Many Disney World hotels immerse guests in the whimsy and fantasy of Disney magic with the help of larger-than-life odes to Disney characters. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed retreat with just a splash of pixie dust, then the Disney Old Key West Resort may be for you.
So, how does this deluxe villa resort compare to other Disney hotels? Who should stay there? Read on for everything you need to know about the sun-soaked Disney World Old Key West Resort. (Updated September 7, 2022)
Staying at the Disney Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Old Key West Resort may be 390 miles from the Continental United States’ southernmost point in Key West, but this quaint hotel brings the spirit of the Conch Republic to Walt Disney World. Set in the imaginary town of Conch Flats, Old Key West charms with its pastel buildings with Victorian-era touches, rustling palm trees and waterfront views.
Disney Old Key West Resort Studios & Villas
Like any other hotel in the Florida Keys worth its salt, Old Key West rooms are laidback and comfortable with a lived-in vibe. In the studios, dark wood furniture gets brightened up by aquamarine walls reminiscent of crystalline ocean water. Meanwhile, the one, two and three-bedroom villas feature a mix of sandy tones accented by pops of turquoise and sea glass blue.
If the whitewashed woods and seaside touches aren’t enough to hint at the resort’s coastal inspiration, artsy accents like fish-printed pillows and seashell-themed art definitely do the trick. And as this is Disney, there’s also a sprinkle of pixie dust in the form of subtle beach art starring Mickey and Minnie on vacation.
In general, all studios and villas at Old Key West come with the following amenities: flat-screen TV, DVD player, soaking tub, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffee maker, toaster, microwave, high chair, in-room safe, telephone with voicemail and free Wi-Fi.
To keep water bottles cold, guests staying in Old Key West studios can use the room’s mini-fridge, while those staying in an Old Key West villa have access to a full-sized refrigerator in a fully equipped kitchen. Villas also come complete with a whirlpool tub and an in-unit washer and dryer.
Old Key West Deluxe Studio
- 2 queen beds
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Views of woodlands, water or lush fairways
Old Key West 1 Bedroom Villa
- Comes with 1 king bed, 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper and 1 twin-sized sleeper chair
- Sleeps up to 5 adults
- Views of woodlands, water or lush fairways
Old Key West 2 Bedroom Villa
- Comes with 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper and 1 twin-sized sleeper chair
- Sleeps up to 9 adults
- Views of woodlands, water or lush fairways
Old Key West 3 Bedroom Grand Villa
- Larger room with 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, 2 double beds, 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper and 1 twin-sized sleeper chair
- Sleeps up to 12 adults
- Views of woodlands, water or lush fairways
Disney Key West Resort Rates
Old Key West at Walt Disney World touts a convenient location near Disney Springs and some of the biggest Disney Vacation Club villas on resort property. In other words, Old Key West rates aren’t exactly what you’d call cheap, with even the smallest resort rooms, the deluxe studio, still clocking in at almost $450 per night over the slow season.
That being said, your actual room rate will vary – sometimes even from night to night – based on a variety of factors including, how much space you need and your travel dates. For all the budget travelers out there, traveling during the slow season will nab you the lowest rates.
Contrastingly, braving the busy Christmas season crowds won’t just test your personal bubble and patience. It will also increase your nightly rate by $100 or more.
Old Key West studios are the most affordable option at Old Key West, with rates from the mid-$400s in the low season to the high $700s during the busy season. The priciest room type is the Old Key West 3 Bedroom Villa, with rates starting in the low $1,900s and climbing to over $3,000 during the holidays.
Below are some examples of rate ranges for 2023 (rates for 2022 are slightly cheaper), arranged by starting price, for the room types available at Old Key West:
- Deluxe Studio: $58 to $774
- 1 Bedroom Villa: $623 to $1,099
- 2 Bedroom Villa: $892 to $1,719
- 3 Bedroom Grand Villa: $1,908 to $3,081
As for DVC points, Old Key West deluxe studios are available from 10 vacation points per night during the slow season up to 26 points during the winter holidays. 1 Bedroom Villas are priced between 20 and 50 points, 2 Bedroom Villas are available for 27 to 64 points, and the massive Old Key West Grand Villa runs between 46 and 107 vacation points.
