Travelling with Teens

[xtinewashere]

Alright friends. I really didn't think we'd make this trip in August but we're seeing summer fleeting by and we want to try to put a pause on our growing kids and enjoy some family time in one of our favourite places.

We haven't stayed onsite in several years and this time we managed to snag a free dining package. We've very much looking forward to a full disney bubble type expereience.

With a family of 5 it works out well cost-wise so we're planning on keeping that with a stay at Old Key West 1 BDRM. We had recently dined at Olivia's while visiting Orlando in May (not doing Disney Parks) and my kids loved the vibe. I thought OKW would be a nice choice since our 3 kids are teens and extra hotel space is a much needed luxury these days.

I am however second guessing the food options as well as the distance. Are we going to feel like this is a Disney experience or will it feel like we're just staying offsite? So have some questions.

Would you consider cramming your family into a smaller space such as boardwalk due to the better location of the parks and disney vibes? (We enjoy long visits to the parks or park hopping but we're not the 'go back to the hotel midday for a nap ppl'. Generally, we get a late start and stay through to the evening or hopefully some extra magic hours).

We're pool people. I don't mind a quiet pool- in fact I think my kids prefer it.. is it a hike to a pool since the hotel is so sprawling?

We are not car rental people normally but we might consider a car rental? Would this make OKW's location a bit better so we can drive into the parks or use it for park hopping or would it be a waste of expenses?

Food options- I have one challenging eater in the group so I checked OKW menu and it seems we'd be fine in that department.. but is Free dining sort of wasted at this location? Olivia's is probably cheaper to pay out of pocket but we do have the boat going to the springs if we want to have options. Otherwise, we're picking a few favourite places inside each park to eat.

Basically I need assurances that sacrificing the location for a bit more space is a good choice and that OKW is still a good hotel option. We have stayed at the boardwalk and yacht club in the past. When the kids were smaller Caribbean Beach or port orleans. I see options for Saratoga, Animal Kingdom, Riviera or Contemporary or even the Cabins... I could try to to dig and find something else.. but I'm hoping this is a good option.. what do you all think?

 

[auralia]

I would personally prefer a studio that has the 5th drop down bed over an okw one bedr IF I don’t plan on spending too much time in the room AND I don’t plan on cooking… why? Becuase the chair bed is awful. Also if you get a studio at riveria or grand Floridian they come with 2 showers which is awesome. We also really love boardwalk for the night life. My teens liked watching the performers at night. They also really love riveria due to the sky liner so they can still go to board walk or get beaches and cream. Liked it so much so we bought 160 points there.

I also own at old key west… we almost never stay there due to transportation being meh. With all the bus stops around the resort we only stay there if we are doing a minimal park trip.

 

[xtinewashere]

I would personally prefer a studio that has the 5th drop down bed over an okw one bedr IF I don’t plan on spending too much time in the room AND I don’t plan on cooking… why? Becuase the chair bed is awful. Also if you get a studio at riveria or grand Floridian they come with 2 showers which is awesome. We also really love boardwalk for the night life. My teens liked watching the performers at night. They also really love riveria due to the sky liner so they can still go to board walk or get beaches and cream. Liked it so much so we bought 160 points there.

I also own at old key west… we almost never stay there due to transportation being meh. With all the bus stops around the resort we only stay there if we are doing a minimal park trip.

 

[xtinewashere]

TY for this! I might just look into Riv. or back to BW. We do love the BW and if we're there I can see us easily breaking up and doing different things since we're so close to 2 parks.

 

[SwanVT2]

Have you considered SSR for walking proximity to DS? So many good restaurants there and shopping!

 

[xtinewashere]

Have you considered SSR for walking proximity to DS? So many good restaurants there and shopping!

i was warming up to the idea. we like the vibe at OKW so i'm not sure about SSR but that's an idea for sure!

 

[beccasmom]

OKW is our long-time home resort and we love it. We enjoy our resort time and are actually glad the theme parks aren't on our doorstep. But we have been to WDW many, many times and don’t feel the need to always have a plan for our trips (we usually visit at least one park, but beyond that, we may focus on other options - DH may golf more, I may shop more…).

Having said that, when traveling with the grandkids these days we sometimes will choose another resort (BRV, BLT, or Riviera) for easier park access and/or restaurant options. We love Olivia’s, but otherwise the food options at OKW are not great (although DS access is wonderful if the boats are running, a little less so if relying on the buses). It kind of depends on the number in our group because OKW does offer a lot of space. Although we don’t always rent a car, we sometimes opt to when at OKW; it can be a big help.

