This past May, we had the good fortune of taking our first Walt Disney World vacation with Elizabeth’s parents. Because this visit was our first time traveling with guests and this was their first Disney trip in over 15 years, we wanted this to be a truly magical stay. We initially planned on booking two adjoining rooms at a Moderate resort, but after careful consideration – and a thorough review of the current Annual Passholder discounts – we decided that for the modest price difference, a two-bedroom villa at Disney’s Old Key West (OKW) was worth the splurge!
Although we are DVC members, this was our first time staying in a two-bedroom villa. We had stayed at OKW in a Studio before, and really enjoyed the laid-back, “beachy” vibe of the resort. The resort itself is large and sprawling, with dozens of condominium-style buildings scattered throughout. The Key West theme is alive in the tropical hues of the buildings and the seashell-speckled sidewalks, and the golf-course views (from select rooms) aren’t too shabby!
Having stayed at OKW before, we were aware of the resort’s layout and prepared in advance by renting a car for this trip. Parking is extremely convenient at OKW, due to the number of buildings; it’s easy to find a spot close to your room (unlike single-parking lot resorts, like the Animal Kingdom Lodge, where you’re stuck walking a mile to your room).
Renting a car also came in handy, as this was our first vacation purchasing groceries. We figured that if we were staying in a two-bedroom villa, we might as well make use of the kitchen!
Having researched the room in advance – we’re planners, what can I say – we expected that the villa would be large. But upon stepping into our home for the week, we were in awe. It was huge! There was a closet in the foyer. Yes, you read that right – not only was there a foyer in our “hotel room,” but there was also a closet in said foyer.
The foyer opened up into the main open-concept living space, which consisted of a bright living room, full kitchen, and dining area. The dining area, complete with table, four chairs, and a built-in buffet, opened up to the balcony, which featured a resin dining set (which was perfect for dining al fresco, while enjoying the golf course views).
The comfortable living room included 2 small sofas, a chair and ottoman, and a coffee table, and the television was conveniently hidden inside the kitchen island. The kitchen was bright and spacious, and came fully loaded with full-size appliances, cookware, dishes, and utensils – everything you’d need to prepare a meal (except the food, that is).
Because we booked our stay as a cash reservation, rather than on DVC points, “mouse-keeping” tidied our villa each day, and even loaded the dishwasher with our breakfast dishes!
Down the hall from the foyer was the laundry room – yes, that’s right, laundry room. Not closet – room. The laundry room included a full-size, side-by-side washer and drier, and was roomy enough to comfortably fold clothes after starting the next load. With five people in the villa, the laundry amenities were invaluable, and we even managed to return home sans dirty clothes!
Just past the laundry room was the master suite (arguably Elizabeth’s favorite space!). The grand master bedroom was bright and airy. The room included a comfortable king-sized bed, and its own door to the balcony. Within the master suite was the (huge!) master bath. The master bath was actually divided into two distinct rooms, the first featuring a deep, spa tub (with jets), a good-sized closet, and a pedestal sink.
The spa tub overlooked the master bedroom, with the whimsical detail of “shutters” for added privacy. The second space within the master bath was the traditional 3-piece bathroom, which included a walk-in shower (because a soaking tub isn’t always practical). Lets just say – we did not want to leave that master suite! It was a rare luxury to enjoy the extra space afforded by the villa, since we’re typically crammed into a standard hotel room with our daughter!
On the opposite side of the foyer was the second bedroom. Although not quite as “grand” as the master suite, the second bedroom was also bright and spacious (the room was the same size as a Studio villa at OKW). The second bedroom included two comfortable queen-sized beds and had its own full-size bathroom. The entire villa was brimming with storage, with the second bedroom alone boasting 2 large closets.
All said and done, we couldn’t be happier that we opted for the two-bedroom villa for this trip, rather than the slightly less-expensive option of adjoining rooms at a Moderate resort. While we do enjoy the Moderates, for this special trip with family the two-bedroom villa was well worth the splurge! With all of the extra space, we never once felt crowded. You could literally be alone in a room and feel like you had the whole villa to yourself, even though there were four other people just down the hall. And the great room was perfect for family time! The whole family enjoyed eating breakfast around the table in the morning, and relaxing in the living room before bed, reminiscing about the fun day we had spent in the parks. It truly felt like home!
Have you ever traveled to Walt Disney World with family? Where did you stay? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
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Thank you for a wonderful review. I have been looking for an unbiased newer review of 2 bdrm at OKW. And yours where just the thing. We have been members since 11′ but have our first OKW stay upcoming in Feb 16′. The reviews out there seem to be either or. This was balanced, well written and the added images was great! I would only like to know if this villa was a 2 Bedroom Lock off or a dedicated 2 Bedroom? And also what area of OKW it was in?
Again thank you, will now read the rest of your reports.
Glenn – Thank you for your kind comment! We love the 2 bedroom at OKW, and are excited for your trip. In fact, we are going to be staying at the World in February too, but at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
The two bedroom we reviewed was a dedicated two bedroom. The location was in building 18, room number 1829 to be exact. It had a nice view of the fairway/Green on the golf course. Halfway in between the Hospitably House and a quiet pool. We loved the location!