Questions - Old Key West Resort

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

We got an exchange at Disney's Old Key West Resort • DVO and I have a couple of questions, since we haven't stayed at an on site Disney before (only at the Disney at Vero Beach).

1, What are the transportation options inside the park (to get from the condo to the various parks)?
2. Do exchangers get early admission?
3. Where do you rent the handicapped electric scooters and what do they cost?

I was able to pick up an efficency with an AC. We are spending most of the vacation in Cocoa Beach and a few days at WDW. Is there any way that we can stay in it a few days and our daughter and her family stay in it the rest of the week? There would be 4 in each party.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

We got an exchange at Disney's Old Key West Resort • DVO and I have a couple of questions, since we haven't stayed at an on site Disney before (only at the Disney at Vero Beach).

1, What are the transportation options inside the park (to get from the condo to the various parks)?

You are entitled to use all Disney transportation.

2. Do exchangers get early admission?

Yes, exchangers are entitled to "extra park hours."

3. Where do you rent the handicapped electric scooters and what do they cost?


I was able to pick up an efficency with an AC. We are spending most of the vacation in Cocoa Beach and a few days at WDW. Is there any way that we can stay in it a few days and our daughter and her family stay in it the rest of the week? There would be 4 in each party.

Yes....You might have to pay for a guest certificate for your DD, tho. I'm not sure, because I think you will check-in before her. I would check into that, tho.

BTW, 4 in a studio might be a little tight, especially for adults.

[rsackett Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rsackett]

From Old Key West the only option for transportation to the parks is by bus. They run quite often and stop through the Old Key West complex. We have found them to work quite well. If you are going to Down Town Disney they have a boat that runs between OKW and DTD, weather permitting.

If you will have a car parking at all disney parks will be free since you are staying on site.

The studios at OKW are the largest on Disney property, and do have two queen beds. Not much sitting room though.

Here are some nice pictures of OKW:

Disney's Old Key West Resort Slideshow


Ray

[kapish Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close kapish]

Disney's Old Key West - Have a great stay!!

We stayed in a 2BR unit at Disney's Old Key West exactly a year ago. It is a beautiful resort and we had a great time. Here are some tidbits that should answer most of your questions. If you think of additional questions don't hesitate to ask

1. All exchangers are expected to pay a $95 fee to Disney. This is mandatory, and there is no way to get out of it. Disney charges this fee since you will be taking advantage of a lot of amenities that are reserved for DVC owners.
   1. Use Disney reservation system to reserve dining at various Disney restaurants.
   2. Take Disney Magical Express buses from the airport to DVC properties.
   3. Participate in extended magic hours at all theme parks.
2. Transportation Options at DOK: Your rental car, Disney buses & Disney's ferry service between DOK, DSS, The Swan& Dolphin Hotels, and Downtown Disney.
3. Since you are staying within WDW, in a Disney resort, you get to enjoy the extra magic hours. Make sure to take advantage of it! Those are great!!
4. For your daughter, you don't need to get a GC. Simply add her name to your reservation at the concierge desk at DOK. We have done this too. For each guest stays at a DVC resort they print a card. This card can also be linked to your credit card on file. This way you can use this card at all Disney stores including those within WDW theme parks, Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island as well as at other DVC resort.

[kapish Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close kapish]

Here are some pictures to go with the post above ...


Disney's Magical Express Bus picks you up at the airport and drops you at the resort. Your bags arrive about 2-3 hours later, in your condo.


Disney's Magical Express Bus @ The Old Key West resort.


Transportation options include a boat/ferry service between DOK-DSS*-Downtown Disney.


These Disney buses run all day. DOK being such a large resort, there are a lot of buses that directly run between DOK and the various theme parks. This is a great advantage, especially at park closing time.

More pictures etc. available here

*DSS - Disney's Saratoga Springs resort

[bnoble Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bnoble]

Technically, the $95 fee doesn't pay for anything but the privilege of talking with Member Services. Had one done a direct exchange with the member, the "guest" would have all of the benefits you list (though the Member would have to call on the guest's behalf for Magical Express and, if desired, the Dining Plan.)

For example, anyone can call WDW-DINE to make a dining reservation, and these days their hold time is shorter than Member Services.

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Thanks for all the information. I think what might happen is that my wife, two young grandsons and I will spend half the time at Old Key West while another daughter and her family spend it at Discovery Beach Resort (we have a two bedroom there) and then we will switch timeshares. Do the Studio's have washer/dryer or is there a place on site to do laundry?

[Chap7 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Chap7]

When are you going?

Disney World - The Largest Unofficial On-Line Guide to Disney World, Walt Disney World
Deb's Unofficial Walt Disney World Vacation Information Guide - WDW Planning Guide - Walt Disney World

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Both of our reservations are for June 14, 2008. We used an RCI exchange for the Discovery Beach Resort and an II AC for the Disney Old Key West.

[Chap7 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Chap7]

Most Disney dining reservations can be made at 180 days out and book up fast. By June 14th I believe that most Southern schools are out so you will have some competition there. If you haven't done this yet, I would definitely suggest looking into it. I've taken my wife and three young children 5 out of the past 6 years and am a bit of a fanatic.

If you need any help or simply want to pick my brain a little, please feel free. I'd be more than happy to help. If you pm me your email, I can send you a copy of our Disney picture itinerary. You could then manipulate it to create your own.

Craig

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Thanks for all the information. I think what might happen is that my wife, two young grandsons and I will spend half the time at Old Key West while another daughter and her family spend it at Discovery Beach Resort (we have a two bedroom there) and then we will switch timeshares. Do the Studio's have washer/dryer or is there a place on site to do laundry?

No washer dryer but there are laundry facilities.....I just love OKW - the units really are spacious...

[JuneB Member Find all posts View Profile Close JuneB]

I believe the laundry facilities at OKW are by the swimming pool. There may be others also, I'm not sure. They are free of charge.

[Chap7 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Chap7]

I emailed the Disney picture itinerary. the kids really got a kick out of it. Enjoy.