Old Key West

[rhonda_2003]

We've never stayed deluxe before and are looking forward to it in May. What is something we need to be sure not to overlook at OKW? We were just at CSR in December and had a wonderful time. We are staying in a 2 bedroom, a total of 4 adults and 5 kiddos. And I have made no ADR's because I am having trouble trying to plan a 2nd trip so soon after having come home from the last one.... Never thought that would be a problem!

 

[disney*mom*82]

Im very curious about this too. I know there is an OKW thread under the DVC member area. DH just suprised me Friday with booking OKW for July. We have enver stayed deluxe and will be at POR in March, but I know nothing about OKW. Would love to hear more about it. We also will have a 2 bedroom.

 

[monorailmom]

We just stayed at OKW in November. We had a fabulous stay here in a 2br villa. The bus service was the best we've ever had.

Some things to consider: the quick service dining is almost non existent. The Good's To Go is really just a small window with a few offerings that really aren't very good. The refill stations for your refillable mug are very small and really not worth it. The Gurgling Suitcase lounge, though is very nice and we enjoyed getting a drink there in the evening, and enjoying the views from the picnic tables just outside it. Many people love the table service restaurant Olivia's, but we didn't have a chance to try it.

We loved the pool here. Always plenty of room when we'd come back to the resort for our midday break. If you have kids, the young adults who run the pool programs are just great...we had a great time watching them even though our kids were a little old for most of the activities.

One tip..we were in building 27, which in my opinion was the perfect place to be. It was a quick walk to the Hospitality House, and there was a bus stop just outside our building. We had a nice view of the other buildings, and a fountain outisde our balcony.

Have a magical stay, I hope this info helped!

 

[Karabee]

I absolutely love OKW - and I don't think it gets enough credit! For me, breakfast at Olivias, the boat the DTD and the waterslide are some of the perks. I also really liked renting the smaller boat to take all the way to DTD and get a water view of it, that's nice treat. Perhaps the best part of OKW is just the relaxation. I really feel that Im getting away from the parks and able to relax - for me, that's what I need after a morning of crowds.

 

[schoen]

I have stayed at Old Key West several times. I love it there. I am a big fan of having a car at OKW, because you can't walk to any of the parks, and you can park RIGHT outside your villa. I also like it because you could have a room very far from the Hospitality House, and it is nice to not have to get on a bus to run to the front desk.

It is a beautiful and fun resort. Have Fun!

 

[KatMark]

We stayed at OKW in Septrmber and I am at OKW right now. Love everything about it; bus service has been amazing.

 

[gohappy92]

We stayed at OKW last May... and we loved it! Like the pp said, counter service food is not that good, with very slim pickings...LOL
We did eat a couple of times at Olivia's, and that was fine.
The resort is spread out... but the landscaping is beautiful! We never minded the walk to the hospitality house, enjoying the property is part of it's charm. It has a relaxing, tropical atmosphere.
I would suggest that you visit a grocery store, or have a grocery delivery company bring you deli meat, bread, etc. for those times you need a quick bite to eat.
Enjoy!

 

[hmillerbarilla]

OKW is a wonderful resort. We're DVC members and LOVE it. We own at BLT and BCV, but OKW is the resort my children ask to stay at!

Yes, the counter service is lacking, but it's sufficient and good. The pool is great for kids of all ages, and the sand play area is a hit with my little one.

I love the relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful views. I love the people there as well. This is the resort where the mom next to you will share her sand toys or the Dad will watch your stroller while you run to get drinks. It is just such a homey and welcoming place to stay.

Go to community hall! It again, is what my kids pick to do. Go to the parks, or, stay and watch a movie with everyone in community hall? OKW always wins. It is a great time. You'll love it! It really feels like a vacation.

