Refurbished Old Key West

[Swayhoover90]

We stayed at OKW in a 1-bedroom refurbished unit (Unit 4321) July 18-24. It was our first time staying at OKW and I must say we loved it! The decor of the unit was great. The vinyl "hardwood" floors were not cheap looking and seemed to have some sound dampening qualities. The bedroom furnishings had a more elegant look to them compared to the pictures I had seen of the old decor.

The only issue that we had was that at night when we were in bed we could hear everything that went on (someone showering or talking) in the shower section of the bathroom even with the door closed. A great amount of light made it under the door and through the louvered shutters between the whirlpool tub room and the bedroom also.

A few years ago DW and I drove through OKW just to take a look and I remember saying to myself "I would never want to stay here". I don't remember why I thought that but I was wrong! We loved it. The landscaping was beautiful and we had a great time.

 

[RevBob]

Glad that you liked it. Only 52 days until we are back there. Hoping to get a newly refurbished villa.

 

[Swayhoover90]

I hope that you have a grand time!

When making our reservations I had them note preferences in order of importance: 1. Refurbished unit, 2. 3rd floor unit, 3. Close to Hospitality House. Most of the refurbished units at that time were further away from HH so I realized that might not be possible. About 4 days before our arrival I faxed a nice note (admittedly an old school thing to do but I figured couldn't hurt) to the resort Room Assigners saying that I realized that close to HH was probably unlikely if I were to receive a refurbished unit so they could drop that part of my preferences.

Upon check-in I was told without asking that they did not have a 3rd floor refurb available but they had assigned us to a 2nd floor one which was fine. We were about 50 yards from the Turtle Shack Pool and snack bar which was great.

Good luck on your refurbed room request!

 

[BeesKnees]

A few years ago DW and I drove through OKW just to take a look and I remember saying to myself "I would never want to stay here". I don't remember why I thought that but I was wrong! We loved it. The landscaping was beautiful and we had a great time.

It is funny how so many people assume that OKW is a second-rate destination without ever giving it a chance. That is fine by me though because it is my first choice and I have to get my rooms in the 7 month window.

That's right folks... nothing to see here... OKW is horrible.

 

[Swayhoover90]

It is funny how so many people assume that OKW is a second-rate destination without ever giving it a chance. That is fine by me though because it is my first choice and I have to get my rooms in the 7 month window.

That's right folks... nothing to see here... OKW is horrible.

I hear ya!!!! We recenly purchased at BLT but will definitely return to OKW often. The beautiful grounds and the huge rooms are horrible. Move along folks, move along!

 

[countrygal16]

On of our home resorts is at OKW and our family has agreed they love it there. The rooms are spacious and we like the atmosphere of the resort. I would love to see some pictures of the refurbished rooms. Thanks.

 

[Swayhoover90]

I wish I could help out with pics. We always take a HD camcorder and camera then get so busy playthat we hardly use them. Then when get home and curse ourselves for not using them.

Allears.net has pics of the refurbed rooms that you might enjoy.

 

[skelfbsfb]

We own at OKW and Im sorry but its the only resort that we dont want to stay at. It funny how things work out but when we fist went on DVC tour we were offer BWV, we declined due to finances, then when we were buying it was AK that was offered but I had done research and OKW was the one everyone was raving about so asked if we could buy there, wish I took DVC reps advice bust saddly never and now own at OKW, but others love it but its not for us. Awaiting to hear now if our offer for BWV has been accepted by Disneys ROFR.

 

[Swayhoover90]

skelfbsfb I understand. We once stayed at All Star Movie Resort and after the first few minutes HATED it. Just not for us. Of course there were families all around us having the times of their lives and obviously there are many fans and a need. But we decided then and there as a family that the value resorts are not our cup of tea.

Some DVC members love the laid-back feel of OKW, the proximity of BWV or BCV to Epcot or the vibe of BLT. We all gravitate to what we enjoy.

 

[Simba's Mom]

A few years ago DW and I drove through OKW just to take a look and I remember saying to myself "I would never want to stay here". I don't remember why I thought that but I was wrong! We loved it. The landscaping was beautiful and we had a great time.

DH and I did that also and had the same reaction. Yet, after our first stay there as DVC members, we sold our points from a different home resort and bought at OKW, because DH really wanted to be able to say "I own at OKW" and more importantly, to pay dues to the resort he loved best. When I think that we were actually disappointed when I called MS for our first stay and we "had" to stay at OKW cuz that was all that had availability.

