Opinions on Old Key West

[PamOKW]

Old Key West was the original flagship Disney Vacation Club resort. When it was the only one of it's kind it was classified with all the other WDW Deluxe Resorts. As the franchise developed, Disney created the "Home Away From Home" designation.

People who are considering a stay at OKW should, indeed, be aware of what is and isn't available at the resort. Like all Disney resorts there are certain unique elements to them all. To tell people that OKW is either a moderate or a value resort is misleading and detrimental to their decision. They can weigh for themselves what they are looking for in a vacation experience.

Some elements that are "missing" from OKW are not there because they are not needed in the OKW atmosphere. If you have a car, you park outside your door. Hence, no valet!

OKW was designed with the idea that people would primarily be staying in the one-bedrooms and larger -- with kitchens. Studios are all lock-offs but are an option. It's true there is no room service. In the early years, they did provide catered meals for the holidays. The demand wasn't there so they've elminated them. (Of course, if you want to pay for anything, including a private chef, it can be arranged.) People staying in rooms with kitchens are less inclined to want room service and there is not the demand. If the demand were there, Disney could easily add the service. Olivia's has the same problem. A few years back the chef said they were working on ways to entice non-OKW folks to the restaurant because OKW people were either eating "around the World" or in their units. There's not the demand for a restaurant.

There is no laundry service either. Oh yeah, we have washer/dryers in the room!

I have never said anything bad about any DVC -- heck I refer to it as loving all your children. There are pros and cons. There are different things happening at the different resorts. There are elements at each that some people love, others don't. There are amenities that are appropriate to some settings that are not as appropriate to others.

In terms of "distance", it is approximately 4 minutes from the front door of BWV to the front door of OKW. I hardly call that being located in the "suburbs". Someday it might be fun to have folks leave their rooms at the different resorts and see how long it takes them to arrive at the same spot in the parks. Of course, BCV will always win the race to Epcot since they are practically "in" the park! LOL!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Old Key West was the original flagship Disney Vacation Club resort. When it was the only one of it's kind it was classified with all the other WDW Deluxe Resorts. As the franchise developed, Disney created the "Home Away From Home" designation.

Pam, this is something I was not aware of and provides a bit of interesting history. Thanks for the info

 

[dianeschlicht]

LOL! I go away for awhile, and look what this thread degenerates into!! Some folks "arguements" to make everyone love their resort more than someone elses (no initials needed here) reminds me of the "stud" who keeps trying to prove his prowess because he finds himself lacking in some way.

Anyone who has to constantly put down another's resort rather than just state what they like or don't like about it is protesting a bit too much.

I also think we need to remember that as the original Disney Vacation Club, OKW was truely designed with typical timeshare in mind. For this reason, it was assumed that folks would be using full kitchens rather than calling room service, and would be using 1,2, and 3 bedroom acommodations most often. That is why OKW is designed they way it is. It much more closely fits the mold of a timeshare unit than the hotel type resorts that DVC went to in it's second phase. The reason they did this is because they found that folks, even those buying timeshares, tended to vacation differently at WDW than they did at other timeshare locations. I believe that is the reason the hotel style DVC resorts came about. It doesn't make OKW worse or any of the other DVC a lesser quality. It is just different, and it's a good thing too! There is something for all of us.

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by PamOKW
Old Key West was the original flagship Disney Vacation Club resort. When it was the only one of it's kind it was classified with all the other WDW Deluxe Resorts. As the franchise developed, Disney created the "Home Away From Home" designation.

Actually this is not quite true. The term "Home Away From Home" has been used by Disney to describe some of their resorts before OKW or DVC was even established. The old trailers at Fort Wilderness were the first WDW resort to be classified as a "Home Away From Home" resort followed by the treehouses and condos in the old Disney Village resort. Both of these resorts were around long before OKW.

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
LOL! I go away for awhile, and look what this thread degenerates into!! Some folks "arguements" to make everyone love their resort more than someone elses (no initials needed here) reminds me of the "stud" who keeps trying to prove his prowess because he finds himself lacking in some way.