 

[rhonda_2003]

Thanks for the info. I am looking forward to this stay! I am sure we will have a great time at OKW

 

[nolanboys]

One thing we do when staying in the villas is send down a box with cereal, snacks, Mac and cheese, pasta sauce, noodles, etc. We eat all our breakfasts in the room and a couple of lunches and a dinner. You can also use a grocery delivery place like garden grocer or wegoshop to deliver your food- they will even make a special stop for liquor. We make full use having the kitchen even if we just use it to make simple meals. OKW is one of our favorite places to stay. We love the rooms (master bdrm bathroom is awesome and love full size washer and dryer), Olivia's for lunch, all the activities. Have a great time!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

As you can tell by my username, we are OKW lovers, too. It is the resort with the largest accommodations and you get the bonus of parking directly in front of your vacation home (if that matters to you).

The place is ideal for those who like to walk, and swim! There are four pools, two are quite private and nice. There are hot tubs, and of course the sauna hiding in the base of the light house.

The campfire events are fun! They have great CMs there who really love their jobs.

The walkway to DTD is very nice, paved and runs along the canal. It's shady all the way so you can take the walk on the sunniest day.

The bikes, and surreys and boats are great fun too.

Olivia's is one of the best kept secrets on property. Nice food, and great service.

Do buy your supplies offsite though. Publix does a very nice variety of prepared foods that make living easy (and budget friendly).

Also, Whole Foods has a great selection of prepared foods, but is a bit pricier than Publix. But hey! You're on vacation, eh?

Enjoy!

 

[fostrmom2mny]

Do you know where I could go to find a list of items that would be in their villas? Such as laundry soap, toothepast, bath soap, and what kitchen tools? Thanks.

 

[hmillerbarilla]

I know the Disaney food blog website has a list with pics about what to expect in your villa and allears does have pics as well.

 

[sharadoc]

Do you know where I could go to find a list of items that would be in their villas? Such as laundry soap, toothepast, bath soap, and what kitchen tools? Thanks.

They have a full set of pots and dishes and all the basic utensils. Mixing bowls, storage bowls, pitcher. Dish soap, sponge and dish towels. In the bathroom you get the standard soap, shampoo conditioner and shower gel. Nothing personal like toothpaste or mouthwash. If you are paying cash, you'll get a box of laundry soap every day left on the washer. We like to bring Purex all in one sheets that have soap, softener and a dryer sheet all together.

All ears will list everything for you under their accommodations section.

 

[spiceycat]

here is some information on OKW -
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/okw.htm

this use to be my favorite resort. It is very peaceful and calm. but really wanted the monrail so sold my OKW for BLT.

 

[ToddRN]

Definitely, definitely eat at Olivia's!!! They have a great bread they serve with meals, and their breakfast's are awesome!!!

 

[mlittig]

I absolutely love Old Key West and can't wait to go back in April I highly recommend Olivia's for dinner as they have the most awesome prime rib with super yummy Olivia's potatoes I have had some of the best bus service at Old Key West and the boat ride to DownTown is such a marvelous perk Happy planning and I hope your trip is magical

 

[Belle599]

Ahhhhh, Old Key West. Just thinking about that resort makes me feel relaxed.

If you want to have a WDW vacation where you feel truly relaxed and refreshed when you come home, then OKW is the place for you!!

Feel free to check out my Sept 2011 Trip Report (link in my siggy) for some photos of the resort, I stayed 5 nights at OKW + 1 night at AS Sports.

 

[mkoerner]

Thank you all for the great information! My son, grandson, and I will be staying in a 1 bdrm in late August for 10 days. Just 1 more question. Can anyone tell me where we catch the DTD boat? That was a huge factor in our resort decision because I can not stand those DTD busses.

 

[KatMark]

Thank you all for the great information! My son, grandson, and I will be staying in a 1 bdrm in late August for 10 days. Just 1 more question. Can anyone tell me where we catch the DTD boat? That was a huge factor in our resort decision because I can not stand those DTD busses.

The boats are behind the hospitality house. As you are walking to the boats, you'll have the store and Olivia's on the left and the hospitality house on the right. The boats are at the end of the walkway. We used them last week to go to DTD and it was terrific.