Old key west ??

[MzEeyore]

I was going to surprise my mom with a stay at the Grand Floridian this May but since I told my 2 sisters about it and they have invited themselves along, I am having secoond thoughts about all of us in one room since that brings the total to 5 girls. My middle sister let it slip to Mom what I was planning on doing so now we are looking at a 2 bedroom villa at Old Key West since Mom doesn't want to be trapped in a room with only 1 bathroom with all of us lol.
I have never stayed here and would like to know more about it from those who have stayed there. What is the transportation like? We will have my car down there so if the buses are horrid, we can drive to the parks. What is the atmosphere like? Tell me everything!!
Thanks,
Joanie

 

[jaysue]

OKW 2BR units are huge (1300 square feet +)

Buildings over #30 have two separate entrances into MB bathroom otherwise have to walk through the MB to get to the MB bathroom

The 2BR comprised of a 1BR and a studio - the studio will have its own bathroom with tub/shower combo

The MB bathroom has a massive whirlpool tub and a large walk-in shower

They have a full kitchen, kitchen table with seating for four plus a patio table and chairs (on the patio), couch, loveseat and sitting chair

OKW is a laid back tropical type resort - has many buildings laid out (2-3 stories tall) across the property and has quiet pools spreadout (3) in addition to the main pool area - it is quite lovely

The bus transportation system is quite good with waits normally about 15 minutes - we find that driving (we have kids) works well to MGM and AK - Epcot is a tossup and MK is always better to take Bus transportation to avoid parking at the TTC and having to take the monorail or ferry

Feel free to ask away, we have stayed there 3 times now ranging from a studio to a 1BR to a 2BR

thanks
jaysue

 

[MzEeyore]

Does the main pool have a slide? I've looked at a few pictures but didn't see one.
Thanks for helping!
Joanie

 

[sk8belle]

OKW is, so far, my favorite DVC resort. The rooms are huge, the grounds are very peaceful as it is set somewhat away from the parks and other resorts, and the resort itself is just gorgeous. You have the advantage of being able to cook in the room if you are looking to save some money or just take a break from the parks. When I was there, I found transportation to be kind of slow, but it really depends on who you talk to. Others have had better luck with the buses. The launch to DD is a rather cool method of transportation, too.

If I may suggest, you might want to check out the DVC board. You'll get PLENTY of other opinions over there!

Sk8belle

 

[TDC Nala]

the 2 BR at OKW is a lot bigger than my condo at home. Should be plenty of room.

There are no pool slides at the main pool or any of the auxiliary pools.

If you have a car, you'll be able to park it very near your room if not right outside your door.

OKW has several bus stops and it can take awhile to cycle through all of them because the resort is HUGE. I have had generally good luck with the buses, though.

If you're going to Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island, it's a short bus ride unless you're cycling through all the OKW bus stops first.

 

[jaysue]

You can walk to DTD from OKW (South Point area Building #55), I did not find the bus cycling to be that much of an issue but I am used to riding buses and subways with lots of stops

They are going to add a slide at the OKW main pool but no firm date has been set yet

There is a boat to DTD as well that leaves from the main Hospitality House area

thanks
jaysue