Staying at OKW for first time.....tips? Advice? Ideas? help!

[snowwhitesmom]

we have never stayed at OKW before....any and all advice is welcome!

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

We LOVED OKW- it was my family's first experience at a DVC resort and what sold us on becoming members. Its a nice resort to relax- laid back, great restaurant (Olivia's), great little bar (gurgling suitcase). The rooms seemed HUGE compared to other resorts. My kids loved the pool area and the pool games. They really liked community hall as well (where they host kid's crafts, movies etc). Boat to DTD was great. Try to request close to the Hospitality House- there are several bus stops which made getting to and from the parks a bit tedious. We could see fireworks (Epcot I think) from our balcony- which overlooked the golf course.

 

[Lizziebiffle]

My only complaint was the quick service breakfast/lunch area. It was outside and the only seating was outdoor picnic tables. They had one last working nose mornings and she was less than pleasant. Our stay was 1.5 years ago. We ended up eating breakfast at Olivia's most mornings instead of quick service, which took up more time and cost more money. Other than that, we enjoyed our stay there.

 

[snowwhitesmom]

We LOVED OKW- it was my family's first experience at a DVC resort and what sold us on becoming members. Its a nice resort to relax- laid back, great restaurant (Olivia's), great little bar (gurgling suitcase). The rooms seemed HUGE compared to other resorts. My kids loved the pool area and the pool games. They really liked community hall as well (where they host kid's crafts, movies etc). Boat to DTD was great. Try to request close to the Hospitality House- there are several bus stops which made getting to and from the parks a bit tedious. We could see fireworks (Epcot I think) from our balcony- which overlooked the golf course.

Thank you!

 

[snowwhitesmom]

My only complaint was the quick service breakfast/lunch area. It was outside and the only seating was outdoor picnic tables. They had one last working nose mornings and she was less than pleasant. Our stay was 1.5 years ago. We ended up eating breakfast at Olivia's most mornings instead of quick service, which took up more time and cost more money. Other than that, we enjoyed our stay there.

Thanks!

 

[Disneyhenry]

My only complaint was the quick service breakfast/lunch area. It was outside and the only seating was outdoor picnic tables. They had one last working nose mornings and she was less than pleasant.

Very true, the quick service also has a smaller menu then other resorts that I have stayed at. If you plan on using the bus system ask upon check in where the closes stop is to your assigned room. The pools are nice, have a boat to DTD is great! What size of room are you getting? We had a 2 bedroom and it was perfect for my family of 3 and my sisters family of 3 - have fun!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We stayed at OKW for the first time in February and found this review to be exceedingly helpful:

http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...droom-disney-vacation-club-review/#more-15123

The resort is big and slightly complicated. But we loved the huge 2 bedroom villa and would stay there again in a similar situation.

 

[loves to dive]

Stayed there last Sept. in a studio. As others have said the QS breakfast is not much but if you don't mind cooking in your villa you should be o.k. with that. I was in a building that was across from the Hospitality house and it was the perfect location. The bus stop was just one building away. I would sit on my balcony in the morning and watch the buses, when the one I wanted stopped, I would load up what I was taking and stroll over to Hospitality House and catch the bus there since it's the last stop. On the way back from the parks, my stop was the first one so getting back to my room was quick and easy. The bus does go around the whole resort so there is the possibility of a long bus ride, according to where you are staying. The room was big, two double beds and a little table area, a little bump in with the sink area and a pretty big bathroom. Would I stay there again? Not if I can get as good rates somewhere else, for me it was a little dated and I don't like having to ride the buses everywhere but if you don't mind that it is a peaceful resort.

 

[hsmamato2]

It's so nice there...large rooms,landscaping is perfect,very laidback and lovely. The rooms were built back in the day,and are much larger than other DVC..... but the QS is pretty lame here. We always ate elsewhere when we stayed here,or in the room. I am not much of an Olivia;s fan,But otherwise it's a great place!

 

[snowwhitesmom]

Thank you everyone! This will be a new experience!

 

[snowwhitesmom]

We stayed at OKW for the first time in February and found this review to be exceedingly helpful:

http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...droom-disney-vacation-club-review/#more-15123

The resort is big and slightly complicated. But we loved the huge 2 bedroom villa and would stay there again in a similar situation.

What a wonderfully informative review! Thank you!

 

[Deb & Bill]

OKW is the original DVC resort and began construction around 1991. We've stayed there 15 times or more since it is our home resort. Since OKW was built as the first timeshare for Disney with every villa having a kitchen or kitchenette, the counter service (Goods to Go) was really just to get food while you were at the pool. With at minimum a microwave and a toaster and a bit larger refrigerator, you can make lots of breakfasts in your villa.

 

[snowwhitesmom]

Does anyone know where I can see pictures of a studio?

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

Here ya go: http://blog.dvcrequest.com/a-look-at-a-studio-at-disneys-old-key-west/

Also the following has nice resort pics: http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-resorts/old-key-west-resort/

 

[snowwhitesmom]

Here ya go: http://blog.dvcrequest.com/a-look-at-a-studio-at-disneys-old-key-west/

Also the following has nice resort pics: http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-resorts/old-key-west-resort/

Thank you so much!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Stayed there last Sept. in a studio. As others have said the QS breakfast is not much but if you don't mind cooking in your villa you should be o.k. with that. I was in a building that was across from the Hospitality house and it was the perfect location. The bus stop was just one building away. I would sit on my balcony in the morning and watch the buses, when the one I wanted stopped, I would load up what I was taking and stroll over to Hospitality House and catch the bus there since it's the last stop. On the way back from the parks, my stop was the first one so getting back to my room was quick and easy. The bus does go around the whole resort so there is the possibility of a long bus ride, according to where you are staying. The room was big, two double beds and a little table area, a little bump in with the sink area and a pretty big bathroom. Would I stay there again? Not if I can get as good rates somewhere else, for me it was a little dated and I don't like having to ride the buses everywhere but if you don't mind that it is a peaceful resort.

The beds in the studio are queen sized, not double sized.

 

[zlah31]

I think the restaurant on site, Olivia's, is underated. We had great service and good food while there! The onion rings were great! Also for a relaxing trip take a boat from DTD. Fun to see the sights on the way.

 

[INCUBUS]

I am a former CM who was a chef at OKW. Thank zlah31 about Olivia's food. When I was there, we strived to make the food the best. If they still have it, got to try the buttermilk chicken. Its a huge chicken breast soaked in buttermilk and frief served with mashed potatoes. Hopefully they still have it. They do a member specials for food but anyone can order them. The hotel went through remodeling not to long again. The rooms were updated. The property is spread out but a bus is used to get from one side to another. They also have a quiet pool that barely anyone goes to.

 

[Deb & Bill]

... They also have a quiet pool that barely anyone goes to.

There are multiple "quiet" pools at OKW. One each at Turtle Pond, South Point and Millers Road. We always use the leisure pools instead of the themed pool.

OP, you'll find a lot more information on OKW on the DVC Boards.

 

[snowwhitesmom]

I am a former CM who was a chef at OKW. Thank zlah31 about Olivia's food. When I was there, we strived to make the food the best. If they still have it, got to try the buttermilk chicken. Its a huge chicken breast soaked in buttermilk and frief served with mashed potatoes. Hopefully they still have it. They do a member specials for food but anyone can order them. The hotel went through remodeling not to long again. The rooms were updated. The property is spread out but a bus is used to get from one side to another. They also have a quiet pool that barely anyone goes to.

Thank you!