Disney's Old Key West Resort - a confession and love letter

[RedOnion]

My family and I bought into Disney Vacation Club (Villas at Wilderness Lodge) in 2012, and I immediately became a DVC snob. The effect was near-instantaneous. Other resorts both inside and outside of Disney property instantly became sub-par … and I developed a strange and deep personal loyalty to our beloved then-VWL.

I spent a long time on the DIS boards and other resources doing what I suspect a lot of us do: researching the parks, resorts, restaurants, and my membership; asking questions and answering questions where I could. And--specifically--paying attention to where other DVC members owned, and what they were excited about.

And I have to confess: whenever I saw that someone owned at Old Key West Resort, I thought, "Aw, bless their hearts. That's adorable. Look how they compare their beloved Old Key West against some of the more modern DVC properties. Don't they know that OKW is just--so--OLD?"

Forgive me please.

Fast-forward to May 2019 (last year). We had an 11-month reservation at what is now Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge for a 2-bedroom lock-off so my two teenage kids could have an "apartment" of their own while my wife and I had a terrific main space and a dedicated bedroom. Ideal.

But my wife realized that if we extended the trip by just 1 day (early), we could save close to $200/person on flights. By then we couldn't extend the current reservation and nothing else at Boulder Ridge was available, even in another room category. In desperation we opened our search to a split stay, and found a random Deluxe Studio available for 1 night at Old Key West Resort, "Near Hospitality House" whatever that could mean. Well, fine. It's just for 1 night. It's on a travel day, it's only 17 points, and it saves us $800 total. We'll slum. (Forgive me again please.)

We rolled into Old Key West about 10:00p ET. Magic Kingdom was open to 12:00m that night, and the MK bus happened to be there when Magical Express arrived, so our kids dropped off their carry-ons with us (thanks), jumped onto the MK bus, and were gone. We'd completed virtual check-in and had our room number, so off we rolled, 2 carry-ons per person.

Here's what nobody told us (or did, and I wasn't listening):

• Old Key West is gorgeous. Great colors; engaging and comprehensive theming; and so quiet! It's far enough away from the parks to really feel like you are on vacation, while still having easy/complete access to all the parks and Disney Springs. At night there is wall-to-wall charm like I can barely describe.
• Old Key West does not feel old or dirty or dusty. It's clear that at least as much attention has been paid to upkeep and refurbishment as any other DVC resort. Not only does it not feel "old or dirty or dusty" … it was absolutely pristine. I was impressed and a little amazed.
• The rooms are huge! and smartly arranged. The dedicated 2 beds in a Deluxe Studio was a game changer since we were cramming 4 adults or near-adults into that overnight. I've since learned that 1-bedroom villas and larger have ceiling fans on the verandas. Ceiling fans out on the veranda! It's like the place wants you to sit, and linger, and lounge. Another game astonishingly changed for me right there.
• Olivia's Cafe is a treat. The food, the service, the décor, the theming. I recognize that having a variety of food options is not OKW's greatest strength--see my beloved Boulder Ridge Villas for multiple food and drink options in every category--but if you're only going to have one full-service restaurant, you can hardly beat Olivia's for breakfast. Lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner menus also look wonderful and on-theme.
• Gurgling Suitcase Libations & Spirits is an absolute hidden gem. Mostly "hidden" because it's small and easy to miss. Seriously. My wife and I decided we weren't sure what else to do with our travel evening having dropped off our bags, so we bellied up at Gurgling Suitcase. One other family was there, celebrating the parents' 50th wedding anniversary. The place is small so of course we got to chatting with them and with the server. The server was Scottish and wonderfully charming, and (not sure I should mention this), with the approval of her manager, opened a bottle of champagne for all of us to share in a toast to this lovely couple. Talk about Disney magic. It was one of the nicest and most charming evenings I think I've ever had. The on-theme specialty cocktails were also a lot of fun.

We were only at OKW the 1 night, so we didn't get to experience much else or anything, really, during the daytime, such as the pools or sauna or the boat ride to Disney Springs … but I'll also share this: in September, we bought an Old Key West contract direct from Disney. We found we kept talking about it weeks and months after the vacation, and realized we were in love.

I'm sure anyone who owns at OWK and has read this far is saying, "Sssh! Don't let out the secret!" … But don't worry. Nobody is listening, just like I wasn't. At such a low per-night point cost, and at such a distance from the parks, they are convinced that OKW must be a sub-par resort experience.

But now I get it. And we're in! Hope to see you in December (coronavirus notwithstanding).

I wanted to share. Please stay safe and healthy.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Welcome over from the Dark Side!! I don't know that we're DVC snobs, but I understand exactly what you're saying. We love OKW for the reasons you state here, and more. It's not perfect, but none of the DVC locations are. But the pros are many. It is such a peaceful, relaxing place - and when they say 'welcome home' there, it really feels like it! Glad you got to enjoy it. Now you have at least TWO locations to choose from! Thanks for the note!

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

We're staying @ OKW for the 1st time this July (hopefully). Can't wait!

 

[dvc at last !]

Well said.
We love OKW, too!

 

[RobDoc]

Just wait until you stay in a 2BR!!

Thank you for the great report!

 

[igrsod]

We don't own here, but have stayed a few times. and I agree with all you said. The first time we stayed was begrudgingly by default, as we needed the two full beds and extra space in the studio for our very first DVC stay. I admit I wasn't excited about staying here. After the first day, I was so comfortable and happy with our choice. I would own here in an instant if the right contract comes on the resale market. I think I thought the same way you did... it must be sub par.... maybe it's subconscious because "Old" is in it's name.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Well, it is the original! When we bought here in 93, it was called "Disney Vacation Club Resort"! Best investment we ever made - lots of great family memories around the resort, especially Conch Flats with shuffleboard and tennis.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

home to OKW!!