Old Key West Resort Amenities
Like the deluxe resorts at Disney World, villa resorts offer enough amenities to keep guests busy all vacation long, and Old Key West is no exception. From hidden-gem restaurants to one of the best Disney World resort hotel pools, you’ll find something to make both kids and adults happy.
Restaurants at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
While you won’t find as many dining options as resorts like Disney’s Polynesian Village or Animal Kingdom Lodge (sorry, no pirate or beachcomber-themed Disney dinner show here), Old Key West Resort does have its fair share of tempting choices. Thanks to the resort’s island inspirations, Old Key West restaurants are perfect for diners craving American classics, fresh ingredients and tropical flavors.
Good’s Food to Go
Old Key West’s quick-service restaurant, Good’s Food to Go is a convenient pit stop for guests heading to the theme parks or those too tired to wait for a full sit-down meal. Here you’ll find American favorites with a few Florida Keys-inspired touches like mango ketchup on the Barbecued Pulled Pork Sandwich. Stop by for things like Mickey waffles in the morning and burgers in the afternoon. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Gurgling Suitcase Libations & Spirits
The Gurgling Suitcase is the resort’s lounge, taking its vibe from the waterfront bars you’d find in Key West. Drinks are the highlight here, but you can also munch on something from the Olivia’s To Go menu, like Key West classic Conch Fritters, if you’re feeling peckish. Mocktails, specialty cocktails and other bar favorites like beer, wine and cider are also available. Open for lunch, dinner and late-night drinks
Olivia’s Café
Olivia’s Café, a Disney World hidden gem, is a breezy place to tuck into American-style cuisine with tropical flair. As the story goes, Olivia loved to cook, and the delicious aromas from her food would often waft out of her cottage and into the sidewalk, hitting hungry, unsuspecting passersby straight in the nose (and the stomach). Fortunately, Olivia loved to share, first inviting locals and out-of-towners alike into her home to eat her Key West cuisine and then into her very own café.
This table-service restaurant, and Olivia’s Café to Go, dishes up oodles of Florida-kissed fare, from Crab Cake Eggs Benedict and Shrimp & Grits for brunch to Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken and Conch Fritters for lunch and dinner. And, of course, be sure to save room for the Key Lime Tart. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner
Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks
Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks is a seasonal pool bar neighboring one of the resort’s leisure pools, along with a playground and arcade. This counter-service snack shack serves up bar food that would be right at home on Duval Street. Think pizza, salads, nachos and a Mango-Rum Barbecued Pulled Pork Sandwich. Alcohol-free beverages like slushies, soda, and milk are available, as are boozy sips like beer, cider and frozen cocktails. Open for lunch and drinks
Disney Old Key West Pools
No trip to the Florida Keys would be complete without a refreshing dip. Fortunately, there are four different Old Key West pools to choose from. The Sandcastle Pool is Old Key West’s feature pool, and oh, what a grand pool it is.
As the name implies, a giant sandcastle – with a 125-foot-long waterslide running through it – sits at the heart of the pool. A pod of decorative dolphins squirt water, and there’s even a lighthouse with a dry sauna inside. Overall, it’s a delight. A whirlpool spa and kiddie pool are also available.
Looking for something more secluded? Three leisure pools are dotted around the sprawling resort in the Old Turtle Pond, South Point and Miller’s Road neighborhoods. Best of all, each pool also has its own whirlpool spa for those looking to unwind in something warmer.
Other Recreation at Old Key West
Hanging out in the theme parks or water parks is obviously the highlight of any trip to Walt Disney World, but there are also plenty of fun things to do back at your hotel that aren’t the pool.
