Tell me good things about OKW....

[Orky15]

I'm sending my mother and sister there, and want to have tons of great stories about OKW to get them psyched for the trip! What are some great moments? Fun activities at the resort itself? Not-to-be missed activities for a 17 yr old and her slightly older but no less beautiful mother? (Needless to say I will be printing this and showing it to them.) Things you would stay away from? Helpful tips? Pour on the OKW lore... they'll love it!

 

[Kim&Chris]

Well, we stayed there last year and it is a GORGEOUS resort. So colorful and cheery .

We stayed in building 55, which was really private with our "own" pool (wasn't really our own, but it was right next to our building so DH and our "neighbors claimed it as our own ). Right next to the pool was a great hot tub.

Tell your mom and sister to visit the Gurgling Suitcase...it's a small, open bar that serves strawberry daquiri's to die for. Any of the bartenders will make a non-alcoholic version as well. This bar also has lots of clever Disney-themed vanity license plates on the walls that DVC members have donated to the resort.

The resort's restaurant, Olivia's, is small, quaint and quiet. You'll have a great meal without all the hustle-bustle of some of the other Disney restaurants.

They also have a great gift shop, full of Disney themed and OKW-themed merchandise. The shop is also stocked with lots of goodies you'll need in your room (milk, soda, juices, bagels, cereal, etc.)

Also, tell them to take advantage of the boat ride from OKW to Downtown Disney. We loved it!

 

[Orky15]

Thanks so much for the reply! Great suggestions. My mom loves to come up with simple fun meals she can prepare in the room, but she will be in a studio the first few nights. I've heard you can have groceries waiting for you in the room. Has anyone done this? Is it a financially reasonable idea?

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Old Key West is the BEST! The resort is very beautiful, lots of lush plants and plenty of palm trees. There is a beautiful little pond with a fountain in the middle that we could see from our balcony (building 62). The villa was the best part though. We had a huge living room, full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, laundry room, 2 balconies, big jacuzzi tub, it was awesome! The pool at the resort is very nice and we especially liked the little bar. Delicious Pina Coladas! We never had to wait long for a bus, in fact we never had a problem the whole time we were there. It's my favorite resort at WDW so far. You are going to have a great time!!!!

 

[Orky15]

Oh, I wish I could go with them!!!!!! Keep it coming!

 

[AZKathy]

We have never done the groceries in the room that can be ordered through DVC; I think the prices are a bit pricey. We always stop at a grocery store on the way from MCO to OKW. There is a new Winn-Dixie near Downtown Disney, so there are other places nearby to get groceries other than Goodings.

Are they going to a one bedroom villa; you said they were staying in a studio the first nights. If so, it has a fully equipted kitchen with service for eight with cookware and utensils. There is a jacuzzi tub in the bedroom that is absolutely wonderful!!!! The porch or balcony is wonderful to sit out on.

Are they renting a car? If they are renting a car, OKW gives you the advantage of parking right outside the villa rather than a parking lot and having to walk a long distance to the villa.

We love OKW. It is layed back and peaceful. If we want to spend time shopping and enjoy the hustle and bustle for an evening, we go to Downtown Disney (of course via the boat!!) or over to Boardwalk for a nice evening over there.

I think you are doing a wonderful thing sending them there for a vacation!

 

[CarolAnnC]

There is a new Winn-Dixie near Downtown Disney, so there are other places nearby to get groceries other than Goodings

Could you please give me the exact location of this new grocery store? Is it on the same road as DD? Sounds quite close to OKW and I am arriving there Sunday, so I would be interested in using this one. Ty!

 

[SueM in MN]

CarolAnn, I don't know where that store is, but I hope you have a good time even if you don't find it.

Now, for some good points:
There are tennis courts and a shuffleboard court (don't laugh, it is kind of fun). You can also rent bikes and boats. The paddleboats look fun, but wear LOTS of sunscreen and be prepared to get HOT if you use them. There are also motorized boats you can rent and the trip to DD, PO and back takes about 1 hour.
The studios don't have a videotape player, but the bigger rooms do. You can rent VCR tapes (free to DVC members).
The balconies are big, with a table and 4 chairs that you can actually relax and eat a meal at if you want. From our balcony last March, we could see all sorts of birds and there were turtles swimming in the pond that our room ovelooked. All of the rooms have good views; wooded, water or golf course.

 

[AZKathy]

Carolann,

Rather than going across the intersection at 535 to go into the Crossroads Mall area (and Goodings), turn left. Continue on and the Winn-Dixie is on the right hand side just past the 3rd stoplight (right next to the ABC Liquor Store).

This is thanks to Firefighter Mickey. I found this on the DVC board. Our towncar driver took us there in May, so I was not paying attention to what street it was on.

Hope this helps and have a great trip!!!!!

 

[CarolAnnC]

That one slipped by me on the DVC Board! LOL!! Ty very much Kathy for sharing here.

 

[Orky15]

How exciting!

They are looking for freeish nonpark activities for a couple of days... any suggestions?

Ideas for easy meals?