The Resorts Gal Guide to
Disney’s Old Key West
Are you considering Disney’s Old Key West for your next Walt Disney World vacation? This charming resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club Resort category.
This resort guide showcases specific details about the resort. Then, we expand on many related topics in our related articles section. For instance, we have a separate review of our last stay at Old Key West that shares our perspective as a guest. So, if you are interested in a specific aspect of the resort, check the related reading section at the bottom of the page. Each offers in-depth insights, images, and personal experiences to help make the most of your visit to Disney’s Old Key West.
The Basics of Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Here are a few basics you’ll want to know about the resort:
Address: 1510 North Cove Road
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
- Check-In: 4:00 p.m.
- Check-Out: 11:00 a.m.
- Self-Parking is Complimentary
- Free Wi-Fi Internet
Resort Overview
Ask any owner, and they will gladly share why Disney’s Old Key West is their “home” resort. Their story usually goes along the lines of, “We’ve been coming to Old Key West since back in the 90s, and it’s just as magical today as it was back then.”
They will continue to go on and on about the stunning grounds, peaceful pastels, friendly cast members, and all the things “to do” at the resort. You’ll also hear about Olivia’s Cafe and how you must enjoy at least two or three meals at the hidden gem during your stay.
Trust me, this is precisely how the story goes. I’ve heard it many times. But I have to warn you. It’s important not to get any preconceived notions about the resort.
Old Key West is not a modern hotel by any means. One clear image comes to mind when I try to describe the resort. First, the resort gives off this campy vibe. Do you remember the excitement of returning to the same summer camp year after year? You couldn’t wait to see old friends, make new ones, and hang out at the lake. If you were fortunate enough to attend summer camp, a flood of memories will likely rush your brain. This is that feeling that the Old Key Westers are describing–a home away from home.
If you can picture that example, you probably have a good idea of what to expect at Disney’s Old Key West. It’s a familiar place that serves a heaping scoop of comfort and a whole lot of charm. Did I mention this was a Walt Disney World Resort? If it weren’t minutes from the magic, you would never know it!
A Note on DVC Resorts
Since Old Key West is one of Disney World’s Villas, it operates slightly differently from the average Disney Resort Hotel. When reservations become available, Disney’s Vacation Club members have a first-come, first-served choice of rooms. However, it is rare for rooms to fill up, so Disney makes these rooms available on a cash basis to regular resort guests. You do not have to be a DVC member to stay at this or any other Disney Vacation Club Resort.
Resort Benefits
Guests of Disney’s Old Key West can participate in Disney’s early theme park entry, a perk extended to all Walt Disney World Resort guests. Additionally, you’ll have access to extended evening hours since this is a deluxe villa resort.
Early Theme Park Entry: This perk allows resort guests to enter any Walt Disney World theme park 30 minutes before officially opening to the general public. This early entry provides several advantages:
- Lower Crowds: Being among the first to enter the park allows you to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times. This will help you to check off must-see rides and experiences ahead of the crowd.
- Photography Opportunities: If you love capturing the magic of Disney, the early hours provide a fantastic opportunity for photos in front of iconic landmarks with fewer people in the background.
- Cooler Temperatures: Morning hours are often cooler, making outdoor activities more comfortable. But if you visit during cooler weather, don’t forget a jacket!
Extended Evening Hours: Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resort guests, including those staying at Disney’s Old Key West, enjoy spending extra time in select theme parks on specific evenings. During extended evening hours, these parks stay open later than their regular closing time, usually for two more hours.
This benefit offers several advantages as well:
- More Ride Time: This allows you to enjoy additional nighttime rides and attractions when lines tend to be shorter.
- Magical Nighttime Atmosphere: Disney parks take on a unique and enchanting ambiance at night, with beautifully lit landscapes. So you’ll have time to savor the nighttime magic for longer with fewer crowds.
- Less Rush: With extended hours, you can explore at a more relaxed pace.
Accommodations at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Below, we’ve listed the available room types for Old Key West.
- Deluxe Studio: Deluxe studios at Disney’s Old Key West sleep up to four guests. They have two queen-size beds in addition to other room amenities, including a kitchenette.
Related: Old Key West Deluxe Studio Room Tour
Other room options include the following:
One-Bedroom Villa: These units sleep up to five adults. Sleeping arrangements consist of a king-size bed, a queen-size sleeper sofa, and a twin-size sleeper chair. A one-bedroom villa has an open living room, kitchen, and dining area. It also has a separate bedroom, laundry area, and full bath.
Two-Bedroom Villa: This unit has two bedrooms that sleep up to nine adults and two full-size baths. It has all the same features as a one-bedroom, but the sleeping arrangement consists of two bedrooms. The first bedroom features a king-size bed, and the secondary bedroom is similar to a standard hotel room with two queen beds. This villa’s living room features a queen-size sleeper sofa and a single pull-out sleeper chair.