So you may wish to see what other options you have. Our trips have evolved quite a bit over the years….. with our kids, with extended family and friends, just the two of us, with our kids and their kids )…..WDW has so many choices to select a resort that works for what you desire most on your vacation.

 

[LoveToDisney]

We always liked the 2BR at BWV when we were taking teens. At that age, they wanted the freedom to come and go as they wished. Since we didn’t have a dining plan, I gave them a per diem to spend anyway they liked. I also stocked the kitchen with breakfast options and pizzas. Many days they spent some of their per diem on video games and ate pizza back at the villa rather than buying food at the parks. I think the kids had their best trips during those years because as a teen they weren’t forced to stay with us and enjoyed sleeping in and the autonomy to enjoy their favorite parks.

 

[xtinewashere]

OKW is our long-time home resort and we love it. We enjoy our resort time and are actually glad the theme parks aren't on our doorstep. But we have been to WDW many, many times and don’t feel the need to always have a plan for our trips (we usually visit at least one park, but beyond that, we may focus on other options - DH may golf more, I may shop more…).

Having said that, when traveling with the grandkids these days we sometimes will choose another resort (BRV, BLT, or Riviera) for easier park access and/or restaurant options. We love Olivia’s, but otherwise the food options at OKW are not great (although DS access is wonderful if the boats are running, a little less so if relying on the buses). It kind of depends on the number in our group because OKW does offer a lot of space. Although we don’t always rent a car, we sometimes opt to when at OKW; it can be a big help.

So you may wish to see what other options you have. Our trips have evolved quite a bit over the years….. with our kids, with extended family and friends, just the two of us, with our kids and their kids )…..WDW has so many choices to select a resort that works for what you desire most on your vacation.

Ty for your post!

I just spoke to my Husband, looked at other options which are quickly dwindling and we are going to give it a try at OKW. I think my kids will appreciate not being close to the parks either and we will all enjoy extra space. I am even looking forward to laundry since we are going in summer!

We have weighed out several options and think we might just find this a good fit like so many other OKW fans. I am hoping that we love it just as much as others and appreciate the laid back vibe.

We were lucky enough to stay at other great Disney resorts- boardwalk, yacht club and moderates so now we only now plan about 1/2 days in the park. We will be taking advantage of extra magic hours at night and as a result will benefit from having some time to lounge at the hotel/pool and spend some time at the resort/sleep in etc.

I think we’ll rent a car in order to keep food options open. That is the only real bummer but one of my kids is a very restrictive eater so we can’t get too adventurous with this either way.

I appreciate your perspective and see the benefit for doing things a little differently since we have visited WDW probably more than my kids would have wanted at this point.. haha. it’s just so hard to plan and I second guess my decisions since it’s such a big expense and you want things perfect.

 

[Genie+]

TY for this! I might just look into Riv. or back to BW. We do love the BW and if we're there I can see us easily breaking up and doing different things since we're so close to 2 parks.

That is a good alternative. Was what first popped into my mind too.

We are not car rental people normally but we might consider a car rental? Would this make OKW's location a bit better so we can drive into the parks or use it for park hopping or would it be a waste of expenses?

We tried OKW 1BR. Parking directly outside our unit was great. That’s a big plus for OKW. The size of the unit is awesome, as was having the full kitchen. It was a great trip and no major complaints. We decided not to return though because we really don’t eat much in room and the bathroom situation didn’t work well. There’s the big bath tub, then the toilet and shower in the second area. That last part is why we’d prefer a studio with 2 shower areas instead (so someone can use the toilet while another is in the shower). Like Poly, RIV and the original VGF studios. Or… pick a 1BR with 2 bathrooms, like BLT and AKV-K. I hear the Poly Tower 1BR might have 2 bathrooms as well. Hope so!

 

[Genie+]

Ty for your post!

I just spoke to my Husband, looked at other options which are quickly dwindling and we are going to give it a try at OKW. I think my kids will appreciate not being close to the parks either and we will all enjoy extra space. I am even looking forward to laundry since we are going in summer!

We have weighed out several options and think we might just find this a good fit like so many other OKW fans. I am hoping that we love it just as much as others and appreciate the laid back vibe.

