Old Key West Resort Review

If you’re looking for a Disney resort that feels spacious, peaceful, and a little more removed from the busiest parts of Walt Disney World, Disney’s Old Key West Resort is one worth considering. This Deluxe Villa Resort has a laid-back Florida Keys theme, sprawling grounds, studio and villa accommodations, multiple pools, and water transportation to Disney Springs.

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Old Key West was honestly the resort I put off staying at the longest because I wasn’t quite sure I would love it. The Florida theme in Florida felt a little on the nose to me, and I did not immediately understand why guests chose this one over some of the other deluxe Disney resorts. But after staying here, I could absolutely see the appeal. This is a resort that makes a lot more sense once you match it to the right kind of trip.

Old Key West Resort Highlights

• Spacious studios and multi-bedroom villas that work especially well for larger families and multi-generational trips.
• A quieter, more secluded atmosphere with beautiful, sprawling grounds and lots of on-site recreation.
• Convenient boat transportation to Disney Springs, plus a main feature pool with a sandcastle waterslide.

Overview of Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West Resort is one of Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Villa Resorts. The theme is inspired by the charm of the Florida Keys, with pastel buildings, palm trees, waterways, and a much more laid-back atmosphere than some of Disney’s other deluxe resorts. Disney describes it as a tranquil, sprawling community with studios and multi-bedroom villas, which really does fit the overall feel once you are there.

This is not the resort I would recommend for every kind of Disney vacation. But if you are planning a quieter trip, want space to spread out, or are hoping to enjoy your resort as much as the parks, Old Key West can be a really good fit. It especially stands out for guests who want a home base that feels more secluded and less hectic.

Location and Accessibility

Old Key West is in the Disney Springs Resort Area, which gives it a different feel than resorts that sit near EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, or the Skyliner line. One of the biggest location perks here is that the resort offers water transportation to Disney Springs via the Sassagoula River Cruise, which makes dining and shopping there especially convenient. Disney also offers bus transportation and water transportation as the main complimentary options for the resort, along with Minnie Van service through Lyft for guests who want a paid ride option.

The tradeoff is that this is not one of Disney’s most park-convenient resorts. You will be using bus transportation to get to the theme parks, and because the resort is large and spread out, the overall experience can feel less streamlined than at some more compact resorts. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean Old Key West tends to work best for guests who are intentionally planning a slower-paced trip.

Resort Theme and Atmosphere

Old Key West has a breezy, tropical, Florida Keys-inspired theme that feels casual and relaxed. It is colorful without being loud, and it has a much quieter, more tucked-away atmosphere than resorts that feel more polished or high-energy. If you like resorts that feel peaceful at the end of the day, this one really leans into that.

This is also one of those Disney resorts that feels especially well-suited to certain kinds of vacations. I would not personally pick it for every Disney trip, and maybe not even every few years, but I absolutely would stay here again when the trip matched the resort. For a multi-generational vacation, a girls’ trip, or a Disney stay where you want slower mornings and more downtime, it makes perfect sense.

Types of Accommodations

One of the biggest selling points of Old Key West is the room setup. The studios and multi-bedroom villas here are a big reason this resort stands out compared to standard hotel-style Disney rooms. If you want space to spread out, this resort is perfect for that.

Deluxe Studios

Studios are a good fit if you want the Old Key West atmosphere and extra room compared to some standard Disney accommodations, but do not need a full villa. Even these smaller room categories are part of why the resort appeals to guests who prefer a home-away-from-home feel.

One-Bedroom, Two-Bedroom, and Larger Villas

This is really where Old Key West shines. Disney specifically markets the resort for its multi-bedroom villas, and that extra space is one of the biggest reasons families and larger groups book here.

We stayed in a two-bedroom suite during my visit, and it felt like a very comfortable configuration for five women sharing the space.

Ours was an accessible villa, so there were some adjustments, like lower furniture and a bench in the shower that may not be standard in every room, but the extra room itself was one of the biggest advantages of the stay.

Amenities and In-Room Features

Because this is a Deluxe Villa Resort, Old Key West is especially appealing for stays where the room itself matters. Disney also offers a broad range of guest services, including online check-in, housekeeping, laundry services, parking, Bell Services, and room access via the My Disney Experience app.

This is the kind of resort where the in-room setup and overall space can make a real difference to the feel of your trip. If you are planning midday breaks, resort afternoons, or a longer stay where you do not want to feel cramped, Old Key West offers a lot.

Dining Options

Old Key West does not have as many dining choices as some of the larger deluxe resorts, but what is here fits the laid-back vibe really well. There are currently four dining options at the resort, including Olivia’s Cafe, Good’s Food to Go, and Gurgling Suitcase.

The resort is conveniently connected by water taxi to Disney Springs, which offers many more nearby dining options without the need to drive.

