That means you will start at the end and end at the start.
Ah well, no matter. Hopefully if I do my job right you will be able to start in the very middle and still have all the info you need for the trip.
Just in case you missed it, our travel dates are April 6th, 2011 to April 13th, 2011. (111 days away!)
We will be staying at the lovely OLD KEY WEST RESORT. Click on the photo below to enlarge.
Here are studio photos to give you an idea of what your rooms will look like. Again, click on the photo to enlarge
WHAT IS THE OLD KEY WEST RESORT?
Disney's Old Key West Resort (OKW) is a timeshare resort that is part of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). The villas at this resort may be rented by DVC members and their guests using their points, and regular vacationers paying cash through Disney Reservations.
WILL I FEEL OUT OF PLACE IF I'M NOT A MEMBER?
Absolutely not! In fact, odds are that you won't have a clue as to who is and who isn't a member. All services and amenities are available to all OKW guests.
WILL THERE BE ANY PRESSURE TO BUY INTO THE DVC?
None at all. DVC representatives are available to answer your questions about the program if you're interested, and there is a channel on the television devoted to explaining the DVC -- that's it!
WHAT ARE THE VILLAS LIKE?
Studios are similar to a Deluxe Resort room, with the addition of a small kitchenette. The kitchenette has a toaster, microwave, under-counter refrigerator with small freezer, coffeemaker, and bar sink. Disposable hot and cold drinking cups, paper plates and bowls, plastic utensils, a sponge, paper towels, a can opener and a corkscrew are furnished. Coffee, creamer, sugar and sweetener are supplied in small amounts. The room is 390 square feet and has two queen size beds, a nightstand, a small table with two chairs, and a ceiling fan. There is an armoire with a TV and dresser drawers underneath, and a nice-sized closet. Inside the closet is a vacuum cleaner, iron, ironing board, portable crib with linens, and a key operated safe. The bathroom, equipped with a hairdryer, is extremely large with drawers and under-sink storage. All villas have a patio or balcony with two chairs and small table. Studio units sleep four, plus one child under the age of 3 in a crib.
NOTE: The rooms are also wired for High Speed Internet Access, which is available for a daily charge -- a cable is usually available in a bag on a hanger in the closet; if not, request one from Housekeeping.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT
Check-in is 4:00 pm and check-out is at 11:00 am. Express check-out is available to those paying by accepted credit cards. The bill will be left on your door on the morning of check-out.
WHAT ABOUT LOCATIONS AND VIEWS?
OKW has many views available, including water, golf course, woods...and some have all three.
There are also now two booking categories. For guests who wish to be in the Preferred Buildings close to the Hospitality House, request buildings 11, 12, 13, 14 and 23, 24, 25, 26 when you make your reservation. There is currently no extra charge for villas in these locations. The only way to insure that you will be placed in the Preferred Buildings is to request them when making your reservation.
NOTE: Buildings 62, 63 and 64 are the only resort buildings with elevators. Building 64 does not have a parking lot.
WHAT ARE THE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS?
Regular WDW bus service is offered. Bus schedules are posted at each bus stop. The Downtown Disney/Internal Transportation Bus stops by the Hospitality House as it enters and as it departs the Resort. The DVC Ferry offeres boat service to Downtown Disney. This is a very nice, relaxing way to get to the Marketplace. Boats are on a first come, first serve basis, and normally operate between 11 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., weather permitting. There is also a walkway to Downtown Disney, commencing in the South Point area, near buildings 55. The walkway is approximately 1 mile however it is not lit and it is not advised to walk this path after dark.
HOW IS THE BUS SERVICE?
The bus service is fairly reliable. Of course, during busy times, buses will be full and standing may be required. There are five bus stops at OKW, including one at the Hospitality House, making it easy to dine at Olivia's and then go straight to a park.
WHAT RESTAURANTS ARE AVAILABLE AT OKW?
The only full service restaurant is Olivia's offering both inside and outside dining, and serving breakfast (7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.), lunch and dinner (5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.). This restaurant is very casual and nice, with a more than adequate menu.
WHAT OTHER DINING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Sandwiches, ice cream and standard take-out fare is available at Good's Food to Go, which is across from the main pool area on Turtle Krawl, and at Turtle Shack, located at the pool area just off of Turtle Pond Road. Both spots offer outside dining tables, and grills and covered seating is available at the Turtle Shack. Basic food items for quick snacks and microwave meals are available for sale at the Conch Flats General Store. Hours for Good's Food to Go are 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for breakfast, and 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. for lunch and dinner. Hours for Turtle Shack are seasonal, usually noon to 6:00 p.m., weather permitting.
