Opinions on Old Key West

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by PADVCmember@OKW
I actually had to laugh at the DVC promo on the "DVC channel" which showed a guest swinging a golf club in the living area of a BCV one BR. That just isn't going to happen!

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[Desperado]

Originally posted by DisneyPhD
Bus problems aside, I still think if you compare OKW to other Deluxe and DVC resorts it really can be disapointing. If you look at it as another alterntive (with less points and bigger rooms) it has it's very own speical charms that the others don't. Being spread out (like a mod resort) does make things much for difficult for a family with young children and stroller. It think if it was just hubby and I, I wouldn't have minded so much. I must admit when the staff said welcome home I felt they really ment it. I also loved all the DVC pictures of guests all over the restants and other places.

You raise some good points. I understand comparison of OKW to other moderate resorts considering resort layout and transportation options, while certainly not in room size availability. It is nice to have hotel style amenities in a resort, and close proximity access. Those who think OKW is great, more power to them, glad they enjoy thier resort. For us, if we were asked to prioritize all DVC resorts in order of preference and priority, it would be at the bottom, behind HH and Vero, which have thier special attraction with the ocean. Many dissagree with that ranking, as they are welcome to do.

Just an opinion of OKW as you asked for.

 

[Richyams]

OKW is by far, our favorite. Its pretty simple, I just can't deal with the tiny rooms at the other DVC resorts.

I think its laughable that they say a BWV two bedroom sleeps 8.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
This is what I was thinking too Diane ? I know alot of the studios are a bit overrun with plants/vegetation, but we've never had this problem off the balcony of a 1 or 2 bedroom. In fact, we've always gotten the best views with our villas. My kids love sitting on the porch and feeding the ducks at the water's edge when we get a ground floor.

We had a 1 bedroom in building 28 that had very little view except trees/vegetation. It was along a golf course fairway. After that, I have requested water views the last 2 years. We had great views both times in building 31 & 43. Lots of ducks, birds & rabbits.

I own at BWV and we stay there in early December, but we also like OKW and stay there for our May trip. It works out great. Our May trip is more laid back, we go out frequently in the car, so OKW works better. We rarely use the busses, we prefer the car. Then in December BWV works out better because we are closer to the Christmas activities and love the holiday atmosphere there. That's the great thing about DVC - many choices with even more coming!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by DebbieB
We had a 1 bedroom in building 28 that had very little view except trees/vegetation. It was along a golf course fairway. After that, I have requested water views the last 2 years. We had great views both times in building 31 & 43. Lots of ducks, birds & rabbits.

I own at BWV and we stay there in early December, but we also like OKW and stay there for our May trip. It works out great. Our May trip is more laid back, we go out frequently in the car, so OKW works better. We rarely use the busses, we prefer the car. Then in December BWV works out better because we are closer to the Christmas activities and love the holiday atmosphere there. That's the great thing about DVC - many choices with even more coming!

AHA! I do understand that, because we were in a 1 bedroom in building 29 this trip, and it too had a lot of landscaping grown up so that we could not see the golf course, but it did NOT have any vegetation overgrowing the porch. I felt like it protected us from stray golf balls!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
I felt like it protected us from stray golf balls!

Boy, did it! We were there in May, spent alot of time sitting on the porch. Many times we heard golf balls hitting trees around us, then falling through the leaves. All I could think of was "thank goodness for those trees!" Not everyone who plays at LBV has the greatest swing!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
I felt like it protected us from stray golf balls!

Boy, did it! We were there in May, spent alot of time sitting on the porch. Many times we heard golf balls hitting trees around us, then falling through the leaves. All I could think of was "thank goodness for those trees!" Not everyone who plays at LBV has the greatest swing! Imagine the maintenence costs to members if some of those golf balls hit the Villas. Or the medical costs as guests got hit in the head. All that vegetation isn't necessarily a bad thing!

