Tell me about Old Key West

[atlanta braves fan]

I'd like to hear any comments on this resort. Things like best building, what the bus service is like, is Olivia's a good eatery and so forth. Trying to plan a December trip and am comparing OKW with Boardwalk.

 

[caverill]

OKW is a large resort that is very spread out. OKW has some of the largest rooms on-site.

Due to its size, many people feel they need a car although you can always use Disney buses.

Comparing BW to OKW...BW feels (and is) a hotel. OKW feels more like a townhouse community. BW is busy and is considered noisey by some. OKW is much more laid back.

BW is within walking distance to two parks.

 

[Samsma]

We stayed for a week at OKW last July. The rooms were great. We had a one bedroom villa, ground floor. Very convenient, just parked right outside our door. The bus transportation was the easiest way to get around, but it seemed like a long ride to any of the parks for some reason. Our room was convenient to the bus stop, but not to any of the pools. We ended up not even swimming once while we were there because it was too much trouble to go to the pool. I would stay there again because it was nice to be able to have our food in the room (with small kids). You'll love the bathroom!

 

[thepoohbear]

We've been to OKW twice, once with a car, once without. It is a really beautiful but very huge resort. The first time, without the car, we were very close to a bus stop and a quiet pool so it was a good location. I found the bus service to be very good. But the walk to Olivia's, which we also thought was good, was a bit much. In the morning, when we were rested, it was no big deal. But later in the day after walking FOREVER the last thing we wanted to do was treck across the resort. Thus the car the next time. That time we were close to the hospitality house and probably didn't need it but I loved having it. The rooms are very nice and quite large and I found the CMs there to be wonderful. We have also stayed at the Boardwalk twice and we love it there too but they are really different. One is quiet and relaxing, the other is lively and in the middle of everything. If you plan to eat out a lot, the variety of restaurants on the boardwalk is nice. If you enjoy the Downtown Disney area, the boat ride over from OKW is fun and relaxing. If you have older kids, they might enjoy the pool at the Boardwalk more. If not, the pool at OKW is very pretty.
Good luck with your decision. I'm sure you'll love whichever place you choose. But if you pick OKW and don't plan to have a car, give your feet a break and ask to be put near the Hospitality House.

 

[DeeP]

As others have said, OKW has the largest rooms out of all the DVC resorts, it is a huge resort and if you don't have a car stay close to the hospitality house. OKW is also removed from any of the parks and has only bus servie to the parks.
It all depends on what kind of vacation resort you are looking for when comparing OKW vs BWV. Do you want a very quiet resort or do you want to be in the midst of it all? Are you going to be spending alot of time at the resort so the distance to the parks and the bus only transportation will not effect you or will you be going to the parks and restaurants alot, then the super location of the BWV will definitely appeal to you. Do you have kids that will want a pool with a water slide and theming then BWV is for you but if you want a pool that is quiet without a slide and very little theming then OKW will suit you just fine. Both resorts are very nice resorts but they are definitely very different in what they offer their guests, their atmosphere, location, etc.

 

[Janet2k]

I adore Old Key West. It's a great resort. If you want tons of info about it, please go to the Dis' DVC board and ask your question over there: Dis' DVC Board

And don't forget to check out the Dreams Unlimited website (the owner of the Dis) for lots of info on Old Key West: Dreams Unlimited Travel Info On Old Key West

 

[atlanta braves fan]

Thanks for the replies. I think OKW is the place for me. i've looked over Olivia's menu, and I love it. After ASMu with Pop Warner last Dec. I'm ready for some peace and quiet.

 

[ncligs]

OKW is the best of DVC......everything said in the previuos posts are true.It is a laid back atmosphere.....relaxing,quiet,etc. I would also recomend bldgs 13 or 14 across from the Hospitality House.

 

[DeeP]

OKW is the best of DVC

I do not agree with this statement. All the DVC resorts are very, very nice and each have their own personality. I do not think any one is the "best". Being a DVC member with my home resort at BWV, I can definitely say we greatly prefer BWV but I do not think it is any better than the other DVC resorts...it is just which atmosphere, theming, location, amenities, etc appeal more to your family and better fit your family's vacation needs/wants.

 

[ncligs]

DeeP,

I agree with you, that each resort has its own personality.They all are "great", and we have stayed at all of them except VWL.We just prefer OKW, as our "personal favorite".

P.S. We still don't like the 1.2 mile walk to your room at the BWV's from the parking lot.

 

[DeeP]

ncligs,
I agree with you that all DVC members have their personal favorites, that is what makes DVC so great! Believe me, I also do not want to start a debate, just pointing out that all the DVC resorts are great, there is no best; just what appeals to each family. I would hate to see someone get the wrong impression about any of the wonderful DVC resorts.
Now, a 1.2 mile walk from the parking lot to your room at BWV is stretching the truth....which way were you going via China???

 

[PamOKW]

We interrupt this thread to bring an explanation......

Some of us DVC folks get protective of our "home resorts" (as you can see).....but we all know that there isn't a bad vacation at any of them. Some resorts appeal to folks more than others and some folks love them all at different times! Over on the DVC Board we kid each other with this sibling rivalry all the time. Folks here just might not know what's happening.

www.disneyvacationclub.com will also give you some pictures to look at!

 

[MulanMom]

We have stayed many times at OKW with and without a car. It is a good idea to request a bldg. near Hospitality House if you don't rent a car. However, if you are not near Hospitality House, hop on any bus as their last stop is Hospitality House(HH). As for getting back to your room from HH, I believe the Downtown Disney bus stops at the HH first and last. Check with the Front Desk CMs to be sure.

Sharon

 

[PamOKW]

Another "trick" to getting back to your home from HH area, is to walk over to the Peninsular Road stop (not far from the pool). Any bus that stops there will take you to Old Turtle Pond and South Point. I'm not sure when they make the Miller's Road stop these days, but it may take you there as well.

 

[cottontail]

How are the studio rooms, I was thinking of it vrs a moderate hotel room. They look a little larger than a regular room.

Thanks,

Deb.

 

[PamOKW]

A studio is comparable to a Deluxe hotel room. You will have a private balcony and a kitchenette area. The bathroom is spacious and includes a shower massage. The beds are queen size (vs. double in a moderate).