IS THERE A BAR/LOUNGE?
The Gurgling Suitcase is located along the pier on Turtle Krawl, next to Good’s Food to Go. Note that the Gurgling Suitcase is very small. Guests can sip drinks at the tables outdoors or there is limited seating inside. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to midnight. Drinks can also be found at Good's Food To Go, the Turtle Shack, and of course at Olivia's. The Conch Flats General Store carries a varied choice of wine, beer and spirits to take back to your room.
WHAT IS THE GENERAL STORE LIKE?
The Conch Flats General Store is small, but does offer a fairly nice selection of OKW merchandise, general souvenir items, watches, and basic food and toiletry items, as well as wine and liquor. Hours are 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
HOW MANY POOLS DOES OLD KEY WEST HAVE?
OKW has four pools. The main pool area has a slide, a kids' pool, hot tub and sauna, plus a sandy playground complete with a giant pail and shovel for climbing. The main pool is the only one with lifeguards on duty. A second pool on Turtle Pond Road next to building 41 has a snack bar and playground. There are also two leisure (quiet) pools: One is between buildings 55 and 56, and the other is between buildings 19 and 20. Pool hours are 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
PLEASE NOTE: With the exception of the OKW main pool area, the pools do not have lifeguards. Parents MUST accompany their children to all pools. Flotation devices (WDW approved only) are available at no charge from Hank's Rent 'N Return. Pool hours are 9:00 am until 10:00 pm. Towels are available at all pools.
ARE LAUNDRY FACILITIES AVAILABLE?
Studios are the only villas at OKW that do not have full size washers and dryers, however, air conditioned laundry rooms are available at all pool areas, at approximately $2/per load washer or dryer. Vending machines offer soap, bleach, beverages and snacks. Dry cleaning and laundry service is offered by the resort for a fee.
ARE THERE ICE MACHINES?
Studios are the only villas at OKW that do not have full size refrigerators with ice makers although small ice cube trays are supplied. There are ice machines located at all bus stops.
WHAT RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE OFFERED?
OKW has volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball, golf and three lighted tennis courts. There are swimming pools, playgrounds, and a fitness center. NOTE: Upon check-in, guests are advised that “Florida law does not permit in-line or other skating on roadways or parking lots. Please see a Resort Recreation Cast Member for information concerning roller or in-line skating, "heely"- type shoes, and scooters, as well as appropriate locations.
WHAT ELSE?
There are two arcades, "The Electric Eel" on Turtle Krawl and "The Flying Fish" at Turtle Shack. At Hank's Rent-N-Return, there are also DVD rentals (DVD's are “on loan” to members, “for rent” to non-members), bikes, board games, ping-pong, and surrey bikes. Pontoon boats, canopy boats, pedal boats and water bikes are available for rental.
A Hair Wrap station is sometimes available on the weekends near Goods to Go.
There are daily activities scheduled for both adults and children, such as landscaping tours, volleyball games, arts and crafts, face painting, computer game tournaments, sandcastle building and fishing cruises. A popular event is the “Unbirthday Party” for children ages five to ten. The schedule is varied, interesting and changes often. Guests will receive a copy of "Hank's Happenings" when checking in. Be aware that registration is required for some activities, and some activities may have charges attached. Hank's is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
IS THERE CHILD CARE AVAILABLE?
The OKW Resort does not have its own child-care center, but guests are welcome to take advantage of other Children's Activity Centers on property. "Kid’s Nite Out," at 800-696-8105 or 407-828-0920, is available for in-room child-care services. Visit our Childcare FAQ for more info.
ARE THERE SAFES AVAILABLE?
Yes, key-operated wall safes are located in the closet of every villa. Safekeeping boxes are also available at the front desk.
MISCELLANEOUS
A limited number of wheelchairs are available at the front desk, in the Hospitality House.
Stamps are available at the General Store; a mailbox and ATM are available in the Hospitality House.
DIRECTIONS TO RESORT:
From Orlando International Airport (MCO) take 528 West to I-4 West (exit 67). Follow signs to Disney's Old Key West Resort.
ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:
Disney's Old Key West Resort
1510 North Cove Road
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 827-7700
FOR RESERVATIONS:
Phone Walt Disney World at 1-407-WDISNEY.
*DVC Members have their own phone number, but only members may use this line, and the membership number is required.
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