Disney's Old Key West Resort: A Tranquil Paradise in the Heart of Disney World
Ah, the Florida Keys - a place of shimmering waterways, swaying palm trees, and picturesque golf-course fairways. Now, imagine capturing that serene essence right in the heart of Disney World. Yes, it's possible at Disney's Old Key West Resort.
At a first glance, you're transported to the tranquil community of Conch Flats. This sprawling island hamlet perfectly encapsulates the romance of the Florida Keys. Picture yourself walking through an idyllic waterside village, with the whisper of the palms and the gentle splash of water taxis setting the ambiance. It's here at Conch Flats where you can shop to your heart's content, savor delicious dining, or dive into a myriad of recreational activities. And did I mention? That water taxi, which sails you straight to the dazzling experiences at Disney Springs, doesn't cost a dime extra!
The accommodation? Oh, it’s a delightful treat! Whether you’re settling into a cozy studio unit complete with a kitchenette or sprawling out in a villa boasting one, two or three bedrooms and a full kitchen, every space promises a blend of comfort and Florida charm. You’ll be enveloped by the aesthetic of 49 pastel-colored 3-story buildings adorned with quaint shutters and pristine white trim. These delightful dwellings are thoughtfully situated around artfully designed courtyards and inviting pools.
Beyond the villas and studios, the presence of the serene Bonnet Creek and the manicured greens of a golf course elevate your vacation from just a mere stay to a full-fledged resort experience. Dive into the stories and adventures of Ernest Hemingway's beloved Florida Keys, all without ever leaving the Disney Springs resort area.
Lastly, a little insider tip from your trusted travel advisor: While Disney's Old Key West is a proud member of the Disney Vacation Club, don't let that tag deter you. Everyone's welcome here! Whether you're making a "room only" reservation or integrating it into a comprehensive Disney World vacation package, there’s a spot here at Old Key West with your name on it.
Exclusive Benefits of Staying at an On-Site Disney Resort
Early Theme Park Entry: Get in 30 minutes ahead of the general public every day at all four theme parks.
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours: Extend the fun at select theme parks on select nights.
Complimentary Transportation to the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and more.
Free Parking at the resort and throughout Walt Disney World.
Up to 10-Day Dining Advantage: Make dining reservations for up to 10-days starting on the first day of eligibility, putting you a step ahead of off-site guests.
Early Access Individual Lightning Lane reservations: book at 7AM instead of at park opening.
Proximity: Everything is easier when your hotel is close to all Disney World has to offer.
Simplify planning with Vacation Packages that combine room, tickets, and even dining plans for a truly hassle-free vacation.
So, ready to dip your toes into this Florida Keys-inspired oasis? I’m here to help. Reach out, and let’s make your dream family vacation at Disney's Old Key West Resort come to life!
The Pros
Advantages - Very comfortable, lush setting with a neat feature pool and beautiful landscaping give guests an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing resort vacation that includes recreational opportunities beyond the theme parks. The villas are a comfortable option for families with small children or grandparents who want to be able to enjoy some down time in a comfortable setting with more amenities than a standard hotel room generally offers. This resort has larger units than DVC resorts that were added later - for example, a studio unit here is about 376 square feet, which is almost 25% larger than the 300-square foot studio units at Disney's Bay Lake Tower. Guests enjoy the close proximity of the smaller courtyard pools sprinkled throughout the resort as well as the delightful and whimsical Sand Castle themed feature pool. When Disney offers room rate discounts, this resort regularly receives some of the deepest discounts of any of the Deluxe Villa resorts.
The Cons
Disadvantages - This resort is huge! That isn't necessarily a bad thing if you want to kick back and enjoy the resort itself but it can be hassle if you're in the buildings farthest from the main services area so you'll want to talk to your Build A Better Mouse Trip travel advisor about including a building request with your reservation. Transportation to the theme parks can be inefficient from this resort so having your own vehicle is probably a good idea. Some of the first buildings built have bathrooms that require guests to enter the master bedroom, which isn't ideal; later buildings corrected this issue. This is a deluxe resort and accommodations come at a deluxe price; if your vacation priorities will keep you away from the hotel most of the time you may be better off with lower priced, standard Disney World hotel room options. This resort is short on restaurants, perhaps because all of the units come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, but plenty of dining options can be found by taking the boat to Disney Springs.
