Old Key West vs Caribbean 2024

[Victoriapeluso]

Hey there!

So I ve been looking into renting DVC points and I found that I could have a 2 bedroom villa vacation over my kids spring break in March for roughly the same amount as staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. We stayed at the Grand Floridian last December, but wanted something a little more budget friendly. I am having a hard time deciding which resort is better for our family. Im leaning Caribbean for the skyliner .... we are huge foodies. That, and we have two small children 4, and 6. So stroller storage is important.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I would much prefer the 2BR Villa, but I can see why you’d prefer CBR If you want to be near the Skyliner and multiple restaurants. We really enjoyed our stay at OKW (and we just had a studio). But everyone is different. CBR was not one of our favorites, but that was years ago. We can live without the Skyliner. We rent a car and bop all over the place.

 

[Victoriapeluso]

Sigh yes but also thinking since it would be a longer stay, it might be nice to go with the OKW and cook a few nights and head to the parks for fireworks? It’s so hard!

 

[Wiltony]

I *love* OKW and would recommend it in a second, but if you don't plan on renting a car, it might feel a little too isolated and remote to you compared to hopping on the skyliner. A bus in and out of OKW can feel like forever as it stops at multiple locations within the resort. Even with a car, it's not nearly as convenient as popping in and out of EP/HS with that skyliner from CB.

If you intend to go back-and-forth to/from the room frequently for naps and meals and such, again, the transportation might be a little hindrance for you, but otherwise, the huge rooms, kitchen, washer/dryer, etc. at OKW is just SO MUCH NICER than a hotel room.

 

[Robbie Cottam]

Not an OKW fan, but I would look into RIV if you want a Skyliner resort.... Figure about 550 to 700 more than OKW...

Or SSR for great places to eat at the springs,

I would take OKW over CBR any day of the week ....

If you are talking about a normal two queen room at CBR and a 2bd villa at any DVC property, you are talking about two completely different levels of comfort for the same price.... go with the DVC

 

[Victoriapeluso]

Not an OKW fan, but I would look into RIV if you want a Skyliner resort.... Figure about 550 to 700 more than OKW...

Or SSR for great places to eat at the springs,

I would take OKW over CBR any day of the week ....

If you are talking about a normal two queen room at CBR and a 2bd villa at any DVC property, you are talking about two completely different levels of comfort for the same price.... go with the DVC

we have two trips planned for next year, and were staying at the beach club in the fall in a normal hotel room for food and wine. I feel like OKW will be more relaxed and feel like we are renting a house that happens to be in disney world haha we can order groceries, cook, hang a little. Im gonna go with the DVC- thank you for your advice

 

[Victoriapeluso]

I *love* OKW and would recommend it in a second, but if you don't plan on renting a car, it might feel a little too isolated and remote to you compared to hopping on the skyliner. A bus in and out of OKW can feel like forever as it stops at multiple locations within the resort. Even with a car, it's not nearly as convenient as popping in and out of EP/HS with that skyliner from CB.

If you intend to go back-and-forth to/from the room frequently for naps and meals and such, again, the transportation might be a little hindrance for you, but otherwise, the huge rooms, kitchen, washer/dryer, etc. at OKW is just SO MUCH NICER than a hotel room.

I will have my car with me- so thats def a perk.

 

[hertamaniac]

OKW is my favorite DVC resort. We always do a 2 BR and recently did another trip (I posted a trip report in that section). Food options? A gorgeous boat ride away is Disney Springs. Nice private pools at OKW and full sized washer and dryer make it feel like a residence.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

First, I LOVE OKW so I am a little biased. With OKW, you will also get evening extended hours because it is a deluxe. The only downside (If you are renting points) is that you don't have the same cancelation/reschedule policy. If that makes a difference to you for any reason, you might be better at CB. But, if it were me, OKW all the way!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

OKW is my favorite DVC resort. We always do a 2 BR and recently did another trip (I posted a trip report in that section). Food options? A gorgeous boat ride away is Disney Springs. Nice private pools at OKW and full sized washer and dryer make it feel like a residence.

You saved me typing, because I agree - so many nice things to say about OKW and so many advantages over CB. The relaxing boat ride to DS opens up so many dining options during the stay. With 2 little ones, not sure, but it seems like Magic Kingdom could be a priority for OP. If so, neither location is going to help much with that - you'll be taking a bus or driving anyway. And yes, for as silly as it might sound, having the wash/dry available in the room can be a really big asset - way more flexibility with packing LESS STUFF!! And with little ones, perhaps one less suitcase could be a really big help!

 

[R&RsMom]

If Old Key West, I would suggest you start looking for a rental now. For March 2024, you are within the 7-month window where DVC owners can book at resorts other than their own. Old Key West seems to book up later, so you may be ok. But don’t be surprised if you can’t get a whole week.

 

[hertamaniac]

You saved me typing, because I agree - so many nice things to say about OKW and so many advantages over CB. The relaxing boat ride to DS opens up so many dining options during the stay. With 2 little ones, not sure, but it seems like Magic Kingdom could be a priority for OP. If so, neither location is going to help much with that - you'll be taking a bus or driving anyway. And yes, for as silly as it might sound, having the wash/dry available in the room can be a really big asset - way more flexibility with packing LESS STUFF!! And with little ones, perhaps one less suitcase could be a really big help!

Yeah...I forgot to mention about the full-size kitchen. I think the OP mentioned they are bringing a car and the Publix we go to is a short ride away (north of OKW). We often cook in our villa since we stay for about a week or more at a time. Incidentally, we live about an hour's drive to OKW and it has become our staycation resort as odd as it sounds. We also always have a canal view room which I really enjoy.