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by PamOKW
I think this is the key. People who "get" OKW really appreciate and enjoy the feeling of living in a luxurious home that is in the heart of all of WDW. There really is nothing else at Disney that can be compared to it. It is a different animal than a "hotel". That's not to say that there aren't times when staying in more of a traditional hotel atmosphere and being near to a particular park isn't also a great vacation. DVC offers alternative ways to spend one's vacation. Some people like all or at least several alternatives, some folks are set on just one.

I also agree that trying to compare OKW to any hotel -- deluxe or moderate is really an apple to oranges comparison. OKW is unique at WDW.

For people that "get" BCV, BWV, WLV these resorts are very much like staying in a beautiful, luxurious apt in a wonderful exciting city! They are a very, very far cry away from staying in any hotel room!!
The villas at BCV, BWV & WLV are "apartment like" vs "condo like" accomendations at OKW. All the DVC villas are beautiful and luxurious units. The BCV, BWV & WLV resorts have villas that really are located IN the heart of WDW vs being in the suburbs of WDW property. OKW is in the same location on WDW property to parks, dining options etc., as POR, CBR and now the new Pop Century Resort. OKW also offers the same limited guest amenities & services to it's guests as these resorts do.
NONE of the DVC resorts are in any way, shape or form a "house/home"! A much more realistic comparison would be a condo in the suburbs or an apartment in the city. The size of the units, the parking situation, the convenient vs non conveninet locations to shopping/ dining and the more enhanced guests amenities etc also very closely mirror the pattern of a luxury apt in the city (BWV, BWV, WLV) vs a condo in the suburbs (OKW).
It is all a matter of what floats your boat!!

 

[randy55]

We bought at BCV because it is where we want to spend our yearly 9 day visit to WDW for the forseeable future.

You just can't beat walking back to your villas after Illuminations before most people can walk to Spaceship Earth. Walking back from Fantasmic at the Studio is also great. One of us at times has even ventured into Epcot just to quickly get fastpasses for our later return, it is so close and easy to do.

You can arrive at BCV and pretty much park your car and still have pretty quick access to 2 parks and many great restraunts.

It's not about villas size for us, we have a huge house that we live in the rest of the year. As long as there is a kitchen, washer and dryer, and 2 televisions we are set.

SAB and walking over to the Boardwalk are great non-park activities.

The one bad thing about staying at BCV is that we had to start buying annual passes. After all how can you stay that close to the parks and not visit them daily!

Only 5 months to go, until we are once again basking in the glory of another BCV stay. Good luck and I hope you will be as happy with your resort selection as we have been.

 

[PamOKW]

Originally posted by BWVDee
For people that "get" BCV, BWV, WLV these resorts are very much like staying in a beautiful, luxurious apt in a wonderful exciting city! They are a very, very far cry away from staying in any hotel room!!
The villas at BCV, BWV & WLV are "apartment like" vs "condo like" accomendations at OKW. All the DVC villas are beautiful and luxurious units. The BCV, BWV & WLV resorts have villas that really are located IN the heart of WDW vs being in the suburbs of WDW property. OKW is in the same location on WDW property to parks, dining options etc., as POR, CBR and now the new Pop Century Resort. OKW also offers the same limited guest amenities & services to it's guests as these resorts do.
NONE of the DVC resorts are in any way, shape or form a "house/home"! A much more realistic comparison would be a condo in the suburbs or an apartment in the city. The size of the units, the parking situation, the convenient vs non conveninet locations to shopping/ dining and the more enhanced guests amenities etc also very closely mirror the pattern of a luxury apt in the city (BWV, BWV, WLV) vs a condo in the suburbs (OKW).
It is all a matter of what floats your boat!!

BWV is also in the same location as Pop Century and CBR -- in fact, CBR is probably closer to Epcot than BWV but you can't cross the main road.