Our Opinion of Disney’s Old Key West
We're a little torn on when it comes to Disney's Old Key West - as a resort, it feels friendly and relaxed with some great recreational options for guests; if you are looking for a resort experience, we can confidently recommend this location. Unfortunately, it has some weaknesses as a "Disney World" hotel in that the theme park transportation isn't efficient and, because of the resort's size, you have to use the internal resort shuttle from the hospitality house back to your building, or walk. The walk back to your room after a long day in a theme park may feel like a bit of an endurance exercise, especially with tired children in tow. These problems are managed by having your own vehicle but you may be happier at a different resort if you are depending on Disney transportation.
Disney's Old Key West Resort Amenities
Outdoor movies are available each evening by the Family Tree.
149,000-gallon Sandcastle Pool with 125-foot water-slide
Leisure Pools with Whirlpool Spa located at Old Turtle Pond, South Point and Miller's Road sections.
Dry sauna
Kiddie Pool
Fitness Center
Conch Flats Community Hall with Foosball, pool, Video games, Ping Pong & shuffleboard with equipment check-out for tennis, basketball & Volleyball.
Evening campfire program behind the volleyball courts
Boat rentals available at the onsite marina (extra charge)
Free self parking
Valet parking available (extra charge)
Bike Rentals Available (extra charge)
2 Lighted Tennis Courts
Basketball Court
Sand Volleyball Court
1.37 mile jogging path
3 Playgrounds for children
Electric Eel Arcade
Flying Fish Arcade
On-site Restaurants
On-Site shopping
Free transportation to the Disney Parks
Charming waterfront area
Special resort activities
Villas have washers & Dryers / Coin Laundry available for studio units.
Disney's Old Key West Resort Dining
Good's Food to Go - Burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, soups, ice cream, and beverages near the main pool.
Turtle Shack Snack Bar - Pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, and soft drinks. Open seasonally.
Olivia's Cafe - Nautical themed diner. (Disney Dining Plan "table service" location)
Gurgling Suitcase Libations & Spirits - Key West-style bar.
Pizza Delivery
Boat transportation available to Disney Springs opens up a lot of great dining options
Disney's Old Key West Resort Shopping
Conch Flats General Store - This gift shop sells some groceries, snacks, sundries, beverages, gifts & hotel log items.
For more extensive grocery needs, you can save time and money by having snacks, bottled water and other food items delivered directly to the resort by Garden Grocer - Click HERE for more information.
Boat transportation to the Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district
Disney's Old Key West Resort Transportation
Bus transportation is available to the Disney World theme parks, and Water Parks. A complimentary water taxi provides transportation to Disney Springs except when lightning is present; bus transportation is also available to Disney Springs.
Disney's Old Key West Resort Accommodation Options
Studio Units - 376-square feet unit with a kitchenette featuring a microwave and mini-refrigerator. Queen bed & sofa sleeper can accommodate 4 guests + 1 baby in a crib.
1-Bedroom / 1-Bathroom Villas - 942-square feet. King bed in the bedroom with a queen sleeper & sleeper chair with a full kitchen in the living area can accommodate 5 guests + 1 baby in a crib. The bathroom features a whirlpool bath.
2-Bedroom / 2-bathroom Villas -1333-square feet. King bed in the master bedroom, 2 queen beds in the second bedroom, a queen sleeper and sleeper chair with a full kitchen and laundry area. Accommodates 9 guests + 1 baby in a crib. Master bath includes a whirlpool tub.
3-Bedroom Grand Villas - 2375-square feet. King bed in the master bedroom, 2 queen beds in the second bedroom, 2 double beds in the third bedroom, a queen sleeper and sleeper chair with a full kitchen and laundry area. Accommodates 13 guests + 1 baby in a crib. Villa has three bathrooms and the master bath includes a whirlpool tub.
Let us help you make a reservation and great memories at Disney's Serene and Spacious Old Key West Resort
Build A Better Mouse Trip always books directly with Walt Disney World and you will never pay any more than if you booked yourself. Our clients are very important to us and we offer some special services designed to make your trip the best that it can be:
Your travel agent – You have one agent from start-to-finish who knows your name and your priorities and who wants to do everything possible to help you have a wonderful experience.
“Best Days” Vacation Planning – We’ll help you pick the best park for each day based on hours and expected crowd levels then we help with dining reservations and understanding which Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane selections might be right for you.
Saving Money – Of course we watch for discounts and promotion and automatically apply the best available offer to your reservation but we also help you avoid up-sells and options you won’t use.
We Are Fee-Free - We book directly through Disney and we never charge a service fee so you never pay any extra to use our services when you book your trip through us. You can have all the benefits Disney offers PLUS all the services we offer.
Old Key West Resort Address & Phone Number
1510 North Cove Road
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-8421
Phone: 407- 827-7700