Three-Bedroom Villa: Count your blessings if you have the opportunity to stay in a three-bedroom grand villa anywhere at the Walt Disney World Resort. Three-bedroom villas at Old Key West are two stories and have four bathrooms!
This fabulous unit sleeps up to twelve adults! Sleeping arrangements include a king-size bed in the primary bedroom, two queen-size beds in the second bedroom, and two double beds in the third bedroom. Like the one—and two-bedroom units, the living room offers a queen-size sleeper sofa and a single pull-out sleeper chair.
Other Room Amenities
All units feature views of the water, woodlands, or fairways. In addition to the two-bedroom unit, a separate two-bedroom lock-off unit is also available. Lock-offs combine a deluxe studio and a one-bedroom unit.
One-bedroom and larger units have washers and dryers. Large laundry rooms are available (at no charge) to guests staying in deluxe studios. Since Old Key West is a Disney Vacation Club Resort, free laundry is a perk you won’t find at regular Disney Resorts.
Additionally, one-bedroom and larger units have a whirlpool tub with a separate walk-in shower off the master bedroom. These units come with a fully equipped kitchen. Deluxe studios will have a microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven, and a few dishes.
*See Laundry at Old Key West for more details, photos, and locations of the laundry facilities. For dry cleaning laundry service, you’ll need to drop off any items with bell services before 9:00 a.m.
All units at Old Key West have either a patio or balcony. Some larger units will have patios with enough space to enjoy an outdoor meal.
Conch Flats at Disney’s Old Key West
Disney’s Old Key West Resort opened in 1991 as the Disney Vacation Club. Due to its popularity and success, Disney renamed the resort Old Key West in 1996. Like its name, the resort pays tribute to the Florida Keys.
Unfortunately, the resort has an interesting backstory that has not been retold enough over the years. For instance, the name of the resort’s fictional town is Conch Flats. You’ll cross a long bridge when you first arrive at the resort. This bridge was intended to symbolize arriving in the Florida Keys. If you’ve ever driven to any island, you know you must drive across a bridge to access it.
A grouping of palm trees greets you at Hospitality House’s porte cochere. Hospitality House is the heart of Conch Flats. Located toward the front of the resort, Hospitality House is where you’ll find the lobby and check-in area, Papa’s Den, restaurants, Community Hall, the Sandcastle pool, Conch Flats General Store, and the marina–boat dock and all!
Conch Flats General Store is the gift shop for Old Key West. Since this is a Disney Vacation Club, the gift shop contains souvenirs, Disney-branded merchandise, and a tremendous amount of grocery items and snacks. These items might come in handy if you decide to prepare a few meals in your unit. However, most guests use modern grocery services these days to have items delivered to the resort.
Papa’s Den is next to the lobby at Old Key West. It’s a large sitting area nicknamed after Ernest Hemingway, who was often called Papa. The lobby has been renovated in recent years. However, if you look closely, you’ll find nods to the famous writer throughout the space.
Restaurants and Dining
Unfortunately, dining is not Disney’s Old Key West Resort’s strong point. But we’ll let it slide because the resort’s table service restaurant, Olivia’s Cafe, is excellent. The following dining options are available:
Gurgling Suitcase Libation and Spirits: This location sits in the center of Conch Flats and serves as the resort’s lounge and pool bar.
Good’s Food To Go: This counter-service restaurant offers quick items you can enjoy at the pool, around Conch Flats, or when you return to the room. This central portion of the resort offers plenty of outdoor tables and chairs for casual dining.
Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks: This poolside quick service is located at the resort’s largest leisure pool.
Olivia’s Cafe: Most will agree that any time to enjoy a meal at Olivia’s Cafe is a good time. We love to have breakfast on the covered patio outside the restaurant before it gets too hot. But the interior of the restaurant is just as charming. Inside, you’ll find numerous pictures of members and their families taken at Old Key West. (Olivia’s Cafe Review)
Guests will find ample dining options at nearby Disney Springs. Since Disney’s Old Key West makes up part of the Disney Springs Resort Area, the resort offers boat and bus transportation to the venue. So you can hop on a boat and dine at Disney Springs whenever you like. Not only is the boat ride pleasant, but Disney Springs has excellent dining options, ranging from quick service to fine dining.
But if you’re only looking for sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, or chicken nuggets for the kids, you’ll be able to survive off the options at Good’s Food To Go. However, you’ll find me enjoying an order of pancakes from Olivia’s Café while taking in the beautiful views of the marina.
