Disney’s Best Kept Secret is Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West Resort is truly a home away from home. This charming resort recalls the spirit of the Florida Keys, and is set in the fictional town of Conch Flats. Two- and three-story, pastel-colored buildings are arranged around cul-de-sacs, for an intimate neighborhood feeling. The peach, mint and aqua bungalows with tin roofs and gingerbread accents welcome families to stay and relax. Enjoy views of the Lake Buena Vista golf course, neighboring woodlands, or the waterways from your plantation-style balcony.

When you arrive, you’ll check in at the Hospitality House where lush vegetation, swaying palm trees and island tunes evoke a tropical paradise. Housed on a bustling dockside strip, this the heartbeat of the resort. It’s here that guests come to dine, shop, swim, and play. Guest rooms closest to this hub of activity are Preferred Rooms and are just a short stroll away. The remainder of the Disney Vacation Villas sprawl out across the grounds, arranged in cozy clusters. There are three quiet pools in these mini- neighborhoods, so no matter where your room is located, you don’t have to walk very far for a dip in a pool.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort was the first Disney Vacation Club resort, opening its doors in 1991. It has undergone several renovations over the years, with the most recent refurbishment in 2019. In typical Disney Vacation Club style, this resort offers studios, one- and two-bedroom villas and three-bedroom grand villas. A light and airy color scheme and natural wood flooring give the rooms a laid-back, beach vibe. Did you know that the rooms here are the largest on Disney property? This is a great option for larger families and guests that enjoy spending as much time at the resort as they do at the theme parks. All the comforts and conveniences of home can be found in the spacious Villas.

If you have a car, you’ll find parking for each building that is closer to your room than any other resort on Disney property. For those guests without a car, complimentary Disney bus transportation is available to all four theme parks and the water parks.

The Deluxe Studio is 376 sq. ft. and features 2 queen-sized beds. Amenities include a kitchenette with microwave, under-counter refrigerator, wet bar and coffee maker. A Deluxe Studio accommodates four guests plus one child under age 3 in a crib.

At 933 sq. ft., the One Bedroom Villa includes a master bedroom suite with a king-size bed, and a queen-sized sleeper sofa and sleeper chair in the living room. Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen with full size appliances, whirlpool tub and a washer/dryer. This Villa accommodates five guests plus one child under age 3 in a crib.

The Two Bedroom Villa is 1,333 sq. ft. and features a master bedroom with king-sized bed, a queen-sized sleeper sofa and twin-size sleeper chair in the living room, and a second bedroom with either two queen beds or a queen bed along with a double-sized sleeper sofa. Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen with full size appliances, whirlpool tub and washer and dryer. This Two Bedroom Villa accommodates nine guests plus one child under age 3 in a crib.

If you have a larger traveling party, consider booking the Three Bedroom Grand Villa. These units are 2202 sq. ft and feature two floors of family fun. On the first floor, there is a master bedroom suite with king-sized bed, along with a queen-sized sleeper sofa in the living room. On the second floor are two additional bedrooms, one with two queen-sized beds and the other with two double-sized beds. All bedrooms have private baths. Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen with full size appliances, whirlpool tub and washer and dryer. The Grand Villa accommodates twelve guests plus one child under age 3 in a crib. With this much space to spread out, you may never want to leave the resort!

Along the central dockside strip, guests can find all they need for their stay. The Conch Flats General Store is where you can pick up Disney souvenirs, grocery items, and general merchandise. Forgot your toothbrush at home? Not to worry, you can pick one up here!

An iconic red and white lighthouse towers over the resort’s main pool, the Sandcastle Pool, where nautical touches such as larger-than-life sandcastles, pails and shovels create a beachy scene. At the bottom of the lighthouse is a sauna, and across the way is a sandcastle waterslide (complete with hidden Mickeys) and hot tub. There are plenty of places for the littlest ones to play, including a kiddie pool, dolphin splash area, and sandy beach.

Located within steps of the main pool, the Conch Flats Community Hall is the great place to beat the heat and play a board game or make a craft. There is complimentary foosball, pool, video games, ping-pong and shuffleboard. Guests can also check out equipment for tennis, basketball and volleyball, bike rentals or sign out DVDs to enjoy in their guest room. Pick up the jogging trail that starts here for a couple miles of a scenic run. Or head into the fitness center to work off some of those yummy Mickey bars. There’s also a marina where you can rent various water craft or enjoy a guided bass-fishing excursion—perfect for amateur anglers and seasoned sportsmen alike.

The resort’s table service restaurant, Olivias Cafe, is a hidden gem. DVC member family photos cover the walls and the Florida Keys theme continues with nautical knickknacks and ceiling fans. Laid-back and casual, this cafe offers breakfast favorites such as banana French bread and lunch and dinner specialties including Cobb salads, shrimp and grits, and NY strip steak. And of course, the signature dessert – key lime pie.

If you’re on the move, counter service Goods Food to Go is the place for you. Classic menu items include sandwiches, burgers, salads, nachos, and chicken fingers. And, of course, more key lime pie! Chairs and tables are available waterside to sit and enjoy your meal with a view. Or, take some back to your villa for a midnight snack.

Blink and you might miss the dive bar Gurgling Suitcase Libations & Spirits. This small, hole-in-the wall bar tucked into the strip is a great place to grab an adult beverage. The Gurgling Suitcase has very limited inside seating, with some additional seats and tables available outside overlooking the marina. Pull up to this cozy, Key West-style watering hole for a refreshing beverage after a dip in the pool. The lunch and dinner menu from Olivia’s Cafe are available to order here, as well.

Looking for shopping, dining and outdoor entertainment? You’re in luck. Disney Springs is just a boat ride away. Here you’ll find casual and fine dining choices, a movie theater, bowling, name brand retail stores and more. Complimentary ferries that stop at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter and Saratoga Springs make a stop at the Hospitality House and provide water transportation directly to Disney Springs.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort is a true vacation within a vacation. If you’re looking for an authentic Florida experience to share with your family, there’s no place like this home-away-from-home.

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