Old Key West

[timandlesley]

We are considering buying points from a DVC member to stay at either Old Key West or BWV for our vacation in June. I know nothing about these resorts. Got lots of answers today about BWV but need some about Old Key West. How is the transportation? Where does the boat launch take you? Any other overall comments?
Thanks,
Lesley

 

[jonestavern]

We just got back last Sunday from OKW (and REALLY wish we were back there right now ).

It was our first trip to this resort and we really enjoyed it. We stayed in building 38, and although it sits near Bonnet Creek Parkway, the traffic noise was unnoticeable from within the room, and the bamboo, hibiscus and palms outside really screened any view of the traffic. The room (a 1 bedroom lockoff) was large, light, clean and well appointed. The bus transportation was nearby and efficient, and although we didn't get to use the revamped pool, it looks great and we'll be sure to slip in next time .

The boat takes you to SSR and DTD. It's a pleasureable one hour round trip (especially if long time CM Linda is your captain ).

The Gurgling Suitcase is a nice respite that gives an instantly comfortable feel.

All in all, we loved it there, and will gladly return once we've managed to sample the rest of the DVC offerings.

Chris, Jean & Patrick

 

[bongo59]

best avantage of OKW is that it is the only resort that you can park your car next to your unit..............so if youre a driver you'll love it............It also has th elargest units in size which you will also like..............if youre a golfer the LBV golf links surrond it and go throught it so it is close..............if your a bus person you probably wont like it.............OKW busses are a bit slow and it is not really close to anything in terms of walking..............it has a 6 month old renovated pool..............Mickey Sand Castle..............and it is the genesis of all things DVC...............it is where it all started..................Oliva's is there and it is a real nice place to stay.....................it is also the cheapest resort in terms of points so for a renter that is a big plus.

 

[mom22boys]

We stayed at OKW in a studio in November and absolutely loved it! We were in building #20. We were seconds away from the bus stop, quiet pool, and laundry facilities. We were a 5-7 minute walk from HH. We always walked to HH. It was such an enjoyable walk even with a 5 and 2 year old. We thought the buses were outstanding! We typically waited 3-5 minutes for a bus, both at the resort and at the parks. The bus ride to MGM and Epcot is very short. The boat ride to DTD is very enjoyable. At OKW you are close to a lot of action without actually being in the action. We thought the location of OKW on Disney property was perfect for our family. We also thought the atmosphere at OKW was right for our family. We absolutely loved sitting on our balcony. We had a beautiful water and golf course view. Our room was clean, bright, and nicely decorated. The kitchenette was very useful in preparing breakfast and snacks. The bathroom was huge and provided plenty of room for our family of four. The new water slide was fun. Our 5 year old went down it countless times. I highly recommend staying at OKW.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[JimMIA]

We are considering buying points from a DVC member to stay at either Old Key West or BWV for our vacation in June. I know nothing about these resorts. Got lots of answers today about BWV but need some about Old Key West. How is the transportation? Where does the boat launch take you?

Hi Lesley,

I see two primary differences between OKW and BWV. The first is the type of resort -- BWV is attached to a Disney luxury hotel; OKW is a stand-alone resort, which is more like a condo complex. So, BWV has the amenities of a hotel, OKW has the open space and parking at your door. BWV is in the middle of the Boardwalk action; OKW is quiet and tranquil.

The second difference is the location. BWV is located between Epcot and MGM; OKW is located near Downtown Disney. BWV is obviously within walking distance of two resorts. You will hear comments about OKW being "out of the way," but if you look at a map, you will see that it is located almost in the geographic center of WDW, and is reasonably close to all of the theme parks. (I can drive to any theme park from OKW in 10 minutes)

Despite the comments above on the buses, I think most people will tell you OKW has the best buses of any of the DVC resorts. All resorts provide free bus and/or boat transportation to each of the theme parks and DTD. However, over time, I have heard a lot more complaints about the shared buses at the Epcot resorts than I have about OKW. As mentioned above, the boats take you to SSR and DTD. From BWV, the boats take you to Epcot and MGM.

