Disney’s Old Key West Resort: Live the dream

Disney's Old Key West Resort: Live the Dream

Disney's Old Key West Resort holds a special place in Disney Vacation Club history as the very first DVC resort. When it opened in 1991, it set the standard for what spacious Disney accommodations could be. Today, it remains one of the most popular resorts among DVC members who appreciate its relaxed atmosphere and generous villa sizes.

This resort captures the laid-back charm of the Florida Keys with pastel-colored buildings, tropical landscaping, and winding waterways. The architecture draws inspiration from Key West's historic buildings, creating an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustling theme parks just minutes down the road.

Location and Transportation

Old Key West sits on the eastern edge of Disney property, offering convenient access to both Epcot and Disney Springs. The resort connects to Disney Springs via a pleasant boat ride along the Sassagoula River, which takes about 15-20 minutes. This water taxi service runs regularly throughout the day and provides a scenic way to reach Disney Springs' shopping, dining, and entertainment.

For theme park transportation, Disney bus service connects Old Key West to all four parks. The ride to Epcot typically takes 5-10 minutes, making it particularly convenient for Epcot fans. Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom require slightly longer bus rides, usually 15-25 minutes depending on traffic and stops.

Many members appreciate having a car at Old Key West since the resort's location makes it easy to drive to nearby restaurants and attractions outside Disney property. The resort provides ample parking, and you're never more than a short walk from your villa.

Villa Accommodations

Spacious Living Spaces

Old Key West's villas are among the largest in the DVC system. The studios sleep up to four guests and include a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, and small refrigerator. What sets Old Key West studios apart is their size, at 376 square feet, they're notably larger than studios at newer DVC resorts.

The one-bedroom villas sleep up to five guests and feature a separate bedroom with a king bed, a living area with a queen sleeper sofa, and a full kitchen. At 942 square feet, these villas provide plenty of room to spread out. The two-bedroom villas sleep up to nine guests and offer 1,333 square feet of space, while the grand villas sleep up to 12 guests in a sprawling 2,202 square feet.

Every villa includes a washer and dryer, which proves incredibly convenient for families on longer stays. The full kitchens in one-bedroom villas and larger come equipped with everything you need to prepare meals, from basic cookware to a dishwasher.

Balconies and Views

One of Old Key West's standout features is the size of its balconies and patios. Ground-floor villas typically have patios, while upper floors feature balconies. Many overlook the resort's waterways, golf course, or lush landscaping. The outdoor space provides a perfect spot for morning coffee or evening relaxation.

Room assignments happen at check-in, and specific view requests can't be guaranteed. However, the resort's design and landscaping create pleasant views throughout the property. Even parking lot views are softened by mature trees and tropical plants.

Recreation and Amenities

Pool Areas

The resort features four swimming areas. The main Sandcastle Pool serves as the resort's centerpiece, complete with a large sandcastle structure, a winding waterslide, and adjacent whirlpool spa. A poolside bar serves drinks and light snacks, and you'll find plenty of lounge chairs and tables.

Three quiet pools are scattered throughout the resort's villa areas. These leisure pools don't have slides or themed elements, but they provide peaceful spots for swimming laps or lounging without crowds. Each quiet pool area includes its own whirlpool spa.

The pool areas can get busy during peak seasons, particularly the main Sandcastle Pool. The quiet pools often provide a more relaxed experience, especially during weekday mornings.

Sports and Fitness

Old Key West offers extensive recreational facilities. The 24-hour fitness center near Hospitality House provides cardio equipment, weight machines, and free weights. Three lighted tennis courts are available for guest use, and you can rent equipment at the Community Hall.

The resort also features a basketball court and sand volleyball court. A paved jogging trail winds through the property, offering a scenic route for morning runs or evening walks. The trail connects different areas of the resort and provides glimpses of the golf course and waterways.

For golf enthusiasts, the resort sits adjacent to Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. While not exclusively for resort guests, the course provides convenient access to 18 holes of championship golf.