As I tried to say -- Every single DVC resort is a top-notch, qualilty vacation. Some folks continue to attempt to compare OKW to a moderate or a value resort. That is ridiculous. You may not like OKW or choose to stay there but it is a unique animal at WDW and provides a vacation that does appeal to many people. I think it does a disservice to people who are considering OKW to lead them to believe it is a "Value" resort. I happen to like every DVC resort. I didn't intend to say that any of them were comparable to a hotel room -- even the studios have more character than the average hotel room. I was just referring to the hotel-like amenities that some people seem to require on their vacations that aren't necessarily important to everyone (or even a consideration). The value of relaxation and space are not important to some people either -- but to some people they are an important and desirable part of their vacations and are even more important than being in the action. Some people love to stay at the Plaza in NYC -- some would rather stay at the Greenbriar. This doesn't make one "better" than the other. They are both deluxe but certainly very different. Same with OKW and BWV (and BCV and VWL and soon SSR) they are different but they are all still deluxe. There was something "deluxe" enough about OKW to entice former President Jimmy Carter to stay there.

 

[MiaSRN62]

The BCV, BWV & WLV resorts have villas that really are located IN the heart of WDW vs being in the suburbs of WDW property. OKW is in the same location on WDW property to parks, dining options etc., as POR, CBR and now the new Pop Century Resort. OKW also offers the same limited guest amenities & services to it's guests as these resorts do.

First of all......the fact that it's suggested that OKW is in the "suburbs" makes absolutely no sense to me
I also own an offsite timeshare (Vistana)----takes me 7-8 min to get to the parking lot of Epcot. Now THAT'S the suburbs. It's not IN WDW, but rather on property just outside of the World & has a non-Disney World address. Just because BWV, BCV or VWL is closer to Epcot, MGM or MK does not make all other resorts on property the suburbs ? I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Takes me 45 min, at least, to get into the heart of the city. My town has an entirely different zip code etc. My OKW "home" still has a WDW address/zip code. I'm a short boat ride from the Marketplace.....I can see fireworks from some of the villas at OKW----as far as I'm concerned (and I'm sure most of us who stay at OKW---we're in the heart of WDW the same as ANY resort on property. WDW is more than just Epcot and MGM (in relation to BWV/BCV). WDW has grown tremendously over the years and to suggest some resorts aren't "in the heart of WDW" is just silly imo. I don't get this thinking at all.
And to say OKW offers the same limited amenities to guests as Pop Century and the other resorts you mentioned is far off the beaten path ! Does Pop Century have a full service restaurant ? How 'bout the rooms.....last time I stayed in a value or moderate resort there was no kitchenette or full kitchen/laundry/jacuzzi tub etc, and etc as there is in OKW. Simply the sheer size of the OKW studios (QUEEN beds might I add---what value or moderate offers that ?) and villas and the size of the bathrooms (even the bathroom of the studio at OKW is larger than any other bathroom I've seen) make it stand out above the values and moderates. How 'bout renting water craft right on sight ? Pop Century certainly doesn't offer this ? Where are these comparisons coming from ? As far as dining and water craft rentals, maybe POR comes a little close in what they offer because they do have a dock and a full service restaurant on site. But the rooms and what they offer otherwise pale in comparison to OKW. Most importantly, there's no parking at your front door at POR ! To many, this is a highly coveted perk. We're back to comparing apples and oranges. So I feel anyone who makes statements like this is really reaching------OKW is a deluxe resort, pure and simple. It simply is not set up like a hotel----it is more of a village style layout. And this is exactly why so many people like it. It offers something very different that you really can't get at any other resort on property. Doesn't mean it's better or worse than any other DVC resort----just pleasently different. Certain folks on this board continue to do a major disservice to OKW. It's really quite a shame that they have such tunnel vision when it comes to this resort, but I hope newbies take what certain posters claim about OKW with a grain of salt. I can honestly state it's a wonderful resort and nothing like the value or moderate resorts that some try and claim !