Both resorts are great choices, and both are far better than most vacation accommodations you will find. I would make my choice based on what type of vacation I was looking for. If you prefer the hotel/in-the-middle-of-the-action ambiance -- or if you are going to spend most of your time at Epcot and/or MGM -- choose BWV. If you want a little peace and quiet, choose OKW. If I were driving (which we always do), I would choose OKW for the park-at-your-door convenience.

Any other overall comments?

OKW will cost slightly less and the unit sizes are larger, but I wouldn't base my decision on that. It's a negligible difference when you consider the overall cost of the vacation, so I'd choose the one which contributes the most to your overall experience.

 

[SueOKW]

Jim said it all..

i love okw btw!

 

[JimMIA]

Naw...Sue said it all:

"These are Your Verandah Rights: You have the right to sit on your verandah. You have the right to have a beverage served to you on your verandah. If you do not choose your beverage, one will be chosen for you."

 

[timandlesley]

Thanks so much Jim for taking the time to describe both resorts to me in such detail, I really appreciate it and you will make making a decision SO much easier. THANK YOU!!!!

Lesley

Hi Lesley,

I see two primary differences between OKW and BWV. The first is the type of resort -- BWV is attached to a Disney luxury hotel; OKW is a stand-alone resort, which is more like a condo complex. So, BWV has the amenities of a hotel, OKW has the open space and parking at your door. BWV is in the middle of the Boardwalk action; OKW is quiet and tranquil.

The second difference is the location. BWV is located between Epcot and MGM; OKW is located near Downtown Disney. BWV is obviously within walking distance of two resorts. You will hear comments about OKW being "out of the way," but if you look at a map, you will see that it is located almost in the geographic center of WDW, and is reasonably close to all of the theme parks. (I can drive to any theme park from OKW in 10 minutes)

Despite the comments above on the buses, I think most people will tell you OKW has the best buses of any of the DVC resorts. All resorts provide free bus and/or boat transportation to each of the theme parks and DTD. However, over time, I have heard a lot more complaints about the shared buses at the Epcot resorts than I have about OKW. As mentioned above, the boats take you to SSR and DTD. From BWV, the boats take you to Epcot and MGM.

Both resorts are great choices, and both are far better than most vacation accommodations you will find. I would make my choice based on what type of vacation I was looking for. If you prefer the hotel/in-the-middle-of-the-action ambiance -- or if you are going to spend most of your time at Epcot and/or MGM -- choose BWV. If you want a little peace and quiet, choose OKW. If I were driving (which we always do), I would choose OKW for the park-at-your-door convenience.

OKW will cost slightly less and the unit sizes are larger, but I wouldn't base my decision on that. It's a negligible difference when you consider the overall cost of the vacation, so I'd choose the one which contributes the most to your overall experience.

 

[Steamboat Marti]

I wish people would stop saying how great OKW is -- it's supposed to our secret!!!

I've never had a bad time there, I think its the best resort for all of the above reasons and it is the one place that we really relax.

 

[ccw]

My teenage sons prefer BW to OKW (we are DVC members at OKW) but I WAAAAY prefer OKW for all of the reasons mentioned previously by others. I really disliked the long corridors at BW...felt like I was hemmed in as opposed to OKW where I can walk right outside my door and either be on the balcony with a golf, water, or at worst, tree or shrubbery view (my BW view was a parking lot) or out the front door, I am on my way down the outdoor steps either to my car or for a nice walk thru the lushly landscaped grounds. Stayed at a Grand Villa last month and it was just wonderful! Have done OKW with and without car...car made it easiest to go from OKW to another resort for dinner but, to parks or Downtown Disney, the bus or boat work just great! Never crowded...very reasonable wait times.