Quickly! Pros and Cons OKW!!

[chinamom3]

Need a quick response on this. I have a short window of opportunity to get 5 nights at Old Key West. Pros? Cons? I'm thinking Cons on transportation. Any info from those of you who have stayed there would be greatly appreciated. I have to give an answer this afternoon. I think I'd rather go ahead and spend more money to be closer in, but wanted to get some info before deciding. Am an AP holder, so might could get a deal closer in when rates come out. Thanks in advance.

 

[riggins]

Hi chinamom3-
We stayed there in November and loved it!! Here are my thoughts:

Pros:
>You didn't mention what size unit you were considering, but the 1 and 2 bedrooms are HUGE. The studios are spacious too, especially if you are comparing to a deluxe resort room.
>Kitchen (or kitchenette in studio)
>Park your car right in front of your unit (if you have a car)
>Beautiful, relaxing balconies with tables and chairs (just chairs in studio)

Cons:
>Have to take the bus everywhere- no walking, boats, or monorail. I listed this as a con, but we found the bus service to be very efficient, so I wouldn't say its a big negative.
>Limited on-site dining.- If you are going to be out and eat at the parks anyway, this is not such a huge issue.

I didn't mention the pools because I wasn't sure what you liked. We have small kids and enjoy the smaller, quieter pools. Others like the big slides and all the action.

Good Luck

 

[DeeCeeSW]

My understanding is that OKW has a boat that goes to Downtown Disney. Am I wrong?

 

[lsyorke]

"My understanding is that OKW has a boat that goes to Downtown Disney. Am I wrong?"

You are correct. They run pontoon boats from midday to around 10pm approx. They only hold 12 people at a time,but its a great quiet ride through the canals.

I love OKW because of the room size. There are no better rooms in my opinion. Olivias restaurant is a great little restaurant. The con is that you are away from the action, but we have a car when we go there so its no problem for us.

 

[KIMHELMS99]

We have stayed there twice once in a 1br and once in a 2br villa. The studio is the 2nd br of the 2br villa. We love it!

Pros: Large rooms
Light and bright
Pools are generally quiet
Bus service is good
You can park at your front door
Wonderful patios
Nice location close to Downtown Disney
It's nice when they say welcome home (it doesn't matter
if your a DVC member or not)

Cons: Pools close at 10pm
May have to dodge a stray golf ball
Restaraunts may be a little more difficult to access than
a deluxe

Have a great time.

 

[beccasmom]

I'm a DVC member and OKW is my home resort. I love it! The villas are indeed huge and very comfortable. The ability to be able to cook a simple meal to save some meal $$ or just to microwave some popcorn is really nice. I think the transportation service is fine and have no complaints there. It is very quiet and relaxing and the views from some of the villas are delightful.

The boat that leaves from Old Turtle Krawl down to the Marketplace is great.....I love the leisurely ride. The food at Olivia's is pretty good; we usually eat at least twice there for an early dinner.

I think you would enjoy your stay there, depending on what is important to you. It is not a razzle/dazzle resort, but quietly beautiful and relaxing. I enjoy every minute of my stays there.

 

[rpink58]

For those of use that are members being away from the action is what draws use to OKW. I consider the boat ride to DTD one of the best and the signs say the pools close at 10pm( life guards leave) but you can swim at you own risk. The reason for the limited dining is if you stay in a 1brm or larger you have a full service kitchen.

 

[ncligs]

If you are staying in a 1BR or larger, you may not stay anywhere else again. If you have a rental car, you can park right in front of your villa. Here are a few links for OKW for you.

http://www.wdwig.com/g_okw.htm

http://***********.com/id250.htm

 

[chinamom3]

Thanks to all for responding so quickly. It sounds lovely, and just the place my husband would like. Unfortuately, this is just a girls' trip, my 7 year old and myself-so I think I'll keep the reservations I have, which are at the Swan, and hopefully a deluxe with an AP when they come out. I've always wanted to stay there, but with the Swan AP rate so good right now, I decided to stay closer. AND I had to make my mind up quickly so someone else could take advantage of it. Thanks, again!

 

[DeeP]

Since you will be traveling alone with a small child, I think you made a good choice with the Swan. You will find this location much easier to get around to parks, restaurants, nighttime entertainment etc without having to drive everywhere.