For a complete overview of dining at the resort, see our Old Key West Dining Guide. You might also like our guide to refillable mugs at Old Key West. It shares where to pick up refillable mugs at the resort, along with pricing and value.
Recreation
One thing is for sure. Old Key West is winning when it comes to recreation. There is so much to do here. You could spend an entire week hanging out at the resort, enjoying its offerings. Here is an overview of those items:
Sandcastle Pool: First, the Sandcastle Pool is the resort’s large feature pool. Located near Hospitality House, the pool has a giant sandcastle feature that doubles as a water slide and a hidden Mickey! A separate kiddie pool makes up part of the feature pool area. A lighthouse sits toward the back of the pool. Most people probably don’t realize it, but a dry sauna is available inside the lighthouse. A whirlpool spa is also available at the pool.
Playground: A fun playground sits adjacent to the Sandcastle Pool. This area provides an excellent place for young children to play on equipment or enjoy the sand.
Leisure Pools: Besides the Sandcastle Pool, Old Key West has three leisure pools: Miller’s Road, Old Turtle Pond, and South Point. The Turtle Shack quick service is located at Old Turtle Pond. This location also has a separate playground, arcade, and shuffleboard court.
Recreation Courts: Old Key West is home to a basketball court, tennis courts, pickleball court, volleyball court, foosball court, shuffleboard court, and more. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, this resort is perfect!
Bike Rentals: As mentioned earlier, Old Key West offers bike rentals. They have a few Surrey bike rentals, but I think most will be interested in individual bicycles at this resort. In addition to biking around the resort, another path leads to Disney Springs and Saratoga Springs. You can bike for several hours between the two resorts without doing much backtracking.
Arcades: Old Key West has two arcades. One is the Electric Eel arcade at Hospitality House near Community Hall, and the other is the Flying Fish arcade next to the Turtle Shack. (The Flying Fish was pretty empty on our last visit.)
Community Hall: This building is across from the Sandcastle Pool in the Hospitality House area. Here, you’ll find the resort’s recreation calendar, Movies Under the Stars, and other information. Cast members hold various activities inside the Community Hall. You’ll need to see what’s available for the month of your stay.
You can check out equipment for the various sports courts at Community Hall. Additionally, if you are a DVC member, they have a DVD rental program. While I know that sounds ancient, most of the units at the resort have a DVD player.
Transportation
Guests staying at Old Key West will need to take Disney’s bus transportation to the following locations:
- Magic Kingdom
- Epcot
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Water Park(s)*
Additional boat transportation is provided to Disney Springs. If the water is low, boat transportation is not available. We have a separate article that details how to get to and from Disney’s Old Key West.
*Disney has two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. However, they are not always open simultaneously. Signage indicates which bus to take at the resort’s bus stop. Guests must take a transfer bus to get to either location.
What We Love About Disney’s Old Key West Resort (and Don’t)
Like every resort, Old Key West has its pros and cons. Perhaps one of the significant things to consider is the vast size of the resort. It has 49 buildings (each three stories) spread out on over 100 acres! The resort is so large that it’s broken down into five sections, each with its own bus stop.
- Peninsular Road
- South Point
- Old Turtle Pond Road
- Miller’s Road
- Hospitality House
Unfortunately, another consideration is that most buildings do not offer elevators. From my understanding, only three buildings at the resort have elevators. Those three elevator-equipped buildings at Old Key West are 62, 63, and 64.
During our last stay, we were assigned a third-floor room near the back of the resort. While we enjoyed the privacy of our location, it was more effort than usual to bring our luggage up and down from the room. It was also a long hike to Hospitality House. As someone who enjoys recreational walking almost daily, I loved the long walks across the resort. But I couldn’t help but notice how the resort might not be suitable for everyone.
Some might tell you that the resort is further from the parks than others. Compared to most deluxe resorts within walking distance of a theme park–it’s true. But this resort is no further out than most of the moderate resorts or Animal Kingdom Lodge, which sits on the opposite end of Walt Disney World. So, I wouldn’t necessarily let that factor sway my opinion unless I was considering staying at an Epcot or Magic Kingdom Resort.
With those minor (or possibly major) considerations aside, I am an outdoors person and love this resort as much as many of the owners. But if you are not one for walking long distances or staying in a place that’s not set up like a hotel–you might want to look elsewhere. When others ask me about Old Key West, I kind of gush and say how much I love it. But then I also feel the need to immediately explain that they shouldn’t expect a lush, high-end feel.
It’s Old Key West, as Hemingway put it, “It’s a St Tropez for the poor.” It’s a beautiful sentiment.
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Whether you’re new to the world of Disney or are a seasoned pro in search of a new adventure, their goal is to give you an experience like you’ve never had before. Check with our travel partner, Firefly Travels, to begin planning.