Some people love to stay at the Plaza in NYC -- some would rather stay at the Greenbriar. This doesn't make one "better" than the other. They are both deluxe but certainly very different. Same with OKW and BWV (and BCV and VWL and soon SSR) they are different but they are all still deluxe.

Extremely well-put Pam ! Couldn't agree more.

All the DVC villas are beautiful and luxurious units.

I think this is the one statement I agree with BWVDee on. This thread should end on that one statement.

 

[BWVDee]

As I stated before........"Whatever floats your boat".
No one is doing a dis service or putting down OKW. Yes it is a beautiful resort that offers much relaxation and the largest DVC units on WDW property.
To say, as DisneyPhD and Dean did that it is more similiar to a moderate than the other DVC resorts are, is also a true statement.
All the reasons that OKW is similiar to a moderate resort have already been stated very well by others on this thread there is no point in repeating what was already stated.
The fact that this bothers and upsets many on this board is a shame, however it is still the truth.

 

[MiaSRN62]

To say, as DisneyPhD and Dean did that it is more similiar to a moderate than the other DVC resorts are, is also a true statement.

Uh-hem.......just because a few folks believe this, then it MUST be a true statement ???? That's just plain laughable !

The fact that this bothers and upsets many on this board is a shame, however it is still the truth.

I suppose I can then say, that the fact that some feel they have to constantly diminish OKW in order to make themselves feel better about (or build up) their own "home" resort is also a true statement ? It's pure and simple hogwash. If one doesn't like OKW for whatever reason, then that is fine.
It's certain statements that are really just individual opinion that are trying to be passed off as fact that I have a problem with. Now that is what is a shame.

 

[Master Grayson]

We are BWV owners and we stay all over WDW and no matter where we stay is GREAT as long as I'm at WDW I'm completely HAPPY! I could care less about where I stay just as long as I'm there making memories with my family!

Sure things happen that we don't like but I live by this motto"Don't sweat the small stuff!" Just my $.02

 

[PamOKW]

Originally posted by BWVDee
All the reasons that OKW is similiar to a moderate resort have already been stated very well by others on this thread there is no point in repeating what was already stated.

The comparisons made are apples to oranges.

Also "fact "-- The Grand Floridian and the Poly have the check-in area in a building seperate from all or most of the sleeping rooms. This is also true of OKW so OKW is a deluxe. This is not true of VWL, BCV or BWV so they are not deluxe resorts.

The Grand Floridian has a quick fast food option. So does the All Stars. The Grand Floridian is very much like a Value resort.

The "facts" that are given as being the "same" for a value or moderate and OKW are indeed facts but the comparison is faulty. I'm sure you find the above statements faulty -- the same can be said of trying to compare Pop Century and OKW.

 

[chainkid]

I think the difference that really sets the DVC resorts apart is what causes alot of people to react negatively to one or the other when the comparison game plays out , they are each set up to offer a completely different experience. OKW is a deluxe home in a more isolated setting. This isn't to say its isolated like the boonies but at BWV or BCV the activity is right outside your door. My family loves to stroll into the the ESPN club while waiting for others to get ready, or bop into Jelly Rolls at night for a short time before retiring for the evening. I love strolling the boardwalk at night and tasting food from the various venders. The rooms are extremely nice and sufficiently large so I'm more partial to Boardwalk. Bus service is horrendous here but then I never use it so I don't get irritated by it.

When its just the two of us and we are sightseeing during the day and fairly tired at night, we love OKW or VWL because sitting on the porch is so relaxing . Since I live in the country this is nice but not what I'm looking fo on vacation. I want different. I don't think OKW is a moderate unless compared to Carribbean Beach Resort which I love and then the rooms are alot nicer.

So room size is not really an issue if the rooms are all pretty spectacular which I personally think they are. The BIG difference is what you are looking for in a vacation experience versus what you have at home.

