When exploring Walt Disney World’s website, you might notice the absence of the original “Disney Vacation Club” resort. That’s because what was once known as Disney Vacation Club at Walt Disney World Resort is now the delightful Disney’s Old Key West Resort. This change occurred once the Disney Vacation Club expanded beyond its original site with the addition of a second resort in Vero Beach, evolving into a broader collection of properties.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort opened its doors in 1991, setting the stage as the first Disney Vacation Club property at Walt Disney World. My family and I first discovered its charms in 1992, and it’s been a favorite ever since. Modeled after the serene and picturesque ambiance of Key West, Florida, the resort captures the leisurely pace and architectural beauty of the early 20th century in the Florida Keys. Despite expansions and updates, it retains its original allure, nestled around the scenic Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, which it shares with Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
Checking In and Enjoying the Amenities
Guests are welcomed at the Hospitality House, where you can relax in Papa’s Den—a nod to Key West’s literary heritage, invoking Ernest Hemingway’s spirit. The main pool area, one of four throughout the resort, features a children’s pool, hot tub, sauna, and a whimsical sandcastle slide. For those looking to stay active, the R.E.S.T. Beach Recreation Department near the pool offers an exercise room, while the Electric Eel game room provides entertainment options. At Hank’s Rent ‘N Return, guests can rent bikes, surreys, and watercraft. Community Hall hosts daily activities, making it a hub of engagement for guests of all ages.
Accommodations to Suit Every Family
With 49 buildings housing 761 villas, Old Key West boasts the largest rooms among the DVC resorts. The options range from Deluxe Studios to expansive Three Bedroom Grand Villas:
- Deluxe Studio: At 390 sq ft, featuring two queen beds, a kitchenette, and sleeping accommodations for four.
- One Bedroom Villa: This 942 sq ft space offers a king bed, a bath with a large Jacuzzi tub, a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and a queen sleeper sofa, comfortably accommodating four.
- Two Bedroom Villa: At 1395 sq ft, these units sleep eight and can be a lock-off combination of a One Bedroom Villa and a Studio or a dedicated Two Bedroom setup.
- Three Bedroom Grand Villa: Spanning 2375 sq ft across two stories, this villa sleeps twelve and features multiple bedrooms with private baths, a vast living room, and a full kitchen and dining area.
Dining and Shopping
The Conch Flats General Store at the Hospitality House offers basic groceries, with pre-order options for a wider selection delivered directly to your villa. For dining, Olivia’s provides table service, while Good’s Food to Go offers quicker meal options. The Gurgling Suitcase is perfect for adult beverages, and seasonally, a snack bar and arcade are available at the Turtle Pond pool.
My family’s experiences at Disney’s Old Key West Resort have been nothing short of magical, from the spacious villas perfect for family gatherings to the laid-back vibe that invites relaxation and recreation in equal measure. Whether it’s a romantic getaway in a One Bedroom Villa or a grand family celebration in a Three Bedroom Grand Villa, Old Key West continues to be a cherished home away from home for many Disney Vacation Club members, including us.
