Old Key West Resort Review

An Oldiee but a Goodie?

Old Key West Resort was the very first Disney Vacation Club property—so you already know it’s going to be a bit divisive.

Much like Saratoga Springs, Old Key West isn’t for everyone. It’s a large resort with some beautiful views, inspired by the Florida Keys, so you’ll see palm trees and buildings that resemble dockside houses throughout. This is the place for people who love jogging, spacious villas for larger parties, sports courts, golf courses, and the option to relax instead of braving the chaos of the theme parks every day.

Old Key West Resort starts at $480 per night, with villas for up to 9 adults starting at $950… an acceptable price if you're splitting the cost. It’s located near Disney Springs and offers direct boat transportation, a great swimming pool, and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, which is rare when we’re talking about Disney. It’s definitely not the best resort for children, but it can be a fantastic option for adults looking for something a little more unique.

What we like about Old Key West Resort

Old Key West Resort Olivias Cafe.webp — Walt Disney World©

Old Key West is for those who want to relax - we mean sleep in a little later than usual and head to the parks in the afternoon, or skip them altogether for a jog or a game on the sports courts. This resort screams “Florida,” with palm trees and big, charming houses everywhere. The laid-back vibe extends to the rooms, which are the largest among all Disney Vacation Club properties, starting at 390 square feet. So if you want a place to mostly recharge your energies, this might be it.

Price can also be a big advantage for those staying at Old Key West Resort. Relax,I know the price in our chart above shows $480, which does seem steep. But here’s the trick: play the rent DVC points game. Some guests have stayed at this resort for as little as $150 a night. Huh, staying here for less than the cost of a Value Resort? Now that sounds like a pretty good deal.

Another advantage is the complimentary boat transportation to Disney Springs. You can actually walk to Disney Springs - it’s a 1.1-mile walking path - but taking the waterboat is just way more fun and charming. Having easy access to Disney Springs is better than you might think, since it greatly expands your options for good restaurants and stores, including quick access to dining spots like The Boathouse and The Polite Pig.

What we don’t like about Old Key West Resort

Old Key West Resort Living room.webp — Living Room

The main issue with Old Key West Resort is its size - and that means that the bus transportation can be frustratingly inefficient.

There are five different bus stops within the resort, and if you board at one of the earlier ones, you might end up sitting on the bus for quite a while. This can be especially inconvenient if you're heading to a park like Magic Kingdom. For example, if you board at one of the first stops - Peninsular Road - you could wait on the bus for 20 to 30 minutes as it makes its rounds, followed by another 15 minutes of travel time to Magic Kingdom. Factor in the possibility of delays or traffic, and your total travel time from room to park gates could stretch to an hour in some cases.

My tip? Have your own car or rent one if you’re planning to stay at Old Key West Resort. Parking is complimentary, and having a car makes it much easier to get around Walt Disney World and reach the theme parks.

Another downside is that this resort isn’t ideal for children. Sure, there’s a main swimming pool with a fun waterslide, but that’s about it. The Disney touch is minimal, as the resort is primarily designed to appeal to adults, and there’s no convenient transportation to the theme parks. For standard rates of $480 per night, it would be nice to have access to something like the Skyliner, but that’s not the case.