Resorts that are similar to OKW but in other locations?

[utahkennedys]

After having a Disney Cruise canceled in March and our OKW trip canceled this month, we are looking for another location to stay at before DD heads to college at the end of August. We are hoping it's near the beach and wondered if anyone has found a similar atmosphere to OKW in a beach community or resort? TIA!

 

[drusba]

I assume you mean non-Disney, although Disney's Hilton Head is similar. You obviously will have the issue as to what will be open and what restrictions may apply but otherwise there are likely a lot of beach resorts that provide a similar atmosphere (many lower level spread out units with studios, 1BRs 2BRs and 3BRs, restaurants, stores, golf, nice beaches, and internal transportation systems). Four we have done in the past would be similar: South Seas Plantation on Captiva island FL, Sandestin Resort near Destin FL (NW Fl), Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island SC, and Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of the Palms SC

 

[CraigInPA]

A lot of the larger resorts in the Florida Keys have the same vibe because Disney modeled the original Disney Vacation Club (now "Old Key West") based upon those resorts. If you want the vibe of OKW, though, don't go to Key West itself; go to one of the other keys. Key West is, as the song says, "every night is Saturday night".

 

[utahkennedys]

I assume you mean non-Disney, although Disney's Hilton Head is similar. You obviously will have the issue as to what will be open and what restrictions may apply but otherwise there are likely a lot of beach resorts that provide a similar atmosphere (many lower level spread out units with studios, 1BRs 2BRs and 3BRs, restaurants, stores, golf, nice beaches, and internal transportation systems). Four we have done in the past would be similar: South Seas Plantation on Captiva island FL, Sandestin Resort near Destin FL (NW Fl), Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island SC, and Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of the Palms SC

Thank you so much. I am going to research these. I have heard of Sandestin and we have always wanted to try HHI.

 

[utahkennedys]

A lot of the larger resorts in the Florida Keys have the same vibe because Disney modeled the original Disney Vacation Club (now "Old Key West") based upon those resorts. If you want the vibe of OKW, though, don't go to Key West itself; go to one of the other keys. Key West is, as the song says, "every night is Saturday night".

Thank you - we have been to Key West and one day was plenty for us

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

These are not quite like OKW(more upscale home/condo rentals), but lovely beach destinations themselves...
Kiawah Island, SC
Seabrook Island, SC

 

[utahkennedys]

These are not quite like OKW(more upscale home/condo rentals), but lovely beach destinations themselves...
Kiawah Island, SC
Seabrook Island, SC

Thank you - I have never heard of these but it sounds like SC has some great options.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You might try Sanibel or Captiva on the Florida Southern Gulf Coast. I live on Marco Island and all the beach side places are more big tall condos. Except maybe Club Regency (it's a timeshare) which has several smaller buildings that gather around the pool with a boardwalk to the beach. It's an older timeshare, but not bad. All the units are two bedrooms.

 

[BillPA]

Why not try for a place in Hawaii?

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

Thank you - I have never heard of these but it sounds like SC has some great options.

Yes, lots of options in SC.

Hilton Head is more a blend of retail, restaurants, beaches, and some putt-putt golf courses. It has it all but nicer than some beaches with t-shirt shops up and down the strip. HH also has the small historic town of Savannah to visit.

The other two, Kiawah and Seabrook, are quiet upscale beach locations with just a couple restaurants on the islands themselves; grocery and restaurants are a 20 min drive out. They have Charleston about 45 minutes away.

We prefer the convenience of HH especially since we have kids still with us, but the beauty/serenity of the other locations beats out HH imho.

 

[utahkennedys]

You might try Sanibel or Captiva on the Florida Southern Gulf Coast. I live on Marco Island and all the beach side places are more big tall condos. Except maybe Club Regency (it's a timeshare) which has several smaller buildings that gather around the pool with a boardwalk to the beach. It's an older timeshare, but not bad. All the units are two bedrooms.

Thank you! My Dad lives in Myrtle Beach in the winter and we spent a day on Captiva - so lovely!!

 

[utahkennedys]

Why not try for a place in Hawaii?

We adore Hawaii and go to Maui every December. I have been keeping a pulse on it and it seems like the 7/31 date may be pushed to 8/31 with no real end in sight for their tourist quarantine That would be the first choice for DH!!!

 

[utahkennedys]

Yes, lots of options in SC.

Hilton Head is more a blend of retail, restaurants, beaches, and some putt-putt golf courses. It has it all but nicer than some beaches with t-shirt shops up and down the strip. HH also has the small historic town of Savannah to visit.

The other two, Kiawah and Seabrook, are quiet upscale beach locations with just a couple restaurants on the islands themselves; grocery and restaurants are a 20 min drive out. They have Charleston about 45 minutes away.

We prefer the convenience of HH especially since we have kids still with us, but the beauty/serenity of the other locations beats out HH imho.

Thank you! This is great info! They all sound amazing and Charleston has been on my bucket list too!