Anyone who has to constantly put down another's resort rather than just state what they like or don't like about it is protesting a bit too much.

Please point out where in this thread anyone has put down any resort. DisneyPhD stated he/she felt that OKW was more similiar to a moderate than the other DVC resorts are and then Dean agreed with him/her. I never even stated that OKW was more of a moderate etc., all I did was point out things that may be the reason for DisneyPhD and Dean's statements and I am getting jumped all over and accused of having an inferiority complex and ulterior motives. Too, too funny!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

protesting a bit too much.

 

[PamOKW]

I know that DI and Ft. Wilderness pre-dated the Disney Vacation Club (now known as OKW). I don't recall them benig broken out into a "Home Away From Home" category prior to the opening of BWV.

 

[BWVDee]

Too, too funny.
It seems as though you are pointing at the wrong person if talking about protesting.
All the protesting seems to be being done by those upset over the comment made and seconded by other posters stating OKW is more like a moderate then the other DVC resorts.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
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 !


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


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

Well put, so let's let it!

 

[MemereMouse]

In my very humble opinion, the OKW two bedroom villa is much more luxurious than the others due to the separate laundry room, large dining area, large balcony and large kitchen. I have not seen any of the above mentioned in a moderate hotel. Plus the fact that the grounds are so beautiful and so peaceful. Just putting my two cents in for what it is worth.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
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.

OKW is my favorite resort and in some ways it is a deluxe, in other ways it is not. It depends on what's important to you. It happens to by my favorite as it is my wife's. But I think there are far more true comparisons to CBR than just the theming. The general location and the spread out nature are similar as well as the general building setup as are the food options in some ways. While I don't pesonally see it as a moderate, I can see how some would. Just as I see the GF as slightly more deluxe than BC/YC and BWV in terms of the traditional nature of the meaning of deluxe.

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by Dean
OKW is my favorite resort and in some ways it is a deluxe, in other ways it is not. It depends on what's important to you. It happens to by my favorite as it is my wife's. But I think there are far more true comparisons to CBR than just the theming. The general location and the spread out nature are similar as well as the general building setup as are the food options in some ways. While I don't pesonally see it as a moderate, I can see how some would. Just as I see the GF as slightly more deluxe than BC/YC and BWV in terms of the traditional nature of the meaning of deluxe.

Precisely! I could not agree more, except for the part about OKW being my favorite resort, of course! LOL!!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by Dean
OKW is my favorite resort and in some ways it is a deluxe, in other ways it is not. It depends on what's important to you.

Whew! I'm so glad to meet another OKW lover who doesn't have to insist on it being "deluxe". I don't care what people want to call it. If they call it a "moderate", I just shrug and say, "Guess I'm a moderate kind of person, then, because that's what I love!"
I don't understand why people get all upset over the naming sometimes.

 

[mlshields]

Who really cares what it is called (i.e. Moderate/Deluxe) we all call WDW Home and this is where this should end!

 

[MiaSRN62]

But I think there are far more true comparisons to CBR than just the theming. The general location and the spread out nature are similar as well as the general building setup as are the food options in some ways. While I don't pesonally see it as a moderate, I can see how some would

Well, I most certainly respect the opinion here, though I still don't really agree. If the general location and spread out nature of the resort---as well as dining options are taken into account, then my offsite timeshare fits this description as well. It is a large resort with various 2-4 floor buildings scattered about in different "villages" or areas and parking at the door and a quick car ride (under 10 min) to the parks. But as far as room amenities and parking & transportation options I don't see CB and OKW as being all that similar. I would never feel a CB room was as "deluxe" feeling as an OKW studio on any day....let alone the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom options at OKW. I suppose some can think OKW and CB are equal. I'm just in that group that personally doesn't see it. But like I said....the jewel is in the eye of the beholder. Let others think what they will.....