Table Service Dining

Olivia’s Cafe is the main sit-down restaurant at Old Key West, and Disney describes it as a hidden gem serving hearty home cooking with a taste of the Florida Keys.

The menu leans into fresh Florida seafood, American dishes, and some Caribbean influence, which fits the resort’s theme nicely.

This is the kind of table service restaurant that feels more low-key and comfortable than flashy, and that really works here.

We loved everything that we tried from the menu and this is someplace I would return to dine, even if we weren’t staying at the resort!

Quick Service and Casual Dining

Good’s Food to Go is the main quick-service option near the main pool. Disney describes it as a grab-and-go spot with burgers, salads, desserts, snacks, beverages, and even key lime DOLE Whip, which makes it especially convenient on pool days or slower resort mornings.

Lounge Option

Gurgling Suitcase is the resort’s cozy Key West-style lounge. They serve a full bar, wine, beer, and lounge bites, with seating inside or by the pool.

This is one of those resort features that helps Old Key West feel like a good fit for adults, too, not just families.

Recreation and Entertainment

One of the things that makes Old Key West more appealing than I expected is how much there actually is to do at the resort. There is a good variety of recreation here, including pools, playgrounds, movies under the stars, campfires, bike rentals, tennis, volleyball, running trails, an exercise room, and Community Hall activities.

Pools and Outdoor Fun

The main feature pool here is the Sandcastle Pool, located near Hospitality House. It includes a 125-foot waterslide through a giant sandcastle, a sand beach, a kiddie pool, a whirlpool spa, and even a dry sauna inside the pool deck lighthouse. There are also three leisure pools around the resort.

Kid-Friendly Activities

There are so many things to do here! From the sand play area to the Community Room with games and activities, and great playgrounds. They also offer an arcade, tennis courts, volleyball, and other recreation right on the property.

Everything Else

Old Key West is one of those resorts where spending time at the hotel can actually feel like part of the trip.

Between the pools, playgrounds, recreational options, a boat to Disney Springs, and the overall relaxed atmosphere, this is not a resort where you necessarily feel pressured to be out the door and hitting the parks right away every morning.

Transportation and Proximity to Parks

Transportation is probably the biggest “know before you book” factor with Old Key West. This resort does not have monorail, Skyliner, or walking access to a theme park. Disney offers bus transportation for park travel and water transportation to Disney Springs, which means the location is more about seclusion and space than speed.

That does not make it a bad choice at all, but it does make it a more specific choice. If your family likes to slow down, take midday breaks, or spend more time at the resort, Old Key West works beautifully. If you want quick access to EPCOT or Magic Kingdom, another deluxe resort may fit your style better.

Pricing and Value

Old Key West is a Deluxe Villa Resort, so it is still a higher-priced Disney stay compared to Value and Moderate resorts. The value here is less about getting the lowest nightly rate and more about getting extra space, a more peaceful atmosphere, and villa accommodations that work especially well for larger groups.

Room Rates and Value for Families

If you are comparing Old Key West to a standard Disney hotel room, the extra space can be the biggest value factor. This resort makes a lot of sense for multi-generational trips, larger families, and vacations where being comfortable in the room matters more than being closest to the parks.

Comparing Value to Other Resorts

If your trip calls for a secluded location, larger rooms, and a slower, resort-focused pace, it can be an excellent choice. If your priority is park convenience above all else, this is probably not the deluxe resort I would point people toward first.

Tips for Staying at Old Key West Resort

Choose Old Key West if you want a quieter Disney resort with more room to spread out.

This is an especially strong option for multi-generational vacations and longer stays.

Plan at least some resort time, because the pools, recreation, and Disney Springs boat access are part of the appeal.

Do not book this one expecting the easiest park transportation on the property. The slower pace is part of the resort’s personality.

If dining variety matters to you, remember that Disney Springs is an easy boat ride away.

Would I Stay at Old Key West Resort Again?

Yes, for the right trip, I would. Old Key West is not the resort I would choose every single time I visit Walt Disney World, but now that I have stayed there, I definitely understand why people love it. It is a strong option for a quieter trip, a larger family stay, or a vacation where enjoying the resort is just as important as getting to the parks quickly.

For a multi-generational trip especially, I think this one makes a lot of sense. The larger villa accommodations, relaxed atmosphere, and on-site activities give it a very different appeal than some of the more park-focused deluxe resorts. If you want a Disney resort that feels slower, roomier, and more tucked away, Old Key West can be an excellent fit.

Want to compare other resorts to this one? Check our rankings of Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts for families!

• Why Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort
• Best Disney World Value Resorts with Rankings for Families
• Best Disney World Moderate Resorts with Rankings for Families
• Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts with Rankings for Families