Dining Options

Olivia's Cafe

Olivia's Cafe serves as the resort's signature restaurant, offering American comfort food in a Key West-inspired setting. The restaurant operates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with breakfast being particularly popular among regular visitors.

The breakfast menu features classic dishes like eggs benedict, pancakes, and the famous Olivia's skillet. Dinner options include fresh seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes. The restaurant accepts Disney Dining Plan credits and takes advance reservations, which we'd recommend during busy seasons.

Quick Service

Good's Food to Go provides grab-and-go options including sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages. It's conveniently located near Hospitality House and offers a quicker alternative to table service dining.

The Turtle Shack operates seasonally at the main pool area, serving poolside snacks and frozen drinks. The Gurgling Suitcase, located near the quiet pools, offers additional beverage options during peak seasons.

Understanding Old Key West DVC Ownership

Old Key West operates on a different points structure than newer DVC resorts. As the original DVC property, it uses a slightly different point allocation system, often requiring fewer points for comparable stays than newer resorts.

The resort's use year options include February, June, August, October, and December. Your use year determines when your new points are allocated and when you can book at the 11-month home resort window.

Old Key West contracts expire in 2042, which is earlier than most other DVC resorts. This shorter remaining term often makes Old Key West contracts more affordable on the resale market, but it also means fewer years of ownership remaining.

Points and Seasons

Old Key West uses a seasonal point structure with Adventure Season (lower points required) and Choice Season (higher points required). The seasonal variations are less dramatic than at some other DVC resorts, making it easier to plan vacations during different times of year.

Studios during Adventure Season can cost as few as 9 points per night, while Choice Season studios require 14 points per night. Two-bedroom villas range from 19 points per night in Adventure Season to 30 points per night in Choice Season.

Why Members Love Old Key West

DVC members consistently praise Old Key West for several reasons. The villa sizes remain unmatched in the DVC system, providing genuine space for families to spread out. The resort's mature landscaping creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels removed from the theme park crowds.

The location appeals to members who prefer a quieter resort experience while maintaining reasonable access to the parks. The boat transportation to Disney Springs adds a unique element that many members enjoy, particularly for evening dining and entertainment.

Long-time DVC members often appreciate Old Key West's role in Disney Vacation Club history. As the resort that started it all, it represents the original vision of what DVC accommodations could offer.

Considerations for Potential Owners

The 2042 contract expiration date represents the primary consideration for potential Old Key West owners. With about 18 years remaining on these contracts, you're purchasing fewer years of ownership compared to other DVC resorts.

However, this shorter timeframe often translates to lower purchase prices on the resale market. Old Key West contracts typically cost less per point than contracts at newer resorts, making them attractive for families who want to experience DVC ownership without the higher investment of a longer-term contract.

The resort's design dates to the early 1990s, so some villa furnishings and decor reflect that era. Disney has updated many elements over the years, but the overall aesthetic remains more traditional than contemporary compared to newer DVC properties.

Transportation to Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom takes longer from Old Key West than from some other resorts. If you primarily visit these parks, you might prefer a resort with more convenient access.

Making Your Decision

Old Key West appeals to DVC members who prioritize space, tranquility, and value. The generous villa sizes and peaceful atmosphere create an experience that differs significantly from Disney's busier resort hotels.

If you're considering Old Key West ownership, think about your typical vacation style. Families who spend significant time at the resort, enjoy cooking some meals in their villa, and appreciate having space to relax will find Old Key West particularly appealing.

The lower point requirements and often-attractive resale prices make Old Key West worth considering, especially if the 2042 expiration date aligns with your family's vacation timeline. Use our DVC Vacation Point Calculator to estimate your annual point needs and browse available Old Key West contracts to understand current market pricing.

We've helped hundreds of families through the DVC purchasing process, and Old Key West continues to be a popular choice among both first-time and experienced DVC members. The combination of spacious accommodations, peaceful atmosphere, and Disney Vacation Club's vacation flexibility creates lasting value for families who choose to make Old Key West their home resort.