We were lucky enough to stay at other great Disney resorts- boardwalk, yacht club and moderates so now we only now plan about 1/2 days in the park. We will be taking advantage of extra magic hours at night and as a result will benefit from having some time to lounge at the hotel/pool and spend some time at the resort/sleep in etc.

I think we’ll rent a car in order to keep food options open. That is the only real bummer but one of my kids is a very restrictive eater so we can’t get too adventurous with this either way.

I appreciate your perspective and see the benefit for doing things a little differently since we have visited WDW probably more than my kids would have wanted at this point.. haha. it’s just so hard to plan and I second guess my decisions since it’s such a big expense and you want things perfect.

Sorry - I didn’t see this post before I responded. OKW is a solid resort with a great vibe. Enjoy!

 

[beccasmom]

Ty for your post!

I just spoke to my Husband, looked at other options which are quickly dwindling and we are going to give it a try at OKW. I think my kids will appreciate not being close to the parks either and we will all enjoy extra space. I am even looking forward to laundry since we are going in summer!

We have weighed out several options and think we might just find this a good fit like so many other OKW fans. I am hoping that we love it just as much as others and appreciate the laid back vibe.

We were lucky enough to stay at other great Disney resorts- boardwalk, yacht club and moderates so now we only now plan about 1/2 days in the park. We will be taking advantage of extra magic hours at night and as a result will benefit from having some time to lounge at the hotel/pool and spend some time at the resort/sleep in etc.

I think we’ll rent a car in order to keep food options open. That is the only real bummer but one of my kids is a very restrictive eater so we can’t get too adventurous with this either way.

I appreciate your perspective and see the benefit for doing things a little differently since we have visited WDW probably more than my kids would have wanted at this point.. haha. it’s just so hard to plan and I second guess my decisions since it’s such a big expense and you want things perfect.

Just a quick thought (and you may already be aware of this). At OKW, units 1-29 do not have a separate entrance to the bathroom (must enter through the bedroom). In higher-numbered buildings, an entrance through the laundry room was added. I tend to forget about this since we’ve stayed there so often!

 

[xtinewashere]

Just a quick thought (and you may already be aware of this). At OKW, units 1-29 do not have a separate entrance to the bathroom (must enter through the bedroom). In higher-numbered buildings, an entrance through the laundry room was added. I tend to forget about this since we’ve stayed there so often!

oh that you! this is a great tip!

 

[WhitneyBrock]

Thanks for asking this question! We are also in this same situation and I am not sure what to do. Looks like you have some good advice!

 

[xtinewashere]

Thanks for asking this question! We are also in this same situation and I am not sure what to do. Looks like you have some good advice!

We are on our trip now I can tell you firsthand how it’s working out. We opted for old key west 1 bdrm.

The 1 bdrm is amazing and so comfortable! I am not sure I can size down again. It’s really, really roomy.

The 1 bathroom is a tad annoying but with the 2nd sink area it’s working out ok. We just need to limit shower time with the kids to keep it free.

Having an in suite laundry for summer trips is indispensable- we have done 3 loads so far and it allowed us to pack lighter.

Buses are great and we’re near a stop. I bussed more than I thought I would into the parks. I don’t mind looping and doing a few stops- it’s not too much of a time waste and luckily the buses are not busy this week.

We opted for a car and did make good use of it since we stayed at universal for a few days prior and went and got supplies/groceries a few times. We are far enough that we drove to get coffee at hospitality house and this morning even checked out nearby resorts, got beignets for the kids for a treat etc. if you plan to visit other resorts, having a car is nice but I could have made do without it.

We are able to go do stuff while leaving some of the teens back in the hotel knowing they have enough space, a kitchen etc. it’s been a little feeing and I don’t feel so far removed that I worry about them. Conversely if they wanted to leave a park earlier and head back on their own, I would be totally comfortable sending them back too.

Downside is we are far away from the ‘main area’ and we are making breakfast in our kitchen. I actually don’t mind at all but we got the ‘free’ dining promo and I think it might be a stretch using all our credits. If I had to plan this sort of trip again, I would plan more resort dining options we could drive to but that cuts down on park time and we are focusing on parks.

Even though we are in a sprawling area I still feel like I am at Disney and still feel in the bubble. I do like the vibe of this resort however it is more laid back casual and feels more like a moderate to me.

