Opinions on Old Key West

[AmishLou]

A friend suggested we stay at Old Key West in a 2 br villa. Has anyone stayed there and how did it compare to Beach Club Villas, my other choice? All opinions appreciated! Thanks

 

[Baileymouse]

Much bigger! LR is bigger, bedrooms are bigger - the 2nd br in OKW has 2 queen beds instead of 1. Lovely place, just not walking distance to Epcot, lol.

 

[poj7]

Hi.

True that OKW has the largest villas but "large" is a relative term. For most people, the villa size of all other DVC resorts are more than adequate.

Location, in my opinion, at BCV is much better. Walk to Epcot and boat to MGM.

You'll hear VERY strong opinions for both resorts on here. But I think most would agree that both are very nice.

 

[NancyDVC]

Space, lots and lots of space!
OKW is quiet, homelike-with more of a community feeling overall. The Trumbo Ferry to DD is lovely.
Just walking or taking the bus is an experience.
Being able to watch the early morning golfers from the porch. (And that can make for an interesting past time. Maybe all the goofs I see is the reason why I haven't golfed at WDW?)
OKW all the way!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We own points at both with the majority of our points at OKW (we bought there first).

We love OKW for the quiet, parking near our villa, large rooms, big patio/porch, golf course/water view. We love to watch the golfers. We like to eat breakfast at Olivia's. We both can find a great place to run and walk.

We love BCV because it is quiet. My husband and son love Stormalong Bay (I could care less). We like the colors in the room. It is easy to walk to both Epcot and Disney Studios. We can park relatively close to our villa. We like to go over to Beaches and Cream for lunch or snack. We also like the breakfast buffet at Cape May. It's fun to run from the Studios to Epcot via the Boardwalk and around the outside edges.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We like the size of the units (not a big difference, but seems much more spacious anyway), and the vacation home feel rather than the hotel atmosphere. We also like the huge private porches and the "down and out" to the car feature. There is a LOT of storage space in the dedicated 2 bedroom units with the extra walk-in closet in the 2nd bedroom. We also like having 2 queen beds in the second bedroom. The wildlife and golfers make for interesting viewing from the balcony/porch. If you are lucky enough to get a unit along the canal, you can also watch fishermen and boats. We appreciate the smaller quiet pools as well, and bus service is exceptional!

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by Deb & Bill
We own points at both with the majority of our points at OKW (we bought there first).

We love OKW for the quiet, parking near our villa, large rooms, big patio/porch, golf course/water view. We love to watch the golfers. We like to eat breakfast at Olivia's. We both can find a great place to run and walk.

We love BCV because it is quiet. My husband and son love Stormalong Bay (I could care less). We like the colors in the room. It is easy to walk to both Epcot and Disney Studios. We can park relatively close to our villa. We like to go over to Beaches and Cream for lunch or snack. We also like the breakfast buffet at Cape May. It's fun to run from the Studios to Epcot via the Boardwalk and around the outside edges.

Great summary, also number of points needed for a 2BR at OKW are less than BCV. As stated earlier, OKW 2BR is very roomy. OKW is spread out more and you can't just walk down the hall to breakfast unless you are staying in a unit near Olivia's.

 

[Pa@okw95]

I love the one and two bedroom units at OKW. We don't go to the parks much so OKW is great for us. If you like going to the parks a lot I would not stay there, the bus service is an insult. I only use the bus to go to MK. Olivia's is the only restaurant because the units were designed to have long term guests. Olivia's has scored a come back, but is still just a family restaurant. The boat ride to DD is the best attraction left at WDW in my opinion. If you are a park person stay at BWV or BCV.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
I love the one and two bedroom units at OKW. We don't go to the parks much so OKW is great for us. If you like going to the parks a lot I would not stay there, the bus service is an insult. I only use the bus to go to MK. Olivia's is the only restaurant because the units were designed to have long term guests. Olivia's has scored a come back, but is still just a family restaurant. The boat ride to DD is the best attraction left at WDW in my opinion. If you are a park person stay at BWV or BCV.

