for refilling our mugs, total waste as it was a bus ride....though we drove to WDW, we don't like using our car on property, let alone around our resort. I'll give the property this, it's very beautiful, quiet and well appointed but we rather go back to our favorite, WL, just for compactness, ease in getting to the MK and being able to use all the facilities by just a short walk....we won't be going back to OKW anytime soon....hope your stay is better than ours was...

 

[janischa]

hey jazz, we will be there in the same period; watch out for a cute blonde 2.5 year old, followed by a long haired dark little (half asian) mum, a big light brown haired dad with specs, a bellyround grandpa and a blonde grandma in tow
We requested to be as close as possible to HH even though HH is likely reserved for DVC members (a cm told me once it's not actually reserved for DVC only but that requests are granted to the extent possible and to the extent earlier made, and since DVC members are able to book way before the public at 11 months out, they typically already reserve this area), but we hope to be in one of the buildings not HH but close enough
do hang a green limehead mickey on your door or on your backpacks to show you're a DISer and if i see you,i'll surely say hello
if you want, i can even leave a welcome postcard at the desk for your kid from mickey or donald; i'm having someone mail me a postcard and this could be my way of doing my first pass it forward just pm me if you'd like me to !!

 

[TravelinGal]

My two cents (for whatever that is worth in today's economy) is that OKW is a beautiful beautiful resort but I would probably stay elsewhere if we didn't have a car. (Since we always get a car, that's a non-issue for us.. LOL)

I've heard, time and time again, how long it is to get from one end to the other and since you can't guarantee where you will end up...

But... a "bad" day at Disney is better than a good day at home! Even if you have to wait for a bus you're in a magical place! Enjoy!

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

OKW is our home resort and we almost always stay there...........about 9 trips so far.

The resort is well layed out, but as noted if your a anti bus group you may like one of the box resorts.

However, we have found the bus service to (almost) always be great......on time and running often. The buses run around the whole resort and you can get to the HH from anyhwere in a few minutes.

There was 3 pools, the small one mentioned before, which is really great to sit qiuetly and read or whatever. The main pool with the good stuff and Turtle crawl pool which is at the far end of the resort and our favorite.....pool, hot tub, a snack bar with fruity drinks and BBQ grills.We always plan one dinner time for the family to BBQ by the pool.

Whatever you decide..........have a great vacation.

AKK

 

[chalee94]

I've heard, time and time again, how long it is to get from one end to the other and since you can't guarantee where you will end up...

i believe most, if not all, of the buses will stop at the HH area before heading out to a park or DTD, so it should be easy to get around the resort by bus even if you'd prefer not to walk it...just hop the first bus that comes by and ride it to the HH area for the main pool, boat dock to DTD, restaurant and lobby...

 

[wcpamotm]

Hello I have a one week reservation for a 1BR Villa at Old Key West May 13th and this will be my first time at this property, and was wondering if anyone had anysuggestions on what section would be the best to request. I have a 4yr old who loves the water, and we will be usuing a stroller frequently. In the past we have stayed at Saratoga and loved watching the fireworks from our balcony is there a section at this resort that sounds like it would fit the bill. Thank You for your suggestions.

Like fireworks? Buildings 39, 41, part of 38 and maybe 40 should have views of the high fireworks from IllumiNations, and are fairly close to the Turtle Pond pool. (We were in building 38.) The views are otherwise not very magical, as they overlook Bonnet Creek Parkway.

 

[soulmates]

Great thread. We'll be there the 1st week of August. We're driving so we'll use our car to get around...we prefer it that way. We don't like waiting for buses. I love the theming of this resort. I love how each DVC is SO different, so each stay is a different experience! We're looking forward to our trip. Is the CS good here? We were wondering if she should head to STS for lunch?

Thanks

Chris

 

[soulmates]

Do they offer valet parking? Thanks!

 

[chalee94]

Do they offer valet parking? Thanks!

there is no valet parking. you typically park right in front of your villa.

olivia's is nice for breakfast or lunch if you are in the area, but DTD has more options and the boat ride is relaxing...

 

[soulmates]

there is no valet parking. you typically park right in front of your villa.

olivia's is nice for breakfast or lunch if you are in the area, but DTD has more options and the boat ride is relaxing...

Thanks! We're at the Hospitality House...just wondered. I forgot about DTD for lunch. I'll have to go see who if any is on the DDP.

 

[soulmates]

Yipppeee!! Earl of Sandwhich and Wolfgang Pucks for lunch!! Yesirreee!!!

 

[Smokeyspawn]

The buses are fine at OKW. Better than SSR. Dont worry about buses.

 

[Jeanieblue114]

OKW is finishing up a major renovation now. We were there at the beginning of Dec. and has a major issue with our room. I didn't even know they were renovating, but one night on that bed and I could tell that that mattress was done for. We also had towels with holes in them (took pics of it because i was shocked), holes in carpeting, toiletries that were left there half used, comforters all pilly and worn.....and a few other things.

