Old Key West

[surgefest]

I will be staying at Old Key West for the first time and was wondering if anyone had any information on it. What is the Best building to stay in and why? I am looking for a quiet building with a nice view. Also is there a path to walk to Downtown Disney? If so how long of a walk is it and where does it leave you in Downtown Disney? Any other information would be greatly Appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Welcome.

The path to DTD can be found near the back of the resort (building 54 or so). It takes about fifteen minutes (at a pleasant stroll) to walk to DTD. The path brings you to the West Side near the HoB and Cirque.

The best building? Really depends upon what you wish to be near. All buildings have a nice view as the place encompasses a golf course.

I prefer the back of the resort because I like the peace and quiet there, and I like to walk.

 

[dianeschlicht]

There is no real "best building" as all have their own special charm. For your requirements though, anything from building 45-46 or 55-56 would be great. The DTD walkway exits OKW near building 56.

 

[NoNotMe]

DD and I were at DTD today so we timed the walk from HOB to the closest building at Old key West. It took us almost 30 minutes. This was at 1:00 in the afternoon with a temp of 98 degree and heat index at approximately 105. There is a water fountain along the walkway and a community water thingy like constuction workers use along a putting green. We took the boat back to DTD since I thought I was going to die.

 

[SWVA BGSU Fan]

My family really liked building 25 because of the easy walk to Oliva's and the main pool area. We didn't notice too much noice there. We also had a good view of one of the golf greens.

Building 33 was further away from check in and Olivia's. It was peaceful there and we had an easy walk to a quiet pool. Oh yes, we were also able to view one of the golf course fairways which was relaxing to me. Looks like there might be a trend about seeing a golf course and my impression of the building

Seriously, we love OKW and think all the rooms are great for relaxing and enjoying your vacation.

 

[dianeschlicht]

30 MINUTES?!?!?!? I have walked it many times in less than 15, but not in that heat, so that might be why. It is a nice winding path along the canal and quite idylic, but not lighted, so don't attempt it at night.

 

[surgefest]

Thanks for all of the info everyone! so now i know it isnt lighted and i wont try and walk the path at night. Let me just say also i am a DVC member i usually stay at the Wilderness lodge or beach club villas. I have also stayed at Vero, Hilton Head, and the Boardwalk. But old key west is a first for us. We were looking at buildings 45-46. has anyone ever stayed in either. or does anyone have any insight into the buildings they have stayed in? Also does anyone have ANY advice or tips on staying at old key west? How is the bus Service? we will be traveling with 3 adults. Any info would be greatly appreciated! thanks!

 

[surgefest]

Also i forgot to ask. How was parking in front of each building? Also does anyone happen to know what buildings have elevators? And how inconvient is it to talk around the resort or to walk to the pool if your building isnt close? are there easy walking paths or do you have to walk around where the main road is? Has anyone Rented a boat from there before? I have rented boats from WL and taken it to the front of the MK and other resorts for a pretty view. is it worth it to take to downtown disney and to see saratoga? Thanks so much!

 

[geffric]

OMG so many questions at the same time..


First of all OKW is our home resort and we have been there every year since 1993, IMHO, there isn't a bad building in the place. However, we don't like to be on Miller's Rd since we drive to Disney and parking isn't right out your door at the end of Miller's road like it is for all of the other buidings.

There are easy walking paths in the resort plus an internal bus that can take you around too. We never had a issue with getting to a pool or bus stop, they are conveniently located to every building.

There is a boat that runs to downtown disney from OKW, runs about every 30 minutes. Great ride and fun to do.

don't know if I answered your questions, We love OKW. it is home to us.

 

[las3888]

I think most of the views are really pretty nice. I have read recently that some of the "woods" view rooms are fairly noisy backing up to the highway now. I guess hurricane damage has made the trees very sparse. I wouldn't worry too much about your building number...try to focus on what kind of view you want. I think the main choices are golf course, woods or water. From there you might want to request near a bus stop or near a pool or near hospitality house or whatever is important to you. You might then ask for a certain floor if that's important to you.

Good luck. We tried it for the first time about 2 years ago and really enjoyed it.

 

[SueM in MN]

Also i forgot to ask. How was parking in front of each building?

Each building has a lot right in front of it, pretty much adequate for that building (except for building 64, which has no parking lot in front). Here is a link to a map of OKW.

Also does anyone happen to know what buildings have elevators?

62, 63 and 64

And how inconvient is it to talk around the resort or to walk to the pool if your building isnt close? are there easy walking paths or do you have to walk around where the main road is?

There are quiet pools scattered around and also a large secondary pool at Old Turtle Pond Road. That pool has a snack bar and things like a shuffleboard court.
We were in building 48 on our last trip. My FIL rode the bus to the HH (where the main pool is). The rest of us walked - about a 10 minute walk.

Has anyone Rented a boat from there before? I have rented boats from WL and taken it to the front of the MK and other resorts for a pretty view. is it worth it to take to downtown disney and to see saratoga? Thanks so much!

We rent a boat every year. Besides going to DD, you can go the other direction and go by Port Orleans Riverside and New Orleans and then go back the same way to get back to OKW. A round trip (OKW to DD to Port Orleans Riverside back to OKW) is about 1 hour with a pontoon boat. A pretty boat ride.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks for all of the info everyone! so now i know it isnt lighted and i wont try and walk the path at night. Let me just say also i am a DVC member i usually stay at the Wilderness lodge or beach club villas. I have also stayed at Vero, Hilton Head, and the Boardwalk. But old key west is a first for us. We were looking at buildings 45-46. has anyone ever stayed in either. or does anyone have any insight into the buildings they have stayed in? Also does anyone have ANY advice or tips on staying at old key west? How is the bus Service? we will be traveling with 3 adults. Any info would be greatly appreciated! thanks!

Building 45-46 are excellent views! Easy walking access to main and south point pools, but a bit of a hike to the bus stop. We loved the view at 46! It's right on the canal. All OKW units have parking right outside your door. Bus service has been superior in the past several years. We always take the bus, and find the service to be more than adequate. Yes, you might have to take the stairs to your unit, but the stairs are easy rise ones, and even myself and DH have no problems getting our arthritic bodies up them. Buildings 62, 63, and 64 are the only ones with elevators.

 

[dianeschlicht]

BTW, OKW has sidewalks, so no need to walk in the roads.

 

[thelobstershanty]

BTW, OKW has sidewalks, so no need to walk in the roads.

Now Diane, you know it does not matter if their are sidewalks or not, people will still walk in the roads. It amazes us how normally wise and sane people who would never walk in the roads at home, just stroll right down the middle of the roads at WDW with babies and toddlers in tow; when there is a sidewalk less than 2 feet away from them.

 

[REL1203]

Bringing up an old threat, can some one tell me which buildings have the best water views (and maybe a slight golf cart view)? I would like something near one of the pools (doesnt really matter as long as I can get wait (which pools, if any, have a bar near them?).

Anyone have any pics of their views they want to share with their accompanying building numbers?

 

[REL1203]

not one reply? Come one please

 

[dianeschlicht]

not one reply? Come one please

Not many photos, but here is the map so you can see which buildings are close to pools, golfcourse, and waterways.

Frankly, I haven't stayed in a bad building yet in almost 30 stays.