The amenities and boat ride make it a relaxing oasis; this is the polar opposite of a hectic resort.

 

[sponica]

Hey there!

So I ve been looking into renting DVC points and I found that I could have a 2 bedroom villa vacation over my kids spring break in March for roughly the same amount as staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. We stayed at the Grand Floridian last December, but wanted something a little more budget friendly. I am having a hard time deciding which resort is better for our family. Im leaning Caribbean for the skyliner .... we are huge foodies. That, and we have two small children 4, and 6. So stroller storage is important.

I got spoiled with a 2BR at Riv last year. That being said the feature pool at CBR is closed spring of 2024. That would nudge me in a different direction, not necessarily in the direction of OKW but we use the feature pool a lot, and that would be a deal breaker for me.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I'd really only choose CBR over OKW if you plan to be at DHS/Ep a lot more than the other parks. The skyliner is a nice perk and outside of summer/t storm season, it's great since it's not down as much as it is and will be in late summer. Beyond that, CBR is meh, especially the bus loop of hell! I've stayed a few times, but not since they started the room refresh that's going on right now. Looks pretty bland overall, nothing to really write home about. OKW has a lot more going for it than CBR. The location is a drawback for OKW given it's bus to every park and it is a large resort so that's a factor I'd consider. The boat to DS is really nice and a fun mode of transportation and of course, you'll have a lot more space at OKW.

My only recommendation with renting points, would be to actually ensure you can get those dates for the 2br villa at OKW. A lot of times dvc rental agencies will advertise what's available with dates and it's not really available when you go to book it. It's hard to always align DVC rentals with your specific travel dates so sometimes you may have to bookend some other hotel accommodations. Also, be sure you're fully aware of the change/cancellation policies if you go the dvc route.

 

[Robbie Cottam]

I'd really only choose CBR over OKW if you plan to be at DHS/Ep a lot more than the other parks. The skyliner is a nice perk and outside of summer/t storm season, it's great since it's not down as much as it is and will be in late summer. Beyond that, CBR is meh, especially the bus loop of hell! I've stayed a few times, but not since they started the room refresh that's going on right now. Looks pretty bland overall, nothing to really write home about. OKW has a lot more going for it than CBR. The location is a drawback for OKW given it's bus to every park and it is a large resort so that's a factor I'd consider. The boat to DS is really nice and a fun mode of transportation and of course, you'll have a lot more space at OKW.

My only recommendation with renting points, would be to actually ensure you can get those dates for the 2br villa at OKW. A lot of times dvc rental agencies will advertise what's available with dates and it's not really available when you go to book it. It's hard to always align DVC rentals with your specific travel dates so sometimes you may have to bookend some other hotel accommodations. Also, be sure you're fully aware of the change/cancellation policies if you go the dvc route.

Dvc is easy to book,
You just have to do it early


Most Dvc resort are full around 6 months
OKW and SSR tend to fill up at or about 3 to 4 months…

Not hard just book early

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Dvc is easy to book,
You just have to do it early


Most Dvc resort are full around 6 months
OKW and SSR tend to fill up at or about 3 to 4 months…

Not hard just book early

Agree, however, if someone has never booked DVC rental points before, the process can be confusing and generally speaking takes more time than booking cash stays directly with Disney. Also, I think for the OP, it's helpful if they're working with a reputable agency that is searching for them now as opposed to browsing already confirmed reservations.

 

[Robbie Cottam]

Agree, however, if someone has never booked DVC rental points before, the process can be confusing and generally speaking takes more time than booking cash stays directly with Disney. Also, I think for the OP, it's helpful if they're working with a reputable agency that is searching for them now as opposed to browsing already confirmed reservations.

Then I would recommend the OP look to the RTB pages, and reach out to an owner….

Most of us will, take the time a new renter needs to explain the process and make sure renter get what they want or the info they need to make informed decisions.

Have never done something before is not a reason not to learn how to do it.

In fact you’re only new once.

Once you have taken the 10 minutes to learn the process and how to protect yourself, rental is easy and painless.

The process is only confusing to someone how starts out with “oh bother, I’ll never be able to do this”.

Like Pink said “all you have to do is try”

To the OP. I don’t have point available for your time frame but I’m happy to explain the process if you want to send me a DM

 

[Victoriapeluso]

I got spoiled with a 2BR at Riv last year. That being said the feature pool at CBR is closed spring of 2024. That would nudge me in a different direction, not necessarily in the direction of OKW but we use the feature pool a lot, and that would be a deal breaker for me.

woah I didnt realize that! Yeah no poop- no go... Im dying to try the RIV

 

[Boopuff]

Okw for the win! It's a quick boat ride to DS, lots of great food options there, and Olivias is a hidden gem. Pools are fun. The size of the room and full kitchen, big porch.... amazing.

 

[rdevans_2000]

I *love* OKW and would recommend it in a second, but if you don't plan on renting a car, it might feel a little too isolated and remote to you compared to hopping on the skyliner. A bus in and out of OKW can feel like forever as it stops at multiple locations within the resort. Even with a car, it's not nearly as convenient as popping in and out of EP/HS with that skyliner from CB.

If you intend to go back-and-forth to/from the room frequently for naps and meals and such, again, the transportation might be a little hindrance for you, but otherwise, the huge rooms, kitchen, washer/dryer, etc. at OKW is just SO MUCH NICER than a hotel room.

Agree with this. I feel the chilled vibe and beautiful grounds at OKW make it the winner. Stay there and rent a car. Plus, you can take a water taxi into Disney Springs and "foodie" yourself into oblivion there!