DVC OKW review by www.ResalesDVC.com

 

Disney Vacation Club-400 points BWV- 866-544-2919 Jaki

Old Key West is a charming residential style community reminiscent of Key West, Fl in the early 1900’s.   Its lush, mature landscaping, its waterways, woodlands, fairways and tropical landscaping are not only beautiful but add to the resort’s casual look.  Old Key West is located fairly close to Downtown Disney, which includes Pleasure Island and the Market Place.  In fact,  you can take a leisurely boat ride to Downtown Disney from Old Key West  and enjoy the scenery along the way.

The accommodations consist of a studio, one bedroom, two bedrooms and grand villa (3 bedrooms).  The villas are located in individual neighborhoods and are painted in pastel colors with   Victorian architecture-very picturesque.   Old Key West was the first Disney Vacation Club resort, built in the early 1990’s,  and in the  opinion of many of our customers  who purchased from us (www.resalesdvc.com), it definitely has that “home away from home” setting.   In fact, they said they made many new friends in their little community of vacationers.

How do you know what size unit to reserve?   Just go to the point charts found on our web site and determine what season you want to vacation and then look at how many points you will need and how many points you actually have.  You can stay in a smaller unit one year and save points for a larger unit the next year.   And, of course, your family size and comfort will also determine the unit size.    There are restrictions on occupancy so, sorry,  you can’t just squeeze in as many people as you want

Each accommodation has a private porch or a balcony with a waterway, woodland or fairway  view where you can sit out in your chair and enjoy the ambiance of it all.  There are studio units,    one bedroom villas, two bedroom villas and three bedroom villas known as  the Grand Villa.   And grand it is. 

 The studio is approximately 390 sq ft. and accommodates four people.  It has a kitchenette with microwave, mini refrigerator, wet bar and a coffee maker.   So convenient to have that nice, steaming cup of hot coffee as you watch the morning news on the TV. The room has two queen-sized beds and comfortably accommodates a family of four. 

 The one bedroom unit is approximately 942 sq. ft. and accommodates four people.  The master bedroom has a king- sized bed and a bathroom with a large whirlpool tub where you can relax with a book after a busy day at the attractions. The living room has a queen sleeper sofa.   The kitchen is fully equipped.   Think of the money you can save by not having to go out to eat every meal.  There is also a washer/dryer which really makes packing easier for you because you do not have to bring as many clothes.

The two bedroom is approximately 1,395 sq. ft and accommodates six people. It has a master bedroom with a large whirlpool tub.   The second bedroom has two queen- sized beds and a private bath.  The living room has a Queen sleeper sofa.  The kitchen is fully equipped and there is a washer/dryer.

 The grand villa (3 bedrooms) accommodates twelve and is approximately 2,375 sq. ft.-larger than some homes.  The Master bedroom has the king sized bed and the large whirl pool tub.  Has a fully equipped kitchen with a dining room and has a washer/dryer.   It is two levels with two bedrooms on the second level with private baths.  Two Queen sized beds are in each bedroom.

All the units  are decorated in pastel colors and wicker style colorful furniture and have an abundance of windows and plenty of light with an air of casualness- real Southern Florida style.  If you like whimsy,  you will like Old Key West!  Contact us   and we can share our personal experiences.  Or call  866-544-2919 .  By the way,  room sizes can vary  and colors can change per Disney.   As they say “all subject to change.”

Step out of your villa and head to the Conch Flats General  Store where you can buy groceries, film, post cards, etc.  Especially the little things you forgot to pack.  Then check out the Electric  Eel game room where you will find an electronic arcade with video games, pinball games and all the fun you would want for your family.  This is where you will find your kids when they have wandered off. 

Want to take a dip in refreshing waters and cool off under the wonderful Florida sunshine?  Visit one of the four heated pools and then enjoy watching your children play in the nearby playgrounds or watch them splash in the Kiddie pool.  How about a nice, relaxing time in one of the spas?   OK, so you don’t relish getting wet?  How  about visiting Hank’s Rent ‘N Return water craft and bike rentals.  Riding a bike around the area is family fun at its best.  And if bicycling is not enough to satisfy that urge for exercise then how about  challenging the family to a game of basket ball,  tennis,  volleyball or if you are older like me,  how about shuffle board?    Not enough yet?  Try jogging on the 1.5 mile trail or playing golf at the Lake Buena Vista golf course.  Go exercise in the exercise room and then treat those tired muscles to a relaxing Sauna or a nice massage.  Alright so you are not into this exercise thing.   Send the family and you go to Papa’s Den where you can sit in the cozy nook and read a book or even borrow one.  Or better still, pull up a chair and enjoy the scenery on Trumbo Canal.  After all this activity, or lack of it, it is time to eat. Go visit Olivia’s café for great Key lime pie and conch chowder or a quick snack at Good’s Food to go and then wet your whistle at Gurgling  Suitcase.  Then to finish the day, take a leisurely walk (crawl) to the pier which is called Turtle Krawl  and grab a snack at Turtle Shack.   If you want a “home cooked” meal, try cooking a nice juicy steak and hot dogs for the kiddies, of course, on one of the outside Barbecue grills located throughout the properties.

What do you do if it is raining, which of course it will not rain while you are here at Old Key West, but just in case, go to the Community Hall and play games,  table tennis or participate in arts and crafts.  You can even play Goofy Bingo (sounds like that is right up my alley- both the goofy and the bingo) or just curl up in your beautiful accommodations and read that book you borrowed from Papa’s Den.   Or you can just eat all the snack food you’ve stored away in that great thing called the refrigerator.   Gotta get your strength for tomorrow’s day at the parks.

When the evening arrives, take your family back to the canal and keep your eye on the lighthouse.   Who knows? You may see a pirate ship being guided down the canal by the lights of the lighthouse.   Ok, so  that’s a little much but it doesn’t hurt to be a kid again.   After all,  you are at Disney World.

A personal review written by Jaki Apetz.  Copyright 2007

Call me at  866-544-2919  or visit my web site for more fun articles and information on the Disney Vacation Club  membership.