Just how long has it been since you have traveled by bus to the parks from OKW? We have done it every trip, and the bus service has been superb the past year or two. In fact, I think it is better than for some of the other DVC resorts. We have rarely waited more than a few minutes for a bus.

 

[jarestel]

We've stayed at all of the WDW DVC resorts ( except SSR of course ) and though VWL is our favorite, you can't really go wrong staying at any of them. Whenever we call for reservations, if the primary choice isn't available we are always more than happy to stay at any of the resorts without the slightest regret. We thought OKW was a fabulous place to stay and had no problems at all with transportation. I would definitely recommend staying here if you have the opportunity.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I agree, the busses at OKW are the worst. The whole loop is just alwful. It takes 15 min just to drive around the resort. You could be there by then at the boat at VWL. I was told to get a car during an OKW trip, and didn't listen. I will if I ever stay there again.

BCV is our fav, OKW the last on the list. (not that it is bad, it is a nice resort.) IMO it is more like a Mod resort then a deluxe. The over all resort is lovely, it is laid back and does feel homey. When the staff says welcome home, you feel like they mean it. The rooms are bigger and the points are less, so if that means a lot to you, do it. Just don't compare it to BCV. That is like comparing GF to Port Orleans.

We went from staying at BCV to OKW and it was a disapointment. Now we know better what to expect (of course most places are a dispapointment compared to BCV, we love that place.)

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by DisneyPhD
I agree, the busses at OKW are the worst. The whole loop is just alwful. It takes 15 min just to drive around the resort. You could be there by then at the boat at VWL. I was told to get a car during an OKW trip, and didn't listen. I will if I ever stay there again.

BCV is our fav, OKW the last on the list. (not that it is bad, it is a nice resort.) IMO it is more like a Mod resort then a deluxe. place.)

You are so wrong. OKW is NOT a moderate. The accomodations are far superior, from bed size to room size to in-room amenities. THe buses are NOT awful. As someone who has timed them multiple times, and posted it here, I can say that they are comparable to driving. It takes 10 minutes or less to go through the whole resort. Every time we have these comparison threads some troll has to start bashing.

 

[xlstacey]

I will add my 2 cents here. We stayed at OKW from 1/3 - 1/17 and are happy to report a wonderful trip. The bus service was spectcular never waiting over 2 mintues for any bus anywhere Disney was considered.

This was our first stay w/DVC and we so enjoyed the wonderful Disney attitute, friendlyness and all that it entailed. Upon calling housekeeping, they were at our door w/in 10 minutes .. and we were staying at South Point unit #5625, not a small distance.

We are not new to timeshare and have stayed at some of the very best resorts. OKW rates very high in our book ... very close to a 10 only lacking more resturants and better pool facilities for my kiddos. (The main pool was fabulous, but a tad far away to just hop out and go)

Very spacious bedroom, living room and all.

Good luck, I think anywhere on Disney property is a great choice!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by joepoe
You are so wrong. OKW is NOT a moderate. The accomodations are far superior, from bed size to room size to in-room amenities. THe buses are NOT awful. As someone who has timed them multiple times, and posted it here, I can say that they are comparable to driving. It takes 10 minutes or less to go through the whole resort. Every time we have these comparison threads some troll has to start bashing.

I've said this before so nothing new. I also own most of my points at OKW and it is my favorite and preferred resort. That said, it is like a moderate in many ways. Mostly because of location and lack of other amenties. Certainly from a room standpoint, it is hard to beat and every bit a deluxe in that regard. I just love being able to park at the door and far prefer driving over the bus issue.

We stayed at AKL Thanksgiving of 2002 and found ourselves wishing for OKW with space and a kitchen.

 

[kathleena]

I guess I would turn things around and ask you - what are you looking for in your resort choice?

You really can't go wrong with either one - but if you know your own preferences, then choosing between them should match up with those.