 

[MiaSRN62]

When its just the two of us and we are sightseeing during the day and fairly tired at night, we love OKW or VWL because sitting on the porch is so relaxing . Since I live in the country this is nice but not what I'm looking fo on vacation.

Precisely----and this is why I love the peacefulness of OKW perhaps ? Even though I live in the burbs, it's really sort of hectic up here with lots of traffic/congestion. Others don't mind the smaller rooms and rather prefer being in the bustle. It's all fine. DVC has something to offer all Members which is nice. If you read back on my earlier posts, you'll see I've never said contrary to this.

I don't think OKW is a moderate unless compared to Carribbean Beach Resort which I love and then the rooms are alot nicer.

Well, I can only assume you're referring to the Carribbean/island themeing ???? Because this is about all I can see that compares between these two resorts and that's where it ends, period.

So room size is not really an issue if the rooms are all pretty spectacular which I personally think they are. The BIG difference is what you are looking for in a vacation experience versus what you have at home.

Well, I agree and disagree with this statement. True, ALL the rooms are spectacular, but I do often book OKW more because I like the bigger rooms. I think to some, room size may be a factor and not just based on what they have or don't have at home. I have a pretty big home. Now that my kids are older----I have 2 teens and an 11 year old, I find I like more space. My teen son is bigger than my dh, so having some extra room is important alot of times. It depends on the length of our vacation too. Short trips, I don't mind smaller rooms. But like you said, I don't feel you can go wrong with any DVC accomodations. There's variety to suit every need and mood.

I think the difference that really sets the DVC resorts apart is what causes alot of people to react negatively to one or the other when the comparison game plays out , they are each set up to offer a completely different experience.

I don't know....if someone states they prefer BWV over OKW, then I'm fine with that. It's when ratings and comparisons start popping up that are not based on any clear evidence and in fact, often defy reality where I get confused (and defensive). If someone says OKW is more of a far distance from Epcot/MGM for instance, I don't argue with that. On the other hand, OKW is closer to the nightlife of DD. To me, these differences are often a plus---on both sides. To others it's simply a negative. But when comments like it being a "suburb" of WDW show up on a thread, then I just start shaking my head because that is a very laughable statement imo, as is saying OKW compares to moderates, or funnier yet, Pop Century. OKW is definitely in the heart of WDW---not outlying by any means and is definitely a deluxe resort, when compared point by point to a value or moderate. I think Disney would have categorized it with the moderates if they felt it deserved that "ranking". OKW is categorized with all the other DVC resorts by Disney standards.
So what I'm trying to say, is I embrace the differences between all the DVC resorts, but find it difficult to swallow statements that are being passed off as truth/reality, when in fact they are just personal opinions by various folks on these boards. Everyone can state their own opinions, but to end their statement with "this is just the truth" is where I draw the line.

 

[BWVDee]

Facts regarding ALL Deluxe WDW resorts with the EXCEPTION of OKW (and AKL for 2 pts):

All offer their guest a variety of dining options (i.e. more than one sit down restaurant and 2 counter service places).

All are located within walking distance or a boat ride away from at least one major park. AKL was also supposed to have a walking path to AK, it has yet to open but one never knows maybe it will open when the new rollercoaster and AK expansion is complete.

All have a main pool with a pool slide.

All have a main pool with life guards ( the moderate and value resorts also have this feature, OKW and the campground are the only 2 resorts at the present time that do not offer any life guards at any of the resort pools).

All offer full deluxe resort amenities like valet parking and room service.

All offer more than one form of transportation to major parks (i.e. walking, boat, monorail or bus). AKL is also a exception at the present time, however there are rumors of a walking path from the resort to AK.

These are all facts that apply to all the deluxe resorts except OKW and to AKL on 2 pts. Yes, there are things like the separate check in building that some resorts have and others do not but the above facts are found at ALL deluxe resorts but OKW.
This is most likely what DisneyPhD and Dean and others mean when they say OKW is more similiar to a moderate resort than the other DVC resorts.

