Disney’s Old Key West Resort: Breezy Island Vibes Meet Home-Away-From-Home Comfort

If you’re craving a vacation that doesn’t feel like you need another vacation to recover from it, Disney’s Old Key West Resort might be your best match. It’s quiet, it’s spacious, and it leans into that unhurried, tropical energy that makes you want to sip coffee on the porch and not check your email.

This is one of my favorite picks when you’re looking for a slower pace. Think: pastel buildings, palm trees swaying, boat rides to Disney Springs, and rooms that give you actual breathing room—especially if you’re traveling with kids or a larger group.

The Vibe

Old Key West is themed after—you guessed it—the Florida Keys. It’s full of charm but in a breezy, casual way. Nothing feels overdone. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see people biking around, grabbing a bite at Olivia’s Café (definitely go for the banana bread French toast), or reading by the pool while the kids splash nearby.

It feels less like a hotel and more like a vacation condo community, which I love. There’s no rush. No loud music blaring. Just space to slow down and enjoy being where you are.

Room Options & Accommodations

If space is high on your list, Old Key West delivers. These are some of the largest rooms on Disney property—especially the one- and two-bedroom villas. They come with full kitchens, washer/dryer, and plenty of space to spread out, which is golden if you’re staying more than a few nights or just want a more “home away from home” setup.

  • Deluxe Studios – Sleeps up to 4 guests with 2 Queen Beds, kitchenette, and private balcony.

  • One-Bedroom Villas – Includes a full kitchen, washer and dryer, 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair and whirlpool tub. Sleeps up to 5.

  • Two-Bedroom Villas – Great for families or groups. Sleeps up to 9 and includes 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair.

  • Three-Bedroom Grand Villas – The ultimate stay! Sleeps up to 12 with a full kitchen, dining area, 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 2 Double Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair.

Dining Options

While Old Key West has fewer dining options than some larger resorts, what it does have is delicious, underrated, and wonderfully relaxing.

Olivia’s Café (Table-Service)

A hidden gem among Disney dining! Olivia’s is a fan-favorite for its Southern comfort food with a tropical twist. Popular dishes include the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Shrimp and Grits, and Banana Bread Pudding Sundae.

Good’s Food to Go (Quick-Service)

Located near the main pool, this walk-up spot is great for breakfast sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and Mickey waffles.

Gurgling Suitcase (Lounge)

A cozy little bar with Key West vibes offering cocktails, bar bites, and a few Olivia’s Café favorites in a more relaxed setting.

Recreation & Amenities

Old Key West is full of ways to relax and enjoy your down time.

  • Sandcastle Pool – The main feature pool with a 125-foot waterslide, sandcastle-themed play area, and a dry sauna tucked into the lighthouse.

  • Playgrounds & Kiddie Pools – Perfect for little ones needing a break from the parks.

  • Fishing Excursions – Enjoy guided catch-and-release fishing on the resort’s waterways.

  • Bike Rentals – Cruise the scenic paths with bike rentals for the whole family.

  • Golf at Lake Buena Vista – The course literally wraps around the resort—tee times available steps from your room.

  • Campfire Activities – Located at the end of Turtle Krawl: 6:00pm-7:00pm Nightly 

  • Movies Under the Stars – Located at the Sandcastle Pool: 8:30pm Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 

  • Community Hall – Crafts, games, foosball, and family activities.

  • Old Key West Exercise Room – A fitness facility at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, featuring state-of-the-art strength training equipment.

  • Conch Flats General Store – A one-stop shop for snacks, souvenirs, and essentials.

Extended Evening Hours

As a Deluxe Resort, guests staying at deluxe resorts have access to Extended Evening Hours on select nights. This is not available every night. Read more about Extended Evening Hours here!

This perk allows extra time in the parks with shorter wait times for popular attractions.

  • Includes select attractions, dining, and shopping

  • Valid only for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Villas

Pro Tip: Take advantage of shorter wait times for attractions like Space Mountain, TRON Lightcycle / Run, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train during Extended Evening Hours.

Transportation & Park Access

Old Key West is a little tucked away, which is part of its charm—but it does mean transportation takes a bit longer compared to some of the more centrally located resorts. You’ll use buses for the parks, but you can hop on a boat to Disney Springs, which is one of my favorite parts. It’s peaceful, and it gives you that little extra bit of Disney magic on the way to dinner or shopping.

Pro Tip: The resort is large and spread out, but there are multiple internal bus stops to help you get around.

Location

Disney’s Old Key West Resort is located in the Disney Springs Resort Area, making it convenient for shopping, dining, and nightlife at Disney Springs.

This is an old map, but it still gives you a great idea of where the resort is located.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

✔️ Incredibly spacious rooms

✔️ Laid-back, quiet atmosphere

✔️ Boat access to Disney Springs

✔️ Great for large groups and extended stays

✔️ Full kitchens and laundry in villas

Cons:

❌ Fewer dining options than larger resorts

❌ Spread-out layout means more walking

❌ No Skyliner or Monorail access

Final Thoughts & Who Should Stay Here

Disney’s Old Key West Resort is ideal for families, friend groups, and couples looking for a calm, spacious, and homey stay at Disney. It’s especially great for guests who plan to spend time at the resort—or want a break from the crowds between park days.

It’s not for you if you want to be walking distance from the parks or if you’re planning to rope-drop and park-hop every single day. But if you’re looking for a vacation that actually feels like a vacation, it’s a gem.

Thinking about booking a stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort? I’d love to help you plan! Start Planning Now and let’s make your trip feel like a true vacation. 🐚🌴✨

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