Will we like Old Key West

[Leanne1977]

You guys are mostly talking about studios. I don't consider studios at all when I speak of DVC accommodations. To me the studio is just the second bedroom of a DVC unit. That's the way it was meant to be originally. I don't think DVC ever expected so many folks to want to stay in just a studio. I look at studios as glorified hotel rooms. To get a real DVC experience, you need to stay in 1 bedroom or larger villas.

I do agree that the studios at OKW, while large, are not light feeling. The mature vegetation is part of it, but the fact that they are tucked around the ends of each of the buildings is part of it too. At OKW, the real light and open feeling is mostly in the living room area, and to a degree the master bedroom.

Oh don't get me wrong, I am sure the 1 beds are lovely but to me a total waste of points. Same guest limit but a lot more points, doesn't make sense to me. If I had enough points I would go 2 bed.

But we have only ever stayed in a studio and love the DVC experience, just didn't like OKW.
BCV is our favourite followed by Kidani and BWV, oh and VB of course, hence why we are getting married there.

 

[tpsh007]

well, to each his/her own. I have to agree with dianeschlicht though.
The 1-bedrooms at DVC are way bigger and have a kitchen, washer/dryer and king bed.
We travel with a 2 year old and would never consider the studio even though we are just 2.5 people.

 

[dianeschlicht]

well, to each his/her own. I have to agree with dianeschlicht though.
The 1-bedrooms at DVC are way bigger and have a kitchen, washer/dryer and king bed.
We travel with a 2 year old and would never consider the studio even though we are just 2.5 people.

The problem with the studio is that it is a hotel room. Most "timeshare folks" want a home away from home that includes those amenities like a king bed, jacuzzi, in room laundry, kitchen, living room etc. etc. We are usually only 2 on each trip, and we would never have purchased DVC if we intended to stay in studios.

I understand that sometimes you need to conserve points, and that option is there for those who want it, but I think it's a mistake to judge any DVC resort by the studios alone. Frankly, I'm not a fan of the OKW studios either. With just 2 of us, I find it inconvenient to have two queen beds instead of a bed and sofa.

 

[Leanne1977]

Totally agree about the 2 double beds and much prefer the bed and sofa at SSR.

I suppose its a little different for me as I am coming from the UK and we like to visit Orlando 2-3 times a year for a total of around 6-8 weeks. So our points would never stretch to a 2 bed. Maybe when our boys are older we may feel the need for the extra space but for now a studio is fab for us.

 

[disfreaks41071]

I was totally in love with OKW the minute we got in our room. The bathrooms are HUGE! Peace and quiet. It was so nice. Our friends were staying at ALL SPORTS and they were upset at how noisy it was. We couldnt complain, it was soo nice! Enjoy it!

 

[scot@dvcstore]

If you like a large, quiet resorts with lush landscaping and spacious rooms, you will love OKW. Enjoy your trip.

 

[brianheather]

How is Old Key West around Christmas Time? Is there a thread with pictures of the decorations?

 

[chalee94]

How is Old Key West around Christmas Time? Is there a thread with pictures of the decorations?

try this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1676426

 

[brianheather]

try this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1676426

Thank you.. pictures are wonderful.
Here is my problem, we currently have a Savanna View room booked in Kidani Village from Dec 10-17th. We are also booking Animal Kingdom in May 2011 because we are bringing people down with us and the points are lower. I am trying to find out which is better as far as the Holdiay decorations etc. Should I switch it to OKW or stay put. Please help.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thank you.. pictures are wonderful.
Here is my problem, we currently have a Savanna View room booked in Kidani Village from Dec 10-17th. We are also booking Animal Kingdom in May 2011 because we are bringing people down with us and the points are lower. I am trying to find out which is better as far as the Holdiay decorations etc. Should I switch it to OKW or stay put. Please help.

I don't think there is a real huge amount of decorating either place, but we like the tree at AKV. OKW doesn't have much in the way of a tree, but the neat thing there is how people decorate their balcony with lights.

I'm confused about the "points are lower" comment about AKV. It looks to me like points are lower at OKW.

 

[Candy Orlando]

Disney's OKW resort theming is very authentic to the original OKW, Florida. You spend most of your time outside. The villas have large decks with fans. Olivia's has outdoor dining and a lot of the Christmas decorations are outside.