My personal preference is the BCVs for the location. I would just rather be outside of Epcot and have that fabulous pool, Beaches N Cream, the BoardWalk. I get up each AM i'm there and walk around the lake with my coffee mug and get a refill at the BoardWalk Bakery. It is so peaceful and the sunrise is just lovely there. And at night, it's such a nice walk back from Epcot or MGM. You can rent boats at the marina (so can also at OKW....)

Now at OKW as others have mentioned, it's more resort-style than hotel. Ok - here comes my preference and this is not a negative of OKW - just my preference. When I go there, I feel like I'm in Florida. That's it. Just a Florida resort. eh. It's OK. But it's not "wow" like at BCV or BWV. It doesn't make me feel "home".

For me. Just my opinion.

And remember OKW owners, my best friend is an OKW owner and loves it there. I respect everyone's opinion.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I have stayed at both OKW and BCV. It's a win-win for you no matter what you choose.

If you want a super large facility near a golf course. OKW is for you.

If you want the hotel enviornment with Disney's largest swimming pool go for BCV. No, BCV rooms are not as large as OKW's, but they are very spacious and comfy. OKW is very unusual in that you rarely see villas that big.

You'll have a great time no matter which you choose.

 

[GraceDVC]

Wow -- it's a toss-up between OKW and BCV. If you go onto the WDW site, the new videos, complete with music, will give you a "feel" for each resort.

There are times we long to return to OKW, to the beautiful pastel-colored, well-appointed and spacious villa homes and the relaxed island ambience. The buses are just fine; we only take WDW transportation (flying down and not renting a car) and have never had a problem at OKW. I would request to be near the Hospitality House for convenience; you can leave the resort from the HH, and return to the Peninular Road stop just over the bridge (eliminating the ride through the resort). Also, I love the boat ride to Downtown Disney. Aah, wish I was there right now.

We also enjoy the BCV for its convenience into World Showcase at Epcot and also MGM. The choice of restaurants is great, including those at the BW, Swan and Dolphin. Also, the walk around the lake in the morning (before the sun bakes you) is delightful, as are the boat launches to the parks.

If you are taking a long vacation, go to both!!!!

 

[Di-Dis]

Stayed @ OKW Oct. 2003 in 2 bdr. villa, courtesy of my Little Sis. this was our first trip to WDW (for my husband & I) with the accomodations that my sister arranged for us @ OKW, we are spoiled. I wish we could stay there every time. If you can do OKW, don't hesitate DO IT. I can't wait to stay there again. Best accomodations I have ever had from Maui to Montreal, OKW ranks # 1 in our book.

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by DisneyPhD
I agree, the busses at OKW are the worst. ...BCV is our fav, OKW the last on the list. (not that it is bad, it is a nice resort.) IMO it is more like a Mod resort then a deluxe. The over all resort is lovely, it is laid back and does feel homey. When the staff says welcome home, you feel like they mean it. The rooms are bigger and the points are less, so if that means a lot to you, do it. Just don't compare it to BCV. That is like comparing GF to Port Orleans.

We went from staying at BCV to OKW and it was a disapointment. Now we know better what to expect (of course most places are a dispapointment compared to BCV, we love that place.)

I have no idea where YOU stayed. Perhaps you got sidetracked at did stay at Port Orleans and thought you were at OKW? I don't think any bus service could be worse than that between MK and BCV, period. And to compare OKW with Port Orleans is just absurd. I think the OP was looking for specifics, not to start a thread to slam any resort.

BTW, I own at both OKW and BCV and love them for similar and varied reasons. No reason to be obnoxious and misleading.

 

[childsplay]

Originally posted by DisneyPhD

OKW...(not that it is bad, it is a nice resort.) Just don't compare it to BCV. That is like comparing GF to Port Orleans.

I'm not sure this is a fair assessment or characterization of the resorts in question......... Yes OKW and BCV villas are different, but they are both still deluxe resorts.