 

[Swayhoover90]

DH and I did that also and had the same reaction. Yet, after our first stay there as DVC members, we sold our points from a different home resort and bought at OKW, because DH really wanted to be able to say "I own at OKW" and more importantly, to pay dues to the resort he loved best. When I think that we were actually disappointed when I called MS for our first stay and we "had" to stay at OKW cuz that was all that had availability.

Glad to hear that it is not just us. We are 'hotel people' and foodies. We have been to WDW so many times that we don't feel the need to do the parks til we drop. The most important part of a WDW vacation is the resort, the room, the view from the baclony and of course the food!

 

[JWG]

Glad to hear that it is not just us. We are 'hotel people' and foodies. We have been to WDW so many times that we don't feel the need to do the parks til we drop. The most important part of a WDW vacation is the resort, the room, the view from the baclony and of course the food!

We're making that shift. Through about 2007 I was an absolute Park Commando. Even staying in DVC locations since 2000. Finally, I realized my wfie would actually agree to go more often if I wasn't psycho .

So, fewer days in the parks doing less per visit = more visits = doing more in the parks. I learn (slowly, but I do).

Since 2007 I have slowly gotten her to:
- Agree to go back more than every 3+ years
- Ask if we could go this past Jan even though we'd just gone the Feb before (she's converting)
- Agree to an annual trip such that we could by an AP and use it twice (trip 1 and 2 11 months apart)
- Agree to buy points at BLT

It's been a process, but she's coming around!

 

[gkrykewy]

We're considering OKW for a stay next summer. How is it without a car? How far a walk to the pool(s), bus stop(s), boat dock, restaurant, etc., is typical?

 

[Swayhoover90]

I think we are married to the same woman!!! We have been married 23 years. We went to WDW on our honeymoon...we went the next year...we went the next year...we took our DD when she was 4 (now 18), finally my wife said, "ENOUGH! I want to go somewhere else"!

My response (in my mind) was "Say what"!?!?!?

So for years I let it lie. Then when my son turned 5 (now 10) I said it is time again. In the last 5 years we have been to the World probaby 7 times both as a family and alone as a couple. With each trip I felt her getting into the Disney life more and more.

In July while at Disney Quest (hate that place) I heard her joke with my daughter by saying that the next trip will just be the two of us. Next trip? What? She has spoken of the next trip (this is all a Disney addict needs to hear). Should I bring up DVC or would it be immediately shot down, ruining my hopes and dreams (at the age of 49 I guess grand hopes and dreams are reduced to grand one week vacation dreams).

So here we are...BLT owners. Never having to ask "can we go" is priceless. Now I can say "we have to go or lose the points"!

 

[ruthma]

39 days I will be home for the first time.

 

[Swayhoover90]

We're considering OKW for a stay next summer. How is it without a car? How far a walk to the pool(s), bus stop(s), boat dock, restaurant, etc., is typical?

The walk times would depend on which building you are in. OKW is a huge resort. In July we were in building 43 which is about mid-way from front to back. We were probably a 7-8 minute walk from the Hospitality House, a 1 minute walk to a bus stop and about 50 yards from the Turtle Shack snack bar and quiet pool.

You can request a building near the Hospitality House which would have you very close to all of the amenities. Those buildings are now a booking category which will need be made when you make reservations.

Enjoy the trip!

 

[Candy Orlando]

Countrygal, I love every inch of OKW inside and out. Watch my video and enjoy!

 

[BeesKnees]

I wonder how many people discovered OKW because of a conference like we did. If you are going back and forth to a conference for several days you need convenient access to your car. OKW was the only option the first time we used our DVC points for a conference stay.

 

[Swayhoover90]

I wonder how many people discovered OKW because of a conference like we did. If you are going back and forth to a conference for several days you need convenient access to your car. OKW was the only option the first time we used our DVC points for a conference stay.

It was great having the car right there! I remember the walk (hike) we had to make to get to our room from the parking lot when we stayed at ASM. It was horrible. And we have never stayed at GF but I can tell you that the walk from the self parking lot seems to take forever.

 

[JWG]

We're considering OKW for a stay next summer. How is it without a car? How far a walk to the pool(s), bus stop(s), boat dock, restaurant, etc., is typical?

We prefer a car at OKW. It has it's own dedicated buses, but it's a large resort so you could spend 15 minutes riding the bus within OKW. If you can get a location close to the hospitality house it's great. If you're far removed (look at the map) and want to head up there for boat rentals, dining, boat to DTD, etc. it can be quite a hike.

We've done well without a car at BWV. Have always had a car at SSR, OKW. Those are the only 3 we've stayed at.