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
Well, I most certainly respect the opinion here, though I still don't really agree. ..........
But as far as room amenities and parking & transportation options I don't see CB and OKW as being all that similar. I would never feel a CB room was as "deluxe" feeling as an OKW studio on any day....let alone the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom options at OKW. I suppose some can think OKW and CB are equal. I'm just in that group that personally doesn't see it. But like I said....the jewel is in the eye of the beholder. Let others think what they will.....

The difference in the rooms has never been an issue in this discussion from the beginning of this thread!!!!!!! The comparison of OKW to a moderate resort has continually been stated in this thread to be in comparison to the same approx locations of the resorts and the same (and at time less at OKW) amenities offered at OKW and the moderate resorts vs the other DVC resorts.
As for the "transportation options" at OKW vs CBR.........the only thing OKW has as far as transportation vs CBR is the boat to DTD. Although CBR does not provide it's guests with this service POR and POFQ (also moderate resorts) do.
Again.....whatever floats your boat! That's why they make vanilla and chocolate!!!

 

[PamOKW]

Deleted -- Never mind.

 

[BWVDee]

Again, whatever floats your boat. If being located on a golf course appeals to you------ wonderful!!!!!
However it still does not change the fact that OKW is still in approx the same location with ease of access to parks and offers the same or less resort amenities as the moderate resorts do.
Is this saying OKW is not a wonderful resort? No! It is a very nice resort but it just does not provide the same convenience and amenities that the other DVC resorts on WDW property do.
As far as 1 BR sizes and a quiet and laid back resort---the only other DVC resort that is even close to OKW in the laid back atmosphere respect is WLV and even they fall short. By far OKW takes the prize in the largest 1 br size and most laid back atmosphere aspect!
What is so horrible about that???? Talk about protesting too much or trying to overcompensate for a resort!!! NONE of the WDW resorts are perfect.
I have never understood why some feel so defensive about this. The DVC owners at all the other DVC resorts other than OKW never argue over or protest the fact that OKW has the largest villas or the most laid back atmosphere, why can't some OKW owners do the same in regards to OKW's location and amenities?????

EDITED to add that the reference to being located on a golf course in the above post was in response to the post that PamOKW deleted that stated that none of the moderate resorts were located on a golf course.

 

[MiaSRN62]

The difference in the rooms has never been an issue in this discussion from the beginning of this thread!!!!!!! The comparison of OKW to a moderate resort has continually been stated in this thread to be in comparison to the same approx locations of the resorts and the same

LOL....
Rooms play a BIG part in comparisons of moderates and deluxe resorts imo. The room I'm living in while I vacation is a very important factor----it's why I became a DVC Member. If location was the main deciding factor, then who cares---and the boat from OKW to DD is a significant perk if ya ask me and others who covet this convenience. WDW is ALOT bigger than just Epcot and MGM ? I suppose I just don't get any of this anymore......and I'm not going to try. We can all "float our boats" the way we want to...lol Some of the statements being made just defy reason. Let's all have fun in the resorts we love the most.

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
LOL....
Rooms play a BIG part in comparisons of moderates and deluxe resorts imo. The room I'm living in while I vacation is a very important factor----it's why I became a DVC Member. If location was the main deciding factor, then who cares---and the boat from OKW to DD is a significant perk if ya ask me and others who covet this convenience. WDW is ALOT bigger than just Epcot and MGM ? I suppose I just don't get any of this anymore......and I'm not going to try. We can all "float our boats" the way we want to...lol Some of the statements being made just defy reason. Let's all have fun in the resorts we love the most.

I agree the boat to DTD is a very nice perk at OKW and at POR and also at POFQ(once it reopens).
I also agree that WDW is a lot bigger than just Epcot and MGM but in the whole picture of WDW, Epcot and MGM are 1/2 of the major parks at WDW. To many WDW guests the major parks are very often a big draw and a very big attraction during their WDW trips!
I also agree 100% that we should all float our boats to whatever way we want and we should all have fun in our resorts that we love the most! I know, I certainly do!