 

[vandy]

One thing to keep in mind: If you will have someone sleeping in the living room area either on the sofa sleeper and/or the sleeper chair (in renovated rooms), be sure to request a room in building 30 or higher. These have an access to the bathroom through the laundry room (similiar to the bathroom set-up at SSR and other resorts). In the other buildings you need to go through a bedroom to get to it.

My personal favorites are buildings 32 and 33 on Old Turtle Pond Road. These are next to the bus stop and very close to the Turtle Pond Pool.

 

[brianheather]

One thing to keep in mind: If you will have someone sleeping in the living room area either on the sofa sleeper and/or the sleeper chair (in renovated rooms), be sure to request a room in building 30 or higher. These have an access to the bathroom through the laundry room (similiar to the bathroom set-up at SSR and other resorts). In the other buildings you need to go through a bedroom to get to it.

My personal favorites are buildings 32 and 33 on Old Turtle Pond Road. These are next to the bus stop and very close to the Turtle Pond Pool.

What Buildings would be closest to the lobby/pool? This would be our first time at either resort.... What would you guys recomend.?

I meant we would book the Value 1Brm at AKL so it seemed to be cheaper then OKW.

 

[Mickeygolf]

You will love OKW. It's one of the most relaxing resorts on property. The decor is comfortable and the complex is so much fun. Great pool, restaurant, Community Hall, and the food choices are both good. The only problem is you'll have to actually get up from your chair or sofa and walk to the fridge for your favorite beverage as the 1br, 2br, and Grand villas are so big.

Unlike the other DVC resorts where you just kind of lean over to reach the fridge for your favorite beverage

 

[Mickeygolf]

What Buildings would be closest to the lobby/pool? This would be our first time at either resort.... What would you guys recomend.?

I meant we would book the Value 1Brm at AKL so it seemed to be cheaper then OKW.

11 - 14 are right across from check-in, also close are 62, 63, and 64, but they are not part of the Hospitality House booking. And our new favorite after our last trip in Nov. 09 are 23 - 26. First bus stop and very convenient to the Hospitality House and main pool area.

 

[gurglingsuitcase87]

I have been staying at Old Key West every year since I was 8 years old. I'm 23 now and Old Key West really feels like a second home for me. As a child I loved the pool and Olivias. Now when I go I really feel like I am actually in Key West. It's a tradition in my family. My neice was even christened at Old Key West! I love it so much, theres nothing to worry about..it really has a homey feel unlike the others that are like hotels. I might be staying at BLT next year and im sort of sad!

 

[brianheather]

So would you recomend switching from the AKL to OKW to save on some points? Currently its 105 points for the Savanna view, and OKW would only be 77? Do I really need the Savanna View? We are hardly in our rooms.

 

[dianeschlicht]

So would you recomend switching from the AKL to OKW to save on some points? Currently its 105 points for the Savanna view, and OKW would only be 77? Do I really need the Savanna View? We are hardly in our rooms.

It depends. If you are looking forward to animals every day on the savanna, then stick with the savanna view, but I can tell you that we MUCH prefer the 1 bedroom at OKW to any 1 bedroom at AKV.

 

[Greyhound22]

So would you recomend switching from the AKL to OKW to save on some points? Currently its 105 points for the Savanna view, and OKW would only be 77? Do I really need the Savanna View? We are hardly in our rooms.

I can't give you advice, because we've never been at Christmas. But, I can tell you that I just did exactly what you're thinking of. I booked at our home resort AKV and switched to OKW at the 7th month mark. It is for the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. I'm hoping it was the right move. We've never stayed at OKW, but we've stayed at AKV twice. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Kidani. But, wanted to try something different and saved 15 points for a studio for 5 days and get two beds instead of one. Here's hoping the decorations are unforgettable!

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

You will love OKW. It's one of the most relaxing resorts on property. The decor is comfortable and the complex is so much fun. Great pool, restaurant, Community Hall, and the food choices are both good. The only problem is you'll have to actually get up from your chair or sofa and walk to the fridge for your favorite beverage as the 1br, 2br, and Grand villas are so big.

Unlike the other DVC resorts where you just kind of lean over to reach the fridge for your favorite beverage