Kids will go crazy for alfresco screenings of their favorite Disney movies at Movies Under the Stars and s’mores around the Old Key West campfire. For even more kid-friendly thrills, two different game rooms, the Electric Eel and Flying Fish, as well as three playgrounds, are also available.
Looking for something the whole family can do together? You’re sure to find it at Old Key West. Rent out a surrey bike or regular bike to explore one of the Disney golf courses without the steep greens fees, go on a guided fishing excursion in search of bass or go head-to-head with family and friends during a game of basketball, tennis or volleyball.
Or, head to the Conch Flats Community Hall for activities of all sorts like foosball, video games, arts & crafts, ping-pong, pool and shuffleboard. You can even check out DVDs to watch back in your room.
If all that friendly competition isn’t enough to keep your workout schedule on track, never fear. The Old Key West Exercise Room has everything you need for your fitness routine, from treadmills and ellipticals to free weights and machines. You can also take your workout outside on the 1.37-mile-long running path.
Old Key West Resort Disney Merchandise Locations
One of the perks of staying in at a deluxe Disney villa resort is being able to do a little (or a lot) of cooking in the room’s kitchenette or kitchen. So, if you’re planning to make your own food while staying at Old Key West, there’s a good chance you’ll stop by the Conch Flats General Store. This convenient merchandise location stocks groceries and sundries along with hotel logo swag and other Disney souvenirs.
Disney Old Key West Resort FAQs
Want to know more about Disney’s Old Key West Resort? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions.
Is Disney Old Key West only DVC?
Not part of the Disney Vacation Club? No worries! You don’t have to be a DVC member to stay at Old Key West or any other DVC resort – as long as there is availability, that is.
Of course, DVC members do have the first crack at those villas and studios, but whatever is left unbooked is fair game for the rest of us. Just book through the Disney World website, call the Reservation Line or talk to your travel agent.
Can I buy DVC for Old Key West?
Ok, you don’t have to be a DVC member to stay at Old Key West, but what if you want to? As the original Disney Vacation Club resort at Disney World, the easiest way to get a piece of the timeshare action is on the DVC resale marketplace.
Which buildings at Old Key West Resort have the best location?
At a resort as big as Old Key West, it’s all about location, location, location. If you don’t want to have to hoof it as far, be sure to request a room when booking your reservation or completing your online check-in in one of the buildings closest to the Hospitality House.
These include buildings 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25 and 26. This will put you ideally situated near such amenities as Olivia’s Café and the Sandcastle Pool.
Can you walk to EPCOT from Old Key West?
Unfortunately not. Though Old Key West is just a short drive from EPCOT, you aren’t able to walk to Disney’s foodie theme park from the resort. For a Disney hotel that’s walkable to EPCOT, choose an alternative like the Yacht Club, Beach Club or BoardWalk Inn.
Is there a walkway from Old Key West to Disney Springs?
Yes, although it isn’t a quick jaunt. The Conch Flats Trail – ask a cast member where to find it – connects guests to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. After this initial 20-minute stroll, you’ll then follow another walking path for around 15 minutes to reach Disney Springs. All in all, expect the walk from Old Key West to Disney Springs to take about 35 minutes.
Does Old Key West have a boat to Disney Springs?
Yup! Like the nearby Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside, a water taxi connects Old Key West to Disney Springs. This leisurely free transportation option is available from 11 AM to 1 AM and launches from the dock near Hospitality House. The whole trip takes around 10 to 15 minutes, with boats departing every 20 to 30 minutes.
Well, all you unofficial conchs out there (that’s the nickname for a Key West local), that concludes our tour of the Old Key West Resort. With its convenient Disney Springs area location and massive rooms, this charming Disney World hotel is perfect for big families or other large groups.
While you’re visiting, make the most of your time with our 1-day plans for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Then, go easy on your travel budget by booking our discounted Walt Disney World tickets.
Have you ever stayed at Old Key West? Which building do you prefer? What’s your favorite dish at Olivia’s Café? Let us know in the comments!