Again....Whatever floats your boat. It is immaterial to me which resort appeals to you or which resort you choose to stay at.
I do not have to make myself feel better about my DVC home resort or build it up, because I know it is one of Disney's crown jewel resorts and it offers me more choices and pt options plus a guaranteed premium view villa --NO other DVC resort does this, so I guess BWV is one of a kind and unlike anyother DVC resort. I have always felt great about my DVC purchase and the latest change in guaranteed premium view villas has just further confirmed this.
Also, some that have posted on this thread saying OKW is more like a moderate than the other DVC resorts own at OKW! Who are they trying to make feel better or which resort are they trying to build up????? Sorry that argument is full of holes!
The funny part of the whole thing is I was not the one who said on this thread that OKW was like a moderate resort---others did---yet I am the one getting jumped on! Gotta love it!!!!LOL!!!!!

 

[chainkid]

Room size at OKW is not a big sell for me because what is offered at BWV is really quite large for a person or family on vacation. I usually book a 2 bedroom or a grand villa on my points so size is not a factor and my last two trips we had 21 people in various size units and everyone was thrilled with the space alloted. And I come from a very large home and do not feel cramped because I pack light and wash clothes as I need them. I agree that OKW is part of WDW just as much as any of the resorts like AKL or Carribbean beach, and has the benefit of being close to Downtown disney. My family given the choice just prefers BWV because we can all walk to our favorite restaurants or clubs. Probably like living in Central park area of New York...lots to do quickly. Other than location I don't think BWV has anything on OKW. both are very beautiful resorts that make you proud to bring family and friends to see. Joan

 

[MiaSRN62]

These are all facts that apply to all the deluxe resorts except OKW and to AKL on 2 pts.

You know BWVDee---your whole post showed me how OKW differs from the other DVC resorts. OKW has a full serve restaurant and is only a boat ride or walk away from DD, which offers many dining options. I believe this was taken into consideration with OKW---it's easy transportation to DD. Room service ? Not a huge deal with me either. I have a compilation of off-site restaurant menus that I've used over the years that provide room delivery to all the Disney resorts. Food is good, as are the prices, so pricey room service is not necessarily a selling point with me---though I fully understand how it is with some people. Oh yeah.....and about the lifeguards. I own at an offsite timeshare that does not provide lifeguards, yet this particular resort is ranked as "Gold Crown" by RCI. So I don't feel an issue of pool slides/lifeguards makes a resort deluxe. This, I feel, was stretching. So when OKW builds their slide, will they be that much closer to deluxe and the AKL according to you ?
So honestly, just about everything you stated here still does not lead me to believe that OKW is anything like a moderate (or value !) resort (as others have initiated). I feel OKW is a rare bird (as I believe someone else stated appropriately on this thread) that cannot be pigeon-holed into any specific class and a nice alternative for those seeking such a resort Hey.....perhaps OKW should be in a class all to itself
Facts are : OKW larger rooms than any other deluxe/moderate/value; queen beds in the studios (not so in moderate/values); parking outside door (not so with other resorts) and I could go on. So we're right back to apples and oranges again

Again....Whatever floats your boat. It is immaterial to me which resort appeals to you or which resort you choose to stay at.

And whatever floats your boat too I just responded to the "moderate" comparison, not aiming that at you specifically. It was rather your comment of OKW not being in the heart of WDW that got me laughing---that's all I honestly am not concerned with what resort appeals to you either , i.e.

my DVC home resort or build it up, because I know it is one of Disney's crown jewel resorts

Once again.....personal opinion ! I respect it, but don't take it as 100% gospel ! I think there are so many different Disney resorts, because there are so many varying tastes and desires among all of WDW's guests ! I read somewhere that even Michael Eisner prefers the WL---and we already found out that Jimmy Carter likes OKW. So this just goes to show that the crown jewel is in the eye of the beholder