Many of your preconceived notions of OKW were the same as mine! Our first DVC contract was BWV, and I also thought of OKW as a "cheap points" stay. But we have also crossed over, and it is our favorite(or at least MY favorite.)

I am hoping to pick up an OKW resale soon to make it one of our resorts.

Have you requested an area to stay in yet? We have about 5-6 stays there and have settled into the Turtle Pond area as our favorite.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We too weren't impressed with the thought of staying at OKW the first time. Like you, it was a last minute decision based on overall economics (staying an extra day saved money on flights). But within that one day, DH decided that was the only resort he ever wanted to stay at. We even sold our initial purchase (at a different resort) and bought at OKW so that our yearly dues were going to OKW. We're a little less tied to OKW now, but that's only because my personal circumstances require an ECV and OKW doesn't always have elevators.

 

[vtjm]

I'm so excited to see this! My trip in April was cancelled, so we rescheduled a weekend at OKW in the fall. It sounds like a gorgeous resort. This is making me look forward to it even more.

 

[RedOnion]

Have you requested an area to stay in yet? We have about 5-6 stays there and have settled into the Turtle Pond area as our favorite.

Not yet but thank you for the guidance! Right now of course we're relegated to taking room tours on YouTube rather than actually being on-property … hanging in there though and still dreaming! It will all be behind us someday!

 

[RedOnion]

… and OKW doesn't always have elevators.

Absolutely fair point. Our Deluxe Studio was on the 2nd floor, and while we don't have any mobility issues, I did mention that we had carry-ons for 4 since our kids ditched us for the MK, and it was a hassle getting everything upstairs on our own.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

Not yet but thank you for the guidance! Right now of course we're relegated to taking room tours on YouTube rather than actually being on-property … hanging in there though and still dreaming! It will all be behind us someday!

My suggestion is to download a map of the resort and decide if you want a golf course or a water view. The last two times we have stayed, we have requested an area, like Turtle Pond, and then maybe 3 building numbers in that area. We have been blessed to have our requests honored. Hoping you have a good experience as well!!

 

[vtjm]

I have been looking at maps, and it looks like a big place! is there a section that is good for people who don't have a car and will be using disney transportation?

 

[disneydreamer1980]

My parents bought into DVC at OKW the first year it was offered, in the early ‘90s, so I grew up going there frequently. I always see everyone bashing it, so I just thought I loved it out of nostalgia, so it’s nice to see I’m not the only one who loves it. My parents and DH and I now own at several other resorts and OKW still feels most like our Disney “home”. There’s something about the atmosphere there, that’s indescribable.

 

[loveswdw]

We love OKW but it's been a while since we stayed there. Our first stay there was an almost no parks trip (1 split day at MK & AK) and that was it. We stayed for a week in a 1BR for a baseball spring training trip. It was glorious having the kitchen, the space to spread out, the balcony with the golf course and the pond fountain view. Parking right outside the door, the boat to what was then Downtown Disney. So much we loved about it. But then the boys grew older and wanted to stay at home at BCV and then we discovered AKVK. So we may have to go back to OKW especially since they'd refurbed.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I have been looking at maps, and it looks like a big place! is there a section that is good for people who don't have a car and will be using disney transportation?

If you make a reservation as a DVC Member, there is an actual category for reservations called 'near hospitality house' - which is usually what we try to get. That puts you an easy walk away from the main lobby, the main pool, gym, restaurant, boat dock, etc. If you stay at one of the more remote buildings (which can be very nice, too - often quiet!), the also have an internal bus that can take you to the Conch Flats area.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We don't own here, but have stayed a few times. and I agree with all you said. The first time we stayed was begrudgingly by default, as we needed the two full beds and extra space in the studio for our very first DVC stay. I admit I wasn't excited about staying here. After the first day, I was so comfortable and happy with our choice. I would own here in an instant if the right contract comes on the resale market. I think I thought the same way you did... it must be sub par.... maybe it's subconscious because "Old" is in it's name.

Two queen beds, not full sized (or double) beds.

I have been looking at maps, and it looks like a big place! is there a section that is good for people who don't have a car and will be using disney transportation?

You can hop any bus and go to the HH since it is the last stop. If you need to go back to your area, walk over to Peninsular Road bus stop and hop a bus back to your area.

 

[Ksims616]

Old Key West will forever be our favorite! We have stayed at nearly every DVC and keep coming back home to OKW. I am also somewhat of a resort snob and thought for sure after falling in love with the Villas at Grand Floridian our next contract would be there..... nope. We added to our OKW contract. We visit other resorts but feel a sense of sadness if we didn’t at least split the stay. You can’t beat the resort, food or staff! We always say “OKW feels like a beach vacation and Disney is here too” vs. a Disney vacation.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Two queen beds, not full sized (or double) beds.

You can hop any bus and go to the HH since it is the last stop. If you need to go back to your area, walk over to Peninsular Road bus stop and hop a bus back to your area.

Just make sure that after you get on the bus, you keep your ears open, and if necessary, remind the bus driver that you're going to the HH. I've been on 2 different buses that filled up before the hospitality house. The first time, we just bypassed the HH and went directly to the park. The second time, there were people on the bus who told the bus driver when they got on that they wanted to go to the HH. The bus driver went there-however, he turned off the sign that indicated that the bus was going to a park and he cautioned everyone NOT to say anything to the people waiting. So he just opened the door, let the one family off, closed the doors and off we went.