Where to Stay - The Easy Guide to Your First Walt Disney World Visit 2015 - page 82

check-in, and the main pool) located near the entry to the resort, far from most accommod-
ations buildings. The main pool has a great slide and sandcastle theme, and is fun, but a
hike for most guests. Three other pools with fewer amenities serve those who don't wish to
walk, drive, take a bus, or get a taxi to the main pool.
OKW is located just south of POFQ and is identified in Disney way-finding material as
a Downtown Disney Area Resort. Often derided for being isolated, it's actually not that far
from Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. Rather, what makes it in-
convenient is the five bus stops needed to serve its sprawl and the walking distances within
it. All transportation to the theme parks and water parks is via bus; there's also a boat to
Downtown Disney—soon to be renamed “Disney Springs”, so don't miss your stop. A car
is handy here. We wouldn't stay at OKW without one.
Of the four types of accommodations available at OKW, its studios are most comparable
to standard rooms at the deluxe resorts, so they are the focus here. All Disney studios are
distinguished from deluxe standard rooms by having a microwave and toaster in addition
to the standard coffeemaker and mini-fridge found in both studios and deluxe rooms. Most
are also different by having a queen bed and a fold-out couch. Old Key West studios are
unique in offering two queens, rather than a queen and sleeper sofa. A sofa creates a more
flexible studio; two queens, more comfortable sleeping. OKW studios are about 380 square
feet—larger than most other studios—sleep four and have, beside the beds and kitchenette
appliances, a table and chairs, TV, dresser, and closet. The bath is not divided, but with a
second sink available in the nearby kitchenette the room functions as though it were. Stu-
dios here also come with a large patio or balcony.
Larger spaces are also available at OKW. One Bedroom Villas hold five in about twice
the space of a studio and Two Bedroom Villas hold nine in about three times the space of a
studio. These One and Two Bedroom Villas are among the largest and the most home-like
of the DVC offerings. Grand Villas at OKW hold 12 in about five times the space of a stu-
dio.
First-timers are often surprised by how thin the dining is at OKW. However, everyone
staying here either has a kitchenette, as in the studios, or has the full kitchen that the other
OKW accommodations come with. The gift shop is also well-stocked with food. OKW has
only one table service restaurant, Olivia's. Much loved among families who return to Old
Key West year after year, Olivia's is bright, colorful, and fun, and worth a visit from those
staying at OKW—but is by no means destination dining. There's a small counter service
venue outside that also serves as the grill for the main pool, and a small bar next to it. Din-
ing in Downtown Disney is also an option, but the boats there are slower and less frequent
than ideal.
OKW offers most amenities, including nightly movies, campfires, jogging trails, play-
grounds, bike rentals, fishing, a spa/fitness center, tennis, basketball, hot tubs, volleyball,
and an arcade.
Because of the layout of the accommodations buildings, almost all OKW spaces have
nice views, and there are no extra charge options for views or preferred areas. OKW and
Saratoga Springs are usually the lowest priced DVC options (other than some not-recom-
mended standard view and “value” studios at the Animal Kingdom Lodge). Studios at
OKW are $399/night during the 2015 Fall season. 2015 peak prices for these rooms are
$531 and prices bottom out at $368/night.