If you’re looking for a peaceful, spacious, and charming escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, Disney’s Old Key West Resort might be your perfect match. This is NOT a classically Disney themed resort. This was Walt Disney World’s very first Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort, and it has held on tightly to its easy-breezy Florida Keys charm ever since. It was a perfect fit for our family trip with all of the grandparents tagging along.
Atmosphere & Theme
Old Key West has serious old school beach vacation energy. Think pastel buildings, palm trees, white railings, and a slow, sunny rhythm. It truly feels like stepping into a coastal village complete with gentle background music, walking paths along the water, and hammocks by the sand. There’s no rush here, only relaxation.
Rooms & Layout
Here’s where Old Key West absolutely shines: the rooms are massive. Even the studios feel spacious compared to many other Disney resorts, and the 1- and 2-bedroom villas feel more like full condos than hotel rooms. We stayed in a two bedroom villa with a full kitchen, laundry room, and a balcony. It’s perfect for larger families or longer stays.
Plus, many rooms are along the canal or golf course, so you might get water views and quiet mornings on the patio. We did and it was perfect!
Dining
- Olivia’s Café is a hidden gem. Casual, charming, and known for hearty Southern and coastal comfort food. The banana bread French toast is legendary. We’ve been back to Olivia’s multiple times, even when staying at other resorts!
- There’s also the Gurgling Suitcase — a cozy, Key West stule bar, laid-back with friendly bartenders and strong drinks.
- And for quick bites, Goods Food to Go is pretty much exactly what it says. Poolside and it’s all good! Burgers, salads, desserts, snacks and beverages are all ready to grab ’n’ go.
While we didn’t take advantage of these as we had a trip PACKED with Park Time, there are plenty of options for fun at the resort:
- The Sandcastle Pool has a waterslide, a sauna that’s actually inside a lighthouse, and lots of space to lounge.
- There are also several quiet pools, tennis courts, bike rentals, and boat transportation to Disney Springs.
- The Hospitality House area has a community feel, with shuffleboard courts, a playground, and friendly Cast Members who remember your name.
Transportation
- You can take a boat to Disney Springs, which is both scenic and convenient.
- Buses will take you to all the parks but keep in mind that the resort is spread out, so you may have multiple internal stops depending on your room location OR a long walk to your bus stop.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort offers Laid-Back Island Vibes with Room to Relax and is ideal for guests who want a quiet, charming, and comfortable home base with plenty of space and a slower pace. If you love the Disney magic but want to retreat to a peaceful island in the evenings, this is the perfect slice of Florida Keys life — with just the right sprinkle of pixie dust.
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