By day 2 I called management and housekeeping and let them know that we were owners there and I'm not really seeing where my maintenance fee money is going. I was then told that they were doing the renovation and that our area was last on the list because it was a busy area close to the HH. They actually changed out our mattresses and provided new towels and toiletries and recleaned the room and left about 6 xmas decorated towel animals.

I will say that as disappointed as I was, there is no way for disney to know when there are problems with a room unless you let them know. They have always been more than willing to correct things and put them back to Disney standards. It is unfortunate that we sometimes must bring things to their attention and it's not done like 'magic', but it's our responsibility to make sure they stay on their toes when we see some slipping.

So, I will say that we do enjoy OKW. The rooms are spacious and well appointed. I do recommend requesting first floor. If you have a car it's wonderful to have a room at disney where you pretty much park at your door and don't have to go through longggg corridors to get back to the room. We also really enjoy Olivia's (I just ate there the other day when I ran down for a 2 day quickie trip). I usually can get a walk in table and I find the food to be a couple dollars cheaper than the average disney table service and I also find the food to be fresh...they often have a special for the day. The desserts are also wonderful and several are housemade. The boat transportation to DTD is convenient. And the view of fireworks from the dock was a nice surprise bonus when we came back and were having some quick service food for dinner. There's also some good homemade chicken noodle soup at the quick service counter that is a snack credit if you use the dining plan.

 

[MelissathePooh]

The buses are fine at OKW. Better than SSR. Dont worry about buses.

That is a dangerous statement to make. One more than one stay at OKW we've had horrific bus service. Waits well over 20 minutes, buses that were not able to stop because they were already full and people who could care less about who was already waiting at the bus stop and just walk up and get on in front of anyone and everyone who has been waiting and waiting and waiting for the dang bus.

I always hesistate when I say I really, strongly despise the bus service at OKW, because someone will come along and say how it was perfect when they were there. I'm happy and really glad for that - I hope its perfect for everyone when they stay, BUT to say that as a blanket statement isn't accurate either. There is NO way I would ever stay there without a car. Spending 15 minutes riding around the resort OR possibly not getting on a bus because its full by the time it gets to HH - not my favorite thing about OKW.

I know there are no real lines at the bus stops, but the folks who walk up at the last minute and just jump in front of everyone else REALLY drive me nuts! It actually stresses my out a little at OKW as its been the difference in even getting a standing spot on a bus before. We're talking April and October stays.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

OKW is my favorite resort. Alot of people seem to like the turle pond area but for the most part I find it somewhat remote. With a little one I would ask for a ground floor. I happen to like the fact that it is spread out instead of being on top of everyone. When you have a place with long corridors you tend to have kids running up and down the hallways at all hours. Some people complain about multiple bus stops but then you can have that at other resorts also. Either that or they complain about the distance from the room to the bus stop, AKL/AKV. Some complaints tend to be about sharing a bus with another resort. OKW does not. In fact the only time that I have had to stand on an OKW bus was at the end of a day. Don't worry and have a good time.

 

[spiceycat]

Hello I have a one week reservation for a 1BR Villa at Old Key West May 13th and this will be my first time at this property, and was wondering if anyone had anysuggestions on what section would be the best to request. I have a 4yr old who loves the water, and we will be usuing a stroller frequently. In the past we have stayed at Saratoga and loved watching the fireworks from our balcony is there a section at this resort that sounds like it would fit the bill. Thank You for your suggestions.

sounds like your child would be happy with any of the pools - it has one main pool w/slide (castle that is melting w/Mickey).

but there is also a pool on South points (50's section), a pool at turtle point (30/40's), and miller (18-23 building) -

use to own at OKW but sold it to buy BLT....that say OKW is still my DB and DSIL favorite resort. they even liked the change (I did not).

turtle point (their favorite) has a bar/snack food place. besides that one all the restuarant and other snack bar is at the main pool.

also at the main pool is a gym, community hall, bike/boat rental, volleyball court, half basketball court, tennis courts, sand box (it takes up most of the area), the main pool, w/hot tub and spa(in the lighthouse) plus the marina

from the marina you can take a boat to DD.

 

[disneynanacat]

It was our first time here too and we were excited to try it....requested close to HH, didn't get it...we were in building 52, quite far from the HH and main pool, really a long walk or bus ride to there......villa room was fantastic, we had a 2 bedroom but on the 3rd floor, no elevators.....super pain getting everything up to that level, total pain taking a stroller up and down everytime we wanted to go out.....we didn't like the process of taking a bus to the main pool, we had a small one right around the corner from our building, but it was just a small hole in the ground filled with water....unsuitable for what we're used to.

Eating was about the same, bus ride to Olivia's or quick serve and for refilling our mugs, total waste as it was a bus ride....though we drove to WDW, we don't like using our car on property, let alone around our resort. I'll give the property this, it's very beautiful, quiet and well appointed but we rather go back to our favorite, WL, just for compactness, ease in getting to the MK and being able to use all the facilities by just a short walk....we won't be going back to OKW anytime soon....hope your stay is better than ours was...

My feelings exactly. It's the only resort at WDW I don't want to return to. JMO