old key west ??

[DiznNut]

We will be heading to Old Key West this saturday and we are thrilled!! Can't wait to get there. I am trying to get all my things lined up and packed for the big trip and was just wanting to know what extras I will need to pack for our first visit as DVC members. We will be staying in a studio for our first visit. We bought a small amount of points just to see how we like it and I already want to add on. Hubby says to add on if I want to, but I am the conservative one and I want to wait to see if it really is that magical. I know if I like it, I will be calling my guide while I am there. Thanks in advance for your willingness to help!!

 

[MinnieGirl33]

If DH is agreeable I would be running (not walking) to a phone to call my guide!

We just got back from OKW on the 23rd & had a wonderful time as always .

Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

 

[Caskbill]

We own at OKW, 13 years now, and love it. But you should realize that of all the DVC resorts/room combinations available, a Studio at OKW is probably the least magical of any DVC vacation. Studios at OKW are as close to a regular hotel room as you get. Whenever we stay at OKW we always get a 1-B/R villa, they are the largest of any DVC resort. But when we want to save points we will get a Studio, but at BWV, BCV, VWL, or SSR since all those resorts have a single bed and pull out sofa instead of the double beds at OKW Studios. When rooms have the sofa, they truly feel more like a Studio.

While OKW studios have the kitchenette area, it's off to the side. The room still feels more like a regular hotel room.

When you're there, if you get any chance at all to see a 1-B/R unit, do so. You might also consider taking the tour at SSR, if you haven't already done so.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I totally agree with Caskbill. Do not leave OKW without requesting a walk through of either a 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom villa. They are awesome!

Many people love studios. But I am of the opinion that if I were going to book a studio, I might as well book a hotel room.

Please, Please, Please go look at the 1 & 2-bedroom villas! And listen to your husband. Get the extra points so you can get the bigger room.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Yep, I agree too. The best way to "try out" DVC is to get at least a 1 bedroom at OKW! That will blow you away! The studio....not so much. Too much like a hotel room.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Just wanted to add about the OKW studios though........as far as being DVC Members and wanting to use points, we REALLY appreciate the 2 regular queen beds that we get at the OKW studios. So for us---if we're staying in a studio on points----OKW is the only way to go. My kids don't like sleeping on the foldout couch that you get at VWL, BWV, BCV & SSR. Now, if you're 1 person or a couple, I could totally see staying in the other DVC studios. So what is one person's least magical choice, might be another's preference. For now, OKW is our choice for studio accomodations. Also, we don't have the exact room measurements, but have felt that OKW studios are roomier than the other ones. (But I do agree 1 & 2 BR's are the way to go )

 

[Fitswimmer]

I have two nights next week at OKW in a 2 bedroom villa and I was thrilled to read all the positive comments on this thread! Now I know I made the right choice!

 

[halld6479]

we are setting here in a 2 bedroom right now it is huge, we have never stayed at dvc ususally some place like pop we bought in at SSR but had already rented points and didn't want to screw the nice guy that rented them to us so we used rented and then will move over to SSR to use last years points. there is 2 teenage boy and girl and hubby and I we have plenty of room and kids loves this place

 

[dianeschlicht]

we are setting here in a 2 bedroom right now it is huge, we have never stayed at dvc ususally some place like pop we bought in at SSR but had already rented points and didn't want to screw the nice guy that rented them to us so we used rented and then will move over to SSR to use last years points. there is 2 teenage boy and girl and hubby and I we have plenty of room and kids loves this place

I'm anxious to hear your comparison of the 2 bedrooms at the two resorts. We have never stayed in the SSR 2 bedroom (only a studio). I'm sure you will find the SSR unit very well appointed, but I'm also sure you will prefer the layout of OKW and that huge balcony! Be sure to let us know!

 

[DiznNut]

Thanks all!! I am glad to hear that you all really enjoy OKW. I can't wait to get there this weekend! Is there any particular location that you all would recommend us to ask for at this resort? By the way, do I need to pack things like paper plates, plastic utensils or are they provided? We plan on having breakfast and light snacks in the room and eating out mainly for dinner each night. Thanks!

