I can't really think of anything I dislike about the resort. I love the laid back Old Florida feel without Mickey-in-Your-Face. It is set in the 1920's Key West of Ernest Hemingway without his cats. I like that you can park up close to your rooms. I like that the rooms are more spacious compared to the other
DVC properties so we don't feel like we are tripping over each other. I like the roomy balcony in which you can comfortably sit and enjoy a nice cup of coffee, or breakfast, or a libation, or whatever while enjoying the scenery and mature foliage which enhances your privacy.
There is one TS restaurant,
Olivia's Cafe. It does not have an extensive menu which is appropriate for Key West. We have never been disappointed when we eat there. It has become a family tradition to have the first WDW meal of our visit at Olivia's Cafe before we go to the parks, or to our room, if its ready. It's also a nice place for a late meal after returning from the parks. You have to try the Key Lime Pie!
OKW is the first DVC resort, being built before the concept of the food court. It does have
Good's Food to Go which has an adequate menu. Many times you can get some of the same items that are available at Olivia's. It is an outdoor venue hence seating will be at the picnic tables/benches around the boat dock and outdoor walkway along Conch Flats. This is whre you can get your refillable mugs.
Next to Goods Food to Go is
The Gurgling Suitcase for your libations. I can't say enough about it other than try it you'll like it. If your accommodations are at Turtle Pond there is another quick serve location at the quiet pool called
Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks. This is another location to purchase and refill your refillable mug.
Yes , there is a beach, but not in the true sense of a sandy swimming beach. There is an area along the water plus the ponds on the golf course. You can catch the DVC boat to go to DTD or just rent a mouse-boat or paddle-boat for recreation. There is a sandy area past the main pool and tennis courts close to the water where they have clam bakes during certain times of the year. Information will be in your "Welcome Home" packet at check-in. Nope, we haven't seen any Gators other than the football fans.
The refurbishment seems to be ongoing, kind of like the painters at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. We have never had any major issues at OKW. The rooms we've had have always been fresh, clean, well-maintained, and well stocked with utensils, towels, etc. I could not tell you if our rooms were recently refurbished or not, that's how clean they've been. This past Christmas the hairdryer didn't work. We called the front desk and it was taken care of immediately.
As I mentioned earlier OKW has that Old Florida ambiance. It is more reminiscent of a resort from my childhood too many years ago. The other DVC properties, as wonderful as they are, do not have that "resort" feel. They seem more like a hotel in comparison. That is more a product of their design than anything else.
The buses are probably the same everywhere. If you remember that they come by every 20 minutes beginning an hour before the parks open you can plan when to arrive at the bus stop and minimize your wait.
That depends on your preferences. Do you want quick access to the HH or are you content with a location near a quiet pool? We have stayed in each section except Miller's Road. We've never been disappointed. The entire area is easily navigable just by walking. It's about a ten minute walk from the farthest point to the HH.
Your Welcome
we bought resale last May sight unseen, OKW was they only place I would consider.
blech. Run away.
