Renting Points - Old Key West

[VelvetGloves]

Greetings and salutations!

I am looking at renting points for this upcoming October. I just need a studio room, as it is just my husband and I. It looks like my choices are AKL and OKW. I have stayed at AKL, and I know I like it. However, the only view available is Savannah, which is more than the hubby wants to spend.

If we choose Old Key West, will we be disappointed? My biggest concern is the transportation and the quick service food options.

Thanks for any help you can give. Have a magical day!

VelvetGloves

 

[hakepb]

The advantage or disadvantage to OKW studios is the 2 real queen bed setup (like most hotel rooms) so there is not a couch or pullout couch in the room.

With DVC stays, we changed our eating patterns. We do keep more snacks in the room, and eat more QS in the parks (or Disney Springs) instead of the resorts.

For transportation... I think it's fine. It doesn't seem much different having multiple internal bus stops vs stopping at multiple monorail resorts. Others feel differently. OKW lets you park closer to your room than most resorts.

 

[funatdisney]

We have stayed at OKW several times. The transportation was fine and didn't mind using Disney Springs as a hub to get to the Parks or for getting to dinner reservations. It is a nice change to take the ferry to Disney Springs.

I would like to point out all the counter and full service restaurants are located in the Hospitality House. That means unless you are near the Hospitality House, you will have to walk to get to the Hospitality House or take Disney's buses to get something to eat. I would consider this when choosing to stay at OKW. I know after a long day in the Parks (or heading back to your room mid-day) or just plum tired, this aspect can make a difference. If it is, be sure to have the DVC Member request a room near the Hospitality House. (Does anyone know if these rooms require more points?)

Anyway.. my two cents!

 

[Deb & Bill]

OKW doesn't have a food court. Only a very limited counter service that is mainly the pool food service.

So eat in your villa or head to Disney Springs or Saratoga Springs.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The QS is lacking at OKW - much better at AKV if you get into Jambo otherwise you have to go from Kidani to Jambo for QS. I like the Gurgling Suitcase for drinks though!

Transportation at OKW has always been fine though. It's pretty centrally located to all the parks. It has multiple stops thru out the resort so it doesn't matter where you're staying and then once you're out of the resort you're on your way.

 

[VelvetGloves]

I appreciate everyone's feedback. I poked my husband until he gave me the go ahead to do AKL Savannah studio. Unfortunately, the service was unable to book my reservation, as they did not have a member with points. I think we're going to try OKW studio, as David's said it was a shorter wait list. I've been researching it this evening, and it looks pretty nice. I read you can take Olivia's to go. Has anyone done that?

Thanks again!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I appreciate everyone's feedback. I poked my husband until he gave me the go ahead to do AKL Savannah studio. Unfortunately, the service was unable to book my reservation, as they did not have a member with points. I think we're going to try OKW studio, as David's said it was a shorter wait list. I've been researching it this evening, and it looks pretty nice. I read you can take Olivia's to go. Has anyone done that?

Thanks again!!

Sorry. You cannot get food to go from Olivia's. Too many guests felt a table service credit was too much for take out, so eliminated it from Olivia's. All you can do is sit and order and then asked for it to be boxed up after you have been served. And they may or may not do it. Plus everyone will need to be seated.

 

[VelvetGloves]

Fiddlesticks! Thanks for letting me know ahead of time. That would have been unpleasant. I'm afraid to ask how long the trip is from OKW to Disney Springs.

Thanks!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Fiddlesticks! Thanks for letting me know ahead of time. That would have been unpleasant. I'm afraid to ask how long the trip is from OKW to Disney Springs.

Thanks!

It's a short boat ride, about 10 minutes or you can take the bus. But Olivia's is very good. Buttermilk chicken for dinner. Yum.

 

[nycKatie]

The quick service counter near the pool was perfectly fine for breakfast options, which was the only time we used it. They had some cooked options with eggs and I think waffles or pancakes, beverages, cereal, muffins, hot coffee. I am sure they had some lunch option as well, but we were never there for it. We usually just ate at the parks or the Springs. Also, we had snacks and food in our kitchens. (We had 2br villas)

We did sit down for lunch at Olivia's one afternoon when my dad wasn't feeling up to a day at the park and I stayed with him. It was quite enjoyable.

 

[Chuck S]

While the counter service options at OKW are, sadly, quite limited. Olivia's is, IMO, one of better table service venues of any Disney resort. So If I want a lighter lunch, I take the ferry or bus to Disney Springs. The ferry ride is pleasant and relaxing, and takes about 15 minutes, once you've boarded. The bus is also a good option.

 

[jimmytammy]

OKW studios are more like a nice hotel room. Typically, you have a great balcony that may allow a water or golf view in AM while drinking coffee before hitting the parks. QS isnt hitting on much IMO and its a shame. Olivias is really good, all 3 meals, not tough to walk up most times. Also, you have DS close by so that adds a few options. OKW is very peaceful and relaxing. AKL will have lots more food options, so it comes down to that in my mind.

 

[thetallone101]

I'm staying at OKW again in Dec. We fell in love with the resort the last time. It's a quick boat ride to DS and the bus service to the other parks is fine. I like being able to hop on the bus to the MK without having to go to the TTC to take the monorail to the MK.

 

[heynowirv]

We love OKW for the relaxed atmosphere. Sorta living in Margarettaville. Transportation is fine and as most people have already stated easy to get to DTD..... Oops DS.

 

[jerseyduke]

Fiddlesticks! Thanks for letting me know ahead of time. That would have been unpleasant. I'm afraid to ask how long the trip is from OKW to Disney Springs.

Thanks!

The boat ride to the springs is probably shorter than most other ways with all the road construction going on!

Certainly faster than a car.

It is less convenient than having a QS option on the grounds, but its far from horrible.

Also as mentioned, I think Olivia's is one of Disney's lesser known gems. We go every trip, often more than once. Breakfast and Dinner

 

[clayfolks]

We own at AKV and love it. Having said that, we have been sorely tempted to add on at OKW. It has a great vibe. Olivia's is excellent for any meal. The QS has a really good tuna sandwich, among other things. We are, most times, unable to get a HH booking because we have to book at 7 months. So... In order to get as close to the Hospitality House as possible when we can't get that category, we request Peninsular Road and near transportation when we do online check in.