 

[Caskbill]

Thanks all!! I am glad to hear that you all really enjoy OKW. I can't wait to get there this weekend! Is there any particular location that you all would recommend us to ask for at this resort? By the way, do I need to pack things like paper plates, plastic utensils or are they provided? We plan on having breakfast and light snacks in the room and eating out mainly for dinner each night. Thanks!

In a Studio you will have paper plates, paper bowls, plasticware, and some basic utensils. There's a small refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, and small microwave.

If you use the bowls for cereal, and wash them lightly right away, they'll be good for several uses. Same with the plasticware. You'll get real glasses and coffee cups. There'll be a small bottle of liquid detergent.

The photo below is a BWV Studio. Your OKW studio kitchenette area will be similar.

 

[byoung]

I agree OKW is great. We own at BWV but I do like to stay at OKW.

 

[DiznNut]

Great!!! I love hearing all these great compliments on Old Key West. And thank you for all the wonderful and helpful info. The photo helped alot. It appears that the studio at OKW is set up very similar to the ones at HHI that we stayed in last December. Can't wait to go. 3 days and I will be on my way there!!!!! Thanks again to all! You're the greatest!!

 

[jdvm]

If you can't stay in a one bedroom...at least try to have a look at one. It's a real home versus a hotel room-----but a very nice hotel room

 

[MonkeyPants]

We own at OKW, 13 years now, and love it. But you should realize that of all the DVC resorts/room combinations available, a Studio at OKW is probably the least magical of any DVC vacation. Studios at OKW are as close to a regular hotel room as you get. Whenever we stay at OKW we always get a 1-B/R villa, they are the largest of any DVC resort. But when we want to save points we will get a Studio, but at BWV, BCV, VWL, or SSR since all those resorts have a single bed and pull out sofa instead of the double beds at OKW Studios. When rooms have the sofa, they truly feel more like a Studio.

While OKW studios have the kitchenette area, it's off to the side. The room still feels more like a regular hotel room.

When you're there, if you get any chance at all to see a 1-B/R unit, do so. You might also consider taking the tour at SSR, if you haven't already done so.

I dont know that I would say least magical. I've stayed in every type of room at OKW at one time or another. And yes The studio doesnt compare to the others nor feel like more than a nice hotel room, it does IMO have some nice features. Compared to the studios at other DVC resorts, it features 2 queen size beds, vs the 1 queen and pull-out sofa bed, which I have never found comfortable. Its cheap in tems of points which is excellent in value terms (and for many will equal more days/longer vacation). If you aren't traveling with many people or you aren't planning to stay at the resort/in the room for much time, then the studio is a good choice (as it was for my cousin and I when we would use his mom's points ) But if you want to spend time at the resort and have a more 'homie' feel, you must check out the other rooms. The amount of room is indeed extremely impressive.

Have fun.

 

[Diznut84]

We've stayed in OKW studios, 1BRs, and 2BRs. My kids don't care as long as we are on grounds. My wife and I prefer the 1BR, but if it means staying more than twice as long, the studio it is!

Have fun!

 

[halld6479]

I was ask to post after our stay at both "homes" I tell you it is hard to make a call both are simply lovely and both makes vacation special. we bought in at SSR and after staying first at okw I was a bit nervious as to how my family would expect ssr to be and they loved both after spending 5 days at OKW and four days here the finally answer was we want to make SSR our returning home from now on. we feel a bit more comfortable here nothing is to far away for us and rooms are smaller but fine for our family of four two which are teenagers. the buses were never a problem here while at OKW we did on two park visits wait almost 30 minutes at the bus stop at the resort.yes at the present time SSR could us a nice set down upscale food area but I looked at it as DD is very close and we aren't here to do alot of set down meals in our case. the turf club wasn't ready yet to show off there new addition so can't share any info on it.We toured all rooms on the display homes and all were very nice here at SSR. I can't see why so many are disapointed in SSR it is beautiful and I am darn proud I join back in Jan. After visiting SSR I think I could get on a plane and fly down to enjoy this place and I can't tell you how scard of flying I am but this place calls my name to hurry back.