A Quick Guide To One of Disney World’s Most Underrated Resorts – Old Key West
A question I get asked quite a lot as a TA is “What is a great under-the-radar resort at Disney World?” and Old Key West frequently tops my list. One of the original DVC properties, Old Key West Resort draws its inspiration from the laid back ethos of life in the Florida Keys and has a nice array of amenities, some of the most spacious villas you’ll find at Disney and is one of the more tranquil properties I’ve stayed at.
Disney, like me, believes that there is a lot to love about this property and for that reason have created a pocket guide for Old Key West You can download the pocket guide in it’s entirety below but first I thought I’d go over some of the basics with you.
Old Key West Resort
Many DVC members remain loyal to Disney’s Old Key West Resort for it’s serene setting and Florida Keys Conch Flat style. The property offers gentle waterways, beautiful palms and even a nearby golf course. Families are sure to love the sun-soaked pools, casual dining and such amenities as fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes.
As you can see from the Google Map above, Old Key West is located in the Disney Springs Resort Area.
Transportation to and from the theme parks is by bus. The property also offers a water taxi to and from Disney Springs for an evening on the town or some afternoon shopping.
Room Types
Old Key West Resort is a Villa Property which means that you won’t find standard guest rooms here but rather Studios all the way up to 3 bedroom villas. Best of all, when it comes to villas Old Key West has the distinction of offering some of the largest villa properties at Walt Disney World.
Here’s a quick look at the specifications:
Deluxe Studio – 376sq.ft.
- Views of Water, Woodlands or Fairways
- 2 Queen Beds
- Sleeps up to 4 Adults
1 Bedroom Villa – 942sq.ft.
- Views of Water, Woodlands or Fairways
- 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
- Sleeps up to 5 Adults
2 Bedroom Villa – 1,333sq.ft.
- Views of Water, Woodlands or Fairways
- 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
- Sleeps up to 9 Adults
3-Bedroom Grand Villa – 2,375sq.ft.
- Views of Water, Woodlands or Fairways
- 1 king-size bed, 2 queen-size beds, 2 double-size beds, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa
- Sleeps Up to 12
Like all of Disney’s Incredible DVC properties, you’ll find an awesome array of in-room amenities. Studios come with 2 queen beds, microwave, mini fridge, flat-panel TV and more. 1 bedroom villas through 3 bedroom villas also feature washing machines and dryers, full kitchen with dishwasher and living room area with pull-out sofas.
Old Key West Eateries
Old Key West Resort has a variety food and beverage options whether its grab and go items or a nice sit down at Olivia’s. There’s also the Gurgling Suitcase, one of my favorite places to grab a quick cocktail!
Here’s a quick rundown of dining options:
- Oliva’s Cafe – Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this table service eatery is known for being a great spot for comfort food!
- Good’s Food To Go – Pop by Good’s for a quick bite on your way to the theme parks or before heading back to your resort room! You’ll find breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings here.
- Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks – No need to leave your spot at the pool, the Turtle Shack is nearby serving up some lite bites as delightful libations!
- Gurgling Suitcase – One of the first places you’ll see as you explore Old Key West, this is the perfect spot to go for a nightcap!
Pools
You’ll find two pool areas at Old Key West Resort. The main central pool area is known as the Sandcastle Pool after its fun sandcastle waterslide that is 125 feet long and popular with the kids. This pool area also features a sandy beach, 149,600 gallon feature pool, whirlpool space and a dry sauna that is housed inside the pool area’s iconic lighthouse! There’s also a fun kiddie pool where little ones can splash about.
In addition to the main Sandcastle Pool Area, guests will also find three additional all-ages pools. Each of the pool locations have a whirlpool spa.
Other Activities at Old Key West Resort:
There are a whole host of other fantastic activities for guests to enjoy while staying at Old Key West Resort. Some options include:
- Evening campfires
- Movies Under the Stars
- Fishing Excursions
- Bike Rentals (Including Surry Bikes!)
- Exercise Room
- Conch Flats Community Hall features video games, ping-pong and more!
- Jogging Trails
- Three Playgrounds
Shopping
Conch Flat General Store is looking in the main building. Here you’ll find a modest selection of grocery items as well as Walt Disney World Resort souvenirs.
Guests at Old Key West are also a short water taxi ride away from Disney Springs where you’ll find retail shops, dining, entertainment, nightlife and more!
Resort Perks
There are also a handful of valuable perks that come with staying onsite at a Walt Disney World Resort. This includes being able to enter the parks 30 minutes before everyone else each day during your stay. Some of the parks will remain open late on select nights exclusively for Walt Disney World resort guests.
In addition, onsite guests at Walt Disney World Resort have the added benefit of being able to book your Lightning Lane A La Care tickets at 7 am if you are staying on property. Offsite guests must wait until the theme parks have officially opened to do so. This is quite a nice perk given that rides like Rise of the Resistance or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure have been booking up completely as soon as the theme parks open! Having an added advantage certainly helps.
Pricing:
I’m going to end with one of my favorite things about Old Key West Resort – the pricing! Even though it has some of the largest villa square footage you’ll find at Disney, this property is often one of the most affordable villa options. This makes it a great choice for families that want all of the perks of a villa property with pricing that won’t break the bank!
Depending on the time of year your travel, Studios at Old Key West can be as low as $450 a night, 1 bedrooms can go as low as $580 a night, 2 bedrooms are a bit pricier but usually sit in the $800 – $1200 range. Three bedroom villas can be a bit harder to come by and sleep 12. These will set you back a minimum of $1700 a night.
You can find Disney’s official pocket guide to Old Key West Resort here- planDisney_PocketGuide_OldKeyWest_IG. Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for more Walt Disney World news and updates!
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