Brunch at Oliva’s the other day was great and I would eat there again- it’s a great option for dining. The quick service area has minimal choices compared to the cafeterias I see at the moderates— I wish deluxe resorts all had those areas too. We are not so far from port orleans that I guess we could drive over but none of my kids are foodies enough to try different stuff and make that extra effort.

Overall I think we made a good choice. I have pangs of missing boardwalk and that area but it’s nice to have a break from the hustle and bustle. We have been spending more time in our 1 bdrm as opposed to hanging out in lobbies or common areas of hotels since it’s just so easy to all find a seat inside. It’s nice to have the togetherness and still have space- I think my teens enjoy it too.i can’t imagine making do with a studio- I think it would be much more stressful and having to find spaces outside of the room since I am usually awake a lot earlier then the kids.

We haven’t used the boat to springs or really any of the resort amenities- we did swim luckily. I always feel that is a hard balance and feel a bit like I am paying for those options when they’re so hard to fit in.

If there is a next visit, I would look into the price of 2 conjoined rooms to see how that prices out but I wouldn’t be opposed to stay here again. I do like it more than off site resorts and if a dvc person knocked at my door right now I probably could get talked into a contact quite easily

I would like to try Rivera next and think that is another good option for families. I think when I looked, it just cost a lot more so opted to stay with old key west.

Hope that helps with your plans!

 

[WhitneyBrock]

We are on our trip now I can tell you firsthand how it’s working out. We opted for old key west 1 bdrm.

The 1 bdrm is amazing and so comfortable! I am not sure I can size down again. It’s really, really roomy.

The 1 bathroom is a tad annoying but with the 2nd sink area it’s working out ok. We just need to limit shower time with the kids to keep it free.

Having an in suite laundry for summer trips is indispensable- we have done 3 loads so far and it allowed us to pack lighter.

Buses are great and we’re near a stop. I bussed more than I thought I would into the parks. I don’t mind looping and doing a few stops- it’s not too much of a time waste and luckily the buses are not busy this week.

We opted for a car and did make good use of it since we stayed at universal for a few days prior and went and got supplies/groceries a few times. We are far enough that we drove to get coffee at hospitality house and this morning even checked out nearby resorts, got beignets for the kids for a treat etc. if you plan to visit other resorts, having a car is nice but I could have made do without it.

We are able to go do stuff while leaving some of the teens back in the hotel knowing they have enough space, a kitchen etc. it’s been a little feeing and I don’t feel so far removed that I worry about them. Conversely if they wanted to leave a park earlier and head back on their own, I would be totally comfortable sending them back too.

Downside is we are far away from the ‘main area’ and we are making breakfast in our kitchen. I actually don’t mind at all but we got the ‘free’ dining promo and I think it might be a stretch using all our credits. If I had to plan this sort of trip again, I would plan more resort dining options we could drive to but that cuts down on park time and we are focusing on parks.

Even though we are in a sprawling area I still feel like I am at Disney and still feel in the bubble. I do like the vibe of this resort however it is more laid back casual and feels more like a moderate to me.

Brunch at Oliva’s the other day was great and I would eat there again- it’s a great option for dining. The quick service area has minimal choices compared to the cafeterias I see at the moderates— I wish deluxe resorts all had those areas too. We are not so far from port orleans that I guess we could drive over but none of my kids are foodies enough to try different stuff and make that extra effort.

Overall I think we made a good choice. I have pangs of missing boardwalk and that area but it’s nice to have a break from the hustle and bustle. We have been spending more time in our 1 bdrm as opposed to hanging out in lobbies or common areas of hotels since it’s just so easy to all find a seat inside. It’s nice to have the togetherness and still have space- I think my teens enjoy it too.i can’t imagine making do with a studio- I think it would be much more stressful and having to find spaces outside of the room since I am usually awake a lot earlier then the kids.

We haven’t used the boat to springs or really any of the resort amenities- we did swim luckily. I always feel that is a hard balance and feel a bit like I am paying for those options when they’re so hard to fit in.

If there is a next visit, I would look into the price of 2 conjoined rooms to see how that prices out but I wouldn’t be opposed to stay here again. I do like it more than off site resorts and if a dvc person knocked at my door right now I probably could get talked into a contact quite easily

I would like to try Rivera next and think that is another good option for families. I think when I looked, it just cost a lot more so opted to stay with old key west.

Hope that helps with your plans!

Thank you so much for the feedback! I think you sealed my plans to stay here!!