Our first stay at Old Key West - not a trip report

[rigsby25]

In May of 2004, we spent a week at the CR and went through the sales pitch for SSR. We bought 150 points, but due to a merger, my position was eliminated so we cancelled the sale. After I was able to secure an even better position with the company, we decided to pursue a resale and bought 210 points at OKW. We took our first trip there last week and we were so impressed. We stayed in a 1BR just because it was our very first time. We were prepared that sometimes the pictures look better than the real thing, but in this instance, the pictures did not do the place justice! For a short 3 day stay, we didn't even check out the main pool but we are so impressed. The balconies are huge. The space in the 1BR is plenty. The view was beautiful. We were within a short walking distance to one of the smaller pools. The general store was great. We checked in I'd say about 1 or 2 and they had our room ready. Check in took 15 minutes tops, and we went right to our room, and then to the parks. I would recommend OKW to anyone considering buying. We don't even want to stay anywhere else now. Well - I would kind of like to out of curiosity, but I'm too afraid I'd be disappointed. I know there is a place where you send complaints. I would like to rave about OKW to the people that matter. How do I do that?

 

[Pa@okw95]

That is the way I felt back in 95 when we first used our points. Wait until you have to wait until 4:45 to get your room. Wait until you get a room that has much needed repairs. Wait until you get a room with no view. I would suggest you wait for a few trips to write anyone how great the place is. You were lucky this time. Glad you enjoyed yourself. Those of us that were members for years used to feel the same way about the place, but things are changing.

 

[underdesea]

Rigsby 25, we have owned at OKW since 1995. We have added on twice, visit at least twice a year, and we are still very happy with our purchase. It is truly a second home to us. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip and loved OKW as much as we do.

 

[beccasmom]

I am so glad you were pleased with OKW! It is wonderful, isn't it?! I tell my DVC rep every time I speak with her how much we love it....and we've been members since 1992! It is a very special place and has a huge place in my heart!

 

[Chuck S]

. Those of us that were members for years used to feel the same way about the place, but things are changing.

This doesn't reflect our experience. We've been OKW members since 1992. While we've had some minor maintenance issues, like any busy resort would have, it still our home away from home. We have had to wait to get out rooms, it really depends on the season and occupancy levels, no big deal. Drop your lugguage and head for a park. Call when leaving the park for your room number.

Overall, OKW is our Home Away from Home, we've not had ANY major housekeeping. Every stay has been filled with Disney magic.

 

[AFMom]

We went for our first OKW visit in Sept and loved it. Check in was a bummer only because we had a trainee - but she was trying and very sweet! Our room was wonderful, and all we cared about was non-smoking (son has cough-variant asthma) - so we were not all worked up over requests! Both rooms were in perfect condition, had great views, and the staff was wonderful. Anyway - I believe there is an e-mail on the Disney site you can get to to e-mail directly to Disney. Glad you enjoyed it!

 

[CarnotaurDad]

We know how you feel. We bought into BCV last year and felt that we were "settling" for staying at OKW in the summer (it was all that was available). Boy, how wrong we were. We loved OKW so much that we bought a resale this month!

We can't wait to stay in our 1 BR this summer at OKW!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Your experience was exactly as ours was back in '97! We rarely stay anywhere else since joining either! We love the space, privacy and parking.

 

[Bexx]

Wait until you get a room with no view. I would suggest you wait for a few trips to write anyone how great the place is. You were lucky this time.

We've just come back from our first visit and we didn't have a view. We we're in building 28 and after an initial disappointment, we loved it! It made the verandah wonderfully private and shaded.

We loved OKW - to me the place was first class in every respect. If it's only gone downhill since '92, it must have been UNBELIEVABLE back then!!!

Thanks for the report rigsby25 - glad you loved it too.

 

[WDWMom]

We have mde over 12 trips to WDW were we stayed at OKW. I still get the same feeling every time I walk into our new the first time. I am always in awe of the cleanliness and colors. I love OKW and have no need to stay anywhere else.

 

[JudithM]

I know there is a place where you send complaints. I would like to rave about OKW to the people that matter. How do I do that?

You could send an email to Member Services to the attention of Carli D'Agostino, the DVC Member Satisfaction Manager. I know she will gladly forward comments to the appropriate CM managers at OKW. Be sure to be as specific as possible with CM names, locations, dates, times, etc.

I am glad you enjoyed your stay at OKW & hope you will continute to enjoy your DVC membership.

 

[JudithM]

Overall, OKW is our Home Away from Home, we've not had ANY major housekeeping. Every stay has been filled with Disney magic.

Chuck, I agree with you. We have been members for over ten years. Our experiences have been postiive & enjoyable at OKW. We did have some housekeeping issues on our last trip ("lack of attention to detail"), but they were all taken care of promptly. If they had not been taken care of, then I would say things are slipping. The magic is still at OKW!

 

[MomsGoneGoofy]

This doesn't reflect our experience. We've been OKW members since 1992. While we've had some minor maintenance issues, like any busy resort would have, it still our home away from home. Every stay has been filled with Disney magic.

I agree with you Chuck. We are members since 1992 also and have only experienced minor maintenance problems.

IMO any view at OKW is better than the view I have from my office at work

Rigsby25 - So glad you enjoyed OKW.

 

[OneMoreTry]

I think OKW is wonderful and so does my wife. I have had no issues or significant problems. I think the ratio of raves to gripes for OKW is very high as reflected in the previous posts.

 

[Credit Man]

Glad you enjoyed your stay.

 

[WOW]

We have been DVC members since 1993 and have stayed at OKW around 20 different times.......We loved it then and we still love it now!!!! Never had any major problems......lights, clogged drain....that is about it. It is truly our Home Away From Home!!!!!!!!!!! Pinkbounc

 

[rie4630]

Rigsby25 - What building where you in and on what floor?

 

[Cobra B.]

A lot of times you will find that the first endeavor by a company is always improved upon as years go by. Not in this case! OKW is the biggest, nicest most comfortable resort DVC has come up with. And they still haven't improved upon it.

 

[rigsby25]

We were in building 32. It was on the second floor. I asked for non-smoking and non handicapped accessible when I made the reservation. When we checked in, they asked if second floor was okay, and we said sure - actually we preferred second floor. Were you there and was our tv too loud? I didn't hear any one else.

 

[kacale]

We also just got back from OKW.....our third trip but our first in a one bedroom unit.

We too thought it was great, no complaints at all. Checked in and got room by 12pm (I know this will not always happen). Stunned by the size of the rooms. Will find it very hard to go back to a studio.

Karen